The Akai DR1200 Digital Recorder was a 12-track modular digital audio recorder introduced in 1990 as the core of Akai’s A-DAM (Akai Digital Audio Multitrack) system. Positioned as an affordable alternative to competing digital multitrack solutions of the era, the Akai DR1200 offered professional digital recording capabilities in a compact, rackmountable format.
It used widely available 8mm Hi8 video tape as its recording medium, providing studios with a reliable and accessible solution for digital audio storage. The Akai DR1200 supported 12 tracks of digital audio per machine and allowed system expansion up to 36 tracks by linking multiple units.
The Akai DR1200 recorded at 16-bit linear resolution with switchable 44.1kHz and 48kHz sampling rates, delivering a dynamic range exceeding 90dB. The system featured Reed-Solomon error correction and a robust SMPTE synchronisation interface, ensuring dependable operation in professional studio environments. The DR1200 was fully compatible with SMPTE synchronisers, allowing seamless integration with other timecode-based equipment used in post-production and multitrack recording setups of the time.
Designed for versatility, the Akai DR1200 included 12 analogue inputs and outputs, available via balanced XLR and unbalanced AUX connections, as well as AES/EBU digital I/O. It supported tape-based non-linear access and incorporated CTL (control) tracks for precise location referencing, eliminating the need for external synchronisation when operating multiple machines. The Akai DR1200 utilised 8mm MP video cassettes, including the PS-60 MP and PS-96 MP formats, with up to 90 minutes of recording time per tape.
Akai was among the first to adopt the Hi8 video tape format for digital audio recording, years before Tascam’s success with its DA-88 system, which also used Hi8 tapes. However, the two formats were not compatible, as each manufacturer implemented its own proprietary data format on the tape. While Akai’s A-DAM system pioneered the use of Hi8 tapes for modular digital multitrack recording, it was Tascam’s DA-88 system that later achieved broader market acceptance.
As part of the larger A-DAM system, the Akai DR1200 was typically paired with the DL1200 Programmable System Controller and the DM1200 Meter Bridge. The Akai DL1200 provided control over up to three Akai DR1200 units, acting as a 104-memory autolocator and central hub for multi-machine operation. Meanwhile, the DM1200 offered advanced metering and visual feedback for precise monitoring across expanded systems.
Despite its forward-thinking design and specifications, the Akai DR1200 faced stiff competition from systems like the Alesis ADAT and Tascam DA-88, both of which capitalised on similar Hi8 tape technology and modular expandability. While it did not achieve the widespread adoption of its competitors, the Akai DR1200 represents an important chapter in early 1990s digital recording history, marking Akai’s significant contribution to the evolution of digital multitrack recording technology.
- Tracks: 12-track digital audio recording per unit
- Expandable: Link up to three units for 36-track operation
- Recording medium: 8mm Hi8 video tape (MP type), using the A-DAM format
- Compatibility: Not compatible with Tascam DA-88 or Alesis ADAT formats
- Sampling rates: 44.1kHz and 48kHz
- Bit depth: 16-bit linear
- Dynamic range: Greater than 90dB
- Error correction: Double Reed-Solomon code
- Timecode support: Fully compatible with SMPTE synchronisers
- Control track: Built-in CTL track for non-linear access and machine synchronisation
- Analogue inputs: 12 channels (XLR balanced and AUX unbalanced)
- Analogue outputs: 12 channels (XLR balanced and AUX unbalanced)
- Digital I/O: AES/EBU format
- System control: DL1200 Programmable System Controller with 104-memory autolocator
- Monitoring: DM1200 Meter Bridge for detailed visual level monitoring
- Tape types: Compatible with PS-60 MP and PS-96 MP tapes
- Recording time: Up to 90 minutes per tape
- Drum speed: 1800 rpm
- Tape speed: 10.38 mm/sec
- Frequency response: 20Hz to 20kHz (+0, -1.2dB)
- Distortion: Less than 0.005% (-15dB full scale)
- Crosstalk: Less than -80dB (1kHz)
- Sync features: No external synchroniser required for multi-machine operation (up to 36 tracks)
- Rackmountable: 7U height
