Tascam Digital Multitrack Recorder DA-98 Owners Manual

							Section 1 – Introduction to the DA-98  
1-4 – 1.00 – 06/97
If condensation does occur, you will not be able to 
operate the DA-98 controls, and you will see the 
following message on the display:
If you see the above message, press the 
ESCAPE 
key to remove the message, leave the DA-98 
switched on for one or two hours, then switch it 
off and on again before starting recording.
If you are going to use the DA-98 in a location 
where you think condensation is likely to occur, 
move the DA-98 into the warmer location about 
one or two hours before recording is due to start, 
and leave it switched on. Turn the DA-98 off and 
then on again before starting recording.
1.5 Recommended tapes
The DA-98 is designed for use with Hi8 video 
cassettes. You cannot use any other kind of tape 
with the DA-98.
There are two basic types of Hi8 tape: MP and 
ME. Each has its own particular characteristics 
and merits:
• MP tapes are manufactured using a daubed 
magnetic particle deposit process and exhibit a 
level of performance which is more than 
acceptable. They have a durability which 
allows them to be used as work tapes in studio 
and post-production environments.
• ME tapes have their magnetic layer produced 
through a metal evaporation process. Generally 
speaking, though these tapes have a high per-
formance level, they are not as robust as MP 
tapes (see above) and should be used for live 
recording and archival purposes, rather than as 
work tapes.
TASCAM does not endorse any specific tape or 
tape manufacturer. TASCAM has licensed the use 
of the DTRS logo (ä) to tape manufacturers, 
provided their tape meets the specifications 
required by DTRS tape recorders. However, the 
use of the DTRS logo on the tape packaging does 
not imply any endorsement of the tape by TAS-CAM. It is possible that the characteristics and 
sensitivities of tapes may be changed by the man-
ufacturers without notice. The brands and model 
numbers of tapes listed below may not always 
meet the specifications required by DTRS systems 
for optimum performance. TASCAM assumes no 
responsibility for problems resulting from 
changes made by a manufacturer to the materials 
or specifications of its tape products.
The electrical characteristics of DTRS recorders 
are adjusted and set using Sony Hi8 tape parame-
ters (MP and ME) prior to shipment.
1.5.1 Tape brands
The following brands and models of tape can be 
used with the DA-98. As mentioned above, this 
list does not constitute any endorsement by TAS-
CAM of these products, nor is it a guarantee that 
tapes bearing this brand and model name will con-
tinue to give optimum performance.
The electronics of DTRS recorders are designed 
to operate within specific parameters. The use of a 
tape with sensitivity higher or lower than that of 
WARNING !
Condensation on drum
Maker MP ME
SONY DARS-MP E6-HME
P6-HMP E5-HME
P6-HMPX E6-HMEAD
P5-HMP E5-HMEAD
P5-HMPX E6-HMEX
E5-HMEX
AMPEX DA8 MP
BASF DA MP
TDK Hi8 MP Hi8 ME Position
Hi8 MP Position Hi8 ME Pro
FUJI HI P6- DS N
HI P5- DS N
M221MP P6-
M221 MP P5-
MAXELL P6- XR-M E6- XD-MN
P5- XR E5- XD 
						

							Section 1 – Introduction to the DA-98
06/97 – 1.00 – 1-5
tapes for which the DTRS recorder was originally 
designed may cause an error in functionality or 
prevent the user from getting optimum perfor-
mance from the tape. Always use the shortest pos-
sible tape for a given project. Do not attempt to 
use 150-minute or longer tapes in DTRS 
machines, as the machine will detect the thickness 
of tape and automatically eject any tape thinner 
than recommended.
Never attempt to use a tape with the DA-98 that 
has previously been used in video equipment.
1.5.2 Available recording and playback 
time
Depending on whether the tape has been pur-
chased for use with an NTSC (P6/E6) or a PAL/
SECAM (P5/E5) television system, the same 
length of tape (as far as video length is concerned) 
will provide different times for audio work, as 
shown below, due to different frame rates between 
television systems. The indication P6/E6 or P5/E5 
will be printed on the tape package:
WARNING
You cannot cut and splice DTRS 8mm tapes for editing 
purposes. Using a spliced tape in the DA-98 will invari-
ably result in serious damage to the heads, requiring 
replacement. All editing must be done digitally.
Time on tape 
labelP6/E6 (NTSC 
tape)P5/E5 (PAL/
SECAM tape)
20 18 25
30 27 37
45 40 56
60 54 75
90 81 113
120 108 – 
						

