Tascam DA-40 User Manual

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

TASCAM's DA-40 is a feature rich DAT recorder, bringing
together deep recording and playback capabilities, plus
a wealth of control functions. Controlling the DA-40 is
easy through the clearly marked buttons on the front
panel. The large jog and shuttle wheel makes locating
cues easy. Two locate points offers a simple way to cue
up to a point, or can be used for loop playback. Single
play and support for program names help keep track of
which program is cued up, and prevent the next track
from playing in live applications.

DA-40

Technical Documentation

• 3-U Rack Mount Design

• Analog Unbalanced RCA I/O

• Analog Balanced XLR I/O with Output Attenuation

• AES/EBU (XLR) Digital I/O

• SPDIF (Coaxial) Digital I/O

• Headphone Output w/ Level Control

• Supports Track Names in DAT Subcode

APPLICATIONS

DAT tapes have been a standard transfer medium in the professional
audio industry since the introduction of the format. DAT is the only true
non-compressed digital audio format that was intended to be a target
writing media. The simple flexibility and worry-free operation of DAT
recorders contributed to the initial rise of the format, and continues to
support it in all levels of recording.

The DAT format also supports deeper levels of recording flexibility. Multiple
sample rates can be used, ranging from the long play 32kHz, to the CD
standard 44.1kHz, to 48kHz for higher quality. Track names are supported
in tapes, just as they are in MiniDisc. Plus, the DAT tapes are reasonably
inexpensive and offer up to 2 hours (4 hours in LP mode) of uninterrupted
audio.

TASCAM is the leading manufacturer in professional DAT recorders. The
DA-40 continues the proud tradition of excellence in studio and production
DAT recorders.

Personal and Project Studios - Production Studio

The ability to name tracks with the DA-40 greatly helps keep track of
multiple mixes of the same tune. When you are playing back the various
versions of the mix, you can label them "Radio Mix", "Kareoke Mix", or
whatever you want. When it comes time to come back to the DAT, you'll
know exactly which mix is which whether you've got the J-card for the
DAT or not.

With the DA-40, you'll never have to worry about copy limitations holding
you back in making your own music. The DA-40 offers complete control
over the SCMS status bits.

Radio Broadcast - Show Control - Live Production

For broadcast and show control applications, the DA-40 offers a parallel
I/O on the back panel for custom remote control. With single play, you
can be sure that the DA-40 will play the cue you need, and stop at the
next one. You don't need to watch the deck to make sure the next track
doesn't start playing, nor do you need to worry about cueing up the next
track. It all happens automatically. The DA-40 can record and play back
DAT tapes in long play, or standard modes. This extended compatibility
offers functionality as a high quality recorder/player, as well as an
excellent logger.

• Two Memory Locate Points

• Single Play and Loop Play Functions

• Margin Counter with Reset Function

• Large Jog/Shuttle Wheel

• Selectable SCMS Status

• Parallel Control I/O for Custom Remotes & Tallies

• Optional Wired Remote (RC-D45)

SPECIFICATIONS

Performance Specifications:

Tape Speed:
Recording Time (120 DAT):
Recording Resolution:
Recording Sample Rate:
Frequency Response:
Signal to Noise Ratio:
Total Harmonic Distortion:
Wow and Flutter:
Channel Separation:
Input RCA:

Input XLR:

Output RCA:

Output XLR:

AES/EBU I/O:
SPDIF Coaxial I/O:
Headphone Output:
Control Ports:

General Specifications:

Power Requirements:

Power Consumption:
Dimensions:

Weight:
Optional Accessories:

The DA-40 is available at:

SP - 8.15mm/s; LP - 4.075mm/s
SP - 120 minutes; LP - 240 minutes
SP - 16 bit linear; LP - 12 bit non-linear
SP - 44.1kHz, 48kHz; LP - 32kHz
20Hz-20kHz ±0.5dB, SP; 20Hz-14.5kHz LP
>92dB Playback (SP)
<0.005% Playback (SP)
Unmeasurable (<0.001%)
>90dB (1kHz @ Full Scale)

-10dBV, 50kOhm
+6dBV Maximum (2Vrms)
+4dBu, 10kOhm (-16dB Full Scale)
+20dBV Maximum

-10dBV, <1kOhm
+6dBV Maximum (2Vrms)
+4dBu, 100 Ohm (-16dB Full Scale)
+20dBu Maximum
XLR-type, IEC60958 Type I or Type II
RCA pin, IEC60958 Type I or Type II
2x50mW into 32 Ohms
1/8" mini plug accepts RC-D45 remote
DB15 Parallel I/O

120V AC, 60Hz (USA/Canada Model)
230V AC, 50Hz (UK/Europe Model)
240V AC, 50Hz (Australia Model)
21W
482 x 150.5 x 364 mm
19" x 5.9" x 14.3"
8Kg, 17.6 lbs.
Wired Remote (RC-D45)

7733 Telegraph Road • Montebello, CA 90640 • [phone] • http://www.tascam.com

All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Contact your local TASCAM representative for the latest information.

