Thoughts on DAT tape? Any users?

I would prefer to use a good ADC and record directly to a laptop computer. As to software, for simple 2-channel recordings, Steinberg Wavelab Elements offers a lot of functionality for about $100. There are free alternatives, but they are more complex to learn IMO.

Not quite what I am trying to get at.

I already have two 4tb hdd full of ripped music.

No I was thinking as an alternative media to reels or cassette to record onto.
i know it is old school to actually want tape but I do.

I still have one but haven't used it in years.  Problem was that it kept getting out of alignment. Wasn't cheap either! Sounded a lot better than cassettes and even CDs at the time.  Excelia, an Aiwa brand, IIRC.

Thanks Andy.
Yes I did read that some models had issues with alignment of the rotating head.
Looks like Sony built some good models.

The tech piques my interest.......

Hi Uber, I used R-DAT in studios without any issue. Fast, accurate cue-ing, indexing features and excellent SQ. One studio was NFL Films where all sound was shot using DAT. It worked flawlessly in the field and studio. First generation decks had some bugs.

I encountered a consumer grade DAT once while working in a studio, and although it had equally high quality sound, the transport wasn’t as accurate for cue-ing and some tapes had tracking errors.

In my friend’s home DAT sounded fantastic. He used it for archiving and mixed tapes for partys.
If you go DAT, my suggestion is to buy a professional-grade recorder. It has a time code channel for sync even if you don’t intend to take advantage of it, ie, editing.

You’ll have to weigh cost and benefit of tape vs other other digital recording devices.
Portable DATs are cheap on Ebay, I have no knowledge of their quality.