The DAT recording process relies on a microscopic gap in the magnetic
head. In dusty and humid conditions, dirt can easily contaminate the
head and interfere with recording. The accumulated dirt can also make
the tape transport sticky, resulting in stretched or broken tapes.
The process of recording generates its own contaminants as well. Tiny
particles of the coating on the DAT tape regularly flake off as the
tape is pulled through the recorder. In humid conditions, these
particles are more likely to stick on the magnetic record head and
other places along the tape path.
For these reasons, frequent maintenance is recommended to keep a DAT
machine running under field conditions. With a little practice, it's
not difficult to clean the tape path.
The Sound Devices 722 is a rugged device that has a fine track record
as a field recorder. The 722 does use a hard disc as recording
medium, so it has moving parts that are vulnerable to shock, water
damage, and altitude. (Hard discs become more vulnerable to damage as
you go up in elevation. HD manufacturers generally use 10,000 ft. as
the recommended highest altitude, although many people have worked
successfully using a hard disc recorder at higher altitudes.)
The Sound Devices 702 uses Compactflash only, which makes the
recording package more durable under field conditions. Compared to
the 722, the 702 is 1/2 lb lighter, uses battery power more sparingly,
and $600 less expensive.
Some of that $600 has to be used to purchase Compactflash cards. 8GB
Compactflash cards cost about $90. 8GB is enough space for 12 hours
of DAT-quality recordings (16/48).
--oryoki
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