Tascam X-48
48-track hybrid hard-disk workstation with digital mixer and graphical editing (Japan, 2007)
Description
Technical
Specifications
Inputs / Outputs
| Inputs / outputs | 48 TDIF channels (6× DB25); up to 24 analog I/O and 24 ADAT I/O via option cards (slots 1 and 2); S/PDIF; Word Sync In/Out/Thru (BNC); Time Code In/Out; MIDI In/Out; 2× FireWire; VGA output, PS/2 keyboard/mouse, USB. |
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Processing
| Mix buses | 2 |
|---|---|
| Aux sends | 6 |
| DSP engine | 48-channel 32-bit floating-point mixing engine (TASCAM) |
| Max sample rate | 192 kHz |
| Bit depth | 24 bits |
| Processing resolution | 32 bits |
| Architecture | Hybrid hard-disk workstation: a standalone 48-track recorder/player with a built-in digital mixer, graphical editing and plug-in support, operated from the front panel (transport, track arming, metering) or via a VGA display + keyboard + mouse. |
| Channels | 48-channel digital mixer, 32-bit floating-point internal resolution, with 6 stereo returns (60 inputs at mixdown), 12 stereo groups, 6 aux sends and a stereo master bus. 4-band parametric EQ and dynamics on every channel, with full dynamic automation. |
Surface
| Physical faders | 0 |
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| Motorized faders | No |
| Touchscreen | No |
Recording
| Onboard recording | Yes |
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| Recording type | Internal hard drive (80 GB) + built-in DVD+RW burner |
| Recording | 48 tracks at 24-bit / 96 kHz; 24 tracks at 192 kHz. 32-bit floating-point audio files supported. |
Networking
| Networking & protocols | ADAT / AES/EBU |
|---|---|
| Redundant PSU | No |
| Redundant networking | No |
Physical
| Build | Rackmount unit (6U). An X-48 MKII revision (circa 2009) refined the editing/mixing integration. |
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Other
| Software | Project interchange via AAF, OpenTL and Broadcast Wave for interoperability with computer DAWs (Pro Tools, Nuendo, etc.). Support for VST-format plug-ins. |
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Strip & details
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Software
Other screenshots
Documents
Editorial & artists
Our take
History & design
Announced by Tascam (TEAC) in 2007, the X-48 was billed as “the world's first standalone 48-track hybrid hard-disk workstation.” The guiding idea was to combine, in a single rack unit, the stability and ergonomics of a dedicated hardware recorder with the graphical flexibility of a computer workstation. The machine runs standalone — transport, track arming, project management and metering on the front panel — but connects to a VGA display, keyboard and mouse to open a workstation-style interface for recording, editing, mixing and level display.
At its core the X-48 offers 48 tracks at 24-bit/96 kHz (24 tracks at 192 kHz), 32-bit floating-point file support, and a 48-channel digital mixer at 32-bit floating-point resolution. Every channel has a 4-band parametric EQ and dynamics; there are 12 stereo groups, 6 aux sends, 6 stereo returns (60 inputs at mixdown) and a stereo master bus, all with full dynamic automation. I/O is built around 48 TDIF channels (6 DB25 connectors), extended through two option slots with up to 24 analog I/O and 24 ADAT I/O; S/PDIF, Word Sync, Time Code, MIDI and FireWire round it out. Storage relies on an internal hard drive and a DVD+RW burner for backup and transfer.
The X-48 was designed for studio tracking, live recording, theatre playback and advanced project-studio production. An X-48 MKII revision (circa 2009) turned it into a more fully integrated recording, editing and mixing platform. It exchanges projects via AAF, OpenTL and Broadcast Wave to talk to computer DAWs, and accepts VST plug-ins.
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