DASH, or Digital Audio Stationary Head, was a recording format released by Sony in 1981/1982 in various formats from 2 track through to 24 track machines. All were 16-bit recorders using sample rates from 44.1kHz to 48kHz. Unlike the earlier digital recording systems Sony released (such as the Sony PCM-1630/Sony DMR-4000 System), the DASH system used a stationary head instead of the helical scanning system.
The PCM-3324, a 24-track recorder, hit the market in 1982, followed by the Sony PCM-3348, a 48-track version in 1989. Both employed half-inch tape, like the SONY D-1/2-2920, allowing for 16-bit/44.1 kHz or 48 kHz recording/playback. While digital multi-track recorders existed from 1978, Sony, a late entrant, rose to global prominence in the 1980s and 1990s, setting the standard. By 1997 Sony released the PCM-3348HR, the pinnacle of the DASH format recorders.
Using tape that was 1/4 inch or 1/2 inch and on reels up to 14″, these new digital recorders had lower tape costs than the 2″ 24 Track analogue machines of the time. The machines themselves however were not cheap, with the Sony 3324 costing US$150,000. Various models came and went, culminating in the Sony 3348HR, a 48-track recorder with 24-bit recording at a cost of US$250,000. Many amazing records have been recorded on these machines.
The 24-track tapes only use half of the tape’s width and can be played on the 48-track machines with no modifications. Similarly, 48-track tapes can be played on a 24-track machine, but only the first 24 tracks will be reproduced. This type of backward/forward compatibility is quite unique as the older analogue multi-track systems could not do this at all.
Audio data is recorded on the Sony PCM-3348HR as linear PCM with a strong cyclic redundancy, allowing the tape to be physically edited with a razor blade like analogue tape, and played back with no loss of signal. The heads are stationary, which is in contrast to DATs, ADATs and DTRS cassettes, which all record using a rotating head that helically scans the tape making tape splicing virtually impossible. (The fact that the tape was inside a cassette did not help either!)
The Sony PCM-3348HR is a 48-channel 24-bit/16-bit digital audio recorder, using 1/2-inch tape in DASH (Digital Audio Stationary Head) and DASH PLUS formats. In addition to a range of standard capabilities for a digital audio recorder, the Sony PCM-3348HR is compact and has low power consumption, while providing a wide selection of options to meet a variety of operating requirements.
In combination with the supplied Sony RM-3348HR remote control unit, the Sony PCM-3348HR provides not only basic recording and playback functions, but also auto punch-in/out, separate settings for each channel, memory for up to 100 cue points, variable speed playback, timecode chase, sound memory, digital copy, and editing functions. These functions allow the Sony PCM-3348HR to be used as a base component in a wide range of application systems.
Sony mastery of digital audio technology has been clearly demonstrated over many years. Of the developments that it has pioneered, that of the 16-bit DASH (Digital Audio Stationary Head) format has to be one of the most significant. Over the past fifteen years, Sony has introduced a range of 24 and 48track DASH recorders that have made the format a de-facto standard in multichannel recording.
In particular the Sony PCM-3348, the world’s first 16-bit, 48-track recorder when it was introduced in 1988, has achieved a legendary status in many top-class recording studios worldwide. For its supreme sound quality, high performance, excellent reliability and convenient operational features, it is still used as the most powerful and reliable workhorse at the front-line of audio production.
However, the growing demand for higher sound quality and the ability to master at resolutions higher than 16-bit have become essential. As part of its overall strategy to provide the recording industry with an enhanced, but affordable, production platform, Sony has developed a full range of products for recording, producing and mastering at 24 bits. Along with the OXF-R3 Digital Audio Mixing Console and PCM-9000 Master Disc Recorder, Sony takes pride in introducing the PCM-3348HR 48-track DASH PLUS 24-bit recorder.
Developed based on the experience and know-how attained through the success of the PCM-3348, the PCM-3348HR uses the basic framework of its predecessor, maintaining its system configuration, tape transport and operational style, while implementing innovative functions such as a vocal selector function, an enhanced sound memory function and Sony 9-pin serial remote interface capability.
The PCM-3348HR, a product of the latest innovative Sony technology, is set to create a new standard for the next generation of high-quality digital audio multichannel recorders and is proof of the continuing Sony commitment to maintaining outstanding excellence in sound quality.
Ultimate Sound Quality
24-bit 48-channel Capability
Supported by its highly reliable tape transport and refined servo control system, the Sony PCM-3348HR provides 24-bit 48-channel recording/playback by increasing the tape speed to 1.5 times that of current 16-bit DASH machines. By employing this technique, it can perform both 16-bit (at 30ips and 48kHz) and 24-bit (at 45ips and 48kHz) recording/playback without changing the type of tape used. A maximum of 44 minutes of 24-bit 48-channel recording can be achieved on a standard 14-inch reel of 1/2-inch tape at 44.1kHz.
Master Clock System
Three types of oscillators are available in the Master Clock System of the Sony PCM-3348HR; a crystal oscillator, a Voltage Controlled Crystal Oscillator (VCXO) and a Voltage Controlled Oscillator (VCO). The type of oscillator is selected according to the operational mode of the machine so that clock jitter is kept as low as possible, and sound quality maximised.
