TASCAM Unveils 1st 48-track Hybrid HD Workstation
Tascam
Posted 2005-05-10
TASCAM's new X-48 is the world's first 48-track hybrid hard disk workstation, 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 the TEC award-winning MX-2424, making it the ultimate multitrack solution for high-quality music, post and live recording applications. Yet it goes beyond mere stand-alone recorders – its built-in automated 48-channel digital mixer, VGA display output, powerful editing functions and DVD+RW backup transform the X-48 into a complete standalone workstation.
"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."
The X-48 is the most advanced standalone multitrack recorder ever released:
• 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.
