HHB Communications MDP500

HHB's new PORTADISC is a rugged, fully-featured MiniDisc portable set to become standard issue in TV, film and broadcast audio acquisition. Developed in consultation with leading sound recordists, the PORTADISC optimises the many advantages of the MD format - sound quality, random access, editing, etc. - in a robust, portable package loaded with the features essential for a life on location. The PORTADISC records on standard MiniDiscs, easily available anywhere in the world, and uses ATRAC compression to ensure optimum sound quality. Sonic performance is further enhanced by a high quality balanced microphone input circuit, which also features switchable phantom power, limiting and ganging. Power is supplied by AA alkaline batteries, again widely available, or by rechargeable Nickel Metal Hydride batteries (supplied), delivering recording times of up to 4 hours before recharging is necessary. A universal 100V-240V charger is also supplied. Connectivity is comprehensive, including balanced XLR mic/line inputs, RCA phono line outputs, headphone jack and coaxial and optical SPDIF digital I/Os. Of particular interest to radio journalists will be the provision of a USB interface for the real-time transfer of files to laptop editing systems, enabling the production of finished news pieces in the field. In addition, basic editing functions are also available on the PORTADISC itself, accessed via an intuitive software controlled menu system. Solid and sturdy, the PORTADISC is housed in a tough, shockproof case with a large, illuminated display and a built in monitoring speaker and back-up microphone. A memory buffer delivers glitch-free recording on the move, and a 6 second pre-record buffer ensures that the sound recordist never misses a take. An auto start / cut function with adjustable threshold is invaluable in environmental noise monitoring applications, particularly when used in conjunction with the PORTADISC’s time / date stamp function. Additional features including automatic gain control, one touch recording, lockable record level and key hold facilities all contribute to making the HHB PORTADISC the most highly specified audio acquisition recorder in the business.

Features:

• Balanced XLR mic / line input
• Coaxial and optical SPDIF digital I/O
• Unbalanced RCA phono line output
• Clear display with accurate metering and margin indicator
• Automatic gain control
• One touch record
• Key hold and record level lock
• Powered by AA alkaline batteries or rechargeable NiMh batteries (8 supplied, rechargeable in the PORTADISC) AC adaptor
• Available Summer 2000