DAT tapestreamer ripping

[OneyedK]

Is there a way to use a DAT tapestreamer to "rip" the audio content of a DAT-tape to a PC?

The reason I'm asking this is that I have several recordings I made myself on DAT-tape that I'd like to have on HDD and/or CD.
I don't know how long DAT-tapes can be stored but I wouldn't want to lose these recordings.

[peranders]

Does the DAT have a digital output? If yes, you can plug the DAT into a soundcard with a digital input or to a Macintosh

[OneyedK]

Originally posted by peranders
Does the DAT have a digital output? If yes, you can plug the DAT into a soundcard with a digital input or to a Macintosh

Yes, it's a Sony DTC-690, but making realtime copies would take me about two months!!!
Not to mention the jittery output of the DTC-690 and the not exactly top-notch performance of my soundcard...

[phofman]

That is why you would need a sound card with digital input.

[Zero Cool]

And data DAT's have a different tracking system or track pitch then Audio DAT's. there is lots of info on the web about this. I looked into this years ago and there were reasons why no one does it...

[peranders]

Originally posted by OneyedK
Yes, it's a Sony DTC-690, but making realtime copies would take me about two months!!!

Is it possible with high speed copies , don't think so.

Originally posted by phofman
That is why you would need a sound card with digital input.

.. and this is not particulary expensive.

[OneyedK]

Originally posted by phofman
That is why you would need a sound card with digital input.

I'm using Egosys U2A, SP-DIFF copper input.

Originally posted by Zero Cool
And data DAT's have a different tracking system or track pitch then Audio DAT's. there is lots of info on the web about this. I looked into this years ago and there were reasons why no one does it...

Ah, I didn't know that. Tracking system and track pitch can be adjusted, I suppose?!

[dangus]

Well, with software that supports timed recordings (like Audacity 1.33) you can leave the system recording unattended. I've got a library of live audio recordings made on VHS HiFi and that's what I'm doing.

There must be such a thing as an autoloader for audio DATs, but I'm guessing it would be the sort of thing you'd only find in the broadcast industry or in duplication plants. I see a couple of computer DAT changers for sale on eBay... possibly a clever person could use the mechanism from one of those to feed an audio DAT drive.

[OneyedK]

Originally posted by dangus
Well, with software that supports timed recordings (like Audacity 1.33) you can leave the system recording unattended. I've got a library of live audio recordings made on VHS HiFi and that's what I'm doing.

There must be such a thing as an autoloader for audio DATs, but I'm guessing it would be the sort of thing you'd only find in the broadcast industry or in duplication plants. I see a couple of computer DAT changers for sale on eBay... possibly a clever person could use the mechanism from one of those to feed an audio DAT drive.

The DTC-690 has a loading system that is not compatible with any of those auto-loaders...
If I have to do it realtime, I'd better borrow some R500's and a ADAT-interface + AES bridge for my PC. It would be a huge setup, but it would save me a lot of time...