about hard disk recorders

[toadies]

If you buy a hard disk recorder like the Mackie HDR24 that has 24 I/O.

where do you put the inputs?

Does this mean i have to buy more A/D/A convertors with light pipe?

about the SDR24

has analog inputs but they look like serial ports?

Ok what about the Radar system? Suppose to be a good DAW but you have to buy sepeart A/D/A convertor in order to use it.

I'm confused.

 

[TexRoadkill]

All HDR's have the ADC's on them. Those serial ports are usually D-Sub break out cables with a serial plug on one end and 8 1/4" cables on the other.

You plug the outputs of the recorder into a mixer and then mix it down to another recorder or computer. That is how all recording and mixing was done before computer DAW's came onto the scene.

The differences in HDR's are mainly the editing features and quality of the ADC's and clock.

 

[toadies]

ok, that makes since. I also see the D-sub connectors on the SDR, but not on the HDR. Have to buy additional cards?

 

[TexRoadkill]

I'm not sure what the deal is with the Mackies. I'm using a radar and it uses the dsubs. Check their specs and they should say the number of analog i/o's. Dsubs usually aren't included and they run about $85 (decent quality) and carry 8 channels each so you need 6 for 24 channels in and out. Make sure you budget for any special I/O cables and backup media.

 

[DigitMus]

Yep, the HDR is sold without cards. You have your choice between ADAT lightpipe, ADAT + TDIF, analog, AES/EBU, (8channel cards, 3 slots) or the new 24 channel lightpipe card which can be used in conjuction with the other cards, so you could, say, go in analog and out digital (like to a computer).

Scott

 

[toadies]

I get it now.

Thats makes alot more since.

So is the Radar project worth the $6000.

 

[Track Rat]

Tex, you run a Radar system don't you? It's a dandy for sure. Is it $3000 better than my Alesis HD24/GenX6 combo? Hmmmm, I don't know. I suppose it depends on what you're doing with it.

 

[littledog]

I don't have a Radar, but there are a lot of folks I know and trust who swear by them. Some of them traded their previous digital formats and haven't the slightest regret. Others are die-hard analog people who, until the Radar, would not have ever considered recording on any of the existing "affordable" digital systems.

I'm guessing that the Radar to Mackie/Alesis comparison is probably similar to higher end Neumann vs. Rode. You can do good work with both, but the former (in each case) makes it a lot easier!

 

[TexRoadkill]

TR- I can't really answer that question because I've never used a HD24. I can say in terms of build quality there is a huge difference between a radar and the others. It's like comparing a home VHS player to a pro level sony beta SP deck. I think LD's comments were pretty accurate.

I'm a bit of a sadist and don't like to give myself too many excuses for mediocrity. As I turned 30 and found myself evaluating my meager accomplishments in life I decided I wanted to make some great recordings. I fealt pretty confident that if I couldn't get spectacular results with the radar then I can honestly say I suck and could settle back into being a software salesman. I also wanted something that I could use for mobile recording and possibly get into classical stuff. The radar is bullet proof and I got the nyquist convertors for 12tracks of 96khz so it fit the bill.

Whether it's worth the extra money is a personal decision. I had the cash and got a great deal on Ebay. I got the nyquist with DVD ram and SCSI for $6k and that would have cost me $8500 new so that helped me make the decision. I'm used to working with top of the line gear (that other people payed for) and I've learned to appreciate why great pieces cost what they do.

When it comes to truly pro audio it seems like the only guaranteed solid choices are ProTools or a Radar and the radar is much cheaper in comparison. If somebody was just looking for a good home recorder they might be better off just getting the older Otari Radar II for about $4k.