Dither Circuit
With dither circuits incorporated in the A/D conversion circuitry, superb sound quality is assured even when recording the output of the internal high-quality 20-bit convertors in 16-bit mode.
User-Friendly Operation & Configuration
Compatibility with DASH Recorders: DASH PLUS Format
The Sony PCM-3348HR employs the DASH PLUS format. This is an extension of the DASH format that allows recording and playback of 24-bit signals exclusively but also retains compatibility with the 16-bit DASH format. The Sony PCM-3348HR can therefore both record in 16-bit and playback tapes recorded by current 16-bit DASH recorders by using its 16-bit mode.
Same Operational Style as the Sony PCM-3348
The operational style of the Sony PCM-3348 is preserved for the Sony PCM-3348HR, allowing users of the Sony PCM-3348 to operate the Sony PCM-3348HR without any special training or preparation in advance.
DASH Synchronisation
Sample-accurate synchronisation between 16-bit and 24-bit modes on two machines is made possible by the same recording sector address frequency being applied for CTL recording. This enables DASH synchronisation between a Sony PCM-3348HR and other Sony 16-bit DASH recorders even if the Sony PCM-3348HR operates in 24-bit mode. Under control of the supplied Sony RM-3348HR Remote Control Unit, a Sony PCM-3348HR can be operated in perfect DASH synchronisation with up to two other Sony PCM-3348HRs or Sony 16-bit DASH recorders.
DABK-3343HR: 20-bit A/D D/A Convertor Board Pack
The Sony PCM-3348HR will frequently be used in conjunction with mixing consoles, such as the Sony OXF-R3, which already incorporate high resolution A/D and D/A conversion. For this reason, convertor boards for the Sony PCM-3348HR are provided separately as the optional DABK-3343HR A/D D/A Convertor Board Pack. The DABK-3343HR consists of twelve A/D D/A convertor boards, each board having a four-channel capability, and the complete set of boards can be installed into the slots provided inside the front doors of the main unit.
To provide ultimate sound quality for analogue input signals, 1-bit 64 times oversampling type A/D convertors and 20-bit decimation filters are used for A/D conversion. For D/A conversion, 24-bit eight times oversampling interpolation filters and 20-bit multibit type D/A convertors are employed.
Enhanced Performance
Vocal Selector Function
In addition to the real-time digital copy function which is available in two modes (2-channel and multichannel modes), a vocal selector mode is included to enable compilation of separate vocal tracks. By selecting this mode, any part of different source channels can be selected into one destination channel, with variable cross fade time, by simple keystrokes. Cross fade time is selectable in 16 steps by the X’FADE TIME knob on the supplied Sony RM-3348HR Remote Control Unit.
Sound Memory Function
The sound memory function is enhanced both in quality and recording time. At 48kHz, a maximum of approximately 80 seconds of 24-bit stereo sound memory data can be stored in the sound memory. This sampling time can be extended to around 160 seconds in mono mode. The sound memory function is available in three modes; manual, auto start and external trigger modes. In auto start mode, the digital audio data of a source channel can be recorded automatically in the sound memory and also played back from the sound memory at a designated CTL address.
In external trigger mode, at the input of an external analogue signal, the digital audio data of a source channel can be recorded automatically in the sound memory and played back from the sound memory. Reverse playback of the digital audio data stored in the sound memory is also available and it can be used for creating sound effects. Accurate trimming of the start and/or end points of the stored data in the sound memory to be copied to a destination channel can be done by the TRIM +/- buttons whatever display resolution is selected in time code frames.
Continuous Auto Punch IN/OUT
Unlike the Sony PCM-3348, which is capable of storing only one set of auto punch in/out points, a continuous auto punch in/out mode is added enabling up to nine sets of auto punch in/out points to be registered. Sequential execution of the nine sections by using this mode is supported. In this mode, the tape is played back from the start of the pre-roll point set before the first section of auto punch in/out points and stopped at the end of the post-roll point set after the last section of auto punch in/out points.
X FADE OUTPUT Button
A X FADE OUTPUT button is now provided on the Sony RM-3348HR Remote Control Unit to monitor the sound recorded on the tape allowing cross fade effects to be checked.
System Expandability
9-Pin Serial I/F Control
With a Sony 9-pin RS-422A serial remote interface connector now provided as the REMOTE-2 port at the rear panel, the Sony PCM-3348HR can be conveniently controlled from an external machine, facilitating systematisation with audio and video equipment.
Versatile Digital Audio I/F
The Sony PCM-3348HR is equipped with four types of digital audio interface all with 24-bit resolution:
- 48-channel MADI I/O
- 48-channel balanced SDIF-2 D I/O
- 8-channel AES/EBU D I/O
- 2-channel unbalanced SDIF-2 D I/O
For multichannel digital I/O, MADI I/O connectors are provided in addition to the 48-channel balanced SDIF-2 digital I/O connectors. This allows interfacing with an even wider range of digital audio equipment such as MADI interfacing to an OXF-R3 Digital Audio Mixing Console.
