Tascam has announced the DA-3000SD, a dual-channel DSD/PCM recorder with ADC/DAC converter . Following in the footsteps of the original DA-3000, the new DA-3000SD adds support for large-capacity SD memory cards, as well as a variety of enhancements designed to provide greater control over the recording process. Designed for recording, mastering, and monitoring audio, the new Tascam DA-3000SD offers a rich feature set, making it a versatile choice for recording studios of all sizes.
Most music recording today is done directly into a DAW, sometimes using a separate computer just to store the session results, which usually accompanies the automation of complex mixing decisions. Having a dedicated master recorder optimized for high-resolution DSD/PCM files is great for providing the necessary flexibility and reliability for archiving, mastering, and live recording.
The new Tascam DA-3000SD supports SDXC memory cards up to 512GB, providing over 100 hours of 2-channel PCM audio recording at 24-bit/192kHz resolution. The new product features volume control via an internal oscillator for more accurate calibration. Expanded calibration capabilities, as well as support for the future-proof DSD format, make the DA-3000SD ideal for use with reel-to-reel tape recorders and audio applications where accurate monitoring can make or break a project.
With support for the DSD (Direct Stream Digital) format, the Tascam DA-3000SD becomes a great stand-alone professional-grade recorder. By recording music directly to DSD, or “1-bit” digital audio, the result can then be converted to any format required with maximum fidelity. Recording to DSD preserves information with much higher resolution and dynamic range, and can then be converted to PCM format at any parameters, such as 24-bit/96 kHz. As audio formats evolve in the future, recording to DSD ensures that archived audio can be played back in the appropriate formats without compromise.
The Tascam DA-3000SD provides precise monitoring with a dedicated volume control. Studio engineers know that proper level matching is critical to performing accurate sound analysis. To address this issue, the DA-3000SD now features a dedicated output volume control for better integration with an existing monitoring system. Synchronized recording and playback is possible by cascading multiple units, creating a multi-track DSD environment. By connecting eight Tascam DA-3000SD recorders, users can record up to 16 tracks simultaneously.In addition to its core features, the new Tascam DA-3000SD has a host of additional features, including an automatic file save function to prevent data loss in the event of an unexpected power outage and a control panel lock function for trouble-free operation. With its comprehensive I/O capabilities for both analog and digital audio, the DA-3000SD can be integrated into virtually any studio environment.
The Tascam DA-3000SD’s switching arsenal includes balanced and unbalanced analog inputs and outputs, as well as AES-EBU and S/PDIF ports for PCM. Digital audio input/output for DSD is provided by SDIF-3/DSD-raw terminals. In addition, the DA-3000SD is equipped with a USB storage port for convenient audio playback or mutual copying with SD cards. There is also a dedicated USB keyboard port, allowing you to connect a keyboard for entering folder/file names and controlling the recorder’s operating modes.The Tascam DA-3000SD offers a variety of convenient features for intuitive operation. This includes a 24-segment level meter with adjustable brightness, which provides the clear visual feedback you need. In addition, the device is equipped with an OLED display with a resolution of 128 x 64 pixels and a wide viewing angle.
With a compact 1RU rack-mountable form factor, the Tascam DA-3000SD can be conveniently placed where it is needed most. In addition to the ability to sync and cascade multiple DA-3000SD units to synchronize clocks and record/playback times, the DA-3000SD is ready to sync with external Word Clock – with Word In/Out/Thru support, with Out and Thru switchable. For even greater ease of use, the DA-3000SD can be controlled using the included RC-10 remote control for seamless integration with professional audio systems.
Anyone interested in using the Tascam DA-3000SD recorder (retail price: $1,439 ) should not forget that Tascam also offers its Hi-Res Editor software, one of the few tools for editing native DSD masters, available as a free download. Tascam Hi-Res Editor , for Windows and Macintosh computers, plays and edits DSD files up to 11.2 MHz or WAV files up to 384 kHz. The software lets you play and export DSD files without converting to PCM.