TASCAM MX2424 Hard-Disk Multi-Track Recorder
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zZounds Gear Experts Say...
Features 24-bit/96kHz/12-track mode with unlimited virtual tracks.
Overview
Everybody's going hog wild on loading up their computers with software to do digital multitracking, and we say, "hold on just a minute!" There's still life in the hardware box game, and leave it to TASCAM to hit one out of the park.
The MX-2424 is a 24-track hard disk recorder that kind of thinks it's a traditional tape recorder. If you've been gun-shy in going the hard-disk route because of the steep learning curve and foreign interface, then breathe a sigh of relief because this box is made for you. Resembling a traditional autolocator unit, all the usual controls are at your fingertips, including a rewind button that you'll probably never have to use.
With a list of features that are as deep and comprehensive as a pro unit can have, this is a piece that you can build a real-deal recording studio around. With a list price of under $4000.00, you can either look at this unit as one of the top of the line boxes you can get for a project studio, or a budget unit to start a pro room. This is a serious rig for serious engineers and musicians, and well worth a look before you spend 5 figures for a computer-driven system.
Bundled along with the MX-2424 is computer software to run the unit from a Mac or PC. This totally pro rig truly gives you the best of both worlds.
Features
Ý 24-bit/96kHz 12-track mode
Ý Unlimited virtual tracks
Ý Sound Designer II/WAV audio file formats using PC or Mac formatted drive
Ý 9 gigabyte internal hard drive offers 50 minutes of 24-track 24-bit… read more solid recording
Ý Rear panel SCSI Wide port allows connection of more drives
Ý Front panel 5.5 in. drive bay for adding another hard drive, removable Kingston drive, or back-up DVD
Ý Editing capabilities built in
Ý 100 levels of undo
Ý TL Tape Mode Destructive or Non-Destructive recording modes
Ý TLBUS ports sync up to 32 MX machines for 768 tracks at 48kHz, or 384 tracks at 96kHz
Ý Built-in SMPTE synchronizer for generating or slaving to time code
Ý Word Clock In/Out/Thru, MIDI IN/Out/Thru
Ý AES/EBU and S/PDIF 2-channel I/O for direct connection of digital devices
Ý Includes ViewNet MX Graphic User Interface
Ý Optional digital I/O cards offer 24 channels of TDIF, Lightpipe, or AES/EBU I/O
Ý Optional analog I/O card
Ý Optional RC2424 Remote control read less
The MX-2424 is a 24-track hard disk recorder that kind of thinks it's a traditional tape recorder. If you've been gun-shy in going the hard-disk route because of the steep learning curve and foreign interface, then breathe a sigh of relief because this box is made for you. Resembling a traditional autolocator unit, all the usual controls are at your fingertips, including a rewind button that you'll probably never have to use.
With a list of features that are as deep and comprehensive as a pro unit can have, this is a piece that you can build a real-deal recording studio around. With a list price of under $4000.00, you can either look at this unit as one of the top of the line boxes you can get for a project studio, or a budget unit to start a pro room. This is a serious rig for serious engineers and musicians, and well worth a look before you spend 5 figures for a computer-driven system.
Bundled along with the MX-2424 is computer software to run the unit from a Mac or PC. This totally pro rig truly gives you the best of both worlds.
