RECORDING Q: What kind of audio quality does Short/cut have? A: Short/cut offers true 16-bit linear recording at sample rates of 44.1kHz or 48 kHz with bandwidth of 20Hz-20kHZ. Q: How do I record? A: Just press RECORD, and no matter what mode Short/cut is currently in, it will automatically open a new file and begin recording. Q: Can I title my recordings? A: Yes. Whenever a new recording is made, Short/cut automatically prompts for entry of a new name. Type a name (up to 30 characters) with the built-in alphanumeric keyboard, or press ENTER to automatically assign a default name. Different default names can be selected for each Directory, and you can rename files anytime. Q: What recording formats are available? A: Short/cut produces two channel recordings at 44.1k or 48k sampling rates. Each of the ten directories can be defined as a 44.1k or 48k. Q: What is the maximum length of a recording? A: A recording can be a few milliseconds or as long as 130 minutes, assuming sufficient space on the drive. Q: How many recordings can be made? A: Up to 200 recordings can be stored in each of Short/cut's 10 directories. Q: How do I add new audio to an existing recording? A: Position the cursor anywhere in the file, press INSERT, then RECORD. Existing audio will be "pushed out" and new audio inserted into the file. You can also set up punch-in and punch-out boundaries to overwrite part of an existing recording. Q: How do I protect my recordings? A: Directories can be password protected to prevent unauthorized access. And individual files or entire directories can be archived to an external Iomega Zip drive. Of course, you can also use the COPY feature to make a spare copy of a recording to another Directory. BACKUPS & TRANSFERS Q: Can I transfer recordings made on Short/cut to other digital audio products? A: Short/cut files can be transferred to most other digital audio machines using the AES/EBU or IEC-958 Type II standards for audio transmission. Transfers can also be made to Iomega Zip disks, which can be played on 360 Systems' DigiCart/II Plus recorder. Q: How do I backup my work when I run out of disk space? A: The new Rev. 2 release provides backup of recordings to any AES/EBU compatible audio DAT via D-NET, or to an external Zip drive. EDIT FEATURES Q: How accurate is the editing? A: With Short/cut, you can accurately select and remove breathing, smacks, clicks, pops, words, phrases or entire sentences. Although optimized as a voice editor, Short/cut is equally capable of editing music or sound effects. Every edit point is automatically cross-faded to prevent clicks from occurring. Q: If I've recorded a long interview or music piece, can I quickly locate to any point for editing? A: In edit mode, press FIND and enter a time. Short/cut will immediately positioin the cursor at that point in the waveform. A "zero set" point can be placed anywhere as an immediate auto-locate point. Q: What are "Marks"? A: Marks are reference points that can be placed anywhere in a recording. Up to 200 Marks can be placed "on the fly" during recording, playback or editing. Each recording can have an unlimited number of Marks. By pressing the "GO TO" buttons (with the double arrows) you can quickly jump to different Marks within an audio file. Q: What if I make a mistake when editing? A: Pressing the UNDO button will restore the previous edit and allow you to try it again. Until you have pressed the SAVE button, Short/cut will not commit your changes to disk. When you press EXIT, Short/cut will ask if you want to save your work. If you elect not to save, the recording will be restored to its original state. Q: Can I combine files with different sample rates when editing? A: Short/cut prevents accidental mixing of incompatible files by restricting all recordings in a Directory to one user selectable sampling rate. Q: How do I import audio from a file in another Directory? A: From the FILE menu, select a recording, or part of a recording from any Directory. Press COPY, then return to your original file and INSERT the audio at the current cursor position. PLAYBACK Q: How do I select cuts for playback? A: Choose a Directory to work in, then press FILES to view a list of what's available. The Jog wheel can be used to scroll through the list. Press PLAY to audition and recording or ENTER to load it for an edit session. Or, if you know the name of the file, just press FIND, then type the name and press ENTER. Short/cut will quickly locate the file. Q: What are the Hot-Keys for? A: Pressing a Hot-Key causes immediate playback of any cut currently assigned to that key. File "segments" may also be assigned to Hot-Keys for clipboard insert operations during edit sessions. Ten separate Hot-Keys can be programmed for each