You can record your audio into either Wave (.wav) and AIFF (.aif). All files are mono, non-interleaved files that can be imported or exported. This refers to the audio files only.

You can back your files up to either the MackieMedia M90 or FTP through an ethernet hub to an external computer or network. In Version 1.0, the HDR24/96 must be idle (not recording or playing back) to transfer files between drives.

The HDR24/96 uses a three-slot card cage for all inputs and outputs. Each slot supports a single card for eight channels of I/O, giving you a total of 24 channels I/O simultaneously. Four different tape I/O cards are available: the AIO•8 (analog format, +4dBu signals), the DIO•8 (24 bit ADAT optical & Tascam TDIF formats), the OPT•8 (24 bit ADAT optical format only) and the PDI•8 (AES/EBU format). All cards are sold as additional purchases to the HDR24/96 and are the same cards that are used in the Mackie Digital 8•Bus (D8B).

The HDR24/96 uses IDE Ultra DMA hard drives. The drives are 7200rpm and 2x file transfer rate. You can record to and play back from either the internal and removable drives. Ultra DMA drives use FAT32, which can boot up on Windows-based PCs or compatible Mac platforms.

IDE hard drives provide an inexpensive equal to SCSI drives. For example, a 20+GB Mackie Media M90 retails for $299, whereas a SCSI drive of equivalent storage space can cost over $600.

Since fragmentation results from very small amounts of data (like a text file) being "skipped over" so that larger amounts of data can be stored, the HDR24/96 stores all data in large 500KB chunks and thus eliminates the need for de-fragmentation.

The HDR24/96 can record 96kHz for up to 12 tracks. There will be specific 96kHz I/O cards for that application, which will be available as additional purchases after the Version 1.0 release.

The HDR24/96's internal clock can be used as a master source for either peripheral digital devices or slave HDR24/96's. It can send SMPTE, PAL, NTSC, and MTC. You can also sync the HDR24/96 to external sources in the form of word clock, video sync, SMPTE, NTSC, PAL, MTC and MMC.

The HDR24/96 will work together with the D8B to give you the full power of a professional DAW system for less than $15,000. All recording, editing, and mixing is done without any other platforms or software applications getting in the way. Because they use the same I/O cards, it is very easy and convenient to patch both the D8B and the HDR24/96 together. You'll need 24 channels of I/O connection (check your cards), a Word Clock cable and MIDI cables. Also, you can use an external combiner/switcher to merge the monitor, keyboard, and mouse connections from both the HDR24/96 and the D8B into a single display and set of controls.

You can use the HDR24/96 as a non-linear, non-destructive editor without the assistance of any external computer or software. Simply plug in an SVGA monitor and PS/2 compatible mouse/keyboard and you're ready to edit. Features of the editor include fade-in, fade-out, looping, auto-crossfade, multiple-layer undo, scrub/shuttle functions, cue list, level automation and many more!

Each of the HDR24/96's 24 tracks has eight virtual tracks, one of which can be activated for playback or recording. Audio regions on the virtual tracks can be edited and dragged/dropped in the same fashion as all other tracks.

There will be two remotes available - the large Remote48, and the smaller Remote24. For the performer doing his/her own recording, the Remote24 is an "engineer in a box". Select and record-arm tracks, set loop, punch and rehearse points, meter record levels, punch in and out with a footswitch. Start, Stop, Play - even "rock the reels" with traditional transport buttons.

Coming Soon: the mondo Remote48! This is the Big Remote that the big boys (and girls) use. Control of virtually all recording functions for up to 48 tracks, full Auto-Locator, plus jog/shuttle control from a suitably weighty wheel.