For my evaluation, I used this modern hardware-based recording/playback system to replace the old, outdated way many music producers used to "document" the entire session's proceedings by keeping a cassette (or a DAT) tape recorder continuously recording the monitor mix. As before, I connected the DRP-1 to the stereo monitor bus (pre-volume control) and whenever an idea or sonic magical moment comes up during the "heat" of the session, I had a recording of it for reference later. With this method, and once all those hours of audio were imported into a DAW, it would be an easy task to chop out all the dead space and archive everything to DVD-ROMs.

The DRP-1 records directly to either a SD Memory Card (SDHC compatible) or a USB Flash drive. Either will handle up to 32GB of audio file storage. The unit comes with a 1GB SD Card and both a locking SD slot and USB connector are provided on the front panel for easy access. The unit records in your choice of 128, 256, and 320kbps MP3 formats directly and without conversion as well as 44.1kHz/16-bit CD quality .wav files. There is also a rear-panel USB connection for off-loading--copying recorded audio to your DAW's computer--either the SD Card or USB stick show up as connected drives with each recorded file showing up ready for importation to your DAW.

Considering the complexities of sample rate conversion, external clock sync and codec requirements for data compression and the attendant costs to a unit at this price point, there are no digital inputs. The DRP-1 records from analog audio sources only--from L/R line level inputs switchable from either the front panel 1/4-inch or from the back panel RCA jacks. The unit also has both a balanced microphone input (TRS front jack paralleled with a back XLR) and +4dB L/R line level XLR output jacks.

I recorded directly from the two analog outputs from Pro Tools HD I normally used to drive a power amp for a secondary stereo headphone mix. I found this unit easy to interface to any existing system--live sound pro to home enthusiast home/project studio setups. It has a three-position input gain-staging switch (+6dB, -12dB, or 0dB positions) to set the unit to the -10dBv and +4dB line level inputs you'll encounter in any setup worldwide.

I leave the unit connected to my USB hub (although not recommended in the manual) and ready to go into record at any time. I also like that the unit "reflects" its analog stereo input source to the stereo output and headphone jack at all times even during recording audio straight to MP3 format.

After power off, the unit retains all settings/selections/configurations made using the front panel's search/jog wheel. Reading record levels and other information on the small and bright full-color LCD screen a little hard to see for some users but once setup, there's no need to look at it very often. I found the headphone's stereo 500mW power amp adequate to drive my 55-ohm Shure SRH840 headphones while in the studio.