Digidesign Announces Two New DigiDrive Models

September 28, 1999 -- Pushing the state-of-the-art of hard disk storage for multitrack digital audio recording to a new level, Digidesign announced today that its DigiDrive™ hard drives now include next-generation LVD drive mechanisms for superior speed, data integrity and ultra-quiet performance. These 10,000 rpm drives are available in two capacities - 9GB and 18GB. These hard drives are designed to deliver the reliability, capacity and speed to handle the most demanding requirements of a digital audio workstation, such as a Pro Tools system. Available from authorized Pro Tools dealers and fully supported by Digidesign Customer Support, DigiDrive offers Pro Tools customers the convenience of one-stop shopping and service.

DigiDrive offers several advantages over other hard drives that are not specifically designed for digital audio. Digidesign/Avid's exclusive QuietDrive™ technology (patent-pending) dramatically reduces drive noise by up to 20dB, making the unit quiet enough for use in critical listening environments. Self-contained construction, including built-in power and connections, allows users to carry the drive to various studios without the requirement of carrying a proprietary dock. Additionally, up to four units can be clipped and interlocked together in a stack configuration for easy handling in and out of the studio. An additional optional rack kit with a non-proprietary docking system lets users rack-mount two drives side-by-side in a 2U space, while maintaining flexibility by providing quick-release switches that allow for fast and easy drive swapping. Front-mounted controls and indicators on the drive provide optimum convenience and visibility. Advanced thermal sensing circuitry (patent pending) enhances cooling efficiency by controlling fan speed, and a built-in heat detection/indicator circuit alerts of potential problems before the drive or data are threatened.

Each DigiDrive unit includes the DigiDrive Tuner application that optimizes the drive for use with Pro Tools. Digidesign currently supports fast/wide ATTO (single- and dual-channel) and fast/wide Adaptec (on-board dual-channel) host adapters for use with Pro Tools systems, with additional SCSI accelerators soon to be qualified. Also included with the drive is a 30-inch cable and, as a limited-time, special promotion, Avid's patented multi-mode SCSI terminator.

Both DigiDrives are available now at authorized Digidsesign Pro Tools dealers worldwide, at the following prices: 9GB $1195 (U.S.) and 18GB $1895 (U.S.) if purchased with a TDM-based Pro Tools system, and 9GB $1380 (U.S.) and 18GB $2200 (U.S.), otherwise.

For more information, visit Digidesign at www.digidesign.com.