Otari Debuts Echelon Series of
Networkable Digital Audio ProductsCompany introduces the first two models
in an ongoing series of high-end digital audio products
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The Echelon Series FS-96 Format and Sample-Rate Converter
(Click for a close-up) |
September 26, 2000 Otari Corporation
has chosen the AES Show in Los Angeles to introduce the Echelon
Series of digital audio products. Based on their extensive experience
and R & D in digital audio, the new Echelon Series was designed to
provide a group of digital audio products that furnish seamless connectivity
and advanced networking capability in the modern recording environment.
The ND-20 - The Heart of the Echelon Series With Total Translation Capability.
The first in the new series is the ND-20, which is the core of the Echelon
Series Digital Audio Products. The ND-20 offers high-quality A/D and D/A
conversion, as a stand-alone device, or combines with multiple ND-20's
to a 96kHz digital audio network. Superior analog electronics, built-in
sample-rate conversion, and the ability to use multiple sample rates make
the ND-20 a complete solution for connecting and networking digital and
analog audio. Each ND-20 has up to 32-channel capacity (16- channel with
96kHz sample-rate) for analog or digital inputs or outputs. The ND-20
has four slots for I/0 cards. Options include MIC Inputs (remotely controlled),
Line Inputs, Line Outputs, and AES Input/Output. All I/O are capable of
96kHz, 48kHz, 44.1kHz sample-rates, plus pull-up/pull-down rates. MADI,
TDIF I/O as well as mLAN (using IEEE1394 high-speed serial bus) formats
are available. Sample-rate conversion is built into all AES input channels
with individual control on each channel. In addition, the Echelon ND-20
can be used for A/D or D/A conversion (96kHz) or for D/D sample-rate conversion.
Up to 16 ND-20's can be connected via cable or fiber optics to provide
an audio network capable of 128-channels (48kHz, 44.1kHz), 64-channels
(96kHz).
The Echelon Series FS-96 Format and Sample-Rate Converter
The new Echelon Series FS-96 format and sample rate converter is Otari's
solution to the challenges of multi-track digital audio interfacing. The
FS-96 makes multi-track transfers between different digital audio platforms
fast and simple. It supports all of the common formats, including AES3
(AES/EBU), TDIF-1, ADAT (optical) and SDIF-2, with optional MADI and IEEE1394
for future networking capability. The FS-96 converts up to 24 channels
of 24-bit audio at sample rates up to 24-bit/96kHz. A built-in digital
router makes track assignment easy, and offers 10 pre-set routing maps.
Simple arrow keys provide easy access to all functions. Multiple units
can be linked with sample accurate synchronization for transfers requiring
more than 24 channels. In addition, the FS-96 also converts sample rates
from 32kHz to 96kHz and bit rates from 16-bit to 24-bit and vice versa.
The FS-96 automatically detects the incoming format and sample rate, while
making the output signal available to all supported formats.
Commenting on the launch of the new Echelon Series, Otari Vice President
Tim Schaeffer stated, "Over the years, Otari has been asked by its
customers to develop an all-encompassing, open architecture system to
interconnect their studio equipment. We feel the Echelon Series offers
a practical, affordable solution providing the highest level of interconnectivity
and sonic standards both now and in the future." For more information, visit their web site at www.otari.com. |