Cantar X3

The ultimate 24-track on location audio mixer-recorder

With embedded mixer plate and intuitive interface

Starting from 17.580*,- Euros

* Without VAT - ExWorks

Firmware V3 available

FREE for all cantarX3 users

The CantarX3 has an impressive array of professional and innovative features :

  • Multi-Track Digital Audio Recorder
  • Perfect ergonomics for cart or shoulder operation
  • Swiveling front panel with ultra bright large color display (Transvideo design)
  • User friendly with intuitive menus and comfortable mechanical controls
  • Uncompromised audio quality with unique on-board mixer
  • Features integrated reports (PDF and Database), AutoSlate detection, Playback & Record...and more
  • Audinate DANTE 32x32 board included in the CantarX3
Aaton CantaX3 Audio mixer-recorder
Aaton CantaX3 Audio mixer-recorder
Analog & Digital Inputs
  • 12 analog inputs
  • 8 mic preamps
  • 4 analog line inputs
  • Multiple AES digital inputs
  • 32 DANTE digital inputs
Mixer & Outputs
  • 10 tracks mixer plate
  • Mixdown
  • 8 analog line Outputs.
  • 8 AES3 digital outputs on subD25
  • 32 DANTE digital outputs
Recording Media
  • Internal 256 Gg SSD drive
  • 2 SD cards
  • 3 USB slot
Power
  • 2 identical on board smart batteries
  • 1 XLR4 DC 12-17 Volts input
Metering and Controls
  • Ultra bright large display panel
  • 2 large rotary control selectors
  • Linear control faders
  • Wifi and Bluetooth communication
General Specifications
  • Generates reports (PDF & database)
  • Housing made of machined avionic aluminium
  • Water and dust resistant

24 Track Digital Audio Recorder

A reference in location audio mixer-recorders with 24 tracks and 54 analog and digital inputs including access to the Dante Audinate™ audio network system and peripherals.

Incredible features

The CantarX3 has incredible features and tools to facilitate and enhance the work of sound engineers, widely used in the film and broadcast industry, it is the most advanced recorder of its generation packed with an impressive array of professional and innovative features.

Display visible in all conditions

With such optimised ergonomy and a comprehensive display, the CantarX3 is extremely robust and can go on working in extreme conditions of heat and cold, recently being used on location high on Mount Everest.

Evolutionary product

It can also self-generate PDF and CSV Sound Reports, with ALE files embedded within deliverable media. New firmware and software updates are issued from time to time bringing new features, some from the design team and some via feedback and requests from users in the field.

Cantar Firmware V3 available

Free for all CantarX3 and CantarMini users including :
Limiter and a new maximum gain structure on both AES3 and AES42 inputs. A post fader equalization on tracks
Digital inputs and Tracks can be linked. Digital Limiter available on Mix-down tracks

3 advanced options are available with payment of licenses :
AatonMix, 602€ excl. VAT
Dante+, 329€ excl. VAT
Auxiliary mix buses, 329€ ecl. VAT
The Cantar features Cloud connectivity with Frame.io is Dropbox
CantarX3 is also compatible with Stream Deck with fee based license, 399€ ecl. VAT

CantarX3 multi-track audio recorder

2 Years Warranty

Two-years standard warranty for all our products.

Applications

The CantarX3 has already made a huge impact on the sound recording sector for cinematography, broadcast, drama, and orchestral work

Pre Rec Mode

Main Selector at the 11 o'clock position

The Pre Rec Mode allows metadata entry and management, up to 30 sec pre rec audio buffer.
It shows:
. Recording Média status, Headphone configuration
. Power management information, external and on-board smart batteries
. Timecode and remaining recording time
. Vue-meters and track settings

 

Session

Main Selector at the 2 o'clock position

Manage the audio recording media and set-up sound report.
Create a new project, select the recording media and define what type of file format will be put on each media.
. Selection of recorded file format (MONO, PDF & MIXDOWN) and proxys
. Up to three Custom PDF, ALE or CSV sound reports
. Media formatting

 

IN Grid Routing

Main Selector at the 5 o'clock position

20 user defined In grid routing configurations with up to 56 inputs on 24 tracks
. In-Grid configuration name management
. Mix-down setup with fine pan possibility

 

Headphone Outmaps

Main Selector at the 6 o'clock position

Set-up the headphones outputs, line outputs and digital outputs (AES3 & Dante)
. 26 user defined monitoring headphone configurations
. 26 user define configurations, choice of delays, level attenuation, playback mode to be applied to each individual 8 Line outputs and 8 AES3 outputs on SubD25
. Optional Dante out map, user defined setup

 

