Topic: Sound Devices 788T (and any alternatives)?

[acidjack]

Is anyone here running one of these boxes?  Realize it is probably overkill for most of what we do, but I have several large multitrack commitments this summer where it could actually come in handy to at least rent one (since my 680 was DOA).

It looks kind of like the be-all-end-all in terms of having 12 total tracks, 8 phantom channels, SD reliability and build and pres.... ::

$6k is a pretty large chunk of cash, though, and it doesn't seem there are many out there used. 

Is there anything else that does  8-12 channels that is portable in between this and the 680?  Chaining 2 decks is something I'm already aware of.

[aaronji]

Some of the Zaxcoms...And the Cantar...Although they would also fall into the "pretty large chunk of cash" category!

[page]

Is anyone here running one of these boxes?  Realize it is probably overkill for most of what we do, but I have several large multitrack commitments this summer where it could actually come in handy to at least rent one (since my 680 was DOA).

It looks kind of like the be-all-end-all in terms of having 12 total tracks, 8 phantom channels, SD reliability and build and pres.... ::

$6k is a pretty large chunk of cash, though, and it doesn't seem there are many out there used. 

Is there anything else that does  8-12 channels that is portable in between this and the 680?  Chaining 2 decks is something I'm already aware of.

I thought the 788 was only 12 channel if you counted the 4 (on the fly) mixdown channels.

for thoughts on it, talk to Dr.Fob in Team DC, he runs one w/o an external preamp in front.

[TNJazz]

Some of the Zaxcoms...And the Cantar...Although they would also fall into the "pretty large chunk of cash" category!

Cantar is about twice the price of the 788T, so it doesn't really fall between it and the 680.  The Zaxcom is a good option but to get all the features you'd get in a 788T is would be about the same cost.

[H₂O]

The Zaxcom Nomad (if it is out soon) is cheaper than a 788 in the $5K range

There is also the Tascam HS-P82 (although it's a Tascam) which run in the $4-5K range

The Sonosax SX-R4 (about the same cost as a 788)
The Sonosax minir82 in the $5K range - 4 analog, 8 digital ins

[kirk97132]

Well there is also the Tascam HS-p82(I think that is the model #) Or if these are gigs where you could be assured of AC power what about an Alesis HD-24?  Slightly different beast and you'd need preamps to run mics.  BUt could be bought for much less than a 788 or HS-P82 units

[notlance]

I own a 788T and a 788T-SSD.  I link them together to be able to remotely record 16 channels.  As page said, these boxes have 8 inputs with 4 extra submix tracks.  These submix tracks are helpful for creating a headphone mix or a video mix output, but there is no way to record 12 tracks each with a different input.

In the couple of years I have been using the 788T I have found it to be absolutely reliable, which is essential for the live concert recording I do most of the time.  I used to run an external 8-channel preamp/A to D into a laptop via Firewire, but that combo just was not dependable enough for my comfort.

I do not think there is any need to run a preamp in front of the 788T.  It has very nice preamps and adding the extra boxes would kinda defeat the purpose of the 788T.

Since I do not often run both 788Ts at the same time, I'd be willing to rent one out when I don't need it.  I would be willing to rent it for substantially less than the going rate, but I'd need a good sized deposit.  PM me if you are interested.

[yltfan]

In my neck of the woods, you can rent an HD-24 for $75/day...

[danlynch]

I'm thinking the HD-24 might be the way to go.  I'm seeing them for like $1500 online.  Of course we may have to pool our money for this one.

[acidjack]

What about the AC power issue with the Alesis?

[kirk97132]

You MUST have access to AC power with the alesis

[aaronji]

Cantar is about twice the price of the 788T, so it doesn't really fall between it and the 680.  The Zaxcom is a good option but to get all the features you'd get in a 788T is would be about the same cost.

Missed that part about being between the 788 and 680...

The Cantar is a pretty nice toy, despite the price.  It's on my "things-to-buy-when-the-baby-graduates-from-college-and-I-get-a-large-and-unexpected-windfall" list.  For that matter, the Zaxcoms and the 788 are on the list too!  Another problem with these things, cost-wise, is that you need a small fortune in mics to go with them...

[John Willett]

Is anyone here running one of these boxes?  Realize it is probably overkill for most of what we do, but I have several large multitrack commitments this summer where it could actually come in handy to at least rent one (since my 680 was DOA).

It looks kind of like the be-all-end-all in terms of having 12 total tracks, 8 phantom channels, SD reliability and build and pres.... ::

$6k is a pretty large chunk of cash, though, and it doesn't seem there are many out there used. 

Is there anything else that does  8-12 channels that is portable in between this and the 680?  Chaining 2 decks is something I'm already aware of.

If you want 8 channels at once the 788T is probably the best to get.

The Nagra VI is 8 tracks, but only 4 x mic. pres.  -  you can record all 8 at once.  The new Nagra EMP will extend the mic. pres. to 6.  To record 8 you will need AES42 mics or external mic. pres. with ADCs.  I have this rig and love it.

The new AETA 4MinX is also worth a look.

I would say that the mic. pres. on both the Nagra and the AETA are better than the 788T (though, please note, the 788T is not bad).

Personally, I would not go for a Zaxcom.  Their ergonomics and digital expertise are superb - but they do seem to lack on the analogue side - and I have heard this from many sources.

If you have money to burn, look at the Aaton Cantar.