EMU Ships Darwin SMPTE Card

Version 2.5 software adds new features

July 8, 1998 -- EMU announced that the EMU(R) SMPTE Sync Option card and Version 2.5 software for the Darwin digital hard-disk recorder are now shipping. Darwin V2.5 software provides full support for the new SMPTE card in addition to adding a wealth of new software features such as Autopunch, 4GB SCSI hard drive support, and increased back-up facilities. The SMPTE Sync Option card provides reliable and accurate synchronization to SMPTE time code equipped machines with random-access speed that no tape-based machine can match. The SMPTE Option card allows you to sync to and generate all formats of SMPTE time code, as well as lock to word clock so you can integrate Darwin into an all-digital studio. Darwin Version 2.5 software and the SMPTE Option card are available direct from EMU for $29.95 and $349 respectively.

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. With the SMPTE Option, you can 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's unique dual PLL/frequency synthesizer design provides you with accurate lock up to incoming SMPTE with virtually no increase in distortion. The SMPTE Option card makes it easy for you to lock the sample rate of Darwin's audio to all formats of time code: 24 fps, 25 fps, 29.97 fps drop, 29.97 fps, 30 fps drop and 30 frames per second.

Lock to and/or generate word clock

The word clock input and output capabilities of the SMPTE Option assures drift-free synchronization with digital-audio gear such as tape decks, video decks, DAT machines, and/or workstations. Darwin's word clock can also follow the SMPTE derived word clock enabling the user to lock Darwin to other systems without the need for auxiliary translators. The SMPTE Option also lets you lock multiple Darwins together for an unlimited number of tracks. "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. He continued, "The new SMPTE card will provide an easy solution by adding the benefits of random-access recording into their facilities."

Version 2.5 software adds new features for all Darwin users

Version 2.5 software adds support for the SMPTE Option as well as significant new features that can be enjoyed by all Darwin users. Of particular note are the new Autopunch feature and the support for 4GB hard drives. The Autopunch feature allows points to be set manually by the user, or automatically using the last manual punch. New Assignable Key functions add the ability to toggle Autopunch on or off. In addition, 4GB SCSI hard drives can now be used with Darwin--allowing over 100 minutes of continual 8 track recording on a single drive. Increased back-up facilities have also been added, including support for DDS-2 SCSI DAT drives, 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 back-up media which may have a smaller capacity than the hard drive. New Footswitch settings allow for several modes of operation in a personal-studio environment.

.WAV file export adds computer link

Among the many new features inherent in Darwin's V2.5 software is the ability to export up 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, or create a CD with it. Other new features include a new S/PDIF 2-track routing preset and track name display in the internal digital mixer, and an option to turn dither on or off. Mike McRoberts, Digital Studio Product Manager, commented, "'This new release specifically targets feature requests from customers and adds enhancements to simplify common operations and increase user productivity."

Darwin now available directly from EMU

In order to improve the availability of Darwin to all EMU customers, EMU announced just recently that the Darwin hard-disk recorder is now available direct from EMU as well as from select dealers worldwide.

Emu's website is at http://www.emu.com.