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Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: oleg on September 29, 2010, 03:27:24 AM

Title: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on September 29, 2010, 03:27:24 AM
http://www.noyzboyz.nl/
dont know  nthe price  but if the preamps like on mixi 3 channel mixer , its way better then most of the gear
6 analog ins , 3 digi aes in out
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: duch on September 29, 2010, 06:55:43 PM
The name is (supposed to be) 4Minx. I posted about it a few days ago in the recently created Team AAS / EAA thread.

I'll by at SATIS trade show (october 19 to 21) where they'll exhibit the prototype, I'll try to ask as much question as possible and get some pictures  :P
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on September 29, 2010, 08:20:12 PM
"IBC 2010:
With Reservation Information:
Aeta showing a prototype of a new mixer-Recorder the 4MinX. 4 The recorder has two analog inputs and two digital inputs AES42. There are 3 (stereo) and digital outputs so you can therefore easily to any digital camera, etc. (XD-CAM).
A complete input and output and monitor matrix so that all inputs are available to all tracks and / or exit and / or monitoring can be routed. The recorder takes 2 to 6 tracks at a (64GB) SD Card, depending on model. Another criticism is that the mixer / recorder is very light. The NPF 4MinX will run on batteries (DV) (10hrs). Report. We expect the mixer / recorder around December in the house and to offer at a very competitive price.
[/size][/color]"[/font]
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: sunjan on September 30, 2010, 03:26:33 AM
The recorder has two analog inputs and two digital inputs AES42.
...
The recorder takes 2 to 6 tracks at a (64GB) SD Card, depending on model.

Two analog and two digital inputs, that makes four channels? Or does it mean that each digital input is stereo (i e feeding two channels in one stream)?
Otherwise where does track 5-6 take their signal from?

I guess this kind of gear competes with the SD744 or similar...
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on September 30, 2010, 05:19:44 AM
4 mic/line +  2line ( probably same as it on mixi or 302 that the returns could be routed to main bus)
much better if would be as aditional inputs  so adding sub pre would give you total 6 tracks with camera returns listening ( not really important for you guys but very important for me :-)
aes in and outs
up to 6 tracks
way better then 744
prime targeting eng/efp/ double system   but with a qoality of their preamps could work for  everything
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on September 30, 2010, 08:41:06 AM
I am pretty sure you can have stereo AES42 connectors as well (i,e, 1 stereo mic off one 3pin XLR connector - ie Schoeps SuperCMIT)

Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: su6oxone on September 30, 2010, 09:48:15 AM
Too bad it only has, as far as we know at this point, two analog inputs.  Four would be perfect.  I'm still waiting for high end-ish 4-channel recorder with four XLR inputs/pres (but something not so plasticy as the R4/44). 
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on September 30, 2010, 10:49:29 AM
Too bad it only has, as far as we know at this point, two analog inputs.  Four would be perfect.  I'm still waiting for high end-ish 4-channel recorder with four XLR inputs/pres (but something not so plasticy as the R4/44).
cant you count ?:-)
- there are 4 potentiometers ( last one is master gain ) , 4 limiter  indications , 4 preamp gain  indications
you don't need to wait   as sonosax have 8 track with 4+2 ( unbalance) inputs -  but it will never be in r-4 price range :-)
sd 788 , nagra vi, deva ,fostex 606 , cantar aaton ,tascam 82  also have  at least 4  mic inputs with dedecated potenciometers  .
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on September 30, 2010, 10:53:11 AM
I am pretty sure you can have stereo AES42 connectors as well (i,e, 1 stereo mic off one 3pin XLR connector - ie Schoeps SuperCMIT)
that's the last i care about , i more concern if could mirror to external media  real time and has good limiters and maybe be updated to get 8 tracks in the future  for more versatility
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: kirk97132 on September 30, 2010, 12:45:12 PM
The recorder has two analog inputs and two digital inputs AES42.
...
The recorder takes 2 to 6 tracks at a (64GB) SD Card, depending on model.

Two analog and two digital inputs, that makes four channels? Or does it mean that each digital input is stereo (i e feeding two channels in one stream)?
Otherwise where does track 5-6 take their signal from?

I guess this kind of gear competes with the SD744 or similar...
AES 42 is a protocol for direct digital interconnection between microphones and devices.  The SD site does not mention or imply support for any other type of signal
http://www.sounddevices.com/notes/recorders/788/aes-42-support-in-788t/#more-318
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on September 30, 2010, 01:57:59 PM
I am pretty sure you can have stereo AES42 connectors as well (i,e, 1 stereo mic off one 3pin XLR connector - ie Schoeps SuperCMIT)


So:
 - AES42 1 = 2 tracks
 - AES42 2 = 2 tracks
 - Analog   = 2 tracks
  Total       = 6 tracks

Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: kirk97132 on September 30, 2010, 02:11:53 PM
Isn't the Schoeps SuperCMIT cited a shotgun mic with a choice of two outputs not a stereo mic.  It's either shotgun OR superCMIT output but not both.  And even then would require digital phantom power which then means a three conductor type of connector, so only one channel per digital mic input. So the Aeta is a four track unit which can ONLY accept line input AND digital mic input. 

http://www.recording-microphone.com/digital-microphones.php
http://digital.schoeps.de/en/products/supercmit/application
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on September 30, 2010, 02:49:35 PM
I am pretty sure you can have stereo AES42 connectors as well (i,e, 1 stereo mic off one 3pin XLR connector - ie Schoeps SuperCMIT)


So:
 - AES42 1 = 2 tracks
 - AES42 2 = 2 tracks
 - Analog   = 2 tracks
  Total       = 6 tracks
bad assumptions, with that setup there would be no takers at all  for that recorder :-)
aes 42 does not replace any analog  input , you have it as aditional option  like on 788 .


Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on September 30, 2010, 03:02:44 PM
Isn't the Schoeps SuperCMIT cited a shotgun mic with a choice of two outputs not a stereo mic.  It's either shotgun OR superCMIT output but not both.  And even then would require digital phantom power which then means a three conductor type of connector, so only one channel per digital mic input. So the Aeta is a four track unit which can ONLY accept line input AND digital mic input. 

http://www.recording-microphone.com/digital-microphones.php
http://digital.schoeps.de/en/products/supercmit/application
aes 42 stands for digital phantom on aes input , so yes you could use the both outputs at the same time when each of them routed to its own track , with normal digital microphone both channels with carry same data .
aeta could accept 4 analog  microphones , probably 2 line level inputs (don't sure if it return inputs or aditiona)l   or X( as i don't know how many ) AES Inputs equipped with 10 v dc for aes mics , i assume it has at least 2 like that so you can use a par of aes 42 microphones and route it to any track you need , it still leave you with 4 analog inputs  for total of 6 tracks recording - what exactly you dont  get ?
you can get 2 channels from schoepes at the same time ,one regullar ons super cmit
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on September 30, 2010, 03:07:29 PM
Isn't the Schoeps SuperCMIT cited a shotgun mic with a choice of two outputs not a stereo mic.  It's either shotgun OR superCMIT output but not both.  And even then would require digital phantom power which then means a three conductor type of connector, so only one channel per digital mic input. So the Aeta is a four track unit which can ONLY accept line input AND digital mic input. 

http://www.recording-microphone.com/digital-microphones.php (http://www.recording-microphone.com/digital-microphones.php)
http://digital.schoeps.de/en/products/supercmit/application (http://digital.schoeps.de/en/products/supercmit/application)


The supercmit outputs 2 channels.


From http://digital.schoeps.de/en/products/supercmit (http://digital.schoeps.de/en/products/supercmit)


new type of digital shotgun microphone with increased directivity, based on SCHOEPS' extremely successful analog model CMIT 5diffuse sound is suppressed to an extraordinary degreecompletely new operating principle with two transducersuses digital signal processing algorithms from ILLUSONIC (patent pending)two-channel output, with SuperCMIT signal in channel 1 and (direct, single-transducer) CMIT signal in channel 2SCHOEPS sound quality: transparent sound

Output
[/color][/size]AES42, Mode 1, sample rate: 48 kHz
channel 1: SuperCMIT
channel 2: regular CMIT (shotgun signal only)
[/font]
BTW it's a Digital connection not an Analog so you can squeeze more than 1 channel on a single connector.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: kirk97132 on September 30, 2010, 03:52:28 PM
Right but the way it reads it seems like you have to pick one or the other?  Regular shotgun or shotgun with supercmit added to it, but only one or the other not two channels of signal but a choice of channel one or two.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on October 01, 2010, 09:35:34 AM
I'm still waiting for high end-ish 4-channel recorder with four XLR inputs/pres (but something not so plasticy as the R4/44).

Nagra VI (http://www.nagraaudio.com/pro/pages/products_nagra_vi.php).  ;D
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on October 01, 2010, 09:37:45 AM
I am pretty sure you can have stereo AES42 connectors as well (i,e, 1 stereo mic off one 3pin XLR connector - ie Schoeps SuperCMIT)

Yes you can - the Sennheiser MZD 8000 is stereo and I run an ORTF pair of MKH 8040 into mt Nagra VI this way.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on October 01, 2010, 09:40:42 AM
Isn't the Schoeps SuperCMIT cited a shotgun mic with a choice of two outputs not a stereo mic.  It's either shotgun OR superCMIT output but not both.  And even then would require digital phantom power which then means a three conductor type of connector, so only one channel per digital mic input. So the Aeta is a four track unit which can ONLY accept line input AND digital mic input. 

http://www.recording-microphone.com/digital-microphones.php
http://digital.schoeps.de/en/products/supercmit/application

The Super CMIT uses two AES42 channels which output from a single XLR-3.

Both channels go into the AES42 input via a single XLR - or, by using the Schoeps or Neumann adaptor into a single AES3 input.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: su6oxone on October 01, 2010, 09:41:41 AM
Nagra VI (http://www.nagraaudio.com/pro/pages/products_nagra_vi.php).  ;D

Yeah, in my dreams...  :P

That's (quite) a bit out of my budget, I'm thinking more along the lines of a 744 with 4 pres or a future 766 box with Nagra VI input specs.  I do love the VI though, it looks incredible.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: DSatz on October 01, 2010, 09:47:04 AM
To reply to the questions about the Schoeps "SuperCMIT": It is a single-channel shotgun microphone with digital processing built in. It has a two-channel AES42 output, but the two channels are not stereo; one is the unprocessed (but digitized) output of the shotgun microphone itself (same characteristics as the Schoeps CMIT 5), while the other is the output of the shotgun PLUS the built-in digital signal processing.

The digital signal processing takes into account an auxiliary signal from a second, backward-facing capsule built into the microphone. This allows the processor to narrow the "beam" even further and to extend the narrow pickup zone down to low frequencies--something which no other shotgun microphone has, or has ever had before.

AES42 outputs are basically AES3 outputs that require digital phantom powering, and that allow for control and information signals to be passed either way between the microphone and the input or interface to which it is connected.

--best regards
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on October 01, 2010, 01:18:24 PM
Nagra VI (http://www.nagraaudio.com/pro/pages/products_nagra_vi.php).  ;D

Yeah, in my dreams...  :P

That's (quite) a bit out of my budget, I'm thinking more along the lines of a 744 with 4 pres or a future 766 box with Nagra VI input specs.  I do love the VI though, it looks incredible.

nagra is one overpriced recorder to its limited features , doesn't worth the money with what the competition has around
 nothing to be sorry about
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: duch on October 26, 2010, 10:24:49 AM
Some quick and fresh news from SATIS :

http://www.aeta-audio.com/files/pdf_fr/4Minx_data_sheet_web.pdf (http://www.aeta-audio.com/files/pdf_fr/4Minx_data_sheet_web.pdf)

(http://www.aeta-audio.com/imgs/imgs_produits/4minX_3_4.jpg)

(http://www.aeta-audio.com/imgs/imgs_produits/4minx_left.jpg)

(http://www.aeta-audio.com/imgs/imgs_produits/4minx_right.jpg)

(http://www.aeta-audio.com/imgs/imgs_produits/4minx_back.jpg)

As said in the pdf it will be either sold as a mixer alone, a mixer + stereo mixdown recording or a mixer + four tracks recording + stereo mixdown recording.

Price should be around 4200 € without taxes for a full option 4minx (TC, 4+2 recording, etc).

Pre and limiters are slightly improved versions of those found on the Mixy (less noise at low levels).

I handled it for a few minutes, and it's really incredibly lightweight.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on October 26, 2010, 10:36:09 AM
Looks nice - 4 analog inputs, 6 digital inputs w/ 2 AES 42.


A little bigger than I was expecting.


@ 4200 Euros though I would expect this to be in the $6000 range here in the States


$6000 range puts it in direct comp with the 788T - that would make it a hard sell here.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: duch on October 26, 2010, 10:52:05 AM
Yep, I don't know what Aeta are expecting for the US market, but it looks a bit expensive from your side of the Atlantic  :-\
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: su6oxone on October 26, 2010, 10:59:48 AM
It looks interesting.  The metal (aluminum I guess) body looks kind of reminiscent of the SD recorders, and it even looks like it has a similar battery compartment  cut-out, but with a less attractive and rather plasticky face plate design/interface.  A bit thick (compared to the 788T and Nagra VI) also.  For ~$4K I might consider it if it sounds good and isn't too bulky in real life.

Edit: saw on the pdf that it does indeed also use Sony L-series (and presumably M-series also) lithium batteries.  With a 6600mAh NPF-970 it is supposed to run 6 hours.  The nice thing is that the battery slot is so deep that probably the whole battery would fit without sticking out, ala the 7-series recorders. 

Quote
• Powered by Li-Ion, 7.2V, DV type battery, with integrated charger.
• External power source: 9-18 VDC
• Autonomy > 6 hours (NP-F970 battery)
• Ethernet for remote control and maintenance

And it is fairly bulky, at least compared to the 744T (although it does have more inputs/pres).

Quote
10.2”x3.0”x7.7”
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: duch on October 26, 2010, 11:22:51 AM
Imho, Aeta stuff sounds terrific, TONS of clean gain with killer limiters and excellent converters. But yes, the overall design and appearance is quite less attractive than SD or Sonosax gear, with a few bothering things like non bolted Lemo-6 and Lemo-4 connectors (on the Mixy). It is nonetheless quite sturdy, and the 4Minx is several steps ahead from the Mixy, with recessed side plates for the connectors, nice looking and solid feeling top and bottom plates, etc.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on October 26, 2010, 11:29:37 AM
I would think this unit is more in alignment with the 744T  - with a few additional features (mixing, AES42, Color screen, etc)


Lets hope they shoehorn it into that price range.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: jlykos on October 27, 2010, 09:53:36 AM
When I paid the AETA people a visit a few years ago, their head engineer HATED the preamps on the SD 7xx recorders.  I have to think that this is designed to directly compete with the SD recorders, only with much better preamps.  The Mixy sounded terrific; hopefully this will take it a step further.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: su6oxone on October 27, 2010, 10:00:18 AM
I'll by at SATIS trade show (october 19 to 21) where they'll exhibit the prototype, I'll try to ask as much question as possible and get some pictures  :P

Any real life pics or experience playing with the prototype?  One thing I really like is the color LCD, although from the pic it's not clear how informative or intuitive the display is (compared to the Nagra VI for example).
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on October 27, 2010, 01:22:40 PM
Looks nice - 4 analog inputs, 6 digital inputs w/ 2 AES 42.


A little bigger than I was expecting.


@ 4200 Euros though I would expect this to be in the $6000 range here in the States


$6000 range puts it in direct comp with the 788T - that would make it a hard sell here.

