Technical Documentation PRODUCT OVERVIEW
The DA-98HR brings the full power of TASCAM's DTRS line into the realm of high resolution recording. The DA-98HR can format, record and play 16 bit tapes for backwards compatibility with the previous DTRS (ie DA-88 or DA-98). For high resolution, you can record 24 bit audio on 8 tracks at 48kHz, 4 tracks at 96kHz, or 2 tracks of 192kHz. On-board professional control and synchronization includes DTRS sync, SMPTE chasing/generating, video sync, RS-422 (Sony P2) control, parallel control, MMC and MTC are all included. TDIF and AES/EBU digital I/O is standard. The optional IF-AN98HR is available for adding 24 bit/96Hz analog I/O. The MU-8824 remote meter bridge is also available.

DA-98HR

108 Minutes of Record Time on 120 Hi8 Tape Records 8 tracks of 24 Bit Audio To Hi8 Tapes Reads and Writes 16 and 24 Bit DTRS Tapes 8 track/48kHz, 4 track/96kHz, or 2 track/192kHz High Resolution Recording Modes Available 16 Machine Sample Accurate Lock with DTRS Sync SMPTE Time Code Generation and Chasing Sony P2 Compliant (RS-422) Serial Control Parallel I/O Port for Control and Tallies Responds to MIDI Machine Control Generates MIDI Time Code Word Sync In/Out/Thru Video Sync In/Thru
AES/EBU Digital I/O provided on DB25 port TDIF Digital I/O & SPDIF Digital I/O Clear Back-Lit LED Display Confidence Monitoring (Read after Write) Track Slip from -200 to +7200 Samples Meter Bridge Port for Optional MU-8824 Compatible with Previous RC-828, RC-848 and RC-898* DTRS Remotes Optional IF-AN98HR provides 24 bit/96kHz analog I/O
* The RC-898's LCD screen can duplicate the menus of the DA-98HR's with a free firmware update available from TASCAM. Without the update, RC-898 control over the DA-98HR will still be capable of transport control, track arming, locate points, etc.

APPLICATIONS

TASCAM's line of DTRS machines earned their role as the standard machine for audio in video and film production. The DA-98HR brings the DTRS reliability into the high resolution recording environment. Production Recorder Back-up Recorder Extra Tracks The DA-98HR is a top quality recorder, well equipped for audio or video applications. The DA-98HR's solid time code chasing capability along with it's parallel and serial control ports allow the machine to efficiently operate as either primary tracks, ancillary tracks, or even as a back-up machine. Plus, the DA-98HR can integrate seamlessly with earlier DTRS machines. Studio Transfers The DTRS format is the transfer medium of choice in the business. Since the DA-98HR can read and write 16-bit DTRS tapes that are compatible with older DA-88s, you are assured compatibility with facilities equipped with the older machines. However, if you are working with studios which have DA-98HRs or DA-78HRs, you will be able to take advantage of higher resolution audio. Live Recording/Mobile Trucks The DA-98HR offers Confidence Recording which puts the machine into a read-after-write recording mode. This allows monitoring off tape while recording. (Most digital recorders simply allow you to monitor the audio sent to it.) This is ideal for live tracking to ensure your tapes are accepting the information being sent to it.

SPECIFICATIONS

General Specifications: Format: Time to Play from Stop: Shuttle Speeds: Varispeed: Subcode: Sampling Frequency: Recording Resolution: Crossfade Time: Track Delay: Meter Unit Port: Audio I/O: Digital I/O: Reference Level: Word Sync In and Thru: Word Sync Out: Option Slots: Control I/O: Remote/Sync: Time Code In: Time Code Out: Video Sync In/Thru: SMPTE Frame Rates: Timecode Offset: MIDI I/O: DTRS and DTRS-HR < 2 seconds 8x, 4x, 2x, 1x, 0.5x, 0.25x 6% Independent ABS and SMPTE TC 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz 16 bit, 24 bit 10ms to 200ms (10ms increments) -200 to +7200 samples (set in samples or msec) DB15 (For TASCAM MU-8824) TDIF (DB25), AES/EBU (DB25) -16dB FS, -18dB FS, -20dB FS BNC, 75 Ohm (auto terminated) BNC, 75 Ohm Accepts IF-AN98HR analog I/O cards DTRS Sync DB15 IN/OUT RS-422 Serial (P2 Compliant) DB37 Parallel Port XLR balanced, >10kOhm, 0.5V-10V p-p XLR balanced, <100 Ohm, 2V p-p NTSC or PAL, 1 V p-p, 0.2V Negative Sync Composite or Sync Composite 30fps, 30dfps, 29.97fps, 29.97dfps, 25fps, 24fps, pull up and pull down facilities Up to 24 hours, jamsync capable In, Out, Thru

Physical and Electrical Specifications: Dimensions: 482x176x356mm, 19" x 6.9" x 14" Weight: 11kg, 24 lbs Power Requirements: USA/Canada 120VAC, 60Hz UK/Europe 230VAC, 50Hz Australia 240VAC, 50Hz Power Consumption 62W Electromagnetic Environment: E4

