Couldn't make it to AES? Come to Gotham to see:
Can't make it to Gotham? Check
out our videos online!
Notable products include:
1)
JoeCo BlackBox Recorder
The
BlackBox recorder is a 24 track Broadcast Wave File recorder that
records to an external USB harddrive, is housed in a 1 RU case and
powered by 12 VDC, all for less than $2,500.00. In my opinion, the
best feature of the BlackBox Recorder is its simplicity: Hook up an
external USB harddrive and press record. Currently, the inputs are
unbalanced analog line-level on DB25 connectors, wired so that off
the shelf 1/4" - DB25 snake cables can be used in the insert
jacks of almost any mixer without interrupting the signal flow.
Future options will include balanced analog, AES and ADAT. LTC
timecode can be supplied via 1/4" jack on the back, and an
external digital clock can be supplied as AES or SPDIF on an RCA
connector.
I spoke with JoeCo founder Joe Bull at AES about adding iXML (he
didn't say no...) and pre-roll (less likely). When we spoke about
simultaneous recording to two harddrives, Joe correctly pointed out
that redundant recording can happen only with two separate and
independent recorders, so the BlackBox Recorder only has one USB
port. For $2,500 each, buying one as a backup is a realistic option.
As for those who worry that USB is not robust enough to record 24
tracks, I must point out that Joe Bull was one of the founders of
Sadie,
whose workstations are capable of 48 track recording via USB2.
The BlackBox Recorder with unbalanced inputs will be shipping
within two weeks. MAP price is $2,495.00. Please call, email or click
here for a personal quote. Other options shipping soon.
View
AES 2009 video of the BlackBox
2) Tascam
HS-P82
The
Tascam HS-P82 is an 8 input, 10 track time-code capable location
recorder with full Broadcast Wave and iXML compatibility. The machine
records to two CF cards either simultaneously or sequentially, and
it's also capable of offloading files to a MAC or PC via it's on
board USB port.
I spoke with Tascam Engineer Tom Duffy at AES,
and was impressed by how much thought was put into the design of the
unit. This definitely is NOT just an HD-P2 on steroids, but rather a
re-design from the ground up. For example, TC is handled by an
internal generator, not a reader as in the HD-P2, and will keep alive
using the internal batteries in the absence of external power
(speaking of external power, I do wish it was on a 4 pin Hirose or
XLRM - a mod we will look into offering). Tom also indicated that the
USB port functionality could be made into host mode, so that it can
interface directly with external storage, instead of requiring a
PC.
The Tascam HS-P82 is scheduled to ship in December. We are
accepting pre-orders now. MAP price was increased post-AES to
$4,999.00 - please call, email or click
here to request a quote.
View
AES 2009 video of the HS-P82
3) Sound
Devices 552
The
Sound Devices 552 is a five input ENG mixer, expanding on the popular
442 mixer. Of course, it has a fifth input, and it can also record
(with SMPTE TC stamp) to an SD card. By adding a graphite composite
to the chassis, Sound Devices has made it lighter than the 442, and
it still retains it's predecessor's RF shielding. Instead of a
display, SD has unleashed "Sven" - a voice driven user
interface that speaks all of the 552's settings.
The only feature
I wished it had out of the box is the ability to route the TC input
to one of the tracks of the SD card recording - a configuration
(sadly) still required by many transcription services. Fortunately,
Jon Tatooles indicated that the hardware is capable of such routing,
and that with enough user requests, the feature could be implemented
in hardware.
Other firmware requests include the ability to
change the tone generator from momentary to latching and changing the
behavior of the recording controls so that you have to push the stop
control for more than two seconds to prevent unintentional recording
breaks.
The Sound Devices 552 is currently shipping and sells
for $2,895.00. Please call, email, or click
here to order. It is also available to rent.
Also
see Cory Allen's review in this issue.
View
AES 2009 video of the 552
4)
Z
axcom
ZAX-NET
Zaxcom's innovative ZAX-NET has the potential to
change the way we think of how our audio gear interconnects . For
example, changing the gain on the Mix-12 control surface changes the
gain on the TRX transmitter – exactly where you need the gain
to change in a recording situation. Most impressive was Glenn's
demonstration of all of the wireless transmitters re-playing a scene
in sync while re-mixed and re-recorded it on the DEVA, complete with
the correct timecode offset of the original.
I hope this is the
start of the (for lack of a better term) “Set Area Network”
where all of our equipment, across multiple departments, shares
information. For example, I like Glenn's idea that the slate can get
it's scene and take information from the DEVA, but I think it would
be better if both the Deva, the slate and the Camera Department could
all get that same information from the Script Supervisor. Of course,
the Script Supervisor could also provide the “prints”,
and the AC could provide footage counts, all shared within the “SAN”.
I hope to see bigger and better developments in this area.
View
the AES 2009 Video of Zaxcom's Glenn Sanders
5) Markertek
/ TecNec's iPod connector to dual XLRM
Finally,
a semi-elegant, semi-pro solution to what was previously an awkward
adaptor arrangement.
Gotham sells these adaptors for $35.00. Please call, email, or
click
here to order.
