Issue link: http://digital.copcomm.com/i/1076412
While some mixers employed tape-based recorders such as the Tascam DA-88 for multi-channel recording, these were cumbersome rack-mounted recorders requiring an AC supply. File-based recording was of course, available at this juncture, but it would remain for the introduction of the Fostex PD-6 recorder in 2002 to up the channel count. Still, recording time was limited. 2004 brought the introduction of the Zaxcom Deva IV & V recorders, followed by the Sound Devices 788T in 2008, both capable of eight channels of analog or AES inputs, and ten tracks of recording. For the first time, production crews had portable, battery-operated recorders capable of a significant track count at their disposal. Not to be outdone, in March of 2008, Zaxcom introduced the Deva 16 recorder, which, when paired with its digital mixer, could record sixteen tracks of audio. At this point, the traditional approach used for portable analog consoles was reaching the limit in terms of input capabilities. Except for custom (and pricey) versions of the Sonosax consoles, the only other alternatives for analog consoles with an input count over twelve channels was the Allen & Heath WZD 16:2 console (a no-frills AC powered 16-input portable board aimed primarily at the live sound market), and the Studer 169 and 961 series consoles. Beyond that, the only solution was to gang two consoles together to achieve the input count needed. While this was fairly easily achieved with the Cooper and Audio Development consoles, it was hardly an elegant solution. It took up a wider footprint than what was really needed for sixteen channels, and also required power for two consoles. Still, many mixers took advantage of this approach. Clearly, the time had come for some different solutions to the increasing track counts demanded of some productions. Next up, "Where we stand today." –Scott D. Smith CAS 6. Studer 269 12-input 4-buss console. 7. Two Cooper CS208 consoles shown ganged together for sixteen inputs. (Photo courtesy Alex Riordan) 8. Studer 962 14-input 4-buss console. 10. Yahama 01V, one of the earlier entries into small-format digital consoles, the forerunner to the 01V96. 9. Zaxcom Cameo. One of the first portable digital mixers intended for film production. 8 6 7 9 10