In 1987, Sony introduced the DTC-1000ES, which was the first-ever Digital Audio Tape (DAT) recorder. This groundbreaking device quickly gained popularity among both studios and musicians, as it provided them with the ability to create high-quality master recordings that could be sent directly to CD pressing plants.
The Sony DTC-1000ES was a revolutionary product that paved the way for a new era in audio recording technology, and it played a significant role in shaping the modern music industry. I bought this DAT machine and many others after it, and in terms of build quality, nothing ever matched this one, which was built around a copper chassis and high-quality components, it weighed in at a hefty 12kg.
The introduction of advanced digital audio technology to the consumer audio industry began with the Compact Disc player, which is now widely used worldwide. The Digital Audio Tape (DAT) recorder, the second generation of digital audio recording equipment, was introduced with the release of the Sony DTC-1000ES.
The digitalisation and precise processing of the audio signal enables recording and playback with reduced wow and flutter, greater dynamic range, lower distortion, and excellent signal-to-noise ratio. The PCM (Pulse Code Modulation) system is utilised for recording and playback of the audio signal, and the left and right channels are individually equipped with four-times oversampling digital filters and D/A converter units to ensure superior performance and fidelity.
The Sony DTC-1000ES utilises a small cassette that measures 73x54x10.5 mm and has a tape width of 3.81 mm. This cassette was specifically developed and standardised for use exclusively with the DAT format.
Writable sub codes. “Sub code” refers to a coded signal written on the tape separately from the audio signal. It is primarily used for convenience and flexibility during playback or tape editing. The DAT format allows for writing and erasing information in this “sub code” area. The Sony DTC-1000ES allows for writing or rewriting of the following sub codes without impacting the PCM audio signal section.
- Start ID (code indicating the beginning of a selection)
- Program number (indicates the order of a selection)
- Skip ID (code for skip operation)
High-speed searching for desired points on the tape, such as the beginning of a selection, is enabled by detecting the sub code. If a skip ID is written during playback, the unit will skip to the point where the next start ID is located, and playback will resume from there.
If you connect the Sony DTC-1000ES to another DAT deck with digital input and/or output jacks, you can duplicate tapes without any loss of sound quality. Additionally, by connecting a DA converter unit, such as the Sony DAS-702ES or DAS-703ES, to the digital output, you can improve digital sound reproduction.
The Sony DTC-1000ES is equipped with direct-drive motors for the capstan, head drum, and supply/take-up reels. These motors offer improved reliability and greater stability even with prolonged use.
With the Multi-functional counter, you can select the following information to be displayed:
- Linear tape counter
- Remaining time
- Elapsed playback time
The Sony DTC-1000ES provides an Easy-to-read multi-mode display. The deck’s status and operation modes are displayed in the large window, including the sampling frequency, emphasis ON/OFF indicator, copy prohibit, and warnings for moisture condensation, among others.
- Start ID (code indicating the beginning of a selection)
- Program number (indicates the order of a selection)
- Skip ID (code for skip operation)
