Akai DPS24 24-Track Digital Workstation
No longer available at zZounds
zZounds Gear Experts Say...
16/20/24-bit uncompressed recording. 32/44.1/48/88.2/96kHz sampling rates.
Overview
Reach Out and Touch the DPS24
With its generous complement of dedicated keys and rotary encoders, changes are only an arm's length away. Hit the Q-Strip keys and use the 12 encoders to adjust pan or effects sends, hit the Q-Channel key and use the 12 encoders to adjust an channel's entire parameter set, hit the FX key and use the 6 Q-Link encoders to adjust effects settings. Never before has such a tactile user interface been offered on a digital personal studio. Add to this a chunky set of transport keys, a dedicated multi-track jog wheel for 'reel-rocking' and you begin to get the feeling that it's you that's in charge, not the machine's arcane operating system.
Take Control
24-tracks of uncompressed 16/20/24-bit recording and playback at 44.1/48/96kHz for absolute audio quality and a 44-channel automated digital mixer with professional, long throw (100mm) touch sensitive motorized faders. The multi-function rotary encoders above the faders have a collar of LEDs around them so that you can see at a glance what their values are while the large LCD gives precise feedback about how your track is shaping up with a graphic representation of audio cues on a scrolling track sheet. Detailed audio editing with waveform display and 256 levels of undo/redo offers copy, cut, paste, insert, move, etc., to perfect your recordings while the DSP functions include stereo timestretch, pitch shift, BPM match, and others. Move around your masterpiece with ease using the DPS24's advanced autolocator… read more that provides up to 100 nameable locate positions per project or fast forward/rewind with "tape chatter" for a familiar tape-like response.
Things like Main, Nearfield, and Mono monitoring switchable from the front panel for reference checking a mix, a 2-channel talkback system with a built-in console mic, 4 configurable mono or stereo effects/aux sends that can either feed the internal 4-channel effects processor or external outboard effects (or, indeed, any combination), balanced XLRs and balanced TRS jacks on all inputs that allow 24 sound sources to remain connected to the DPS24 without re-patching, balanced insert points that also double as direct ADC inputs for use with external pre-amps of your preference, a stereo auxiliary input for use with sub-mixers, and more...
The Akai DPS24 - a digital personal studio that draws on the past to create a tool for the future.
Features
24-tracks of uncompressed audio recording/playback
24-bit/96kHz operation (*)
46-channel digital automated mixer with 100mm long throw, touch sensitive motorised faders
Each channel comprises level, pan, 3-band semi-parametric EQ, dynamics and 4 x sends.
24 analogue inputs (12 x 2 switchable A/B)
Multi-Purpose Light Pipe (MPLP) digital I/O (can be stereo spdif or 8 channel ADAT)
Stereo digital I/O (spdif or AES/EBU)
AUX INPUT for connecting submixers
Balanced connections on all analogue input
Balanced connections on all analogue outputs
Inputs 1-4 feature balanced analogue insert points
Inputs 1-4's insert returns can double as direct ADC inputs allowing the use of external pre-amps
4-channel FX processor each offering over 50 effects including a real time vocal pitch corrector
Two channel Talkback system (2 x mono talkback channels or 1 x stereo talkback)
Internal Talkback mic to dedicated 'Studio' monitor outputs
Q-STRIP allows control of pan and aux sends from the 12 rotary channel encoders.
Q-CHANNEL puts all the controls for an entire mixer channel on the 12 rotary encoders
Q-LINK makes editing on-screen parameters quick and easy
The large, chunky transport controls also include special 'edit play' keys for quick auditioning
Autolocator stores/recalls up to 100 locate points per project on dedicated keys
Dedicated jog wheel for multi-track jogging
Multi-track audio editing functions offering copy, cut erase, paste, insert, move, etc.
DSP functions include stereo timestretch, pitch shift, BPM match, normalise, reverse, etc..
Real-time varispeed
20 levels of UNDO/REDO
256 'virtual' tracks
MAIN and NEARFIELD monitor outputs (switchable)
MONO monitoring
External timecode sync (MTC or optional SMPTE/EBU).
