Otari PD-20 Digital Recorder

The Otari PD-20 is a state-of-the-art 2-channel, with 4 internal channels, random access recorder designed to replace traditional tape-based recorders using the latest 3.5″ MO disk technology. This advanced system offers comprehensive, non-destructive editing capabilities, making it an ideal solution for modern studios and broadcast environments. It provides 120 track minutes of recording time on a 640 MB MO disk at 44.1 kHz, with 16-bit linear quantisation, ensuring high-quality audio output.

The Otari PD-20 supports multiple sampling frequencies, including 48 kHz, 47.952 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 44.056 kHz, and 32 kHz, and features 20-bit A/D and D/A converters with oversampling for superior sound fidelity. Synchronisation is a key feature of the Otari PD-20, with an SMPTE timecode synchroniser that supports all rates, including LTC and VITC, ensuring precise alignment with video and other media, making it perfect for post-production work.

The recorder includes 4 internal tracks for stereo compilation and 2-channel analogue I/Os, providing flexibility in managing multiple audio sources and outputs within a single unit. The optional Otari CB-170 remote control, equipped with a jog/shuttle wheel, enhances the user experience by providing intuitive control over playback and editing functions, allowing for precise navigation and editing of audio tracks.

The Otari PD-20 supports intuitive waveform editing on an external VGA monitor, making it easier to visualise and manipulate audio data, which is particularly useful for detailed editing and ensuring high-quality output. Designed with broadcasting in mind, the quick play mode is ideal for instant playback of jingles and sound effects, with program playlists triggered by timecode via GPIO, automating playback sequences for live shows or events.

Advanced playback and recording features include off-line DSP for time compression/expansion, allowing users to adjust the duration of audio without affecting pitch, as well as varispeed play and record (±12.5%), pitch shift, and reverse functions, offering creative flexibility in audio production. The AES/EBU digital interface supports all sample rates, ensuring high-quality digital audio transmission and robust connectivity with other digital audio equipment.

The SCSI interface allows for virtually unlimited recording time by connecting to hard drives or additional MO drives, which is essential for large library storage, ensuring that extensive audio collections can be managed efficiently.

The system format is a Magneto-Optical Disk Recorder, providing 120 track minutes on a 640 MB disk at 44.1 kHz with 16-bit linear quantisation. The analogue audio input/output consists of a 2-channel, transformerless, active balanced format with XLR connectors, ensuring high-quality analogue audio connections. The digital audio input/output also uses a 2-channel AES/EBU format with XLR connectors, supporting robust digital audio connections.

Features

• High-Capacity Recording: The Otari PD-20 provides 120 track minutes of recording time on a 640 MB MO disk at 44.1 kHz, with 16-bit linear quantisation. This high-capacity recording ensures that you can capture extended sessions without the need for frequent media changes.
• Synchronisation: Featuring an SMPTE timecode synchroniser that supports all rates, including LTC and VITC, the Otari PD-20 ensures precise synchronisation with video and other media, making it a perfect fit for post-production work.
• Internal Tracks: The recorder includes 4 internal tracks for stereo compilation and 2-channel analog I/Os, providing flexibility in managing multiple audio sources and outputs within a single unit.
• Remote Control: The optional Otari CB-170 remote control, equipped with a jog/shuttle wheel, enhances the user experience by providing intuitive control over playback and editing functions. This remote allows for precise navigation and editing of audio tracks.
• Waveform Editing: The Otari PD-20 supports intuitive waveform editing on an external VGA monitor, making it easier to visualise and manipulate audio data. This feature is particularly useful for detailed editing and ensuring high-quality output.
• Quick Play Mode: Ideal for broadcasting, the quick play mode is designed for instant playback of jingles and sound effects. Program playlists can be triggered by timecode via GPIO, automating playback sequences for live shows or events.
• Advanced Playback and Recording: The Otari PD-20 includes off-line DSP for time compression/expansion, allowing users to adjust the duration of audio without affecting pitch. Additionally, it supports varispeed play and record (±12.5%), pitch shift, and reverse functions, offering creative flexibility in audio production.
• Digital Interface: With an AES/EBU digital interface that supports all sample rates, the Otari PD-20 ensures high-quality digital audio transmission. This interface provides robust connectivity with other digital audio equipment.
• Extended Storage: The SCSI interface allows for virtually unlimited recording time by connecting to hard drives or additional MO drives. This feature is essential for large library storage, ensuring that extensive audio collections can be managed efficiently.