Z-Systems Unveils OptiPatch Lightpipe RouterSystem stores and recalls up to 99 digital input/output routing patterns.
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Artist's Rendering
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April 15, 2002
Z-Systems Audio Engineering has announced the
OptiPatch Matrix Audio Router that handles multiple sets of ADAT
Lightpipe-format digital inputs and outputs. Although Lightpipe
connections are an easy way to transfer eight channels of digital audio at a
time between mixers, recorders and signals processors, patching can
sometimes be a problem. OptiPatch represents a solution to
Lightpipe-format patching, eliminating wear and tear on optical I/Os caused
by repeated plugging and unplugging of connectors. Users can simply connect
inputs to digital audio sources, and outputs to digital audio destinations,
press one front-panel button and the patch is made. Up to 99 I/O routing
patterns can be stored and recalled by the unit. Suggested end-user price of
OptiPatch is $549.00.
"ADAT Lightpipe format is a convenient way to move digital audio signals in
eight-channel chunks - hence its proliferation throughout every segment of
the recording market," says Z-Systems president Glenn Zelniker. "Virtually
every class of product is now outfitted with Lightpipe I/O: consoles,
processors, workstations, instruments, recorders, and so on. But users are
now faced with the same types of problems that necessitate the use of patch
bays and distribution amplifiers for analog signals: sources often need to
be fed to multiple destinations; many destination machines have fewer inputs
than sources feeding them; and, most significantly, you need to be able to
reconfigure 'Who speaks to Who' dynamically and quickly. Which is why we
designed OptiPatch."
Reconfiguring digital signal flow on the fly ...
Rather than constantly unplugging and re-plugging Lightpipe connections
between a digital mixer, several multitrack recorders, a workstation and
some outboard converters - to reconfigure the signal flow on the fly - all
these devices can be connected permanently to OptiPatch and the signal flow
changed at the touch of a button. The unit's rear panel features a total of
eight Lightpipe inputs and eight Lightpipe outputs, for a total I/O capacity
of 64 digital audio sources and 64 destination channels.
OptiPatch is Z-Systems' first foray into developing and innovating
mid-priced tools for the project studio. "Advances in materials and
manufacturing have allowed us to build a digital audio router that lives up
to our highest professional standards," Zelniker concludes, "without
compromise in features, construction, or performance, at an affordable
price."
For more information, visit their web site at www.z-sys.com. |
