When we get to talking about the ultimate in audio quality, we automatically think 24-bit, right? TASCAM, a company who truly understands the professional’s need for ultra high resolution audio, introduced the world’s very first 24-bit DAT recorder at this past Summer NAMM Show. The crowd’s reaction? “When can I get one?” The answer is now!

The incredible new DA-45HR ($1999 list) is able to record true 24-bit audio data on a standard DAT tape. Setting what is clearly a new standard in mastering technology, the 3U rackmountable DA-45HR features XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced analog I/O, AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital I/O, Word Sync I/O and a parallel interface, all of which ensures easy integration into the most demanding production environments.

The new DA-45HR's interface is both new, yet familiar, taking advantage of proven hardware design, but with an entirely new software architecture. The unit’s menu-driven environment features an easy-to-read, comprehensive fluorescent display that promotes intuitive operation with easy access to its numerous system parameters, including AUTO ID, COPY ID Select, Reference Level setting, Record Mute and Repeat functions.

The DA-45HR has two recording modes, enabling you to take advantage of the recorder’s 24-bit capability or maintain backward compatibility with first-generation 16-bit decks. When operating in 24-bit mode, a standard 120 DAT tape yields 60 minutes of recording time. If the machine is functioning in 16-bit standard mode, the tape will yield a full 2 hours recording time. Supported sampling frequencies include 44.1 and 48kHz.

When it comes to A/D and D/A converters, the new DA-45HR absolutely defines the current state-of-the-art. Featuring 24-bit analog to digital converters and 20-bit digital to analog converters with dither, this outstanding master recorder - as expected - sounds terrific. With its 24-bit A/D capability, the DA-45HR is capable of recording 24-bit audio via either its analog or digital inputs.

The DA-45HR will integrate into virtually any audio production environment. With XLR balanced and RCA unbalanced analog inputs and outputs, it will easily connect to any mixer or other analog device. This outstanding recorder also features the ability to manually adjust both the input and balanced output levels for optimum settings (a very cool feature in our book!). For communicating digitally, both the AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital protocols are fully supported, enabling the DA-45HR to communicate with mixers, DAWs and other recorders. As you would expect, the recorder also provides Word Sync In and Thru for easy connection to the latest generation of digital recording consoles. There's even a 15-pin parallel interface for added control via fader starts or General Purpose Interface (GPI).

For convenient searching through program material, the DA-45HR provides a shuttle wheel and a convenient 2-point memory / locate function. These features enable you to quickly and easily find a specific audio segment, mark it and later locate back to that position with a single button push.

Navigating the DA-45HR's operating system couldn't be more intuitive. The unit’s menu layout makes it easy to access and edit the numerous system parameters. The DA-45HR even provides alphanumeric character entry for naming program selections. Auto ID level can be set at -48, -54, -60 or -66dB. Copy ID select provisions give you the ability to protect tapes from further duplication, a thoughtful feature. Reference levels can be defined at -20, -18 or -16dB and Record Mute time is variable from 1 to 8 seconds in 0.5 second increments. The recorder’s Repeat function ranges from 2 to 15 times with added support for free or unlimited repeat capability. The DA-45HR also provides Single, Skip and Program play modes for added flexibility when working with multiple audio tracks. For added control, the RC-D45 Remote is available as an option.

With outstanding audio quality, a wealth of features and the ability to integrate into any audio production environment, the new DA-45HR clearly reinforces TASCAM's commitment to being the world leader in DAT recording. Want one? We thought so. Just pick up the phone and give us a call here at Sweetwater. Your Sales Engineer can fill you in on all the details and provide you with availability information (the DA-45HR may be in short supply for a while due to the huge demand, so don’t wait on this one) plus your very special low Sweetwater price on a DA-45HR for your studio.