Audio Tape Conversion Service /DAT Tape Transfers

DAT Tape Transfers

We can digitally transfer your DAT tape to a digital .wav or .aiff file from any of the four sampling modes: standard 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz at 16 bits, and the more obscure 32 kHz at 12 bits. These .wav or .aiff files can then be played on any modern PC or Mac, can then be converted to mp3 or flac, or used for a remastering project. We can also write DAT tapes to CD-R. The vast majority of tapes recorded on DATs were at 16 bit, 44.1 KHz (CD quality). We use a the Panasonic SV-3700 and TASCAM DA-20MKII connected via Toslink to an audio interface for transfers. Contact us now for a quote and directions on sending us your DAT tapes for digital transfer services.

DAT RecorderDAT is a 2-channel (stereo) digital audio format introduced by Sony in 1987. The tape itself is 4mm in width, and the shell size is actually smaller than a standard cassette tape. DAT recorders were a staple in professional recording studios through most of the 90's, most often used for mixdowns from multitrack recording sessions from multitrack decks like 2" 24 track, 1/2" 16 track Reel-to-Reel decks, and ADAT or Tascam digital tape machines. They were less cumbersome than reel-to-reel analog, better quality than analog cassette, and they could be recorded in the same digital format (16bit, 44.1 KHz) that would ultimately get mastered to a final CD format. If you wanted a "CD quality" recording you needed to record to DAT, as was the logic. Some DAT machines were made for the consumer market as well.

DAT tapeSome of the most popular DAT cassette tapes include: Quantegy DAT-R034, Quantegy - DAT-R048, Sony - PDP-15C, Sony - PDP-35C, Sony PDP-125C, Sony DT120R, TDK DA-R120, TDK DA-R60, Maxell R-20DA, Maxell R-34DA, Maxell R-65DA, Maxell R-125DA, HHB DAT65, HHB DAT35, HHB DAT15, Fujifilm R-15, Ampex 467 R-120 and Apogee AD 124. Most often on these tapes you will see some sort of note on the label like "Stereo Mixdown", "1:1 Safety Copy", "Session Tape" or something of that nature. Contact us now for a quote and directions on sending us your tapes.

Audio Tape Transfer FAQ

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Why Choose Deep Signal Studios?

  • File conversion work and tape transfers can be tedious and frustrating. Your time as an artist is better spent working on your music and mixes on a platform you know.
  • All work is completed by certified engineers with over 20 years experience with DAWs, MIDI sequencers, notation software, synthesizers, samplers, and tape machines. We have comprehensive knowledge about everything that has come and gone, as well as all current and emerging platforms.
  • Services are performed by native English speakers in the recording capital of the world, Los Angeles, CA.
  • Your files are secure. All work is performed in-house and in strict confidentiality. Client files are archived for 30-days upon completion of the project, and promptly destroyed thereafter.