The Akai Professional DPS24 MKII Digital Personal Studio combines a 24-track 24bit hard disk recorder/editor, a 46-channel automated digital mixer with a complete studio monitoring section, 4 stereo effects processors with FX library, a programmable patch-bay and a mastering suite with built-in CD-RW drive, in one extremely powerful desktop unit. New to the DPS24MKII is 5.1 surround mixing.

With its generous complement of dedicated keys, rotary encoders, and motorized faders, the DPS24 MKII's tactile user interface provides direct access to all commonly used functions, without requiring that you cursor your way through endless menus and peer at countless LCD pages just to make some small but significant adjustment.

The DPS24 MKII offers extensive and expandable connectivity: numerous analog I/Os using high-quality AD/DA converters, multiple digital I/Os, Wordclock, MIDI, USB, and even SCSI and SMPTE options.

Its custom real-time multi-tasking Operating System and dedicated hardware saves you from the headaches of computer-based configurations, conflicts and crashes. Ease-of-use and reliability are the keys of the DPS24 MKII.

However, the DPS24 MKII also communicates very well with computer systems: complete audio import/export features are included, using standard Data CD and Hard disk formats, and the free akSys TrackView software allows you, with a simple USB connection to your PC, to view your projects on a large monitor, see waveforms scrolling across the screen and see detailed metering. The display also shows timecode, edit points and locate markers, track names/status and more. The free akSysServer utility can also be used to transfer files to/from your DPS24 MKII and PC via USB.

Unlike most all-in-one studios, the DPS24 MKII does not suffer from the compromises of such systems. It is comparable to a component system, but in a box.For instance, the recorder/editor offers as many track keys as physical tracks (i.e. 24) and you can seamlessly punch-in/out individual tracks on-the-fly. It features sample accurate editing with sample accurate waveform display and analog-like multi-track audio scrubbing thanks to its dedicated jog/shuttle wheel, including varispeed and reverse playback. Both non-destructive copy/paste editing and off-line DSP functions such as timestretch and pitchshift are provided.

As another example, the digital mixer uses professional 100mm touch-sensitive motorized faders for easy and accurate control of the dynamic automation, which supports overwrite, auto-drop, return and trim modes.

Apart from the obvious requirements you would expect from a digital studio (but so rarely get!), it's the small details that also make the DPS24 MKII unique in its field. Things like MAIN/NEARFIELD and MONO monitoring switchable from the front panel for 'reference checking' a mix, STUDIO outputs with built-in talkback for talent "cue mix", direct ADC inputs to connect outboard preamps bypassing the internal input stage, etc.

Key Features

1) True 24-Track Hard disk Recorder

• 24 mono tracks, 24bit uncompressed, 256 virtual tracks per Project
• 24 Track select keys, with Track Punch on-the-fly
• Up to 24 tracks simultaneous recording, for live recording or digital transfers
• Up to 24 channels of ADAT Digital Inputs/Outputs, with sample accurate ADAT Sync

2) Full-featured onboard Editing

• Sample accurate editing, with sample accurate scrolling Waveform display and tape-like audio scrubbing
• Non-destructive editing: Copy, Cut, Erase, Insert, Paste, Repeat, Move
• Off-line DSP features: TimeStretch, PitchShift, BPM Match, Varispeed, Reverse, Normalize, Resample
• Multi-level Undo/Red

3) Digital Mixer

• 46 channels (12 mono inputs, 1 stereo Aux input, 24 mono track returns, 4 stereo FX returns)
• Digital EQ and Dynamics processors on every mono channel (inputs and tracks), with onboard libraries
• Surround Mixing (5.1, LCRS and Quad) ready
• Onboard dynamic and snapshot automation
• 13 professional 100mm long-throw, touch-sensitive motorized faders
• 18 encoders for real-time control of parameters
• Monitor section with Main/Nearfield outputs, stereo studio cue output with built-in talkback microphone

4) Effects processing

• 4 simultaneous 56bit stereo FX: Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, Delay, Phaser, Wah, Pitch Shift/Correction...
• FX Library with Snapshot automation
• Flexible routing allows real-time processing through outboard equipment, including digital plug-ins hosts

5) Onboard Mastering

• 46 Channels > 2 to internal Mixdown recorder (46 > 6 in 5.1 Surround mode)
• Multi-band Compressor/Expander for stereo Mastering
• Sample Rate conversion and Bit Depth dithering
• Track-at-Once and Disk-at-Once CD burning

6) Most open system

• Standard FAT32 disk format, Broadcast WAV audio files
• Extensive multi-track audio Import/Export and data backup features via IDE, SCSI and USB
• ADAT lightpipe I/Os, ADAT Sync out and ADAT LRC remote support
• Standard 5 1/4" IDE bay for CD-RW or removable hard drive
• Four ADC Ins "bypass" inputs for outboard preamps
• Free ak.Sys TrackView software provides SVGA metering and 24-track scrolling waveform display, plus mouse/keyboard based editing
• Expansion slots design for future upgrades