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Description

Step into the realm of high-fidelity audio with the TASCAM DA-20mkII, a versatile addition to your studio recording gear that combines classic function with modern flexibility. Designed for those who seek to preserve their sonic creations in pristine digital audio tape (DAT) format, this recorder offers a robust set of features that appeal to both budding and seasoned audio engineers alike.

The DA-20mkII stands out with its S/PDIF digital I/O, allowing for seamless connections and transfers of digital audio signals without the hassle of conversion loss. This ensures your recordings maintain their clarity and depth, offering an experience that mirrors live sound.

Perfectly suited for professional and home studios, this DAT recorder includes selectable recording rates of 48kHz, 44.1kHz, and 32kHz, catering to various production needs. With the added convenience of an infrared remote and rack-ready design, managing and organizing your audio projects becomes a breeze. The DA-20mkII also features a high-speed search function, enabled by its table of contents information, making it quick and easy to locate specific tracks or sections.

Whether you're archiving live gigs, mastering your latest track, or simply exploring the world of high-resolution audio, the TASCAM DA-20mkII is an indispensable tool that blends reliability, performance, and affordability.

Key Features:

  • Same D/A converter as the DA-30mkII
  • S/PDIF digital I/O for high-quality signal transfer
  • Infrared remote included for convenient operation
  • Rack-ready design for easy studio integration
  • Selectable recording rates: 48kHz, 44.1kHz, and 32kHz
  • High-speed search capabilities with table of contents information
  • Repeat and programmable playback functions
  • Sync to Q codes for precise start ID recording
  • Alphanumeric recording capability for up to 60 characters per start ID
  • SCMS-free recording with easy toggle function
Cheap Old Hi-Fi (HiFi reviews)

Cheap Old Hi-Fi (HiFi reviews)

TASCAM DA-20 mk II - powerful but still basic digital audio recorder

Video thumbnail for TASCAM DA-20 mk II - powerful but still basic digital audio recorder by Cheap Old Hi-Fi (HiFi reviews)

TASCAM DA-20 mk II - powerful but still basic digital audio recorder

Cheap Old Hi-Fi (HiFi reviews)

Cheap Old Hi-Fi (HiFi reviews)

Video thumbnail for TASCAM DA-20 mk II - great basic DAT with a long play (LP) mode by Cheap Old Hi-Fi (HiFi reviews)

TASCAM DA-20 mk II - great basic DAT with a long play (LP) mode

Cheap Old Hi-Fi (HiFi reviews)

Cheap Old Hi-Fi (HiFi reviews)

Reviews

Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about TASCAM DA-20mkII.

Setup and maintenance

  • DAT machines, including the TASCAM DA-20mkII, require regular cleaning and maintenance due to their miniaturized tape transports and heads.

    Source

Features and functionality

  • The TASCAM DA-20mkII is noted for its SPDIF or optical output, crucial for preserving digital quality during transfers to HDD without analog conversion.

    Source

Software and compatibility

  • For transferring DAT audio to a PC, use WinDAT software with a DDS drive and an Adaptec SCSI card on a Windows 9x or XP machine.

    Source

Use cases and applications

  • DAT decks like the TASCAM DA-20mkII are preferred for playing back rare live recordings and bootlegs, which might include unreleased material.

    Source

User experience

  • DAT machines are known for being finicky, with a finite lifespan, requiring careful handling to avoid playback issues, especially after 20+ years.

    Source

Critic Reviews

Tascam DA20 MkII

soundonsound.com

The TASCAM DA-20mkII is a reliable upgrade to an already trusted DAT recorder, delivering good sound quality with useful new features like a switchable SCMS, improved error correction, and a clear user interface. It lacks balanced analogue I/O, limiting its professional appeal, but for project studios, it remains an excellent value.

positive

4.5 out of 5

Based on 0 Reviews and 7 Ratings

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Artist usage

Add artist
See how Autechre uses TASCAM DA-20mkII

Autechre

Music Producer

...
Verified via Mikebaas

Autechre is listed as using the TASCAM DA-20mkII DAT Recorder, which features analog I/O on unbalanced RCAs and digital I/O via SPDIF coax. This recorder supports all standard DAT recording modes, including 32kHz long play, 44.1kHz CD-compatible, and 48kHz DAT standard, as noted in the Autechre Gear List on Mikebaas.

See how Squarepusher uses TASCAM DA-20mkII

Squarepusher

Bassist, Music Producer

Squarepusher & AFX

...
Verified via YouTube

Right at the intro of the video, behind Tom we can see a lot of gear in a rack. One of those pieces is the Tascam DA-20 mkII. From the top to the bottom, it is the 3rd unit.

See how David Gray uses TASCAM DA-20mkII

David Gray

Singer, Guitarist

The Venus in Furs

...
Verified via Mixonline

For the mixdown, Polson and mixer George Holt borrowed an older series Soundcraft board that had a “cheap but warm” sound he prefers to the comparable Mackie. The Soundcraft, however, was quickly nicknamed “The Grumbler” because of a buzzing noise it made every few minutes due to a problem with the power supply. During the mixing, Polson had to stop to brush the corrosion off the wires. So they ended up mixing the album in Gray's front room to a Tascam DA-20 between the buzzes. “That and the drilling,” Polson laughs.

N

Norman Cook

Music Producer

Beats International

...
Verified via YouTube

In the video at 7:22, you can clearly see it in the rack.

See how Todd Edwards uses TASCAM DA-20mkII

Todd Edwards

Singer, Music Producer

...
Verified via YouTube

In this video, a Tascam DA-20 is briefly displayed at the 50-second mark during a studio tour with Todd Edwards, which was part of the Scion Musicless Music Conference 2011.

See how Michael Bradford uses TASCAM DA-20mkII

Michael Bradford

Guitarist, Composer

Uncle Kracker Band

...
Verified via Photo

In this photo taken in Mike's studio a Tascam DA20 DAT recorder is seen on his right rack.

Genre Usage

Based on how artists on Equipboard use this gear, it is most commonly found in the following genres.

Used With

Based on how musicians on Equipboard use TASCAM DA-20mkII, it is most commonly used with the following gear.

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2
Roland JV-2080 Synthesizer Module
Roland JV-2080 Synthesizer Module Synthesizers & Sound Modules
1
Roland VP-9000
Roland VP-9000 Audio Samplers
1
Akai S1100
Akai S1100 Audio Samplers
1
Audio-Technica AT4033
Audio-Technica AT4033 Condenser Microphones
1

Community setups

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hxs28

hxs28

Gear IQ 359

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