Taperssection.com
Gear / Technical Help => Recording Gear => Topic started by: oleg on March 30, 2006, 08:00:33 PM
-
ZFR100 Miniature Audio Recorder
Zaxcom will introduce a new broadcast quality recorder at NAB2006. The
Zaxcom ZFR100 is a very compact recorder that can record up to 12
track-hours of audio on a removable 2-GB flash memory card. This new
recorder is equally at home in a sound bag as a backup recorder or as a
transcription recorder that produces time code-stamped broadcast .wav or
MP3 files. The ZFR100 contains a full-featured time code
reader/generator and an optional RF time code receiver. This system also
features the unique ability to receive time code via an RF link from a
video camera, thus allowing the unit to maintain perfect time code
synchronization with recorded video. The recorder weighs about four
ounces and can be powered for up to 24 hours with 2 AA batteries. An
optional 8 to 16V DC power input is also available. Pricing for the
ZFR100 starts at $995.
-
Ooh, interested in a picture of this. The weight seems to be around the same of a portable MD-recorder.
-
I think this is the other 1/2 of their wireless mic setup. I'm surprised I haven't heard of it before since I'm doing a lot of their manuals now.
Wayne
[edit] --- strike that, I just found out today that they do want me to write the manual for this. No word on when I'll see pictures though (I'm sure it won't be before NAB).
-
so actually it something like edirol r-9 but whith full tc generator
probably only unbalance line inputs and unbalance mic with bias .
analog limiters and lf roll off + optional rf receiver board to take time code rf link from zaxcom ifb transmitter
it doesnt have transmitter inside .
not exactly for tappers ,but might be excellent solution for these who play on both sides ( making money on video shotes and waisting it on recording concerts:-))
that what Glenn released
The basic concept of this recorder is to add backup and transcription
capability with time code reference to a sound bag. ZFR100 will have a
small size, light weight and low power consumption at a price point
that sets a new standard for time code referenced recording.
With this new recorder, Zaxcom has eliminated the problem of time code
synchronization with the camera. Currently, sound mixers are making and
using their own improvised time code RF links, but these links are not
capable of providing total reliability. The time code link for the
ZFR100 is designed to be fault tolerant, just a short duration of code
is necessary for synchronization. It has an auto-load mode that allows
the recorder to have a recording that matches the camera video. The
unit can also loop record for 12 track-hours to provide constant backup
of audio for a given time period.
ZFR100 can also be used as a body-worn recorder in a film or video
production environment; it's small enough to fit in a pocket and can
be used with a lavaliere microphone.
The unit records on mini SD cards. Audio is transferred with the use
of an external card reader connected to a PC, Mac or other dedicated
storage device.
The recorder will be available in both single and two-channel
configurations.
ZFR100 unit has an input limiter and high pass filter with selectable
frequencies from 20Hz to 200Hz.
That's about all I can say for now, we'll show the unit at NAB and
hope to see you all there. I will not be able to post photos until
after the show.
-
OK, I did know about this, but I was under the assumption after talking with Glenn that it was part of the wireless unit. Turns out that wasn't the case.
Wayne
-
I just checked out the price for this puupy and it is $10,500.00 which is abit steep for stealth concert recordings. It makes the Sound Professionals 722 recorder seem like a throw away device at $2,375.00.
-
I think 10,500 gets you the DEVA V, this is a different product
-
The Deva V is another $1,500.00 and adds two additional channels clcoking in at a cool $12,000.00!!! Not so cool in my book.
-
The Deva V is another $1,500.00 and adds two additional channels clcoking in at a cool $12,000.00!!! Not so cool in my book.
But, it does more than any other non-linear recorder on the market, has a touch screen, has a full set of preamps (8)... on the Deva V, you get two more channels, but those are for on-location mix-down.
Right now there are about 5 or 6 of us using the Deva for on-location recording. Most of the Zaxcom Deva recorders (Deva II, Deva IV, and Deva V) are used in the film industry. And if memory serves me correctly, all but one of the folks who were nominated for oscars in sound this past year used the Deva for their sound. Yes, $12K+ is expensive, but once you see and use one, you'll be hooked.
I realized back in January when I was off to record a steel drum concert, that I had 20K worth of gear in my car. It was worth more than my 2005 Outback! ... of course my daughter and the neighbor's girl were worth more than any of the other cargo in the car.
