Oct 1, 2002 12:00 PM

Aphex Systems 212

The Aphex 212 is the first truly high-quality, cost-effective method of inserting analog processing into the DAW process without sacrificing audio quality. Combining Aphex's long tradition of high-quality signal processing and performance with the latest technology in AD/DA conversion, the 212 2-channel converter offers comprehensive features, jitter-canceling D/A and a full range of output options, outperforming units costing several times more. Price: $995.
11068 Randall St.
Sun Valley, CA 91352
818/767-2929; fax 818/767-2641
www.aphex.com

Benchmark Media DAC1

This 2-channel, 24-bit/96kHz D/A converter features total jitter immunity and a 117dBa S/N ratio (@ 48 kHz). The DAC1 has an auto-detecting input sample range of 28 to 96 kHz, and Benchmark's UltraLock technology provides totally jitter-free conversion at any sample rate and with any degree of input jitter. Digital inputs are AES, S/PDIF and Toslink; analog outs are balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA. Output levels can be controlled from the front panel or preset via selectable trim pots.
5925 Court Street Rd.
Syracuse, NY 13206
315/437-6300; fax 315/437-8119
www.benchmarkmedia.com

Digidesign 192 Digital I/O

A $2,495 digital-only version of Digidesign's 192 I/O, the 192 Digital I/O delivers a wide range of digital I/O options to choose from, including up to 16 channels of AES/EBU, TDIF and ADAT I/O, along with S/PDIF I/O, making this interface perfect for streaming digital signals into Pro Tools | HD using your favorite external converters.

Digidesign MIDI I/O

MIDI I/O is the custom-tailored, USB-powered MIDI interface solution for Pro Tools systems. MIDI I/O has 10 MIDI input and output ports and a programmable Hardware Thru mode, allowing you to patch any input to any combination of outputs simultaneously without the need to access your computer. MIDI I/O also includes support for the upcoming Digidesign Time-Stamping feature for unprecedented timing accuracy. Price: $595.
2001 Junipero Serra Blvd.
Daly City, CA 94014
650/731-6300
www.digidesign.com

Dolby DP564 Multichannel Audio Decoder

Dolby's next-generation reference decoder for applications from post-production to DVD authoring and DTV broadcast, the DP564 decodes and monitors Dolby Digital, Dolby Surround and PCM soundtracks. And it offers Dolby Digital Surround EXTM and Dolby Surround Pro Logic II decoding. It includes two AES inputs, an optical input, a linear timecode (LTC) output, an Ethernet port, a large front panel display for easy setup and metering, and a master volume control.
100 Potrero Ave.
San Francisco, CA 94103
415/558-0200; fax 415/863-1373
www.dolby.com

Lucid Audio Freedom Converter

The Freedom is a portable, 2-channel AD/DA converter capable of 48k bidirectional recording via USB, and 96k bidirectional recording via traditional digital audio protocols. The unit features a pair of high-quality mic preamps with phantom power and input clip limiting. Intended for the location sound, ENG and live concert recording markets, Freedom can be operated from readily available 12VDC Gel Packs.
14926 35th Ave. West Lynnwood, WA 98037
425/787-3222; fax 425/787-3211
www.lucidaudio.com

MOTU 896 FireWire Audio Interface

The MOTU 896 is a two-rackspace, 24-bit/96kHz FireWire audio interface for Mac and Windows with 18 channels of I/O, expandable to 72 channels. Includes eight channels of analog on Neutrik XLR/TRS Combo connectors, built-in mic preamps, ADAT optical digital I/O, AES/EBU, latency-free input monitoring and a complete set of drivers for compatibility with all major audio software on both computer platforms. Price: $1,295.
1280 Massachusetts Ave.
Cambridge, MA 02138
617/576-2760; fax 617/576-3609
www.motu.com

Prism Sound Pro Tools | HD Interface

A Pro Tools | HD interface is now available for Prism Sound's popular ADA-8 multichannel converter. The new card connects directly to the Pro Tools | HD Core processor in the host computer. Thus equipped, the ADA-8 is a plug-in replacement for the standard rackmount HD I/O box. Also available this fall for the ADA-8 is a DSD interface card suitable for connection to Sony's SACD mastering system. Combined with the HD interface, this allows DSD production and mastering on a Pro Tools | HD system.
21 Pine St.
Rockaway, NJ 07866
973/983-9577; fax 973/983-9588
www.prismmpi.com

RME Intelligent Audio Solutions ADI-648

The ADI-648 is a bidirectional device connecting the ADAT Lightpipe I/O with high-end I/O MADI products. MADI offers 64 channels of 24-bit audio at up to 48kHz sample rate, and 32 channels at up to 96 kHz, with cable lengths more than 100 meters. MADI channels are transferred to/from eight ADAT optical inputs and eight outputs via Toslink. The ADI-648 also represents an ideal MADI front end for one or more interfaces of the Hammerfall Series. Furthermore, the ADI-648 contains an easy-configurable 8-channel 16x16 Matrix Router.
Dist. by X-Vision Audio
241 Federal Plaza West, Suite 406
Youngstown, OH 44503
330/747-3862; fax 330/747-3865
www.rme-audio.com