Tech Talk from the Markertek News Channel

TASCAM's HS-P82 offers 8 tracks of the highest quality recording, yet it's built for the rigors of location recording with reliable solid-state performance. The HS-P82 is built for location television and film production audio, with eight microphone inputs for big shoots or reality programs. The standard XLR microphone inputs include phantom power and analog limiting, with trims controlled from recessed front-panel controls. In addition to the eight individual tracks, a stereo mixdown can be recorded for instant use during editing.

Audio is recorded at up to 192kHz/24-bit WAV format to a pair of Compact Flash cards. This solid state media is completely reliable with no moving parts, and you can record to both cards simultaneously for extra security. The Broadcast WAV files include iXML metadata for quick import into nearly any video or audio editing system, either via the USB 2.0 connection or a standard card reader.

The HS-P82 offers several options for power. It runs on either AA or NP batteries, an included AC adapter, external DC input or a V-mount adapter for Endura batteries. An internal slate microphone is available for naming takes. Functions like a 5-second pre-record buffer, front panel lockout and headphone output alert signal further inspire confidence.

For high-resolution music recording, a set of AES/EBU connectors is available for attaching pedigree A/D converters and preamplifiers. SMPTE timecode in and out, video and word sync are provided. All of this is controlled from a color touchscreen interface which makes operation fast and simple.

The HS-P82 from TASCAM is built on 30 years of reliable field recording. See how affordable the state of the art can be with TASCAM's flagship production recorder, the HS-P82.

If you work with digital audio, you need the DM500. The DM500 is both a Digital Audio Monitor and a Digital-to-Analog converter in a portable carry case. It accepts AES/EBU and S/PDIF digital audio formats from 27 through 96 kHz sample rate via XLR, BNC and RCA connectors. A 24-bit D/A converter feeds a powerful stereo headphone monitor amplifier, balanced analog line outputs and a stereo LED meter.

The DM500s display tells you everything you need to know about your digital audio signal including input level, sample rate, validity and errors. The stereo VU meter can be switched to indicate either headroom below 0dBFS (the digital maximum output of the D/A) or the analog output level with 0dB midscale equal to +4dBm output. Analog display ballistics are PPM for optimum indication of audio peaks.

The DM500 is ideal for digital signal troubleshooting on the go, but is equally at home on the bench or in your rack. Audio loop-thru connectors let you insert the DM500 into your digital signal path, with input termination also provided. The included battery clip (4 x 9V, batteries not included) keeps you going in the field, or you can use an available external 24VDC power supply for 24/7 operation.

The CalDigit VR mini is an innovative, compact and bus powered two drive RAID system, supporting a quadruple interface for easy connectivity. The CalDigit VR mini's modular design provides two removable drive modules and an easy to read frontside LCD.

With support for RAID 0, 1, and JBOD the CalDigit VR mini can reach speeds fast enough for high definition video editing. It includes easy to use software allowing for firmware updates, configuration, and monitoring which even supports email notification. The CalDigit VR mini packs a ton of performance into a small, bus powered package, making it a truly portable storage solution that can fit in the palm of your hand.

Host Interface

eSATA x 1

Firewire 800 X 1

Firewire 400 X 1

USB 2.0 x 1

RAID Function

Supports RAID 0, 1, Spanning, JBOD

Automatically online fast disk rebuilding

Automatic disk failure detection

Hot swappable disks

1394 Bus Power

1394 Bus Power 30V/1.5A (max)

Markertek News Channel coverage of the new TorkStar Utility Line Set and more form Draper Incorporated. The TorkStar Utility Line Set consists of a motor winch and one or more PosiSpools, connected by a drive shaft and mounted to the ceiling structure. The motor winch and each PosiSpool contain an aircraft cable lift line with a lifting capacity of 500 pounds. Use TorkStar to Raise and Lower: Lighting (House Lights, Front of House Lighting, Stage Lighting), Speakers, Backdrops, Background Sets, Scenery, Draperies, Curtain, Scrims, Signs, Banners, Flags, Projection Screens (The TorkStar Utility Lineset is not available with the Rolleramic projection screen.), Chandeliers, and more. Safety: TorkStar eliminates the need for stepladders, scaffolding, or lifts to change lamps or filters, or service or exchange ceiling suspended products. In the event of an electrical outage or motor failure, the motor winch and each PosiSpool has sufficient braking capacity to arrest the entire system. TorkStar is an inherently safe, simple lifting system designed for intermittent usage.

Redundant Safety Features

Braking: TorkWinchs braking system is unique; no other system on the market has a spring-loaded mechanically activated brake on the gearing system. The TS1000 Motor Winch braking system is comprised of a worm gear with geometry that prevents self-lowering of the load, plus an additional safety brake which acts directly on the final gear reduction to the winch drum. The additional safety brake is a uni-directional friction brake that allows free rotation while the load is being lifted but which automatically applies itself when the up motion stops or when the load is being lowered. The safety brake enhances the ability of the worm gearing to stop the load quickly when the power is removed and to hold the load securely when the winch is stopped.