Wayne
-
I cant wait to play with the Deva V this week.. Course then I will want one im sure. :-X
The Deva V is another $1,500.00 and adds two additional channels clcoking in at a cool $12,000.00!!! Not so cool in my book.
But, it does more than any other non-linear recorder on the market, has a touch screen, has a full set of preamps (8)... on the Deva V, you get two more channels, but those are for on-location mix-down.
Right now there are about 5 or 6 of us using the Deva for on-location recording. Most of the Zaxcom Deva recorders (Deva II, Deva IV, and Deva V) are used in the film industry. And if memory serves me correctly, all but one of the folks who were nominated for oscars in sound this past year used the Deva for their sound. Yes, $12K+ is expensive, but once you see and use one, you'll be hooked.
I realized back in January when I was off to record a steel drum concert, that I had 20K worth of gear in my car. It was worth more than my 2005 Outback! ... of course my daughter and the neighbor's girl were worth more than any of the other cargo in the car.
Wayne
-
Any news about this recorder which has not been posted yet? It seems as if it was shown in Las V. in april so who ever went to the NAB2006 show should have seen it. Curious to know more.
-
I've ask for a picture. I'll see if I get it.
Wayne
-
go to the coffeysound .com and download the movie from the 2006 NAB - You will see it in the hands of Colleen Goodsir in the ZAXCOM boot .
the price is about 1500 for the recorder , dont think it suitable for every one since it is about 1.5 k .
was mostly developed for eng bag usage , doesnt has digital input or phantom power , does record wav or mp-3 ,not directly but as lossless compression .
-
does record wav or mp-3 ,not directly but as lossless compression .
This would be the .zax format. This is the same thing they will be using on the TX910. Oleg, I have the TX900 at home right now (demo unit). This is one of the first 10 off the line.
Wayne
-
Here is the picture straight from Zaxcom...
(http://homepage.mac.com/wayneb/ZFR100_highres.jpg)
This basically is the same as the TRX990AA. With a countryman mic, this would be a great stealth rig, just very expensive.
Wayne
-
does it say something about line level it can accept ?
thanks for the picture, by the way what are you doing with 900?
-
does it say something about line level it can accept ?
thanks for the picture, by the way what are you doing with 900?
My understanding is this has the same guts as the 990 without the transmitter board, this means that it is not line level, but mic level input. This is the case on the 900. I'm trying to get the pinouts and LEMO connector part number so I can build a cable for it. I'll have to knock the level down 10 to 15 dB, but I should be able to use it on a standard soundboard that way.
I'm writing the manual for the 900 (also the ZFR100, Mix12... the Deva will also have to be updated once the 3.0 firmware is out of "beta").
Wayne
-
That photo Wayne posted is considerably larger than life size.
The recorder is truly tiny. One use the web site mentions is
for reality TV shows. Since the recorder can capture audio with
time code for up to 12 hours, the talent can be wired up at the
beginning of the day, and turned loose. The recorder is so
small it's quickly forgotten.
Expect to pay $1000 for a single channel recorder, $1500 for
two channels, when the ZFR100 is released this summer.
Flintstone
-
does it say something about line level it can accept ?
thanks for the picture, by the way what are you doing with 900?
My understanding is this has the same guts as the 990 without the transmitter board, this means that it is not line level, but mic level input. This is the case on the 900. I'm trying to get the pinouts and LEMO connector part number so I can build a cable for it. I'll have to knock the level down 10 to 15 dB, but I should be able to use it on a standard soundboard that way.
I'm writing the manual for the 900 (also the ZFR100, Mix12... the Deva will also have to be updated once the 3.0 firmware is out of "beta").
Wayne
i have 2 stereo tx , its better 40 db down to go line in
thats bad , i hoped they will come with real line ins for normal usage , i guess the stereo version will be with 5 pin lemo since i dont see any place they can put another input as it on stereo tx .
ohh i hate these lemos
i see that it doesnt have external power switch position , do they have it on the external part which take the ext tc , that what glen wrote few weeks ago .
does it support 4gb sd cards ?
-
i have 2 stereo tx , its better 40 db down to go line in
thats bad , i hoped they will come with real line ins for normal usage , i guess the stereo version will be with 5 pin lemo since i dont see any place they can put another input as it on stereo tx .
ohh i hate these lemos
i see that it doesnt have external power switch position , do they have it on the external part which take the ext tc , that what glen wrote few weeks ago .
does it support 4gb sd cards ?
