Zaxcom Nomad

[uosdwis]

Zaxcom steps up to Sound Devices, in a major way. Very rich in features, and the 4-track version is $3,300, according to Coffey Sound.

Full rundown of specs are on Zaxcom's site.

[apple-q]

Hm. Only 44.1 and 48k. Might not be an alternative for FX and music people...

[uosdwis]

Yes, quite unexpected and a dealbreaker for many, I'm sure.

[philper]

2 or 3 long threads w/ some user reports on JWSOUND.COM forum.

phil p

[Denis Goekdag]

Originally Posted by uosdwis

Yes, quite unexpected and a dealbreaker for many, I'm sure.

Yep, I'd be all over it if it did 192k sampling. Oh well.

[philper]

I thought it looked cool, but frankly wondered about a small company like Zaxcom's ability to make and service all the EXTREMELY complex gear they make now: the Deva line, all their wireless stuff, now a whole new line of recorders. I'm very interested to hear early adopter reports. Wish it had ext clock i/o.

phil p

[boojum]

The eight track is only $500 cheaper than the SD 788T. It has to be one helluva a machine to cost that much and to compete with NAGRA and SD in this price range. Let's see what the early users report. This is a tough league to compete in.

[Brackish]

If anyone remembers ...

The Creative company also had a "Nomad" audio recorder, which I currently use for gigs!

[Dzoing]

There is also the new AETA 4minX (great high end european company):
4minX
which is 8 chanel with 4 Nagra-quality mic preamps and options, price range 3000-4000€.

[apple-q]

Originally Posted by Dzoing

There is also the new AETA 4minX (great high end european company):
4minX
which is 8 chanel with 4 Nagra-quality mic preamps and options, price range 3000-4000€.

It actually has 4 tracks plus a stereo mix-down. So in essence a 4-track machine.

[Dzoing]

Originally Posted by apple-q

It actually has 4 tracks plus a stereo mix-down. So in essence a 4-track machine.

Nop, several 4minX versions are available:
- Mixer alone
- 2-track recorder
- 4-track recorder (4 mic IN)
- 6-track recorder (4mic IN + 2 line IN / or 6AES)
- 8-track recorder (4mic IN + 2line IN + 2/AES)
with or without time code option.

+ 4 direct OUT + 4 analog OUT + AES OUTS and more.

AFAIK, everything is upgradable at anytime by firmware, as every machine comes with the full 8-track hardware.

In fact, I just ordered a full 6-track one...

[apple-q]

Originally Posted by Dzoing

Nop, several 4minX versions are available:
- Mixer alone
- 2-track recorder
- 4-track recorder (4 mic IN)
- 6-track recorder (4mic IN + 2 line IN / or 6AES/EBU)
- 8-track recorder (4mic IN + 2line IN + 2/AES)
with or without time code option.

+ 4 direct OUT + 4 analog OUT + AES OUTS and more.

AFAIK, everything is upgradable at anytime by firmware, as every machine comes with the full 8-track hardware.

In fact, I just ordered a full 6-track one...

Are you sure you´re not mixing up tracks with inputs? The product sheet only mentions 4+2 recording tracks max.:

Versions
•Mixer
•Mixer + 2-track recording
•Mixer + 6-track recording

[Dzoing]

I'm sure (for the 6-track version) as I asked AETA directly.

The product sheet might not be up to date.

[Dzoing]

Here is what the designer says about the 4minX 8-track.

In french, but basicaly says:

4Minx now is able to record 8 tracks:
- 6 analog (4 Mic/line + 2 Line) + 2-track mix = 8,
- or 4 analog (4 Mic/line) + 4 AES3 = 8,
- or 4 analog + AES42-1 + 2-track mix = 8,
- or whatever setup provided that the total makes 8 !

And he adds:

PS: The machine is moving so quickly that the preliminary instruction isn't up to date since... a long time!
It is still on the website as an indication of its ability.

AFAIK this new 8-track version is priced under €4000.

[apple-q]

OK but only those fixed routings?

what about 4 line + 3 aes plus one mix?

unfortunately only 4 mic ins which will make it difficult to sell against a 788 or a deva/nomad

[Sword in Hand]

I completely bricked my SD 702t, but what perfect timing... just pre-ordered the 4 track. Should ship by the end of June, will post my findings.

I would guess, based on everything I've read/seen, this recorder is going to be at least in the same league as all of the SD stuff. The battery systems potential cost does have me a little worried, and the on-screen metering can't be as detailed as the SD's LEDs, but mirrored CF cards and full upgradeability, with wireless, up to 12 tracks, etc. this is the best deal going... IMHO.

I loved my SD 702t, but I've been wanting 4 tracks for certain shoots, and I can't quite justify the cost for a 744 or 788.

Here's hoping Zaxcom will deliver.

