TASCAM DA-6400
Brian Long
Introduction
The TASCAM DA-6400 is a professional 64-track solid-state recorder designed for live recording, broadcast, theater, houses of worship, post-production, location recording, and other high-channel-count audio applications. Its compact 1U chassis can record and play up to 64 channels at 44.1kHz or 48kHz and 24-bit resolution, or up to 32 channels at 88.2kHz or 96kHz, using removable 2.5-inch TASCAM SSD media and Broadcast Wave files.
Two expansion slots allow the DA-6400 to adapt to a wide range of professional audio infrastructures with optional Dante, MADI, AES/EBU, and analog output cards. SMPTE timecode, word clock and video reference synchronization, Gigabit Ethernet, RS-422, parallel control, remote-control software, playlist operation, and theater playback functions make it particularly well suited to installations where reliable synchronized multitrack recording and playback are essential.
Product Gallery
Features, Specifications, and Manuals
Features
- Professional 64-Track Recorder: Designed for high-channel-count live, broadcast, theater, installation, and production recording.
- Up to 64 Tracks at 44.1/48kHz: Records and plays as many as 64 simultaneous channels at 24-bit resolution.
- Up to 32 Tracks at 88.2/96kHz: Supports high-resolution multitrack recording and playback at double sample rates.
- Broadcast Wave Recording: Uses BWF files to support professional metadata and time-based production workflows.
- Removable 2.5-Inch SSD Media: Front-loading solid-state media allows recording drives to be quickly installed and removed.
- TASCAM SSD Technology: Purpose-designed SSD media provides reliable operation for continuous high-channel-count recording.
- AK-CC25 Removable Media Case: The SSD/HDD enclosure allows media to be removed from the recorder for transfer, archiving, or replacement.
- USB Connection on AK-CC25: The removable media case can be connected to a computer for file access and transfer.
- Two Expansion Slots: Dual interface slots allow the recorder’s audio I/O to be configured for different professional infrastructures.
- Optional Dante Interface: The IF-DA64 adds up to 64 channels of Dante network audio and AES67 compatibility.
- Optional Redundant MADI Interface: The IF-MA64/EX provides 64-channel optical/coaxial MADI input, output, and thru connectivity.
- Optional Coaxial MADI Interface: The IF-MA64/BN provides 64-channel coaxial MADI connectivity.
- Optional AES/EBU Interface: The IF-AE16 provides 16 channels of professional AES/EBU digital audio.
- Optional Analog Output Interface: The IF-AN16/OUT provides 16 channels of professional analog output.
- SMPTE LTC Timecode Input and Output: Integrates the DA-6400 with synchronized broadcast, video, live-production, and post-production workflows.
- Multiple Timecode Frame Rates: Supports 23.976, 24, 25, 29.97 drop-frame/non-drop-frame, and 30 drop-frame/non-drop-frame operation.
- Word Clock Synchronization: BNC word-clock connections support synchronization at 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96kHz.
- Video Reference Input: Supports NTSC/PAL black burst and HDTV tri-level synchronization.
- Word/Video Thru and Output: Provides flexible clock distribution and synchronization with other professional equipment.
- High-Precision Internal Clock: Factory clock accuracy is specified at ±1ppm or better at 25°C.
- Gigabit Ethernet: Built-in 100BASE-TX/1000BASE-T networking supports file transfer, remote control, and system monitoring.
- Network File Transfer: Recorded files can be transferred over Ethernet as part of professional production and archiving workflows.
- SNTP Support: The internal clock can be automatically synchronized over a network.
- Remote Computer Control: Network operation allows compatible computers to monitor and control the recorder.
- DA-6400 Control App Support: Compatible remote-control software provides metering, transport operation, take selection, recording status, and other functions.
- VNC Remote Operation: Network-based VNC control provides access to the recorder’s operating interface from compatible systems.
- Telnet Control: Supports integration into network-based automation and control environments.
- RS-422 Serial Control: 9-pin serial control supports professional transport and automation systems.
- Parallel Remote Control: 15-pin D-sub parallel I/O provides hard-wired external control integration.
- Theater Play Function: Selected ranges from multiple takes can be arranged and played in sequence for theatrical and show-control applications.
- Playlist Function: Allows recorded material to be organized for sequential playback.
