4 DT RS Machines – Care and Use
SDDS Print Master Guidelines, Page
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4 DTRS Machines – Care and Use
4.1
Models
DT RS machine are semi-professional machines designed for “large” home studios.
T hey became quickly adopted as a standard 8 track digital tape machine in European
dubbing studios. I t is still often the format of choice for moving material between
studios. T here are two makes and several models, the most important of which are
listed below.
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T ascam DA88 – the original
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Sony PCM800
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T ascam DA98
At present the SDDS masters must be in standard 16 bit format. New high bit rate
modes are now available, but the camera sites only have standard PCM800s and
DA88s so they can’t play back the new formats.
4.2
L evels
Note that the DA88 and PCM800 are factory set so that + 4dBu = –16dBfs. An
allowance for this has to be made if mixing with studio operating levels other than
0dBu (as 0dBu = –20dBfs). T he machine itself can be modified for different levels, or
console input/output trims can be used. I f in doubt, check using the SDDS DT RS test
tape. T he DA98 has software selectable levels for + 4dBu = -16, -18 and –20dBfs.
4.3
Clean air
T here is a cooling fan in the DA88 and PCM800, which sucks air through the machine.
T here is no filter and the only entry hole is the cassette drawer. T his means that any
dirt, cigarette smoke etc. in the air is pulled directly over the heads, which is very bad
for the performance of the machine. I t is recommended that the air around the
machines is kept as clean as possible, with no smoking in the same room. T here is a
simple modification to change the direction of the fan and add a filter. T he machine
seems to be slightly hotter after this mod, so careful checks must be made afterwards.
Details are on Eddie Ciletti’s web site www.tangible- technology.com
4.4
Errors
Errors can occur for a variety of reasons. Problems caused by dirty or worn heads can
be checked for by playing back the master after recording. However, many recent
problems we have found were all caused by tape path misalignment. T his means that
the tape will play back fine on the machine on which it was recorded, but causes errors
on other machines.