Audio File Browser

Main Selector at the 7 o'clock position

This Menu enables you to edit audio file metada also manage PLAYBACK & REC file selection in all available media.
. Access to all recorded files on all four recording medias and selected projects
. Metadata modification, batch editing
. Audio file rescue and file deletion
. File bank management in Play-back & Rec mode

 

Play Mode

Main Selector at the 8 o'clock position

Edit previously recorded takes.
. Mix-down and single/multiple tracks playback with waveform visualisation including clap detection sync point and user sync marks
. Pre or Post fader playback mode, monitoring selection
. Metadata modifications

 

Audio & TimeCode parameters

Main Selector at the 4 o'clock position

. Audio parameters setting for inputs and outputs (sampling rate, Tone generator…) with detailed descriptions on the right side of the screen
. Timecode parameters (Frame rate, LTC generator, operator TC, External TC source…)
. Internal and external slate mic setup;, Rec Beep routing….
. Digital power and Dante activation

 

Help Screen

Available on all 12 operating screens

List all short cut and fonction keys for each operating menu
. Quick access with shift button (triple click)

 

Analog Inputs8 low noise mic preamp with very high quality transformer. 48V Phantom, limiters and filters
4 analog line inputs
Analog outputs8 analog line level outputs
Digital inputsAES digital inputs incude 2 AES42 paris, 8 AES/EBU
32 Dante Audinate audio inputs
Digital outputs10 AES Digital outputs
32 Dante Audinate audio outputs
Recording Media1 x  256 SSD Drive
2 x  SD Cards
3 x  USB2 slots (Keyboard, external device...)
Connectivity4 x Balanced Analog XLR-3Mic/Line
4 x Balanced Analog XLR-5 Mic/Line or Line Only
2 x DB25 (Balanced Analog Out / AES I/O)
2 x TA3M (AES42 Mode 2)
2 x Gigabit Ethernet (1 Audinate Dante, 1 PC Connect
1 x 6.35mm (Headphones)
1 x 3.5mm (External slate mic input)
1 x XLR4 (DC Input)
1 x Hirose 4 pins (DC Out)
1 x DVI (External Video Monitor)
1 x 26 Pin 3M (accessories, world clock I/O)
1 x BNC (Futur use)
1 x Lemo 5 (TimeCode)
Routing- All inputs can be routed to any of the tracks
- Linear control faders addressable to any inputs and output
- Linear control faders assignable to Mixdown of 10 isolated tracks to either 1 or 2 mixdown tracks
- Mixdown can be assigned to any tracks
Features

- New improved interface menu accessible through buttons and jog wheel.
- All inputs and outputs monitoring and routing accessible through comprehensive and intuitive menus
- 16 or 24-bit Broadcast Wave File recording at sample rates from 44.1kHz~192kHz with support for pull-up/down recording rates
- Sample Rate Converters on all Digital Inputs
- Variable Delay on all analog Inputs and Outputs
- 30 Second Pre-Record Buffer
- Generous 48V Phantom supply guarantees 8mA to each of the 8 Mics inputs
- High-Pass filters before the preamp stage, LFA and EQ
- Native Monophonic BWF recording with optional Polyphonic real-time mirroring to removable media
- Self-Generated PDF and CSV Sound Reports embedded with deliverable media
- Metadata entry of Scene, Take, Notes, Track Names, Roll and more with support for US and Euro-centric metadata templates
- Scene/Take file naming structure
- Aaton AutoSlate automatic slate clap detection and logging
- Built-In Slate Mic with External Slate Mic Input on 3.5mm connector
- High Precision 1ppm Timecode generator supports all common frame rates
- Remote Record and Stop triggered by external timecode
- Rec&Play: Record live audio while playing back pre-recorded files
- Enhanced Playback Monitoring with Waveform Display on front panel
- M/S Recorded Tracks automatically decoded to L/R for Mixdown and/or monitoring
- X3 reads and displays battery metadata
- Compatible with Original Cantarem and `Cantaress

Power2 smarts Lithium Ion battery 15V-3,2Ah
or  XLR4 12 - 17V DC
Communication

Wifi 2.4GHz (APP based communication)

Dimensions
(l x h x d)

240 x 320 x 90 mm
9.4 x 12.6 x 3.5 inches

WeightWith batteries 8.8 lbs, 4,01kg
Without batteries 7.8 lbs, 3.55kg

CantarX3 - CantarMini Firmware V3 (free) - new features

Cantar Firmware V3

FREE for all CantarX3 / CantarMini users

The CantarX3 / CantarMini audio engine has been reworked to extend the recorder capabilities

Thanks to users feedback, new features are now available to cover any of your production needs
Firmware version 3.xx is available for download for FREE on our website here

  • Limiter and a new maximum gain structure on both AES3 and AES42 inputs
  • A post fader equalization on tracks
  • Digital inputs and Tracks can be linked
  • Digital Limiter available on Mix-down tracks
  • Sennheiser AMBEO Mic management, ...