6 analog ins , 2 aes 42
the weight is 1.3kg incl battery , half the weight of 788
any combination of 6 track recording between them , ability to remix the mix track , i would guess the recorder will be under 4 k euro
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on October 27, 2010, 01:25:45 PM
When I paid the AETA people a visit a few years ago, their head engineer HATED the preamps on the SD 7xx recorders.  I have to think that this is designed to directly compete with the SD recorders, only with much better preamps.  The Mixy sounded terrific; hopefully this will take it a step further.
almost anything sounds better then sd  preamps :-)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: duch on October 27, 2010, 05:16:46 PM
Quote
the weight is 1.3kg incl battery , half the weight of 788
any combination of 6 track recording between them , ability to remix the mix track , i would guess the recorder will be under 4 k euro
Errrr ... Did you read my post ?

The weight is 2.1kg with an NPF970, 1.9 without battery. It's right on the spec PDF.

It won't record "any combination of 6 tracks" but 4 tracks + stereo mixdown.

The recorder won't be under 4k€, at least not for the model with the most features.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on October 27, 2010, 08:02:30 PM
Quote
the weight is 1.3kg incl battery , half the weight of 788
any combination of 6 track recording between them , ability to remix the mix track , i would guess the recorder will be under 4 k euro
Errrr ... Did you read my post ?

The weight is 2.1kg with an NPF970, 1.9 without battery. It's right on the spec PDF.

It won't record "any combination of 6 tracks" but 4 tracks + stereo mixdown.

The recorder won't be under 4k€, at least not for the model with the most features.

yes  .i see they did change the weight on the manual pdf . for oth er stuff , its better you call aeta directly a as i did to get the real info :-)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: duch on October 28, 2010, 07:12:52 PM
I saw them in person last week at SATIS trade show in paris and asked directly. I guess the info they gave me was pretty "real".
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on October 28, 2010, 07:23:12 PM
Menu's in Common English yet there is a "Ligne" Out  ;D
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: duch on October 28, 2010, 07:30:30 PM
Ha ha yes, the frenglish on "ligne out" and "ligne in" was the first thing I saw, I guess it will be made correct on the market versions. Damn froggies  ;D
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on October 29, 2010, 11:40:20 AM
I saw them in person last week at SATIS trade show in paris and asked directly. I guess the info they gave me was pretty "real".
yes , i still wait for 25 answers to  questions i asked by email , they probably still shocked by my english :-)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: duch on November 24, 2010, 06:32:32 PM
Quote from: Oleg on JWSound
monophonic files only - polyphonic later
each potentiometer  could be used as fader or pan pot.
so is the master fader pot   which could act as line ins or digital ins fader - so 5 individual  faders for 6 inputs
all digital inputs re clocked
digital gain to work with digital mics
playback files during recording
up to 2 amp  on usb bus to power external hdd or anything else.
meta data
distance  mixer recorder operation from external computer
herosa 10p  output plug  - factory installation only
 
in future
2 media recording and mirroring
polyphonic files
compressor limiter on mix tracks
eq  in digital domain
dual file recording ( mix and individual tracks )
aditional meta data if the current is not enough
 
first at all they see the 4 mnix as digital mixer  with the best analog stage you can get .
second, up to 6 track recorder

The list price is confirmed to be 4200 € without VAT.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: duch on December 13, 2010, 10:19:01 PM
Some more info : the 4Minx will not be limited to 4 track + 2 ch mixdown but will be a true 6 track, allowing you to record any mix of analog (pre or post fader) and / or digital inputs. It might even become more than 6 tracks through firmware update and the use of SDHC cards. Nothing sure about the "more than 6 track" part, but François Staman, the father of the Mixy and 4Minx, said it might be possible.

The first units will be sent to beta testers by the end of january.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: sunjan on January 23, 2011, 11:40:33 AM
Being showcased in Dubai, Feb 8-10:
http://www.aeta-audio.com/english/news_detail.php?id=52
Anybody going there - Oleg?
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on January 24, 2011, 04:44:39 PM
Being showcased in Dubai, Feb 8-10:
http://www.aeta-audio.com/english/news_detail.php?id=52
Anybody going there - Oleg?
if there will be a good target :-)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: rastasean on February 04, 2011, 12:41:04 AM
this also reported.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: RichT on February 15, 2011, 12:30:15 PM
I had a chat with one of the guys from Soundfield at the BVE expo today.  They're working on implementing decoding of B-format and A-format (for the SPS200) on the firmware for this machine.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: sunjan on February 16, 2011, 03:12:58 PM
To be showcased at BES Expo New Dehli, Feb 24-26:
http://www.aeta-audio.com/english/news_detail.php?id=56
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on June 15, 2011, 04:46:52 PM
http://www.aeta-audio.com/english/produits_detail.php?id=23

Manual and Datasheets posted to Aeta's website!

The User interface looks sweeeeet!
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: F.O.Bean on June 16, 2011, 12:43:04 AM
So has anyone heard one of these ???
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on June 16, 2011, 09:35:18 AM
They haven't been released yet
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on June 17, 2011, 06:43:04 AM
So has anyone heard one of these ???

Not yet.  I saw it at the European AES in London last month - it's actually one of only two recorders that can take AES42 digital microphones direct in.

The mic. pre-amps should be absolutely superb if they are like the small mixer they do and it does seem to be built extremely ruggedly.

The UK distributor will be sending me one for evaluation when he gets them.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: F.O.Bean on June 17, 2011, 05:01:16 PM
So has anyone heard one of these ???

Not yet.  I saw it at the European AES in London last month - it's actually one of only two recorders that can take AES42 digital microphones direct in.

The mic. pre-amps should be absolutely superb if they are like the small mixer they do and it does seem to be built extremely ruggedly.

The UK distributor will be sending me one for evaluation when he gets them.


Along w/ a 788T, correct?
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on June 17, 2011, 05:52:11 PM
So has anyone heard one of these ???

Not yet.  I saw it at the European AES in London last month - it's actually one of only two recorders that can take AES42 digital microphones direct in.

The mic. pre-amps should be absolutely superb if they are like the small mixer they do and it does seem to be built extremely ruggedly.

The UK distributor will be sending me one for evaluation when he gets them.


Along w/ a 788T, correct?

Yes - the AETA 4MinX and the SD 788T.

I have just heard that AETA hope to get me a unit in the next couple of weeks as I am doing a paper on digital microphones at the UK AES Conference "The Ins and Outs of Audio" at the end of the month.

It's still not fully ready for release, though - almost, but not quite.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: F.O.Bean on June 17, 2011, 08:04:55 PM
So has anyone heard one of these ???

Not yet.  I saw it at the European AES in London last month - it's actually one of only two recorders that can take AES42 digital microphones direct in.

The mic. pre-amps should be absolutely superb if they are like the small mixer they do and it does seem to be built extremely ruggedly.

The UK distributor will be sending me one for evaluation when he gets them.


Along w/ a 788T, correct?

Yes - the AETA 4MinX and the SD 788T.

I have just heard that AETA hope to get me a unit in the next couple of weeks as I am doing a paper on digital microphones at the UK AES Conference "The Ins and Outs of Audio" at the end of the month.

It's still not fully ready for release, though - almost, but not quite.


Awesome John, cant wait to hear what you have to say about it :)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on October 20, 2011, 09:07:50 PM
http://www.pro-sound.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PSS&Product_Code=SAET4MINX&Category_Code= (http://www.pro-sound.com/Merchant2/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=PSS&Product_Code=SAET4MINX&Category_Code=)

Retails for $6200  - I think I'd pick up a 788t instead - Sonosax SX-R4 is a strong contender as well - If I had $6500 sitting around
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on December 06, 2011, 02:02:39 PM
had the chance to play with it , the pres are excellent , it mirrors now to 2  second media  , in 2 months from now it will be able to work with any usb controller . up to 8 tracks recording  for 10 available inputs .
smocks the 744  for almost everything
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on December 06, 2011, 04:23:15 PM
had the chance to play with it , the pres are excellent , it mirrors now to 2  second media  , in 2 months from now it will be able to work with any usb controller . up to 8 tracks recording  for 10 available inputs .
smocks the 744  for almost everything

Except price in the US :(
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on December 07, 2011, 11:34:38 AM
5OOO US$ FOR 8 TRACK  version if you don't need tc - 5800 with tc board
additional 500 if you need soundfield 7.1  or 5.1 multiplexing
thats a pro gear - if you are a hobbies , buy a tascam 680 - simple as that
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on December 07, 2011, 03:23:48 PM
5OOO US$ FOR 8 TRACK  version if you don't need tc - 5800 with tc board
additional 5000 if you need soundfield 7.1  or 5.1 multiplexing
thats a pro gear - if you are a hobbies , buy a tascam 680 - simple as that

Where do you see it for $5K -> The only US Retailer I see it being sold is at the link above for $6200.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: oleg on December 07, 2011, 03:33:54 PM
in Europe its 5.8 for the 8 + tc , your local retailer takes a bit up :-) and don't remember that the $  went up for 5% against the euro in the last month or 2
.f... retailers , they always forget the money exchange rate when it need to be lower price
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on January 17, 2012, 04:49:00 PM
Oleg, you should post some sound comparisons!!! :)

Can't wait to hear this unit.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: sunjan on January 18, 2012, 08:39:16 AM
4minX will be on display at BVE in London next month:
http://hungryeyemagazine.com/hungry-eye-newsaeta-4minxlocation-recorder-launched/
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on June 28, 2012, 09:44:40 AM
Got pricing back from Pro-Sound and it is much more than I was expecting - I guess import taxes kill it:

These prices are w/o Timecode enabled:
4MINX 2 Mixer + 2-track recording  $5,150
4MINX 4 Mixer + 4-track recording  $5,775
4MINX 6 Mixer + 6-track recording  $6,375
4MINX 8 Mixer + 8-track recording  $7,125 (may include timecode - got price from another TS member)


Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: page on June 28, 2012, 10:03:39 AM
 :-\
wonder if a swing in the euro would help
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: newplanet7 on June 28, 2012, 11:52:52 PM
thinking these wont be popping up on any lineages anytime soon.
This was way more than i had in my head for the 2ch  4MINX 2 Mixer + 2-track recording  $5,150
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: myke2241 on July 21, 2012, 05:05:40 PM
Got pricing back from Pro-Sound and it is much more than I was expecting - I guess import taxes kill it:

These prices are w/o Timecode enabled:
4MINX 2 Mixer + 2-track recording  $5,150
4MINX 4 Mixer + 4-track recording  $5,775
4MINX 6 Mixer + 6-track recording  $6,375
4MINX 8 Mixer + 8-track recording  $7,125 (may include timecode - got price from another TS member)

I was originally not a fan. but after doing a little bit of research it seemed like a good option. I E-Mailed Aeta which took more then a week to get back to me (Bad sign). The person who was in charge of US sales actually never responded (Another bad sign). when i finally got the pricing and i was really let down. Timecode is a additional $675! WTF!!! the only thing reasonable was the track upgrade options pricing. Aeta needs to rethink this product line and figure out how to make them competitive with the big players!
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on July 21, 2012, 09:41:35 PM
Your right on the money - they need a $2000 base price reduction or $1500 base and include TC for free.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on July 22, 2012, 11:11:25 AM
Got pricing back from Pro-Sound and it is much more than I was expecting - I guess import taxes kill it:

These prices are w/o Timecode enabled:
4MINX 2 Mixer + 2-track recording  $5,150
4MINX 4 Mixer + 4-track recording  $5,775
4MINX 6 Mixer + 6-track recording  $6,375
4MINX 8 Mixer + 8-track recording  $7,125 (may include timecode - got price from another TS member)

I was originally not a fan. but after doing a little bit of research it seemed like a good option. I E-Mailed Aeta which took more then a week to get back to me (Bad sign). The person who was in charge of US sales actually never responded (Another bad sign). when i finally got the pricing and i was really let down. Timecode is a additional $675! WTF!!! the only thing reasonable was the track upgrade options pricing. Aeta needs to rethink this product line and figure out how to make them competitive with the big players!

There is actually nothing wrong with those prices and they are certainly in the same ball-park as the competition - assuming the competition to be Nagra, Aaton Cantar and Sound Devices.

The Nagra VI is, I think, $9,000 in the US - this makes the AETA 4MinX about $3,000 cheaper - so, the prices are in the same ball-park as the competitors.

In Europe it's competitive, coming in cheaper than the SD 788T and the Nagra VI.

It's only in the US that Sound Devices have a competitive advantage as they are made in the US - Nagra, AETA and Aaton all have Customs Duty to pay in the US as well as the cost of shipping it accross the Atlantic.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on July 22, 2012, 02:00:08 PM
There is actually nothing wrong with those prices and they are certainly in the same ball-park as the competition - assuming the competition to be Nagra, Aaton Cantar and Sound Devices.

The Nagra VI is, I think, $9,000 in the US - this makes the AETA 4MinX about $3,000 cheaper - so, the prices are in the same ball-park as the competitors.

In Europe it's competitive, coming in cheaper than the SD 788T and the Nagra VI.

It's only in the US that Sound Devices have a competitive advantage as they are made in the US - Nagra, AETA and Aaton all have Customs Duty to pay in the US as well as the cost of shipping it accross the Atlantic.

I don't agree - The Sonosax SX-R4 is $6200 in the US which is very competitive with SD788T with a similar feature set and this is Aeta's first recorder as compared to Nagra whom have been making recorders for over 50 years.  I don't know anything about Aaton's history so I can't comment there.

I think this may be attractive for the movie industry where in many cases money is no object but I would not expect to see one in the taper world any time soon if ever.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: newplanet7 on July 23, 2012, 07:36:54 AM
Got pricing back from Pro-Sound and it is much more than I was expecting - I guess import taxes kill it:

These prices are w/o Timecode enabled:
4MINX 2 Mixer + 2-track recording  $5,150
$5,150 for a two track is not reasonable or competitive with anything.

Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on July 23, 2012, 11:35:47 AM

$5,150 for a two track is not reasonable or competitive with anything.

But the 4MinX was never designed as a 2-track recorder - it was designed to be a 6/8 track machine - and at the prices for those options it is competitive with the competition.

The 2-track option is just a slightly cheaper option for someone who needs atop-flight 2-track machine who may later want to upgrade it to more tracks.

And AETA stuff is very tough - a friend was sent the AETA mixer for review and it arrived slightly dented.  He found out that it had had a loaded pallet dropped on it by the shipping company - BUT - the mixer still worked perfectly and the dent was very small.

Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: F.O.Bean on July 30, 2012, 06:10:24 PM
Damn. I LOVE Aeta/EAA and their preamps, but this is hella expensive for their 1st recorder. I would pick the Sonosax SX-R4 over this anyday :)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: jlykos on July 31, 2012, 09:08:48 AM
You have to keep in mind that tapers are not AETA's audience for these products.  Their audience is the French TV, radio, and film industry (Canal, ORTM, etc.) and their products are very competitively priced for those markets.  The price is high in the U.S. because of duties, import fees, shipping, and the strength of the Euro.  AETA is aware of the pricing issues and were having a really hard time pricing the unit competitively in the U.S. given the challenges of the strength of the Euro and establishing a distribution network (which also takes money).
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: ramallo on August 03, 2012, 02:26:24 PM
I'm in Europe, the 4MINX was one of my last contender units (788 vs Nomad vs 4minx), and the price had the last word, the 4Minx is very expensive, finally I got a Nomad (More cheap in Europe)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: newplanet7 on August 03, 2012, 06:32:13 PM
There is actually nothing wrong with those prices and they are certainly in the same ball-park as the competition - assuming the competition to be Nagra, Aaton Cantar and Sound Devices.

