The Sony PCM‑R500 is a professional DAT (Digital Audio Tape) recorder/player, widely regarded as one of Sony’s most reliable studio and archival decks. It’s essentially a ruggedized, pro‑grade version of Sony’s high‑end consumer DAT machines, sharing much of its internal design with the DTC‑ZA5ES.
Below is a complete, structured profile based on authoritative sources.
The PCM‑R500 is a 2‑channel stereo DAT deck designed for broadcast, mastering, and archival work. It features a 4‑motor direct‑drive transport, Super Bit Mapping A/D processing, and full professional digital/analog I/O.
Track system: 2‑channel stereo
Sampling rates: 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 32 kHz
A/D conversion: 20‑bit with Super Bit Mapping noise shaping
D/A conversion: 16‑bit linear
Frequency response: 20 Hz – 20 kHz
SNR: 90 dB
THD: 0.05%
4 direct‑drive motors for extremely stable tape handling
Highly tolerant of worn or marginal tapes (one reason it’s favored for archival transfers)
Up to 240 minutes depending on tape and speed
AES/EBU (XLR)
Coaxial S/PDIF
Balanced XLR (+4 dBu)
Unbalanced RCA
These options make the PCM‑R500 suitable for studio integration, broadcast racks, and transfer workflows.
Super Bit Mapping (SBM): Noise‑shapes 20‑bit A/D into the 16‑bit DAT format for improved dynamic range.
Jog/Shuttle wheel: Fast cueing and precise location control.
Flexible setup menu: ID6 status, Start ID control, level sync, date/time, and more.
Remote control: Via 8‑pin DIN parallel remote or included wireless remote.
Dimensions: 482 × 145 × 355 mm
Weight: 7.2 kg
Power: 120V (US/Canada) or 230V (AEP) depending on model
Extremely reliable transport
Excellent for archiving old DAT tapes, even problematic ones
Professional I/O and stable clocking
One of the last high‑end DAT decks Sony produced