Two SONICport USB Audio Interfaces from Opcode Now Shipping
 April 20, 1999
Opcode Systems has shipped the SONICport(tm) and the
SONICport Optical(tm), two new USB audio interfaces. The two interfaces both
sport professional quality analog to digital conversion as well as S/PDIF
digital connections in either Coaxial or Toslink (optical) flavors. These
new devices join the recently released DATport(tm) in Opcode's family of
affordable USB musical products that make setup and use of audio easier than
ever before. Opcode is bringing the revolution of USB to the world of music
production with a line of seven different audio and MIDI USB hardware
solutions.
Analog and Digital I/O
SONICport connects externally to any USB-compatible computer for a
high-quality stereo, analog to digital conversion away from the noise
inherent inside a computer. The 20-bit Philips DACs were used to ensure
professional quality analog conversion. In addition, the SONICport includes
digital coaxial S/PDIF for pure, bit-for-bit digital transfers. S/PDIF
devices include DAT machines, digital multitrack recorders, MiniDisc systems
and front-end A/D converters. The SONICport is compatible with 16 and 24-bit
systems at 48Khz , and 44.1K. Plug in a line-level signal to the 1/8th inch
stereo inputs and record with any Windows 98 compatible software (Macintosh
drivers available in the near future). SONICport is perfect for laptop
computers, creating a professional, easy to set up digital recording studio.
Bundled with SONICport is the N-Track Windows 98 multi-track audio recording
software which supports Direct-X plug-in effects and has built in conversion
of audio files to the popular MPEG 3 format.
"We're very pleased to offer a new type of digital audio product that uses
advanced technology to hide the underlying complexity. Installation is
similar to hooking up a cable." states Tom Sherman, Vice President of
Development, Opcode Systems. "It is a great time for new users to enter the
desktop digital audio world, with all of the fantastic editing, CD recording
and internet advantages now available."
Plug it in - it Works
Like other miracles of modern technology such as the telephone, electric
guitar or a household lamp, Opcode's SONICport simply plugs in and works. It
eliminates all the installation nightmares of a traditional PCI or ISA card
solution. No cards to install, no IRQs or DMAs to configure, no I/O
addresses to set-the host computer doesn't even need to be turned off.
Simply attach the SONICport's six-foot cable to the USB connector of any
Windows 98 PC, connect your line level or digital audio source and record or
transfer your data-without dropouts-to the computer for editing or to burn a
CD. In fact the updated USB audio drivers included with the SONICport for
Windows 98, which are licensed specially from Microsoft, are currently the
only way to get dropout-free audio through USB. Thanks to Opcode's advanced
Phase Lock Loop circuitry, the USB jitter problem is solved. As a result,
SONICport has consistently high sound quality and broad compatibility with
all S/PDIF devices.
Pricing
The SONICport and SONICport Optical are available at a street price of under
$250 (suggested retail price of each is $299.95).
Macintosh Support
Macintosh OS support for audio over USB is expected later in 1999. The
SONICport and SONICport Optical are Macintosh-ready and Opcode is working
closely with Apple Computer, Inc. to help them add USB audio support to a
future version of the Mac OS.
Other USB Audio & MIDI Offerings
Opcode is already shipping the DATport audio interface which has stereo
input and output in the form of two coaxial S/PDIF connectors and retails in
the US for $249.95. For MIDI over USB Opcode has announced the MIDIport 32,
MIDIport 64 and MIDIport 128 line of interfaces. The MIDIport 32, a two IN
two OUT interface, retails in the US for $149.95 and is set to ship in Q2,
1999.
SONICport, SONICport Optical, DATport, MIDIport 32, MIDIport 64 and MIDIport
128 are trademarks of Opcode Systems, Inc. All other trademarks are property
of their respective holders.
Visit Opcode on the web at www.opcode.com.
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