- Cascade Operation: Two compatible DA-6400-series units can be operated together for expanded or synchronized workflows.
- Front-Panel Color Display: A 320 × 120-pixel color LCD provides metering, transport information, settings, and recorder status.
- Multichannel Level Metering: High-channel-count input and playback levels can be monitored from the recorder and supported remote-control software.
- Front-Panel Headphone Monitoring: Dedicated headphone output supports local monitoring and troubleshooting.
- USB Host Port: Front-panel USB supports firmware updates and compatible USB flash media operations.
- 1U Rackmount Chassis: Provides up to 64-track recording in a compact standard 19-inch rack space.
- Universal AC Power: Supports 100–240V AC, 50/60Hz operation.
- Professional Broadcast Applications: Timecode, synchronization, network control, and modular digital I/O make the recorder suitable for broadcast facilities.
- Live Multitrack Recording: High channel capacity and removable SSD storage support concerts, houses of worship, theater, and event production.
- Playback and Show-Control Applications: Playlist and Theater Play functions support installations requiring synchronized multichannel playback.
Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Type | Professional 64-track solid-state audio recorder/player |
| Model | DA-6400 |
| Rack Format | 19-inch, 1U |
| Maximum Tracks at 44.1/48kHz | 64 |
| Maximum Tracks at 88.2/96kHz | 32 |
| Recording Resolution | 24-bit PCM |
| Sampling Frequencies | 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96kHz |
| Recording File Format | BWF |
| Recording Media | Removable 2.5-inch TASCAM SSD |
| Media Interface | Front-loading AK-CC25 SSD/HDD case |
| Expansion Slots | 2 |
| Optional Dante Interface | IF-DA64, up to 64 channels, AES67 compatible |
| Optional Redundant MADI Interface | IF-MA64/EX |
| Optional Coaxial MADI Interface | IF-MA64/BN |
| Optional AES/EBU Interface | IF-AE16, 16 channels |
| Optional Analog Output Interface | IF-AN16/OUT, 16 channels |
| Timecode Input | BNC |
| Timecode Input Level | 0.5–5Vp-p |
| Timecode Input Impedance | 10kΩ |
| Timecode Output | BNC |
| Timecode Output Level | 2Vp-p |
| Timecode Output Impedance | 600Ω |
| Timecode Standard | SMPTE 12M-1999 compliant |
| Timecode Frame Rates | 23.976 / 24 / 25 / 29.97DF / 29.97NDF / 30DF / 30NDF |
| Word/Video Input | BNC |
| Word Clock Input Frequencies | 44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96kHz |
| Video Reference | NTSC/PAL black burst and HDTV tri-level |
| Word/Video Thru/Output | BNC |
| Ethernet | RJ-45 |
| Ethernet Standards | 100BASE-TX / 1000BASE-T |
| USB Host Port | USB Type-A, USB 2.0 High Speed |
| Serial Remote Control | RS-422, 9-pin D-sub female |
| Parallel Remote Control | 15-pin D-sub female |
| Headphone Connector | 6.3mm stereo |
| Maximum Headphone Output | 45mW + 45mW or greater into 32Ω |
| Front-Panel Display | 320 × 120-pixel color LCD |
| Network Functions | File transfer, remote control, monitoring, SNTP, Telnet, VNC |
| Clock Precision | ±1ppm or better at 25°C when shipped from factory |
| Power Supply | AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz |
| Redundant AC Power Supply | No; available on DA-6400dp |
| Typical Applications | Broadcast, live recording, theater, houses of worship, post-production, multichannel playback, professional installation |
Manuals and Documents
- DA-6400 / DA-6400dp Owner’s Manual - Official TASCAM support page providing the DA-6400/DA-6400dp owner’s manual, current addendum, specifications, firmware, release notes, protocol documentation, drawings, and product images.
- DA-6400 / DA-6400dp Specification Sheet - Official TASCAM engineering specifications covering synchronization, timecode, network and remote-control connections, headphone output, performance, and power.
- DA-6400 Control User’s Manual - Official guide to remote monitoring and operation using DA-6400 Control.
- TASCAM System Design Guide - Professional system-design information for TASCAM recording, Dante, synchronization, and installed-audio products.
- TASCAM DA-6400 Product Page - Official U.S. manufacturer product information, documentation, firmware, downloads, and support resources.