bonsaiDRIVE Offers Audio and Video Recording On Hard Disc

[Suhit Gupta]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.harmony-central.com/Newp/2004/bonsaiDRIVE.html' target='_blank'>http://news.harmony-central.com/Newp/2004/bonsaiDRIVE.html</a><br /><br /></div><i>"Rosendahl's bonsaiDRIVE is a compact, lightweight and portable hard disc recorder that allows one to capture of both video and multi-track audio. Designed and manufactured in Germany, the bonsaiDRIVE is targeted to the broadcast, post-production, video or multi-media markets as a standalone instant access recorder. Due to its versatility, the unit can also be used in a wealth of applications such as scientific research, video monitoring and security industries. Simultaneously handling 4:2:2 PAL or NTSC video signals alongside ten audio channels, the Rosendahl bonsaiDRIVE allows the user to specify their own choice of standard IDE drive which neatly slots into the unit itself, creating a compact, lightweight recorder that also functions as a totally portable media storage device. "</i><br /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/bonsaiDRIVE-front-sm.jpg" /><br /><img src="http://www.digitalmediathoughts.com/images/bonsaiDRIVE-rear-sm.jpg" /><br /><br />As you can probably tell, it is not cheap ($2,250), but it does deliver some nice specs where you can choose your own IDE drive, and it’s light-weight, and you can reocrd 8 tracks of lossless 2:1 compression audio. It’s also compatible with most audio and video remote control devices, allowing jog control and multi-tracking in more hardcore studio environments. You can record PAL or NTSC via S-video or component, along with 10 audio channels.

[Philip Colmer]

This initially looked just like the answer to my problem - how do I record multiple audio sources (such as microphones at an event or wedding) without having to mix down on-site and therefore lose the ability to adjust the levels in post-production.

Being able to record 10 channels would certainly be ample for me. Unfortunately only 2 of the channels are analog inputs. The other 8 are through a digital input which means you've got to buy an analogue to digital convertor/combiner ... does such a beast exist in a portable format?

Other than that, first impressions are that it is a well designed, well engineered bit of kit with flexibility through software updates.

--Philip

[Suhit Gupta]

I am very sure that such devices exist, and they aren't very expensive either. Just google for "audio analog to digital converter" and there are several links that seem relevant.

Suhit