Recorders	Microphones/Transducers	Bat detectors	Shock-mounts
	CompactFlash	Overview	Playback	Cables
	Hard-drive	Shotgun	Headphones	Protective cases
	R-DAT	Parabolic reflector	Speakers	Additional
	MiniDisc	Omni-directional	Amplifiers	Helpful Reads
	Analog	Uni-directional	Accessories	Vendors
		Infrasonic	Preamps	Inquiries
		Hydrophones

Hard-drive audio recorders are easy-to-use devices that utilize specially formatted, rugged, hard-drives (typically 40GB or greater) for storage. The digitized audio is simply stored as data files on the disk making random access very easy. While a few multi-channel devices have been available for some time (Zaxcom - DevaII, HHB -PORTADRIVE, and the Aaton -Cantar-X) the market place has been devoid of simple two and four channel units. Sound Devices, LLC introduced in the second quarter of 2004, two new audio recorders, models 722 and 744T.

The model 722 (~$2,000) is a high-resolution two-channel recorder. It will feature high-resolution A/D and D/A converters, high-quality microphone preamps, active-balanced XLR style microphone inputs, 48-volt phantom power, high-pass filters, as well as real-time post-record monitoring. A user-adjustable pre-record buffer is provided to eliminate missed takes. A large backlit display for metering is viewable in all lighting conditions. Digital inputs and outputs are available via either TA3 or BNC connectors. Multiple sampling rates are supported including 44.1, 48, or 96kHz. Selectable bit-depths are either 16 or 24. Recording format is un-compressed linear PCM. A 40GB field removable/replaceable hard-drive is standard. External data interface is via a 1394 (Firewire 400) port. Field powering is accomplished via removable lithium ion rechargeable batteries, or via external 5-18 volts DC. External powering requires a 4-pin Hirose connector.

The model 744T (~$4,000) shares many of the above features except it offers one, two, or four channels of recording plus an additional time-code track. Additional sample-rates are also standard to conform to the needs of the video/film user.