Mark of the Unicorn announced the HD192, a two rack-space 12-channel high definition audio interface for Macintosh and Windows personal computers. The HD192 provides high-quality audio recording and playback on 12 XLR analog inputs and outputs at any standard sample rate up to 192 kHz. A fully expanded HD192 system provides up to 48 channels of simultaneous analog I/O. As with MOTU’s other new PCI-424 systems (the 24I/O and 2408mk3), the HD192 will be sold as both a core system (with PCI card and AudioDesk software for $1,895) and expansion I/O ($1,595).
“The MOTU HD192 is the first full-featured, expandable high definition audio interface for the native recording studio,” said Jim Cooper, Director of Marketing at MOTU. “The HD192 is meant for those who demand the very best audio quality.”
12 channels at 192 kHz
All 12 XLR inputs and outputs on the HD192 rear panel support operation at 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz. Latest-generation converters and state-of-the art design provide exceptional audio quality. The measured dynamic range for the 12 analog inputs is just over 120 dB (A-weighted at 48 kHz) with a measured THD+N of 0.0005% (-106 dB).
AES/EBU digital I/O is also provided at samples rates up to 96 kHz with independent real-time sample rate conversion on the digital input and output. A separate “AES word in” BNC connector allows users to clock the AES/EBU section independently from the rest of the system. System word clock input/output is also provided on BNC connectors.
Expansion
An HD192 core system includes the PCI-424, the same enhanced PCI card introduced earlier this year with MOTU’s 2408mk3 system. The PCI-424 card adds a fourth Audio Wire port that allows users to connect up to four MOTU audio interfaces to the computer. At 12 channels each, a fully expanded HD192 system provides 48 analog input and output connections.
CueMix DSP
The HD192’s PCI–424 card features CueMix DSP™, a flexible DSP-driven mixing and monitoring matrix that provides the same near-zero monitoring latency as today’s latest digital mixers. CueMix DSP™ allows HD192 users to monitor live inputs with no audible delay and no processor drain on the host computer’s CPU. The CueMix DSP engine resides on the PCI–424 card, so it works across all interfaces connected to the card. The included CueMix Console software provides an on-screen mixer that gives users hands-on control of their monitor mix, regardless of what audio software they prefer to use. CueMix Console provides a separate stereo bus for every pair of outputs, giving users up to 24 separate busses on a fully expanded HD192 system and more with other MOTU expansion interfaces. Digital Performer users, as well as users of ASIO2 host applications, have the additional option of controlling CueMix DSP directly within the host application’s mixing environment. CueMix DSP completely eliminates the buffer latency associated with monitoring live inputs in host-based recording systems. Legacy interface support
HD192 users can connect any MOTU PCI audio interface to their PCI-424 card, including the new 2408mk3 and 24i/o interfaces, as well as all legacy PCI-324 interfaces (the original 2408, 2408mkII, 1296, 1224, 24i and 308). Legacy interfaces can take full advantage of the PCI-424’s new CueMix DSP monitoring.
On-board SMPTE sync
Like the 2408mk3, the HD192 provides on-board SMPTE time code synchronization features. These features allow users to slave their HD192 system to SMPTE time code (via any analog input) without a dedicated synchronizer. The PCI–424 card provides a DSP-driven phase-lock engine with sophisticated filtering that provides fast lockup times and sub-frame accuracy.
The included software also provides a complete set of tools to generate SMPTE for striping, regenerating or slaving other devices to the computer. Like CueMix DSP, the synchronization features are cross-platform and compatible with all audio sequencer software.
Additional Feature highlights
- 19-segment metering for all analog inputs/outputs – The HD192 front-panel provides dedicated 19-segment level meters for every analog input and output.
- Across-the-board software compatibility — the HD192 ships with a complete set of drivers for Macintosh and Windows 98SE/Me/2K/XP and it is compatible with virtually all audio software on both platforms.
- AudioDesk software – A HD192 core system includes AudioDesk, MOTU’s sample–accurate workstation software for Mac OS with 24-bit recording/editing and 32-bit automated mixing, processing and mastering.
The MOTU HD192 is expected to ship in the first quarter of 2003.
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