Tascam Introduces DS-D98 Recorder

TASCAM previewed their new DS-D98 Digital Multitrack Recorder at NAB, which was designed to support the Sony Direct Stream Digital format for Super Audio CD (SACD). The TASCAM DS-D98 can be configured in both a DSD two-track and PCM multitrack format. This new acquisition and mixdown recorder will be designed for high resolution DSD audio recording that allows multiple units to be synchronized, as well as the exclusive tape-based machine capable of SACD recording.

TASCAMs position is to be format agnostic, and we feel that it is important to provide recording tools for both of the primary high-end digital audio formats, says Mike McRoberts, TASCAM international product development manager.

According to Sony, there are strong reasons to be excited about this new product, commented Jeff Klopmeyer, TASCAM advertising / marketing manager. Over 3,000 SACD titles are planned for release in 2001, and about 300 production systems are scheduled to be installed. Were proud that Sony chose TASCAM to create the only tape-based recorder designed to work with these systems.

In DSD mode, the unit functions as a 2-track recorder/player with synchronization of up to 16 units and to other DTRS recorders and features Sonys SDIF-3 digital I/O. In PCM multitrack mode, the DS-D98 features a selectable 24-bit or 16-bit recording format with 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz sampling frequencies. (44.1/48kHz: 8-tracks, 88.2/96kHz: 4-tracks, 176.4/192kHz: 2-tracks). Recordings made on the DS-D98 will be backward compatible with existing DTRS recorders. Additional features include: +/- 6% pitch control, an onboard test tone generator, electronic patchbay, TDIF-1 digital audio interface and D-sub 25 pin 8-channel AES/EBU digital I/O.

Like the DA-98HR, the 4U rackmountable DS-D98 features a confidence monitoring function, selectable reference levels, a LCD display on the front panel, set-up data memory on tape, seamless punch I/O with digital cross fade, adjustable peak hold release time level meter and an A/B head playback error rate-display function. The unit also supports the RS-422 control (P2 protocol). Its synchronization capabilities include XLR time-code IN/OUT terminal with an onboard SMPTE synchronizer, WORD SYNC IN/OUT/THRU, Machine offset in sub-frame or sample rate accuracy, Auto Punch I/O in 0.1 frame accuracy.