Topic: Sonosax MINIR82 Press Conference July 4th

[gewwang]

It's still $6,000 so it's about $4000 more than I'd be willing to pay.

http://sonosax.ch/July%204-2006.pdf

SONOSAX SAS SA, Chemin de la Naz 38, 1052 Le Mont-sur-Lausanne, Suisse
Tél. 021 651 01 01, Fax 021 651 01 09, Email sonosax@sonosax.ch
On Tuesday, July 4 2006, SONOSAX will present:
MINIR82, the smallest professional multitrack audio recorder, available from July 4.2006
The SONOSAX SX-ST, the new standard for On Location mixing console
MINIR82
Despite its reduced size, the MINIR82 offers all functionalities and features required in professional mobile
sound recording.
Equipped with a CompactFlash Card, an internal Hard Disk and high end microphone preamplifiers the
MINIR82 can record up to 8 tracks on a very simple but professional manner, and thank's to its intuitive Menu
structure its use is with the range of all.
With its reduced dimensions and weighting only 430 gramms, it easily fits in a pocket. As comparison,
equivalent modern portable recorder are about 10x bigger in size, weighting at least 4 kilos.
Also to be mentionned that in the 80's, an 8 track recorder weighted dozen's of kilos and were found almost
exclusively in recording studios.
SONOSAX SX-ST
Between 1983 and 2005, the most commonly used mixing table for on location productions was the
SONOSAX SX-S. Its quality and reliability are so high that most of these machines are still on duty.
In 2002, the first drawing of the SONOSAX SX-ST came up and the first deliveries took place during october
2004.
Available from 1 to 10 chanels, with or without digital converter, she maintains the usual modularity of
SONOSAX mixing consoles.
We can now proudly confirm that our new mixing console is replacing its legendary grand sisters in
becoming the new worldwide standard, since it was proven reliable during shootings such as James Bond,
Déjà Vu, Lucky You, Desperation - adaptation of Stephen King novels – as well as during some Disney
productions in New Zealand
For the press:
Jacques Sax will be at your disposal from 2:00pm to answer all your questions and give any required
information.
A press conference will start a 4:00 pm followed by an aperitif at around 5:00 pm
Please confirm your attendance by fax, e-mail or phone by June 29. latest.

[udovdh]

6 months late??
What about that 2-track version?

[WiFiJeff]

Okay it's finally coming tomorrow.

But the French language manual on their web site seems to indicate it will just stop recording when it reaches the 4 GB file size limit.  This is better than the MT 2 GB limit, but still pretty lame.  I sure hope they say it ain't so.

Jeff

[joekar]

Note to self: Go buy lottery tickets.

[Rick]

SONOSAX MINIR82-MUSIC Set
8 Tracks Hard-disk and CF Card Digital Recorder incl. 2x 8pin BINDER connector 1x AES/EBU connector
2x Cardioid Mic. SONOSAX M4 made by SCHOEPS for SONOSAX with 4m. cable and
Binder, Support STCg, Clamp SG20, TC, 2x windscreens B5D

$8,950

Looks like the MINIR82/MINIR2 uses a BINDER connector

How cool would MK4>KCY>MINIR2 be! 

[WiFiJeff]

Do you have a link for the new info?  I can't find anything on their web site, and they haven't answered my email.  This looks like they have combined the Schoeps caps and active cable with the equivalent of their lemosax preamp as front end in that wee box.

But $8950?  Yikes.

Jeff

[gewwang]

Do you have a link for the new info?  I can't find anything on their web site, and they haven't answered my email.  This looks like they have combined the Schoeps caps and active cable with the equivalent of their lemosax preamp as front end in that wee box.

But $8950?  Yikes.

Jeff

Keep in mind, this is the 8 track version. We're still waiting to see what the 2 analog track version is going to cost or if it is even going to come out.

