Here we go! In a matter of 30 minutes I have figured out most of the features we would use.
- Easily engage 1 or all 8 channels for recording and 48V
- Records a stereo mix to channels 9-10
- You can pan and add/lower gain to each channel of mix
- You can add limiting and selectable frequency roll off to each channel.
- Size, while it is not the size of SD it is still very manageable.
- It has an internal 10 x AA sled which gives you back up for over an hour
- It has two DC connector inputs. I opted to use the 4pin xlr.
- Records to 1 or 2 compact flash cards. 32gb would give you 7.5hrs. So if you want to give your buddy(or a client) a copy of the show you can just hand him off the compact flash.
- 25pin dsub connection which allows for 8 digital in/outs
- Metering is alsum. You can set the your reference level bar at negative 9, 14, 16, 18, 20.
- You can set the peak hold, how long it holds for, the peak db level, and choose whether or not to use the reference level.
- You can enter what kind of voltage battery you are using so that that the meter can accurately read the remaining power.
- the switch from AC power to internals or DC power to internals was flawless (I tried disconnecting)
- You can lock sections of the face instead of the whole thing at once.
Inside the AR-P82. the main compartment holds the HS-P82 and the outside pocket for it holds the 8 channel snake. The AR-P82 comes with an RM-Multi Extreme which is the largest of the rm multi series and has an outside pocket of its own. The RM-Multi main compartment houses the Bixnet BP160 (153 Wh) Battery, Schoeps bodies. I only have two in there now but it could easily hold 4 wrapped in pipe insulation. The outermost pocket holds a plastic container which holds the mics.
Schoeps nice and and tidy in a padded lightweight plastic box that fits in the outermost pocket.
full access to all the 8 xlr ins and stereo out via xlr on 9-10
you can protect the connections by velcro'ing the sleeve round the 8 channel snake