Hard Disk Recorders and CD-R Converge

(Click for a close-up)

ML9600 Rear Panel

Alesis introduces MasterLink ML-9600, a new mixdown and mastering system that combines hard disk recording and editing, digital signal processing and CD creation in a single versatile unit. MasterLink ML-9600 allows studios, musicians and mastering facilities to store, deliver and play stereo 24-bit, 96kHz audio on standard recordable compact discs. The unit can also produce and playback conventional 16-bit, 44.1kHz Red Book format CDs. MasterLink features a 3.2GB internal hard drive with editing, digital signal processing and mastering functions, a 4X CD-R drive, and 24-bit A/D and D/A converters.

"True to our company philosophy, Alesis is first to combine hard disk recording, editing and DSP software for pre-mastering and CD-R functionality in an affordable standalone unit," says Jim Mack, Alesis vice president of sales and marketing. "Not only does MasterLink present unparalleled value and flexibility in a mixdown device, it delivers 24-bit/96kHz 2-track recording at an accessible price."

Says Peter Chaikin, Alesis director of marketing, "Standard CD-R media is a portable, robust, inexpensive and widespread technology supported by dozens of manufacturers. Now that Alesis has developed the technology to write 24-bit/96kHz on CDR, CD24 will blow the doors wide open.

"Tomorrow's release formats - DVD and Super CD - are calling for greater than 16-bit delivery. MasterLink 9600 answers the immediate need for a 96kHz/24-bit audio stereo delivery format. With higher resolution, editing and signal processing, we expect MasterLink will be rapidly embraced as a superior alternative to R-DAT machines."

MasterLink's dedicated 3.2 GB hard drive holds the equivalent of almost five hours of continuous CD-quality stereo audio. Even at the maximum sample rate and word length, ML9600 stores up to 95 minutes of audio. Prior to recording, any combination of the four industry-standard sample rates (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96kHz) and three word lengths (16-, 20- or 24-bit) can easily be selected on the front panel. Because recordings are saved to the hard disk, different versions of mixes can be stored in memory and recalled instantly for comparison. Additionally MasterLink can create multiple identical copies of program material.

Activated by a single 'Create CD' button, the fast internal 4X CD-R creates a full (74 minute) Red Book standard CD in about 20 minutes. MasterLink's firmware is conveniently updated through the internal CD-R drive. This makes it possible for the user to easily upload new software features, as they become available. MasterLink's CD drive automatically recognizes CD24 and Red Book Standard discs and plays them back at the appropriate sample rate and word lengths.

MasterLink's editing features allow the user to reorder tracks, adjust gain, build playlists, trim heads and tails of programs, set start times, preserve best takes and delete tracks before committing the material to CD. Join and Split commands allow material from multiple mixes to be resequenced creating entirely new versions. MasterLink also includes an internal sample rate converter so that high resolution files on the hard disk can be used to create Red Book CDs. Editing is accomplished using front panel controls, which allow users to audition and edit start/end points.

MasterLink's onboard digital signal processing functions include "Finishing Tools" such as equalization, compression, normalization and peak limiting, all of which can be applied to program material prior to creating a CD.

The 2U-rackmountable unit includes analog inputs and outputs on +4 dB balanced XLRs and -10 dB unbalanced RCAs, as well as digital inputs and outputs in both AES and coaxial digital formats. MasterLink 9600 is a fully functional CD player with 24-bit A/D and D/A converters for optimal sonic performance.

Front panel controls include: standard CD player transport with scan and skip, track controls (new track, delete track, track information), cursor controls, CD resolution, input source (analog, digital, optical), word length, sample rate and Create CD. The unit includes a wireless remote control and a front-panel headphone jack for private playback.

MasterLink's seamless integration of HD, CD-R and DSP, make it a powerful standalone solution for any application requiring the recording and playback of stereo audio. Project and commercial studios will find MasterLink an ideal way to capture and preserve high resolution mixes to produce reference discs, deliver audio to mastering rooms, archive, and back up files from digital audio workstations such as Digidesign Pro Tools.

MasterLink 9600 is expected to ship in the third quarter of 1999 with a retail price of $1699 USD MSRP.