[John Willett]

My understanding of Zaxcom is that their digital/computer engineering is excellent, as is also their ergonomics; but their analogue engineering lags way behind.

I think you will find that the mic. pres. and analogue circuitry of the Sound Devices recorders will be well ahead of the Zaxcom.


Posted via the Gearslutz iPhone app

[Matti]

John, have you hands on experience of a Zaxcom?

Matti

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Matti

John, have you hands on experience of a Zaxcom?

Yes, not mine, though. A friend has one and we have used it together.

That's how I know their ergonomics are good.

I just feel that they could be a whole lot better if they just got someone who really understands top end analogue audio to design the analogue bits, as their digital bits are excellent and it seems to be the analogue side that lets them down.

Unless they have now, in which case I will take what I said back.

[Matti]

Thanks

Matti

[Sword in Hand]

Originally Posted by John Willett

Yes, not mine, though. A friend has one and we have used it together.

That's how I know their ergonomics are good.

I just feel that they could be a whole lot better if they just got someone who really understands top end analogue audio to design the analogue bits, as their digital bits are excellent and it seems to be the analogue side that lets them down.

Unless they have now, in which case I will take what I said back.

What Zaxcom recorder did you listen to?

Obviously, the pre-amps will sound different from each other, but the Zaxcom recorders, given their use on many professional sets, must be on par with the SDs for field use.

Kind regards.

[AB3]

I have forssell pres, M72s, benchmark, etc. The Zaxcom pres and recording quality is top notch. I have the Fusion 12. Extremely happy.

I have no idea if the nomad pres will sound as good as the fusion. But if they do, I would not complain about the analog end of it.

Originally Posted by Sword in Hand

What Zaxcom recorder did you listen to?

Obviously, the pre-amps will sound different from each other, but the Zaxcom recorders, given their use on many professional sets, must be on par with the SDs for field use.

Kind regards.

[John Willett]

Originally Posted by Sword in Hand

What Zaxcom recorder did you listen to?

Deva

Originally Posted by Sword in Hand

Obviously, the pre-amps will sound different from each other, but the Zaxcom recorders, given their use on many professional sets, must be on par with the SDs for field use.

Why do you say that?

It does not imply any such thing.

All it implies is that it gives acceptable quality for the purpose that the particular user wanted.

I *did* say that the Zaxcom ergonomics and digital side were excellent and maybe that's what swayed them - it certainly does not say that the analogue sound quality is on a par with SD.

There are many reasons why someone chooses a recorder and people balance up the various pros and cons of each design before choosing the one with the best balance for them.

[Sword in Hand]

John I totally agree with your above post.

I'm just saying that, given the price point, and professional level that the Deva is aimed at, it makes sense that it's a high quality device (in every respect), and should be on par with the competition. Certainly, Zaxcom and SD are both going for the professional markets.

Also, are you talking Deva version 1, if not, which version? Because that's certainly a factor, and not necessarily indicative of the current circuitry. The Fusion or Deva 5.8 / 16 have got to be in another realm, from the Deva 1.

I would love to do a sound test between the two companies' devices, but that's not even feasible at this point in time. I've picked the Nomad, because the price is right and it's upgradable down the road. The SD 744t only has 2 preamps (and it costs around 1000 more than the Nomad), so I would really want the 788t, but that's just totally out of my price range.

So, just like you're saying, I'm averaging the pros and cons of each device and making a decision. I just don't think it's a "balance" when you are talking about the sound quality of the 'current' high end devices such as these. Features... yes. Sound quality... just different.

Kind regards.

[Matti]

Originally Posted by apple-q

Hm. Only 44.1 and 48k. Might not be an alternative for FX and music people...

"Nomad will be able to record at 96 KHz. It should also record at 192KHz
with track count restrictions."

From the man himself

Matti

[JEGG]

Originally Posted by Dzoing

There is also the new AETA 4minX (great high end european company):
............. with 4 Nagra-quality mic preamps and options, price range 3000-4000€.

I'm always puzzled by such statements.

Shouldn't it be "with 4 AETA-quality mic preamps and options?"

[apple-q]

Originally Posted by JEGG

I'm always puzzled by such statements.

Shouldn't it be "with 4 AETA-quality mic preamps and options?"

my thouhgts too. GS-fact?

[johnsound]

If anyone is contemplating replacing their SD788T with a Nomad, please let me me know. I'm in the market for a used 788T (preferably from an American user as the prices are massively loaded here in the UK) and have funds available for a pretty instant transaction.

Thanks,

John

[Matti]

Did I understand its not for sale... until June or so

Matti

[Sword in Hand]

According to different retailers, late June seems to be the earliest anyone is getting it. Some have reported August even. There is no official word on release, but having multiple dealers say late June, it will hopefully around then.