Roland DM-800 Multi Track Hard Disk Recorder
January 1, 1995The DM-800 performs all digital audio operations from recording to editing to track bouncing to final mixdown. The DM-800 is an eight track system. The entire 8-track recorder and 12 channel mixing system is integrated into a compact 26" x 111/4" package that weighs just over 12 lbs. It is currently the only DAW on the market that is fully portable.
The DM-800 offers non-destructive recording/editing, optional ADAT communication buss, video display output, optional RS 422 interface, 300 virtual tracks, full dynamic automation, MIDI integration and time compression. The DM-800 employs a 16-bit linear recording data format, with selectable sampling rates of 48 kHz, 44.1 kHz and 32 kHz.
The DM-800 incorporates a 12 channel digital mixer including eight dedicated faders with gain and pan control, two stereo aux returns and a stereo main output fader. Roland's proprietary DSP provides a 24-bit two-band, fully automated, semi-parametric digital EQ with controllable gain and frequency on all channels.
Connectors include four balanced +4dB, RTS, 1/4" phone jack analog inputs (variable gain from 0 to +20 dB) and one stereo digital input. Outputs include four analog, one headphone output with level control and two stereo digital outputs.
Tape-like transport controls for record functions and an alpha dial and alpha-numeric keypad offer familiarity. Five function keys control editing functions such as Punch-In/Out, Section Loop, Audio Profile, Preview Scrub, Time Stretch/Compression and Manual Mix or Compu Mix selection. Also included are eight triggers, 40 markers and highly accurate tempo mapping for MIDI editing and control including MIDI clock and song position pointer.
The DM-800 has a built in LCD display for viewing of all system, waveform and track-based parameters. The DM-800 also provides an RGB out, S-VHS connector and a VIDEO connector to give the user the benefit of a larger screen if desired. PAL or NTSC is selectable.
A RMDB (Roland Multi Purpose Digital Buss) connector is standard on all units. This multi purpose buss allows for interface with a variety of interface applications. Initially, an optional connection box will allow the DM-800 direct connection to an ADAT digital tape recorder and an RS-422 Sony protocol interface will allow for remote control of the system directly from a video editor. Additional interfaces will be forthcoming for connection with the Tascam DA-88 and other devices.
Various storage methodsare available. Two 2.5" SCSI-type hard disks can be mounted inside the unit, and installation of two 540Mbyte hard drives provides over 3.5 track hours of recording at 48 kHz. Each of two SCSI ports on the rear panel accommodates up to 4Gbytes for up to 24 track hours of recording at 48 kHz. MO drives such as the Tahiti 3000 are fully compatible and provide reliable, removable media recording capabilities. An audio DAT can be used for data backup via the digital output. Back-up is also provided to SCSI data DAT via the SCSI ports.
Synchronization is fully supported by the DM-800. It can lock to an external SMPTE or MTC source at all frame rates, or act as a master by internally generating SMPTE and MIDI Time Code. A built-in SMPTE resolver allows the DM-800 to lock to non-synchronous time code sources.
Priced less than $6,000.00 For more information, visit their web site at www.rolandus.com. | 
