Zaxcom Nomad 12

Description

Zaxcom Nomad 12, 12 track audio recorder with Zaxnet, AES in/out

Nomad is a complete location sound recording system designed specifically for soundbag use, Nomad provides all the functionality necessary to mix and record in a power efficient space-saving package. Nomad features 10 analog inputs with 6 mic pre amps featuring NeverClip. Nomad has 3 pair of AES digital inputs with sample rate conversion. One pair can be configured as an AES42 input. All inputs can be mixed to 6 output buss over 4 XLR connectors and 3 TA5 connectors (two busses per TA5). Each output connectors that can be individually configured as line, mic and consumer output levels. There is also a mono and tape output. Nomad also has 4 balanced camera returns that double as balanced line level inputs. Nomad can record 12 tracks on dual Compact Flash card. Files can be recorded up to 24bit/96KHz with a dynamic range of 137dB.

The digital mixing advantage: Nomad’s digital mixing engine provides zero distortion, zero noise, and far greater dynamic range than is possible with an analog mixing solution. Nomads digital mixer always provides a phase and time coherent audio path for every analog input to each output. The mixer has a special feature that ensures that the headphone monitor is always a true reflection of the Nomad output busses and recording tracks. If any bus is over-driven the headphone will always correctly mirror the condition no matter the volume of the headphone or the output level of the bus output. All of Nomad’s DSP based mixing functions are cross faded. This eliminates the clicks and pops common to hardware control of analog mixers.

NeverClip (patent pending): a sound recording engineer is always judged by the quality of the recorded mix tracks. The tracks must be as high dynamic range as possible without clipping. Often tracks do not have enough level or contain a high degree of limiter distortion. NeverClip features a dual A-D converter design that extends the dynamic range of the Nomad input to an unmatched 137dB. NeverClip eliminates the need for hard input limiters that can distort the track before it can be mixed. This provides a better dynamic range and lower distortion than is possible with analog mixers. With NeverClip, input trim adjustment pots are not needed during a live production and audio can be recorded at a higher level to ease post-production.

ZaxNet: Nomad 12 contains an integrated Zaxnet transceiver. Via Zaxnet, an IFB audio channel can be transmitted to multiple Zaxcom ERX audio monitor receivers. Personal audio delay capability is included to keep picture and sound monitoring in perfect sync for all on-set clients. Digital IFB audio quality and the ability to instantly route the source from any combination of 16 busses will make the Zaxnet IFB system a standout for both production sound mixers and their clients. Zaxnet simultaneously distributes SMPTE time code and audio to ERX receivers. When the ERX receiver is connected to camera there is no need to manually jam time code. All Zaxnet time code is free from timing errors and drift. This feature eliminates the need for separate TC sync boxes and separate RF time code transmission systems. Zaxcom’s wireless microphones are also directly controlled from Nomad via Zaxnet transmission. Audio gain, wireless frequency, RF power level and transmitter recording control are all seamlessly integrated into the system. IFB monitoring from camera mounted receivers is integrated directly into the headphone monitor system. When utilized with the Zaxcom QRX (with IFB option) allows for direct wireless monitoring of confidence audio from up to 6 cameras.

Auto-mixer: Zaxcom auto-mixer will aid in the mixing of unscripted dialog. Control multiple microphones in an unscripted situation can be a daunting task. The auto-mixer seamless opens a microphone as a speaker begins to talk and attenuates it when they stop. A last mic on features ensures that there is a constant noise floor.

Integrated TC slate: Nomad has a time code slate feature that can eliminate the need for external time code slates. Just press the time code button and large time code display characters are instantly displayed on the LCD display in the correct orientation to be photographed by the video camera. A beep tone is inserted into the designated audio tracks when the slate function is activated. The integrated time code slate is all that is needed for post to verify sync between picture and sound. Because the slate is generated directly from the Nomad’s timecode generator there is never any timing error between the two.

Surround and MS Recording: the six hardware faders can be routed to any or all of the six mic/line inputs. This makes Nomad the perfect choice for recording of surround microphones where precise gain control of multiple channels is required often by a single rotary fader. When multiple channels are set up for multi channel microphones the Nomad soft knee compressors will be linked via a side chain. This keeps the gain equal on all channels even when one of the microphone inputs is in compression. This keeps all audio channels in their proper gain and phase relationships. Since all of Nomad processing is in the digital domain the compressors will always act with exactly the same gain reduction and timing parameters. This yields results not possible with analog mixers with hard limiters.

Nomad control surface: Nomad control surfaces improves on the pots and switches used on analog mixers. With NeverClip, input trim controls are no longer needed to control input levels during a live mix and are not present on the control surface. The PFL function remembers the last state of the PFL mix so any combination of channels can be monitored pre-fader with the push of a single button. Bus routing to the 6 output busses is instantly viewed and controlled via the home screen. This replaces the multiple push pots and routing menus necessary to do the same job on hardware/software based mixers. All settings can be stored and recalled for instant and total configuration of the Nomad. The control surface of Nomad is an intuitive space-saving open design that is in step with the technology it controls.

Recording tracks: 12

Total mix Busses: 18

Track mix busses: 12

Automixer: 18 inputs

ZaxNet: yes

AES inputs: 8 channel

Notch filter per ch.: 2

Ext fader cont.: yes

Surround decode: yes