The Tascam DA-40 upon its release in 1999, built on the feature set from the Tascam DA-20mkII, adding functions and performance that professionals depend on. SCMS codes are totally controlled on the Tascam DA-40. You can select what SCMS status you want to write to the DAT, depending on where the DAT is being sent.
For cueing purposes, 2 locate points are added, allowing direct locate capabilities even if there is no track ID at that location. Additionally, the single play function is ideal for live environments. It allows the engineer to cue in one track and forget about the machine – it automatically sets itself at the next cue. For presentation and on-air applications, this is very useful since the machine won’t accidentally roll into the next cue on the DAT.
Another handy function on the Tascam DA-40 is the ability to read and write track names. The track name will show up on the DA-40’s text screen for easy reading. Track names make it immediately obvious which cue you are listening to. This is especially handy when dealing with multiple mixes of the same material, like the same ad spot with different regional specials, or multiple mixes of a jingle.
The Tascam DA-40 has balanced XLR and AES/EBU connections, for easier integration into professional set-ups. The analog in ports can be switched to calibrated so that the input level controls are overridden (thus controlling the level from the console), and the outputs have attenuation pots for fine-tuning your connections.
There are numerous remote-control possibilities. The Parallel I/O port allows simple remotes and tallies from automated control systems, or broadcast consoles. Two pins in the Parallel I/O provide a serial port for basic serial in control. The optional RC-D45 remote is also designed to work with the Tascam DA-40.
Features
- Superior quality digital-to-analog and analog-todigital conversion for maximum sonic fidelity
- Extended long-play option, allowing twice the standard recording time.
- AES/EBU and SPDIF digital audio input and output formats for full flexibility
- Balanced (+4 dBu) and unbalanced (-10 dBV) analog inputs and outputs
- Comprehensive display options, showing elapsed time, time remaining on the tape, etc.
- Character entry and editing, allowing tape and program titles to be displayed as the tape is played
- Optional wired remote control unit (RC-D45) for control of all major functions
- Shuttle facilities, allowing precise positioning of the tape using audio cues
- Location to frame accuracy to location memories
- Comprehensive menu options, allowing many everyday function settings to be set up and memorized
