Opened in 1978, exhibits at the Minnesota Zoo provide aim to educate visitors on animals and their habitats from around the globe. As part of these endeavours, the zoo’s Target Learning Center is used for meetings, shows and other activities, which are captured for archival purposes using a Tascam SS-CDR250N two-channel networking CD/Media recorder.
The SS-CDR250N was installed by an AV design/build contractor Audio Logic Systems.
‘The Minnesota Zoo has a theatre-style space used for the Bird Show and a variety of larger meetings,’ explains Senior Engineer Richard Bopp, who worked as both the designer and programmer for the project. ‘They run the show twice daily, seven days a week. After the meetings, zoo staff members will post the recordings online so that those staff members who could not attend the meeting can catch up. The unit is also available to record audio of the shows, concerts, and other events from outside users that take place in the space.’
In terms of interfacing the SS-CRD250N with other equipment in the Target Learning Center, Bopp says that the unit is connected to the zoo’s corporate network and a QSC Q-Sys control system via RS-232. Additionally, users have the ability to interact with the SS-CDR250N directly from the front panel or by using the Tascam SS250 Control app for iOS or Android.
‘The primary deciding factor in selecting this unit was the network option, so the zoo staffers could remotely access the files and download them, Bopp confirms. ‘Second, the fact that the unit has both an SD card slot and a USB port for a thumb drive is especially useful as it enables staff members to use the SD card while third party people can simply plug in a USB stick and make a copy of their event.’
For many electronic recorders and related equipment, responsive customer support services can be crucial in terms of keeping a project on schedule. ‘I am pleased to report that the SS-R250N owner manual is very clear and well organised,’ Bopp reports. ‘Everything that we needed information about was well documented. As a result, we had no reason to contact the company for assistance.’
Since its installation, Bopp says the unit is performing exactly as expected: ‘Just like other Tascam equipment, it just works. As with the rest of the A/V system, the user should not have to worry about the Tascam unit working correctly. I have every confidence that it will. The room’s users can concentrate on delivering a great show for their guests – knowing that the A/V system will support their efforts.’
See also:
E-V and Renkus-Heinz on the trail at Minnesota Zoo
More: www.tascam.com
