TASCAM SS-CDR250N

By Brian Long

Introduction

The TASCAM SS-CDR250N is a professional 1U solid-state and CD audio recorder designed for broadcast, commercial installations, houses of worship, education, live production, conference facilities, and other environments where dependable recording and playback are essential. Combining dual SD card slots and USB flash drive support with an integrated CD-R/CD-RW drive, the SS-CDR250N accommodates both modern solid-state workflows and projects that still require physical CD media.

Built-in Ethernet connectivity extends the recorder into networked production and installed-audio environments, providing FTP file transfer, automatic uploading of recorded material, remote operation, and scheduled event functionality. Professional balanced and unbalanced analog connections, AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital I/O, external control interfaces, and optional Dante connectivity make the SS-CDR250N a flexible choice for fixed AV systems and automated recording installations.

Features, Specifications, and Manuals

Features
  • Solid-State and CD Recording: Record and play audio using SD, SDHC, and SDXC cards, USB flash drives, or the integrated CD-R/CD-RW drive for flexible professional media workflows.
  • Dual SD Card Slots: Two SD card slots provide flexible media management and support dependable extended recording workflows.
  • Integrated CD-R/CD-RW Drive: Record and play standard audio CDs while retaining compatibility with rewritable CD-RW media.
  • WAV and MP3 Recording: Supports uncompressed WAV recording at up to 96kHz/24-bit as well as space-efficient MP3 recording and playback.
  • CD-DA Support: Provides standard 44.1kHz/16-bit CD audio recording and playback for applications that require physical audio media.
  • Dual-Format Recording: WAV and MP3 files can be recorded simultaneously, creating both a high-quality master and a compact reference or distribution file.
  • Network File Transfer: Integrated Ethernet provides FTP client and server functionality for transferring audio files between the recorder and networked storage or computers.
  • Automatic File Uploading: Recorded material can be automatically uploaded to a designated FTP server, helping streamline centralized archiving and content-management workflows.
  • Scheduled Event Operation: Event-list functionality enables recording, playback, file downloading, and other operations to occur automatically according to a programmed schedule.
  • Network Time Synchronization: SNTP client support helps maintain an accurate internal clock for scheduled recording and playback operations.
  • Professional Analog I/O: Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog inputs and outputs allow straightforward integration with mixers, processors, amplifiers, and other professional equipment.
  • Mic and Line Input Support: Balanced XLR inputs can accommodate professional microphone or line-level sources.
  • Phantom Power: +48V phantom power supports compatible professional condenser microphones.
  • Professional Digital I/O: AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital inputs and outputs simplify integration with digital mixers, processors, converters, and recording systems.
  • Sample Rate Converter: Integrated sample-rate conversion provides additional flexibility when working with external digital audio sources.
  • Optional Dante Connectivity: Add two-channel Dante audio input and output with the optional TASCAM IF-DA2 interface card for networked audio installations.
  • External Control Integration: RS-232C and 25-pin parallel interfaces support automation systems, control processors, and other installed AV equipment.
  • Remote Control Support: Compatible with TASCAM remote-control solutions, including the optional RC-SS150 flash-start remote.
  • Link Playback: Two compatible units can be linked for synchronized playback applications.
  • Power-Loss Protection: Automatic file-closing functionality helps protect recorded material if AC power is unexpectedly interrupted.
  • Professional 1U Design: Rackmount construction allows straightforward installation in broadcast, production, commercial AV, education, and house-of-worship systems.
Specifications
Specification Details
Product Type Professional solid-state / CD stereo audio recorder
Rack Size 1U
Solid-State Recording Media SD, SDHC, SDXC cards and USB flash drives
SD Card Capacity SD: 512MB–2GB; SDHC: 4GB–32GB; SDXC: 64GB–128GB
USB Flash Drive Capacity 512MB–128GB
SD Card Slots 2
Optical Media CD-R, CD-R-DA, CD-RW, CD-RW-DA; 12cm, 650MB/700MB
Recording / Playback Channels Stereo (2-channel) or mono (1-channel)
WAV Recording 44.1 / 48 / 96kHz, 16-bit or 24-bit
MP3 Recording 44.1 / 48kHz, 64 / 128 / 192 / 256 / 320kbps
CD-DA 44.1kHz, 16-bit
Analog Inputs Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA
Balanced Input Modes Microphone or line
Mic Maximum Input Level +4dBu
Mic Minimum Input Level -70dBu
Mic Input Impedance 2.2kΩ or greater
Phantom Power +48V
Balanced Line Nominal Input +4dBu or +6dBu depending on reference-level setting
Balanced Line Maximum Input Up to +24dBu depending on reference-level setting
Unbalanced Input Level -10dBV nominal, +6dBV maximum
Analog Outputs Balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA
Balanced Nominal Output +4dBu or +6dBu depending on reference-level setting
Balanced Maximum Output Up to +24dBu depending on reference-level setting
Unbalanced Output Level -10dBV nominal, +6dBV maximum
Headphone Output 6.3mm (1/4-inch) stereo jack
Maximum Headphone Output 45mW + 45mW or greater into 32Ω
AES/EBU Digital Input XLR, AES3-2003 / IEC60958-4
AES/EBU Digital Output XLR, AES3-2003 / IEC60958-4
S/PDIF Digital Input RCA coaxial, IEC60958-3
S/PDIF Digital Output RCA coaxial, IEC60958-3
Digital Sample Rates 44.1 / 48 / 96kHz
SRC Input Range 32–192kHz when sample-rate converter is enabled
Network RJ-45 Ethernet
Network Functions FTP client/server, automatic file upload, SNTP synchronization, remote operation
USB USB Type-A
Serial Control RS-232C, D-sub 9-pin
Parallel Control D-sub 25-pin
Optional Network Audio 2-channel Dante input/output with TASCAM IF-DA2
Frequency Response 20Hz–20kHz at 44.1/48kHz; up to 40kHz at 96kHz
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.002% or less
Signal-to-Noise Ratio 106dB or greater
Dynamic Range 106dB or greater
Crosstalk 100dB or greater
Equivalent Input Noise -125dBu or less
Power Requirements AC 100–240V, 50/60Hz
Power Consumption 21W
Dimensions (W × H × D) 482.6 × 45 × 300.5mm (19.0 × 1.8 × 11.8 in)
Weight 3.2kg (7.1 lb)
Operating Temperature 5–35°C (41–95°F)
Manuals and Documents
  • Owner’s Manual - Complete TASCAM manual covering installation, recording, CD operation, playback, networking, system configuration, control functions, and troubleshooting.
  • TASCAM SS-CDR250N Product Page - Official manufacturer product information, firmware, support resources, and current downloads.