At last weeks NAB show in Vegas, Tascam announced a 48-track hybrid hard disk workstation. They claim this is the worlds first, offering the best of both worlds- "the stability and ease-of-use of a stand-alone hard disk recorder with the GUI, editing features and plug-in compatibility of computer-based digital audio workstations."
The X-48 boasts 96kHz/24-bit recording across all 48 tracks and 192kHz recording across 24 tracks. Its file interoperability and synchronization surpass even their TEC award-winning MX-2424. It's not just a recorder, its got a built-in automated 48-channel digital mixer, VGA display output, powerful editing functions and DVD+RW backup. "Configuring a professional computer-based DAW of this capability could cost over $20,000 and would require more than a dozen components to install and troubleshoot," says Jim Bailey, Product Manager for TASCAM. "We have created a turn-key multitrack workstation with peerless audio quality and a state-of-the-art feature set while retaining the interoperability and reliability of our acclaimed MX-2424. The Broadcast WAVE file format and OMFi import and export are compatible with workstations such as Pro Tools, and the built-in DVD+RW drive, support for FireWire hard drives and Gigabit Ethernet make it simple to transfer tracks between systems. But it's the built-in digital mixing, plug-in support and graphic user interface that make this a unique solution for users who need either a multitrack recorder or an all-in-one workstation."
Tascam X-48 Features
48-track digital recording at up to 96kHz/24-bit 24-track recording at 192kHz/24-bit 32-bit floating point audio file recording and playback with no loss of track count VGA and PS/2 connections for keyboard, monitor and mouse Built-in 48-channel TDIF inputs and outputs Built-in S/PDIF I/O Two 24-channel option slots support analog, ADAT or AES/EBU expansion cards Advanced integrated synchronization and machine control, including HDTV tri-level sync Time-stamped Broadcast WAVE file format Front-panel transport, track arming, project management and meter functions Built-in 80GB hard drive Built-in DVD+RW drive for backup and restore Two FireWire (IEEE-1394) and four USB 2.0 ports for external hard drive support Graphic User Interface for editing, mixing, plug-ins and meters ±12.5% varispeed Grid-style editing Theater Play mode Gigabit Ethernet, includes FTP server and drive sharing Non-destructive editing with undo/redo Built on embedded Windows XP operating system OMF, AAF and OpenTL import and export
In addition, the X-48 functions as an all-in-one workstation, with powerful digital editing and mixing facilities:
Turn-key operation: no software or hardware conflicts to troubleshoot 48-channel digital mixing at 96kHz / 24-channels at 192kHz 6 stereo returns (60 inputs at mixdown) 24 busses 6 aux sends Stereo buss 32-bit floating point mixer resolution Full dynamic automation Dynamics and four-band EQ per channel 4 VST plug-in inserts on each channel, group and aux return Controllable using the US-2400 24-fader Universal Controller Full graphic user interface
The TASCAM X-48 has a manufacturer's suggested retail price of $4,999 and will be available in the Summer of 2005.
www.tascam.com