The Mitsubishi X-850 32-Channel Digital Recorder was a professional multitrack digital recording system developed as part of the ProDigi format, designed to deliver high track counts and digital precision within a tape-based workflow. Created through a collaboration between Mitsubishi and Otari, the Mitsubishi X-850 32-Channel Digital Recorder combined digital recording technology with a proven mechanical transport design derived from the Otari MTR90 Mk II. This approach provided a familiar operational foundation for engineers while enabling full digital multitrack recording using 1-inch tape.
The Mitsubishi X-850 32-Channel Digital Recorder offered 32 channels of digital audio recording, with expansion capability to 45 tracks when used in conjunction with the X-800 predecessor system. It supported full cut-and-splice editing, allowing both electronic and mechanical editing methods. Synchronisation was a key feature, with RS-422 and RS-232 interfaces enabling integration with other recording and synchronising systems, alongside support for multiple sync reference formats including 9.6 kHz, 8 kHz, 50 Hz, 60 Hz and 59.94 Hz, as well as composite video.
The transport system of the Mitsubishi X-850 32-Channel Digital Recorder was directly based on the Otari MTR90 Mk II, modified to handle 1-inch digital tape. Mechanical components were closely related, with some parts interchangeable between the two machines. The transport control section incorporated PC cards manufactured by Otari, most of which were interchangeable between Mitsubishi and Otari systems, with the exception of the capstan servo and master CPU cards. The service documentation for transport adjustments in the Mitsubishi X-850 32-Channel Digital Recorder reflected this shared design, reproducing the corresponding Otari procedures.
In operation, the Mitsubishi X-850 32-Channel Digital Recorder supported full multitrack recording, playback and punch-in/punch-out across all 32 channels simultaneously. The system incorporated an error correction design capable of compensating for dropouts caused by tape defects or head contamination, maintaining audio integrity during recording and playback. Digital outputs allowed for generation-free copying, supporting digital dubbing of multitrack masters.
The Mitsubishi X-850 32-Channel Digital Recorder operated using the ProDigi format, which became widely adopted in professional recording environments. The format saw extensive use in Nashville recording studios, particularly within country music production, where large studios standardised on ProDigi systems for multitrack recording. Over time, the use of the Mitsubishi X-850 32-Channel Digital Recorder declined as hard disk-based recording systems gained prominence in the mid-1990s.
The Mitsubishi X-850 32-Channel Digital Recorder represented a transitional point in recording technology, combining established analogue transport engineering with emerging digital multitrack capabilities, and forming part of a broader shift from tape-based systems to fully digital production workflows.
Features
- 32 channel digital audio recording
- Compatible with ProDigi digital format standard
- Up to 45 tracks with X-800 processor integration
- Cut and splice editing capability
- RS-422 and RS-232 interfaces for synchronisation
- Multiple sync reference formats including 9.6 kHz, 8 kHz, 50 Hz, 60 Hz and 59.94 Hz
- Composite video sync support
- Full 32 channel simultaneous record and playback with punch-in and punch-out
- Error correction system for dropout compensation
- Digital outputs for generation-free copying
- Transport derived from Otari MTR90 Mk II
- Interchangeable mechanical components with Otari systems
- Otari-manufactured transport control PC cards
