After an extended gestation period, Zaxcom said it has begun shipping its next-generation Deva 24 and Mix-16 field audio recording and mixing system.
Featuring a detachable front panel and a touchscreen menu system, the Deva 24 boasts 16 analog inputs, 12 of them (on XLR-3F connectors) switchable between mic- and line-level. (Zaxcom says its NeverClip preamps extend dynamic range on those inputs to 136 dB.) Four more analog (on TA5 connectors) line-level connectors are for use as returns.
Zaxcom Deva 24
Zaxcom
The new Deva also accepts 24 input channels of AES audio, including 16 that support the AES42 standard, accepting unlocked AES signals with sampling rates between 32 and 192 kHz and built-in sample-rate conversion.
Analog audio can be routed out via four balanced XLR jacks and three balanced TA-5Ms. Tape/mono output is available on two unbalanced 3.5mm jacks, and headphone output is available via 1/4-inch and 3.5mm connections. Additional connectors support timecode, external slate mix and redundant power.
Deva 24 back panel
Zaxcom
Deva 24 right panel
Zaxcom
Simultaneous recording to three different pieces of media is available via an internal 2.5-inch SSD recording MARF II paired with two CF cards each recording BWF files. Optionally, an external drive can be connected via eSATA to take the place of one CF card slot.
The 12 dials on the front of the unit can be used as faders, input trim knobs, or ZaxNet control knobs. Eight tracks can be used to mix all inputs, while 16 tracks are dedicated to ISO track routing. Zaxcom says any of the 16 analog or 24 digital inputs can be assigned to an ISO track either pre- or post-fader.
Zaxcom Mix-16
Zaxcom
For more flexibility, the Deva 24 can be connected to the Mix-16 or an Oasis control surface — or a Mac or PC — via a single USB cable. The new Mix-16 has 16 motorized faders in five banks, each with an LED input meter and an input trim knob, for controlling the Deva 24. The Mix-16 weighs 8.8 lbs (3.9 kg) and draws less than 18 watts of power when used with the Deva 24, Zaxcom said.
Zaxcom will have both the Deva 24 and Mix-16 at NAB Booth C3927, and the company is extending a $1,000 discount on the combined purchase of both systems through the end of the show.
