Topic: Sonosax SX-R4

[headroom]

A new gem around the block - Preliminary Informations

Compact and Leight Weight 8 tracks Recorder on Hard Disk and CF Card
The ideal companion for classical music and on location multi-track recording
Recording capabilities: 44,1 up to 192kHz @ 24bits and 16 bits (dithering )
Up to 8 tracks on the HD plus 2 tracks on the CF Card
Small and robust construction
Friendly user interface, easy maintenance
Battery or external DC operated

KEY FEATURES
4x electronically balanced Mic/Line Input, XLR connectors
2x unbalanced adjustable Line input on TA3 connector
48V Phantom for Mic power
Pre LF Cut for rough wind conditions - PAD - Phase reversal
2 Gain range and trim Gain control on the front
Stereo linking of channel 1- 2 and channels 3-4
Limiter on each channel
4 x AES Digital input ( 8channels )
TimeCode In & Out, all format
NTSC Pull Up / Pull Down 0.1%
Wckl and Video Sync In
Wckl Sync Out
unbalanced stereo Line Outputs, on TA3 connector
Machined aluminum panel and carbon fiber housing
Dimensions: 176 x 44 x 138 mm / 6,93" x 1,75" x 5,43"
Weight aprox 800 grams ( 1,76 lbs ) with batteries
Powered by four AA batteries or external 6 - 15 VDC
Estimated price: aprox Euro 3'500 - USD 4'500 - CHF 5'600
Estimated deliveries: automn 2007
Preliminary Informations - April 5. 2007

[wbrisette]

This is interesting, but like the 744t, isn't all there. They claim it's an 8 channel recorder, yet you only get 4 mic inputs. That means you have to be able to use the AES inputs to truly get 8 channels.  They have once again come close, but not quite made it to where they needed to on this box.

Wayne

[oleg]

it has 6 analog ins , 2 are unbalance line level .
from the point of if this one is better then 744 -it is , if it what i like , it is not :-)
there is 62 which coming with 6 mik/line + 2 bus in  and 8 chanels recording( 6 indevidual , 2 mix + bus in ) - that exacly what i like

[Nick's Picks]

all those AES inputs would allow one to run those fancy new digital KMD184s.

[oleg]

not exactly as you need spesial phntom power in front

[wbrisette]

it has 6 analog ins , 2 are unbalance line level .

I noticed that too, but I don't consider those mic inputs since they can't supply phantom power. However, you're right this would make it more of a six channel device rather than an eight channel device.

There are a lot of new boxes coming out. Zaxcom announced a 16 channel recorder (a real 16 channels, with 16 analog inputs). How they are going to fit all of those connectors onto the side of a box is beyond me, but that's really stepping up to the plate with the right type of box for audio work. I might just have to sell my Deva IV and look into the Deva 16.

Wayne

[oleg]

i dont see any problem to fit inside the box as big as pd-6
probably will be overkill for 95% of the people who are dealing whith what i deal :-)
the 5-8 other hand is something that i will consider as a next one .
about the sonosax -  most people who buy these  will use it  for film buisness in wich it is not aproblem get line level from wierless  or hook it to external mixer
- so aditional 2 preamps  is nothing
this is a price point box - directly hit to sd  744 balls :-)

[Brian]

This is interesting, but like the 744t, isn't all there. They claim it's an 8 channel recorder, yet you only get 4 mic inputs. That means you have to be able to use the AES inputs to truly get 8 channels.  They have once again come close, but not quite made it to where they needed to on this box.

Wayne

so because it doesn't have 8 preamps it's a failure?

[oleg]

defenetly not ;-)

[wbrisette]

so because it doesn't have 8 preamps it's a failure?

hmmm, did I say it was a failure? No, I said it came close, but it's not the home run it could have been. There is a difference.

Wayne

[Brian]

this is what you said:

They have once again come close, but not quite made it to where they needed to on this box.

this statement, to me, insinuates that sonosax failed themselves in the development of this box.

No, I said it came close, but it's not the home run it could have been. There is a difference.

so not achieving what you think their goal should be is not failing in your eyes?
i'm still confused, but lets not muck up the thread more than i already have

[oleg]

so because it doesn't have 8 preamps it's a failure?

hmmm, did I say it was a failure? No, I said it came close, but it's not the home run it could have been. There is a difference.

Wayne

not only its ahome run , but much more
see the bright side - you have 6 nalaog ins and 8 tracks , 4 preamps  in the price of 1 744
apples to apples , oranges to oranges - deva 4 is defenetly  better product , but it cost  3 times more
you can compare the deva 4 to sonosax 6-2 and i really dont sure if it win that one as well .
not to mention the sonosax is 800 gram recorder which make it rocket pocket for bag use :-)

[wbrisette]

not only its ahome run , but much more
see the bright side - you have 6 nalaog ins and 8 tracks , 4 preamps  in the price of 1 744
apples to apples , oranges to oranges - deva 4 is defenetly  better product , but it cost  3 times more
you can compare the deva 4 to sonosax 6-2 and i really dont sure if it win that one as well .
not to mention the sonosax is 800 gram recorder which make it rocket pocket for bag use

Oleg, I agree with you that compared to the 744T, this is a much better product for the money. We're talking $4500 USD approx (I'm going to guess it'll probably end up a bit more with the conversion rate by the time it's released). So, for an extra few hundred dollars, you end up with a much more complete package.

And it's smaller, has time code, so you're right mixers are going to love it. If they are on a cart then they might even be able to use the 8 AES channels (assuming they have a nice Cooper mixer).

Apples to Apples comparison to the Deva is a bit tougher. With a full eight channels that can be any mixture of mics, line, analog, or digital both in or out, plus having the ability to have limiting and full eq on all eight channels, the Deva wins on versatility. However, this box wins hands down for it's ability to lug around all day. I have done multiple day run & gun situations with the Deva and it sucks. After a few hours it really starts getting heavy when you're lugging that and a boom around. And price, well as you stated it's a whole different matter too. When I bought my Deva, it wasn't nearly as expensive. They have had a price increase since I bought mine, but you do get a hard drive now and I had to buy that as extra. So, it wins there. But, for what I am doing these days, I need 8 mic inputs (I'd take 16, but I can make do with . For me, I won't give up the Deva despite the weight until something killer really comes along. For me (and I'll emphasize me), this box is not that killer product.

Wayne