Burning CD’s direct from DAT or other audio source
More burning questions about burning. “I have a CD-RW drive in my PC. To burn an audio CD I must first record my audio to the computer’s hard drive. Is this the standard way it’s done? I’d love to burn directly from my DAT machine. Is there a software package (like Toast or something) that would allow me to do this? What about stand alone CD burners? Do they require burning from a hard drive also?” There’s a distinction we can make here between what I call a CD burner and a CD recorder. Technically both “burn” discs so the “recorder” term is kind of inaccurate, but it does better illustrate their function. A computer based CD burner does not have audio connections. It only has computer connections (SCSI, USB, etc.). You can only burn discs to these with files that are on your computer. So yes, you must transfer from DAT (or whatever) to the computer hard drive and then burn your disc.A CD recorder, while technically a burner on the inside, has an interface similar to any tape deck or DAT machine. They generally have both analog and digital inputs and outputs, and they also have the familiar record/play buttons as well as input level controls and other “recorderesque” kinds of features. These are designed to burn a CD from an analog or digital audio source without any computer or hard drive. This would be what you want if you need to quickly make CD’s from DAT tapes.There have been a few models over the years that do both; they have the recorder interface, but supply a SCSI port for use with computers. Those have fallen out of favor recently because they are pretty expensive and some models had reliability problems. You can also find some models especially suited to duplication. They have a “recorder” interface, but you record to a hard drive. Then you edit and burn as many CD’s as you need directly from the built in hard drive. Some models have multiple CD burners in them so you can make many copies at once.Beware, however, because there are some other pro’s and con’s to one type versus the other. Some of these have been covered in past issues of inSync (feel free to search the archives), but you should probably have a detailed conversation with your Sweetwater Sales Engineer about what you are doing before you make a decision about which type to buy.
When you need help, Sweetwater has the answers!
Our knowledge base contains over 28,000 expertly written tech articles that will give you answers and help you get the most out of your gear. Our pro musicians and gear experts update content daily to keep you informed and on your way. Best of all, it’s totally FREE, and it’s just another reason that you get more at Sweetwater.com.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. Select manufacturers may require that only the manufacturer’s products qualify towards the minimum purchase amount needed to be eligible for promotional financing. Otherwise, an invoice that meets the minimum purchase amount and contains at least one qualifying manufacturer product is eligible for promotional financing. No interest will be charged on promo purchase balance, and equal monthly payments are required on promo purchase until it is paid in full. The payments equal the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next whole dollar. These payments may be higher than the payments that would be required if this purchase was a non-promo purchase. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to the prior months’ rounding. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
Offer applies only to single-receipt qualifying purchases. No interest will be charged on the promo balance if you pay it off, in full, within the promo period. If you do not, interest will be charged on the promo balance from the purchase date. The required minimum monthly payments may or may not pay off the promo balance before the end of the promo period, depending on purchase amount, promo length and payment allocation. Regular account terms apply to non-promo purchases and, after promo period ends, to the promo balance. New Accounts as of 07/31/2025: Purchase APR is 34.99%. Penalty APR is 39.99%. Min Interest Charge is $2. Existing cardholders: See your credit card agreement terms. Subject to credit approval.
The estimated required monthly payment shown which excludes taxes and delivery equals the amount financed divided by the number of months in the promo period, rounded up to the next cent. During the last month(s) of the promo period the required monthly payment may be reduced due to this rounding. These payments apply only with the financing offer shown. If you make these payments by the due date each month, you should pay off this amount financed within the promo period, if it is the only balance you are paying off. If you have other balances on your account, this payment will be added to any other minimum monthly payments.
Applies only to select items from this manufacturer. Ask your Sweetwater Sales Engineer for more details.