OTARI Radar II
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Posted on Mar 27, 2008 12:32 pm
sailingguitarist
Let's go sailing....
Member Since: Feb 25, 2008
I spent the big bucks and bought a RADAR II off ebay. Anyone else here in our group use one of these?
Steve
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CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Mar 27, 2008 12:47 pm I don't even know what it is....
*googles it*
Hmmmm, that is very nifty. Rackmountable, with jog dial and monitor hookups.
Hope you got a good deal on it!
I was looking into building a server case rackmount system that was really quiet, I ended up at $1250 for just the PC. Add on 24 tracks, a rack on wheels, the pre's to go with it and all the cabling I would have been right around 5K.
This looks similar to what I had in mind, I am very intrigued and can't wait to hear it.
BeerHunterwww.TheLondonProject.caMember
Since: Feb 07, 2005
Mar 27, 2008 01:03 pm I just got into a hardware DAW recently although not a RADAR. I just recently picked up a firewire interface for it so I can connect to my PC. This will also allow me to use my DAW as a control surface in Sonar.
RADAR is suppose to be awesome. I'm sure you will like it. Congrats.
BTW - mine is a Roland V-Studio.
Mar 27, 2008 01:24 pm I dropped out of "pro" audio just before Radar became the thing. How much did you pay? I personally think that Radar is the most logical way to do digital audio. None of this booting into an OS then loading your DAW. The OS should BE the DAW. It just makes sense.
Sure there are other hardware DAWs but it's nice to have a decent graphical interface on a proper monitor as opposed to a 4" LCD screen. Nice that they based it around Unix as well. Apparently stability was the intention.(who'da thunk it?)
I don't know why someone hasn't developed an OS specifically for this. It would be nice to have a hardware supported DAW that would be a stand alone OS but something that I could purchase and install on my PC/Mac as a secondary OS.
Mar 27, 2008 04:58 pm Go RADAR. I've got a Radar 24 Classic, its great!
Mar 27, 2008 06:44 pm I got a good deal - at least I think it was - $3,200 - it was created to replace the 24 track 2" tape. My version is only 44.1k and 48k - but when we recorded our last CD's in nashville this system was the one used - and it rocked. Everything I read is about how great the converters are - so as soon as I get it up and running I am going to post some new recordings! (Sometime Mid April)
What is your setup like Colonel? You mixing in the box? Are you using 2408 w/TDIF??
Steve
Mar 27, 2008 06:47 pm Good idea about the standalone DAW hueseph - this one is based off BeOS and I am sure it is their customized version - but it is so stable - and the clock is so good. I cant wait to receive it!
Steve
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 27, 2008 09:33 pm I've used and still have access to Radar systems.
As I stated somewhere else here it is the only system I would use in a hardware format. It is the most stable and been around the longest. And as stated the converters are the katz azz.
I do like the straight forward OS as well, fire it up and go.
Mar 28, 2008 12:33 am Well it retailed for about $7500-8000 so it's less than half price. Still a pretty smokin' deal.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Mar 28, 2008 11:58 am BH, I've said it before and I'll say it again. You have a nice rack bro...
Mar 28, 2008 05:19 pm Haven't had a chance to use it a lot, but I'm saving for an old 24 channel Trident 70's desk for it. Also have the contoller and ADAT cards, which I use with my RME digiface if I'm recording straight to Cubase.
I payed around $4000US for my 24 (iZ, not otari), so 3200's pretty good! Did it come with a meter bridge or controller?
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 30, 2008 08:09 pm iZ made some killer improvements to the system while retaining its perfect simplicity and ease of control. Some new options were added that make it easier to use and a bit more functional, though the Otari systems were great as well.
CS, I will keep my ears open for an old Trident for you. Once in awhile they appear for a good price. Good choice by the way. That was one of the first desks I had a chance to work on back when they were new.
Mar 30, 2008 09:45 pm Hey thanks Noize. Yeah, I did a lot of research and it was a toss up between a 70 series Trident and an old Neotek Elite, but the Tridents are so damn sexy. My soldering and electronics knowledge are ever improving so maintenance should be all good.
Which model were you working on?
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Mar 30, 2008 10:35 pm The first one was a B series split console. Very much like the A but with a few improvements. I worked on an A series as well a bit later on at a much bigger studio.
Also spent time on the TSM, several version of the series 80, S70, TIL and both the Series 65 and 75 consoles.
I think they were really designed with service in mind. They are so much easier to work on and maintain then any other console out there. And honestly I simply like their sound.
Mar 31, 2008 06:26 am Dude, you worked on an A range?!? They have a badass reputation, I'd kill to hear one. What were you tracking?
I've never worked on a Trident before, but everyone who owns one seems to be real happy. How would you compare something like a B series to a TSM/70 series?
Apr 01, 2008 05:19 pm Hey Colonel -
Yeah - it came with a meter bridge - session controller - 9 gig disk - dvd-ram - clean looking unit.
Bought a MOTU 2048 w/324 card today - I sure wish I could have used the MOTU 828mkii I just bought - guess it will be time to sell it once I get my RADAR.
A trident board sure sounds nice to own.
Apr 01, 2008 08:23 pm Even sweeter deal. I've seen the meter bridge and controller for the IZ 24 go for over a couple of grand alone.
