DAT

I have started recording on my TASCAM DAT- 30 again and the stereo warm effect is in my oppinion very beautiful.

Wanted to know if it is safe to record close to 0db on the dat and hitting even zero , even if it's close to the end of the track,and therefore recording at 2 to 1db most of the time, considering also that lagic main stereo out levels is way below zero.

And if it's safe then, to capture the exact copy of my DAT recording into Logic, by connecting the main outs of the DAT into the in's of my soundcard. Or do I need a Digital to analog converter of some kind, and if you can suggest a good economical device to buy.

Any more light on this very appreciated

BEST

Brian

Posted on Sep 29, 2017 4:43 AM

20 replies

Pancenter

Level 6

14,788 points

Sep 30, 2017 10:47 AM in response to Bv2017

From what you described, your Mac only had a digital output not input.

So you are out of luck as far as a digital INput is concerned, (unless it's switchable as Roger mentioned)

What model number is your Steinberg UR interface.

Actually, this is the Logic Pro Forum, Garageband is the little brother to Logic Pro, there are plenty here with direct experience.

Bv2017 Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 4, 2017 2:00 AM in response to Pancenter

Was wondering, if recording into my DAW at 192khz through my analogue inputs of my UR Steinberg interface, can help retain in some way more clarity. Considering that the recorded piece coming from my Tascam is at 44khz 16bit. for example.

BEST

Brian

Oct 4, 2017 2:14 AM in response to Bv2017

If you have an original source at 44.1kHz/16 bit then there's no point in recording it on the Mac at a higher bitrate - it won't improve the quality: and converting it to audio then back to digital is simply adding the potential for distortion in the resampling process (though it would be slight). If you copy through digital input into your Mac you will land up with exactly the same signal as the original.

Bv2017 Author

Level 1

10 points

Oct 4, 2017 3:28 AM in response to Roger Wilmut1

Final thing, while thanking you Roger, Percenter and all who contributed to my query here:

Since I have put my eyes on a new audio interface with digital in/out, I am curious to know, if the sound quality of the soundcard will in any way matter while the digital transmission between the two machines are linked via a coaxial cable, spdif etc ... Although I have come to believe, that the sound card sound quality will not affect in any way the audio when my DAT and the soundcard are linked via a digital transmission as there will be no conversion taking place.

But, the soundcard's quality will matter only, for recording through the analogue inputs and for playback I suppose.

BEST

brian

Oct 4, 2017 3:41 AM in response to Bv2017

It shouldn't make any difference whether you use coax or optical, as long as you stay within the maximum permitted length (I've got a 10 metre optical run working perfectly). If you are using analogue then a number of factors come into play, including possible losses if the cable is long, hum pickup (particularly if both devices are earthed). interference from fridges etc. switching on and off, the quality of the analogue input, and the quality of the analogue to digital converter in use. The beauty of digital transmission is that none of this arises. The only problems arise if there is a conflict between clocks, and as long as the source is the master and the receiving end slaves to it (which should be the norm) that shouldn't be a problem.

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DAT