[WiFiJeff]

Okay, found the pricelist for this on the Sonosax page with various mic packages:

SONOSAX MINIR82               
"SONOSAX MINIR82  8 Tracks Hard-disk and CF Card Digital Recorder
incl. 2x 8pin BINDER connector 1x AES/EBU connector
Bundled with PYRAMIX Native from Merging Technologies"      6   7,800.00   4,900.00   6,000.00

"SONOSAX MINIR82-MUSIC Set same as above but with
2x Cardioid Mic. SONOSAX M4 made by SCHOEPS for SONOSAX with 4m. cable and Binder, Support STCg, Clamp SG20, TC, 2x windscreens B5D"      5   11,600.00   7,300.00   8,950.00


ACCESSORIES for MINIR82               
Binder cable mini connector 8P. Male, no.    SX   9   TBA      
Multipin connector for AES/EBU and TC input   SX   9   TBA      
External DC input connector   SX   9   TBA      
4m. input cable XLR-3F to Binder-8M wired for 48V Phantom Mic.   SX   9   TBA      
4m. input cable XLR-3F to Binder-8M wired for Dynamic Mic.   SX   9   TBA      
NiMH rechargeable battery set for MINIR82 - 1,2V / 2,8Ah (set of 4x AA elements)   SX   9   TBA      
Universal batteries charger for NiCd and NiMH batteries   SX   9   TBA      
Universal power supply, 100-240VAC, 6VDC   SX   9   TBA      
DC/DC Adapter 12VDC to 6VDC   SX   9   TBA      
SANKEN COS-11 mic wired to Binder 8M - with 1,6m cables and acc.   SX   9   TBA      
SANKEN COS-22 stereo  mic wired to Binder 8M - with 1,6m cables and acc.   SX   9   TBA      
DPA 4063-BM mic wired to Binder 8M - with 1,6m cables and acc.   SX   9   TBA      


The DPA4063 is just a 3V version of the 4061s, the Sanken COS11 is the Sanken tiny omni, anyone know what the COS22 is?  I can't find it on the Sanken pages.  [edit: nevermind, found it on google, looks like just a dual capsule lavalier version of two COS11s.

Still no reply from Snosax to my questions on availability of this or the 2 channel version, nor on the seamless new file startup issue.

Jeff

[CQBert]

When I last corresponded with them I was told that the 82 was the only focus at this time and that bringing it to market was the ONLY goal... that was March 06 -

Where we are today I do not  know..  SD was fairly quick to get 4ch - 2ch versions out and then to add the CF only... we can only hope.

The 2 ch could be one of the best Stealth rigs if it pans out as hoped.

CQBert

[RebelRebel]

I just talked to Pierre. The 8 channel is out already. 6000 US. The 2 channel may not be released  at all,  as it is not a commercially viable option for the company, with all the cheap 2ch recorders around.

dont hold your breath.

[WiFiJeff]

I just talked to Pierre.

Was there anything said about how it handles files at the 2 GB or 4 GB limit?  Will it seamlessly start a new file?  Any word anywhere on how it sounds?  None of the US dealers knew anything earlier this week.

Jeff

[RebelRebel]

I just talked to Pierre.

Was there anything said about how it handles files at the 2 GB or 4 GB limit?  Will it seamlessly start a new file?  Any word anywhere on how it sounds?  None of the US dealers knew anything earlier this week.

Jeff

I didnt ask him that, but expect a call back from him tommorow morning. He was in a hurry today. An engineer I know has the 8ch version so I can ask him how it sounds. I suspect it isnt too far from the m2 , sonically..

[WiFiJeff]

I didnt ask him that, but expect a call back from him tommorow morning. He was in a hurry today. An engineer I know has the 8ch version so I can ask him how it sounds. I suspect it isnt too far from the m2 , sonically..

Did you manage to speak with him about these issues yet?  Any feedback from your friend with the machine already in his hot little hands?

Jeff

[RebelRebel]

I didnt ask him that, but expect a call back from him tommorow morning. He was in a hurry today. An engineer I know has the 8ch version so I can ask him how it sounds. I suspect it isnt too far from the m2 , sonically..

Did you manage to speak with him about these issues yet?  Any feedback from your friend with the machine already in his hot little hands?

Jeff

Ive been calling his cell nonstop...I will keep trying. Ive got nothing but time! ( I am on leave!:) )

[kennedy]

damn this thing looks pimp....i want one 

[tchoub]

A  few pics of the very first copy of the MiniR82 are available here

[CQBert]

That is just insane!  +T   

But how easy is it to use??

CQBert

[brianp]

This new Sonosax looks awesome and I want a 2-channel version. I have a SX-M2 and absolutely love it, but do you guys think a pre/adc/recorder that size could possibly sound better than some of the other all-in-one boxes/combos out there? I know that no one around here has heard one yet, just wondering aloud really.

