DAT to Digital and CD Conversion

Digital Audio Tapes were once considered one of the most advanced recording formats available, capturing professional-grade audio with exceptional clarity. Today, DAT players are almost impossible to find, and ageing tapes are at increasing risk of becoming unplayable.

DiskBank provides specialist DAT to digital conversion services in Perth, helping individuals, families, musicians and studios preserve important recordings before they are lost. Whether you have live performances, interviews, studio masters or personal audio captured on DAT, we convert them safely into accessible modern formats.

The History of the DAT Format

Digital Audio Tape, commonly known as DAT or Sony DAT, was introduced by Sony in 1987. The format was designed as a digital alternative to analogue cassettes, offering CD-quality audio in a compact tape.

Through the 1990s and early 2000s, DAT became a go-to format for studios, broadcasters, and live sound engineers. Many final masters, demo tapes, location recordings and archival materials were produced using DAT equipment because it delivered clear, noise-free sound with no generational loss.

Despite its professional popularity, DAT never achieved widespread consumer adoption. High equipment costs, limited availability, and copy protection restrictions held it back. Sony discontinued DAT recorders in 2005, and machines have become increasingly rare, expensive and difficult to service.

As a result, DAT tapes are now considered at risk. Ageing magnetic media, mechanical wear and rapidly declining hardware availability mean that many tapes may soon be impossible to play without professional assistance.

VHS tapes tranfsers

What Was DAT Quality Like?

DAT was renowned for exceptional sound quality. It is typically recorded at 44.1kHz and 16-bit, the same resolution used for CD audio, with some machines capable of even higher specifications.

Because DAT is a digital format, recordings were free from the hiss, warble and distortion common in analogue cassette tapes. Copies could be made without degradation, making DAT ideal for master recordings.

However, DAT’s quality comes with hardware limitations. The tapes require precision mechanisms for stable playback, and only specific decks can read particular recording modes. As machines fail or become unavailable, retrieving recordings becomes more difficult. Ageing tapes may also experience digital errors, audible dropouts or complete data loss if not transferred in time.

What Are the Differences Between DAT and Cassette Tapes?

Although they can appear visually similar, DAT and analogue cassettes function very differently.

DAT is a digital format, while cassettes are analogue. This gives DAT significantly better clarity, less noise and more accurate reproduction of the original sound.

DAT tapes are smaller, roughly half the size of a traditional cassette. They also play linearly from start to finish without the need to flip sides, functioning more like a CD in tape form.

Most importantly, DAT requires specialised recording and playback decks that are no longer manufactured. Cassette decks are still quite common and relatively easy to service, but DAT equipment has become rare. This limits consumer access and makes professional conversion essential for preservation.

If you are also converting older media, DiskBank offers additional services such as Cassette to Digital, Vinyl to Digital, and Audio to Digital transfers, allowing all your recordings to be brought into a modern, accessible format.

Prices – Converting DAT to Digital/CD

DAT Conversion

DAT Tape

$65 each

We provide professional DAT to digital/CD conversions for just $65 each. As part of our standard transfer service, we offer the following:

Removal of pops, crackle and background hiss
Removal of background hum and rumble
Correction of incorrect speed
Noise reduction
Equipment motor noise
Addition of track numbers

Our DAT Conversion Service

DiskBank provides safe, high-quality DAT to digital conversion using professional equipment and experienced technicians.

Our service includes:

Specialist handling of rare tapes
We understand the fragility of ageing DATs and take every precaution during preparation, cleaning and playback.

High-quality transfers from professional DAT decks
We use well-maintained digital audio equipment to extract the cleanest possible signal from your tape.

Your choice of output formats
We can provide your audio as MP3, WAV, AIFF, CD or USB, as well as secure digital download links. If you need your files prepared for editing, archival or general listening, we can accommodate your preferred format.

Light audio restoration on request
Basic enhancement is available, including level balancing and reduction of minor noise or artefacts where possible.

Secure handling and return of originals
Your tapes are processed in-house at our Perth facility. Once complete, your originals are safely returned along with your new digital files.

If your DAT tapes form part of a larger audio collection, we can also assist with CD and DVD authoring, bulk digitisation, and archival storage services.

Why Choose DiskBank?

With more than 25 years of experience in professional audio restoration and digitisation, DiskBank is trusted by families, musicians, schools, and community organisations across Australia.

Perth-based experts with fast turnaround times
Flat-rate, transparent pricing, no hidden costs
All work completed in-house, never outsourced
Trusted handling and secure storage from start to finish
Proven track record in preserving Australia’s audio history

When you hand over your reel-to-reel tapes, you can be confident they’ll be handled safely and converted with precision.

How do I play a DAT tape?

DAT tapes require a dedicated DAT deck, which is no longer manufactured and has become increasingly rare. Most consumers no longer have access to working machines. Professional transfer is the safest way to recover recordings.

Can I convert DAT to MP3 or CD?

Yes. We can convert your DAT recordings into MP3, WAV, AIFF, CD, USB or digital download. You can select the format that best suits how you plan to store or use your files.

What is the quality like after conversion?

The digital transfer reflects the quality of the original recording. If the tape is in good condition, you can expect clear, high-resolution audio. Any digital errors or tape deterioration present on the DAT may still be audible, but we take steps to minimise their impact where possible.

Can you repair broken DAT tapes?

We can often repair tapes with minor physical issues, such as snapped leaders or minor cartridge damage. Severe mechanical or digital failure may limit recovery, but our technicians will assess each tape individually.

How long does the process take?

Turnaround time depends on the number of tapes and their condition. Most standard conversions are completed within a few business days. Larger projects or complex restorations may require additional time.