Features
Ý 24-bit/96kHz 12-track mode
Ý Unlimited virtual tracks
Ý Sound Designer II/WAV audio file formats using PC or Mac formatted drive
Ý 9 gigabyte internal hard drive offers 50 minutes of 24-track 24-bit… read more solid recording
Ý Rear panel SCSI Wide port allows connection of more drives
Ý Front panel 5.5 in. drive bay for adding another hard drive, removable Kingston drive, or back-up DVD
Ý Editing capabilities built in
Ý 100 levels of undo
Ý TL Tape Mode Destructive or Non-Destructive recording modes
Ý TLBUS ports sync up to 32 MX machines for 768 tracks at 48kHz, or 384 tracks at 96kHz
Ý Built-in SMPTE synchronizer for generating or slaving to time code
Ý Word Clock In/Out/Thru, MIDI IN/Out/Thru
Ý AES/EBU and S/PDIF 2-channel I/O for direct connection of digital devices
Ý Includes ViewNet MX Graphic User Interface
Ý Optional digital I/O cards offer 24 channels of TDIF, Lightpipe, or AES/EBU I/O
Ý Optional analog I/O card
Ý Optional RC2424 Remote control read less
Specs
Physical Tracks: 24@48kHz, 12@96kHz
Virtual Tracks: 999 Freely Assignable
Supported Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, plus pull up and pull down rates
Supported Bit Depths: 16-bit, 24-bit (projects can support multiple bit depths)
Internal Drive: 9.1GB Quantum Atlas V
Record Time: Approximately 45 minutes 24 tk x 24-bit x 48kHz = 200MB/min
Hard Drive Formats: Windows Format: Fat32/Macintosh Formats: HFS, HFS+
Audio File Formats: Broadcast Wave, Sound Designer II
Playlist Format: OpenTL
SCSI Bus Protocol: LVD Ultra 2 SCSI
SCSI Bus Speed: 80MB/sec maximum burst
Max Devices Supported: 15 if all devices are LVD, 7 if any device is non-LVD
Max SCSI Bus Length: 25 meters (82 ft.), less than or equal to 2 LVD IDs12 meters (39 ft. 3 in.), less than or equal to15 LVD IDs
Standard Digital I/O: AES/EBU and S/PDIF I/O with Sample Rate Conversion
Optional I/O Slots: (1) Analog I/O Slot, (1) Digital I/O Slot
TL-Bus Control: Sample Accurate Lock of 32 Machines
Time Code Ports: 1/4 in. TRS for IN/OUT/THRU
MIDI Ports: 5-pin DIN for IN/OUT/THRU
Functions: Generate SMPTE, MTC, MIDI Clock/Chase SMPTE, MTC/Regenerate SMPTE, MTC
Word Clock Ports: IN/OUT/THRU, Self Terminating BNC 75 Ohm
Video Sync Ports: IN/THRU, Self Terminating BNC 75 Ohm
Footswitch Port: Accepts RC-30P punch-in pedal or Alesis LRC remote
Remote Port: Accepts RC-2424 Remote
EtherNet: 100MBit - RJ45 Connection
Virtual Tracks: 999 Freely Assignable
Supported Sample Rates: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, plus pull up and pull down rates
Supported Bit Depths: 16-bit, 24-bit (projects can support multiple bit depths)
Internal Drive: 9.1GB Quantum Atlas V
Record Time: Approximately 45 minutes 24 tk x 24-bit x 48kHz = 200MB/min
Hard Drive Formats: Windows Format: Fat32/Macintosh Formats: HFS, HFS+
Audio File Formats: Broadcast Wave, Sound Designer II
Playlist Format: OpenTL
SCSI Bus Protocol: LVD Ultra 2 SCSI
SCSI Bus Speed: 80MB/sec maximum burst
Max Devices Supported: 15 if all devices are LVD, 7 if any device is non-LVD
Max SCSI Bus Length: 25 meters (82 ft.), less than or equal to 2 LVD IDs12 meters (39 ft. 3 in.), less than or equal to15 LVD IDs
Standard Digital I/O: AES/EBU and S/PDIF I/O with Sample Rate Conversion
Optional I/O Slots: (1) Analog I/O Slot, (1) Digital I/O Slot
TL-Bus Control: Sample Accurate Lock of 32 Machines
Time Code Ports: 1/4 in. TRS for IN/OUT/THRU
MIDI Ports: 5-pin DIN for IN/OUT/THRU
Functions: Generate SMPTE, MTC, MIDI Clock/Chase SMPTE, MTC/Regenerate SMPTE, MTC
Word Clock Ports: IN/OUT/THRU, Self Terminating BNC 75 Ohm
Video Sync Ports: IN/THRU, Self Terminating BNC 75 Ohm
Footswitch Port: Accepts RC-30P punch-in pedal or Alesis LRC remote
Remote Port: Accepts RC-2424 Remote
EtherNet: 100MBit - RJ45 Connection
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 323-726-0303
Web: https://tascam.com/us/support/contact
Phone: 323-726-0303
Web: https://tascam.com/us/support/contact
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
(41 ratings)
Submitted December 28, 2003 by a customer from aol.com
"A great recorder for the do-it-yourselfer"
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I expect to use this for the next five years at least. Only moving part is the harddrive, which can easily and cheaply be replaced. I think this unit is excellent, but overpriced compared to the competition. What I like most about it is that it's a superb sounding 24 track recorder in just a few rack spaces, rock solid and reliable. What I like least is the fan noise (I'm determined to find a quieter fan for it) and the poorly written and disorganized manuals. Can you believe in all their website there is no simple explanation of how to connect it to their DM-24 mixer (the two of which are designed to go together)?