							Section 1 – Introduction to the DA-98  
1-6 – 1.00 – 06/97 
						

							Section 2 – Front Panel controls
06/97 – 1.00 – 2-1
2 – Front Panel controls
[1] Power switch
Turns the power to the DA98 on and off. When the 
DA-98 is turned off, settings will be retained in 
memory (see 14.2, “Memory backup”).
[2] Tape counter and status indicators
The tape counter gives the time in hours, minutes, 
seconds and frames.
The status indicators show the current status of 
various DA-98 functions. The legends of these 
indicators are abbreviated for reasons of space. 
Here is a list of their full meanings, together with 
the pages on which the functions are more fully 
described:
[3] Tape loading slot
Only use Hi8 ME or MP tapes as specified on 
page 1-4. The DA-98 will automatically eject all 
other tapes.
[4] EJECT key
Ejects any loaded cassette. A cassette can only be 
ejected when the transport is stopped.
[5] Display screen
This 20-character by 4-line LCD screen shows the 
menus and the parameters that can be set in the 
menus.
[6] FORMAT/Fs indicators and switch
The FORMAT indicator shows that a tape is being 
formatted. The 
44.1KHz and 48KHz indicators 
show the sampling frequency currently in use.
The 
FORMAT/Fs switch controls the formatting of 
tapes and allows selection of the sampling fre-
quency used for recording (see 6.1, “Formatting a 
tape” for full details).
[7] REF LEVEL (reference level 
indicators)
These LEDs are used to indicate three standard 
reference levels: –16dBFS, –18dBFS and 
–20dBFS. For full details of this, see 8.7, “Refer-
ence levels”.
[8] Peak meters
These 15-segment peak meters show the input 
level or the recorded signal level, depending on 
the monitoring mode currently in operation (see 7, 
“Monitoring modes”).
Legend Meaning Page
PB CONDITIONPlayback condition 14-1
ABSAbsolute tape time is being 
used as the time reference10-1
REC INHIRecording is inhibited (the 
cassette’s write-protect tab 
is set)6-2
TCTimecode time is being 
used as the time reference10-1
OFFSETMachine offset is in opera-
tion9-2
TRACK COPYShows that the DA-98 is in 
TRACK copy mode8-9
PULL UP/DNShows pull up or down for 
drop-frame synchronization10-4
TAPE TCLights when the DA-98 is 
reading timecode from the 
tape10-2
TC GENLights when the internal 
timecode generator is gen-
erating10-6
DELAYLights when one or more of 
the tracks is delayed 8-4
VARI SPEEDLights when the DA-98’s 
vari speed function is 
enabled8-5
SHTL MUTEShows that the shuttle mute 
function is in operation8-6
EXT TCLights when the DA-98 is 
receiving external timecode10-2
WARNING
Do not use a tape which has been used for record-
ing video. Always use either new tapes or tapes 
which have been used in a DTRS recorder.
NOTE
When using digital recording equipment, there is 
no headroom above the 0dB mark and no tape sat-
uration is possible. Any signal which causes the 
“OVER” segment to light will cause audible dis-
tortion. For this reason you should take care not to 
let recording levels exceed this level. 
						

