Tascam Digital Multitrack Recorder Da-98 Preliminary Manual

							Uncompromising Audio Quality
The sonic results you get with the DA-98 are simply astounding.
With a flat 20Hz to 20kHz frequency response and a dynamic
range that exceeds 92dB, the new DA-98 is unquestionably the
best sounding digital multitrack recorder available. Using 20 bit
Delta Sigma A/D converters with 64 times oversampling and 20
bit D /A converters with 8 times oversampling, the DA-98 produces
the most natural and transparent record quality available. With
the ability to enable or disable itÕs dither function, this world-class
recorder delivers the most faithful sound reproduction.
You Already Know How To Operate This
Recorder
You wonÕt experience any steep learning curve when it comes to
operating the new DA-98. The PLAY, RECORD, FF, REW and
STOP transport controls are right where you expect them to be,
and they work just as easily as any commercial analog recorder
youÕve ever used. After inserting the tape, youÕll set your record
levels using the 15-segment LED peak hold and release time
meters, and then press PLAY and RECORD.
For searching through your program material, the DA-98Õs vari-
able speed shuttle control lets you examine your work from 1/4
all the way to 8 times normal play speed. Only DTRS format
audio recorders offer shuttle capability throughout the entire
product line Ñ itÕs a feature you wonÕt want to be without.
The Industry Standard Just Raised
the Standard.
One session will prove it to you: the new TASCAM DA-98
Modular Digital Multitrack (MDM) is the most advanced
digital recorder in any class. The DA-98 builds on the
phenomenal success of the DA-88 as the MDM standard
within the global post-production community, where Hi8
cassettes have become the international exchange media
for post-production facilities. The new DA-98 has an
arsenal of exciting new features including confidence
monitoring, individual track Tape/Source monitoring,
an integrated electronic patchbay, digital track copy and
much, much more. Its operational capability improvements
and new interface flexibility combine to make the DA-98
the ultimate MDM for the audio production and post-
production professional.
The DA-98 utilizes the DTRS
¨ Hi8 format to deliver up
to 116 minutes of superb digital audio recording on 8
tracks. With legendary TASCAM durability and compatibility
with all DTRS format recorders, the DA-98 is designed to
handle the most demanding recording environments. So
if youÕve only got rack space for one digital multitrack,
reserve it for the new TASCAM DA-98. And put a new
standard of excellence in your productions.
DA-98
DIGITAL MULTITRACK RECORDER
page 1 of 5
P R E L I M I N A R Y 
						

							An Electronic Patchbay and Digital Track
Copy Capability
New to the DA-98 is its unique electronic patchbay capability. By
taking advantage of this new feature, you can route any input to
any track at the touch of a button. The electronic patchbay
enables you to leave a mic preamp permanently attached to,
letÕs say, input 1, yet route that signal to any track you want Ñ
freeing you from the tedious chore of constantly patching and
re-patching.
As a function of the electronic patchbay, youÕll really come to
depend upon the digital track copy feature. With the DA-98Õs
digital track copy capability, you can easily assemble multiple
takes from various tracks into a Òbest ofÓ performance Ñ entirely
in the digital domain, and the process is fast and intuitive. Used
in conjunction with Punch In/Out recording (either manual or
automated), you can ÒliftÓ program material from one track and
place it onto another. Take the first four seconds of material from
track 1, the next 11 seconds from track 2 and create a perfect 15
seconds of program material on track 3! Digital track copy tasks
can be executed within a single unit or between two machines.
Synchronization and Communication
With External Controllers
Synchronization is not only robust and rock-solid on the new
DA-98 Ñ itÕs included as standard fare! The DA-98Õs synchroni-
zation capabilities include support for Sony P2 and MIDI
Machine Control protocols.
In a sound for picture environment, the DA-98 provides full
support for Sony P2 protocol. Any video edit controller can
communicate with the recorder Ñ and through the entire
process, the DA-98 will behave like a common VTR Ñ
transparent and trouble-free.
A New Window To The World
While the DA-98 offers a wealth of improvements over its DTRS
predecessors, one seemingly small, but time saving new feature
is its large, comprehensive LCD display. This new ÒwindowÓ
makes navigating the various system parameters much easier
than ever before and results in a faster, more intuitive interface.
This new display, used in tandem with the DA-98Õs dedicated
function/numeric keys, make navigating the unitÕs operating
system easier than ever and makes configuring the DA-98 to
your particular recording environment a pleasure.
The Only DTRS Format recorder With
Confidence Monitoring
For the audio professional, the DA-98 delivers an unprecedented
level of signal monitoring options. This exciting recorder is the
first DTRS format recorder to feature confidence monitoring and
individual input monitor select switches. By taking advantage of
the DA-98Õs new confidence monitoring capability, youÕll always
know exactly what youÕre listening to during mastering and
layback. YouÕll also appreciate the recorderÕs Input Monitor
switches which facilitate convenient checking of Source/Tape
levels, and greatly simplify the process of alternating between
the two signals.
Switchable Reference Levels
The new DA-98 is designed to be as easy to configure to your
particular studio as it is to operate. As various recording facilities
may use different reference levels, the DA-98Õs new switchable
reference level capability is sure to be a welcome addition. Now
you can set the reference level that suits your particular record-
ing environment. The DA-98 even incorporates an internal tone
generator for checking your settings!
DIGITAL MULTITRACK RECORDER
page 2 of 5DA-98
DA-98 Front Panel 
						

