This is a "real world" manual for the Tascam DTRS compatible recorders (DA-88, DA-78HR et al), designed to summarize the most important facts necessary to using this system, and to explain candidly what the manufacturers have not. Tascam has created a great format but like any recording medium, there are tricks to using it efficiently. So, I've summarized my findings for fellow engineers and studios (it's around 11,000 words so far). This should flatten the learning curve for those new to the format and provide further insight for everyone. It's designed as a more readable complement to the original Tascam manuals, which are no longer available on Tascam's website. I have a few original manuals for download (at the bottom of this page); others might be available for purchase through Tascam's parts department.

When I first invested in this format in 1993, my aim was to use it for remote multitrack recording, and the length of tape alone was a big factor in my decision. Since then, it has proven to sound great and perform reliably. The format has become widely adopted by the video post-production community and has spawned many offspring including 24-bit machines.

Of course all great things must come to an end. As of 2007, the DTRS format is finally in decline. It is still used in video post-production and remote recording environments, but many music-only recording studios have moved on to hard drive recorders. Tape is still available, but not as easy to find.

There are eight chapters to the guide:

1. Equipment Overview
   • DTRS Compatibles: Tascam DA-98, DA-38, Sony PCM-800, the Tascam DA-78HR, DA-98HR, and DS-D98
   • Tascam accessories
   • Third Party accessories and 24-bit recording
   • Cables
2. The Day Before
   • Hi-8 tape formulation and suggested brands
   • Cleaning the heads
   • Formatting tapes
3. Session Setup: DA-88 Connections
   • Setting up a multiple DA-88 system
   • Analog and digital audio in/out
   • AC power
4. DA-88 Hidden Functions
5. DA-88 Error Messages
6. SY-88 Hidden Timecode Sub-menu
7. Special Report: The Tascam DA-78HR 24-bit DTRS
   • How to avoid errors with the right tape
   • Software updates
   • Timecode track does not stay in record
   • Replacing the battery and "premature battery death"
   • Balanced input can't take "impedance balanced" signal
   • Wordclock termination
   • Mixer output unity gain level
   • How to reprogram the startup message
8. Tascam DA-38 Tips

For further reference: the DA-88 Manual, the original SY-88 manual, the SY-88 v4 supplement, the DA-78HR manual, the DA-78HR QuickStart guide, the RC-848 remote v4 manual, the RC-898 remote manual, and the DSub pinout.