Directory, and are automatically loaded whenever a new Directory is opened. Q: Can I do playlisting? A: Recordings can be sequenced in the desired order by copying them all into a single file, much like splicing together a number of different recordings on the same reel of tape. The transport controls can then be used to stop and start each audio segment. For complex random access playlists, consider 360 Systems' Instant Replay or DigiCart/II Plus. HARDWARE AND REMOTES Q: Are there any remote control options? A: All of Short/cut's transport controls can be accessed through GPI inputs. A separate GPI input is also provided to mute the built-in speakers. Tally outputs are provided for RECORD, PLAY, STOP, REWIND, and FAST FORWARD. Q: Is there a built-in phone interface? A: Many phone systems designed for applications like call-in shows include GPI or closure outputs for remote control of audio recorders. By connecting these GPI lines along with the audio from the phone device, your phone system can initiate recording on Short/cut. Models available from Gentner and Telos operate with the Shortcut Editor on a plug-and-play basis. Q: Are there any DSP fuctions like EQ, limiting or crossfades available? A: You can easily alter the output gain of a cut after a recording has been made. Other functions such as limiting, EQ, fades, etc. are easily accomplished using standard outboard audio processing gear. Q: What is the advantage of Short/cut over a PC editor? A: Since Short/cut does not require a computer with all its accesssories, it is far less expensive than most editing packages that require a high performance computer to produce professional results. Its is optimized for editing and gives you a real " tape-like" performance with the advantages of random access digital editing. Finally, because Short/cut is designed for editing operations, it allows audio operators to work quickly, intuitively and easily, without having to struggle with a mouse, menus, and complicated PC software. Q: Is there a video output for the display? A: Short/cut provides good resolution on its waveform display, along with other important text information. Many broadcast customers have expressed a strong desire to eliminate the cost and extra space requirements imposed by external monitors. Short/cut accomplishes this while providing a waveform display with greater resolution that other more costly editors. Q: How durable is Short/cut? A: Short/cut incorporates the same rugged professional design that has made other 360 Systems products like DigiCart/II and Instant Replay the most trusted, reliable hard disk recorders in the industry. Q: Is there a battery option for field use? A: Short/cut does require AC power for operation. However, built-in speakers and switchable mic/line inputs are designed to allow Short/cut to operate in situations where no external monitoring or mixing is available. GENERAL INFORMATION AND APPLICATIONS Q: How much training does Short/cut require? A: Intuitive operation was the most important design criteria for Short/cut. Anyone who has done basic tape editing will find the transport controls and clearly labeled buttons produce rapid and predictable results. The Jog wheel simulates rocking of tape reels with realistic audio " scrub". Q: If I need more storage, can I upgrade to a larger internal hard disk? A: It is possible to change hard disks in the event that repair or replacement is necessary. For additional storage time, 360 Systems recommends several types of high capacity removable disks for connection to Short/cut's Expansion port. Q: Is Short/cut compatible with .WAV files? A: Short/cut uses its own unique file format optimized for performance. 360 Systems recently announced a new software release for first quarter 1999. "Short/cut '99" will enable crossfades, fade in, fade out, gain changes, and the ability to read and write both PC and MAC formatted diskettes with .WAV,.BWF and .AIFF file translations. Q: How do I decide which 360 Systems product best meets my needs? A: Short/cut is best for applications requiring rapid and accurate editing, such as reel-to-reel tape replacement for news and call-in shows. The new DigiCart/II Plus will provide the best solution for applications that require mass storage, basic top & tail editing and complex playlisting; i.e., TV master control, live production, SFX and music archiving. Instant Replay excels in situations that call for extremely fast random access to numerous audio cues, with a simple user interface. It is most often used on "morning zoo" radio programs, live shows, and for simple playlisting in radio and television stations. Instant Replay excels as a fast-access player for audio material previously edited on Short/cut or another system.