Alesis Releases Version 3.0 Software for its M20 Digital Multitrack Recorder
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The ADAT M-20
(Click for a close-up) |
September 6, 2000Alesis announces the release of Version 3.0 M20 ADAT software in conjunction with the 109th AES Convention. Version 3.0 features improved functionality, faster lock times, and enhanced diagnostic capabilities according to Peter Chaikin, Alesis director of product marketing.
M20 is a professional digital multitrack that records 20-bit data to eight discrete tracks using 24-bit A/D and D/A converters for excellent sonic fidelity and dynamic range. Among the numerous alterations that bolster M20's functionality is a tape-format-verification feature that tracks errors, enabling engineers and musicians to easily monitor tapes for quality, and/or unseen damage. Alesis also reworked M20's ventilation system to ensure
reliability and performance and added an automatic deck standby function to reduce head and drum wear.
"The new version 3.0 upgrade is the result of a cooperative effort between the Alesis M20 ADAT team, and our
partners at Studer, who manufacture their own version of our product - the Studer V-Eight," reports Chaikin.
"This new software release makes the V-Eight and M20 digital 8-track modular systems even more attractive for
cost-conscious, performance-critical post and music recording applications," according to Robert Nicholas,
Studer product manager.
Additional enhancements include improved time-code synchronizer compatibilities, and improved integration
with M20 peripherals (CADI/RMD) and legacy systems (BRC, XT20, XT.) New optimized transport software
improves performance and reliability while protecting tape in adverse operating conditions. The "record lockout"
function prevents recording and formatting if the machine detects a problem with alignment. Error messages are
now more precise and descriptive, and advanced testing techniques have strengthened the transport system.
The Alesis M20 Version 3.0 is being used to record a range of projects throughout the professional audio
industry. Veteran recording engineer George Massenburg recently used an M20 system to record the new Linda
Ronstadt Christmas album.
"I'm truly impressed by the product," Massenburg reported. "We used it to record the Ronstadt project because
we needed a box that would give us the freedom to record in multiple locations. Computer-based formats do not
afford that possibility. The M20 is portable, professional, absolutely reliable, and it sounds terrific. I can't tell
you how much the M20 helped us."
Jim Mack, Alesis vice president of sales and marketing says, "The new units are even tighter than the original
versions, and we're thankful to Studer, the user groups, beta testers and musicians worldwide for their
contributions to this effort." Customers can easily download the software directly to their M20s via MIDI by visiting their web site at www.alesis.com. |