PosiSpool: The unique PosiSpool employs the patented PosiLok™ system. The PosiLok is a fail-safe system which checks the speed of the rotating cable drum 5 times per revolution and will instantly lock if the trip speed is exceeded under any condition. The PosiLok automatically resets when the drive direction is reversed. PosiLok™: U.S. Patent No.: 7,210,645.

Markertek News Channel coverage of the Equitek E100S Supercardioid Condenser Microphone from CAD Audio at AES 2009, NYC. Engineered and built in the USA, the new E100S large diaphragm supercardioid condenser has the lowest noise floor in its class (3.7 dBA) and the smooth, vintage tone and robust low end CAD is known for. The bootstrapped, full differential Quadra-FET T front end delivers high sensitivity and low distortion, plus CAD's proprietary circuitry ensures the highest performance. The nickel plated 1 inch capsule delivers accurate phasing on instruments, and a full rich vocal tone, accentuated by the extended low frequency response. Features include an 80Hz hi-pass filter and a 10dB pad. From vocals to percussion, acoustic instruments and everything in between, the CAD Equitek E100S will prove to be one of the most versatile tools in your microphone locker, in the studio or on stage. Vintage woodgrain cherry case and stealth shock mount included. 48V Phantom power is required.

Markertek News Channel coverage of the new ForteRAID 4-Drive RAID Array from Glyph Technologies at AES 2009 NYC. The ForteRAID offers huge capacity and blazing speed in a desktop package. Connected by eSATA, FireWire, or USB 2.0, it gives you the freedom to move projects between multiple systems and use the fastest interface available on each system. ForteRAID uses a unique management utility called Glyph Manager. It allows you to select RAID modes, check the health and temperature of the enclosure and drives, and view any drive errors or rebuild failures. Glyph Manager (for Windows and Mac OS X) constantly monitors the ForteRAID as a background task, notifying you if your RAID needs attention. The ForteRAID supports up to 6TB using 7,200 RPM drives, and 8TB using 5,900 RPM. All models support RAID 0, 1, 3, 5, 10, and Spanning modes. Now shipping from Markertek.com!

Markertek News Channel coverage of the new KSM313 & KSM353 Bi-Directional Ribbon Mics with Roswellite Ribbon Technology at AES 2009, NYC. Proprietary Roswellite technology provides revolutionary ribbon resilience and durability under extreme conditions. Hand assembled in the USA from state-of-the art transducers, transformers and metals as the pinnacle of Shure quality for prestigious vocal and acoustic performances.

Markertek News Channel coverage of the new Cakewalk V-Studio 100 portable production studio at AES 2009 NYC. V-Studio 100 is the portable music production studio that lets you create, record, produce, and perform music with or without a computer. V-Studio 100 is a compact, all-in-one design portable enough to take anywhere for your mobile recording needs and powerful enough to be the centerpiece of your home studio. With a computer, take control of your music production using the V-Studio 100 as a high-quality audio and MIDI interface and DAW controller. Connect to a Mac or Windows and use your favorite software such as Logic, Ableton, SONAR and so on, or the included SONAR VS digital audio workstation (Windows Only). Take your music to the next level with the VS Production Packa powerful collection of effects and instruments for Mac and Windows. Away from your computer, record directly to V-Studio 100s SD-card wherever or whenever inspiration strikeswithout the need to boot up your computer. Take the VS-100 to your live gigs and use its digital mixer, reverb, compression, and EQ to mix vocals and other instruments. Use its SD recorder to play backing tracks that you produced on your computer. Even record a mix of your set directly to the SD-card. Then transfer your recorded audio to your computer for additional editing and tracking. When youre done, upload it to the internet, burn CDs, and more!

Markertek News Channel coverage of the new SC800 Instrument Direct Box from Switchcraft at NAB 2009. The SC800 Instrument Direct Box from Switchcraft converts the outputs of high impedance line level audio devices and musical instruments to low impedance, balanced and isolated mic level signals that can be connected to audio console's, mic pre's, effects processors, and other equipment with 3-Pin XLR inputs.

The SC800 was developed with one goal in mind... to provide audio engineers and musicians with the highest quality passive direct box available today.

Built by hand in Chicago, USA.

Markertek News Channel coverage of the new MSC1 monitor controller system from JBL Professional at AES 2009, NYC. Command all control room monitoring functions right from your mix position, with the MSC1 Monitor System Controller. In a convenient desk-top form-factor, the MSC1 provides essential monitor strip features found in large mixing consoles. Since the acoustics of your room can play a big part in what you hear, the MSC1 includes JBL's highly acclaimed RMC Room Mode Correction Technology. The end-result is a calibrated reference environment in which your speakers work in harmony with your room to take the guesswork out of mixing. With RMC you can tune your monitor system for greater clarity at the mix position. With the MSC1, youre clearly in control. Includes Calibration Microphone and MSC1 Control Center Software.