The Nagra VI is, I think, $9,000 in the US - this makes the AETA 4MinX about $3,000 cheaper - so, the prices are in the same ball-park as the competitors.

In Europe it's competitive, coming in cheaper than the SD 788T and the Nagra VI.

It's only in the US that Sound Devices have a competitive advantage as they are made in the US - Nagra, AETA and Aaton all have Customs Duty to pay in the US as well as the cost of shipping it accross the Atlantic.

I don't agree - The Sonosax SX-R4 is $6200 in the US which is very competitive with SD788T with a similar feature set and this is Aeta's first recorder as compared to Nagra whom have been making recorders for over 50 years.  I don't know anything about Aaton's history so I can't comment there.

I think this may be attractive for the movie industry where in many cases money is no object but I would not expect to see one in the taper world any time soon if ever.
I was super surprised to see a Sax SX-R$ already in the taping world and in team New England(IE HOME-TURF) no less.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on August 03, 2012, 09:08:45 PM
I was super surprised to see a Sax SX-R$ already in the taping world and in team New England(IE HOME-TURF) no less.

I am not as there are a number of 788's out there now - honestly a Aeta Minx4 may show up one day as there are a handful (a very small handful) of tapers with unlimited budgets
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: StuStu on August 10, 2012, 05:32:29 PM
Here's a video: http://vimeo.com/40839170 (http://vimeo.com/40839170)


Around the 6 minute mark he says the full version will be around $6k.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on August 10, 2012, 05:40:20 PM
Here's a video: http://vimeo.com/40839170 (http://vimeo.com/40839170)


Around the 6 minute mark he says the full version will be around $6k.


Unfortunately per the official price list from Aeta (attached above in the thread) the full blown version is $7785
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: StuStu on August 10, 2012, 05:50:43 PM
Here's a video: http://vimeo.com/40839170 (http://vimeo.com/40839170)


Around the 6 minute mark he says the full version will be around $6k.


Unfortunately per the official price list from Aeta (attached above in the thread) the full blown version is $7785


I'm wondering if they'll possibly lower the price in time. It happens sometimes with newly introduced gear. It would make sense to me that they might have better success with a price tag that is more competitive with the SD and Sax. Wishful thinking? ;D [size=78%] [/size]
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: myke2241 on September 27, 2012, 02:57:49 AM
Got pricing back from Pro-Sound and it is much more than I was expecting - I guess import taxes kill it:

These prices are w/o Timecode enabled:
4MINX 2 Mixer + 2-track recording  $5,150
4MINX 4 Mixer + 4-track recording  $5,775
4MINX 6 Mixer + 6-track recording  $6,375
4MINX 8 Mixer + 8-track recording  $7,125 (may include timecode - got price from another TS member)

I was originally not a fan. but after doing a little bit of research it seemed like a good option. I E-Mailed Aeta which took more then a week to get back to me (Bad sign). The person who was in charge of US sales actually never responded (Another bad sign). when i finally got the pricing and i was really let down. Timecode is a additional $675! WTF!!! the only thing reasonable was the track upgrade options pricing. Aeta needs to rethink this product line and figure out how to make them competitive with the big players!

There is actually nothing wrong with those prices and they are certainly in the same ball-park as the competition - assuming the competition to be Nagra, Aaton Cantar and Sound Devices.

The Nagra VI is, I think, $9,000 in the US - this makes the AETA 4MinX about $3,000 cheaper - so, the prices are in the same ball-park as the competitors.

In Europe it's competitive, coming in cheaper than the SD 788T and the Nagra VI.

It's only in the US that Sound Devices have a competitive advantage as they are made in the US - Nagra, AETA and Aaton all have Customs Duty to pay in the US as well as the cost of shipping it accross the Atlantic.

I totally disagree. That is not competitive at all. I don't care what the pre's sound like. This is a beta product with a very small user base from a company that hasnt been around that long making decks. the fact is that even in the markets it sells well in, it is still being out sold by its competitor. there is no way to get around that!
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on September 27, 2012, 05:21:21 AM
I totally disagree. That is not competitive at all. I don't care what the pre's sound like. This is a beta product with a very small user base from a company that hasnt been around that long making decks. the fact is that even in the markets it sells well in, it is still being out sold by its competitor. there is no way to get around that!

I certainly would not call it a "Beta product".  I admit that when it was first launched the firmware did need a bit of work, but that has all been sorted a while ago with lot's of input from experienced broadcast/film sound recordists.

AETA have been around for several years and are highly regarded.

OK - they are not as well known as their competitors, but the 4MinX is certainly not that expensive.

The 6-track version is £2,999 in the UK and the 8-track version is £3,168.

This compares to £5,725 for the Nagra VI and around £5,000 for the SD 788T.

Like the 788T, the 4MinX can accept AES42 digital microphones - it also has an option of "Soundfield" microphone monitoring (the Nagra VI has this as well).

So, seeing as it is 30% to 40% cheaper than the Nagra VI and 788T, I cannot accept that it is "not competitive".  Really.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on September 27, 2012, 08:29:50 AM
At £2999 that is only around $4800 which is much more reasonable.

Aeta too exp in US
SD too exp in Europe

They are pricing themselves out of the local markets is the problem
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on September 28, 2012, 07:38:17 AM
At £2999 that is only around $4800 which is much more reasonable.

Aeta too exp in US
SD too exp in Europe

They are pricing themselves out of the local markets is the problem

More like shipping across continents and duty that do it.

Anything that sells in the US for $1,000 will normally sell in the UK for £1,000 - that's about 50% more.

I assume it's similar going the other way.

Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: myke2241 on September 30, 2012, 02:53:50 AM
At £2999 that is only around $4800 which is much more reasonable.

Aeta too exp in US
SD too exp in Europe

They are pricing themselves out of the local markets is the problem

More like shipping across continents and duty that do it.

Anything that sells in the US for $1,000 will normally sell in the UK for £1,000 - that's about 50% more.

I assume it's similar going the other way.

forget about the 788T. compare the 4Minx to the Nomad, Maxx or the new SD 664. a field mixer would rarely purchase the 4Minx. i dont think i need to explain why. but when it comes to pricing and being competitive....

4Minx
6 Track Recorder with TC option £3699
http://www.pinknoise-systems.co.uk/Aeta_4_MinX_Mixer_and_Multitrack_recorder--product--828.html

Nomad 6
6 Track Recorder with Zatnet £3960
http://www.pinknoise-systems.co.uk/Zaxcom_Nomad_6_Track_Mixer_recorder--product--1041.html

The SD 664 and Maxx are actually even cheaper. 664 being $3900 and the Maxx with 6 track recorder and AES inputs comes in at $2985. With aggressive pricing like that the 4Minx is in trouble out of the gate regardless of how good it is.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on September 30, 2012, 08:44:34 PM
I don't see Aeta selling to many units over hear in the states - there are 2 kind of video/sound production buyers I see - lower end where the SD line dominates and Zaxcom may dent a little and the high end where Nagra and Aaton dominate (some sonosax in this ring as well) - I don't see them getting into the higher end at this point unless the can differentiate there product better - they are priced out of the lower end

There is no VAT in the United States and import taxes are no more then 10% (I think they are around 7% for gear like this or so but I am pretty sure it varies from originating country to country)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on October 03, 2012, 06:06:04 AM
I agree about the US where SD and Zax are so cheap compared to their European price.

And European made stuff is so much more expensive than in Europe.

But in Europe it is the other way round - and the AETA is the equal of Nagra and Aaton in sound quality.

And comparing AETA to Zax is a bit like comparing Mercedes to a Ford  ;)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: myke2241 on October 03, 2012, 07:13:08 PM
I agree about the US where SD and Zax are so cheap compared to their European price.

And European made stuff is so much more expensive than in Europe.

But in Europe it is the other way round - and the AETA is the equal of Nagra and Aaton in sound quality.

And comparing AETA to Zax is a bit like comparing Mercedes to a Ford  ;)

i wouldnt say that. i clearly pointed out there isnt a huge price difference between. The Nomad runs circles around Aeta. you seem to forget mostly field mixers are going to be buying these. so although having great sounding pres is one thing. Reliability and functionality is more important. The 4minX would not be able to compete on as big of a scale in the field because of Zaxcom's Zaxnet.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on October 04, 2012, 06:48:49 AM
I agree about the US where SD and Zax are so cheap compared to their European price.

And European made stuff is so much more expensive than in Europe.

But in Europe it is the other way round - and the AETA is the equal of Nagra and Aaton in sound quality.

And comparing AETA to Zax is a bit like comparing Mercedes to a Ford  ;)

i wouldnt say that. i clearly pointed out there isnt a huge price difference between. The Nomad runs circles around Aeta. you seem to forget mostly field mixers are going to be buying these. so although having great sounding pres is one thing. Reliability and functionality is more important. The 4minX would not be able to compete on as big of a scale in the field because of Zaxcom's Zaxnet.

I take your point, but reliability of the AETA is good, I would say better than Zaxcom; though Zaxcom's ergonomics are good and I am hearing good things about Zaxnet.

Though, if I had to choose only SD or Zaxcom, it would be SD all the time.
Title: Re: AETA 4MinX - 8 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on October 14, 2012, 07:00:55 AM
Having now had a much closer look at the AETA 4MinX - it is actually a lot better than I initially thought it was.

It has 10 inputs (4 x Mic/line, 2 x Line, 4 x AES3/AES42) which can be mixed in any way you like onto 8 channels - or - mix in any way you like on to 6 channels and use the last 2 channels for a stereo mix.

It is the only recorder that has the option for using both Digital microphones and a Soundfield microphone with Soundfield monitoring.

It is the same high quality level as the Aaton Cantar and Nagra VI at a much lower price level.  It is even a good deal cheaper than the SD 788T.

It also is the right size - not so small that it becomes fiddly to use (without buying external control panels), or too large that it can become unwieldy in a bag.

AETA had lots of help from professional sound engineers in refining the software - and the current version is very different from the initial unit from 2011 (but anyone with an initial unit would have been able to update it to the latest version with firmware updates).

The more I see it, the more impressed I am.


(http://www.aeta-audio.com/uploads/pics/4MinX_big2.jpg) (http://www.aeta-audio.com/index.php?id=sound_recording_mixing)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: OOK on October 14, 2012, 11:37:45 AM
At 6200$ in the states it isn't exactly cheap, but it certianly looks like a quality recorder.  OOK
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on October 14, 2012, 01:40:10 PM
At 6200$ in the states it isn't exactly cheap, but it certainly looks like a quality recorder.  OOK

That sounds high - in the UK the starting price is £2,499 and even the maxed out 8-track version, including time-code board and Soundfield monitoring is still under £4,000.

What version is the $6,200 price for?
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on October 14, 2012, 03:41:07 PM
You can find the US prices here


http://taperssection.com/index.php?topic=139573.msg1982245#msg1982245

It's cheaper to buy it in the uk and have it shipped the US then buying it in the US
Title: Re: AETA 4MinX - 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on March 08, 2016, 05:31:27 AM
Having now had a much closer look at the AETA 4MinX - it is actually a lot better than I initially thought it was.

It has 10 inputs (4 x Mic/line, 2 x Line, 4 x AES3/AES42) which can be mixed in any way you like onto 8 channels - or - mix in any way you like on to 6 channels and use the last 2 channels for a stereo mix.

It is the only recorder that has the option for using both Digital microphones and a Soundfield microphone with Soundfield monitoring.

It is the same high quality level as the Aaton Cantar and Nagra VI at a much lower price level.  It is even a good deal cheaper than the SD 788T.

It also is the right size - not so small that it becomes fiddly to use (without buying external control panels), or too large that it can become unwieldy in a bag.

AETA had lots of help from professional sound engineers in refining the software - and the current version is very different from the initial unit from 2011 (but anyone with an initial unit would have been able to update it to the latest version with firmware updates).

The more I see it, the more impressed I am.


(http://www.aeta-audio.com/uploads/pics/4MinX_big2.jpg) (http://www.aeta-audio.com/index.php?id=sound_recording_mixing)
Title: Re: AETA 4MinX 8 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on March 12, 2016, 04:05:21 AM
Now this thread has been resurrected...

Today's 4MinX is quite a bit better than the version from a few years ago, as AETA have introduced several firmware updates with improvements in the meantime.

For instance - every input now has an adjustable delay, so that if you are mixing digital and analogue inputs or, for example, using a Schoeps SuperCMiT, you can delay any input you want so everything remans in sync.

You can follow all the updates HERE (http://www.aeta-audio.com/index.php?id=4minx_history).
Title: Re: AETA 4MinX 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on March 12, 2016, 09:42:31 AM
Now this thread has been resurrected...

Today's 4MinX is quite a bit better than the version from a few years ago, as AETA have introduced several firmware updates with improvements in the meantime.

For instance - every input now has an adjustable delay, so that if you are mixing digital and analogue inputs or, for example, using a Schoeps SuperCMiT, you can delay any input you want so everything remans in sync.

You can follow all the updates HERE (http://www.aeta-audio.com/index.php?id=4minx_history).

Thanks for your insight and for weighing in John!

David
Title: Re: AETA 4MinX 8 track recorder
Post by: StuStu on March 13, 2016, 11:54:53 AM

Agreed. The software seems to evolve nicely with each update.

Now this thread has been resurrected...

Today's 4MinX is quite a bit better than the version from a few years ago, as AETA have introduced several firmware updates with improvements in the meantime.

For instance - every input now has an adjustable delay, so that if you are mixing digital and analogue inputs or, for example, using a Schoeps SuperCMiT, you can delay any input you want so everything remans in sync.

You can follow all the updates HERE (http://www.aeta-audio.com/index.php?id=4minx_history).
Title: Re: AETA 4MinX - 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on June 14, 2016, 01:34:07 PM
Having now had a much closer look at the AETA 4MinX - it is actually a lot better than I initially thought it was.

It has 10 inputs (4 x Mic/line, 2 x Line, 4 x AES3/AES42) which can be mixed in any way you like onto 8 channels - or - mix in any way you like on to 6 channels and use the last 2 channels for a stereo mix.

It is the only recorder that has the option for using both Digital microphones and a Soundfield microphone with Soundfield monitoring.

It is the same high quality level as the Aaton Cantar and Nagra VI at a much lower price level.  It is even a good deal cheaper than the SD 788T.

It also is the right size - not so small that it becomes fiddly to use (without buying external control panels), or too large that it can become unwieldy in a bag.

AETA had lots of help from professional sound engineers in refining the software - and the current version is very different from the initial unit from 2011 (but anyone with an initial unit would have been able to update it to the latest version with firmware updates).

The more I see it, the more impressed I am.


Weighing in after my virgin run in the field with the AETA 4MinX.  I ran 4 channels with P48 for the final day at The Blue Ox festival.  Everything worked like a charm and the results sound very good to my ears.  I ran Gefell M210's head-to-head with a pair of Schoeps mk4v's and the results were a win, win! 

I'm very happy with this machine after my first run and I hope to expand to an 8 channel trial run in the near future.  (This means lugging an extra pre into the field, with both digital and analog output, and I'll pick a good show to do this)

I powered the recorder with a Naztech PB15000 and changed batteries after 3+ hours with each battery,  I really didn't want to push it any further than that.  Running 4 channels, P48 for this trial.  After 3+ hours I still had one bar left on the battery running at 12V.

There is a learning curve with this machine and I still have a lot to learn but I'm getting there.

