Tascam DVRA1000 High-Resolution Audio/DSD Master Recorder

Product Description

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

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. zZounds is an authorized dealer of Tascam products.