Tascam DA-302

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[edit] Specifications

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General

Manufacturer: Teac Corp Of America (TASCAM)
Model: DA-302
Years of construction: 1996
Made in:
Color: Black
Type: double
Remote control:
Power consumption:
Dimensions (WxHxD):
Weight:
Retail price: $800 (est. MSRP)

Input/Output

Inputs:
- List the inputs here (w/ sensitivity/impedance)
Outputs:
- List the outputs here (w/ output level/impedance)

Technical data

Heads:
Motors:
Wow and flutter:
Cassette types:
Frequency response:
THD:
Signal-to-noise ratio:
Auto-reverse:
Title search:
Dolby: Dolby B and Dolby C
MPX filter:
Fader:
Pitch control:

Special features

User Review

Enter the dual deck that does it differently -- the 3U rackmount Tascam 302. Both decks can be used to record and play with dubbing from decks one to two at either standard or double speed. A number of professional features have been included, making this deck very flexible both in the studio and in sound installation applications. Perhaps the most important ability is that of being able to record on both decks at once, but there's also a Cascade feature which allows multiple 302s to be connected and controlled from a single deck for quantity copying applications. Here, the master tape can be a cassette in deck one of the master machine, or it can be an external source, such as a DAT machine. Conventional phono leads are used to cascade the audio, with a further set of phono leads needed to cascade the external control connections. Each machine also has a socket for an optional hard-wired remote control.

For background music applications, the two decks can be set up to play sequentially, and because the mechanisms auto-reverse, you can play all four sides of two cassettes in order before having them repeat. By linking multiple 302s, you can have as many tapes play sequentially as you like.

The deck facilities are identical for each of the two tape drives, and each has totally independent controls apart from those associated with deck-to-deck dubbing and auto-reverse playback. Separate audio ins and outs are provided for the two decks, but these can be switched to Common mode so that only deck one's inputs are required when making duplications. There's a choice of Dolby B, Dolby C or Off for noise reduction -- again independently switchable for the two decks -- but there's no HX Pro (a headroom expansion system used in conjunction with Dolby noise reduction to prevent high-frequency tape saturation). Each deck has its own Pitch Control, Input Level and Record Balance pot. Master/Slave switching status is provided for applications where multiple machines are being used, and the headphone output may be switched to either deck. Other than that, the transport controls are pretty conventional, with a Return To Zero function and a 4-digit tape time counter. A custom fluorescent display provides counters and bargraph record level meters for both channels, and the tape doors are nicely damped so that they open slowly when Eject is pressed.

In use, the Tascam 302 delivers clean, bright recordings within the constraints of the cassette format itself. Slight wow and flutter was evident near the beginning of some budget cassettes, but I guess few machines would do better under the same circumstances. The varispeed option is welcome, as it allows master tapes made on poorly-calibrated machines to be brought back to concert pitch. Overall, the audio performance of this machine compares well with most mid-price hi-fi decks.

Though more costly than your average dual cassette deck, the Tascam 302 is a genuinely useful machine to have around the studio. It can handle the odd high-speed dub with ease, yet at the flip of a switch, it can make two real-time copies from an external source. Add one or more additional machines and you have a real-time copying suite. The continuous replay facilities are less useful in a studio environment, but they're well thought out and effective. Definitely a step up from your regular dual deck.

by Paul White Published in SOS July 1996