96i Pro Tools|HD Audio Interface Announced
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(Click for a close-up) |
September 13, 2003
Digidesign announced the 96i I/O, the newest audio interface for Pro Tools|HD and Pro Tools|HD Accel systems with Pro Tools TDM 6.2 software. The HD version of the MIX-era Digidesign 1622 I/O, 96i I/O is a multi-channel 96 kHz-capable Pro Tools|HD audio interface, offering an affordable line-level alternative within the Pro Tools|HD family of audio interfaces.
96i I/O enables users to readily introduce output from third-party outboard gear -- keyboards, samplers, effects and other line-level equipment -- into the Pro Tools environment.
96i I/O's sixteen analog inputs provide balanced or unbalanced A/D conversion using tip-ring-sleeve (TRS) 1/4" connectors. A 24-bit-capable S/PDIF digital I/O port allows users to connect professional DAT recorders, CD players, and other digital recording devices. A/D and D/A converters of the same quality as those of the Digidesign 96 I/O ensure that the signals' fidelity is maintained going into and coming out of Pro Tools.
Each input on the 96i I/O includes recallable, software-adjustable level controls -- six-step for inputs 1-4, two-step for inputs 5-16 -- to accommodate the wide variance of instrument output levels. Its output reference level is switchable between +4 dBu and --10 dBV. In conjunction with Pro Tools 6.2 software, 96i I/O also acts as a virtual patch bay, enabling users to change connections with just one click. These two features allow 96i I/O to work much like a hardware mixer within a Pro Tools studio.
As with the other Pro Tools|HD interfaces, 96i I/O includes a peripheral port to facilitate connection to additional Pro Tools|HD gear. It can also be used as the primary interface for Pro Tools|HD or Pro Tools|HD Accel systems, both of which require a Digidesign HD audio interface to operate.
Up to six 96i I/O units can be used to provide 96 inputs for Pro Tools|HD systems.
96i I/O features include:
- 2U I/O device for instruments and effects gear
- 24-bit balanced TRS connections: 16 analog inputs, 2 analog outputs
- Two channels of 24-bit S/PDIF I/O (RCA connection)
- Supports sample rates up to 96 kHz
- Digidesign 96 I/O-quality converters
- Software-adjustable level controls for inputs (six-step for inputs 1-4, two-step for inputs 5-16); outputs software-switchable between +4 dBu and --10 dBV
- 108 db or greater dynamic range
- Support for balanced and unbalanced connections
- Front-panel LEDs for input and output metering
- Multiple units provide up to 96 discrete inputs
- Compatible with Pro Tools|HD cards and peripherals
For more information, visit their web site at www.digidesign.com. | 