[TNJazz]

This new Sonosax looks awesome and I want a 2-channel version. I have a SX-M2 and absolutely love it, but do you guys think a pre/adc/recorder that size could possibly sound better than some of the other all-in-one boxes/combos out there? I know that no one around here has heard one yet, just wondering aloud really.

It's a Sonosax...

So the answer is...YES.

[Simp-Dawg]

A  few pics of the very first copy of the MiniR82 are available here

those guys have some sick gear!!!

[WiFiJeff]

This new Sonosax looks awesome and I want a 2-channel version.

Look higher up in the thread.  Sax says the 2 channel version isn't going to happen. 

This 8 channel box was announced last autumn, and I still can't get anyone to tell me if it can seamlessly autostart a new file at 2GB or 4GB.  I've been selling blood for ten months to afford it and I don't even know yet if I'm going to want it.

Jeff

[gewwang]

I still can't get anyone to tell me if it can seamlessly autostart a new file at 2GB or 4GB.  I've been selling blood for ten months to afford it and I don't even know yet if I'm going to want it.

Based on the discussions in the R-09 thread over the past week (we've all been able to record 4GB continuously on the R-09), the thinking is that it's because the SD cards are being formatted as FAT32 instead of FAT16.

[RebelRebel]

to hell with the sax, I want that AAton!

[WiFiJeff]

to hell with the sax, I want that AAton!

$15,000 to $18,000 (but that includes a battery, oh wow).

No to mention the cost of the obligatory Klingon Cloaking Device you'll need to get it past security.

Jeff

[audBall]

[wbrisette]

to hell with the sax, I want that AAton!

$15,000 to $18,000 (but that includes a battery, oh wow).

For around 15K, you can get the Deva IV AND the Mix 12 and end up with a much more flexible solution. I had a nice chat with one of the sound mixers when I was in LA last month. He has both a Deva and the Cantar, he said while there were a few nice features on the Cantar (sliding magnetic volume controls for example), he told me he preferred the Deva for day to day use.

Zaxcom is sending me a Mix-12 today, so at some point next week, I'll take some pictures of the Deva and Mix-12 together. I'm not sure I'll have the ability to use the Mix-12 on-location because of power and space concerns, but it'll be sweet none the less to play with for a while (after I finish the manual, Zaxcom will want it back.  .... ).

Wayne

[RebelRebel]

Yeah, I know. I have the Genex 9048 coming down the pipeline in a few months. Searched long and hard before coming to that decision. It was going to be the Genex , Radar, Or Deva. , chose the Genex because of DSD/DXD Ability. Everything I record now is work, so I needed something top-notch and reliable. HHB has a nice recorder out too, but it is very expensive..

to hell with the sax, I want that AAton!

$15,000 to $18,000 (but that includes a battery, oh wow).

No to mention the cost of the obligatory Klingon Cloaking Device you'll need to get it past security.

Jeff

[WiFiJeff]

I'm told it has file autosplit at 1GB.

Jeff

[RebelRebel]

I'm told it has file autosplit at 1GB.

Jeff

They havent fully decided on a strategy for the sax recorder. The one that is already released is a Beta , so I am told. Was finally able to get hold of Pierre, and this is what he told me.

The 2ch is definitly not happening. Just not commercially viable for them.

[WiFiJeff]

Word is that you won't be able to run Schoeps active cables in to the MiniR82 either.  It will power 48V phantom for two mic inputs but will not have the 10V needed to run the active cable FET.  They suggested instead running the Schoeps into a Sonosax L/S and then line-out to the MiniR82 line-in.  So for $6000 you still need another box?  I am looking at DPA 4052s or the Schoeps CCMs.  Has anybody heard this thing yet?

Jeff

[RebelRebel]

Word is that you won't be able to run Schoeps active cables in to the MiniR82 either.  It will power 48V phantom for two mic inputs but will not have the 10V needed to run the active cable FET.  They suggested instead running the Schoeps into a Sonosax L/S and then line-out to the MiniR82 line-in.  So for $6000 you still need another box?  I am looking at DPA 4052s or the Schoeps CCMs.  Has anybody heard this thing yet?

Jeff

I have heard a clip of something recorded with it, yep. It was just film dialogue(in German), its intended use. Why would anyone waste money on that thing??

Jeff, do you just "tape" or do you record for income?? Youve got a lot of expensive stuff!

