The Target Learning Center at the Minnesota Zoo in Apple Valley, used for meetings, shows and other activities is equipped with a TASCAM SS-CRR250N two-channel networking CD/media recorder to capture the sound of the events, deployed by Audio Logic Systems of Eden Prairie, MN, an AV design/build contractor with a strong presence in the performing arts and house of worship market segments.
“The Minnesota Zoo has a theater-style space called the Target Learning Center that they use for their Bird show and a variety of larger meetings,” says Richard Bopp, senior engineer with Audio Logic Systems. “They run their bird show twice daily, seven days a week. The TASCAM SS-CDR250 is primarily used to record the meetings in the space. Later after the meetings, zoo staff members will pull the recording from the unit and then post it online so that those staff members who could not attend the meeting can catch up. The unit is also available to record audio of the shows, concerts, and other events from outside users that take place in the space.”
In terms of interfacing the SS-CRD250N with other equipment in the Target Learning Center, Bopp reports that the unit is connected to the zoo’s corporate network and QSC Q-SYS control system via RS-232. Additionally, users have the ability to interact with the SS-CDR250N directly from the front panel or by using the TASCAM SS250 CONTROL app for iOS or Android.
“The primary feature that was a deciding factor in selecting this unit was the recorder’s network option, so the zoo staffers could remotely access the files and download them,” Bopp explains. “Secondly, the fact that the unit has both an SD card slot and a USB port for a thumb drive is especially useful. It enables staff members to use the SD card while third party people can simply plug in a USB stick and make a copy of their event.”
The SS-CDR250N was purchased and installed in July 2023, and since that time, Bopp says the unit is performing as he envisioned it would. “Just like other TASCAM equipment,” he concludes, “it just works. As with the rest of the AV system, the user should not have to worry about the TASCAM unit working correctly. I have every confidence that it will. The room’s users can concentrate on delivering a great show for their guests, knowing that the AV system will support their efforts.”
