by Richard Lightstone CAS AMPS
JP Beauviala, aka "Mr. Aaton," started the
design of the AatonCorder back in 2000;
the first working model arrived by 2002.
In 2003, the fully functional Cantar-X
was released and I still remember the
excitement of seeing it demonstrated at
NAB that year.
The Cantar-X could record eight tracks and was far from
box-like, looking like a modern sculpture, as if from the
imagination of Jules Verne. What set it apart was its excel-
lent microphone preamps, rivaling the quality of Stefan
Kudelski. Even better, the Cantar was both waterproof
and dustproof. Also unusual, were the six linear, magnetic
faders on the top and the four screens on its hinged front
panel. The inner electronics were flawless and it utilized
the excellent Aaton-designed battery system, allowing it to
deliver twenty hours of continuous use.
CANTAR-X3
X3 main selector
Cantar-X3 display panel
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