David
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: yug du nord on June 14, 2016, 02:51:47 PM
^nice!!
 8)


.......are the pre amps similar or same to PSP-2 or PSP-3 or totally different??
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: Hypnocracy on June 14, 2016, 04:23:47 PM
Drool....

(http://i.vimeocdn.com/video/282459649_1280x720.jpg)

Is that a small man? Or a Large Recorder?

 >:D

Title: Re: AETA 4MinX - 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on June 14, 2016, 06:13:42 PM
^nice!!
 8)
.......are the pre amps similar or same to PSP-2 or PSP-3 or totally different??

The pre's are rumored to be similar to the PSP-3's.  Taylorc who has one of these machines, was I think investigating the origin of the 4MinX pre's.

StuStu and John Willett also have this machine and have offered guidance to me in running it.  It's not rocket science but it has a lot of features and it is NOT like running my sd722.  I like it and I am up to the challenge.


Is that a small man? Or a Large Recorder?
 >:D

It is actually a very comfortably sized recorder, not too large, not too small.  It is also a lighter weight than it looks to be but it is solidly built!

Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: Hypnocracy on June 14, 2016, 09:06:40 PM
Can't wait to hear the Gefell's with this unit...The PSP-2 an PSP-3 have always been on my list of (unobtanium) pre's to own...actually considering selling off my Portico and Grace to move into a top of the line all in one...but afraid this one will just be a dream for now.

Title: Re: AETA 4MinX - 8 track recorder
Post by: gewwang on June 16, 2016, 01:22:20 PM
^nice!!
 8)
.......are the pre amps similar or same to PSP-2 or PSP-3 or totally different??

The pre's are rumored to be similar to the PSP-3's.  Taylorc who has one of these machines, was I think investigating the origin of the 4MinX pre's.

StuStu and John Willett also have this machine and have offered guidance to me in running it.  It's not rocket science but it has a lot of features and it is NOT like running my sd722.  I like it and I am up to the challenge.


Is that a small man? Or a Large Recorder?
 >:D

It is actually a very comfortably sized recorder, not too large, not too small.  It is also a lighter weight than it looks but it is solidly built!

Appears to be a tiny bit bigger than the 788

788 : 1.8" x 10.1" x 6.4"
          3 lbs 12 oz. without battery

4minX : 10.2” x 3.0” x 7.7”
              4 lbs without battery
Title: Re: AETA 4MinX - 8 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on June 16, 2016, 01:32:02 PM
^nice!!
 8)
.......are the pre amps similar or same to PSP-2 or PSP-3 or totally different??

The pre's are rumored to be similar to the PSP-3's.  Taylorc who has one of these machines, was I think investigating the origin of the 4MinX pre's.


It really doesn't make sense to compare the 4Minx, or any modern preamp/recorder for that matter, to gear that was manufactured 20 years ago. No one is designing TL071 inputs into custom made input transformers ala the PSP-2 (the company that made the transformers doesn't even have a datasheet for them anymore) and the PSP-3 is nothing more than an SSM2017 preamp with a whole bunch of M/S circuitry... it's a good one, but hardly revolutionary in 2016.

I can guarantee you that there isn't a single common IC or meaningful component between the devices and I'd even doubt if any of the same people that developed the 4minx were even around when the PSPs were developed.
Title: Re: AETA 4MinX - 8 track recorder
Post by: StuStu on June 18, 2016, 12:34:49 PM
^nice!!
 8)
.......are the pre amps similar or same to PSP-2 or PSP-3 or totally different??

The pre's are rumored to be similar to the PSP-3's.  Taylorc who has one of these machines, was I think investigating the origin of the 4MinX pre's.



It really doesn't make sense to compare the 4Minx, or any modern preamp/recorder for that matter, to gear that was manufactured 20 years ago. No one is designing TL071 inputs into custom made input transformers ala the PSP-2 (the company that made the transformers doesn't even have a datasheet for them anymore) and the PSP-3 is nothing more than an SSM2017 preamp with a whole bunch of M/S circuitry... it's a good one, but hardly revolutionary in 2016.

I can guarantee you that there isn't a single common IC or meaningful component between the devices and I'd even doubt if any of the same people that developed the 4minx were even around when the PSPs were developed.


I'm fairly certain it was AETA who told Taylor the 4MinX pres are more or less the same as the PSP-3s. Regardless, the 4MinX pres are superb. :)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on June 18, 2016, 04:05:11 PM
It's only "more-like" the PSP-3 because of the transformerless inputs. I could name a dozen different modern preamps based on instrumentation amplifiers that sound "just like" the PSP-3.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: StuStu on June 19, 2016, 01:50:45 AM
It's only "more-like" the PSP-3 because of the transformerless inputs. I could name a dozen different modern preamps based on instrumentation amplifiers that sound "just like" the PSP-3.


I'm not comparing the AETA 4MinX pres to the PSP-2 which have transformers. I've taped many, many shows with the PSP-2 and know the difference in sound compared to the PSP-3. I was simply relaying what I've been told about the 4MinX pres. And owning the recorder, I believe it. What's so hard to believe about AETA basing the pres from their OWN wonderful sounding PSP-3? Why change a great pre? Are you suggesting transformerless pres all sound alike? And by all means, let us all know the dozen pres that sound like the PSP-3. I'd love to try them out. Sorry, but I guess I'm missing your point here.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on June 19, 2016, 03:33:31 AM
Yes, that is exactly what I am suggesting. We like to think there are huge subjective differences, but unfortunately the science rarely agrees and that can be hard for our egos to deal with. Jon said this really well once.


When you get into the world of studio preamps, people have their preferences and biases and experiences, but almost none can express those in technical terms, and when their subjective evaluations get challenged with actual technical measurements, suddenly they get very very defensive . . .

Preamps have a simple, defined purpose; Amplify a low-level signal equally across all frequencies while introducing as little noise as possible. There might be some secondary functions like bass roll-off, but otherwise it should be ruler flat 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Unfortunately, a mountain of bad science and marketing bullshit in the audio world has obscured this very simple purpose and led people to believe that a preamp should be 'bright' or 'dark' or... whatever.

If you really think you understand the sonic characteristics of these preamps, then I would challenge you to discuss them in technical terms rather than anecdotes. A frequency response chart or Bode plot is not hard to generate, even the most humble of computer sound cards can take accurate measurements. If you really think these two preamps share a sonic characteristic, then surely we would see evidence of that in a frequency response chart, right? How about looking at THD and harmonics? Shouldn't those also match? I've taken measurements on all these pres and would encourage anyone to do the same. It's not hard; everyone should know how to do it.

Heck, even some sound comps would be better than anecdotes. As maybe the only person on this forum with a 4Minx, why haven't you done this?


What's so hard to believe about AETA basing the pres from their OWN wonderful sounding PSP-3? Why change a great pre?

Because that's not how engineering works. You don't start with a sound and work backwards. You don't make 20 different circuits and perform critical listening tests until you find the circuit that "has that classic Aeta sound." Engineers work with a set of technical requirements (i.e. ruler flat frequency response, low power consumption, specific gain ranges), choose parts based on component level specifications, pricing & availability, reliability, etc... and then validate everything with technical measurements, not their ears.

And as for the second-hand knowledge you are throwing around regarding Aeta's opinion, do you really believe that an engineer at Aeta would say "the 4minx was designed to sound like the PSP-3" when they have released so many products since? Why wouldn't he have said it was based off the Mixy or the Scoop or any other product developed by Aeta that is literally lightyears ahead of the PSP-3? The answer is pretty simple. A taper asked him "does it sound more like X or Y" and he responded with the option that made the most sense. This kind of anecdotal information might be interesting, but is easily misused and often does more harm than good.


Are you suggesting transformerless pres all sound alike? And by all means, let us all know the dozen pres that sound like the PSP-3. I'd love to try them out.

If we're talking about modern, instrumentation amplifier based pres (INA217/SSM2017/THAT151x or the dozens of other, newer chips out there), then yes. It's an incredibly common circuit topology and not the secret sauce or voodoo magic you'd like it to be.

Aeta did a great job engineering the PSP-3, but I can assure you that the overwhelming majority of R&D was focused on enclosure design, pcb layout work, implementing features like M/S decoding, left/right balance, power supply design, etc. Heck, more than half the circuity in the PSP-3 is dedicated to these auxiliary features alone. The amplification circuit is probably the simplest thing in there and even then, it's fairly dated. For example, there are definitely more exotic ways tackle dc offest across the entire gain range than a 1000uF capacitor in series with Rg and with some of the newer chips, you don't even have to solve for it.

The same goes for the 4Minx, but now you've got all sorts of digital stuff in the mix, firmware coding, etc. That stuff is what makes a solid, modern product, not the 'sound.'

I can think of a few pres with wildly difference sonic signatures, but that isn't necessarily a good thing (I'm looking at you m248... worst fucking preamp ever. keep getting fleeced, sheep).

It would behoove all of use to focus on features, pricing, and customer service / support rather than "sound."
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on June 19, 2016, 08:37:33 AM
^nice!!
 8)


.......are the pre amps similar or same to PSP-2 or PSP-3 or totally different??

The pre-amps are about the same quality as the Sonosax / Nagra VI (ie: top of the tree).

AETA put a lot of effort into the audio quality, from their old mixer, Codecs the MIXY and the 4MinX.   And the 4MinX is several thousand cheaper than the Nagra VI and, at least, equal in quality.

Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on June 19, 2016, 08:39:02 AM
Drool....

(http://i.vimeocdn.com/video/282459649_1280x720.jpg)

Is that a small man? Or a Large Recorder?

 >:D

Size wise - it's larger than the 788T, but a lot smaller than the Nagra VI - and runs cool.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: StuStu on June 19, 2016, 09:36:44 PM
Yes, that is exactly what I am suggesting. We like to think there are huge subjective differences, but unfortunately the science rarely agrees and that can be hard for our egos to deal with. Jon said this really well once.


When you get into the world of studio preamps, people have their preferences and biases and experiences, but almost none can express those in technical terms, and when their subjective evaluations get challenged with actual technical measurements, suddenly they get very very defensive . . .

Preamps have a simple, defined purpose; Amplify a low-level signal equally across all frequencies while introducing as little noise as possible. There might be some secondary functions like bass roll-off, but otherwise it should be ruler flat 20 Hz to 20 kHz. Unfortunately, a mountain of bad science and marketing bullshit in the audio world has obscured this very simple purpose and led people to believe that a preamp should be 'bright' or 'dark' or... whatever.

If you really think you understand the sonic characteristics of these preamps, then I would challenge you to discuss them in technical terms rather than anecdotes. A frequency response chart or Bode plot is not hard to generate, even the most humble of computer sound cards can take accurate measurements. If you really think these two preamps share a sonic characteristic, then surely we would see evidence of that in a frequency response chart, right? How about looking at THD and harmonics? Shouldn't those also match? I've taken measurements on all these pres and would encourage anyone to do the same. It's not hard; everyone should know how to do it.

Heck, even some sound comps would be better than anecdotes. As maybe the only person on this forum with a 4Minx, why haven't you done this?


What's so hard to believe about AETA basing the pres from their OWN wonderful sounding PSP-3? Why change a great pre?

Because that's not how engineering works. You don't start with a sound and work backwards. You don't make 20 different circuits and perform critical listening tests until you find the circuit that "has that classic Aeta sound." Engineers work with a set of technical requirements (i.e. ruler flat frequency response, low power consumption, specific gain ranges), choose parts based on component level specifications, pricing & availability, reliability, etc... and then validate everything with technical measurements, not their ears.

And as for the second-hand knowledge you are throwing around regarding Aeta's opinion, do you really believe that an engineer at Aeta would say "the 4minx was designed to sound like the PSP-3" when they have released so many products since? Why wouldn't he have said it was based off the Mixy or the Scoop or any other product developed by Aeta that is literally lightyears ahead of the PSP-3? The answer is pretty simple. A taper asked him "does it sound more like X or Y" and he responded with the option that made the most sense. This kind of anecdotal information might be interesting, but is easily misused and often does more harm than good.


Are you suggesting transformerless pres all sound alike? And by all means, let us all know the dozen pres that sound like the PSP-3. I'd love to try them out.

If we're talking about modern, instrumentation amplifier based pres (INA217/SSM2017/THAT151x or the dozens of other, newer chips out there), then yes. It's an incredibly common circuit topology and not the secret sauce or voodoo magic you'd like it to be.

Aeta did a great job engineering the PSP-3, but I can assure you that the overwhelming majority of R&D was focused on enclosure design, pcb layout work, implementing features like M/S decoding, left/right balance, power supply design, etc. Heck, more than half the circuity in the PSP-3 is dedicated to these auxiliary features alone. The amplification circuit is probably the simplest thing in there and even then, it's fairly dated. For example, there are definitely more exotic ways tackle dc offest across the entire gain range than a 1000uF capacitor in series with Rg and with some of the newer chips, you don't even have to solve for it.

The same goes for the 4Minx, but now you've got all sorts of digital stuff in the mix, firmware coding, etc. That stuff is what makes a solid, modern product, not the 'sound.'

I can think of a few pres with wildly difference sonic signatures, but that isn't necessarily a good thing (I'm looking at you m248... worst fucking preamp ever. keep getting fleeced, sheep).

It would behoove all of use to focus on features, pricing, and customer service / support rather than "sound."


A. No, I'm not the only TS member who owns a 4MinX. Perhaps you can scold them as well.
B. I don't get your elitist attitude, nor do I care. People, myself included, don't visit TS to be told how things should be done the hi and low way.
C. I don't care what you think. I don't know you. Taping is a hobby to me; if I were as uptight about it as you seem to be, I'd quit taping.
D. I've posted plenty of shows that were recorded with the AETA if people want to get an idea of its sound. I don't personally recall ever seeing a show that you recorded posted.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: kingkita on June 19, 2016, 10:17:00 PM
I personally own quite a few of these pre amps in this thread I can vouch the 248 is a solid pre amp and the psp2 and psp3 are different unless my ears are fucked up.And if you think the 248 is junk listen to the Oade Brothers pulls of dead from back in the day some stellar stuff there.Maybe we can do some comparisons at Red Rocks with the whole tapersection that's going to be there.There will be every kind of mic and pre amp there for the comparison showdown.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on June 19, 2016, 10:45:17 PM
We ran an m248 a few years ago. Every recording it made had almost no frequency response below 100 Hz. They were the thinnest, hollowist recordings we've ever heard; clearly something was not right. Doug looks at it, insists everything was OK, but could not provide any frequency response charts or demonstrable technical data to support his claim. It was clearly fucked and he was not technically competent enough to address it properly.

YMMV, but in my opinion the Oade's are the biggest snake-oil salesmen this community has ever seen.

In contrast, when Vark repairs my PSP2, I was provided a full suite of frequency response charts for every setting using an Audio Precision analyzer. Professionals vs. amateurs.


Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: kingkita on June 19, 2016, 10:54:35 PM
We ran an m248 a few years ago. Every recording it made had almost no frequency response below 100 Hz. They were the thinnest, hollowist recordings we've ever heard; clearly something was not right. Doug looks at it, insists everything was OK, but could not provide any frequency response charts or demonstrable technical data to support his claim. It was clearly fucked and he was not technically competent enough to address it properly.

YMMV, but in my opinion the Oade's are the biggest snake-oil salesmen this community has ever seen.

In contrast, when Vark repairs my PSP2, I was provided a full suite of frequency response charts for every setting using an Audio Precision analyzer. Professionals vs. amateurs.

