The 8‑track DA-38 uses 8mm video‑style tape cassettes. Up to 16 DA-38s can be synchronised for multitrack recording (giving up to 128 tracks), and it will also integrate with DA-88 systems with no problems. DA-38 has a shuttle wheel for identifying precise points on tape, and there's an auto punch‑in/out system with a Rehearse mode and user‑selectable pre‑ and post‑roll for musicians working alone. Punching in or out creates a very short crossfade, so there are no glitches, clicks or gaps. It's also now possible to copy material from one track to another internally, so you can, for example, compile a perfect vocal track by 'cherry‑picking' the best parts from several takes on the other tracks. A small amount of track delay (‑4 to +150mS) can be dialled in to correct timing errors or to change the feel of a piece of music. TDIF1 digital I/O connector provides a means of transferring data in and out of the machine in the digital domain. Two further 'D' connectors are fitted for Remote Control/Sync In and Sync Out. Sound quality of the DA-38, which is up to the same very high standard as the DA-88, and the metering is both positive and clearly visible. Monitoring is straightforward, and for most purposes it's easiest to leave the machine in Auto Input mode. Shuttle mode is very effective for locating precise points, and though the monitored sound is very 'chopped up' and glitchy, it's still easy to recognise what's going on. Tape Type: Hi‑8 ME or MP Recording Time: 108 minutes with NTSC 120 tape, 113 minutes with PAL 90 tape Fast Wind Speed: 100 times play speed Shuttle Speed: One quarter to eight times play speed Digital I/O: TDIF1 (TEAC Digital Audio Interface Format) 25‑way 'D'‑sub Analogue Input: Balanced 25‑way 'D'‑sub at +4dBu, plus unbalanced phonos at ‑10dBV Sampling Rates: 44.1kHz and 48kHz Quantisation: 16‑bit linear Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz +/‑ 0.5dB Dynamic Range: Better than 92dB Signal‑to‑Noise Ratio: Better than 92dB THD: Less than 0.008% Crosstalk: Better than 90dB @ 1kHz