Nanoflash: >2 channels of audio

Lance Librandi · November 13th, 2009, 05:37 AM

Hello Mike,
I would love to be able to work with 8-channel audio for live events this would allow us to do the final mixdown in post.

David Cherniack · November 13th, 2009, 06:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mike Schell

Just a quick update on the planned 8-channel audio support, which is planned for a December release. It now looks likely that we can add two channels of analog audio to the two channels of HD-SDI embedded audio, thus creating a 4-channel recorder.

Yay! and Bravo!

David
AllinOneFilms.com

Steve Brown · November 13th, 2009, 07:37 AM

Now I'm wondering about the use as a multi-track audio recorder. I've done a lot of those multi-camera shoots where we could have used more channels to record audio than were available on any or all of the VTRs available.

So, the questions are:

How does one get multi-channel audio into the nano (or FlashXDR) via the SDI input without using a camera to do the embedding? Are there inexpensive multi-channel audio embedders available?
Will an embedder add the necessary info for the SDI stream so that a video source isn't necessary?
Can the nano record audio without video now through the analog input?

Sorry about the elementary questions. Embedding and de-embedding isn't something I've done without the help of a camera, which does all of that for me.

Dan Keaton · November 13th, 2009, 08:06 AM

Dear Steve,

The nanoFlash is not designed as a stand-alone multi-track audio recorder.

The major limitation is that we require video to record audio. Obviously we could change this in the future, but we are working on other features at this time.

The plan is to record up to 8 channels of audio from the HD-SDI (and I assume HDMI, but have not confirmed this fact at this moment).

And we plan to be able to add the 2 channels of analog audio to supplement the audio coming in via the HD-SDI (and I assume HDMI).

Most cameras send two channels of audio over the HD-SDI or HDMI.

Some higher end cameras send four or more channels over the HD-SDI.

HDCam SR tape decks and other high-end sources can send many channels of audio over HD-SDI.

HD-SDI audio embedders can add multiple channels of audio to an HD-SDI signal.

We expect the most common cases will be a camera with two or four channels of audio being sent over HD-SDI, which we can supplement with our analog audio inputs (24-bit/48K/2 channel/mic or consumer line level) to create 4 or 6 channels.

Another case will be the record the output of an HDCam SR deck, with up to 8 channels of audio, to a nanoFlash for projection of a feature film for projection. This is a great way to project for film festivals, audience screening, and normal film projection.

With our 100/140/180 Mbps Long-GOP modes, one can record and playback exceptional quality video for projection. There are quite a few advantages to have all all solid-state, no-moving parts, reliable playback device such as the nanoFlash.

For your questions:

1. Yes, there are HD-SDI audio embedders available, but we need a video signal also, at least at this time.

2. We need video along with the audio.

3. No.

I hope this helps.

Steve Brown · November 13th, 2009, 08:09 AM

Dan,

Thanks for all of the extra info besides just the short answer... very helpful, as always.

Steve

John Richard · November 13th, 2009, 08:58 AM

"Another case will be the record the output of an HDCam SR deck, with up to 8 channels of audio, to a nanoFlash for projection of a feature film for projection. This is a great way to project for film festivals, audience screening, and normal film projection."

If the theater chains ever finally make the change to digital projection, can you imagine the cost savings of using compact flash cards and a nano flash for playout?
-no more film stock costs
-no more production of multiple 35mm copies for distribution
-no more shipping of reels 2 ways
-no more physical film damage or degraded viewing from repeated runs through the film projector mechanical path
-lower maintenance costs of projection equipment with the removal of mechanically moving parts
-possibly an encryption method at both ends to foil piracy?

November 13th, 2009, 07:37 AM	#18
Steve Brown Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 96	Now I'm wondering about the use as a multi-track audio recorder. I've done a lot of those multi-camera shoots where we could have used more channels to record audio than were available on any or all of the VTRs available. So, the questions are: How does one get multi-channel audio into the nano (or FlashXDR) via the SDI input without using a camera to do the embedding? Are there inexpensive multi-channel audio embedders available? Will an embedder add the necessary info for the SDI stream so that a video source isn't necessary? Can the nano record audio without video now through the analog input? Sorry about the elementary questions. Embedding and de-embedding isn't something I've done without the help of a camera, which does all of that for me.

November 13th, 2009, 08:06 AM	#19
Dan Keaton Inner Circle Join Date: Dec 2002 Location: Augusta Georgia Posts: 5,421	Dear Steve, The nanoFlash is not designed as a stand-alone multi-track audio recorder. The major limitation is that we require video to record audio. Obviously we could change this in the future, but we are working on other features at this time. The plan is to record up to 8 channels of audio from the HD-SDI (and I assume HDMI, but have not confirmed this fact at this moment). And we plan to be able to add the 2 channels of analog audio to supplement the audio coming in via the HD-SDI (and I assume HDMI). Most cameras send two channels of audio over the HD-SDI or HDMI. Some higher end cameras send four or more channels over the HD-SDI. HDCam SR tape decks and other high-end sources can send many channels of audio over HD-SDI. HD-SDI audio embedders can add multiple channels of audio to an HD-SDI signal. We expect the most common cases will be a camera with two or four channels of audio being sent over HD-SDI, which we can supplement with our analog audio inputs (24-bit/48K/2 channel/mic or consumer line level) to create 4 or 6 channels. Another case will be the record the output of an HDCam SR deck, with up to 8 channels of audio, to a nanoFlash for projection of a feature film for projection. This is a great way to project for film festivals, audience screening, and normal film projection. With our 100/140/180 Mbps Long-GOP modes, one can record and playback exceptional quality video for projection. There are quite a few advantages to have all all solid-state, no-moving parts, reliable playback device such as the nanoFlash. For your questions: 1. Yes, there are HD-SDI audio embedders available, but we need a video signal also, at least at this time. 2. We need video along with the audio. 3. No. I hope this helps. __________________ Dan Keaton Augusta Georgia

November 13th, 2009, 05:37 AM	#16
Lance Librandi Major Player Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: South Australia Posts: 374	Hello Mike, I would love to be able to work with 8-channel audio for live events this would allow us to do the final mixdown in post.

November 13th, 2009, 08:09 AM	#20
Steve Brown Regular Crew Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Tampa, FL Posts: 96	Dan, Thanks for all of the extra info besides just the short answer... very helpful, as always. Steve

November 13th, 2009, 08:58 AM	#21
John Richard Major Player Join Date: May 2006 Location: Incline Village, Nevada Posts: 604	"Another case will be the record the output of an HDCam SR deck, with up to 8 channels of audio, to a nanoFlash for projection of a feature film for projection. This is a great way to project for film festivals, audience screening, and normal film projection." If the theater chains ever finally make the change to digital projection, can you imagine the cost savings of using compact flash cards and a nano flash for playout? -no more film stock costs -no more production of multiple 35mm copies for distribution -no more shipping of reels 2 ways -no more physical film damage or degraded viewing from repeated runs through the film projector mechanical path -lower maintenance costs of projection equipment with the removal of mechanically moving parts -possibly an encryption method at both ends to foil piracy?