TASCAM DVRA1000 High-Resolution Audio/DSD Master Recorder
No longer available at zZounds
High-quality stereo recording at up to 192kHz/24-bit or DSD format. Records to DVD+RW, CD-R/RW media. Multiband compression and 3-band EQ mixdown effects.
Overview
The new TASCAM DV-RA1000 recorder is a professional solution for recording high-resolution audio -- up to 192kHz/24-bit -- to inexpensive DVD media. The new recorder even features Sony's DSD format, the basis for audiophile Super Audio CDs, as an available recording format. Its professional I/O includes balanced XLR connections, AES/EBU and SDIF-3, and it records standard CD-DA, WAVE and DSDIFF files to CD and DVD discs. The DV-RA1000 can also operate as a professional CD recorder, recording standard audio CDs for studio or meeting room installations.
The DV-RA1000 features digital recording formats from CD audio resolution all the way up to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD recording -- the formats used by DVD Audio and Super Audio CD. This rackmount stereo recorder features a user-friendly design on the front panel and professional connections on the back. Advanced features like a USB 2.0 connector, RS-232 serial control and multiband compression and EQ establish the DV-RA1000 as the new standard for studio mixdown recorders.
Features
High-quality stereo recording at up 192kHz/24-bit or DSD format
Records to DVD+RW, CD-R/RW media
Multiband compression and 3-band EQ mixdown effects
USB 2.0 connection to PC for use as DVD data drive
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs
Balanced AES/EBU inputs and outputs, running at normal, double-speed and double-wire formats
SDIF-3 DSD input and output for external conversion and processing of DSD audio
Word Sync In, Out, Thru… read more
RS-232C serial control
PS/2 keyboard connector for title editing
User-definable function keys
Large, backlit LCD display
Records to standard CD-DA, Broadcast Wave and DSDIFF formats
Dedicated input level control and adjustable maximum output level
+/- 6% pitch control
Fade in/out
Power on play feature
Various play and record modes such as auto track increment, auto cue, auto ready, single/continuous play and program A/B play.
Wired remote control (RC-RA1000) included
Headphone output
Frequently Asked Questions about the DV-RA1000
Q: What is DSD
A: Direct Stream Digital is a digital format devised by Sony for the Super Audio CD player. It plays audio at 2.822MHz, or 64 times the rate of a traditional 44.1KHz CD. It is a 1-bit signal, unlike the 16-bit signal of a CD. Many audiophiles agree that DSD has the best sound quality of any digital format, and better than any analog format as well.
Q: Does the DV-RA1000 record Super Audio CD or DVD-Audio discs?
A: No. It records audio files that are ideal for mastering to DVD-Audio (DVD-A) or Super Audio CD (SACD). However, discs recorded in the DV-RA1000 cannot be played in an SACD or DVD-A player.
Q: Does it play SACD or DVD-A discs?
A: No, it will play DV-RA1000 discs or CDs.
Q: Can I record and play back CDs
A: Yes, the DV-RA1000 records standard CDs.
Q: Does it record DVD Video files that I can play in a DVD player?
A: No, there is no video on the unit and DV-RA1000 discs can't be played in a DVD player.
Q: What can I do with the discs?
A: The discs can be played in any computer with a DVD-ROM drive capable of playing DVD+RW discs. It creates UDF discs, a standard format read by virtually all computer platforms, including Mac, Windows and Linux. The files recorded are Broadcast Wave (.WAV) or DSDIFF (.DFF) files.
Q: How long can I record to DVD+RW
A: The recording times are:
-- 44.1kHz/24-bit (290 min.)
-- 48kHz/24-bit (267 min.)
-- 88.2kHz/24-bit (144 min.)
-- 96kHz/24-bit (133 min.)
-- 176.4kHz/24-bit (72 min.)
-- 192kHz/24-bit (66 min.)
-- DSD (2.8224MHz/1-bit, 109 min.)
Q: Can I record at higher sample rates than 44.1k/16-bit to CD
A: No, recording to CD is only possible at "Red Book" audio CD resolution. The CD you record can be played in any CD player.
Q: How big is the hard drive?
A: There is no hard drive, the DV-RA1000 records directly to DVD or CD.
Q; Does the DV-RA1000 record and play back true Direct Stream Digital, or is it converted from PCM
A: TASCAM worked with Sony to create a true DSD recorder. The A/D and D/A converters output true DSD resolution in addition to PCM signals. The A/D is a Burr Brown PCM1804, and the D/A is a DSD1792.
Q: What is the control port?
A: This is an RS-232C-compatible jack that can be connected to systems like Crestron and AMX. Programming codes to control the recorder will be posted to tascamcontractor.com.
Q: What is a DSDIFF file?
A: A DSDIFF file is the standard file used for DSD recording. It can be read by DSD computer systems, such as Sony Sonoma, Philips SA-CD Creator and Sadie.
Q: What is an SDIF-3 jack?
A: This is used for digital connection to DSD computer systems or converters.
Q: How is 192kHz/24-bit audio sent digitally?
A: The AES/EBU connectors are capable of dual-speed/double-wire operation.
Q: How does the DV-RA1000 handle editing and DSP if it records directly to a disc?
A: You can edit, trim and process audio using a DVD+RW disc. If necessary, the audio is re-written to the disc. read less
The DV-RA1000 features digital recording formats from CD audio resolution all the way up to 192kHz/24-bit and DSD recording -- the formats used by DVD Audio and Super Audio CD. This rackmount stereo recorder features a user-friendly design on the front panel and professional connections on the back. Advanced features like a USB 2.0 connector, RS-232 serial control and multiband compression and EQ establish the DV-RA1000 as the new standard for studio mixdown recorders.