I can see your going to have a great time at Red Rocks with all of us southern guys
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on June 19, 2016, 11:42:46 PM

I can see your going to have a great time at Red Rocks with all of us southern guys

Hehe, touché. I'm actually pretty nice and I'm sure we'll get along.

And I'm not trying to offend or scold anyone here, but I'm definitely not going to hide my feelings on this forum, especially after being asked. We're talking about gear here after all, it's not personal.

My anecdote about the Oade's is certainly the result of a very poor, completely unacceptable customer service experience. It was intended as sarcasm and was certainly out-of-context, but I'm glad you picked up on it.... This issue was so frustrating because, as you mention, we've all heard great M248 recordings, but very clearly there was something defective with the unit we had. It sounded absolutely nothing the M248 recordings we had heard, the results were barely usable. For the man himself to insist that everything is fine, but not be able to back it up with technical data, was very concerning. The guy literally never hooked it up to a scope or frequency analyzer, just listened to it and said it sounded fine.

Having been around since the early days of the Oade forum, I can certainly say that they have been responsible for a lot of recordings and done great things for the community. But, I'm also someone who builds and tests their own audio equipment and has done tear downs and analysis on damn near every piece of equipment used. Modifying gear is great, but not when you treat is like a secret sauce and refuse to ever disclose even the smallest of technical details or provide the necessary technical measurements to back up their scientific marketing claims and high price tags. To me, that's selling snake-oil.

I just can't tell you how bad a customer experience it was... and the resulting price tag. It wasn't cheap in the yard sale, cost money to ship to and from Doug, bench time / labor that Doug charged, and finally the resulting money lost because it had to be sold "as-is" in the yard sale with full disclosure that it was fucked, regardless of what Doug was saying.

That's why I like to support Jon at Naiant and quote him frequently. He's incredibly transparent about his designs and the science behind his products. In the many years he's been supporting the community, he's arguably just as big of an impact, both from the gear he provides and the knowledge he shares. As a rule, he never makes anecdotal claims that can't be backed with technical data and is spot on with his criticism of those that do.

That philosophy is why I'm even bothering to weigh in on this thread. The 4minx is a $5000 piece of equipment that does far more than anyone on this forum will ever need. If you're using it exclusively for concert taping, you're using maybe 5% of its overall features which is fine if you have the money to spend on a cool tool, but not something we should encourage by idolizing two pieces of gear that are dinosaurs in comparison. I don't always agree with what John has to say, but in this case he's spot on. Compare it to the Sonosax or Nagra because that's the appropriate comparison.


Title: Re: Aeta 8 Track Recorder
Post by: dactylus on June 22, 2016, 07:54:36 AM

That philosophy is why I'm even bothering to weigh in on this thread. The 4minx is a $5000 piece of equipment that does far more than anyone on this forum will ever need. If you're using it exclusively for concert taping, you're using maybe 5% of its overall features which is fine if you have the money to spend on a cool tool, but not something we should encourage by idolizing two pieces of gear that are dinosaurs in comparison. I don't always agree with what John has to say, but in this case he's spot on. Compare it to the Sonosax or Nagra because that's the appropriate comparison.

You have the option to select a 4MinX without the Time Code and Surround Sound (Soundfield) options.  If you can live without those two features, which I can, you can probably purchase a 4MinX for less than the cost of a new SD744T. 

Contact Justin Marinoff at Sound-Pro for pricing on this equipment.   

Justin Marinoff <justin@pro-sound.com>

Title: Re: Aeta 8 Track Recorder
Post by: John Willett on June 23, 2016, 05:10:32 AM
You have the option to select a 4MinX without the Time Code and Surround Sound (Soundfield) options.  If you can live without those two features, which I can, you can probably purchase a 4MinX for less than the cost of a new SD744T. 

The 4MinX is extremely flexible and there are many options.

You can purchase it as a:-
0 track
2 track
4 track or
8 track recorder

Timecode is an option which you do not have if you don't want it

Soundfield (both A-format and B-format are in the option) is another option.

If you buy it, for instance, as a 2-track recorder, it is easily updatable to a 4-track or 8-track at a later date as a firmware upgrade - same with the Soundfield option which can be added later - only with the timecode option would the recorder have to go back as this is a hardware option.

In the UK prices range from £2,596.00 for a 0-track with no options to £4,028.00 for an 8-track with both timecode and Soundfield options (prices without VAT).

AETA have done various firmware updates over time and any owner can easily update their machine if it does not have the latest update - and there is another update inthe pipeline.

A recent updaye added an adjustable delay to every input and on the 4MinX you *can* adjust the level of all inputs (some recorders donot allow you to adjust a digitalinput, for example).  The update history is HERE (http://www.aeta-audio.com/index.php?id=4minx_history).
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on June 27, 2016, 03:13:05 AM
Firmware based pricing is an absolute joke. Only a corporate shill would defend that bullshit.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on June 27, 2016, 07:24:26 AM
Firmware based pricing is an absolute joke. Only a corporate shill would defend that bullshit.

Why?

Firmware costs money to develop and it's reasonable not to have to pay for facilities you don't need.

The Soundfield software cost quite a bit to develop - why should someone who does not want it have to pay for it?

I can, sort of, see your point on the track count - but it does enable someone who want's a more basic machine to buy it cheaper.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on June 30, 2016, 03:05:02 AM
Firmware based pricing is an absolute joke. Only a corporate shill would defend that bullshit.

Why?

Firmware costs money to develop and it's reasonable not to have to pay for facilities you don't need.

The Soundfield software cost quite a bit to develop - why should someone who does not want it have to pay for it?

I can, sort of, see your point on the track count - but it does enable someone who want's a more basic machine to buy it cheaper.

First, let's not confuse software development costs with licensing costs. Soundfield ambisonic monitoring software has a licensing cost; I believe it's covered by US Patent 9,100,768 and who knows what else across the pond. Firmware development certainly isn't free, but with this pricing model licensing costs are almost always the dominating factor.

Second, anytime you sell a piece of hardware that is somehow disabled or locked to the consumer, it's completely and utterly offensive. It can also be dangerous (https://www.jailbreakingisnotacrime.org/). Phone manufacturers are the worst, quickly followed by car manufacturers, and consumers have been forced to fight tooth and nail for the right to own, repair, and fully use the hardware they have rightfully purchased.

Practices like this are, simply put, not consumer friendly. Almost as bad as extorting hundreds of dollars for a few extra Ah in a battery instead of a sponge.

If I'm wrong, feel free to educate the forum here, but also do us a favor and provide full disclosure for any corporate relationships or sponsorships you have. There never seems to be any anything these companies (specifically Aeta, Nagra, Sonosax) can do wrong.
Title: Re: AETA 4MinX 8 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on June 30, 2016, 08:40:48 AM
Second, anytime you sell a piece of hardware that is somehow disabled or locked to the consumer, it's completely and utterly offensive. It can also be dangerous (https://www.jailbreakingisnotacrime.org/). Phone manufacturers are the worst, quickly followed by car manufacturers, and consumers have been forced to fight tooth and nail for the right to own, repair, and fully use the hardware they have rightfully purchased.

Why do you think this is so offensive?

If all costs are clear an up-front and it enables you to buy the product cheaper if you don't need all the facilities.

As long as a manufacturer is clear and up-front about it and clearly shows any upgrade costs - I don't see a problem.

The alternative is a manufacturer making lots of different versions which would all have to sell at higher prices and if you wanted a different version you would have to sell the one you have and buy another. 

Making one hardware version with firmware enabling options is the cheaper option all round.

But, as I said, a manufacturere should be clear about all the costs and upgrade costs at the start so anyone purchasing can make the decision best for them.

Or do you really want only the maxxed out version available at the highest price?
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: voltronic on June 30, 2016, 09:23:59 AM
John,

Going by the price list on your website (http://sound-link.co.uk/info/price-lists.html), the pricing between the different levels is much smaller than what I anticipated.  From the cheapest (mixer only) to the 8-track option, the difference is 621 GBP or about $835 US.  I'm not much a fan of the firmware-based pricing scheme either, but if owners can buy the less expensive version initially and then upgrade at relatively reasonable cost, then it's not that bad.  And it's not much different from what software companies do with different "levels".  I use iZotope RX4, which is the same things as the Advanced version but with certain features deactivated.

I also appreciate that Aeta chose to use reasonably-priced DV batteries for this unit.

Is your price list reflecting retail prices?  I can't find it for sale many places, and the difference between your prices and others is significant:

http://www.pinknoise-systems.co.uk/aeta-4-minx-mixer-and-multitrack-recorder.html (http://www.pinknoise-systems.co.uk/aeta-4-minx-mixer-and-multitrack-recorder.html) - the only other seller I could find in the UK
http://sonoproaudio.com/store/index.php?route=product/search&filter_name=4minx (http://sonoproaudio.com/store/index.php?route=product/search&filter_name=4minx) - Quebec
http://www.pro-sound.com/p/aeta-systems-4-min-x-multi-track-mixer-recorder.html (http://www.pro-sound.com/p/aeta-systems-4-min-x-multi-track-mixer-recorder.html) - $6200 US for 6-track version?!?!
Title: Re: Aeta 8 Track Recorder
Post by: Hypnocracy on June 30, 2016, 11:07:57 AM
For voltronic...

You have the option to select a 4MinX without the Time Code and Surround Sound (Soundfield) options.  If you can live without those two features, which I can, you can probably purchase a 4MinX for less than the cost of a new SD744T. 

Contact Justin Marinoff at Sound-Pro for pricing on this equipment.   

Justin Marinoff <justin@pro-sound.com>

 ;D
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on June 30, 2016, 12:15:00 PM
John,

Going by the price list on your website (http://sound-link.co.uk/info/price-lists.html), the pricing between the different levels is much smaller than what I anticipated.  From the cheapest (mixer only) to the 8-track option, the difference is 621 GBP or about $835 US.  I'm not much a fan of the firmware-based pricing scheme either, but if owners can buy the less expensive version initially and then upgrade at relatively reasonable cost, then it's not that bad.  And it's not much different from what software companies do with different "levels".  I use iZotope RX4, which is the same things as the Advanced version but with certain features deactivated.

I also appreciate that Aeta chose to use reasonably-priced DV batteries for this unit.

Is your price list reflecting retail prices?  I can't find it for sale many places, and the difference between your prices and others is significant:

http://www.pinknoise-systems.co.uk/aeta-4-minx-mixer-and-multitrack-recorder.html (http://www.pinknoise-systems.co.uk/aeta-4-minx-mixer-and-multitrack-recorder.html) - the only other seller I could find in the UK
http://sonoproaudio.com/store/index.php?route=product/search&filter_name=4minx (http://sonoproaudio.com/store/index.php?route=product/search&filter_name=4minx) - Quebec
http://www.pro-sound.com/p/aeta-systems-4-min-x-multi-track-mixer-recorder.html (http://www.pro-sound.com/p/aeta-systems-4-min-x-multi-track-mixer-recorder.html) - $6200 US for 6-track version?!?!

Those prices are UK retail prices - Brexit and the £ going down did mean a small increase (latest price list here (http://sound-link.co.uk/pdf/AETA%20pro-user%20price%20list%20-%202016-06.pdf)).

Dealers get a discount off these prices so can sell at the same price.  Pink Noise and other UK dealers buy their 4MinX from me, but I am not responsible for when they update their websites.

But, margins on AETA are very small - so when I sell to a dealer I only make a tiny %.  Which partly explains why the 4MinX, at the same quality as a Nagra VI is so much less.

You are right - there is not that much dfference between the firmware options and upgrading later is not so much either - and it's all clear in the price list.  Doing it this way encourages someone to buy a 4MinX if he only needs 2-channels he does not have to pay for 8 and can upgrade later if he wants to.  Having said that, very few go out at the lower channel counts and I have never sold a 2-track one.

But, because I sell the 4MinX I stick to only saying facts when I talk about recorders, as it would be unfair to do otherwise (and I also own a Nagra VI, bought when it first came out, as well as a 4MinX).
Title: Re: Aeta 8 Track Recorder
Post by: voltronic on June 30, 2016, 01:59:55 PM
For voltronic...

You have the option to select a 4MinX without the Time Code and Surround Sound (Soundfield) options.  If you can live without those two features, which I can, you can probably purchase a 4MinX for less than the cost of a new SD744T. 

Contact Justin Marinoff at Sound-Pro for pricing on this equipment.   

Justin Marinoff <justin@pro-sound.com>

 ;D

Yes, I saw that post.  I was just pointing out that the specific version Pro Sound Services has on their site seems to be marked up quite a lot compared to the price list John was showing.  Even more so now that I see it seems to be the 4-channel version, not 6-channel as I first thought.  I do realize that there is a significant cost to the dealer of having it shipped overseas, but probably not that much.  Maybe their actual pricing for the specific models is better than the one unit they are showing online.

Not that I'm in the market for something in this price range anyway.  The next recorder I buy would need to have more than 4 analog mic inputs anyway, as I'm starting to run into situations where I want more than 4.  I just want to get a sense of what US customers would pay for the 4Minx compared to similar units since that's what's being discussed here.  It does seem to be a better value than the Nagra VI, but that's always been very high priced.  Maybe the SD 788 would be a better comparison to the 4Minx in terms of features and price.  That's still the unit I would want if cost was no object.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: StuStu on July 01, 2016, 12:43:39 AM
I bought mine from Justin and my price was much lower than what's on their website. I got 8 channels without TC. I don't know why Pro Sound haven't made the pricing clearer. I don't think they're doing themselves any favors for showing it as $6500 (if that's what it's still showing) when the pricing is much better than that. That said, I have 0 regrets buying the 4MinX and 0 regrets with the customer service  from Justin. PM or email him and he can provide you with current US pricing.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: F.O.Bean on July 01, 2016, 03:03:08 AM
Yeah, you should ALWAYS call Justin M. instead of relying on online prices! He will usually give you a better deal, but he prefers you call him for actual pricing! Ive been dealing with him for over a decade as a trader and as an employee at Pro-Sound, and hes the FN MAN! He's always gone outta his way to make me happy and is always quick with a response when contacting him via email/phone/etc!
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: aaronji on July 01, 2016, 05:37:50 AM
^^ A lot of companies compel their distributors to advertise at a certain price; sometimes calling around can get you a deal.  I am pretty sure a couple of the major mics brands do this...
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: StuStu on July 01, 2016, 02:16:34 PM
^^ A lot of companies compel their distributors to advertise at a certain price; sometimes calling around can get you a deal.  I am pretty sure a couple of the major mics brands do this...

Indeed. If I'm not mistaken, Schoeps make their dealers do this. I believe Pro Sound are the only US distributor for the 4MinX.
Title: Re: AETA 4MinX 8 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on July 02, 2016, 12:27:27 AM

Why do you think this is so offensive?

I've already answered this question. You sell a piece me a piece of hardware, I fully expect to be able to use it. Selling me non-recordable inputs is like a car-manufacturer saying I should pay more if I want to be able to drive faster than 65 mph. There are so many other good anecdotes, but honestly it's exhausting cutting through the corporate shillary.

Or do you really want only the maxxed out version available at the highest price?

You make this sound as though it's a value prop to everyone, but the argument actually works in the opposite. Why should someone who wants all available features subsidize the costs of those that don't? Why should those consumers have to foot the bill for the additional R&D costs allocated to needless firmware versions and the marketing costs associated with maintaining a complicated SKU list? Based on the comments in this very thread, I would argue the complicated SKU list and hidden pricing scheme has done nothing but drive away customers.
Title: Re: AETA 4MinX 8 track recorder
Post by: voltronic on July 02, 2016, 09:19:23 AM

Why do you think this is so offensive?