The unit they sent me has a stereo output from the RX900 (you can see pictures of it from stuff I took at Old Settler's) http://homepage.mac.com/wayneb/PhotoAlbum12.html (http://homepage.mac.com/wayneb/PhotoAlbum12.html)
However, I don't think the TX900 is a stereo xmiter (the 990 is). Anyhow, the rough docs I have only mention a 2GB card, not 4.
Hope this helps you.
-
the reciever if it stereo line can work with mono or stereo transmitters , the 900 doesnt stereo ,
what kind of plug does it have, 3 pin lemo ?
-
the reciever if it stereo line can work with mono or stereo transmitters , the 900 doesnt stereo ,
what kind of plug does it have, 3 pin lemo ?
The 900 is a 3 pin Lemo. FYI, they do have a setting on the 900 that can attenuate the signal I think 25 dB. I'll check it tonight.
Wayne
-
Oleg wrote, "does it support 4gb sd cards ?"
No, the unit is too small for standard Secure Digital cards.
Zaxcom employs the Mini-SD card, which is about half
the size of the (already small) SD.
The largest capacity for a Mini-SD card today is 2GB,
Sandisk, AData, Pretec, and Simpletech make them.
Best price today is about $75 for 2GB.
Flintstone
-
FYI, they do have a setting on the 900 that can attenuate the signal I think 25 dB. I'll check it tonight.
I was wrong on this Oleg. You can increase the signal up to 36 dB, but you can't attenuate the signal.
Wayne
-
Bump...this item has been reported as shipping. Any info on the stereo version?
peace, chris
-
Bump...this item has been reported as shipping. Any info on the stereo version?
The mono unit is shipping, when I saw Glenn in LA a few weeks ago, I gave him the mono unit back, they are updating it and supposedly shipping it back to me when the stereo unit is done. There isn't much to adding stereo to it according to Glenn, so it should be back in my hands in a little while.
What is you need to know about it specifically?
Wayne
-
Bump...this item has been reported as shipping. Any info on the stereo version?
What is you need to know about it specifically?
Wayne
If I could place an order =)
Also if 4060s or MKE-2 Platinums would match the gain stage/powering capabliities of the unit assuming that the 460s produce 20mv/pa and max out at 134db and the MKE-2 Plat. produce 5 or 7 mv/pa and max out at 140db, basically if I am close micing and maxing out the capablilites of the mic (or pretty damn near it) I want to make sure the preamp input stage isn't going to overload.
I could see this unit being better than a 4060>MMA6000>R-09 rig in terms of performance and reliability but just need to know if everything will jive.
peace and thanks, chris
-
If I could place an order =)
Also if 4060s or MKE-2 Platinums would match the gain stage/powering capabliities of the unit assuming that the 460s produce 20mv/pa and max out at 134db and the MKE-2 Plat. produce 5 or 7 mv/pa and max out at 140db, basically if I am close micing and maxing out the capablilites of the mic (or pretty damn near it) I want to make sure the preamp input stage isn't going to overload.
I could see this unit being better than a 4060>MMA6000>R-09 rig in terms of performance and reliability but just need to know if everything will jive.
Here are the only mics they recommend at this point:
Microphone
Use one of the following microphone models:
❑ Sennheiser MKE2 Platinum – Do not use the Gold model
❑ Countryman B6
❑ Countryman EMW
❑ DPA 4063 – use only the Zaxcom 3.3v model
❑ Shure WL50
(this is from the manual I'm writing for the unit).
Zaxcom doesn't sell the units, so you would need to order one from somebody such as Klay Anderson audio in SLC, Trew Audio in Nashville, or Coffey Sound in LA.
Zaxcom will answer your technical presales questions though. John Coffey does a great job of this as well. Anyhow, let me know if you need anything else.
Wayne
-
the microphone which above advertised for the benefit not get problems with am modulation connected to zaxcom transmitters - i dont think there will be any problems using any other brands whith zaxcom recorder
-
http://www.zaxcom.com/
the stereo adapter for zfr 100 have realised
the unit would be able recording line level signal only in stereo , so you will need some sort of preamp in front
the main unit have only 1 internal preamp for mic , exactly as the 900 tx .