BLACKBOX recorders

BLACKBOX Multi-Track Recorders are available in a variety of formats, both analogue and digital, to meet your requirements. They are supremely simple to use – simply connect the input and output, add power and a USB drive, then hit RECORD. Designed to meet mission-critical standards of professional use, they include fail-safe systems such as JoeCo’s “Safe ‘n’ Sound” recovery ­– your audio files will be recovered even after a sudden accidental loss of power.

The original BBR1 BLACKBOX Recorder can record or replay up to 24 channels of 24bit/96kHz audio in Broadcast WAV (BWAV) format. Meanwhile, the BBR64-MADI and BBR64-DANTE versions of the recorder can record or replay up to 64 channels at standard sample rates*, all in a compact 1U box.

All BLACKBOX Multi-Track Recorders support the replay of polyphonic wav files, from multiple stereo files up to 24- or even 64-channel PolyWAV files. Mono, stereo and multichannel files can even be used together in the same song, massively enhancing the system’s flexibility.

Audio is recorded as industry-standard mono broadcast WAV files to an external USB2 drive, thereby ensuring that all data is easy to remove, carry away and use. Recorded files can be instantly imported into any Mac- or PC-based Digital Audio Workstation (DAW). The implementation of JoeCo’s iXML plug-in (see Software Options) additionally enables PolyWAV files to be recorded.

For operation, core functions are all accessible via the sleek and intuitive front panel, with a menu-driven user interface, touch sensitive transport controls, a data wheel and function buttons. A full colour LCD displays all required information. Remote control is possible via the JoeCoRemote app for iPad.

Other timesaving and professional features include virtual soundcheck; disk drive formatting; the ability to create a headphone monitor mix with level and pan on every track; a keyboard interface, optional footswitch operation, a Name Manager for creating templates and modifying track or song names, plus a variety of shortcuts for speedily navigating menu options and transport controls. The recorder also offers a range of enhancements for film, TV and broadcast applications including support for 23.98fps time code, 9-pin support for edit controllers, and iXML support.

* Higher sample rate recording is accommodated at a reduced track count

iXML Option:

iXML support is now available for the BLACKBOX RECORDER. iXML is an open standard developed to simplify the transfer of recorded digital audio files through the post production process. Invaluable to both sound recordists and post production personnel in the film and broadcast industry, it allows for the inclusion of location sound metadata in Broadcast WAV audio files, ensuring that important information which would have traditionally been noted on the tape box does not get separated from the audio it pertains to. This includes data like Scene, Take and Notes information, which can be logged during location sound recording in the film and TV industry and subsequently utilised by post production editors.

When enabled for iXML, the BLACKBOX RECORDER allows the user to enter and edit typical iXML data fields, which are accessed via the main menu. A standard QWERTY keyboard can be connected to the recorder for rapid data entry, with most frequently used items accessible via a series of keyboard shortcuts. The iXML menu consists of three screens that enable the user to include a range of location sound metadata in Broadcast WAV files, from project names through to scene, take and notes information. The data is then embedded into the BWAV file at the end of the recording to be recalled later in the production chain.

The iXML implementation also enables the BLACKBOX RECORDER to remember different headphone monitor mixes that have been set up during the recording process. This data is stored as part of the iXML chunk in the Default Mix section, allowing the user to quickly refer to an earlier recording, for example a previous scene that may have had different monitoring requirements. It is also possible to adjust the monitor mix via standard MIDI controllers. A further benefit of the iXML implementation is the ability for the recorder to capture PolyWAV files (in addition to standard mono BWAVs). This feature enables TV and film location recordists to better serve the needs of post production facilities, or systems where audio material is ingested in single large files.

How to buy
Licences for iXML are available directly from JoeCo or via your local reseller or distributor. Please email JoeCo Sales for information on purchasing an upgrade licence.

BLACKBOX PLAYER Upgrade:

This software upgrade gives your BLACKBOX RECORDER alternative functionality as a dedicated multi-channel playback device that has been specifically designed to replay backing tracks or multiple surround stems for live shows. Able to replay 24 channels of high quality audio at up to 24Bit/96kHz, it can be triggered using time code, a footswitch or QWERTY keyboard, or controlled via MIDI commands, giving the live engineer, installation sound designer, musical director or artist full control of the show at all times.

More information about the BLACKBOX PLAYER.

How to buy
BlackBox Player Licences are available directly from JoeCo or via your local reseller or distributor. Please email JoeCo Sales for information on purchasing an upgrade licence.