The r8 Modular Recording System

[jabney]

The r8 modular digital recording system:

It's simple, has excellent specifications, and it's very affordable. Great for backing-up more expensive equipment. Or as a starter recorder. Or even beyond.

It doesn't exist.

But what if there were a hardware multitrack recording system open to all builders (somewhat like the 500 Series system)? If such a system existed, how bare-bones could it get and still remain useful?

The r8-abr is built around an integrated circuit e.g. the Cirrus Logic CS-5368 CS5364/66/68 - 114 dB, 192 kHz 4-, 6- and 8-Channel A/D Converters an eight channel Analog to Digital converter that sells in quantity for around $11.

The r8-abr's (Analog Basic Recorder) analog input is via a circuit board-mounted header. A ribbon cable attaches to the header. For a small self-contained r8-abr module, an external DB-25 bulkhead-mount connector is standard. Other input connectors e.g. XLRs are allowed, as long as there is a cut-out/punch-out for a DB-25 on the rear panel and that the cut-out is no more than a specified distance from the input header.

The r8-abr's analog input header is passed to the A/D IC's input pins, and to an output header on the circuit board. The output header does not carry a playback signal. It simply passes on the analog input. A builder is responsible to assure that the primary input signal is not adversely affected by the mirroring.

A self-contained r8-abr module must be capable of internal clocking at one or more speeds. It must also be capable of being connected to operate as a slave to a master-clock. A ribbon connected header routed to an internal ADAT lightpipe (with external bulkhead) daughter board, or routed to a BNC connector (also bulkhead mounted) is OK. An internal jumper or DIP-switch may be used to switch modes, or the builder may use more complicated (i.e. expensive) methods of choosing the clock. Operating as a master-clock is optional with the builder.

A self-contained r8-abr module must allow for external control of Start and Stop functions. It must be capable of sending Start and Stop to another unit. The module is not required to have a physical Start and Stop button, but if it does, the buttons must attach via ribbon cable in lieu of the external control input, or to be selected (typically) via a jumper or DIP-switch.

A self-contained r8-abr module must allow for external USB drives (flash or traditional) to be connected via USB A-type (big) connectors. Multiple types of drive interfaces are allowed as long as at least one USB output port is on the front of the unit and one USB output port is on the back.

Q and A:

Q - What if I want to play back?
A - Move the USB device to an rB-pbm (PlayBack Module), or connect to an r8-roh (ROuter Hub) - or move the files into your computer.

Q - What about recording digitally?
A - Use the r8-dbr (Digital Basic Recorder).

Q - What if I need to record 16 tracks? 24? 32?
A - Add more r8 modules.

Q- What about metering my recording?
A - Use an r8-blb (Blinken Lightin Boxen) (which does not have to have lights of its own, just a way to drive them).

Q - What if I need to record 16+ tracks to a single drive?
A - Route the USB-out to a USB-in on the r8-roh (ROuter Hub). Set module in slave mode.

Q - Who are you and what do you get out of this?
A - I'm John Abney and as of April 27, 2010, at 4:40 PM EST, this is my idea that I am sharing here at Gearslutz. I don't manufacture, design or sell any audio equipment. This idea is being published as 'prior art' because I think it could work. I record using an Alesis HD24 and it looks as if it's being phased out. I'd like a replacement available if and when I ever need one. I also co-write songs, so if you like this idea, maybe come to a show and applaud (never fear, the guys don't let me appear on stage).

Your comments on this idea and (if you like some or all of it) your suggestions for getting people involved in its development are welcome.

thanks for reading

john

[jabney]

I sent a PM to Steve Remote giving him a heads-up re: the r8 Modular Recording System idea, and he responded positively (thanks Steve). Steve asked me to add some more specific reference to remote recording, which I'd sort of taken for granted - but neglected to include - since that's why I came up with the idea initially.

Here was my first draft:

What if you could carry only the components you actually need for the gig.

For example, you have a client that wants an eight-channel recording of a live event. Your audio signals will come from direct outs. You are to deliver the files to the client at a later time. The client has specified 24 bit/48k files.

In theory, how simple (and small) could a recorder for that gig (that would work to the clients specs) actually be?

Pretty simple - especially at a bare-bones level. For input a D-Sub-25 analog connector. No clock-selection circuitry - this 48k unit would be set for analog recording at a single clock speed. No individual channel level monitoring, no level controls, no audio output. A port would hold or connect to the recording media. Such media come with activity-indicator lights of their own. So no lights to indicate the unit is recording. No record-armed lights since the basic unit is always in record mode.

I had initially thought of omitting transport switches, but that might be carrying bare-bones too far.

Size could probably be a 1/3 SRU and power could likely come from battery power by leaving off all non-essential lights, circuits, etc.

best,

john

[Remoteness]

How's the development of this project coming along?
Has anyone reached out to you yet?

All the best and good luck?