I've already answered this question. You sell a piece me a piece of hardware, I fully expect to be able to use it. Selling me non-recordable inputs is like a car-manufacturer saying I should pay more if I want to be able to drive faster than 65 mph. There are so many other good anecdotes, but honestly it's exhausting cutting through the corporate shillary.

It's not like there are any secrets as to which brands John distributes - the link is in his signature.  And I haven't once seen him push or promote those brands over competing brands.  In this case he's simply relaying information from the manufacturer, and his position allows him to have much more knowledge about the brand than the rest of us.  If you have a problem with how Aeta chooses to sell this unit, it would probably make more sense to contact them directly.

Or do you really want only the maxxed out version available at the highest price?

You make this sound as though it's a value prop to everyone, but the argument actually works in the opposite. Why should someone who wants all available features subsidize the costs of those that don't? Why should those consumers have to foot the bill for the additional R&D costs allocated to needless firmware versions and the marketing costs associated with maintaining a complicated SKU list? Based on the comments in this very thread, I would argue the complicated SKU list and hidden pricing scheme has done nothing but drive away customers.

I agree that the poorly-advertised (false?) pricing from dealers is potentially driving away customers.  If John were not a member here, I for one would have no idea what this recorder is supposed to cost or even that there are various option levels.  As a US customer, I would be searching through US dealers and wouldn't have any of this information, or would know that such a price list exists.

Since Pro Sound is the only US dealer, they should change their website to read something like "Several options are available - please call for current pricing" instead of making it look like there is only one version of the 4Minx (which isn't even the highest level in reality) and that it costs $6200 (http://www.pro-sound.com/p/aeta-systems-4-min-x-multi-track-mixer-recorder.html).  If I'm looking at that price with those features, then it looks like a SD 788 blows it away in value, when in reality it may be much more competitive if you know the "real" pricing of the 4Minx.

It doesn't look like someone buying a more expensive level is subsidizing those who purchase cheaper levels; if anything it's a little bit the other way around.  According to John's price list, it appears that it's slightly more expensive to buy a cheaper level 4Minx and then upgrade to a higher level later on.  Taking the most extreme example, if one were to buy the mixer-only version at £2,704 and upgrade it later to 8-channel recording at £744, then you'd be at £3448, making that route £128 more expensive than going for 8 channels right out of the gate.  While it would be nice for buyers of the cheaper version if the cost to upgrade was equal to what they would have paid for those options initially, that's a pretty small difference and makes sense from a sales perspective.  This is not anything like the Nagra VI battery situation.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on July 02, 2016, 02:02:45 PM
I have seen plenty of examples and I do not believe those links were always there. There are several other members on this forum with corporate affiliations that have been far more objective when discussing brands they are affiliated with. They've even tangoed with JW.

This is my opinion. Take it or leave it. I am a consumer advocate and absolutely despise false or misleading information, generally in the form of "well r&d costs, blah blah blah."  Just look above re: licensing costs. After the horrid defense of the Nagra battery incident, my opinion has been formed and is unlikely to change.

You can defend a product or brand while still being objective and fair to consumer concerns. Saying that your products are "not expensive" or that customers shouldn't be offended by being sold a sponge is not consumer friendly. It would be better to say nothing at all or "thanks for your concern, we'all pass it along."

Finally, just to re-iterate, my issue with this particular pricing model is that the hardware has already been sold. This is differently than software and a very slippery slope. Again, what's to stop a car manufacturer from pricing their cars via speed governors, even though every car produced for the last 50 years can go 80 mph? They would love to do this, but consumer outrage and competition won't allow it. They don't want you to even be able to repair your own car, using computers and secret diagnostic codes to make it as difficult as possible. Jailbreaking hardware is not illegal, at least not right now in the US, so if a company like Aeta wants to spend valuable r&d resouces to create needless firmware level, ultimately passing that cost on to the consumer, all I can say is that they better hope no one decides to jailbreak their hardware. It wouldn't take much more than a 15 year old hacker to unlock all features, which seems like a pretty good idea.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: stevetoney on July 02, 2016, 06:02:41 PM
Perhaps I dont understand your issue hi and lo, but isn't it a good thing to give the consumer more options to buy a product as a bare bones lower price unit than forcing all the bells and whistles on them?  Using your car analogy, you have the option to buy a cheap 4 cylinder 1.7l beater engine or a larger six cylinder model. You can also add on tons of convenience luxury and electronic safety options that aren't in the base model...some of it is software based.  I'm pretty sure the basic car is the same regardless of whether you buy the 15G bottom of the line or add on 30G turbo deluxe sport package version.  Modularization is a production and manufacturing process decision to make for easy upgrading.  It would completely suck if the only car I could buy required me to get lots of stuff I have no use for or if my base unit wasnt upgradeable.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on July 02, 2016, 06:26:21 PM
I can't think of any software based features sold on cars that are disabled. Maybe satellite radio, but that is a stretch (again, licensing). Everything else is hardware. If car manufacturers controlled features via software, they would instantly be hacked as modding cars is a huge industry with millions of hobbyists. Hell, even the digital oscilloscope I own has been hacked for years to double the Hz, and the market for consumer grade scopes is tiny.

If you want to make hardware modular, great. No one is paying for hardware they aren't using. This is all about the slippery slope; give them an inch and they'll take a mile.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: voltronic on July 02, 2016, 07:33:20 PM
I can't think of any software based features sold on cars that are disabled. Maybe satellite radio, but that is a stretch (again, licensing). Everything else is hardware. If car manufacturers controlled features via software, they would instantly be hacked as modding cars is a huge industry with millions of hobbyists. Hell, even the digital oscilloscope I own has been hacked for years to double the Hz, and the market for consumer grade scopes is tiny.

If you want to make hardware modular, great. No one is paying for hardware they aren't using. This is all about the slippery slope; give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

Not to belabor the car analogy, but I can think of two examples off the top of my head.  For quite a while, BMW sold a "detuned" version of the M3 in the US market that was programmed through software to respond differently, most likely to conform to US emissions standards.  Using the same exact engine, transmission, exhaust, etc., it produced about 80 bhp less in the US version than the European version running different software.  I think Honda did something similar with the Civic Si / Civic R for a while as well.

A more reasonable example might be the Subaru I own, which is an upgraded trim level that gives it paddle shifters among other things.  It's the same exact engine and ECU as the base model, but mine just has the software to allow the manumatic shifting and the switches on the steering column.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on July 02, 2016, 07:52:32 PM
I can't think of any software based features sold on cars that are disabled. Maybe satellite radio, but that is a stretch (again, licensing). Everything else is hardware. If car manufacturers controlled features via software, they would instantly be hacked as modding cars is a huge industry with millions of hobbyists. Hell, even the digital oscilloscope I own has been hacked for years to double the Hz, and the market for consumer grade scopes is tiny.

If you want to make hardware modular, great. No one is paying for hardware they aren't using. This is all about the slippery slope; give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

Not to belabor the car analogy, but I can think of two examples off the top of my head.  For quite a while, BMW sold a "detuned" version of the M3 in the US market that was programmed through software to respond differently, most likely to conform to US emissions standards.  Using the same exact engine, transmission, exhaust, etc., it produced about 80 bhp less in the US version than the European version running different software.  I think Honda did something similar with the Civic Si / Civic R for a while as well.

A more reasonable example might be the Subaru I own, which is an upgraded trim level that gives it paddle shifters among other things.  It's the same exact engine and ECU as the base model, but mine just has the software to allow the manumatic shifting and the switches on the steering column.

Good example, no reason not to walk this one completely through.

http://www.popularmechanics.com/cars/a8772/bmw-sells-m-performance-software-hack-for-1-100/

Quote
BMW's software upgrades will surely attract buyers seeking a quick, relatively cheap hit of power, but it also might signal a bigger D.I.Y. trend of consumers wondering how they can extract more power from their bottled up engines themselves, without having to pay the proverbial piper.

And just as expected, DIY modder's will assuredly be looking to get around this, meaning more and more r&d costs will go into prevention, raising overall consumer prices.

Funny enough, when I researched this, I found dozens upon dozens of articles about the M3 being easily stolen by hackers.

https://nakedsecurity.sophos.com/2012/09/18/bmw-stolen-hacking-kit/

Somewhat off-topic, but it goes back to my original comments regarding right-to-repair and having full freedom regarding hardware. These companies couldn't stop a 15 year old hacker if they tried and should't be dabbling in software shenanigans. We need strong consumer protections to ensure that the security of software + hardware we are sold can be independently verified and to ensure that we have a right-to-repair.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: stevetoney on July 03, 2016, 04:01:30 AM
I can't think of any software based features sold on cars that are disabled. Maybe satellite radio, but that is a stretch (again, licensing). Everything else is hardware. If car manufacturers controlled features via software, they would instantly be hacked as modding cars is a huge industry with millions of hobbyists. Hell, even the digital oscilloscope I own has been hacked for years to double the Hz, and the market for consumer grade scopes is tiny.

If you want to make hardware modular, great. No one is paying for hardware they aren't using. This is all about the slippery slope; give them an inch and they'll take a mile.

Right on man.  I'm festival'ing this weekend so alls good in my world and wish everyone else was here. Luv music festivals!!!
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: aaronji on July 04, 2016, 07:20:15 AM
I agree with hi and lo, and, I have to admit, I am kind of at a loss as to why anyone would think this pricing scheme is OK.  When you buy the most basic "model", you are actually buying all of those pre-amps, even if you can't use them.  AETA sold you the complete hardware package (excepting timecode, I guess) and presumably made a profit doing so.  To actually charge you more money to use the pres you already paid for is simply ridiculous.  This is not like tonedeaf's analogy where the automaker has different engines available (4- or 6-, or turbo 6-cylinder, for example) and you pay more for a better engine that also costs more to produce.  In this case, everyone is paying for the turbo 6, but you can't actually use the top two cylinders or the turbo unless you pay some extra premium.  Lame.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on July 04, 2016, 09:12:56 AM

I could be wrong about this but I think that Sound-Pro told me before I purchased this machine that if I wanted to add the Time Code feature in the future that additional hardware was required and that I would have to send the machine back to AETA for this.  I am perfectly OK with this as I will likely NEVER want the time code feature.  And I didn't pay for that!

I could also be wrong about this but I do think that additional hardware may be needed for the Soundfield option.  I am less sure of this than the Time Code option.  Again, this is a feature that I really don't think that I would ever want or use.  So I didn't pay for it!

Even though I've only had the 4MinX for a very short time I am very pleased with it to this point!!  8 track recorder/mixer with 4 world class pre's, for less than the price of a new SD744T.  What is not to like about that!  I really don't understand all of the hubbub surrounding this machine and it's pricing.  I have a fully featured 8 track recorder/mixer with all of the options that I desired!  I have ZERO regrets about making this purchase!
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: aaronji on July 04, 2016, 09:28:49 AM
^ I think John posted earlier that timecode requires additional hardware, but not Soundfield. 

In any event, I think this is a pretty cool machine and I am glad you like it.  The thing about the pricing is that the hardware is there for all of the recording functions, even if you buy it as just a mixer.  No matter what, you are paying for the hardware.  You should be able to use it.  I don't know why they don't just sell one, fully functional version with optional timecode and Soundfield...
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on July 04, 2016, 11:11:09 AM
Aeta isn't the only one with this licensing scheme - Zaxcom does this as well with its extremely popular nomad series and other then people here I have seen no one else complain about this - this class of machines (including the sd 7xx series) where never intended for concert tapers and if sound professionals don't seem to care I don't see this approach changing
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: StuStu on July 04, 2016, 11:36:52 AM
When I ordered mine I was glad to hear that additional channels were a software upgrade. To save a bit of $, my original plan was to order 6 channels w/o TC and get the other 2 at a later time. I figured this was much easier than having to send it back to France. When I found out how inexpensive the additional 2 were, I went ahead and ordered 8 w/o TC.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on July 04, 2016, 05:00:55 PM
Aeta isn't the only one with this licensing scheme - Zaxcom does this as well with its extremely popular nomad series and other then people here I have seen no one else complain about this...

I think that's because Zaxcom isn't well regarded in the first place, ymmv. I don't like their recorders, never have, and the sentiment I generally see towards their products on other forums is not universally positive. Not even close. Here's a few relevant (and fairy scathing) quotes from John himself, since he's probably the only one that has actually used their products, going back all the way to 2008:


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.


Zaxcom I respect for being the first HD recorder and they make some good stuff.  But I don't like their attitude - I won't go into chapter and verse, but I have met the man from Zaxcom and know several users.  I'm not saying they are bad, just that there are certain things I don't like and reasons I would not buy one.

From what I have seen of the Zaxcom, I would never use one, whatever the price.

I guess it didn't really click that Zaxcom also employs this pricing model, but now that we've been reminded, I wouldn't give them a pass either.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: StuStu on July 05, 2016, 01:27:25 AM
^^^I don't understand your negativity towards John Willett or the 4MinX. Until you've tried one out, why troll this thread? As for John, he's always been very straight forward about his professional affiliations. Granted, I haven't taken the time to dig up posts of  John's from eight years ago, but he's been nothing but 100% class to me. His advice was invaluable with both the 4MinX and even more so in sharing his knowledge of digital mics with me. To me, he's one of the pillars of TS. Look at his credentials if you don't believe me.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on July 05, 2016, 01:28:24 AM
My post above isn't a troll. I'm quoting him as a resource.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: StuStu on July 05, 2016, 01:41:09 AM
My post above isn't a troll. I'm quoting him as a resource.


My troll label is more about your repeated negative comments in a thread regarding a fantastic all-in-one recorder. A recorder in which you, seemingly, have no personal experience with. Digging up eight year old quotes of John's is a whole another topic. :-X
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on July 05, 2016, 01:43:07 AM
I appreciate your feedback, but I don't view any of my comments in this thread as trolling and quite a few other users have been able to engage in meaningful discussion as a result.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on July 11, 2016, 10:12:13 AM
I agree with hi and lo, and, I have to admit, I am kind of at a loss as to why anyone would think this pricing scheme is OK.  When you buy the most basic "model", you are actually buying all of those pre-amps, even if you can't use them.  AETA sold you the complete hardware package (excepting timecode, I guess) and presumably made a profit doing so.  To actually charge you more money to use the pres you already paid for is simply ridiculous.  This is not like tonedeaf's analogy where the automaker has different engines available (4- or 6-, or turbo 6-cylinder, for example) and you pay more for a better engine that also costs more to produce.  In this case, everyone is paying for the turbo 6, but you can't actually use the top two cylinders or the turbo unless you pay some extra premium.  Lame.

This is silly and written without any knowledge it seems.

The mic. pre-amps are usable on *all* versions - on the 0-track version all 10 inputs are fully available to the user - just that in this configuration the unit is a mixer only and doesn't record.

All the software options do is to enable the number of recording tracks - everything else is fully usable.

To answer some other things...

What I do has always been on my sig. and the Sound-Link bit was added as soon as I acquired the company.

If the US AETA dealer wants to contact me, I am very happt to let him have the master of my price list file, so he can overwrite with US prices and insert his own details.

Regarding the Nagra VI battery - there has been a load of rubbish talked about this and a video which promotes something that is actually quite dangerous.  Yes, the pricing is high, but it's reasonable for a high end product that is made in small qualtities.  And Nagra *do* offer a re-battery service if anyone has a battery pack that fails.  I presume they will even upgrade a pack to the high capacity version, I assume, as the box is the same for both versions.

Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: aaronji on July 11, 2016, 10:41:46 AM
I agree with hi and lo, and, I have to admit, I am kind of at a loss as to why anyone would think this pricing scheme is OK.  When you buy the most basic "model", you are actually buying all of those pre-amps, even if you can't use them.  AETA sold you the complete hardware package (excepting timecode, I guess) and presumably made a profit doing so.  To actually charge you more money to use the pres you already paid for is simply ridiculous.  This is not like tonedeaf's analogy where the automaker has different engines available (4- or 6-, or turbo 6-cylinder, for example) and you pay more for a better engine that also costs more to produce.  In this case, everyone is paying for the turbo 6, but you can't actually use the top two cylinders or the turbo unless you pay some extra premium.  Lame.

This is silly and written without any knowledge it seems.

The mic. pre-amps are usable on *all* versions - on the 0-track version all 10 inputs are fully available to the user - just that in this configuration the unit is a mixer only and doesn't record.

Right.  Well, the way I see it, is if I buy a recorder with X pre-amps, I should be able to record X pre-amps.  Apparently, you're mileage may vary, but I won't call you silly or ignorant for thinking that.  ::)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: yug du nord on July 11, 2016, 11:11:29 AM
^why would i want to pay for a recorder if all that i was looking for is a mixer??

......i'm just stirring the pot.   ;)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on July 11, 2016, 11:28:03 AM

Right.  Well, the way I see it, is if I buy a recorder with X pre-amps, I should be able to record X pre-amps.  Apparently, you're mileage may vary, but I won't call you silly or ignorant for thinking that.  ::)

And the way you see it is correct - you *can* use *all* the pre-amps in every version.

There is nothing that stops the use of *any* pre-amp.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on July 11, 2016, 11:39:01 AM
^why would i want to pay for a recorder if all that i was looking for is a mixer??

......i'm just stirring the pot.   ;)

Look guys if you don't like the pricing model don't buy the product and move the fuck on!  This incessant Trolling gets you all nowhere and is one of the reason taperssection is going to shit IMO.

It's not like any of you can afford a Nagra VI so who cares if the battery costs X.  Same here - go play with you toys elsewhere!
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on July 11, 2016, 12:05:25 PM
It's not like any of you can afford a Nagra VI so who cares if the battery costs X.

LOL

Not correct - I own a Nagra VI and I own a 4MinX as well.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: yug du nord on July 11, 2016, 12:31:38 PM
^why would i want to pay for a recorder if all that i was looking for is a mixer??

......i'm just stirring the pot.   ;)

Look guys if you don't like the pricing model don't buy the product and move the fuck on!  This incessant Trolling gets you all nowhere and is one of the reason taperssection is going to shit IMO.

It's not like any of you can afford a Nagra VI so who cares if the battery costs X.  Same here - go play with you toys elsewhere!

Um.......  I'm agreeing with the pricing system.  I'm saying that if I only want a mixer (0-track) then why would I want to pay for the 10 channel recorder option.  If I'm understanding John correctly, that is how the pricing system works.  You get full pre-amp/mixer features without the recorder when you purchase the 0-track version.  Or you can get the various recorder options (#'s of tracks) on top of that if you want..  for an additional cost depending how many recordable tracks you would like to purchase.  Is that correct??


.........looks like someone didn't take their chill-pill this morning..   ;)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: aaronji on July 11, 2016, 12:40:02 PM
And the way you see it is correct - you *can* use *all* the pre-amps in every version.

There is nothing that stops the use of *any* pre-amp.

Fine, John.  Replace the "pre" in that (admittedly imperfectly worded) post and replace it with "hardware".  I expect to be able to use all of the hardware that is in a box I purchase.  If the recorder is in there, and by your previous posts it is, I should be able to use it.  That is the error in Snowman's post: if you only buy the mixer, you bought the recorder, too...
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on July 11, 2016, 12:55:30 PM


Um.......  I'm agreeing with the pricing system.  I'm saying that if I only want a mixer (0-track) then why would I want to pay for the 10 channel recorder option.  If I'm understanding John correctly, that is how the pricing system works.  You get full pre-amp/mixer features without the recorder when you purchase the 0-track version.  Or you can get the various recorder options (#'s of tracks) on top of that if you want..  for an additional cost depending how many recordable tracks you would like to purchase.  Is that correct??


You get the use of *all* the hardware you bought.

The options are just for how you want it set up - as a mixer only, or as a 2-track, 4-track, 6-track or 8-track recorder.

The recorder is a software option, it's not a hardware thing.

The hardware option is timecode.

Soundfield is a software add-on.

There are a few other options as there is an option for having an XLR-5 replaced by a 10-pin Hirose if you need an umbilical to a camera.

Basically - like a modern car - you choose the version you want.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: yug du nord on July 11, 2016, 12:56:56 PM
That is the error in Snowman's post: if you only buy the mixer, you bought the recorder, too...

I guess I'm looking at it the other way....  for the base price, I know that I would be only buying a mixer. 
But.....  I would also have the benefit of knowing that I could purchase/upgrade the recorder option in the future.

I see what you are saying though..
Kind of a "half-empty glass vs. a half-full glass" type of thing.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: aaronji on July 11, 2016, 01:04:40 PM
^ Exactly.  Except you are always paying for the full glass and you have to pay extra if you want to drink the whole thing! 
Title: Re: AETA 4MinX 8 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on July 11, 2016, 01:05:22 PM
And the way you see it is correct - you *can* use *all* the pre-amps in every version.

There is nothing that stops the use of *any* pre-amp.

Fine, John.  Replace the "pre" in that (admittedly imperfectly worded) post and replace it with "hardware".  I expect to be able to use all of the hardware that is in a box I purchase.  If the recorder is in there, and by your previous posts it is, I should be able to use it.  That is the error in Snowman's post: if you only buy the mixer, you bought the recorder, too...

You can use all the hardware you bought - there is no hardware that cannot be used.

The "recorder" is just software.

You can use all the hardware you bought if you just use it as a mixer.  It's just that you have the option of adding in a software recorder if you want it.

It's not like an analogue recorder that's all hardware - the recorder is all software - so, if you don't want to record, you don't need to buy the software to do it.

To put it simply - you buy an excellent, high quality and versatile portable mixer - then, if you want, you can add on a software package to enable you to record the number of tracks you desire.

So, you are not buying anything you cannot use.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on July 11, 2016, 01:08:24 PM
^ Exactly.  Except you are always paying for the full glass and you have to pay extra if you want to drink the whole thing!

No - it's the opposite.

You get all what you pay for and can pay extra if you want to add something on.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: aaronji on July 11, 2016, 01:14:37 PM
^ A recorder requires hardware.  That hardware is in the box.  You paid for the box.  You have to pay extra for some little piece of code to enable the use of that hardware in the box.  To me, that kind of sucks, although you obviously see it differently.  We'll just have to agree to disagree...
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on July 11, 2016, 02:50:07 PM
^ A recorder requires hardware.  That hardware is in the box.  You paid for the box.  You have to pay extra for some little piece of code to enable the use of that hardware in the box.  To me, that kind of sucks, although you obviously see it differently.  We'll just have to agree to disagree...

What hardware?

The only "hardware" required for the recorder is an SD card - and that is an extra you buy youself and is not supplied with the box.

All the hardware in the box is used in mixer only mode - there is nothing that you cannot use hardware wise if you opt for the mixer-only version.

The software enables you to record to the SD card - it doesn't "switch on" any hardware that you could not previously use.

Sorry, you have it wrong.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: trustthex on July 11, 2016, 03:15:25 PM
So... what your saying is if you can afford it - hack it?   :o ::) ;D
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: voltronic on July 11, 2016, 03:25:48 PM
This is getting ridiculous.  AETA has a particular way they want to sell this unit, with different prices to reflect different options.  If you don't agree with their pricing structure, you are free to buy a competing product that is priced in a way you're more comfortable with.  Why continue arguing over something that's firmly set?
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: aaronji on July 11, 2016, 03:39:29 PM
What hardware?

Writing to a card is a physical process, which, while governed by software, presumably requires some sort of microcontroller for I/O.  Not to mention the SD slot itself.  But I am sure I am missing something, and you are entirely correct.  I leave the issue to your expertise...

This is getting ridiculous.  AETA has a particular way they want to sell this unit, with different prices to reflect different options.  If you don't agree with their pricing structure, you are free to buy a competing product that is priced in a way you're more comfortable with.  Why continue arguing over something that's firmly set?

Because it's a discussion board?  You are free to read a competing thread that has a topic you're more comfortable with...
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on July 11, 2016, 05:18:17 PM
Because it's a discussion board?  You are free to read a competing thread that has a topic you're more comfortable with...

Your beating a dead horse, Troll!

You have made it abundantly clear you don't like it and even with many responses where many don't give two shits on your opinion, you keep beating the dead horse!
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on July 11, 2016, 05:40:01 PM
What hardware?

Writing to a card is a physical process, which, while governed by software, presumably requires some sort of microcontroller for I/O.  Not to mention the SD slot itself.  But I am sure I am missing something, and you are entirely correct.  I leave the issue to your expertise...


The SD slot is not only used for recording - it's a firmware controlled unit, so it's used for firmware updates and for saving mixer settings, so it's needed anyway.

So, yes, you *are* missing something and I *am* entirely correct  ;)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: voltronic on July 11, 2016, 06:06:31 PM
This is getting ridiculous.  AETA has a particular way they want to sell this unit, with different prices to reflect different options.  If you don't agree with their pricing structure, you are free to buy a competing product that is priced in a way you're more comfortable with.  Why continue arguing over something that's firmly set?

Because it's a discussion board?  You are free to read a competing thread that has a topic you're more comfortable with...

I like this topic just fine, thanks.  I'm posting here because I'm interested in learning more about this recorder, even though it's currently out of my price range.  As for the rest of it, we're long past "asked and answered."  If John's explanations are not satisfactory to you, then maybe you should write to Aeta directly.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: aaronji on July 12, 2016, 04:53:44 AM
Sorry, guys, but I have the same right to post my opinions as every other member of the board.  If you don't like it, you have a variety of options at your disposal.  You could, as you see fit, ignore the threads and/or posts, implement the "ignore user" function, or report my "trolling" to the mods (although that last may be a tough sell)...
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on July 12, 2016, 02:10:42 PM
Sorry, guys, but I have the same right to post my opinions as every other member of the board.  If you don't like it, you have a variety of options at your disposal.  You could, as you see fit, ignore the threads and/or posts, implement the "ignore user" function, or report my "trolling" to the mods (although that last may be a tough sell)...

Well at least you somewhat agree that your Trolling this thread
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: aaronji on July 12, 2016, 02:26:28 PM
^ Not in the slightest. I am just saying that you are certainly not compelled to read my posts, much less respond to them in such an unpleasant manner...
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on July 12, 2016, 05:44:02 PM
IMO and others here you are definitely trolling up this thread - with your rig in your signature you have absolutely no interest in buying a recorder at this level - you are simply bumping this thread only for your own egotistical purposes and to enjoy flaming a dead argument

Devils advocates like you are the bane to sites like this and make it a very unpleasant experience - only jump in to stir up a pot of shit and see how big it blows up.

You and the other trolls on this thread and a few others here will never get any favors or respect from me  - but I know you don't give a shit
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: voltronic on July 12, 2016, 06:58:56 PM
IMO and others here you are definitely trolling up this thread - with your rig in your signature you have absolutely no interest in buying a recorder at this level - you are simply bumping this thread only for your own egotistical purposes and to enjoy flaming a dead argument

Devils advocates like you are the bane to sites like this and make it a very unpleasant experience - only jump in to stir up a pot of shit and see how big it blows up.

You and the other trolls on this thread and a few others here will never get any favors or respect from me  - but I know you don't give a shit

Hang on a sec.  I agree that the comments from a couple people here are definitely beating a dead horse and I've said so (asked and answered, etc.).  But I have a big problem with the bold part of your quote above. 

Look at the gear list in my signature.  Are you saying that I have no business commenting in this thread, and by extension, I am trolling this thread also?  IMO, trolling is down to how someone behaves, not what they can/cannot afford.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: H₂O on July 12, 2016, 09:16:25 PM
He only has one set of stealth mics and lives in Europe where open taping is very limited - the 4minx is not a practical stealth deck
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: voltronic on July 12, 2016, 10:05:14 PM
Responding via PM as we're now well off topic.  Speaking of...

Can anyone with direct experience comment on the performance of the 4MINX preamps compared to Nagra, Sound Devices, etc?  I'm curious if they have a "sound" or are more or less neutral.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: aaronji on July 13, 2016, 05:27:48 AM
He only has one set of stealth mics

That is not at all correct (as is easily verifiable)...

and lives in Europe where open taping is very limited

and that is only partially correct.  It requires some effort, but I have open taped a lot of shows at this point, including in most of the well-known venues in the country.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on July 14, 2016, 08:03:40 AM
Can anyone with direct experience comment on the performance of the 4MINX preamps compared to Nagra, Sound Devices, etc?  I'm curious if they have a "sound" or are more or less neutral.

They are pretty neutral and very high quality.

The comment I got back from a professional BBC sound recordist was "Sonosax quality".

In the UK you can certainly borrow a unit to try out, I am sure in France and Germany as well - not sure about the USA.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: ramallo on August 05, 2016, 06:36:51 PM
Responding via PM as we're now well off topic.  Speaking of...

Can anyone with direct experience comment on the performance of the 4MINX preamps compared to Nagra, Sound Devices, etc?  I'm curious if they have a "sound" or are more or less neutral.

I have a full 4Minx (8 tracks, time code and SPS200), and recently I had a Nagra VI a couple of weeks for do a test before buy it, sincerely I prefer the Aeta preamps and OS. IMHO sounds richer and fuller than the Nagra.

My "against" are:

-The preamp only have 5 steps the rest of the gain are in the digital domain.
-Only have a -20dB PAD on inputs 1 and 2, this is very ridiculous in a machine that was designed for work with ambisonic mics (4 channels).
-The OS have nice and clear options but are slow and unprecise.
-No Ambisonic decoder for playback files.
-The mirror have a "nonsense" and fragile micro usb connector (The keyboard have a A USB connector) and are very very slow (The slowest mirror I could see on the market).
-The metadata work is a nightmare (Inadecuate for fiction).

My "Pros" are:

-The best preamps in a mobile machine that I tried (This includes Sound Devices, Nagra, Zaxcom....), on par with the best 19" rack units.
-Nice and clear OS (Except the metadata nigthmare).
-Low weight.
-NPF batteries and Hirose.
-Easy monitoring options and good amp.
-10V output for supply other devices.
-4 preamps, two line inputs and 4 AES inputs. 6 AES outs, 4 Analog outs in XLR5, two analog outs (Multipin) (All independent), the preamps have direct outs (Pre AD).
-Works with a regular midi fader controller
-Have USB for keyboard.
-Very nice track options (8 tracks but each can be multichanel, mono or stereo)
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on August 06, 2016, 09:54:25 AM
^
I think that there is a firmware update in the pipeline.  Have you contacted AETA with any of your concerns?

Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on August 06, 2016, 12:10:21 PM
^
I think that there is a firmware update in the pipeline. 

Yes, I do know there is an update being prepared.

I don't know what's in it and I have asked them to implement a full setup save to USB or SD so once you have a setup you like tyou can save it and reload whenever you want.  Part of this can be done in the "snapshot", though.

Not sure when the update is due, though, but I do understand it should be available later this year.


Have you contacted AETA with any of your concerns?

