Tascam DA-6400 Series 64-Channel Digital Multitrack Recorder

OVERVIEW

Tascam's DA-6400 is an all-new 64-track recorder that records to an internal SSD drive caddy for live and event recording. Professional I/O options like MADI and DANTE make it ideal for live recording, event capture, or as a backup for critical DAW sessions. Available with a single or dual/redundant power supply, the DA-6400 is an unbeatable option for professional remote recording.

Included with the DA-6400 is an AK-CC25 hot-swappable caddy containing a high-performance 240GB Tascam solid-state drive. The caddy includes a USB 3 jack for stand-alone use - simply hand the drive to the client to offload the BWAV files into their DAW session. The DA-6400 records 64 tracks at 48kHz/24-bit or 32 tracks at 96kHz/24-bit. Included on the rear panel are SMPTE timecode, word clock, RS-422, parallel and Ethernet connections. I/O options for the DA-6400 include the IF-MA64/EX interface card, with both coaxial and optical MADI connections.

This card includes a redundant coaxial connection so that MADI is passed through even if power is lost, making it an ideal backup recorder for DAW sessions. Other I/O options include the lower-cost IF-MA64/BN coaxial MADI card, IF-DA64 Dante Card, and IF-AE16 AES/EBU card, with more to come. No dedicated recorder combines the high performance, flexible operation, and complete reliability of Tascam's DA-6400 solid-state 64-track recorder.

Stable, Reliable 64-Channel Digital Multitrack Recorder

The DA-6400 uses an embedded operating system for quick startup and simple operation. The system is designed for reliable recording when using high sampling rate and large amounts of data transmission. Files are saved approximately every 20 seconds during recording, so data losses due to unexpected power supply interruptions are kept to a minimum. Recording and playback is supported at up to 96kHz/24-bit (32 tracks) for incredibly detailed master tracks.

The DA-6400 records to solid-state drives (SSD), the ideal format due to their excellent vibration protection, environment resistance, and simple, maintenance-free operation. Tascam has created our own SSD, designed for and thoroughly tested with DA-6400 records without the automatic "housekeeping" features that can cause disks to drop out of record. Internal components, including IC control elements, have been carefully selected and constantly tested lot by lot with the manufacturers to maintain quality specifications.

The included 240GB SSD is pre-installed into a removable AK-CC25 storage case. Using the swappable bay in the DA-6400 unit, drives can be hot-swapped and then given to clients. The AK-CC25 case includes a USB 3 jack for rapid transfer to DAW systems.

Another feature designed to maintain reliable recording is the high-precision internal sample clock, a temperature-compensated (TCXO) crystal oscillator with +/-1ppm operation. For the most critical installations, a dual power supply version is available separately.

The Ideal Backup Recorder

The DA-6400 can receive timecode from a Pro Tools system for backup recording with synchronized operation. Using serial or parallel control, you can start DA-6400 recording operations from Pro Tools. In a studio or live system that supports MADI, you can use the IF-MA64/EX audio interface card. It supports MADI thru to include a DA-6400 between a mixing desk and Pro Tools. The IF-MA64/EX features a fully-redundant MADI thru, sending MADI from the input to another device even if the power is disconnected.

No matter which interface you use, a DA-6400 can be installed for a compact, lightweight backup instead of purchasing a second complete system. Dante and AES/EBU interface cards are also available -- with more formats comings soon- and two card slots allow the unit to support multiple I/O protocols. With one-rackspace footprint and simple BWF transfer to DAW systems, the DA-6400 fits into any professional installation.

Multi-Channel Playback

Tascam's DA-6400 is the ideal candidate for multi-track playback in installations. The solid-state drive won't wear out after months of use, and the unit can be controlled through serial, parallel, ethernet, or timecode. The SMPTE generator can be used as a master device at any standard frame rate - 24, 25, 29.97DF, 29.97NDF, 30DF, or 30NDF.

Gigabit ethernet is offered for remote control and file transfer. FTP can be used to push files to the device or to retrieve recordings from Mac, Windows or UNIX systems. A built-in FTP client is also included for transferring files to remote servers. SNTP support can also automatically update the clock from internet time sources.

Serial RS-422 (P2) and parallel control is also included for use in post, broadcast, or recording studio operation.