the ones I've seen don't yet incorporate a hard drive. To record anything at
a high sample rate takes huge storage capacity, and these machines come only
with PCMCIA cards for storage. Using that method, the cost of storage starts
adding up in cost very quickly unless you constantly dump the data to a
computer.
One question I have: If the Fostex relies on PCMCIA technology, I am
wondering if, instead of plugging in a PCMCIA storage card, could you add a
PCMCIA firewire or USB card that adds these connectors, and then just plug
in an external hard drive? What do you know about that, Joe?
These recorders are pricey, so I won¹t buy anything until this storage issue
is handled better.
A computer with a big hard drive and one of the new-generation music studio
sound cards will also let you record at a high sample rate. But I see two
barriers using a computer this way. First, be really careful exposing it to
too much salt air and moisture. And second, it can take 3 minutes to boot
up, so you have to be prepared if and when the undersea critters start
vocalizing. I have used a Mac Powerbook with an external audio unit made by
Emagic (now Apple). It worked quite well, so long as we stayed in the cabin
of a boat.
Best regards,
Jim Nollman
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