[WiFiJeff]

Just a hobbyist getting in deeper and deeper.  I do some pro-bono archiving for a weekly concert series with the bigger gear (you can get plenty of work when you don't charge for it), also fill in for some pro friends when they have conflicts.  But I was hoping that the Sonosax device would be a good all-in-one discrete device.  I have become hooked on 24/96, and am getting by okay with the Sony D1 and an MMA6000.  But there's always a new toy.

Jeff

[wbrisette]

But I was hoping that the Sonosax device would be a good all-in-one discrete device.  I have become hooked on 24/96, and am getting by okay with the Sony D1 and an MMA6000.  But there's always a new toy.

Jeff:

Teddy will bear this one out, if you really want an all in one box that has multiple phantoms on it, then you really don't have tons of choices. You either have the Zaxcom Deva IV or V (don't waste the money on the V), or the Aaton Cantar. I went with the Deva IV and haven't regretted it one bit.

Wayne

[RebelRebel]

Yeah, the DEVA is really slick. I used them for jobs earlier this year(matthews passion, haydn creation, monteverdi marienvesper)..very easy to use too.

But I was hoping that the Sonosax device would be a good all-in-one discrete device.  I have become hooked on 24/96, and am getting by okay with the Sony D1 and an MMA6000.  But there's always a new toy.

Jeff:

Teddy will bear this one out, if you really want an all in one box that has multiple phantoms on it, then you really don't have tons of choices. You either have the Zaxcom Deva IV or V (don't waste the money on the V), or the Aaton Cantar. I went with the Deva IV and haven't regretted it one bit.

Wayne

[WiFiJeff]

But I was hoping that the Sonosax device would be a good all-in-one discrete device.  I have become hooked on 24/96, and am getting by okay with the Sony D1 and an MMA6000.  But there's always a new toy.

Jeff:

Teddy will bear this one out, if you really want an all in one box that has multiple phantoms on it, then you really don't have tons of choices. You either have the Zaxcom Deva IV or V (don't waste the money on the V), or the Aaton Cantar. I went with the Deva IV and haven't regretted it one bit.

Wayne

I'd settle for two phantom powered inputs, or better yet a binder to a Schoeps active cable like the LemoSax preamp has, but the size of LemoSax as well.  A Deva or Cantar would be nice, but I'm happy so far with the SD722, which is also too big for some uses.  It is the pocketable form factor of the MiniR82, with the Sax name and reputation, that attracted me.

Jeff

[wbrisette]

A Deva or Cantar would be nice, but I'm happy so far with the SD722, which is also too big for some uses.  It is the pocketable form factor of the MiniR82, with the Sax name and reputation, that attracted me.

I was just the opposite, the 744 didn't have enough preamps for me. Which is why I started looking around for other options. Honestly, there isn't a slouch in the group (Aanton, Zaxcom, Sound Devices, or Sonosax) that we're talking about. Over the past few years I don't think there has been a single Academy Award won by a sound mixer that hasn't been done on either the Cantar or Deva, and Zaxcom has an Oscar for technology sitting it's office, so for me it's not a reputation thing. All the companies we're talking about qualify as cream of the crop. Where you do have legit issues is size. If you don't like the size of the 722, then none of the other options are going to cut it for you, except the Sonosax. If I remember correctly though, they have a lot of pigtails coming out of the device, so I'm not sure how much you really gain by having a ton of cables all hanging out of a small device vs. having them all plugged into a unit.

Wayne

[Sam Lord]

See:
http://www.libermansound.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=79

...I was just the opposite, the 744 didn't have enough preamps for me...  ... If you don't like the size of the 722, then none of the other options are going to cut it for you, except the Sonosax. If I remember correctly though, they have a lot of pigtails coming out of the device, so I'm not sure how much you really gain by having a ton of cables all hanging out of a small device vs. having them all plugged into a unit...Wayne

Same here--why doesn't anybody do an *sensible* 8ch bit bucket?  With all the Firepod/Ensemble/Traveler sales, what is the holdup with the stupid recorder??  And I *don't* mean a laptop--I want it stable.  This is still a huge chunk of cash but nothing is in the same league with this new Sonosax regarding price, size, and capacity AFAIK.  I'll use my own pres and Mytek ADC.  I spoke with a kind listener (Wade) at iZ about this for half an hour today.  Comments?