On top of that, Firmware V3 now gives access to high-end options(1) - AatonMix, Dante+ (now also available for CantarMini) , Auxiliary Mix Buses - requiring a small one time contribution to pay for each but well worth the money.

Frame.io and DropBox(2) is now part of the Cantar environment.

Contact us for a 8 days free demo license

(1)Options are available from Firmware 3.200.C6
(2)available from Firmware 3.333.C8

Cantar V3 new free Features

Cantar V3 Limiter and a new maximum gain structure on AES3, AES42 inputs

Limiter and a new maximum gain structure on AES3 and AES42 inputs

The gain maximum level (0-6-12-24-30-36 dB are available) can be individually set for each Digital input.
Limiter and gain to be setup in the input Solo Dialog box

Cantar V3 A post fader equalization on tracks

A post fader equalization on tracks

EQ to be setup in the Track Solo Dialog box.
When Soloing a Track, it can be monitored Pre or Post-fader

Cantar V3, Digital inputs and Tracks can be linked

Digital inputs and Tracks can be linked

New Link Setup interface window for Analog inputs, Digital inputs and tracks
Up to 6 link groups available for each inputs, each 1 master, 7 slaves maximum

Cantar V3, Digital Limiter available on Mix-down tracks

Digital Limiter available on Mix-down tracks

The setup is available in AUDIO & TIMECODE PARAMETERS, item Mix limiters

Take control of CantarX3 and CantarMini control with Elgato Stream Deck

New! Taking control of Aaton Digital’s CantarX3 and CantarMini with Elgato Stream Deck

Starting with firmware version 3.500.C1 or higher, the Aaton-Digital CantarX3 and CantarMini sound recorder-mixers integrate a new level of control with 15 LCD keys giving access to more than 600 self-explanatory graphical buttons, addressing, with effectively laid-out profiles, each and every menu and function key of both recorders.

Install this new fee based license to open a whole new way of using your Cantar with quick and easy access to tasks that may have required two or more selections or operations using the embedded controls.

No setup needed, simply plug Stream Deck onto one of the USB ports and enjoy a refreshing and colorful interface. Compatible with the original Stream Deck (model 20GAA9902) and Stream Deck MK.2

Update available on our website here

Contact us for a 8 days free demo license

CantarX3 control with Elgato Stream Deck

How it works

Aaton Digital custom designed icons for all 15 LCD buttons of the Stream Deck allowing you to trigger any action in your recorder that would be associated with a function key.
Key combinations are now reduced to one single push of a button while access to your ingrid or outmap menus, among other menus, has been simplified with a single lay out.
And since the buttons are LCD and therefore inherently backlit, you'll be able to use your controller even in the sometimes uncertain lighting conditions of the film set.

Start using Cantar with Stream Deck

1 - Buy a Stream Deck through Elgato sales channels (*)
2 - Install a Cantar firmware 3.500.C1 or higher.
3 - Order a streamdeck option on Aaton website
4 - Install it on the Cantar
5 - Plug your Stream Deck to the USB Cantar socket, no additional setup is required to start using it.

(*) Aaton Digital does not provide sales and service of the deck

CantarMini with Stream Deck
CantarX3 with Stream Deck
CantarX3 CantarMini Stream Deck icons
CantarX3 and CantarMini control with Elgato Stream Deck
CantarX3 and CantarMini control with Elgato Stream Deck
CantarX3 and CantarMini control with Elgato Stream Deck

Cantar in the Cloud

Cantar now offers external data storage possibility with Frame.io and Dropbox cloud systems

Firmware 3.333.C8 required

Frame.io

Frame.io is a C2C cooperative solution giving access to ADOBE software for delocalized postproduction and selective data sharing.

Starting from 60,00 Euros* excl. VAT

* Subscription plan. Price includes access to Frame.io cloud management in the Cantar, does not include the storage space subscription plan (to be subscribed to frame.io)

Frame.io option allows Cantar users to upload projects to the ADOBE working environment. This is a cooperative working configuration that allows data to be dematerialized in medium to large projects.

This is an important asset to ensure integration in series productions such as NETFLIX or Amazon.

Frame.io is a collaborative service in a controlled film project environment, permissions are managed by the production.

