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The Tascam DA-20 is a DAT recorder designed to offer professional features in an accessible format, aimed at recording studios, sound engineers and discerning enthusiasts. It combines Tascam’s signature build quality with high-quality sound reproduction, delivering reliable performance and advanced features.
It supports digital recording at 44.1kHz, 48kHz and 32kHz (long play mode), making it suitable for both professional use and music archiving. The analogue inputs and outputs are unbalanced RCA type, whilst the S/PDIF digital connections are also available via RCA connectors. Despite the absence of balanced connections, the DA-20 offers significant technical features and audio quality comparable to higher-end models.
Among the built-in functions, full subcode management stands out, including Start ID, Skip ID and End ID. The recorder also allows you to store up to 60 characters of text associated with each track, useful for identifying takes, versions or content whilst working in the studio. The TOC (Table of Contents) function allows you to view the complete structure of the tape, including the number of tracks and their duration, which is automatically updated once an end marker is inserted. For the TOC to be read correctly, the cassette’s protection tab must be set to ‘safe’ and there must be no unrecorded gaps between tracks.
Another feature particularly appreciated in professional circles is the ability to disable the SCMS (copy protection) system simply by holding down the Execute button during power-up. This allows unrestricted digital copying, without the limitations imposed by consumer machines.
The sound quality is excellent, thanks to the use of single-bit A/D converters managed by a low-jitter clock circuit. The sound is clear and transparent, free from the harshness that plagued early DAT models. The build quality is also top-notch, with a monocoque metal chassis reinforced by honeycomb-patterned panels to reduce mechanical resonance.
The Tascam DA-20 uses a proprietary Tascam DAT mechanism, designed for reliable use in professional and semi-professional settings. However, the exact OEM manufacturer of the mechanism is not officially specified (unlike other models that used Sony or Panasonic components), but it is most likely a mechanism derived from internal TEAC/Tascam designs, given its robust construction and compatibility with the parent company’s professional units.
As for the digital-to-analogue converter (DAC), the DA-20 employs a single-bit (bitstream) system, with ΔΣ (delta-sigma) converters and a low-jitter clock, although Tascam has never publicly disclosed the exact chip code used (unlike other more prestigious models such as the DA-30 or DA-40). In listening tests and reviews in specialist magazines of the time, the quality of the DAC was nevertheless described as very good, natural and free of harshness, with a sweeter sound signature compared to entry-level consumer DATs.
The Tascam DA-20 is extremely responsive, with one of the fastest transports in its class and a rapid, precise response to commands.
Refurbished unit, in perfect working order and in good cosmetic condition.