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DA-40 Technical Documentation

CONTROL I/O

Pin

Function

1

STOP in

2

PLAY in

3

FFWD in

4

REW in

5

PAUSE in

6

REC PLAY in

7

SERIAL in

8

GND

9

PLAY tally out

10

FFWD tally out

11

REW tally out

12

STOP tally out

13

REC PLAY tally out

14

PAUSE tally out

15

TAPE END tally out

Control I/O Legend

2468

1357

9111315

101214

Control I/O Notes:

All command controls are
labeled "in" on the chart
at left. Commands are
active when brought to
ground for 30 msec or
more.

Tally signals are open
collector, with a maximum
15V, 80mA.

SERIAL in (7) offers an
access to RS-232 type
communication standards.

HELPFUL FUNCTIONS

Track Names

The DA-40 fully supports program titles, allowing each track to have its own
name. This information is stored in the tape's subcode, and does not affect
the audio quality or cause conflicts with other machines. The name can be
spelled out with upper and lower case letters, numbers, and some basic
punctuation.

Two Memo Locate Points

When working on mixes, or even running live shows, a pair of memo points
comes in handy. These are separate locate points that can be used for cueing
the tape to a particular location, or they can be used for looping a part for
rehearsal or critical listening passes.

Single Play

If you are using the DA-40 in a live production, the single play function allows
you to play the DAT one track at a time. The DA-40 will automatically stop at
the next track ID, ready for the next cue.

Margin Counter

This is one of those features you typically never think about until you don't
have it. The margin counter is very useful when performing transfers. You
can walk away from the unit, and know if the level ever peaked out, or if the
recording could have been made louder.

Drum Time (Head Time) Counter

For maintenance purposes, it helps to know if it is time to clean the heads.
Maintenance records can be kept just like taking the odometer reading on car.

Selectable Reference Level, Attenuation on Outputs

Most professional gear operates with -20dB as the 0dB analog reference level,
and most semi-pro gear operates at -16dB reference level. The DA-45HR
offers the ability to properly match your system to the gear you are working
with. There are also attenuation pots on the balanced outputs for fine
adjustment of these levels.

ARCHITECT'S SPECIFICATIONS

The DAT recorder shall be able to record and play back audio
DAT tapes at the standard 16 bit, 44.1kHz and 48kHz modes,
as well as long play modes of 32kHz, 12 bit.

The recorded SCMS code status shall be selectable in a menu.
Available options shall include Prohibit, One Generation, and
Free. Other menus shall provide customization of the Auto
ID parameters, controlling the threshold and times required
for triggering an auto ID writing.

The DAT recorder shall offer advanced tape subcode data
writing and retrieval, including the ability to read and write
program titles, program IDs, and markers for skip program
and end of program.

Advanced cueing controls shall include single play, two
memory location points, and looping between memory ID
points.

Analog audio inputs and outputs shall be provided on balanced
XLRs and unbalanced RCA connections. The XLR outputs shall
offer attenuation adjustment potentiometers. Digital audio
inputs and output shall be provided on AES/EBU format on XLR
connectors, and in SPDIF format on coaxial connectors.

The DAT recorder shall be controllable from a TASCAM RC-D45
remote control, and shall offer a Parallel I/O port for further
remote control and tally functions.

The DAT recorder shall be able to mount in a standard 19" rack
mount, taking three spaces in height. Dimensions shall be
19" x 5.5" x 14.5" (W x H x D).

Metric measurements: 482x140.5x368mm

The DAT Recorder shall be a TASCAM DA-40.

NOTE: This text is available in a standard text file on TASCAM's

Sound Contractor CD-ROM. Contact TASCAM for details.

7733 Telegraph Road • Montebello, CA 90640 • [phone] • http://www.tascam.com

All features and specifications are subject to change without notice. Contact your local TASCAM representative for the latest information.

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