Digital Audio Cassette (DAT)
- CK
- Dec 29, 2018
- 6 min read
Updated: Jan 16
The Introduction of DAT
In 1987, Sony, the pioneer behind the first Walkman in 1979, made a significant advancement in the audio industry by introducing the Digital Audio Cassette (DAT), a new digital cassette format. While resembling a standard cassette tape, DAT utilizes digital recording technology instead of analog.
Sony DAT Recorders
Professional models include:
• PCM-2000, • PCM-2300, • PCM-2500, • PCM-2600, • PCM-2700, • PCM-2700A, • PCM-2800,
• PCM-7010, • PCM-7030, • PCM-7040, • PCM-7050, • PCM-R300, • PCM-R500, • PCM-700.
Professional portable recorder:
• PCM-M1, • TCD-D10 Pro, • TCD-D10 Pro II
Consumer models include:
• DTC-55ES, • DTC-57ES, • DTC-59ES, • DTC-60ES, • DTC-75ES, • DTC-77ES, • DTC-87ES,
• DTC-300ES, • DTC-500ES, • DTC-670, • DTC-690, • DTC-700, • DTC-750, • DTC-790,
• DTC-1000ES, • DTC-1500ES, • DTC-2000ES, • DTC-A6, • DTC-A7, • DTC-A8, • DTC-A9,
• DTC-M100, • DTC-P7, • DTC-ZE700, • DTX-10, • SBM-1.
Consumer portable recorder:
• TCD-D3, • TCD-D7, • TCD-D8, • TCD-D10, • TCD-D100
Portable player - playback only:
• WMD-DT1
SONY Portable DAT Recorders
TCD-D3
In 1990, Sony introduced its first portable DAT player, the TCD-D3, which is approximately the size of a standard Walkman cassette player. The TCD-D3 can be powered by a proprietary Ni-Cad battery or a 9V AC adapter. It offers recording and playback capabilities at three sampling rates: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, and 48kHz.
The TCD-D3 comes with a proprietary cable, the POC-DA12. One end of this cable is equipped with a 7-pin plug for connection to the TCD-D3, while the other end features two optical leads, designated for input and output. Recording can be performed via microphone, line inputs, or optical inputs. The TCD-D3 gained significant popularity, with thousands of units sold.
Features :
• 1-hour charge NiCad batteries with 2-hours autonomy
• 99-tracks AMS search at x100 speed
• x3 or x25 music search
• auto/manual 3-seconds ID marking
• ID renumber function
• 16-times rehersal ID marking
• 10-seconds ID shifting
Specification:
• Recording time: LP Mode (Long-Play) 240 minutes • Recording time: SP Mode (Standard) 120 minutes • Sampling Frequency: 48kHz, 44.1kHz, 32kHz • Standard: 48 kHz 20-22,000 Hz (+ or - 1.0dB) • Standard: 44.1 kHz 20-20,000 Hz (+ or - 1.0dB) • Long-Play Mode: 32 kHz 20-14.500 Hz (+ or - 1.0dB) • Standard Mode: >87 dB • Long-Play Mode: >87 dB (1 kHz IHF-A, 22kHz LPF, LINE IN) • Standard: <0.008% (1 kHz IHF-A, 22kHz LPF, LINE IN) • Long-play: <0.09% (1 kHz IHF-A, 22kHz LPF, LINE IN) • Wow & Flutter: Below measurable limit (less than + or - 0.001% W Peak) • Impedance: 4.7 Kohms • Minimum Input Level: 0.4mV • Rated Input Level: 500 mV • Minimum Input Level: 80 mV • Audio: Stereo Minijack • Impedance: 27 ohms • Rated Output: Line Out 500 mV • Maximum Output: Phones 5 mW + 5 mW • Load Impedance: Phones 32 ohms • Load Impedance: Line Out >10 Kohms • Digital I/O-REMOTE jack : Digital input/output, remote control operation and timer-activated operation is possible • Power Requirements:
* DC IN 6V Sony AC power adapter for use on 240v AC, 50 Hz * DC 6V four LR6 batteries
* The car battery cord DCC-E160L (not included) for use with 12V car battery of DCC-E260HG (not included) • Power Consumption: 1.2W • Dimensions: Approximately. 132.6W x 36.7H x 88.2D mm (5.25W x 1.5H x 3.5D inch • Weight: Approximately 500 gram with battery
Supplied accessories
• BP-D3 NiCad battery pack
• ACP-D3U AC adaptor/recharger
• POC-DA12 optical input/output
Optional accessories
• RM-3DK system adaptor
• CPA-2 cassette adaptor
• CPM-D3 car mounting arm
• ACP-D33 multi-voltage adaptor
• LCH-D3 hard carrying case
• RK-DA10 coaxial input cable
• DT-10CL cleaning cassette
• POC-15 optical cable
TCD-D7
The TCD-D7 was introduced as the successor to the TCD-D3, featuring a more lightweight design and improved functionality. It effectively resolved a major concern associated with the D3: the battery. The D7 is capable of operating with either 4 AAA batteries or an AC adapter. The manufacturer's suggested retail price for the TCD-D7 was $699 USD.
