Abstract: Apparatus and method for storing and retrieving audio data simultaneously. A digital audio logger is provided with a digital audio tape (DAT) for permanent storage of audio data and with a random access storage (RAS) device that provides fast retrieval of audio. Both the DAT and RAS devices have audio written from a buffer that initially stores audio data temporarily. Two pointers are provided for the RAS device. Because of the randomness characteristic of the RAS device, data can be retrieved rapidly with a first one of the pointers and for this reason has advantages in fast retrieval. The RAS device communicates with a supervisor whereby data can be retrieved therefrom through the first pointer while the RAS device is receiving data from the buffer through the second pointer.