Sound
In my case I'm really rating the sound of the DM-24 mixer designed for use with this box, because I only purchased the digital interface, not the analog converters. The sound, however, is excellent.
Features
I'll give this a 9, because that's the capacity of the standard hard drive, 9 gigs. That's not nearly enough, less than 45 minutes of recording. This was clearly designed years ago, when 9 gigs was a lot and very expensive. I bought a 36 gig, 10,000 rpm SCSI drive at Fry's for $200 and now I have plenty of space. This thing is pretty pricey considering any I/O interface is extra. However, it does everything but slice bread, and the inside is very roomy and easy to work on if you have any experience with upgrading computers. For me, the ethernet interface is HUGE as it lets me both… read more control the box from a laptop and easily back it up to another computer on my home network. At that point I can keep the files on my hard drive (storage is cheap on a PC) or burn CDs or DVDs. It was pretty easy to get my router to accept it. I'm typing this on the internet right now as it's backing up the day's work!
Quality
Extremely well made, solid and high quality. Big! Lots of room to work inside, easy to upgrade with a larger hard drive, which I highly recommend. Front panel controls are "rubberized" and seem very sturdy. All parts are very high quality. Only moving parts are the cooling fan and the disk drive, either of which can easily be replaced for cheap at any computer store.
Value
Giving this thing a 9 because it's very expensive compared to similar products by other manufacturers. I've been waiting for the price to come down (probably when a new version comes out) and got lucky on a closeout. Otherwise, I'd still be waiting.
Manufacturer Support
Tascam has the best support, I've been a loyal customer for 30 years and they've never let me down, always gone the extra mile. I upgraded this box (larger hard drive) and installed the optional TDIF card. Both were easy jobs with the online instructions. Biggest disappointment is the closing of the TASCAM forums earlier this year, that resource was priceless.
The Wow Factor
I was using tape machines, which were getting old and unreliable. The first time you're working with a client's tape that hasn't been backed up, and the tape machine eats the tape, you won't forget that experience. I spent 4 hours unwinding the entire Hi-8 tape on the floor (with cotton gloves on) looking for the twist in the tape. Having a hard drive machine (plus backups) eliminates that possibility.
Musical Style:
Pop, Funk, Rock read less
Sound
In my case I'm really rating the sound of the DM-24 mixer designed for use with this box, because I only purchased the digital interface, not the analog converters. The sound, however, is excellent.
Features
I'll give this a 9, because that's the capacity of the standard hard drive, 9 gigs. That's not nearly enough, less than 45 minutes of recording. This was clearly designed years ago, when 9 gigs was a lot and very expensive. I bought a 36 gig, 10,000 rpm SCSI drive at Fry's for $200 and now I have plenty of space. This thing is pretty pricey considering any I/O interface is extra. However, it does everything but slice bread, and the inside is very roomy and easy to work on if you have any experience with upgrading computers. For me, the ethernet interface is HUGE as it lets me both… read more control the box from a laptop and easily back it up to another computer on my home network. At that point I can keep the files on my hard drive (storage is cheap on a PC) or burn CDs or DVDs. It was pretty easy to get my router to accept it. I'm typing this on the internet right now as it's backing up the day's work!
Quality
Extremely well made, solid and high quality. Big! Lots of room to work inside, easy to upgrade with a larger hard drive, which I highly recommend. Front panel controls are "rubberized" and seem very sturdy. All parts are very high quality. Only moving parts are the cooling fan and the disk drive, either of which can easily be replaced for cheap at any computer store.
Value
Giving this thing a 9 because it's very expensive compared to similar products by other manufacturers. I've been waiting for the price to come down (probably when a new version comes out) and got lucky on a closeout. Otherwise, I'd still be waiting.
Manufacturer Support
Tascam has the best support, I've been a loyal customer for 30 years and they've never let me down, always gone the extra mile. I upgraded this box (larger hard drive) and installed the optional TDIF card. Both were easy jobs with the online instructions. Biggest disappointment is the closing of the TASCAM forums earlier this year, that resource was priceless.
The Wow Factor
I was using tape machines, which were getting old and unreliable. The first time you're working with a client's tape that hasn't been backed up, and the tape machine eats the tape, you won't forget that experience. I spent 4 hours unwinding the entire Hi-8 tape on the floor (with cotton gloves on) looking for the twist in the tape. Having a hard drive machine (plus backups) eliminates that possibility.
Musical Style:
Pop, Funk, Rock read less
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