Specifications:
• Recording time: LP Mode (Long-Play) 240 minutes • Recording time: SP Mode (Standard) 120 minutes • Sampling Frequency: 48kHz, 44.1kHz, 32kHz • Standard: 48 kHz 20-22,000 Hz (+ or - 1.0dB) • Standard: 44.1 kHz 20-20,000 Hz (+ or - 1.0dB) • Long-Play Mode: 32 kHz 20-14.500 Hz (+ or - 1.0dB) • Standard: >87 dB • Long-Play Mode: >87 dB (1 kHz IHF-A, 22kHz LPF, LINE IN) • Standard: <0.008% (1 kHz IHF-A, 22kHz LPF, LINE IN) • Long-Play: <0.09% (1 kHz IHF-A, 22kHz LPF, LINE IN) • Wow & Flutter: Below measurable limit (less than + or - 0.001% W Peak) • Impedance: 4.7 Kohms • Minimum Input Level: 0.4mV • Rated Input Level: 500 mV • Minimum Input Level: 80 mV • Audio: Stereo minijack • Impedance: 27 ohms • Rated Output: Line Out 500 mV • Maximum Output: Phones 5 mW + 5 mW • Load Impedance: Phones 32 ohms • Load Impedance: Line Out more than 10 Kohms • Digital I/O Remote Jack : Digital input/output, remote control operation and timer activated operation is possible • Power Requirements
* Car battery cord DCC-E160L for use with 12V car battery of DCC-E260HG * DC IN 6V jack accepts the Sony AC power adaptor for use on 240v AC, 50Hz * DC 6V four LR6 (size AA) batteries • Power Consumption: 1.2W • Dimensions: Approximately 132W.6 x 36.7H x 88.2D mm (5.25W x 1.5H x 3.5D inch • Weight: Approximately 500 gram with battery.
DAT Cassette Tape
The DAT cassette tape, with a width of 3.81 mm, resembles a compact version of a VHS video tape. It is approximately half the size of a traditional analog cassette, measuring 73 mm × 54 mm × 10.5 mm. Similar to video tapes, DAT tapes can only be recorded or played in a single direction. Numerous recorders and players are equipped with the feature to automatically rewind the cassette to the starting point upon reaching the end.
DAT's Success
DAT achieved moderate success in the professional recording industry. It offers the capability to record at higher sampling rates than CDs, specifically at 48kHz/16-bit, enabling studios to capture audio with the highest possible quality and precision. Furthermore, DAT supports recording at lower sample rates of 44.1kHz or 32kHz, both with 16-bit quantization. Even today, some studios continue to utilize DAT machines such as the Sony PCM-7040 or TASCAM DA-60MKII for recording their master tapes.
Legal Challenges - The Opposition
DAT technology enables the production of an exact replica of a CD when recorded from a digital source. While this feature may be attractive to consumers, the music industry expressed concerns about the potential for unauthorized, high-quality copies of their music. The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) actively lobbied against the introduction of DAT devices in the United States. One significant initiative was the Digital Audio Recorder Copycode Act of 1987, introduced by Senator Al Gore and Representative Waxman, which sought to impose restrictions on DAT recorders to prevent the creation of high-quality copies.
Legal Settlement
In 1989, Sony reached an agreement with the RIAA, requiring that recorders be equipped with a Serial Copy Management System (SCMS). This system limits digital copying to a single generation, thereby preventing the creation of copies from an existing copy.
The Consumer Market
The DAT format did not achieve substantial success in the consumer market, especially in the United States. Legal restrictions imposed by the RIAA contributed to its limited adoption, but the high cost was a significant factor as well. For example, Sony's premium DTC-2000ES model was priced at $2,500 in 1994. While there were less expensive consumer models available, even those priced at a quarter of that amount were still relatively expensive for the average consumer.
Additional Applications
DAT is also employed as a computer storage medium. Companies like Sony and HP have historically provided devices for server backups. The cartridge used in these backup devices is referred to as DDS (Digital Data Storage), which is fundamentally identical to DAT, and certain models are also capable of audio recording.
The End
While numerous major manufacturers produced DAT recorders during that period, Sony emerged as the leading company in this sector. Despite DAT's moderate success within the music recording, television, and film industries, Sony had sold approximately 660,000 units by the end of November 2005, prior to its discontinuation the following month.
The Current Market
Currently, Digital Audio Tape (DAT) remains a valuable tool for many professional recording studios and music aficionados. Some rare models, such as the Aiwa HD-S200, are particularly sought after by collectors and enthusiasts. These models often command prices ranging from several hundred to over a thousand U.S. dollars on auction sites like eBay or Yahoo! Auctions.
My Perspective
As an owner of several DAT machines, I fully appreciate why high-end professional models are highly sought after by audiophiles. DAT technology allows for recording or backing up Vinyls, Cassettes, CDs, or creating mixtapes that maintain sound quality comparable to, if not better than, the original source. In some instances, I find the sound quality superior when converted to DAT format, likely due to the exceptional DACs in these advanced machines. These DACs are so remarkable that many audiophiles utilize professional DAT machines as dedicated DACs within their systems. I am of the opinion that the materials used in tapes contribute to a smoother and warmer sound, a quality that DSD or other lossless, high-resolution formats lack. For audiophiles, exploring DAT could be a rewarding experience, potentially leading to the same appreciation I have developed.