							Section 2 – Front Panel controls  
2-2 – 1.00 – 06/97
The ballistics and peak hold times are selectable 
(see 8.8, “Meter modes”).
[9] RHSL (F 1) key and indicator
This key and indicator allow selection of the 
rehearsal mode in auto punch-in and out (see 6.6, 
“Punch-in and punch-out”).
When the 
SHIFT key [24] is pressed, this key 
becomes a function key.
[10] AUTO PUNCH (F 2) key and 
indicator
This key and indicator allow automatic punch-in 
and punch out following rehearsal  (see 6.6, 
“Punch-in and punch-out”). 
When the 
SHIFT key [24] is pressed, this key 
becomes a function key.
[11] CLEAR (F 3) key
This key defeats the rehearsal and auto modes dur-
ing auto punch-in and out (see 6.6, “Punch-in and 
punch-out”). It is also used to cancel a format 
operation (see 6.1, “Formatting a tape”).
When the 
SHIFT key [24] is pressed, this key 
becomes a function key.
[12] AUTO PLAY (F 4) key and indicator
When this key is pressed (the indicator will light), 
the DA-98 will automatically start playing as soon 
as a preset location point has been reached (see 
8.2.4, “Location and playback”).
When the 
SHIFT key [24] is pressed, this key 
becomes a function key.
[13] MEMO 1 (F 5)
When pressed, this key stores the current tape 
position into a memory location point which can 
be accessed using the 
LOC 1 key [22]. The loca-
tion can be “nudged” using the menu functions 
(see 8.1.2, “Checking, editing and manually enter-
ing MEMO 1 and MEMO 2”).
When the 
SHIFT key [24] is pressed, this key 
becomes a function key.
[14] MEMO 2 (+/–)
When pressed, this key stores the current tape 
position into a memory location point which can 
be accessed using the 
LOC 2 key [23]. When the function keys are used as number keys, this key is 
used as a “sign-change” key.
[15] DIGITAL IN switch and indicator
This switch controls the input to the DA-98. When 
on (indicator lights), the input is through the 
DIGI-
TAL I/O (TDIF-1
) connector on the rear panel, oth-
erwise it is through the 
ANALOG INPUT connector.
[16] CHASE switch and indicator
The CHASE switch controls whether the DA-98’s 
transport is to “chase” a master machine (indicator 
is lit when chasing or flashing when preparing to 
chase) or to operate independently. The chase 
mode may be either timecode or ABS based (see 
10.1, “ABS and SMPTE/EBU timecode”).
[17] CONFIDENCE MODE switch and 
indicator
The DA-98 features a confidence replay mode 
which allows off-tape monitoring. This switch and 
its associated indicator allow selection and view-
ing of the status of this monitoring mode.
For a full explanation of confidence monitoring, 
see 7.2, “Confidence mode”.
[18] ALL INPUT (F 6) key and indicator
When this key is pressed, the indicator will light, 
and, regardless of the transport mode, all outputs 
will be switched to the signals derived from the 
inputs. This is primarily for alignment purposes, 
and is equivalent to pressing all the 
INPUT MONI-
TOR
 switches ([29]) together.
For a full treatment of monitoring modes on the 
DA-98, see 7, “Monitoring modes”
When the 
SHIFT key [24] is pressed, this key 
becomes a function key.
[19] AUTO MON (F 7) key and indicator
When this key is pressed (the indicator will light), 
the monitoring system of the DA-98 automatically 
changes between input and off-tape monitoring, 
depending on the transport mode.
For a full treatment of monitoring modes on the 
DA-98, see 7, “Monitoring modes”
When the 
SHIFT key [24] is pressed, this key 
becomes a function key. 
						

							Section 2 – Front Panel controls
06/97 – 1.00 – 2-3
[20] SHTL MON (F 8) key and indicator
When this key is pressed, shuttle monitoring is 
enabled (see 7.1.3, “Shuttle monitoring”).
When the 
SHIFT key [24] is pressed, this key 
becomes a function key.
[21] REPEAT (F 9) key and indicator
When this key is pressed, playback is repeated 
between the two memory locations set by [13] and 
[14] (see 8.2.5, “Repeat function” for details).
When the 
SHIFT key [24] is pressed, this key 
becomes a function key.
[22] LOC 1 (F 10) key
This key locates the tape to the position set by 
MEMO 1 [13].
When the 
SHIFT key [24] is pressed, this key 
becomes a function key.
[23] LOC 2 (PRESET) key
This key locates the tape to the position set by 
MEMO 2 [14]. 
When the 
SHIFT key [24] is pressed, this key 
allows the assignment of the function keys ([9] 
through [13], and [18] through [22]) (see 5.3, 
“Assigning menus to function keys”).
[24] SHIFT key and indicator
When this latching key is pressed (the indicator 
will flash), keys [9] through [13] and [18] through 
[22] become function keys, and key [23] takes on 
a new function as a 
PRESET key (see 5.3, 
“Assigning menus to function keys”).
[25] CURSOR keys
These keys are used to navigate the cursor through 
the menus controlling the DA-98 functions.
When a menu has been selected, the 
UP and 
DOWN keys ( and ) are used to set 
the values or select the choices within the menu).
See page 5-1 for details of how to use these keys 
in menu operations.
[26] SHUTTLE switch, indicator and 
control
When the SHUTTLE key is pressed, the indicator 
will light. The 
SHUTTLE control will then be 
active. Turning the control to the right privides forward cueing and turning it to the left provides 
reverse cueing, similar to “rock and roll” on open-
reel tape decks. 
For details, see 8.6, “Shuttle operations”.
[27] ENTER and ESCAPE keys
These keys are used in conjunction with the cursor 
keys [25] to go “up and down” the menu 
hierarchy.
See page 5-1 for details of how to use these keys 
in menu operations.
[28] REC FUNCTION switches and 
indicators
These eight switches and indicators allow the set-
ting and viewing of the record status on a track-
by-track basis. 
When one of these switches is pressed, the appro-
priate indicator will flash, the track is “armed”, 
and going into record mode will start recording on 
that track. When recording is being carried out on 
a track, the track’s indicator will light steadily.
[29] INPUT MONITOR switches and 
indicators
These switches allow the monitoring of inputs to 
tracks on a track-by-track basis, irrespective of the 
current transport status. The appropriate indica-
tor(s) will light when monitoring track input(s) 
using these switches.
Note that the function of these switches is con-
nected with the 
ALL INPUT key [18] (page 7-1).
[30] CLOCK switch and indicators
This switch and these indicators allow you to set 
and view the system clock. There are three 
options:
For full details of external synchronization, see 
10, “Operations related to timecode”.
Setting Meaning
INTThe DA-98 will provide its own clock refer-
ence
WORDThe clock will be synchronized to the signal 
received at the 
WORD SYNC IN connector
VIDEOThe clock will be synchronized to the signal 
received at the 
VIDEO IN connector 
						