This further supports the concept of a complete 24-bit recording system using the Sony PCM-9000 Digital Audio Master Disc Recorder for the highest quality audio production. For 2-channel digital I/O, four 2-channel AES/EBU digital I/O boards and one 2-channel unbalanced SDIF-2 board are provided as standard. Any combination of four of these five boards can be installed into the four slots reserved in the rear panel.
System Application Benefits
External Synchronisation
Accepting a word sync, AES/EBU digital I/O sync or reference video (composite video, composite sync and black burst) signal as an external reference signal, the Sony PCM-3348HR can be synchronised with a variety of audio and video equipment, making it suitable for enhanced audio editing and sound-to-picture applications. The clock signal generated by the Sony PCM-3348HR’s internal master clock (X’tal/VCO/VCXO precision) can also be used as a reference signal to synchronise external digital audio equipment.
Supplied Remote Control Unit
All the functions of the Sony PCM-3348HR can be remotely controlled from the supplied Sony RM-3348HR Remote Control Unit. Convenient functions, such as the digital copy, sound memory and vocal selector functions, as well as channel setup can be conveniently controlled and set via the Sony RM-3348HR by simple keystrokes.
Flexible Remote-Control Capability
As well as remote control from the supplied Sony RM-3348HR Remote Control Unit, the Sony PCM-3348HR can also be remotely controlled by other equipment, such as a synchroniser or a digital mixing console. A synchroniser can be connected via the parallel or serial I/F connector. An audio mixer supporting the Channel Rec Ready function can be connected via the SRIF-4 port, allowing the mixer to control the switchover of the Rec Ready/Safe status of the analogue, time code and digital audio channels of the Sony PCM-3348HR.
Built-In Time Code Generator/Reader
The Sony PCM-3348HR is equipped with a built-in time code generator/reader which can handle all time code formats, including SMPTE (drop-frame and non-drop frame), EBU and FILM. It can also regenerate, and record time code locked to an incoming external time code read by the built-in time code generator/reader, or regenerate and reproduce time code recorded on the time code track. Time code sync playback is possible when the Sony PCM-3348HR is synchronised to an external composite video signal. This enables the deck to playback tape with the phase of its time code synchronised to the sync phase of an external reference video signal, ideal in an audio-for-video editing environment.
Reliable Mechanism
Stable, High Speed Tape Transport
The mechanical clutch provided between the capstan and the capstan motor, the integrated microprocessor-controlled servo system, and the rigid diecast chassis on which the tape transport is placed, give stable and high-speed tape movement and fully support the higher tape speed of 1.5 times that required for 16-bit DASH recorders, thereby enabling 24-bit recording/playback.
Tape Tail End Slow
To avoid physical damage to the tape, it is automatically slowed down and stopped before the end of the reel in FF or REW mode. A further push on the FF or REW key, and the tape will be wound off completely.
Flexible Digital Performance
Selectable Sampling Frequency
The sampling frequency is selectable between 44.056kHz, 44.1kHz or 48kHz, making the PCM-3348HR suitable for use in a wide range of applications from CD mastering to digital video post-production. By using an Fs shift mode, sampling frequencies of 1000/1001 times 48kHz and 44.1kHz can also be supported in playback or record.
Operational Advantages
Time Code Chase Synchronisation
Time code chase synchronisation is available with subframe accurate offset in two modes when under control of the supplied Sony RM-3348HR Remote Control Unit.
Address Mode
After locking to an incoming time code, the Sony PCM-3348HR will continuously monitor and chase the time code, maintaining complete synchronisation with the master time code. The tape can be monitored as its speed varies.
Free Mode
After locking to an incoming time code, the Sony PCM-3348HR returns to its normal playback mode and it will not be affected by any changes in the external time code.
Noiseless Punch IN/OUT with Cross Fade
A convenient punch in and out with cross fade operation becomes available when under Sony RM-3348HR remote control, providing a smooth and noiseless transition at each punch in/out point. Cross fade time is adjustable in 16 steps over the range of from approximately 1 to 370 milliseconds and can be selected by turning the X’FADE TIME knob on the Sony RM-3348HR.
Accurate Auto Location
Precise and instant auto location to a designated point is provided. A maximum of 100 points on the tape can be stored as cue points and trimmed as necessary. Both a locate function, which simply rewinds or fast forwards the tape to a designated locate point, and a zero locate function which enables the tape to be located to a point set as “00H00M00S” are provided. In addition, a roll-back function is available. This function rewinds or fast forwards the tape to a point which is a designated locate point minus the pre-roll time.
PWM Recording
Thanks to the use of PWM (Pulse Width Modulation) for recording and playback of cue tracks, a dynamic range of over 60dB is maintained for cue signals.
Variable Speed Playback –12.5%
Tape can be played back over a variable range of ±12.5% normal tape speed. It is also possible to indicate tape speed in semitones over the range from -2.31 to +2.04 on the Sony RM-3348HR Remote Control Unit.
