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joeco blackbox > D-SUB connectors to the unit to make three in and three out. Again, using the Tascam standard ensures compatibility with existing systems. BBR1D is a digital AES/EBU version, using three D-SUB connectors which are are selectable between the TASCAM and YAMAHA standard pin outs. The digital version also includes the standard three unbalanced analogue D-SUB connectors as well, so there is a backup should anything weird happen to the AES data stream. BBR1A is the ADAT version, using six light-pipe connectors. Most gear runs up to 48KHz sample rate at 24-bit resolution. It is possible to record at 96KHz if your gear supports that, but you’ll only get 12 channels in and out of the BlackBox. If you ask nicely, Joeco will build you a special unit with six ADAT inputs and six ADAT outputs, enabling all 24 channels to be recorded at 24-bit/96KHz. This ADAT version also includes the standard unbalanced analogue I/O as a fall back just in case. If you have a digital desk and want to multitrack a tour, it may be worth investigating all the options available as current digital options for the BlackBox are ADAT or AES. Currently, there is no MADI option, although JoeCo. is looking into this and its related issues. TDIF is not really widespread in the live industry, and will not be supported. Other I/O You can control the BlackBox by remote using either MIDI machine control (MMC) or Sony 9-pin. There is one MIDI in connector and one 9-pin connector, and both these methods support track arming/disarming and transport control. There is a jack input with two functions – it can accept a footswitch to start recording and add track marks, and also accepts linear timecode. If you are working to timecode, then the BlackBox can slave to (but not generate) Linear Timecode (SMPTE) or Midi Time Code (MTC). Word clock in and out is provided on an RCA jack – to be used with other BlackBox units when slaving up to four units together. Standard quarter-inch headphones can be plugged into the headphone socket. Personally I would rather have this on the front panel, but JoeCo imagines this unit to be racked up with extension cables for the headphones. Finally, a USB2 port is provided for connection to the hard drive. “When you first power up the unit, so long as a drive is powered and connected, it’s ready to record in under 10 seconds – my specific setup was recording audio eight seconds after the power came on, pretty impressive.” Data and Drives BlackBox can use any fast (7200rpm) FAT32 formatted disc for a system that is truly plug and play with both Mac- or PC-based DAW systems. I managed to format a 1TB drive as one partition easily using Apple’s disk manager in OSX. Most drive manufacturers have tools available to format a FAT32 drive to a single large partition under Windows, though by the time you read this, we're told that the BlackBox will have its own in-the-box disc formatting functionality. Using multiple partitions is possible with the BlackBox via a selection within the menu. As some popular DAWs are fussy about large files, the BBR can automatically split files to your preference. Just tell it the maximum file size you want (1, 2, or 4 GB) and if you reach that limit with a file, another one is created immediately at the next sample. During the import process, simply stitch these two files together in your workstation for uninterrupted playback. I asked Joe about using a buss powered hard disk, to eliminate a power supply. Basically the BlackBox supports the USB2 standard, which > 42 AUDIO MEDIA JANUARY 2009
joeco blackbox FOCUS. > I’m told supports a power consumption of up to 0.5 amps. However, it would seem that some of these buss powered drives spike as high as 2-4 amps when powered up. Powered USB hubs have been tested and found to work with the BlackBox, but then you need the additional power supply. Joe is in discussion with Glyph about the possibility of a USB RAID system to go with the BlackBox – of course, any Glyph USB2 drive will function and it makes some tasty rack mount drives. Having a mirrored RAID set would be desirable, so two drives would contain the same thing to guard against any hardware failures. (Ed.– JoeCo has now confirmed that the BlackBox Recorder works just fine with a Glyph USB RAID array). In Use When you first power up the unit, so long as a drive is powered and connected, it’s ready to record in under 10 seconds – my specific setup was recording audio eight seconds after the power came on, which is pretty impressive. In a default state, all 24 tracks are armed and ready to go and playback is locked out. The internal battery keeps your preferences such as sample rate and bit depth as you last had them. I was using unbalanced inserts with the supplied eight-way looms. After setting the BBR to the correct operating level I was recording in no time, when playing back a song all the inputs appeared on the desk exactly as if the band were playing (minus the noisy stage, of course!). When a new recording is started, the BBR ‘locks’ playback – handy if you don’t want to accidentally start playing a song in the middle of the set and embarrass everyone. Once unlocked via the menu, you can play back any of the songs on the drive. To let you know the BBR is recording, track arming LEDs go a solid red and the counters start counting, the data wheel starts a circular led ‘chase’. Basically the whole front panel makes it obvious at a glance that things are happening and all is well. Once in motion, the machine will record until the stop button is held for two seconds, which helps against accidental operation. To monitor a rough mix on cans is easy – using the stereo monitor buss where you can PFL pairs of inputs or listen to a rough mix. The monitor mixer is easy to use as it only has level controls with no panning (odd and even pairs are panned hard left and right at all times). The files are organised into folders for each day. The default filenames will be ‘nnn-tt.wav’, where ‘nnn’ is the song number, and ‘tt’ is the track number. If you name the song and track you get ‘nnn-tt.song-track.wav’. I found this really helpful, as it makes life easier and keeps things organised. Saving time in post is also a factor, as you don’t have to name the tracks again – hooray! It’s easy to create a new song by pressing the ‘record’ button during recording. Once stopped, the BBR will need a few seconds to write all the headers to the disc before starting another recording. “The small size and light weight of this unit are also to be celebrated – it could easily be taken on a plane as hand luggage.” Conclusion The BlackBox is undoubtedly a fantastic bit of kit, by using a ‘disposable’ drive as a recording medium saves time when it comes to transfers – something anyone familiar with other hard disk recorders will appreciate. The small size and light weight of this unit are also to be celebrated – it could easily be taken on a plane as hand luggage. For a reliable computer multitrack system you are really looking at something a bit bigger than a laptop – replacing a pro rig with a set of BlackBox interfaces and hard drives will certainly save on the weight and power consumption. For anyone who needs to record a multi-track quickly and reliably without having to think about it, this is a very elegant and cost effective solution. ∫ Focus on one thing, and only one thing long enough, and you’ll master it. That’s our philosophy at KRK. We don’t make PA gear, mixers or motorcycles. Rather our focus has always been to make the most accurate studio monitors available at any price. Our singular passion is about sound and the tools you need to deliver a great mix. So when you use a VXT powered monitor, you can be confident that you get the most accurate reproduction of your mix. VXT’s diffracton-limiting curved surfaces, silk-domed tweeter, seamless crossover, and KRK’s trademark yellow Kevlar woofer bring superior audio imaging, outstanding transient response, and amazing detail. For over 20 years, KRK has focused on the art of recording monitors. When you hear your music through a pair of VXT 4, 6 or 8” monitors, you’ll understand our passion, our craft, our focus...and your mix. .................................... INFORMATION £ GB£1,740.00 (exc.VAT) A JoeCo Ltd., 135 Histon Road, Cottenham, Cambridge, CB24 8UQ, UK T +44 (0) 1223 911000 W www.joeco.co.uk E infoamart@joeco.co.uk Our Focus, Your Mix. For more information visit www.krksys.com AUDIO MEDIA JANUARY 2009 43
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