DAT tapes are a type of audio recording format that was popular among recording professionals in the 1990s. They were famous for the perfect, lossless copies they could record but were also too expensive compared to CDs to gain wide popularity with consumers.
In this article, we look at DAT tapes, how they work, what they were used for, and what you can do with any tapes you own today.
WHAT IS A DAT TAPE?
DAT stands for Digital Audio Tape. It was developed in the mid-1980s to replace the much larger analog Compact Cassettes and could record audio at a number of different quality levels. Unlike other digital recording devices, it could also create exact clones of a digital source without any loss.
However, with high quality came high prices. For this reason, the format never achieved much commercial success. The music industry also disliked the format as it allowed people to make perfect copies of songs and albums rather than buy their own copies.
While popular, DAT was not the first commercially available digital audio tape. This title belongs to Soundstream’s system which was released in 1976.
HOW DOES A DIGITAL AUDIO TAPE WORK?
DAT recorders convert audio signals to digital data and store them on a magnetic tape. When a digital audio tape is played, the data changes into analog signals again so the stereo sound system can use them.
The tapes use a helical-scan recording method, like video cassette recorders, which allows them to record at very high densities. This means the tape has more information on it, which translates to high-quality audio. Early DAT cassettes could hold up to 8GB of data.
DAT tapes were popular because of their superior sound quality, suitability for editing and processing tools, data cloning abilities, and data storage capabilities.
IS HDCAM GOOD QUALITY?
HDCAM could produce very high-quality footage and was even a member of the CineAlta family (a range of products aimed at the cinema industry). It was well-suited to both television and cinema recording because it offered multiple frame rate options: 23.98p, 24p, 25p, 30p, and interlaced frame rates of 50i and 59.94i.
It uses 3:1:1 color sampling and records a 7:1 compressed signal to the tape at 135 MB per second. While HDCAM was outdone by the products that came after it, it definitely provided high-quality footage for the time.
WHAT WERE DAT TAPES USED FOR?
Because of their high quality, DAT tapes were popular in the professional audio recording industry. Many of the archives they created in the 1990s are still used today, though the tapes are approaching the end of their lives. So, most archives are in the process of being transferred to computer-based storage. They were also used by radio broadcasters such as the BBC.
While DAT tapes weren’t a massive hit with consumers, some people did use them to record live music. Even though it was designed to store audio, the tape could also be used to store general data thanks to the ISO Digital Data Storage standard. Sony capitalized on this and even released a computer-grade version of the tape called DDS (Digital Data Storage).
ARE DAT TAPES STILL USED?
DAT tapes aren’t used much anymore. All Sony DAT machines were discontinued in 2005, while blank DAT tapes were last made in 2015. As such, old audio archives are probably the only DAT tapes still in use. Consumers used CDs rather than DAT tapes, so they’re uncommon in family collections too.
HOW TO PLAY A DIGITAL AUDIO TAPE
There are several types of DAT machines made by companies like Sony, Fostex, and Tascam. They’re generally only available second-hand, however, so can be hard to find. Sony, for example, stopped making DAT equipment in 2005.
Even if you find a machine, keeping it in working condition can be difficult since the parts are no longer manufactured. If you do have all the equipment and plan to record some audio, it would probably be best to back it up on other formats too so you don’t lose it.
HOW LONG DO DIGITAL AUDIO TAPES LAST?
Blank DAT tapes were discontinued in 2015, so even the newest digital audio tapes are almost 10 years old now and won’t last forever. The tape can become moldy, damaged, or experience sticky shed syndrome.
Once tapes are damaged, you may not be able to listen to them or transfer the data, so it’s important to back them up if you don’t want to lose the recordings. When you have safe copies of the data, you can use the tapes freely until the end of their lives.
HOW DO I CONVERT A DAT TAPE TO DIGITAL?
Because DAT tapes are old and require special equipment, the safest way to digitize them is to work with professionals. At EverPresent, we only use the highest-quality deck from vendors like Sony to transfer DAT tapes. We can transfer them to .mp3 files, 24-bit .wav files, and more.
No project is too small or too big for us, so please reach out if you have some DAT tapes you want to digitize.
About Vanessa Boucher
Vanessa Boucher has personally helped over 500 families share memories and history through unique projects as a consultant and Marketing Manager for Brand & Engagement at EverPresent, the nation’s leading digital photo organizing company. A graphic/web designer and crafting enthusiast, Vanessa is one of the thought leaders behind EverPresent’s innovative website and blog, where she shares best practices and tips on topics ranging from digitizing irreplaceable memorabilia to creating stunning photo books