CantarX3 Frame.io C2C
CantarX3 Frame.io C2C

Dropbox "MyCantarEverywhere"

Dropbox is the personal storage solution for Cantar data and configurations : "MyCantarAnywhere" for those who rent the machines for example.

329,00 Euros** excl. VAT

** One time purchase. Price does not include the big storage subscription plan (to be subscribed to Dropbox)
Limited time demo license available on request (Please contact us)

The Cantar can use Dropbox links to share files and folders with others without sending large attachments. With the CantarX3 or CantarMini, Aaton Digital offers a simple and powerful solution to capture and transmit original BWF audio files to Dropbox cloud storage services.

DropBox is a personal cloud file management tool with data sharing capabilities decided by the Cantar owner.

Cantar in the Cloud
Cantar in the Cloud
Aaton CantarX3 Full pack location audio mixer recorder

CantarX3 Full Package with Cantaress
P/N: 2300010 / EAN 3700592605351 includes :

1 x Cantar X3 Package including :
1 x AATON CANTAR X3, 24 Tracks Sound recorder
24 Tracks Digital Audio Recorder
• Perfect ergonomics for cart or shoulder operation
• Swiveling front panel with ultra bright large color display
• User friendly with intuitive menus and confortable mechanical controls
• Uncompromised audio quality with unique on-board mixer

1 x Hard case
• Cantar X3 carrying case

1 x AL63 power supply
• Universal power supply with XLR-4 connector and an AC power cord

1 x Dante option
• Audinat Dante audio network access

1 x Cantaress
• The new Cantaress for the CantarX3 and the CantarMini.
Delivered with carrying case and AL63 power supply.

1 x Cantar X3 Bag
• This bag for the CantarX3 is a modular advanced design to offer versatility without weight.

1 x Rain Poncho
• This poncho offer a wide vinyle window on the front and protects the operator from the rain.

1 x Aaton X3 Color 13 Slider pack
• 13 color magnetic faders for the CantarX3. Also fits the Cantaress.

1 x Display protection
• Compatible with CantarX3 and CantarMini

CantarX3 Full package with Cantarem2
P/N 2300000 / EAN 3700592605504 includes :

1 x Cantar X3 Package including :
1 x AATON CANTAR X3, 24 Tracks Sound recorder
24 Tracks Digital Audio Recorder
• Perfect ergonomics for cart or shoulder operation
• Swiveling front panel with ultra bright large color display
• User friendly with intuitive menus and confortable mechanical controls
• Uncompromised audio quality with unique on-board mixer

1 x Hard Case
• Cantar X3 carrying case

1 x AL63 power supply
• Universal power supply with XLR-4 connector and an AC power cord

1 x Dante option
• Audinat Dante audio network access

1 x Cantarem2
• The Cantarem2 for the CantarX3 and the CantarMini.
Delivered with USB AB cable and protective pouch

1 x Cantar X3 Bag
• This bag for the CantarX3 is a modular advanced design to offer versatility without weight.

1 x Rain Poncho
• This poncho offer a wide vinyle window on the front and protects the operator from the rain.

1 x Aaton X3 Color 13 Slider pack
• 13 color magnetic faders for the CantarX3. Also fits the Cantaress.

1 x Display protection
• Compatible with CantarX3 and CantarMini

CantarX3 Standard Package
P/N:
2300005 / EAN 3700592605368 includes :

1 x AATON CANTAR X3, 24 Tracks Sound recorder
24 Tracks Digital Audio Recorder
• Perfect ergonomics for cart or shoulder operation
• Swiveling front panel with ultra bright large color display
• User friendly with intuitive menus and confortable mechanical controls
• Uncompromised audio quality with unique on-board mixer

1 x Hard case
• Cantar X3 carrying case

1 x AL63 power supply
• Universal power supply with XLR-4 connector and an AC power cord

CantarX3 solo
P/N 
2300001 / EAN 3700592605849 includes :

1 x CantarX3, 24 Tracks Sound recorder only, without accessory
Delivered in a box.

Accessories

Dante board option (now included in all CantarX3)
• Audinate Dante audio network access
Buy online

Cantarem 2
• The new Cantarem for the CantarX3. 12 ultra-smooth assignables magnetic faders, USB
connection to the CantarX3
Buy online

Cantaress
• Mixing surface with 12 ultra-smooth assignables magnetic faders
Buy online

Cantar X3 Bag
• This bag for the CantarX3 is a modular advanced design to offer versatility without weight.
Buy online

Rain Poncho
• This poncho offer a wide vinyle window on the front and protects the operator from the rain.
Buy online

Aaton Color 13 Slider pack
• 13 color magnetic faders for the CantarX3. Also fits the Cantarem 2.
Buy online