Connecting WinXP Computer to Tascam DA88s

[MrKnobs]

Hi there!

I have a ton of old stuff from clients on Tascam DA-88s (TDIF) format. I'd like to move it all over to a Windows XP computer for archival. This is one time thing prior to getting rid of my Tascam machines.

What do I need to buy to make this happen?

Hardware: MOTU 828... which model?
Interface: MOTU PCIX board 424? Or which model to go inside the computer?
Sofware: Download from where?

Thanks in advance for any suggestions / info you can provide

Terry D.

[bayswater]

You might try simply recording the DA88 sessions via the TDIF connections through a MOTU 2408. Set the TDIF connections as the inputs in a DAW, press play on the Tascam and record on the DAW. I've done that with a DA38 and don't see a reason it wouldn't work with a DA88.

IIRC, I got an occasional timing glitch, something that could be edited out, but I think using a Wordclock connection between the Tascam and the 2408 dealt with that. Can't be sure -- it was a long time ago.

Tascam did make a PCI card that let you use the DA88/38 as an audio device, but that was a very long time ago, maybe pre-XP and they aren't very good at keeping drivers up to date. Mine didn't survive the change from OS9 to OS X. Was XP around then?

[HCMarkus]

I think bays (above) is on the right track... eBay is your friend here.

You will need whatever MOTU 424 PCI, PCIx, or PCIe card fits your PC. You are lucky if you have an old school PCI slot, as the cards for PCIe are still quite expensive.

https://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_odkw=M ... 4&_sacat=0

Plus a MOTU 2408 of any vintage. Like this MkII for $50:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTU-2408-MKII ... SwCMFaHu6G

This looks like the best current combo deal for PCIe; a 2408mkII and PCIe card:

https://www.ebay.com/itm/MOTU-2408-Mk3- ... SwXXJatTXD

You will also need the proper TDIF cable.

Alternately, just do an analog transfer via any audio interface with 8 analog ins.

[bayswater]

Alternately, just do an analog transfer via any audio interface with 8 analog ins.

Doh. That's the way to go. At least worth trying before laying out cash for stuff you'll never use again. The audio output quality on these things is great (IMO).

You will though, need to make a cable with a D connector, no?

[mikehalloran]

Interface: MOTU PCIX board 424? Or which model to go inside the computer?

A 424 PCIx requires a PCI or PCIx slot. It is not compatible with PCIe. You’ll need a 424 PCIe card — if your Windows machine has a PCIe slot. Otherwise, you are limited to using the analog outputs for this task.

You can use your 2408 in stand-alone mode without a PCI card. You are limited to 8 channels at a time, the number of analog outs. You’ll find the instructions in your manual. I did this with an old Fostex machine that had only 2 channels in/out analog but 8 channels I/O through ADAT Lightpipe. To transfer more than 8 tracks at a time in standalone with a 2408, it needs to be TASCAM to ADAT or vise-versa.

As noted earlier, you can always use the analog outs of your TASCAM machine(s) without involving the 2408. MOTU has a few units capable of handling a large amount of analog inputs.

[rickorick]

You could send your tapes out to someone like Dreamhire, there was another service that was around but I couldn't find them but there are other places out there.