Transferring DAT Audio to a NLE at DVinfo.net

Dan Keaton · February 22nd, 2003, 05:32 AM

What is the standard procedure to get DAT audio into a laptop based non-linear editor?

I have an XL1s and used a borrowed DAT (TASCAM DA-P1 Portable DAT Recorder) to record a singer last night. The DAT was set up for 16-bit, 48K samples per second. I recorded ambient sound on the XL1s audio tracks (16-bit audio, 48k samples per second).

Should I copy the DAT audio to the XL1s, then load the audio to the NLE via firewire?

Or is there a better way to get it into the NLE?

I was worred about the potential quality loss by inputting the DAT audio into the analog inputs on the laptop.

The DA-P1 has digital outputs, but I do not know how to connect these to my laptop, which does have firewire. I assume they are not compatible at all.

Jeff Donald · February 22nd, 2003, 06:51 AM

To keep the great audio quality of the DAT recording you'll need to use the digital out of the DA-P1. Any other method will result in a loss of audio quality. The XLR analog out would produce a substantial loss of quality in relationship to the digital out. The digital output requires the use of the SPDIF digital I/O.

The easiest way to get SPDIF into your computer digitally is through a interface that will convert it to USB. M-Audio makes a device called the Audiophile USB which handles USB, MIDI, analog I/O (RCA connections) SPDIF I/O and headphone out with level adjust. It usually retails for under $200 and is Mac and PC compatible.

Don Palomaki · February 22nd, 2003, 07:04 AM

Some sound cards already support S/PDIF I/O. If yours doesn't, and this is a one-time deal, find a friend with a PC that does S/PDIF, then burn the resulting file(s) to CD for sneakernet to yor system.

Dan Keaton · February 22nd, 2003, 12:02 PM

Dear Don and Jeff,

Thank you for your input.

I will consider the Autophile USB.

My computers currently do not have the S/PDIF inputs/outputs.

Do your know of any studio DAT recorders that have USB or Firewire I/O already built in?

Don, I will check around to see if my associates can do the transfer. We have a corporate division that may have the right equipment.

Jeff Donald · February 22nd, 2003, 12:22 PM

I'm not aware of any at this time, but I'm not a big time audio guy. All of my audio is for video so my requirements are not as sophisticated as some. I've move the post to get better exposure and maybe someone knows of one.

Christopher Go · February 22nd, 2003, 12:50 PM

Here is another product you can consider from Edirol for digital transfer from the DAT to a computer:

http://www.edirol.com/products/info/ua1d.html

Not sure about the studio DAT question.

February 22nd, 2003, 05:32 AM	#1
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Transferring DAT Audio to a NLE What is the standard procedure to get DAT audio into a laptop based non-linear editor? I have an XL1s and used a borrowed DAT (TASCAM DA-P1 Portable DAT Recorder) to record a singer last night. The DAT was set up for 16-bit, 48K samples per second. I recorded ambient sound on the XL1s audio tracks (16-bit audio, 48k samples per second). Should I copy the DAT audio to the XL1s, then load the audio to the NLE via firewire? Or is there a better way to get it into the NLE? I was worred about the potential quality loss by inputting the DAT audio into the analog inputs on the laptop. The DA-P1 has digital outputs, but I do not know how to connect these to my laptop, which does have firewire. I assume they are not compatible at all. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

February 22nd, 2003, 06:51 AM	#2
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	To keep the great audio quality of the DAT recording you'll need to use the digital out of the DA-P1. Any other method will result in a loss of audio quality. The XLR analog out would produce a substantial loss of quality in relationship to the digital out. The digital output requires the use of the SPDIF digital I/O. The easiest way to get SPDIF into your computer digitally is through a interface that will convert it to USB. M-Audio makes a device called the Audiophile USB which handles USB, MIDI, analog I/O (RCA connections) SPDIF I/O and headphone out with level adjust. It usually retails for under $200 and is Mac and PC compatible. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 22nd, 2003, 12:02 PM	#4
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Don and Jeff, Thank you for your input. I will consider the Autophile USB. My computers currently do not have the S/PDIF inputs/outputs. Do your know of any studio DAT recorders that have USB or Firewire I/O already built in? Don, I will check around to see if my associates can do the transfer. We have a corporate division that may have the right equipment. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

February 22nd, 2003, 12:22 PM	#5
Jeff Donald Warden Join Date: Mar 2002 Location: Clearwater, FL Posts: 8,287	I'm not aware of any at this time, but I'm not a big time audio guy. All of my audio is for video so my requirements are not as sophisticated as some. I've move the post to get better exposure and maybe someone knows of one. __________________ Jeff Donald Carpe Diem Search DVinfo.net for quick answers \| Where to Buy? From the best in the business: DVinfo.net sponsors

February 22nd, 2003, 07:04 AM	#3
Don Palomaki Wrangler Join Date: Sep 2001 Location: Northern VA Posts: 4,489	Some sound cards already support S/PDIF I/O. If yours doesn't, and this is a one-time deal, find a friend with a PC that does S/PDIF, then burn the resulting file(s) to CD for sneakernet to yor system.

February 22nd, 2003, 12:50 PM	#6
Christopher Go Major Player Join Date: Nov 2002 Location: Honolulu, HI Posts: 429	Here is another product you can consider from Edirol for digital transfer from the DAT to a computer: http://www.edirol.com/products/info/ua1d.html Not sure about the studio DAT question.