							Precision Editing Ñ Seamless Punch
In/Out
Because digital recording is so precise, you can select tighter
punch in/out points than previously available in the analog world.
The DA-98Õs variable digital crossfade technology promotes
seamless overdubbing and error correction. Crossfade time is
adjustable from 10 to 200 milliseconds in 10 millisecond incre-
ments. As expected, the DA-98 offers a sophisticated rehearsal
mode for practicing your punch recording prior to committing it
to tape.
All in all, the DA-98 represents the state-of-the-art in digital multi-
track technology. This results in a far more robust and reliable
recorder Ñ with the sound and features that will carry your
business for years.
Easy To Maintain Ñ Easier Than Ever
To Access
The DA-98Õs innovative design makes it easy for qualified
service personnel to work on the unit. And with the optional
RM-98 rackmount ear with handle, the recorder can now be
setup to work with the Accuride 200 series rail system Ñ provid-
ing convenient access to the DA-98 without having to physically
remove the unit from the equipment rack. Pull the DA-98 forward
and youÕre ready to inspect the machine!
If you augment your recording with ÒvirtualÓ MIDI tracks, youÕll
like the way the DA-98 and your sequencer work together. Now
your computer can function as the focal point of an integrated
digital audio/MIDI system and control all transport and track
arming functions of the DA-98. Similarly, if your recording
console offers transport control via MMC, you can control your
DA-98 without ever leaving your mixer.
As an added benefit for integrating the DA-98 with other equip-
ment, the unit also sports a 37 pin D-sub connector for establish-
ing a parallel interface with an external device.
Whether you opt to control your unit from TASCAMÕs optional
remote controller, a parallel interface, Sony P2 or MMC (MIDI
Machine Control) protocols, the DA-98 gives you the control you
need  Ñ easily and effortlessly.
The Most Advanced Tape-to-Head
System
Only the DTRS format, featured on the DA-98, provides the
safety and security of Auto Track Finding (ATF). This system
embeds timing information into the tapeÕs subcode area during
the helical scan. ThereÕs no analog control track as on some
competing systems. With ATF, your tape and the program mate-
rial on it is far more secure  Ñ freeing you from the worry of tape
stretching, fraying or other failure. With ATF, you are guaranteed
of perfect tape inter-changeability between different DTRS
format recorders. ATF is one key factor that has made the DTRS
format the industry standard for layback and format interchange.
DA-98
DIGITAL MULTITRACK RECORDER
page 3 of 5
DA-98 Rear Panel 
						