You fired it up yet? BTW, theres a forum at the IZ web site for everything radar including software updates etc. Not sure whats available for the Otari's but its worth a look.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 02, 2008 08:47 pm Honestly I liked the sound of the B range a little better. But the routing and flexibility of the TSM was a bit better but the 79 series got even better. More options. I would probably take a 70 over the TSM, though out of 3 TSM desks I worked on one of them had a sound quite similar to the B range. The 70 series was more akin to the B though for sure. The feel of it was just different from the TSM. But the B Range just felt huge, and it was.
I would not turn down a Series 70 though or the TSM.
Apr 03, 2008 04:49 am Sweet! I haven't looked at the schematics but I hear the 70 channel strip is very similar to the 80B, minus a couple of EQ's, but the master section is pretty different. Theres a Trident Yahoo group with heaps of mods for the 70's as well.
What price have you seen them going for? I was thinking 6-8K US + 1K or so for shipping.
Apr 04, 2008 12:42 am Havent received it yet - the guy received the payment today and said that he was shipping tomorrow! YAHOOO!!!!
Steve
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 04, 2008 07:27 pm I haven't looked at prices for a long time on those. I'll keep an eye open though for sure.
What frame are you looking at, 24, 32, 48?
And yep, the channel strip is very similar. But indeed the master section is a good deal different. Very good though, nothing to frown at by any means.
Apr 04, 2008 08:05 pm 24 unless there is a 32 at a VERY good price. 48's overkill as won't be able to afford another radar till I'm 30. I've seen a couple of 24's that can be expanded to 28 or so inputs as well. That'd be pretty sweet.
Do you know how much you'd pay a tech to look through a decent condtion console? Possibly a recap on a 24 as well?
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 05, 2008 10:09 pm I'll keep my eyes out for a 24 then for sure. I've not seen an expanded one but have heard of some that were done.
I know one guy here does around $80 an hour but generally will barter or work out a deal if he is hooked up via another client. He is a Trident freak as well, and loves the older desk's. I've worked with him in the past on a few and he is one of those guys that can simply turn one on and run it through its paces and knows exactly what he will need to do to fix it. Its like a karma thing I suppose. He just connects with anything electronic.
I know others range from the $100 an hour range to a bit more, but they are kind of working the snooty crowd as well.
The first guy does travel too. Not sure what kind of expense thing he works out for that though. But he is good at what he does. I used to have him work on my amps and a few other bits.
Apr 07, 2008 05:50 pm Sounds like the go to guy. Once I have a console lined up you'll have to shoot me his contact details.
Thanks for the Q&A!
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Apr 07, 2008 06:44 pm Keep me posted on that Motu unit you may be selling :)
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 08, 2008 10:07 pm Q & A, you know its what I live for. :-)
Apr 18, 2008 07:04 am I received my Radar II. Had to re-seat the TDIF card from transit. All seems ok - I'm having some problems with my MOTU 2408 and clocking from the Radar. I get a little noise - almost like a one second IRQ fireback or something.
I was able to record a project on my PC - but like I said I get a little digital noise from the MOTU. I am clocked to the Word Clock out on the Radar - to the Word Clock in on the Motu.
Any suggestions?
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Apr 19, 2008 07:48 pm In the MOTU control panel make certain it is set to see the word clock from the Radar. And if there is an option to sync use that as well if there is an option to set the clock it is looking for. It sounds like it might be a cable as well. I suggest not using cheap cable to send the word clock. They are not worth the savings at all as it only tends to cause jitter and errors.
Apr 24, 2008 07:10 pm I found a great deal on a Mackie D8B and 3 tdif boards for it - I will get that next week.
Are you using a Digital board Colonel?/
Steve
Apr 24, 2008 07:41 pm Na man, I have an Allen & Heath mix wiz and some outboard pre's for now. But as I said, I'm looking to add an old analogue Trident board.
I've heard good things though. I think whosyourdaddy (HRC member) was using one at the studio he worked at.
May 01, 2008 09:17 am Well I got my d8b in and now I have the d8b slaving to the radar clock - then in tdif - and now I can edit / mix all digital - then spdif out to my motu unit for 2-tracking and mastering.
Now for a new preamp/microphone (UA-610/Neumann tlm103)
Steve
May 02, 2008 04:31 am Nice setup! Hows the Radar going?
Don't get me started on the 103.... :-) Are you buying it new or used? Better mics for the money IMO.
May 04, 2008 08:53 am The Radar is great - I have all automation working with the d8b - my board came with quite a few plug-ins so I am having a blast! I will be posting new stuff this week. The Radar records so warmly.
Friday I picked up a Hammon T-500 series tone-wheel organ. While it isnt a B-3 - this little thing records great!
What is it about the TLM-103 that makes your feel that way? Isnt that the Daddy of all Mics (barring the U-87? Same capsule no tube?)
Steve
May 04, 2008 05:37 pm Sweet, can't wait to hear it!
The U87 doesn't have a tube. Its the solid state version of the U67, which is a version of the U47. IMO the U47/67's ARE the daddies of mics (not that you'd find one for $1000).
Not sure about the capsule, but I don't think it sounds like a U87. Have you heard it? It was alright on OH's/drums but it would not be my go to vocal mic. Its quite bright, borderline brittle IMO. For $1g I'd be listening to Pearlman (used TM-1!!), Peluso (used 2247/P12), Shure KSM32, AT4050/4060, Blue mics(haven't heard them, but they get lots of praise), and Noize likes his Mojave :-).
www.thelisteningsessions.com/sessions.htm
IMHO. Everybody's tastes are different.
May 05, 2008 08:51 am Thanks for the info brother. I will check the other mics out. New music coming up this week!!
Steve
