The Studer D827 MCH is built on Studer’s renowned tape deck technology, ensuring precision and reliability. The standard configuration includes a TC/RT chase synchroniser, MADI and AES/EBU digital interfaces, and comprehensive remote-control ports.
Designed for versatility, the modular architecture and system connectivity of the Studer D827 cater to a wide range of applications. With over 14 optional expansions available, the machine can be customised to meet any studio requirement and budget.
The introduction of new A/D converters redefines digital multitrack sound quality. Utilising advanced noise shaping signal processing technologies, the 18-bit performance is effectively preserved when converted to the 16-bit DASH-compatible media. These A/D converters are complemented by high-quality D/A converters that ensure superior playback fidelity.
To support a broader range of digital formats, an SDIF-2 interface can be installed. Additionally, a 180-second Sound Memory enables creative post-production flexibility, with the ability to allocate its capacity across up to four channels. The Studer D827 MCH is equipped with an extensive range of remote-control options, all designed for ergonomic operation, providing an efficient interface between user and machine.
The Setup Handler application, designed for the Apple Macintosh platform, leverages the full software configurability of the Studer D827 MCH. It allows all user parameters and text memos to be stored to disk, significantly reducing setup times with instant recall capabilities. All optional features are designed for in-field retrofit, including the ability to upgrade from a 24-track to a 48-track machine.
The Studer D827 MCH maintains an identical system nucleus across both 24 and 48-track versions, facilitating future upgrades without requiring extensive modifications. This modular approach allows users to expand their system as needed, incorporating additional tracks, converters, or other enhancements directly in the field. This design philosophy follows the principle of “what you need is what you get,” ensuring that users invest only in the features they require.
The system nucleus of the Studer D827 MCH is pre-engineered for 48-track operation, offering outstanding performance characteristics across all configurations. The high-performance tape deck is optimised for extremely fast acceleration and deceleration, ensuring seamless operation.
An integrated synchroniser provides comprehensive editing capabilities, including TC chase and DASH lock synchronisation. Standard interfaces include MADI and AES/EBU, and all serial and parallel remote-control ports are incorporated into the base configuration.
With the Extended Digital Resolution (EDR) option, the Studer D827 MCH offers linear 24-bit recording on conventional 16-bit media without sacrificing DASH format compatibility. The first 24 of the 48 tracks are recorded in standard 16-bit resolution, while the remaining 24 tracks store the additional 8 bits of resolution. This allows for full 24-bit word length retrieval via MADI and AES/EBU interfaces, facilitating high-resolution post-production workflows.
High-quality A/D and D/A converters are available as optional upgrades, bridging the gap between digital and analogue studio environments. The 18-bit Sigma-Delta A/D converters and 20-bit D/A converters represent Studer’s commitment to superior audio fidelity. Additionally, noise shaper modules can be fitted to the A/D converters, enhancing their performance by suppressing noise floor increases associated with word-length reduction.
The noise shaping DSP technology ensures 18-bit quality playback without requiring coding. By psychoacoustically managing noise floor elevation during 16-bit conversion, the Studer D827 MCH maintains exceptional sound integrity. This linear, uncoded operation guarantees that playback quality remains unaffected even when using different D/A converters for monitoring and post-processing.
A highly ergonomic remote-control console enhances operational convenience and precision. The console is specifically designed for ease of use, featuring two command panels that can be positioned optimally for user comfort. The inclination of the upper panel is separately adjustable. Remote commands are transmitted via the REMBUS master-slave bus, which also supplies operating voltage, eliminating the need for additional AC power connections.
A flexible and precise autolocator and sound memory control system is integrated into the lower command panel, which remains identical across both 24 and 48-track machines. The four-channel sound memory offers extensive editing capabilities with a maximum recording time of 45 seconds for four channels or 180 seconds for mono recording. This memory unit supports variable delay (track slipping) in the millisecond range, ensuring precise time alignment during post-production.
An advanced audio channel control system allows users to implement complex audio configurations with the push of a button. Functions include audio grouping, status indication, and a comprehensive set of operations accessible via the upper command panel. An optional parallel interface allows audio channel control directly from the mixing console, transmitting all LED and key information seamlessly.
For additional connectivity, an SDIF multichannel interface is available, supporting 16-bit data transfer with expansion units accommodating 24 channels each. The Studer D827 MCH also offers an optional “New Record” head, enabling true tape/source monitoring for applications such as live multitrack recordings. This head can be installed in the field and is supplied pre-aligned with a parameter diskette.
Studer has maintained a tradition of integrating product and system development to achieve superior system integration. The Studer D827 MCH is designed with high efficiency and audio quality in mind, providing interfaces for seamless connectivity.
Synchronisation options are extensive, supporting word clocks (48 – 44.1 kHz, including AES/EBU-derived clocks), video sync signals, and external varispeed control. The internal TC generator automatically synchronises with phase-locked sampling frequency.
A high-precision 30-segment digital PPM bar graph output meter ensures accurate readings within a 60 dB range, featuring an overload indicator for each channel. The meter’s remote display can be repositioned for optimal viewing, and various display modes, including peak hold, can be selected.
The MADI interface is a standard feature, enabling high-speed digital audio transfer. Digital mixing consoles and tape recorders can be connected via coaxial or fibre-optic cables, supporting up to 56 audio channels with AES-3-word clock synchronisation.
The Studer D827 MCH EDR version provides lossless 24-bit digital recording, ensuring that digital transfers from high-resolution mixing consoles remain intact without degradation.
The Setup Handler acts as a snapshot control system for the Studer D827 MCH, functioning similarly to digital mixing console automation. It allows complete machine settings and locator addresses to be stored on disk for instant recall. The software, compatible with Macintosh computers, provides a clear overview of user settings and allows for documentation printouts.
The design of the Studer D827 MCH minimises non-productive downtime through efficient serviceability. Integrated diagnostic functions, a built-in test monitor with an alphanumeric LC display, and a multiprocessor architecture ensure reliability and rapid troubleshooting.
The machine features an internal test signal generator and RS 232/422 interfaces for comprehensive system monitoring. Advanced software service tools allow for field headblock replacement and calibration, reducing service time and ensuring continued high performance.
