Tascam showed at NAB the FW-1884, a professional DAW control surface and audio/MIDI interface that uses the FireWire high-speed data-transfer protocol. Co-designed between Tascam and Frontier Design Group, the FW-1884 ($1,599 MSRP) is an expandable audio and MIDI interface and control surface for professional DAW users.
The FW-1884 provides audio and MIDI interfacing to computers, as well as control of DAW parameters via eight 100mm motorized, touch-sensitive channel faders, one master fader, and controls for pan, solo, mute and select functions on each channel. Tactile control of four bands of parametric EQ, a weighted jog wheel and a variety of shortcut keys for various popular software applications are also included.
DAW control capabilities include comprehensive mixing, automation, editing and navigation tools. In addition to its faders, dedicated controls and assignable/pre-assigned shortcut keys, the FW-1884 provides eight balanced XLR analog mic/line inputs with high-quality mic preamps, phantom power and inserts on every channel. Using 24-bit/96kHz AD/DA converters, the FW-1884 offers full 96kHz operation on all analog I/O channels with compatible DAW software, including Digital Performer, Cubase, Nuendo and Sonar.
For use with condenser microphones, the FW-1884 offers phantom power that can be switched in groups of four channels. In addition to its two FireWire (IEEE-1394) computer interfaces, the FW-1884 gives users eight channels of ADAT Lightpipe and stereo S/PDIF inputs and outputs. The FW-1884 also provides eight analog outputs that default in L/R and 5.1 surround modes; a headphone output is also provided.
Users who require more dedicated tools for DAW control can add the FE-8, an 8-channel fader expander. The FE-8 offers all of the channel strip capabilities (100mm motorized faders, dedicated control buttons, etc.) of the FW-1884, minus the master section and interfacing. As many FE-8s may be added to an FW-1884 system as needed.
For additional information on the FW-1884, visit Tascam’s Website at www.tascam.com.
