An audio-enabled DDS3 drive will read a DAT tape in faster than real time, this is especially true for the 32kHz long play ones. DATXtract (http://pdicamillo.org/~peter/datxtract/) is an example of software to manage reading audio off of DAT tapes via an audio enabled DDS3 drive translating the frame based data on the DAT tape into an audio stream and the metadata part. It will also log the errors in the read process. David Rice Quoting Jerry Hartke <[log in to unmask]>: > DAT tracks are positioned diagonally on the tape. A static head will not > work. I am confused how a tape can be read in other than real time. Why > reinvent the wheel? > > Jerry > Media Sciences, Inc. > > > -----Original Message----- > > From: Association for Recorded Sound Discussion List > > [mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Martin Fisher > > Sent: Tuesday, August 19, 2008 2:19 PM > > To: [log in to unmask] > > Subject: [ARSCLIST] DAT transfer question > > > > Ya'll "fergive" me if this is a completely idiotic question. > > > > Is there any way to transfer audio DAT tapes directly onto a hard drive > > without going through the process of playing and recording in real time? > > I'm thinking of the data backup and storage drives here which might use > > stationary heads. Hey!....Never hurts to ask. > > > > Martin >