On the workstation front, at the AES Convention Mark of the Unicorn unveiled a major update for its 24/96-capable Digital Performer 3 that offers full surround recording, editing, arranging, mixing, processing, mastering, and integrated MIDI sequencing. New V3.1 features include unlimited multiple undo, a unique Timeline Undo and built-in waveform editing of surround files. Also new at the AES Convention: the MOTU 896 FireWire audio interface for Macintosh and Windows PCs. Offering eight channels of 24-bit analog I/O with built-in mic pre-amps, eight channels of ADAT I/O, AES/EBU digital I/O, word clock and ADAT, the 896 is being positioned as a cost-effective solution for complete 24/96 or 24/88.2 productions. The unit is expected to ship Q1/2002 with a list price of $1,295 and connects to any FireWire-equipped PC; up to four 896s can be daisy-chained to a single computer for 72 I/O channels I/O. No official word on 192 kHz, however, although company sources reveal that anything is possible from this leading DAW developer.

The AudioCube 5 Multi-Channel Workstations, manufactured in Germany by Cube-Tec, and distributed in North America by Sascom, operates at both 24/96 and 24/192 (dual-wire I/O), and integrates audio analysis, restoration, QC, automated archival, editing, mastering and DVD-A Authoring. An impressive array of 24/192 kHz Mastering, Restoration and Analytical run on AudioCube 5’s Windows 2000-compliant dual-processor platform, including DeNoiser, DeClicker, RepairFilter, DeCrackler, DeScratcher, DeClipper and DeBuZZ.

SADiE’s new V4.2 Disc Editor Software is designed to run on current and future 24•96, ARTEMiS and RADiA DAWs, and is fully compatible with Windows 2000 Professional, NT4 and other WinXX-based operating systems. Fully capable of running at both 96 and 192 kHz sampling rates with any hardware configuration up to 32 inputs and outputs, V4.2’s new features include individual vertical zoom settings for EDL streams, large/small PQ and video stream settings, plus enhanced waveform viewing, and also provides multichannel bouncing, enabling high-resolution 5.1 mixes to be combined into a single file for easier transfer and manipulation.

Screen shot of Waveframe Frameworks /DX

Both of WaveFrame’s upper-end DAWs – WaveFrame/7 and FrameWorks/DX – operate at 24/96. WaveFrame/7 is a completely new version of the classic WaveFrame post production workstation, with new Mykerinos digital audio DSP hardware running on Windows 2000, updated to deliver 32 tracks of 24-bit audio with effects plug-ins, surround mixing.

New features include a Sound Selector Media Database, Machine Control, Auto Assembly, ADR/Foley recording and file import/export options (including AES31). I/O options include AES/EBU, ADAT, TDIF and MADI ports. FrameWorks/DX offers up to 16 channels of digital I/O with up to 32 hard disk tracks of 24/96, and features 5.1-channel surround mixing, editing, plug-in processors, plus optional operation at up to 192 kHz sample rates.

TASCAM was showing V3.0 software for the 24/96-capable MX-2424 hard disk recorder, which now offers sample-level waveform editing, plus a Mix Mode that allows the system to record up to 12 24/96 tracks (24 at 48 kHz) while simultaneously playing back up to 12 (or 24) tracks for mixdown/mastering. The new MX-View graphic editing interface features on-screen multi-machine status and metering, easier virtual-track management, plus editing capabilities across multiple machines. The firm’s commitment to 24/96 extends to the DM-24 budget-priced 32-in/8-bus digital mixer with applications that range from conventional CD mastering to surround-sound encoding and DVD authoring. As with other manufacturers of affordable technology, 192 kHz is certainly being considered by TASCAM, but with a lower priority than other user features. (A six-track 192 kHz hard disk recorder might have a limited appeal for project studios.)