I would *alwaays* address concerns to the manufacturere (or via the distributor in your country) so they know what concerns are and can, hopefully, work on a correction.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: Hypnocracy on August 23, 2016, 10:28:59 AM
Nice review of the 4Minx...photos of all sides, battery slot and EXTENSIVE menus. Excellent description of setup when using the Soundfield SPS200 microphone.

LINK (http://www.reviews.audioskill.co.uk/4MINX_INTRO.html)
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on August 23, 2016, 02:18:59 PM
Nice review of the 4Minx...photos of all sides, battery slot and EXTENSIVE menus. Excellent description of setup when using the Soundfield SPS200 microphone.

LINK (http://www.reviews.audioskill.co.uk/4MINX_INTRO.html)

Thanks for the link!
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: John Willett on August 25, 2016, 12:44:06 PM
Nice review of the 4Minx...photos of all sides, battery slot and EXTENSIVE menus. Excellent description of setup when using the Soundfield SPS200 microphone.

LINK (http://www.reviews.audioskill.co.uk/4MINX_INTRO.html)

This was a good in-depth review, but based on a very early machine.

There have been quite a few firmware updates since this review.

Oh - the point about shielding - there are metal sheets under the polymer top and bottom to give excellent shielding, while keeping the weight light.

There is also another review, done in December 2013, by Alistair McGhee - the PDF of this review is HERE (http://sound-link.co.uk/pdf/AETA%204MinX%20Review%20-%20Alistair%20McGhee.pdf).
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on August 25, 2016, 01:26:09 PM
Nice review of the 4Minx...photos of all sides, battery slot and EXTENSIVE menus. Excellent description of setup when using the Soundfield SPS200 microphone.

LINK (http://www.reviews.audioskill.co.uk/4MINX_INTRO.html)

This was a good in-depth review, but based on a very early machine.

There have been quite a few firmware updates since this review.

Oh - the point about shielding - there are metal sheets under the polymer top and bottom to give excellent shielding, while keeping the weight light.

There is also another review, done in December 2013, by Alistair McGhee - the PDF of this review is HERE (http://sound-link.co.uk/pdf/AETA%204MinX%20Review%20-%20Alistair%20McGhee.pdf).

Thanks for the additional link and for weighing in John!

 :coolguy:
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: Hypnocracy on April 13, 2017, 08:31:30 PM
4Minx owners....what bag are you using?

Strange size  260 x 75 x 195 mm (10.2” x 3.0” x 7.7”) either you get a bag that would hold two (Satchler P602)...and I'm not running Lectro's or a one that is not tall enough and a inch or so would be above the lip (Satchler SN617 & Orca 30).
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: jbell on April 14, 2017, 04:26:09 PM
It will fit a Sonicase if you remove a shelf!!  That probably doesn't help since they are hard to find. 
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on April 16, 2017, 11:27:36 AM
4Minx owners....what bag are you using?

Strange size  260 x 75 x 195 mm (10.2” x 3.0” x 7.7”) either you get a bag that would hold two (Satchler P602)...and I'm not running Lectro's or a one that is not tall enough and a inch or so would be above the lip (Satchler SN617 & Orca 30).

Petrol Pegz2 - Perfect for the 4MinX - too bad they quit making them.  I do carry an assortment of "stuff" in the same bag, mics, batteries, interconnects, windscreens, etc...  Perfect bag for my needs.

You might hit a local camera shop and see if anything there strikes your fancy...

Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on April 16, 2017, 06:06:34 PM
Try the Sachtler SN601 - it appears that it will give you what you need on the height of the bag with less size than the SN602.

Sachtler SN601

http://www.sachtler.com/products/bags/audio-equipment/sound-bags/sound-bags2/

Dimensions (L x W x H)   Internal: 11.2 x 5.1 x 9.1" (28.5 x 13.0 x 23.0 cm)
External: 15.7 x 8.7 x 9.1" (40.0 x 22.0 x 23 cm)
Weight   4.7 lb (2.1 kg)




Sachtler - SN602

http://www.sachtler.com/products/bags/audio-equipment/sound-bags/sound-bag1/

Dimensions (L x W x H)   Internal: 12.8 x 7.1 x 8.7" (32.5 x 18.0 x 22.0 cm)
External: 16.5 x 11.8 x 8.3" (42.0 x 30.0 x 21.0 cm)
Weight   6.1 lb (2.8 kg)

Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: Gordon on April 18, 2017, 05:46:42 PM


Sachtler - SN602

http://www.sachtler.com/products/bags/audio-equipment/sound-bags/sound-bag1/



He's got a Petrol 602 on the way!
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on April 22, 2017, 12:54:14 PM


Sachtler - SN602

http://www.sachtler.com/products/bags/audio-equipment/sound-bags/sound-bag1/



He's got a Petrol 602 on the way!

 :cheers:
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: Hypnocracy on May 20, 2017, 08:15:42 AM
For me...the Petrol ps602 is A bit large. I decided to try the ps617...seems that it may be more elegant....just able to get all my stuff into it comfortably  (4MinX - large K2 Maxoak battery & 2 sets of actives with delrin bar & mounts).

FYI...the Anton Bauer L batteries NP-F976 fit perfectly.
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on May 20, 2017, 08:42:56 AM
For me...the Petrol ps602 is A bit large. I decided to try the ps617...seems that it may be more elegant....just able to get all my stuff into it comfortably  (4MinX - large K2 Maxoak battery & 2 sets of actives with delrin bar & mounts).

FYI...the Anton Bauer L batteries NP-F976 fit perfectly.

 :coolguy:  for the ps617

Have you tested the longevity of the Anton Bauer L batteries NP-F976 yet?  Nice to hear that they actually plug into the 4MinX without difficulty!
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: Hypnocracy on June 11, 2017, 10:22:44 PM
For me...the Petrol ps602 is A bit large. I decided to try the ps617...seems that it may be more elegant....just able to get all my stuff into it comfortably  (4MinX - large K2 Maxoak battery & 2 sets of actives with delrin bar & mounts).

FYI...the Anton Bauer L batteries NP-F976 fit perfectly.

 :coolguy:  for the ps617

Have you tested the longevity of the Anton Bauer L batteries NP-F976 yet?  Nice to hear that they actually plug into the 4MinX without difficulty!

The NP-F976 were saying "UNCLE" after two sets (almost 3hrs) at DelFest. That said I'm not sure they were topped off, I thought the 4MinX would charge them with 12v on the Hirose input, so I just bought a wall charger and will test again. The Maxoak K2 185wh external ran for two days no problems. 7hrs recording and 9-10hrs on each day I'd guess (8w draw for 20 hrs = 160wh sounds about right).

Ran NOS on Milab and Gefell cardioids on the same stand for DelFest Thursday. I'm loving it.
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on June 12, 2017, 08:17:44 AM

Ran NOS on Milab and Gefell cardioids on the same stand for DelFest Thursday. I'm loving it.


The 4MinX will charge the Sony style batteries, but rather slowly in my experience, if you have the external power supply (AC) plugged in and feeding the 4MinX via the Hirose input.  Or if you're feeding the 4MinX via Hirose with an external battery.  For that reason I charge my Sony style batteries using an external charger.

Happy to hear that you're out and about with the 4MinX.  Health issues have severely cramped my recording activities for the moment.  I'm working on a comeback!
 :cheers:
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: aaronji on June 12, 2017, 08:40:50 AM
Health issues have severely cramped my recording activities for the moment.  I'm working on a comeback!

I am sorry to hear that.  Best wishes for a speedy recovery!
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: Hypnocracy on June 12, 2017, 08:06:35 PM
Health issues are the suck...yeah...I was in the Hospital the weekend before DelFest...had plans to go but missed Particle on Saturday...Monday they gave me the all clear and said I could go to work Tuesday...so that meant no reason not to go to DelFest Thursday in my book...  :yahoo:
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: hi and lo on February 15, 2018, 01:51:45 PM
Quote
AETA Audio Systems stops the production of 4MINX

 

Dear partners and users,

 for several months, we have been looking for a partnership to maintain the production of 4Minx, with an acceptable price level.

 Unfortunately, our research did not succeed, we had the choice between strongly increase the price of the 4Minx, or stop the production, it is this second solution which was retained.

 AETA thus stops definitively the manufacture of the 4Minx and the diffusion of new update.

 We would like to thank all the users of 4Minx, whose passion made our decision all the more difficult to take.

 We will continue to support you and ensure the maintenance and repairs of the 4Minx, so you can enjoy your device for as long as possible.

 We wish you, partner, distributors and users of 4MINX, all the success possible in your projects.

 The AETA team

Lame. Fuck companies that do this shit.
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on February 16, 2018, 10:30:02 AM

I'm  sorry to hear this but not surprised.  I'm sure that the new Sound Devices Mixpre series had something to do with this.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: Hypnocracy on March 02, 2018, 01:00:43 PM
I really hoped that there would be an upgrade on this unit to support the new SDXC Cards...oh well off to buy the last Samsung 32GB SDHC PRO Class 10 cards...


I'm  sorry to hear this but not surprised.  I'm sure that the new Sound Devices Mixpre series had something to do with this.

Any thoughts on comparison of the preamps of these two units...since you have both.  >:D
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on March 02, 2018, 04:48:18 PM
I really hoped that there would be an upgrade on this unit to support the new SDXC Cards...oh well off to buy the last Samsung 32GB SDHC PRO Class 10 cards...


I'm  sorry to hear this but not surprised.  I'm sure that the new Sound Devices Mixpre series had something to do with this.

Any thoughts on comparison of the preamps of these two units...since you have both.  >:D

^Honestly, I haven't even run my MixPre-6 for the first time yet. 

I was really hoping for some 4MinX firmware upgrade features and an updated user manual.  My 4MinX will definitely be staying here though.   ;)
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: Hypnocracy on May 26, 2018, 09:02:09 AM
What other brands of USB cards are folks using with the 4MinX other than Samsung pro ? Supply of Samsung Pro 32 gig cards have dried up....can I use 64 gig SDSX with the understanding that it formats to 32 gig?

Early on I tried some SanDisk pro cards but they were not recognized in this unit.
Title: Re: AETA 4MinX 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on May 27, 2018, 08:33:38 AM
What other brands of USB cards are folks using with the 4MinX other than Samsung pro ? Supply of Samsung Pro 32 gig cards have dried up....can I use 64 gig SDSX with the understanding that it formats to 32 gig?

Early on I tried some SanDisk pro cards but they were not recognized in this unit.

To date I have only used 32GB & 16 GB Samsung Pro cards with the 4MinX.  I might try one of these Lexar cards with the 4MinX:  https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/1090738-REG/lexar_lsd32gcrbna1000_pro_1000x_uhs_2.html  I can use the Lexar card in another recorder here if it doesn't work with the 4MinX.

I have no idea what the results would be for this:  "can I use 64 gig SDSX with the understanding that it formats to 32 gig?"

Do you think that a micro sdhc card in a sdhc adapter would work?

https://www.samsung.com/us/computing/memory-storage/memory-cards/micro-sd-pro-32gb-memory-card-w-adapter-mb-md32da-am/



Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: jbell on May 27, 2018, 05:17:57 PM
I can't believe the 4Minx only takes a 32gig card and only certain cards!!  Aeta really should make that right with a firmware update. 
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: larrysellers on May 27, 2018, 05:23:07 PM
I can't believe the 4Minx only takes a 32gig card and only certain cards!!  Aeta really should make that right with a firmware update.

No updates planned as it is no longer in production ---> http://www.aeta-audio.com/index.php?id=4minx
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on May 28, 2018, 07:46:51 AM
I can't believe the 4Minx only takes a 32gig card and only certain cards!!  Aeta really should make that right with a firmware update.

^Info from AETA:  Actually the maximum storage card size available is 4gb (SD) and 128gb (SDHC). We highly recommend high speed cards.  Supports class 10 or similar.
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: jbell on May 28, 2018, 01:54:33 PM
Do you have a 128 gig card that works?

I can't believe the 4Minx only takes a 32gig card and only certain cards!!  Aeta really should make that right with a firmware update.

^Info from AETA:  Actually the maximum storage card size available is 4gb (SD) and 128gb (SDHC). We highly recommend high speed cards.  Supports class 10 or similar.
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on May 29, 2018, 09:38:35 AM
I've never tried using a 128gb card in the 4Minx.  I've personally only used Samsung Pro 16gb & 32gb cards in the machine.  As I mentioned before I was really hoping for firmware upgrades from AETA and a better English translation for the user manual.

Do you have a 128 gig card that works?

I can't believe the 4Minx only takes a 32gig card and only certain cards!!  Aeta really should make that right with a firmware update.

^Info from AETA:  Actually the maximum storage card size available is 4gb (SD) and 128gb (SDHC). We highly recommend high speed cards.  Supports class 10 or similar.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: IronFilm on May 30, 2018, 01:59:19 AM
When I paid the AETA people a visit a few years ago, their head engineer HATED the preamps on the SD 7xx recorders.  I have to think that this is designed to directly compete with the SD recorders, only with much better preamps.  The Mixy sounded terrific; hopefully this will take it a step further.

What was so bad about the pre amps in the Sound Devices 7 series recorders??
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: Hypnocracy on May 30, 2018, 03:13:32 PM
I've emailed a contact at AETA regarding the issue of SDHC SDSX and supported cards...will post if/when I get a reply.
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on May 30, 2018, 04:30:55 PM
I've emailed a contact at AETA regarding the issue of SDHC SDSX and supported cards...will post if/when I get a reply.

^Thank you.
Title: Re: aeta 6 track recorder
Post by: Hypnocracy on June 02, 2018, 08:42:24 AM
Got the reply...did not address the SDSX 64gig question...did say that any brand as long as it was high speed card and a full format is performed there should be no incompatibility/card not recognized issues...and that he is using SanDisk SDHC Class 10 80meg Read/Write in his unit.

I've got a new SanDisk Ultra SDHC UHS-1 Class 10 32gig 80 mg/s 533x speed card in the retail packaging to try...we will see.
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on June 02, 2018, 09:05:06 AM
^Thanks for the update!

I dug through my stack of storage cards and found this 64gb Samsung Pro SDXCcard that I had formatted but that I had never used.  I purchased it in 2017.    It formatted as a 32gb card.  That is why I never used it in the 4MinX.

Samsung 64GB PRO SDXC Memory Card - Class 10 (MB-SG64D/AM)

https://smile.amazon.com/Samsung-64GB-SDXC-Memory-Card/dp/B00IVPU6BY/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1527943998&sr=8-4&keywords=samsung+pro+64





Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: IronFilm on June 04, 2018, 01:03:40 AM
^Thanks for the update!

I dug through my stack of storage cards and found this 64gb Samsung Pro SDXCcard that I had formatted but that I had never used.  I purchased it in 2017.    It formatted as a 32gb card.  That is why I never used it in the 4MinX.

Be very very careful about buying fakes, that is probably what happened.
Title: Re: aeta 8 track recorder
Post by: dactylus on June 04, 2018, 07:56:40 AM
^Thanks for the update!

I dug through my stack of storage cards and found this 64gb Samsung Pro SDXCcard that I had formatted but that I had never used.  I purchased it in 2017.    It formatted as a 32gb card.  That is why I never used it in the 4MinX.

Be very very careful about buying fakes, that is probably what happened.

^The aforementioned card is not a a fake.  The 64gb card is a SDXC card and uses the exFAT format rather than the FAT32 format.  The exFAT format is apparently not compatible with the 4MinX.

https://kb.sandisk.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2520/~/sd%2Fsdhc%2Fsdxc-specifications-and-compatibility