Description
The DA-3000SD is a 2-channel master recorder and AD/DA converter designed for high-resolution audio capture and monitoring. It records PCM up to 192kHz and DSD up to 5.6MHz, offering options for engineers who need native DSD or high-sample PCM masters. The unit records directly to SD/SDHC/SDXC media and fits a 1U rack space for studio portability.
Key features include stereo DSD and PCM recording, an AD/DA direct mode for phase-coherent conversion, and a high-precision TCXO clock for low jitter. The analog I/O uses balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA connectors while digital I/O supports S/PDIF, AES/EBU, SDIF-3 and DSD-raw. The dual-monaural output circuitry and dedicated power supply winding help preserve clarity and channel separation.
Performance specifications deliver low distortion and wide dynamic range for both recording and playback. PCM recording achieves up to 118dB S/N on playback and distortion figures down to 0.003% under specified conditions. DSD operation extends frequency response and supports multichannel workflows when multiple units are cascaded for synchronized multitrack DSD recording.
Connectivity covers analog XLR/RCA, digital S/PDIF RCA, AES/EBU XLR, SDIF-3 BNC for DSD, WORD SYNC BNC I/O and USB Type-A for playback and file copying. Remote control via RC-10 infrared and a headphone output with 45mW per channel are provided for monitoring and transport control. Word clock functions let the unit act as a master clock or sync to external timing sources.
Typical use cases include stereo mastering chains, high-resolution monitoring in a DAW environment, and capturing outboard processing coloration by recording through external gear. The DA-3000SD also supports DSD multitrack setups by cascading units for sample-accurate sync. Its SD-based workflow makes session transfer and archiving straightforward.
Built for studio integration, the DA-3000SD uses an EI core transformer with separate windings for analog and digital circuits and balanced signal paths to minimize noise. The front-panel controls and push-push SD slot simplify operation while the rack-mountable 1U chassis ensures easy installation. Overall, the unit delivers a focused feature set for engineers seeking accurate conversion and high-resolution archival recording.