Wow. This Aaton Cantaar X3 24 track digital recorder is a thing of beauty, almost an object d'art. Aaten Digital say they put ergonomics first, which is perhaps why this thing looks so awesome.
With up to 48 inputs - 8 analogue preamps, MADI, AES3, AES42 for digital mics and Dante audio network, its pretty well connected. It works as a mixer too with 8 analog outs, Digital and Dante, with talkback and bussing features.
Recording to intyernall SSD and featuring 2 SD card slots + external drive, you should be covered in case of catastrophe.
They ain't cheap though, at a cool 15k Euros, your'e going to really want one - even if it's just to put in a glass case and look at it. All controls and case are custom made - they call it artisan - and we must say, its lovely.
Available also as a 16 Track version Cantaar Mini which costs 7.5k Euros. They've been making film cameras for the last 40 years, and this range is pretty much the top of the tree.
Part 2 on revisions that made synths into brand new machines