How to find the right Blank DATs AI guide
Written by an AI model from its trained knowledge.
What the AI looks for in Blank DATs
- Audio DAT vs DDS data tape
- Buy cassettes labelled for audio DAT for a DAT deck, and cassettes labelled DDS (with the matching DDS generation) for a computer tape drive. The shells look alike, but data drives check media recognition and may refuse audio-grade tape. DDS tape in an audio deck is a workaround, not the intended use.
- Length
- Tape length is labelled in minutes at standard 48kHz recording (e.g. R-60, R-90, R-120). Long-play mode doubles that time at reduced quality. Longer tapes use thinner tape, which is more stressed in aging transports.
- Storage history
- Prefer factory-sealed stock with known cool, dry storage. All DAT tape on sale is old stock, so its condition depends more on storage than on brand.
Brands that matter
- Sony: Major DAT format backer; sealed old stock is common.
- Maxell: Made audio DAT cassettes; often found as old stock.
- TDK: Made audio DAT cassettes; now only old stock.
What to avoid
- Unsealed or used tapes for important recordings
- Assuming a DDS data cartridge is identical to an audio DAT cassette
Questions
Are DAT tapes still made?
No mainstream maker still produces audio DAT, so what's sold is new old stock. Condition varies with how it was stored.