MDR24 or D2424

[forilla]

I like the idea behind the MDR 24, but I've heard that it splits the audio into 15 minute regions. This is no good for me, cuz I'd need at least one and a half hours of recording time solid. I realize the audio isn't broken, but if I export it to the computer via 10/100, it will be exported as many small regions, instead of 24 hour and a half long regions.
My question is, would the Fostex D2424 be a worthwhile investment? What about the Alesis Hard disk? Do either of them offer FTP? The benefit of the Ethernet on the Mackie is very appealing, it's just the 15 minute region that throws me off.

Any thoughts?

[SR1200]

Well, i was in the same bost as you. I wanted to go for the Alesis HD24, but unfortuanately, its not shipping in quantity any time soon. I had a deposit on one for over 3 months( i was assured by alesis shipping would start this month..... they shipped out about 12 to the world!!!) So that was out, I wound up ordering the mackie HD24 (CANT WAIT TO GET IT!!!) I dont think thats gonna be a bad move any time soon. The HD24 does have a 100 base T ethernet port in the back for sending out file via FTP... And it does write linear which is cool. If you have the option just get a Digital IN on your PC or Mac and fly the file in that way.. It will be one file and totally digital (no quality degredation). No matter what you go for this option will let you get the file into the computer in one chunk in about the same tim eas the ethernet dump would take. Hope this helps

[forilla]

The Alesis does apparently utilize FTP. And my only problem with the Mackie, is that it records into 15 minute sections. If I record a show that runs an hour, then transfer the audio into a computer, I'll have a bit of a problem with trying to piece together all of the audio "snipets"

[SR1200]

check the mackie website on that. I've read the entire manual on the HDR2496 and it didnt mention anything about 15min max time on a single recording. Perhaps the MDR is different. Even if it did, you could transfer the file digitallly or analog into the computer (not FTP) and it wouldnt break it down into any segments. You could also use the time code to sync up with whatever video youre syncing to. What program are you using to combine the 2?

[forilla]

it doesn't record 15 minutes max. It simply fragments it into 15 minute sections.
I use Final Cut to sync the two.
I usually record onto DA88s and run the audio into ProTools when it's all over to mix, but an HDR would be more compact to carry around than 3 DA's

As far as syncing audio to video, I do a bounce to disk and bring the .aiff into Final cut and nudge till it fits with the guide track

[SR1200]

Hey I found the answer about the 15 min thing!!!! Good news! While recording, the unit separates files into 15 min blocks.... BUT (this is the cool part) you can simply render the blocks into ONE BIG file after youre done and transfer that out of the unit!!!
NO MORE SYNC PROBLEMS! (although that file is gonna be MASSIVE!) Hope that helps... (BTW I found the answer on the makie forum)

[forilla]

thanks for the help.
i went onto the mackie forum myself, unfortunately, that cuts down your free drive space. apparently I'd have to have half the drive free for the rendering, thus I'd need a woppin huge drive

[77Blazer]

I read on the Mackie site that you can only use hard disks up to 32 GB (or maybe it was 32GB) in the MDR24. That seems pretty small for 24 tracks if you do any editing to speak of. Does anyone know if this is correct or if they consider this a bug? It's not going to be too much longer before you won't even be able to buy drives that small.

[SR1200]

yes unfortunately it is true..... theyre trying to get you to buy their drives only.... The only saving grace is that hopefully we will be able to back up to these ORB discs (2.2Gig) which is sufficient to hold 1-3 songs depending on length. As for 30 Gigs for 24 track recording.... thats not too bad. I think once Mackie realizes that theyve tied their own noose with the limitation they will make a software upgrade to compensate. Right now i simply think its a ploy to get people to buy thier drives for 2X the price of the same size drive in a retail store. Right now.... its good to stock up on them (cause a 20 gig drive is like $80). Unfortunately, you never know if the damned thing is gonna work until you try the drive in the unit. Not all drives will be accepted (something else i think is a software issue!) You (from what i hear in the mackie forums) can get 3 of the SAME drive size make and model and not all 3 will be accepted...bogus! But thankfully most drives will be allowed to be used as BACKUP ONLY. Mackie will wake up (when thier supply of 20 gig drives is running low...no time soon i suppose though!)