EMU Announces Darwin V2.5 Software & SMPTE Sync Card

September 26, 1998 -- EMU-ENSONIQ has announced that Darwin' version 2.5 software as well as the long anticipated SMPTE sync card are now shipping. The software adds several new features to Darwin as well as supporting the SMPTE sync card that allows Darwin to sync to multi-track tape recorders as well as video gear. The SMPTE Option card allows you to sync to and generate all formats of SMPTE time code as well as word clock so you can integrate Darwin into an all-digital studio.

Lock To and/or Generate SMPTE Time Code

The SMPTE Option Card allows you to quickly and accurately lock Darwin to any device that outputs SMPTE time code or has an audio track striped with time code. The SMPTE Option Card gives users the ability to add eight tracks of hard disk recording to an analog recorder or video deck and take advantage of Darwin's random access non-destructive editing and processing abilities. Darwin has a unique dual PLL / frequency synthesizer design which claims to provide accurate lock up to incoming SMPTE with virtually no increase in distortion.

"Post-production facilities in both the film and video markets have been eager to replace tape-based machines with Darwins," noted Bryan Lanser, International Product Planning Manager, "and the new SMPTE card will provide an easy solution to add the benefits of random access recording into their facilities."

Lock To and/or Generate Word Clock

The SMPTE Option Card also provides word clock input/output support that assures drift-free synchronization with digital audio gear such as tape decks, video decks, DAT machines or workstations. Since you can make the word clock follow the SMPTE derived word clock, you can lock other systems to Darwin without the need for auxiliary translators.

"The word clock input and output function of the SMPTE card gives you the ability to integrate Darwin with other digital audio devices such as digital mixers" claims Mike Barnes, Digital Studio Product Manager. "This feature is simply not found on products in this price range, making Darwin with its SMPTE card an unbeatable value." he adds.

Version 2.5 Software Adds Autopunch and Support For 4 GB Drives

In addition to supporting the 4013 SMPTE Card, Version 2.5 Software adds a number of the new features, including Autopunch and support for four gigabyte hard drives. Autopunch points can be set manually by the user, or can automatically be derived from last manual punch. New Assignable Key functions add the ability to toggle Autopunch on or off. Four gigabyte SCSI hard drives may now be used with Darwin allowing for up to 100 minutes of uninterrupted 8 track recording. Increased backup functionality has been added, including support for DDS-2 SCSI DAT drives. Darwins may also be backed up to QIC, Travan and DDS-1 format DAT drives. A new disk formatting option allows the user to set the maximum size of the disk before formatting, to accommodate backup media that may have a smaller capacity than the hard drive.

.WAV File Export Adds Computer Link

Among the many new features is the ability to export from one to eight tracks as an industry-standard WAV file. When exported to an external or removable drive, the user may then connect this drive to a PC and perform further editing operations on the file, or create a CD with it using any of the popular CD-R software authoring packages. Other new features include a new S/PDIF 2-track routing preset, and the ability to name tracks in the digital mixer section along with an option to turn dither on or off.

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