							Section 2 – Front Panel controls  
2-4 – 1.00 – 06/97
[31] TC REC switch and indicator
This switch is used when you wish to record time-
code (either internally generated or from an exter-
nal source) on a dedicated subcode track of the 
DA-98. No audio track is needed to record time-
code. For full details of timecode operation, see 
10, “Operations related to timecode”.
[32] REW key
Rewinds the tape at high speed.
If this key is pressed during recording, recording 
will stop and the tape will rewind.
[33] F FWD key
Winds the tape forward at high speed.
If this key is pressed during recording, recording 
will stop and the tape will wind forward.
[34] STOP key
Cancels any current tape transport mode, and 
stops the tape.
[35] PLAY key
Starts playing the tape. If this key pressed while 
recording is in progress, the DA-98 drops out of 
record mode.
[36] RECORD key
If the PLAY key ([35]) is pressed while the 
RECORD key is held down, recording will start on 
all “armed” tracks (see 6.3, “Preparing to 
record”).If the DA-98 is in play mode, and the 
REC key is 
pressed, recording will start immediately on any 
“armed” tracks.
The 
RECORD key also is used to set punch-in 
points during auto punch-in/out operations (see 
6.6, “Punch-in and punch-out”).
NOTE
It is not necessary to use timecode if two DTRS 
units (e.g. DA-88, DA-38 or DA-98 machines) are 
to be operated together. The 
SYNC connections 
will 
ensure synchronization between machines 
(see 9.2, “Machine ID and master/slave settings”)..
NOTE
When either 
REW or F FWD is pressed for the 
first time after powering up, or loading a tape, the 
unit first configures itself for the reel hub diameter 
of the tape in use, during which the tape advances 
at low speeds. This takes several seconds. Thereaf-
ter, the transport momentarily goes into stop mode 
before the tape starts fast-winding. 
						

							Section 3 – Rear Panel connectors
06/97 – 1.00 – 3-1
3 – Rear Panel connectors
This section provides a brief description of the 
functions of the connectors on the rear panel. For 
full details of cables to be used, pinouts, etc., see 
4, “Connections”.
[37] TIME CODE (IN and OUT)
This pair of XLR connectors (female for IN and 
male for 
OUT) provides the timecode connections 
for the synchronization functions of the DA-98. 
See 10, “Operations related to timecode” for full 
details.
[38] VIDEO (IN/THRU)
The VIDEO BNC connectors are used to carry 
video frame sync signals when the DA-98 is used 
with video equipment. The self-terminating 
THRU 
connector echoes messages received at the 
IN.
See 10.6, “Video resolution” and 11.1.1, “Video 
clocking” for details of video sync operation.
[39] WORD SYNC (IN/OUT/THRU)
These BNC connectors are used to carry the word 
clock between the DA-98 and other types of digi-
tal audio equipment. The 
THRU connector is self-
terminating. See 8.10, “Digital recording” for full 
details.
[40] RS-422
This connector is used for controlling the DA-98 
using controllers or editors which conform to the 
Sony P2 protocol (RS-422). See 11.1, “Use with 
9-pin external control” for full details of how to 
use this connector.
[41] MIDI IN/OUT/THRU
These connectors carry MIDI Time Code (MTC) 
and MMC (MIDI Machine Control) commands. 
See 11.3, “MIDI Machine Control” for details of 
how these facilities are used when synchronizing 
to other units.
[42] CONTROL I/O
This connector is used for control of the DA-98 by 
external equipment. Consult your TASCAM 
dealer for full details of compatibility and the use 
of this connnector. 
The pinout for this connector is given in 15.1.6, 
“CONTROL I/O connector pinout”.
[43] REMOTE IN/SYNC IN
This connector is used to connect another “mas-
ter” DTRS unit (e.g. DA-98, DA-88 or DA-38). 
See 9, “Synchronization with other DTRS units” 
for further details.
An RC-848 remote control unit may also be con-
nected here, but not all functions of the DA-98 are 
available from the remote contol unit.
[44] SYNC OUT
This is used to connect another DTRS unit in the 
“daisy-chain” or, if this DA-98 is the last unit in 
the chain, to attach a termination plug.
[45] TDIF-1 (DIGITAL I/O)
This connector carries the digital signals to and 
from the DA-98 in TEAC Digital Interface Format 
(TDIF-1).
[46] METER UNIT (MU-8824)
This connector carries power and signals to drive 
8 channels of the optional MU-8824 24-channel 
Meter Unit. 
Make the connection using a TASCAM PW-88M 
cable.
[47] ANALOG INPUT
This connector carries 8 balanced inputs at a nom-
inal +4dBu level. This allows convenient and reli-
able single-cable connection to the GROUP 
outputs of a suitably-equipped console such as the 
TASCAM M-1600 series.
[48] ANALOG OUTPUT
This connector carries 8 balanced outputs at a 
nominal +4dBu level. This allows convenient and 
reliable single-cable connection to the tape return 
inputs of a suitably-equipped console such as the 
TASCAM M-1600 series.
[49] ~ IN
Use the provided AC power cord to connect the 
DA-98 to the AC power supply through this 
connector. 
						

