Mackie SDR2496 24-Bit 24-Track Hard Disk Recorder

I can remember when a 24-track, 2" analog tape recorder was the size of a refrigerator and cost over $25,000.00!! Now, they're the size of a bread-box and cost less than 1/10th that amount!! WOW!!

This "SDR" recorder is really neat!! If you buy it though.....MAKE SURE that you either have an ADAT digital IN on your mixing console or, buy the "D-sub 25-pin to TRS or XLR" cables. The audio IN's and OUT's are either 25-pin D-sub connectors or ADAT "lightpipe" connectors.

This unit operates just like a "tape deck" functionally, so you can use it right away. The only real "digital" parts are during the setup, where you set SYSTEM CLOCK, SAMPLE RATE, and whether you're using ANALOG or DIGITAL inputs.

You'll also need to buy several "MACKIE MEDIA" drives. This is so you can backup and/or store your recording sessions as you use the deck. Otherwise, you'll eventually run out of hard-disk space and you'll have to erase some of your earlier recordings.

For the price, you can't beat it!! I wish I had this kind of recorder back in the 70's when I was doing "LIVE" recording with either a 2-track CROWN International or, a 4-track TEAC recorder.

You young guys don't know how good you really have it these days!! Digital Technology has made recording gear so much smaller and so much more affordable. Go buy one or two of these TODAY!!

Feature:
With the latest firmware upgrade, this recorder can do a lot. It's nice to have 8 virtual takes per track, really flexible routing (via ADAT optical or analog inputs/outputs), varispeed recording/playback, and more. The only thing I wish it had is an option to render tracks. Other than that, it's great. It records in .bwf format, so if you're reasonably computer savvy, you can build a dock for your computer and the SDR's external hard drive caddy, and then edit or mixdown on your computer. You can also hook up a remote and a footswitch, but those are sold separately. Also, for analog ins/outs, it does use db25 connections, which definitely add up in cost, since you need 6 snakes to fully hook everything up.

Quality:
So far, so good. I've heard of problems with some of the older machines, but haven't experienced any of them as of yet. The recorder itself is pretty sturdy. I wouldn't want it dropped or banged up too much, but I also wouldn't feel too bad about taking it on the road as long as I had appropriate protection for it.

Value:
There isn't a better product out there at this price point. Sure, the cables will cost you more than the ones for the HD24, but the SDR costs $700 less right now. That's really the only thing the HD24 has over the SDR.

Desirability:
Um, you're either into recording gear or you aren't.

Sound:
For $1300, it sounds great. The converters are not as good as those on the Mackie HDR/MDR lines, but they're very much on par with those on the Alesis HD24. Out of the box, the SDR is capable of 12+ tracks at 24 bit/96 kHz, which is pretty good. I haven't yet tested it at 24/96 with 24 full tracks, but haven't had any problems with 15 so far.

Support:
Mackie is really great to deal with. One of the best things is that they have a really well-informed forum on their website. Not only are representatives from Mackie fairly active there, but there are quite a few knowledgeable pros on there who drop in to give advice. I can't comment on any repair situations, since I haven't had to have any done.

Overall:
At this price level, it's the thing to get. If I were to move up, it would be to a Mackie HDR or Radar system. I'd buy this one again if this one were stolen or somehow lost. I don't see myself outgrowing the SDR unless I end up getting a lot of cash coming in.