While the focus of HE2006 was clearly on consumer equipment, two recording engineers stopped me in the halls to show off a hot professional recording device from Sound Devices. Todd Garfinkle from M•A Recordings first alerted me to the two channel version of the portable recorder, which retails for around $2,400. About the size of a small book, it sports pro inputs and the ability to save to a flash card or host computer.
Next, Peter McGrath pulled me into the VTL/Brooks Berdan/Wilson Audio room to play back a recent recording of his using the four channel version of the device (around $4k). Talking to Todd and Peter reminded me of hearing kids who've just received their first iPods. "It sounds great and I can carry it anywhere," said Peter.
The recorder can capture 16 or 24 bit audio at sampling rates between 32kHz and 192kHz - enough to satisfy even the most demanding audiophile as a portable player!
BTW, sorry for the product shot - I didn't think to take a photo at the show while they were extolling its virtues.
