tascam DA88 / DTRS

We can transfer these digital 8 track multitrack audio tapes into individual WAV or BWAV files that can be used in all Digital Audio Workstations or DAW’s such as Logic Pro, Protools, Nuendo, Cubase, Ardour, etc. We use 98, 78HR and 98HR machines so can cater for 16 bit and 24 bit recordings.

DTRS, DA88 problems

The Tascam DTRS format is an 8 track digital multitrack audio recording system using 8mm tapes, originally developed for video recording. The helical scan design similar to RDAT has the 8mm tape wrapped around a high speed spinning head drum. Any physical problems with the tape will give problems with this format.

Tape based digital formats like these are arguably more at threat even though much newer than older analogue formats. They will also be much harder to restore and recover when degraded.

It is highly recommended to transfer these tapes to a file based digital format such as .WAV of BWAV now.

The machines, while popular have fragile tape transports which can often develop ‘tape chewing’ problems. Never load a valuable, un transferred master tape into a machine with an unknown history, it’s asking for trouble!