7733 Telegraph Road

Montebello, CA 90640

(323) 726-0303

http://www.tascam.com

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DA-98HR_TECHDOC.pdf 091900
All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Contact your local TASCAM representative for the latest information.
DA-98HR Technical Documentation DTRS HISTORY
Ever since the introduction of the DA-88 in 1992, users of all levels have been using DTRS machines to create, mix, and transfer their tracks at home and between studios. The DTRS standard has become renowned for top quality sound, top notch reliability, and the fastest transport and machine lock in the business. The DA-88 was originally intended for the music market, but since it was so full featured, it also found its way into major television and motion picture studios. The DTRS format has long been the standard format to move audio from one studio to the next, due to the affordable nature of the machine and media, as well as the high audio quality. In addition, a number of studios have been using DA-88s to expand their track count by having the DA-88 chase analog machines, or other digital formats. With the introduction of the DA-38 and DA-98 in 1996, the DTRS machines added some new features like a digital patchbay, test tone oscillators, and an even faster transport than the original DA-88. Still, the DA-88 had made such an indelible mark on the industry that it's production was continued by popular demand into the year 2000. The DA-78HR and DA-98HR are following in the footsteps of its heritage, continuing the traditions established and attested to over the years at a new standard - 24 bit. All in all, the DTRS machines give you the best sound, the most flexibility, and tried and true reliability that has been proven for almost a decade.
TASCAM's DA-88, the original DTRS format recorder

THE 24 BIT ACHIEVEMENT

When the 24 bit DTRS format was announced, most users were curious about how we did it. 24 bit audio requires 50% more data than the original 16 bit format, yet the DA-78HR didn't cut back on tracks or record time. Many assumed that the 24 bit format would have been less reliable since more information is written in a smaller space. Well, actually the 24 bit format is even more reliable. Here's why: When digital information is written to tapes, it isn't like writing a bunch of ones and zeros on a piece of paper. All the data passes through an encoder and decoder (codec) when going to and coming from tape. The coding process utilizes a lossless algorithm allowing a larger amount of data to be stored in the same amount of space. The original DTRS format utilized a codec based on the 8-10 Modulation Principle used by most all DAT recorders. This format has been around for almost two decades; more efficient encoding schemes have been developed over time. High resolution DTRS machines utilizes the 1-7 RLL (Run Length Limited) codec commonly used in hard drive and DVD technologies. This format is 66% more space efficient than the codec used in the original DTRS machines. Since only 50% more data was needed to store the audio itself, the other 16% was dedicated to additional data verification beyond the original DTRS machine. So, the 24 bit DTRS machines do not reduce the print size. The write area is actually about the same size. The 24 bit machine utilizes a better codec which offers more efficient use of the space, as well as increased reliability through more accurate data verification processes.

BACKWARDS COMPATIBILITY

When the high resolution machines were designed, the ability to work with the original 16 bit machines like DA-38s, DA-88s, and DA-98s was a high priority. Sync Chain High resolution DTRS machines use the same DTRS Sync line that the previous machines used. So, you can lock any combination of 16 bit machines with 24 bit machines sample accurately in 2 seconds or less. Audio I/O The new high resolution DTRS machines use the same DB25 plugs for balanced audio, and TDIF lines for transfers and integration into digital studios. This means if you are trading out 16 bit machines for 24 bit machines, there are no new cabling requirements. Tape Format The DA-98HR can read and write 16 bit format tapes, allowing HR users to seamlessly work with owners of older DTRS machines. However, 24 bit tapes created on a high resolution DTRS machine will only work on other high resolution DTRS machines. Time Code Track In addition to the 8 tracks of audio, DTRS machines can handle two separate time tracks in subcode of the tape. One of the tracks is the tape's absolute time, and the other is an independent SMPTE time code track. The high resolution DTRS machines can read and write this SMPTE time code track in both 16 bit and 24 bit format, so you can continue working the same way you are used to working.

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DA-98HR Technical Documentation AES/EBU DB25 PINOUT
The AES/EBU DB25 pinout on the DA-98HR is the same as on most recorders, consoles and dubbers. While these cables are readily available in your local retail outlets, the pinout is listed here for users wishing to make custom cables and snakes. Digital In

CONTROL I/O PINOUT

REMOTE (PARALLEL)

Digital Out

GCHGCHGCHGCHGCHGCHGCHGCH

IF-AN98HR DB25 PINOUT

The analog DB25 ports on the IF-AN98HR follow the same standard as previous DTRS machine. The guide is listed below for your convenience:

PIN: 19

FUNCTION: PLAY FFWD REW AUX 1 STOP REC AUX2 CHASE SUB GND PLAY TALLY FFWD TALLY REW TALLY STOP TALLY REC TALLY LOCK TALLY AUX 1 TALLY AUX 2 TALLY ACTIVE SENSE

PIN: 36 37

FUNCTION: SUB GND SERIAL OUT SERIAL IN SRCK LOAD SUB GND SUB 5V (MAX 50mA)

OPTIONAL REMOTE (RC-898)

The RC-898 remote can control up to 6 DTRS machines of any vintage. The LCD screen is makes advanced set-up of machines much easier by offering the same LCD screen menus found on the face of the DA-98 and DA-98HR, and also offers control over DA-38 and DA-78HR menus. If you have an older RC-898, it may require a firmware update for LCD screen interaction with the DA-78HR and DA-98HR. The firmware update is available from TASCAM. To obtain the update, contact CustSer@teac.com.

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DA-98HR Technical Documentation FRONT AND BACK PANELS

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