Features
High-quality stereo recording at up 192kHz/24-bit or DSD format
Records to DVD+RW, CD-R/RW media
Multiband compression and 3-band EQ mixdown effects
USB 2.0 connection to PC for use as DVD data drive
Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA inputs and outputs
Balanced AES/EBU inputs and outputs, running at normal, double-speed and double-wire formats
SDIF-3 DSD input and output for external conversion and processing of DSD audio
Word Sync In, Out, Thru… read more
RS-232C serial control
PS/2 keyboard connector for title editing
User-definable function keys
Large, backlit LCD display
Records to standard CD-DA, Broadcast Wave and DSDIFF formats
Dedicated input level control and adjustable maximum output level
+/- 6% pitch control
Fade in/out
Power on play feature
Various play and record modes such as auto track increment, auto cue, auto ready, single/continuous play and program A/B play.
Wired remote control (RC-RA1000) included
Headphone output
Frequently Asked Questions about the DV-RA1000
Q: What is DSD
A: Direct Stream Digital is a digital format devised by Sony for the Super Audio CD player. It plays audio at 2.822MHz, or 64 times the rate of a traditional 44.1KHz CD. It is a 1-bit signal, unlike the 16-bit signal of a CD. Many audiophiles agree that DSD has the best sound quality of any digital format, and better than any analog format as well.
Q: Does the DV-RA1000 record Super Audio CD or DVD-Audio discs?
A: No. It records audio files that are ideal for mastering to DVD-Audio (DVD-A) or Super Audio CD (SACD). However, discs recorded in the DV-RA1000 cannot be played in an SACD or DVD-A player.
Q: Does it play SACD or DVD-A discs?
A: No, it will play DV-RA1000 discs or CDs.
Q: Can I record and play back CDs
A: Yes, the DV-RA1000 records standard CDs.
Q: Does it record DVD Video files that I can play in a DVD player?
A: No, there is no video on the unit and DV-RA1000 discs can't be played in a DVD player.
Q: What can I do with the discs?
A: The discs can be played in any computer with a DVD-ROM drive capable of playing DVD+RW discs. It creates UDF discs, a standard format read by virtually all computer platforms, including Mac, Windows and Linux. The files recorded are Broadcast Wave (.WAV) or DSDIFF (.DFF) files.
Q: How long can I record to DVD+RW
A: The recording times are:
-- 44.1kHz/24-bit (290 min.)
-- 48kHz/24-bit (267 min.)
-- 88.2kHz/24-bit (144 min.)
-- 96kHz/24-bit (133 min.)
-- 176.4kHz/24-bit (72 min.)
-- 192kHz/24-bit (66 min.)
-- DSD (2.8224MHz/1-bit, 109 min.)
Q: Can I record at higher sample rates than 44.1k/16-bit to CD
A: No, recording to CD is only possible at "Red Book" audio CD resolution. The CD you record can be played in any CD player.
Q: How big is the hard drive?
A: There is no hard drive, the DV-RA1000 records directly to DVD or CD.
Q; Does the DV-RA1000 record and play back true Direct Stream Digital, or is it converted from PCM
A: TASCAM worked with Sony to create a true DSD recorder. The A/D and D/A converters output true DSD resolution in addition to PCM signals. The A/D is a Burr Brown PCM1804, and the D/A is a DSD1792.
Q: What is the control port?
A: This is an RS-232C-compatible jack that can be connected to systems like Crestron and AMX. Programming codes to control the recorder will be posted to tascamcontractor.com.
Q: What is a DSDIFF file?
A: A DSDIFF file is the standard file used for DSD recording. It can be read by DSD computer systems, such as Sony Sonoma, Philips SA-CD Creator and Sadie.
Q: What is an SDIF-3 jack?
A: This is used for digital connection to DSD computer systems or converters.
Q: How is 192kHz/24-bit audio sent digitally?
A: The AES/EBU connectors are capable of dual-speed/double-wire operation.
Q: How does the DV-RA1000 handle editing and DSP if it records directly to a disc?
A: You can edit, trim and process audio using a DVD+RW disc. If necessary, the audio is re-written to the disc. read less
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-726-0303
Web: https://tascam.com/us/support/contact
Phone: 323-726-0303
Web: https://tascam.com/us/support/contact
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars.
(16 ratings)
Submitted February 22, 2006 by a customer from sbcglobal.net
"I does what it is supposed to, and it does it well."
This review has been selected by our experts as particularly helpful.
As a DAT replacement, this machine is your best option. If you are looking for mastering studio in a box, try a "Masterlink" or one of those nifty Portawhatevers. The DV-RA1000 is a great stereo location recorder, and doesn't pretend to be anything else.
Sound
Absolutely the best sound quality of any portable stereo recorder.
Features
Lacking in internal features because it does not have a hard drive. CD's can only record at 16/44.1. Does not support DVD-RW or DVD-RAM. However, the media can be read by any computer with a DVD drive (no need to re-record to your DAW), and the DV-RA1000 can be used as a DVD rom drive via USB.
One big plus is the onboard compressor/limiter which can be set for record or playback (saves your hide sometimes)
Ease of Use
Requires extensive setup and formating (this machine is for advanced users only). If the file information is not correctly written after a recording, all the information could be lost. (I lost an entire recording because I did not push stop before the disk ran out of space).
Quality
Other than the questionable file information problems, this machine is as reliable as your trusty old DAT. Never any recording glitches sometimes found on CD recorders.
Value
The only DSD solution on the market today under 5 grand.
Manufacturer Support
As with most pro-audio companies, customer support is slow and not very helpful.
The Wow Factor
Looks great, dazzles all the sound tech guys I meet.
Musical Background:
Composer, Recording Engineer
Musical Style:
Orchestral, Acoustic
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No longer available at zZounds
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