Hi-Z input for DI of guitar and bass guitar - just plug in and play! read less
With its generous complement of dedicated keys and rotary encoders, changes are only an arm's length away. Hit the Q-Strip keys and use the 12 encoders to adjust pan or effects sends, hit the Q-Channel key and use the 12 encoders to adjust an channel's entire parameter set, hit the FX key and use the 6 Q-Link encoders to adjust effects settings. Never before has such a tactile user interface been offered on a digital personal studio. Add to this a chunky set of transport keys, a dedicated multi-track jog wheel for 'reel-rocking' and you begin to get the feeling that it's you that's in charge, not the machine's arcane operating system.
Take Control
24-tracks of uncompressed 16/20/24-bit recording and playback at 44.1/48/96kHz for absolute audio quality and a 44-channel automated digital mixer with professional, long throw (100mm) touch sensitive motorized faders. The multi-function rotary encoders above the faders have a collar of LEDs around them so that you can see at a glance what their values are while the large LCD gives precise feedback about how your track is shaping up with a graphic representation of audio cues on a scrolling track sheet. Detailed audio editing with waveform display and 256 levels of undo/redo offers copy, cut, paste, insert, move, etc., to perfect your recordings while the DSP functions include stereo timestretch, pitch shift, BPM match, and others. Move around your masterpiece with ease using the DPS24's advanced autolocator… read more that provides up to 100 nameable locate positions per project or fast forward/rewind with "tape chatter" for a familiar tape-like response.
Things like Main, Nearfield, and Mono monitoring switchable from the front panel for reference checking a mix, a 2-channel talkback system with a built-in console mic, 4 configurable mono or stereo effects/aux sends that can either feed the internal 4-channel effects processor or external outboard effects (or, indeed, any combination), balanced XLRs and balanced TRS jacks on all inputs that allow 24 sound sources to remain connected to the DPS24 without re-patching, balanced insert points that also double as direct ADC inputs for use with external pre-amps of your preference, a stereo auxiliary input for use with sub-mixers, and more...
The Akai DPS24 - a digital personal studio that draws on the past to create a tool for the future.
Features
24-tracks of uncompressed audio recording/playback
24-bit/96kHz operation (*)
46-channel digital automated mixer with 100mm long throw, touch sensitive motorised faders
Each channel comprises level, pan, 3-band semi-parametric EQ, dynamics and 4 x sends.
24 analogue inputs (12 x 2 switchable A/B)
Multi-Purpose Light Pipe (MPLP) digital I/O (can be stereo spdif or 8 channel ADAT)
Stereo digital I/O (spdif or AES/EBU)
AUX INPUT for connecting submixers
Balanced connections on all analogue input
Balanced connections on all analogue outputs
Inputs 1-4 feature balanced analogue insert points
Inputs 1-4's insert returns can double as direct ADC inputs allowing the use of external pre-amps
4-channel FX processor each offering over 50 effects including a real time vocal pitch corrector
Two channel Talkback system (2 x mono talkback channels or 1 x stereo talkback)
Internal Talkback mic to dedicated 'Studio' monitor outputs
Q-STRIP allows control of pan and aux sends from the 12 rotary channel encoders.
Q-CHANNEL puts all the controls for an entire mixer channel on the 12 rotary encoders
Q-LINK makes editing on-screen parameters quick and easy
The large, chunky transport controls also include special 'edit play' keys for quick auditioning
Autolocator stores/recalls up to 100 locate points per project on dedicated keys
Dedicated jog wheel for multi-track jogging
Multi-track audio editing functions offering copy, cut erase, paste, insert, move, etc.
DSP functions include stereo timestretch, pitch shift, BPM match, normalise, reverse, etc..
Real-time varispeed
20 levels of UNDO/REDO
256 'virtual' tracks
MAIN and NEARFIELD monitor outputs (switchable)
MONO monitoring
External timecode sync (MTC or optional SMPTE/EBU).
