DAT tapes to Imac computer

Hi. I am new to this forum. I am a 69 year old professional jazz musician with over 100 DAT tape recordings I would like to move over to my IMAC computer so I can listen to them for possible future releases. I have 2 DAT decks: One is a Tascam DA 20 and the other is a Technics SV DA 10. Is there any way to move these recordings over to my computer? It appears they both have digital coaxial inputs and outputs but as I am not an engineer I do not exactly know what that means? My IMAC is from 2017. I have an ethernet cable connected for high speed internet and a Scarlett 4X4 audio interface which allows me to teach online and perform in real time on online. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

 

Connect the Scarlett to the iMac via USB. Connect the analog out from either DAT deck to the Scarlett analog inputs (front or back panel). You'll need a pair of "RCA-to-TS" cables:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000068O17/

Play DAT and record using whatever recording software is available on your iMac, e.g. GarageBand.

 

Consult local websites or brick and mortar stores for suppliers who routinely sell studio and recording equipment. Browse for, or ask their advice for, a USB interface which will accept a digital input from the digital output from your Tascam/Technics.

Alternatively, FWIW, my method is to use a standalone recorder connected to the DAT machine. I used to use an Alesis Masterlink, now a Tascam DA-3000. Any of the Tascam solid-state recorders will do the same job. Saves having to move the DAT to the computer room, or the computer to the DAT room.

Record to the standalone recorder using digital input, this will save your DAT tape as a WAV file. Use a USB stick to transfer the WAV files from the standalone to the PC. Then edit them if necessary with Audacity, or other DAW software.

Depends on how much you want to spend on the project, but I assume the tapes are important to you, so it's worth doing properly

 

All I can add is that you should do it as soon as possible, DAT tapes are not a secure choice for long term reliable storage and if you do release anything on a physical format vinyl is the way ahead.

 

I used to use a coax/usb interface box called an Opcode Datport. Not sure what is currently available, the last time I used mine was 2001 and I think they went out of business. Ive also got a Technics SVDA-10.

 

I concur. DAT is/was the most fragile format I ever owned.

I treated them well, but the portable machines became misaligned and misbehaved long before they should have.

 

Thanks. I just ordered the cable! Glad I joined this web site!!!! Great advice.

 

Thanks. This is a great idea. Will look into a stand alone recorder. Could I use my Ipad or Iphone???

 

To transfer the files? I don't think so. USB sticks are cheap and readily available.

 

Back in the day, I transferred all of my DAT collection to CD using a Denon CD recorder. Then I ripped the CD's onto my server later on. So I have both digital and physical media. But that's stick and stones from years ago.

 

Back in the day, you could also use a DDS2 backup drive and the right software on SGI, MAC, or Linux to rip the digital audio right off the tape (which should be the same digital that comes out of SPDIF you can digitally record.)

>20 year old hardware and software required.

 

I have done similar with my minidiscs. Recorded them to CD-RW and then ripped. Excellent results, as always depending on source quality. I still do this on occasion, when needed. I should think that DAT > CD would be even better. I haven't saved all that many of the minis, though. Nothing wrong with a little old-schooledness!

 

Unfortunately, that dual well Denon CD recorder bit the dust pretty quickly. I still have my Denon DTR2000g anniversary edition DAT machine. It actually works still but some of the tapes are toast. Glad I did it when I did it.

 

Double DAC chips on that Denon DAT, which is enshrined on TVK:
Denon DTR-2000G on thevintageknob.org
For some reason, the audio gods whispered in my ear every time I considered getting rid of any of my three standalone CD recorders. Like their owner, they are at times cranky, but basically still work.

 

Cool link. Thanks! Yes, mine has the 80th anniversary badge along with the plug in side wood panels. It is the Japanese version and needs the electric converter. All this talk about it and I might set it up this weekend for fun!

 

I guess you should—sounds like a fun thing to do! I have a gold, Japan-version Sony MXD-D400 CD/MD deck that requires a 120 > 100 v. converter. Glad you liked the link. I have spent countless hours there, usually when I was getting paid to do something else.

 

I used to have a device for this made by Onkyo. Accepted digital toslink and coaxial connections from DAT decks, etc, and routed them via USB into a computer. Worked natively with the Mac. Unfortunately, it seems no one makes a device like this anymore. Everything is digital OUT only (tons of DACs that do this).

While using RCA outputs from the DAT deck will work, it's converting the signal to analog first. Then it's getting re-digitized in the converter. A pure digital connection eliminates the D/A conversion.

 

There's loads of them out there. Just need to look in the professional suppliers, not domestic.

 

I've looked but have not any luck finding one. I'm talking the simple small interfaces, not a whole rack mount unit.

 

I think MOTU probably has something small that would work.

 

Zoom U-44 has SPDIF toslink and RCA ins and outs. $180.

 

Wow - this is the first one I've seen still on the market. And even here in NYC. Thanks for the find.

Of course, now it led me to this one too:

ESI U24 XL - USB Digital Audio Interface

 

Cool, never heard of that one. Looks perfectly functional for SPDIF transfers.

 

I just bought one of these actually. The price point and S/PDIF In/Out sold me on it. Mac OS is supported so this would suit the OPs needs. I plan on dumping my DAT masters to HD, before my DATs and/or my decks give up the ghost. Have yet to use it though, maybe this weekend.

 

Ha ha, back in the day I ripped LPs to Cassette....