Otari Shows DB-16P Digital Audio Console at AES
October 15, 2003Otari Corporation displayed its new digital console aimed specifically at video editing applications, the DB-16P, at the 115th AES show.
The DB16P is a compact digital audio mixing console that can be free standing or rack-mounted with the supplied brackets. In addition to offering a wide range of useful functions as a stand-alone mixer, it exhibits additional capabilities when connected to a video editing system offering a serial port supporting the ESAM II (Editing Suite Audio Mixer) protocol, enabling it to be controlled from the video editor.
Comprehensive built-in AES/EBU digital audio inputs with a range of reference level settings are provided, retaining the signal in the digital domain for maximum audio quality. The DB16P can accept two 4-channel VTRs and a 2-channel source can be switched between a digital input such as CD, MD, and DAT, and mic or line level analog signals input via a 24-bit A/D conversion stage, which is offered as a standard feature. A four-channel digital master recorder return is also provided.
The DB-16P can be synchronized from many sources, including word clock with a range of
32 -- 96 kHz, video sync (44.1 and 48 kHz), and the console's own internal 48 kHz sync. Simply connecting a video signal (at 25, 25.97, or 30 frames) allows the DB-16P's digital signal processors to sync to it.
Each of the input channels includes a 3-band frequency selectable equalizer and high-pass filter, a compressor, and a channel fader with 0.1 dB resolution. Channel settings can be copied between channels. There are four output channels and these can be linked to allow the Channel 1 output fader to be used as a group master.
Channel settings can be saved as up to 99 snapshots -- these can also be sent via serial link to a PC and saved or edited there, after which they can be recalled into the mixer.
To make operation as simple as possible in a video editing suite, there are three Transition Modes that allow manual, semi-automatic, or automatic fades and crossfades. In manual mode, two faders are used for the transition. In semi-automatic or "Normal" mode, the duration of the transition (up to 3,900 frames -- about 130 seconds at 30 fps) and its curve are established, and a crossfade is executed by pressing the Start button. In automatic mode, durations for the fade-in and fade-out signals are determined along with a suitable transition curve, and the transition itself is executed according to a trigger signal from the video editor.
Level indication of the program and bus signals is provided by four 40-segment LED bargraph meters, with peak and clip hold. In addition to the four main outputs, four monitor faders, fed from their own mixer, drive a precision 24-bit D/A converter to provide a 2-channel monitor output.
For more information, visit their web site at www.otari.com. | 
