DA20

About the DA20

The Tascam DA-20 is a 3U rack-mountable DAT recorder designed for professional and semi-professional audio applications. It supports recording and playback at 32kHz (long play), 44.1kHz (CD standard), and 48kHz (DAT standard) sampling frequencies. The unit features unbalanced RCA analog inputs and outputs, coaxial S/PDIF digital I/O, and a rotary sendust head mechanism. It includes a 16-bit linear A/D and D/A converter, providing clear, solid sound with low distortion (0.0045% THD) and a dynamic range of 91dB. The DA-20 supports SCMS copy protection override, allowing unrestricted digital copying, and offers features such as track naming, TOC (table of contents) creation, margin counter display, timer record/repeat play, and a wireless remote control (RC-D20). The transport mechanism is fast and reliable, with high-speed search capabilities. The device weighs 7.8 kg and measures 482 x 133 x 379 mm. It was produced circa 1995-1997 and has since been discontinued. The DA-20 is noted for its robust build quality, professional features, and affordability compared to other DAT machines of its era.