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The Sony DTC-60ES is an improved version of the DTC-59ES.

The major difference being the addition of Sony's Super Bit Mapping (SBM).

One of the best features of the DTC-60ES is Sony's SBM, a process that raises the standard of DAT recording and playback quality.

The basic theory is that when you record on the DTC-60ES through its 24-bit analog converters using SBM, the processor filters the 24-bit audio to yield a final product that sounds better than normal 16-bit quality. SBM does that by weaving out the least significant 8-bit information into 16-bit filtered data.

Sony claims the reshaped noise pattern results in deeper bass and more dynamic midrange. According to Sony, by reorienting quantization noise to frequencies above 15,000 Hz — where human hearing is far less sensitive — the SBM process can achieve a result that is comparable to nearly 20-bit quality, yet you can still play the DAT on any DAT recorder/player.

Serial copy management system
This unit utilizes the serial copy management system that permits digital-to-digital recording tor one generation. You can record CD sound or other digital formats through a digital-to-digital connection.

SBM (Super Bit Mapping)
Super Bit Mapping reduces noise at the frequency levels most discernible to the human ear, and reintegrates sound information subtracted during the AND conversion process, greatly improving the dynamic audible range and sound quality of the recorded signal during analog recording.

Date Function Automatically Stores The Recording Date And Time
The year, month, day, day of the week, hour, minute and second are automatically memorized in the subcode area during recording, so that during playback you can display this data to check when the tape was recorded. This function is especially convenient when recording live performances, etc.

Three sampling frequencies
Recording/playback can be done with three sampling frequencies (48 kHz, 44.1 kHz and 32 kHz).
48 kHz: For analog and digital input signals in a standard mode.
44.1 kHz: For compact disc and pre-recorded DAT tape.
32 kHz: For analog input signals in a long-play mode.

Long play mode
This unit can operate in a long-play mode. Analog input signals can be recorded or playback for up to four consecutive hours when the DT-120 DAT cassette tape is used. The sampling frequency will be 32 kHz in the long play mode.

Visible cassette loading
You can view the tape operation through the lid of the cassette compartment. Due to a revolutionary new transport mechanism, cassette loading time has been significantly reduced.

Excellent sound quality
• 1-bit A/D converter - For the A/D converter section which converts analog input signals to digital signals, the unit employs a 1-bit A/D converter which theoretically generates no zero-cross distortion for a clear, elegant sound quality.
• Pulse D/A converter - Superior playback performance is achieved with a 1-bit D/A converter.

Digital Fade In and Out
Professional sounding fade-in/fade-out of either digital or analog signals can be accomplished by use of the FADER button.

Rich variety of subcode information
This unit can record subcode information such as Start IDs, program numbers, Skip IDs, and absolute time data, enabling you to quickly locate tunes and display the playback time in the same manner as when playing compact discs.

Post edit recording of sub codes
You can record or rewrite the following sub codes after the audio signal recording has been completed. Start ID: Signifies the beginning of a selection.
Program number: Gives a number to the selection.
Skip ID: Signifies the beginning of a portion to be skipped.
End ID: Signifies the end position of recording/ playback.
Since sub codes are written on the tape separately from audio signals, the audio signals are not affected.