							8 to 128 Tracks
The DA-98 digital multitrack recorder provides eight simultane-
ously available recordable tracks with which to capture your
masterpieces. And if your plans are ambitious or a client requires
more tracks, itÕs easy to expand. You can interconnect any
combination of DTRS format recorders, including TASCAMÕs
DA-88 and DA-38 recorders, to create a 16 machine system for
a grand total of 128 tracks. Best of all, they lock up lightening
fast.
Of course, the DA-98 is fully compatible with all DTRS format
recorders  Ñ so tapes can be exchanged with owners of DA-88s,
DA-38s or other machines.
Optional Equipment and Accessories
Complete the System
The DA-98 is well-supported with optional accessories and
equipment that enables you to get more from your recorder,
make some operations quicker and easier, and allows you to
integrate the DA-98 into environments using other digital
formats.
The RC-848 Comprehensive System
Controller
The RC-848 Remote Control Unit coordinates the simultaneous
operation of up to six DA-98s from one space-saving, high-tech
control station. With one RC-848 you can drive an entire rack full
of DA-98s, maintaining complete transport synchronization with
access to all 48 tracks. It controls all transport functions,
provides 99 locate points for added convenience, and adds
frame accurate jog capability to the DA-98Õs arsenal of features.
The RC-848 incorporates dual LED tape position displays and
can also address track delay, locate preroll time and numerous
other system parameters.
As an added benefit, the RC-848 features three accessory ports
Ñ one each for controlling parallel devices, other TASCAM
equipment (such as an MSR-24) and RS-422 equipped
machines.
DIGITAL MULTITRACK RECORDER
page  4 of 5DA-98
MU-8824 24-Channel Meter Bridge
The MU-8824 24-Channel Meter Bridge centralizes 24 tracks
(three machines) of DA-98 or DA-88 recorders. The unit can be
either rack-mounted with the optional RM-8824 rack-mount
accessory or mounted to the RC-848 Remote Controller by
means of the optional MK-8824 mounting accessory. Because
the MU-8824 is a vertically modular meter unit, you can easily
stack two MU-8824s to accommodate a total of six machines or
48 tracks. PW-88M cables handle the connections between the
recorder and meter bridge.
The IF-88AE and IF-88SD Digital
Interfaces
The ability of the DA-98 to integrate digitally with other digital
equipment is easily accomplished with the IF-88AE and IF-88SD
Digital Interfaces. The IF-88AE provides 4 XLR connectors each
for input and output, enabling the simultaneous digital transmis-
sion of 8 tracks of data either into or out of the DA-98. The
S/PDIF digital format is also supported by this unit and transmits
or receives data over coaxial ports. On the front panel, The
IF-88AE provides select switches for determining which pair of
tracks you wish to send to or from during any given pass.
For connecting with DASH
TM format recorders, the IF-88SD
Digital Interface enables the DA-98 to transmit or receive digital
data to or from these machines. Used in conjunction with the
PW-SD1 DASH Output cable and the PW-SD2 DASH Input
cable, the  IF-88SD makes connecting to a DASH format
recorder effortless.
Key Features You WonÕt Want To
Be Without
¥ Confidence monitoring for layback and mastering
¥ Individual input monitor select switch facilitates easier checking
of Source/Tape levels
¥ Switchable reference levels for integration into a variety of
recording environments with internal tone generator
¥ Digital track copy/electronic patchbay functionality
¥ Comprehensive LCD display for easy system navigation
¥ Dedicated function/numeric keys make operation easier
¥ Built-in synchronizer with support for MMC & Sony P2
¥ D-sub connector (37-Pin) for parallel interface with external
controller
¥ Optional RM-98 rack-mount ear for use with Accuride 200
system 
						

							SPECIFICATIONS
Audio Performance: (Fs ~ 48kHz, Reference level -18dB)
Frequency R esponse: 20 ~ 20kHz ±0.5dB
S/N: Better than 100dB (Input monitor,
22kLF=A weight)
Better than 97dB (Rec/Play, Rec
monitor, 22kLPF=A-weight)
Dynamic  Range: Better than 100dB (Input monitor,
22kLPF=A-weight)
Better than 97dB (Rec/Play, Rec
monitor, 22kLPF=A-weight)
THD+N: Less than 0.006% (Rec/Play,
1k Hz SIN Full scalle 0.5dB,
22kLPF=A weight)
Channel Separation: Better than 90dB (1kHz BPF)
Analog Inputs and Outputs
Connector (D-sub 25 pin)
Input Impedance: 20KW
Ouput Impedance: 10W
Reference Level : -16dB
Nominal I/O Level: +4dBu balanced
Maximum I/O Level: +20dBu balanced
Reference Level : -20dB (SMPTE)
Nominal I/O Level: +4dBu balanced
Maximum I/O Level: +24dBu balanced
Reference Level : -9dB (EBU)
Nominal I/O Level: +6dBu balanced
Mazimum I/O Level: +15dBu balanced
Specifications and features subject to change wihtout notice or
obligation.
DA-98
DIGITAL MULTITRACK RECORDER
page  5 of 5
©1997 TEAC America, Inc. All rights reserved. 7733 Telegraph Road, Montebello, CA 90640 (213) 726-0303
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