Is anyone here running one of these boxes? Realize it is probably overkill for most of what we do, but I have several large multitrack commitments this summer where it could actually come in handy to at least rent one (since my 680 was DOA).
It looks kind of like the be-all-end-all in terms of having 12 total tracks, 8 phantom channels, SD reliability and build and pres.... ::
$6k is a pretty large chunk of cash, though, and it doesn't seem there are many out there used.
Is there anything else that does 8-12 channels that is portable in between this and the 680? Chaining 2 decks is something I'm already aware of.
If you want 8 channels at once the 788T is probably the best to get.
The Nagra VI is 8 tracks, but only 4 x mic. pres. - you
can record all 8 at once. The new Nagra EMP will extend the mic. pres. to 6. To record 8 you will need AES42 mics or external mic. pres. with ADCs. I have this rig and love it.
The new AETA 4MinX is also worth a look.
I would say that the mic. pres. on both the Nagra and the AETA are better than the 788T (though, please note, the 788T is
not bad).
Personally, I would not go for a Zaxcom. Their ergonomics and digital expertise are superb - but they do seem to lack on the analogue side - and I have heard this from many sources.
If you have money to burn, look at the Aaton Cantar.