The Sony DTC-57ES DAT Recorder was a Digital Audio Tape deck designed for 2-channel stereo digital recording and playback. As part of Sony’s ES range, the Sony DTC-57ES DAT Recorder was built around the DAT format’s rotary head recording system, combining compact cassette-sized digital media with multiple sampling frequency support, digital input and output connectivity, and both standard and long-play operating modes.
The Sony DTC-57ES DAT Recorder supports 48kHz, 44.1kHz and 32kHz sampling frequencies. In standard recording and playback operation, the machine uses 16-bit linear digital audio, while the 32kHz long-play mode uses 12-bit non-linear recording. This gave the Sony DTC-57ES DAT Recorder compatibility with the main DAT recording modes, allowing it to handle standard digital audio sources as well as extended recording time where long-play operation was required.
The transport system uses rotary heads, following the helical-scan method used by the DAT format. The Sony DTC-57ES DAT Recorder operates at 8.15mm/s in standard play and 4.075mm/s in long play. This allowed the machine to provide normal DAT recording and playback while also supporting extended duration recording in long-play mode.
Conversion is handled by 1-bit A/D and D/A converters. The Sony DTC-57ES DAT Recorder includes both coaxial and optical digital inputs and outputs, allowing connection to compatible digital equipment for direct digital recording and playback transfer. This made the Sony DTC-57ES DAT Recorder suitable for use with digital sources where avoiding unnecessary analogue conversion was required.
The Sony DTC-57ES DAT Recorder offers a frequency response of 2Hz to 22kHz, a signal-to-noise ratio of 90dB, a dynamic range of 90dB and total harmonic distortion of 0.005%. These figures reflect the measurable performance advantages associated with DAT recorders over analogue cassette decks, particularly in noise performance, frequency extension and distortion.
Physically, the Sony DTC-57ES DAT Recorder is a full-width component measuring 122mm x 430mm x 350mm and weighing 5.9kg. It was supplied with remote control capability and built as a dedicated home digital audio recorder. With its DAT rotary head transport, multiple sampling frequencies, standard and long-play modes, 1-bit conversion and coaxial and optical digital connectivity, the Sony DTC-57ES DAT Recorder represents a capable Sony ES series DAT machine from the period when DAT was a serious domestic and professional-adjacent digital recording format.
Features
- Digital Audio Tape recording and playback
- 2-channel stereo track system
- Rotary head DAT transport
- 48kHz, 44.1kHz and 32kHz sampling frequency support
- 16-bit linear standard recording and playback
- 32kHz 12-bit non-linear long-play mode
- 1-bit A/D converter
- 1-bit D/A converter
- Coaxial and optical digital inputs
- Coaxial and optical digital outputs