I think this is how it breaks down.
DDS format uses the same tape as you would use in a DAT machine. But the DDS format (machine) uses that tape for data backup. Not audio.

In 1989, Sony and Hewlett Packard defined the DDS format for data storage using DAT tape cartridges. Tapes conforming to the DDS format can be played by either DAT or DDS tape drives. However, DDS tape drives cannot play DAT tapes since they can't pick up the audio on the DAT tape.

I would also be careful as to DAT deck used. I have had some problems with some DAT machines repeatedly "eating" DSS tapes especially the long length, very thin variety. The transport tension will not spool the thin tape properly.

Be safe. Spend the extra few bucks & record audio to DAT only.

Don

Thank you Don!

You are absolutely right. I would never recommend to use DDS Cartridges instead of DAT. In another forum, I read from people who have made good experince. Last Sunday (yesterday), I did so and made very negative experience during a live recording session. The whole recording is unemployable. Funnily enough, the rehersal, also recorded to a DSS Cartridge (for test puposes) works fine
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javascript:emoticon(':cry:')
As Don wrote: Be safe. Spend the extra few bucks & record audio to DAT only!

Cheers, chris

Chris,
Sorry you had to experience the misery of a bad master. I used to do a fair amount of live to 2 trk recording (on DAT) too. Tape machines can do "funny things".

2 related tips:

1) always rewind any tape based master all the way to the head before ejecting.

2) always record at least 1 minute of digital black at the head of any new master. That way if you follow rule #1, and a tape gets hung up, you will only lose blank tape & hopefully can save the program.

Regards,
Don

Don,

Thank you for your advice!

I don't understand what you mean by tip 2. The first ten minutes on the tape are o.k. and then it begins to stagnate. The 48kHz light flashes while playing back but not during the recording.

Cheers, chris

maybe the heads ae dirty? maybe the DDS is shedding? or not making good head contact.

tip#2 applied if the actual tape got damaged when ejecting.

Don