Stelladat II

The StellaDAT II is the unique 2 and 4 track DAT portable tape recorder from Sonosax. While other manufacturers made their DAT machines cheaper rather than better, Sonosax worked to achieve manufacturing efficiencies while providing a better product with more features — maintaining the standard of quality and dependability that customers have come to expect from Swiss manufacturers.

The StellaDAT II records and plays at 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz (optionally at 96 kHz) as well as ±0.1% varispeed to meet the requirements of NTSC video.

While many timecode DAT machines became notorious for frequency instability (timecode drift of 20 ppm is typical), the StellaDAT II is as stable as its Swiss analogue predecessors — timecode drift is typically less than 2 ppm, with an optional high-stability oven-stabilised crystal providing frequency stability below 0.2 ppm.

Unique circuit design allows the StellaDAT II to achieve exceptional power efficiency, using only 10 to 15 watts depending on configuration. Power-saving software allows individual powering down of analogue inputs, optical I/O, and analogue outputs. Built with a modular design, any module can be exchanged with a single 2 mm hex wrench.

Inputs & Mixer

Four mic/line inputs are provided, all with high-quality mic preamplifiers, input gain control, limiters, low-pass filters, pan pots, and output level controls. These four inputs can be routed to two or four tracks with or without pan pot depending on the application. A tone generator and slate microphone are included.

Connectivity

The left side panel carries the four mic/line inputs, analogue four-line outputs, and the monitoring section with MS controls and headphone connector. The right side panel carries two AES/EBU XLR digital inputs and outputs, optical SPDIF connectors, and XLR and LEMO timecode input and output connectors.

Display & Controls

An LCD screen provides high-resolution level metering and a wide range of operational information. Its transflective nature ensures visibility in high ambient light, with backlighting provided for low-light situations. Tape transport buttons are high-quality positive-detent switches with moulded rubber covers. Menu selection is handled via a simple joystick.

The STELLADAT II records and plays at 44.1kHz and 48kHz (support for 96kHz is an option)

The left side panel of STELLADAT II has four mic/line inputs and the analog four line outputs as well as the monitoring section with MS controls and headphone connector.

Key Features

• 2 and 4 track recording on tape
• 44.1 kHz / 48 kHz / 88.2 kHz / 96 kHz sampling rates
• True 4-channel audio mixer with phantom power (T12, 48V)
• 2 to 3 hours autonomy with Lithium-Ion battery
• Advanced transport modes: Chase, Remote, Jog, Shuttle
• SMPTE and Aaton timecode
• Optional high-stability oven-stabilised crystal (<0.2 ppm drift)
• Modular design — fully serviceable with a single 2 mm hex wrench