							Section 3 – Rear Panel connectors  
3-2 – 1.00 – 06/97 
						

							Section 4 – Connections
06/97 – 1.00 – 4-1
4 – Connections
This section explains how to connect other equip-
ment to the DA-98 in a variety of situations. It is 
not intended as a complete reference to the use of 
the DA-98. See the appropriate sections for full 
details of how these connectors are used. 
4.1 Audio connections
Other audio equipment can be connected to the 
DA-98 either using analog or digital interfaces.
4.1.1 Analog audio connections
All analog audio connections to the DA-98 are 
made through 25-pin D-sub connectors (input sig-
nals through [47] and output signals through [48]).
This allows convenient and tidy cabling between 
the DA-98 and other units such as the TASCAM 
M-1600 series of mixing consoles.
It is not recommended that you make up your own 
cables–consult your TASCAM dealer for avail-
ability of suitable ready-made cables (and see 
15.1.5, “Cables”). However,we recognize that 
every situation has its own unique features, and 
there are occasions when a special cable must be 
made. 
Before starting to make the cable, we suggest you 
contact your TASCAM dealer for full details of 
cable specifications, etc.The pinouts for both the 
ANALOG OUTPUT and 
INPUT connectors are as follows:
where 
G=ground, H=”hot” (+) and C=”cold” (–).
All audio inputs are balanced and are rated at a 
nominal +4dBu level.
The impedance of the inputs is 20k
W and that of 
the outputs is 10
W.
4.1.2 Digital audio connections
Digital audio input and output signals are carried 
on the same 25-pin D-sub connector [45]. The sig-
nals are in TDIF-1 format.
To carry signals between a DA-98 and another 
DTRS unit, use a PW-88D cable (1 meter long) or 
a PW-88DL cable (5 meters long). You may also 
use these cables to connect the DA-98 to other 
TDIF-1-equipped devices.
If you need to connect the DA-98 to a digital 
audio source using a different format, we recom-
mend the use of the following units:
• TASCAM IF-88AE Interface Unit – converts 
between the TDIF-1 and AES/EBU formats (8 
channels). It also provides S-PDIF format con-
version facilities.
• TASCAM IF-88SD Interface Unit – converts 
between the TDIF-1 and SDIF-2 digital audio 
formats.
4.2 Synchronization 
connections
The DA-98 is equipped with sophisticated facili-
ties for control and synchronization with other 
units. For full details of how to operate the DA-98 
with other units, see 10, “Operations related to 
timecode”.
4.2.1 Analog timecode connections
The DA-98 can be synchronized to externally-
generated timecode and is also equipped with an 
internal timecode generator. For full details of 
WARNINGS
• When making connections between the DA-98 and 
other equipment, whether audio or control, both the DA-
98 and the other equipment must be turned off
, other-
wise damage may be caused to the DA-98 and/or the 
other equipment.
• Only use TASCAM-supplied and TASCAM-approved 
cables when making connections to the DA-98. Though 
the cables and connectors may resemble computer 
cables, they serve different purposes, and meet a differ-
ent set of specifications. The use of cables other than 
TASCAM cables will at best cause the equipment to 
work erratically, and at worst cause damage to the 
equipment.
• If the use of cables other than TASCAM cables causes 
or results in damage, the warranty is voided.