Last updated on January 23rd, 2024 at 02:30 am
Digital Audio Tape (DAT) was introduced in 1987 by Sony. It looks similar to audio cassettes but it is smaller in size.
DAT which uses magnetic tape cassettes was intended as a replacement for the analog audio cassettes. Although not successful as a consumer format, it found limited success when it came to audio reproduction and recording.
How DAT Works
A DAT recorder comes with a microprocessor that converts the audio signal to digital on a magnetic tape.
In other words, analog audio signals are converted to 0s and 1s for playback and storage purposes.
The same microprocessor then reconverts digital signals into analog ones which can then be read by an amplifier in a stereo sound system.
Types of DATs
Two types of DATs were introduced. The first is R-DAT (Rotating-head Digital Audio Tape). The other is the S-DAT which comes with a stationary head block.
Both are incompatible with each other.
S-DAT, however
DAT Recording
DAT has the advantage of recording at lower, higher, or equal sampling rates as that of a CD.
The following unique sampling rates are supported:
- 32kHz at 12 bits (2 tracks)
- 32kHz at 16 bits (2 tracks)
- 32kHz at 16 bits (4 tracks)
- 44.1 and 48kHz at 16 bits (2 tracks)
The above modes support 2-channel stereo recording.
Some later machines supported 24-bit recording.
DAT Initial Advantage
In the 1980s and 1990s, DAT was popular in recording studios. This was because of unlike Digital Compact Cassette (DCC) and the standard MiniDisc, it employs lossless encoding.
Also, the low cost of putting the format to work and its manageable size made it ideal for archival purposes.
DAT Disadvantages
Single Side Recording
Digital Audio Tape can only be recorded on one side or in one direction, unlike an analog audiotape. There’s no side A or side B for recording and playback.
This is very much like any videocassette, that can be recorded on only one side.
Video Recorder Technology Employment
DAT employs the helical scan and rotating heads system to record and store data. In short, it is based on video recorder technology.
The disadvantage of this system is you can physically edit the tape. The cut-and-splice editing method doesn’t work with DAT.
Tape to Hard Disk Transfer
Data transfer from a DAT to a hard disk needs to be effected in real-time.
Easily Cloned
DAT Recording undertaken in uncompressed digital format can be easily cloned. This didn’t go down well with the recording industry. It argued that DAT encouraged music piracy.
Watch the video at the end of the article to get an idea of what the dispute was all about.
Fragility
With a width of 3.81mm and a thickness of 0.013mm DAT doesn’t score high marks when it comes to durability. It is more fragile compared to other digital or analog cassette tape formats.
DAT tapes that are longer are much thinner. A 120-min tape is 60 meters long and is less durable than one that is shorter in length.
Error Prone
Even a small crease or crinkle on the tape can cause audio mutes if it can be detected by the machine’s error correction system.
Music Albums on DAT
Although DAT wasn’t received well by consumers some notable albums were released in the DAT format.
Kylie Minogue’s Kylie was one such album.
Elvis Costello’s album Girls Girls Girls was also available in the DAT format.
DAT Reception
As was mentioned earlier, the consumer market didn’t receive DAT well. Its popularity in the professional field didn’t last long, too.
DAT was once considered the ideal medium for live recording and studio backups.
That was until hard disk recording became the norm. Hard disk recording was cheaper per hour and of higher quality. Equipment is also less expensive to maintain.
Many in the pro audio field shy away from the DAT format as DAT machine parts aren’t easily available and there are very few companies servicing DAT machines.
DAT Tapes for Sale
Although DAT is no longer popular, blank tapes are still available for sale. Check out the following options if you’re in the market for one.
EMTEC DAT Master 34-Minute DAT Tape
This tape comes with high-quality metal particle quality to ensure error-free recording suitable for studio use.
Tapes perform well without error up to more than 500 passes.
Check out this EMTEC DAT tape.
HHB DAT15 15 Minute DAT Tape
This tape is designed to minimize recording and playback errors. The cassette shell for one helps discharge static electricity quickly.
Dust build-up is also kept at bay, Better loading and minimum tape slack are also promised.
Check out this HHB DAT tape.
Digital Audio Tape Player
Those who wanted to listen to high-quality music went for portable Digital Audio Tape players.
The same applied to those who wanted high-quality audio recordings while out on the field.
They’re still available for sale online.
To learn more about Digital Audio Tape (DAT), check out the video below.
