The Sony DTC-77ES DAT Recorder was released around 1991 and was positioned as a high specification ES series Digital Audio Tape deck. The Sony DTC-77ES DAT Recorder inherited technology from Sony’s DTC-1500ES reference model and used a 4-head configuration that allowed simultaneous recording and monitoring during recording. This gave the Sony DTC-77ES DAT Recorder a more advanced recording workflow than simpler 2-head DAT machines, with the ability to switch between source sound and tape sound using the Rec Monitor switch.
The Sony DTC-77ES DAT Recorder uses the DAT format’s rotary head recording system and supports 2-channel stereo digital audio. It can operate at 48kHz with 16-bit linear recording and playback, 44.1kHz with 16-bit linear operation for digital input, 32kHz with 16-bit linear operation for digital input, and 32kHz with 12-bit non-linear recording and playback. Long-play mode allows continuous recording for up to four hours when using a DT-120 tape.
The head drum of the Sony DTC-77ES DAT Recorder uses a 4-head configuration. In addition to the conventional recording and playback heads, the Sony DTC-77ES DAT Recorder includes two monitoring heads, allowing off-tape monitoring during recording in a similar functional sense to 3-head cassette decks and open reel tape machines. This was one of the key technical distinctions of the Sony DTC-77ES DAT Recorder and one of the features that separated it from more basic DAT decks.
The Sony DTC-77ES DAT Recorder uses a 4D.D. motor mechanism, with dedicated direct drive motors for the capstan, supply side reel, take-up side reel and head drum rotation. This motor arrangement allowed the transport mechanism to be designed with a simpler and more reliable structure. The cassette compartment uses an upright see-through design, allowing the tape running condition and cassette label area to be viewed through the window.
Conversion is handled by 1-bit A/D and 1-bit pulse D/A conversion. The A/D converter shifts unwanted spectrum generated during A/D conversion beyond the music signal band, allowing the low-pass filter to use gentler characteristics. The 1-bit pulse D/A converter uses a high-speed switching method to reproduce music signals as pulse density changes. The Sony DTC-77ES DAT Recorder also includes transformers mounted independently for the audio, digital and other power supply sections, with the stabilised power supply circuit built on an independent board.
The Sony DTC-77ES DAT Recorder includes SCMS, allowing one-generation digital-to-digital recording from a CD player while restricting further digital copies from digitally recorded tapes. Digital connectivity is provided by coaxial and optical digital input and output terminals, with the optical and coaxial input selected from the front panel. The optical input uses a servo-type digital signal normaliser circuit to absorb cable jitter.
The Sony DTC-77ES DAT Recorder also includes the DAT subcode functions expected of an advanced machine, including Start ID, Skip ID and End ID writing and erasing, rehearsal functions for placing IDs, program numbering, renumbering, Shift Number, Absolute Time recording, AMS playback, program number search, music scan, repeat playback and end search. A built-in date function can record year, month, day, day of week, hour, minute, second and AM/PM information into the subcode.
The Sony DTC-77ES DAT Recorder was supplied with wireless remote control, and was available in gold and black versions. The gold version was supplied with the RM-D77A/D wireless remote control, while the black version was supplied with the RM-D77A wireless remote control. With its 4-head drum, off-tape monitoring, 4D.D. direct drive motor mechanism, 1-bit conversion, SCMS, advanced subcode handling and substantial 11kg construction, the Sony DTC-77ES DAT Recorder was one of Sony’s more serious ES series DAT recorders from the early 1990s.
Features
- 4-head DAT recording and monitoring system
- Simultaneous recording and off-tape monitoring
- 4D.D. direct drive motor mechanism
- Dedicated motors for capstan, supply reel, take-up reel and head drum
- 1-bit A/D converter
- 1-bit pulse D/A converter
- SCMS serial copy management system
- Coaxial and optical digital input and output
- Long-play mode with up to four hours continuous recording using DT-120 tape
- Start ID, Skip ID, End ID and Absolute Time subcode functions