Several new portable field recorders were exhibited at AES; among the front-runners was the TASCAM HD-P2, which records Broadcast WAV files at up to 192kHz sample rate at 24-bit resolution to CompactFlash media. (No moving parts to make noise!)
The HD-P2 is pro all the way. Its features include SMPTE timecode sync, video clock sync, a large, angled LCD, and FireWire connectivity for fast transfer of large files. A PS/2 can be plugged in and used to name files, as well as for transport control and setup functions. I/O includes dual XLR mic inputs with phantom power, unbalanced RCA inputs, as well as S/PDIF digital I/O. A headphone jack is provided, as is a built-in speaker for confidence monitoring.
Best of all, the HD-P2 operates for 5-1/2 hours on standard AA alkaline batteries, and weighs less than 2 pounds (with batteries)!
