Definition
The Soundscape SSHDR1 is a hard‑disk‑based, 8‑track digital multitrack audio recorder and playback system produced by the British audio equipment manufacturer Soundscape in the mid‑1990s.
Overview
Introduced in 1994, the SSHDR1 was one of the early stand‑alone digital recording units that allowed users to record, edit, and mix multiple audio tracks directly to a hard disk without the need for a separate computer. The unit featured a dedicated front‑panel interface with faders, pan knobs, and transport controls, enabling real‑time mixing and overdubbing. It was marketed toward project studios, post‑production facilities, and mobile recording applications. The SSHDR1 could be expanded with optional I/O cards and external control surfaces, and it supported synchronization to SMPTE timecode for integration with video and other audio equipment.
Etymology/Origin
The name combines the company name “Soundscape” with the model designation “SSHDR1.” “SSHDR” is an abbreviation of “Soundscape Hard‑Disk Recorder,” and the numeral “1” denotes the first model in the series.
Characteristics
- Tracks and Resolution: 8 simultaneous audio tracks; 16‑bit linear PCM at 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz sampling rates.
- Storage: Internal SCSI hard‑disk drives ranging from 500 MB to 4 GB, with the ability to swap drives for extended recording time.
- Interface: 8 balanced analog inputs/outputs, optional digital I/O (AES/EBU), and MIDI In/Out for synchronization.
- Control: Dedicated front‑panel transport functions, motorized faders, and pan pots; optional remote control via RS‑232 or MIDI.
- Editing Capabilities: Basic non‑linear editing functions such as cut, copy, paste, and cross‑fade, performed directly on the unit’s internal processor.
- Connectivity: SMPTE timecode input/output for synchronization with video decks and other studio gear; word‑clock and sample‑rate lock for multi‑unit operation.
- Power: 120 V AC (or 240 V AC for international models), with a typical power consumption of approximately 80 W.
Related Topics
- Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) – Software platforms that perform similar recording and mixing functions on a computer.
- Hard‑Disk Recorder (HDR) – A class of audio recorders that store audio data on magnetic or solid‑state drives.
- Soundscape (company) – The UK‑based manufacturer of professional audio equipment, including the SSHDR series.
- SMPTE Timecode – A standard for labeling individual frames of video or audio for synchronization purposes.
- Multitrack Recording – The process of recording separate audio sources on individual tracks for later mixing.