Digital Patch Bay Suggestions

  • Thread starter Thread starter Markd102
  • Start date Start date
I don't understand every second word you guys mention, but I thought I'd just throw the following product up (as ST-Audio doesn't seem to get mentioned much here). If it's no help, then please ignore.

ST-Audio SRC VI - digital patchbay/switchbox for up to 6 AES/EBU and S/PDIF signal streams

http://www.staudio.com/products/src6/index.html

Regards,
rathpy
 
Thanks rathpy... we are talking about DPB's with ADAT Lightpipe routing as well as S/PDIF & AES/EBU protocols/connections.

Bruce
 
has anyone confirmed that the z-sys does pass 24bit adat like they checked the digipatch???
 
No -- I didn't have the $2K to drop on a test unit! ;)


I was hoping one of you guys would! ;)

:D :D

Bruce
 
I have talked to them about it in the past, and I'll call them again tomorrow morning (they're in Florida) to reconfirm. But the claim is that the z8.8a does indeed handle Type II ADAT properly: that was the primary design goal that differentiates that product form the rest of their product line.

I haven't had the cash for one either, but I'm building up a slush fund as fast as I can- I'm really tired of crawling around behind the rack! However, if you do a Google Groups search on Z-sys, you'll see the Glenn Zelniker (the Z in Z-sys) has been pretty active on RAP, and has a good idea of what is needed to make this work.

I'll call them, and ask them directly for a firm commitment that it works. But it'll be a little while before I can lay one in and personally confirm it, I'm afraid- gotta pay taxes first...

Maybe they'll send me one to review. Ya figure? (;-)
 
skippy said:
Maybe they'll send me one to review. Ya figure? (;-)
Click to expand...
I tried that....

"Whad'dya say your name was? Blue Bear Sound-who??? Who the HELL is that????"

"Canada, eh? I hear it's pretty cold out there... thanks for calling"!

:D :D
 
Just talked to Glenn Zelniker at Z-Sys, and he confirmed that the Z8.8a does indeed do ADAT Type II at up to 24bit/48kHz, and does it very well- that was its design focus. So there's confirmation for you.

However, there's even better news. They have a new product coming out (first shipments and announcement will officially be in the next few weeks) called the Optipatch. It is essentially a Lightpipe-specific Z8.8a: it omits the sample rate and AES/EBU format conversion hardware, and simply routes all the lightpipe formats only. And it is significantly cost-reduced: Mr. Zelniker anticipates a street price of on the order of $500 US, which will make it quite competitive with some of the other units we've talked about here- with the advantage that it will actually work. They aren't going to officially announce it until they have stock in hand, ready to ship. That's refreshing: a company that doesn't do vaporware!

Makes me happy: when that happens, my slush fund already has more than $500 in it! Which means that the moment that sucker becomes available, I *will* have one in my rack...

It remains to be seen whether Bruce or I will get the first one, I think. (;-)
 
Skippy,

Great info indeed!!! I just hope that it doesn't take for ever. I already have a patch bay and can't fathom going back to having to get behind the rack and plug and un-plug my lightpipe connections. I'll race you to get the first one that's available who do you think will win???? I really have been considering the more expensive unit not because I can afford it but because it's tantamount to smooth operations. I'll be waiting for the announcement with baited breath!!!
 
NO SKIPPY.... It's mine!!!! I call dibs!!!!!!!!

:D :D


Anyone wanna buy a jittery HOSA digital bay???


Bruce
 
Hey have you guys heard about the Frontier design Apache? I saw a blurb in recording mag for announcements for the Namm 2002 show. 12 Adats @ you guessed it 24bits and 96khz. I've asked frontier to let me know on release info. I'll post as soon as I have it.
 
Yeah... I saw that -- looked interesting... and reasonably priced....

Post anything you find!
 
Ok I'm going to post the email I received from Frontier designs about the apache digital patchbay. It also has a link to a electronic pic and brief info on this unit. It looks pretty good if it does what it says it will do. Ya know?? Read the email below from the frontier represenative that responded to my email. Keep in mind I saw pricing estimated at 599.00-699.00$

"Hi Brent,

Thanks for sending us your questions. We expect to begin shipping Apache
sometime in the next few months -- it's in beta testing now. I'll try to
remember to send you another email when there's more information available.
In the meantime, you can see a picture of Apache on our website:

www.frontierdesign.com/em.jpg

Apache does support the 24bit adat II standard. Apache does route S/MUX
96kHz ADAT mode (one 96kHz channel uses two 48kHz channels).

Apache is a lightpipe patchbay with 12 optical inputs and 12 optical
outputs (96 channels of 24-bit audio) in a 1U rackmount configuration.
Featuring an independent precision PLL for each optical input, Apache
carefully re-clocks all incoming ADAT signals, for trouble-free patching at
all resolutions. Apache has easy-access routing controls and indicators on
the front panel (there's no menu hierarchy to navigate). We haven't
finalized the price yet (it'll be less than US$1000).

With Apache, you can:

- Route an input to one or more outputs.

- Use the optical ports for either ADAT-format or
SPDIF-format signals.

- Store and recall up to 12 presets within Apache.

- Store and recall an unlimited number of presets,
and control Apache routing from a computer, via
MIDI system-exclusive commands.

- Select "Scanning Status" mode for continuous information
about all current patches, or select "Activity Status"
mode for detailed information about specific patches.

- Connect multiple Apaches, using the MIDI in/out ports
to expand the patchbay beyond 12 inputs and 12 outputs.

I hope this information is helpful to you. Feel free to contact us again if
you have other questions...

Lanelle
Frontier Design Group

====================================================

Frontier Design Group
199 Heater Road
Lebanon, NH 03766 USA

phone: 1-800-928-3236 or 603-448-6283 (press 2 for Sales or Info)
fax: 603-448-6398
email: info@frontierdesign.com

======================================================
The *Best* Digital Audio Solutions for Computers
are only a click away:

http://www.frontierdesign.com

Dakota Montana Sierra Tango24 WaveCenter/PCI"
======================================================
 
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