Features of the ML-9600 include a built-in 3.2 gigabyte IDE hard drive which can record high resolution audio for editing (crop, join, split, etc.), DSP and playlist creation. The internal 4x speed CD-R drive lets you burn CDs to full Red Book standards or create high resolution “CD24” discs on readily available, standard CD-Rs. Of course, since the Masterlink features the proprietary CD24 format, you can easily deliver or archive 24-bit / 96kHz files on standard CD-Rs. What’s more, the ML-9600 offers built-in digital signal processing using the 32-bit SHARC DSP chip, so you can handle tasks like sample rate conversion, noise shaping, equalization, normalization, peak limiting, compression and even full fade for straight-to-press CD generation. These are capabilities that, until recently, required a computer and additional expensive hardware and software.

According to Alesis, the ML-9600 makes a great substitute for a DAT recorder. Here’s their reasoning: First, there’s the cost factor. CD-Rs are generally available at somewhere around $1.50 or so, while DATs can cost $10 or more. But aside from the savings, CD-Rs are also more reliable since they are a write-once format. DATs, like any other magnetic medium, can get damaged by stray magnetic fields or electrical currents, not to mention damage that may be caused by excess moisture or an environment that’s too dry. Manufacturers admit that the long term shelf life of a DAT tape is not nearly as long as that of a properly manufactured CD.

Masterlink also gives you the ability to edit your data (perform crossfades, fadeouts, etc.). DAT does not. Masterlink lets you apply internal DSP (EQ, compression, etc.). DAT does not. Masterlink creates a CD that can be played in any one of millions of CD players in homes, studios and cars around the world. DAT tapes are mostly restricted to pro and project audio facilities (do you have a DAT player in your car?). Another nice feature is that you can easily archive your existing DAT tapes directly to the ML-9600 via the built-in digital interface.

The software (operating system) on the ML-9600 can be updated: As new features or enhancements are added, you simply pop a CD-ROM with the new software into the onboard CD transport and update your machine in minutes. How about dynamic range? DAT tapes are limited to approximately 92dB while Masterlink has a dynamic range of 113dB from the analog inputs to analog outputs in 20- or 24-bit mode.

The 3.2 gigabyte internal disk provides 95 minutes of astonishingly detailed 24-bit / 96kHz audio, or a whopping 310 minutes of standard 16-bit / 44.1kHz audio (which still sounds incredible). No data compression is used in any part of the recording process. What’s more, there are actually 12 different combinations of bit rates and sampling frequencies. As an example, you could record 24-bit audio at a frequency of 44.1kHz or a 20-bit file at 96kHz. However, when you link up another device digitally to the ML-9600 (like a digital transfer of audio from DAT), it uses auto-detection to set the sample rate. Masterlink is also capable of doing full sample rate and bit rate conversion on any data you send it.

For connection to your hard disk recording capabilities, the ML-9600 sports dual balanced XLR analog inputs (+4dBu) and unbalanced RCA connectors (-10dBv). There are also balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA output connectors. For digital input and output, the unit features AES / EBU standard I/O via XLR connector. If you need S/PDIF ins and outs, the RCA jack on the back of the Masterlink will operate at the electrical levels of S/PDIF and utilizes the exact mechanical characteristics, as well, so you’re covered there.

Moving on to the CD Section, your first question might be, “What is CD24?” This is a proprietary Alesis disk format that will record multi-rate audio onto a standard ISO 9660 optical disk, retaining the AIFF file format, while also saving full playlist data. That playlist data can be created from audio files stored on the ML-9600’s internal hard drive, then output to the ISO 9660 disc. CD24 allows you to record high resolution data up to 24-bit / 96kHz. But the best news is that because the disc is a standard format, any computer in the world can read a CD that was burned on Masterlink.

There’s more to tell you — a lot more — and we will, probably in our next issue. But with 24-bit / 96kHz being on everyone’s mind these days, it’s great to see a recorder that not only takes full advantage of this superior standard, but adds so much functionality to the entire package. Add to all that the fact that this is an Alesis product. Meaning you get the benefit of the company’s formidable experience in building products that not only work incredibly well, but work incredibly well for many years (hey, how many original ADATs are still out there producing great music?). All-in-all, the company has one of the very best track records for producing certified winners.

If you want more information, want to check on availability or want to get your special low Sweetwater price on a Masterlink, pick up the phone and call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer right now.