Hi-Z input for DI of guitar and bass guitar - just plug in and play! read less
Documents and Manuals
For support or warranty questions, please contact the manufacturer:
Phone: 401-658-4032
Web: http://www.akaipro.com/support
Phone: 401-658-4032
Web: http://www.akaipro.com/support
Reviews
Reviewers gave this product an overall rating of 5 out of 5 stars.
(103 ratings)
Submitted June 11, 2004 by a customer from teleport.com
Akai DPS24 24-Track Digital Workstation Customer Review
Verified Customer
zZounds has verified that this reviewer made a purchase from us.
I expect to be using this product as long as electricity is the mode of power in my area. I will use it as a control interface with a computer system soon and with the pulling of a few plugs, on the road it goes.
Sound
First of all, this product meets the standard of all pro recording studios. Current experience tells most of us that processed recording signals (electric guitar, synth, drums, etc, sound just as good at 48 khz, but acoustic instruments, guitar, sax, dulcimer, sitar, etc, profit from the additional quality of 96 khz. The akai dps24 sound is extremely clear, open and rich. even a little compression from the on-board compressor adds a "soak" kind of effect, similar to tube compression. I really liked the normalizing for vocals and lead guitar, as I was able to record at a reasonable level without clipping and then normalize for more headroom in the mix. I strongly suggest adding a limiter in-line before the board to prevent the occasional digital grit at or on certain consonents at the beginning of words.
Features
The best features is the professional considerations in the design paradigm. The control pots have a center detent light at the bottom of the lighted ring surrounding the pot. This allows you to see the pot position without standing up to look over the top of the pot. I like the way every page has a cancel or exit strategy allowing you to explore without inadvertantly applying an effect or activating… read more a tool you might not want. With the exception of the a/b input selects and the mic/line selects, the buttons all light up, letting you know what's happening at all times. If I were to suggest any improvements, I would like to see variable normalization, the ability to add fx to sections of a track after recording, and I just wish the board had an assistant attached. One can dream.
Quality
What can I say? Everything is high-quality.
Value
This system can be thrown into the back of a car with mics and stands and set up in a live setting in under thirty minutes. 24-track digital recording from studio to live in no time at all. Even at the suggested retail price, all things considered, this is an exceptional value.
Manufacturer Support
no epxperience yet. no problems other than the manual.
The Wow Factor
I have lusted for this device for over a year.
Musical Style:
everything read less
Sound
First of all, this product meets the standard of all pro recording studios. Current experience tells most of us that processed recording signals (electric guitar, synth, drums, etc, sound just as good at 48 khz, but acoustic instruments, guitar, sax, dulcimer, sitar, etc, profit from the additional quality of 96 khz. The akai dps24 sound is extremely clear, open and rich. even a little compression from the on-board compressor adds a "soak" kind of effect, similar to tube compression. I really liked the normalizing for vocals and lead guitar, as I was able to record at a reasonable level without clipping and then normalize for more headroom in the mix. I strongly suggest adding a limiter in-line before the board to prevent the occasional digital grit at or on certain consonents at the beginning of words.
Features
The best features is the professional considerations in the design paradigm. The control pots have a center detent light at the bottom of the lighted ring surrounding the pot. This allows you to see the pot position without standing up to look over the top of the pot. I like the way every page has a cancel or exit strategy allowing you to explore without inadvertantly applying an effect or activating… read more a tool you might not want. With the exception of the a/b input selects and the mic/line selects, the buttons all light up, letting you know what's happening at all times. If I were to suggest any improvements, I would like to see variable normalization, the ability to add fx to sections of a track after recording, and I just wish the board had an assistant attached. One can dream.
Quality
What can I say? Everything is high-quality.
Value
This system can be thrown into the back of a car with mics and stands and set up in a live setting in under thirty minutes. 24-track digital recording from studio to live in no time at all. Even at the suggested retail price, all things considered, this is an exceptional value.
Manufacturer Support
no epxperience yet. no problems other than the manual.
The Wow Factor
I have lusted for this device for over a year.
Musical Style:
everything read less
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No longer available at zZounds
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