Two Opcode SONICport USB

Opcode Systems has shipped the SONICport™ and the SONICport Optical™, 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™ in Opcodes family of affordable USB musical products that make setup and use of audio easier than ever before. Opcode is bringing the revolution of USB and ultimate compatability 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 1/8^th inch stereo inputs and record with any Windows 98 compatible software (Macintosh drivers available in the near future). SONICport is perfect for laptop computers, cr 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, Opcodes 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 setthe host computer doesnt even need to be turned off. Simply attach the SONICports 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 datawithout dropoutsto 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 Opcodes 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.

Priced Right

The SONICport and SONICport Optical are available at a street price of under $250 (suggested retail price of each is $299.95). Please contact your nearest Opcode retailer or distributor worldwide here and now

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.

Review Units & Photos

For more information, visit Opcodes site right here or contact Opcode Systems, 365 E. Middlefield, Mountain View, CA 94043 or phone (650) 429-2400 or fax (650) 429-2401.

Opcode Systems, Inc., based in the heart of Silicon Valley California, is a division of Gibson Musical Instruments. Opcode designs and builds elegantly simple, yet powerful computer software and hardware for creative desktop music production and live performance. A major innovator in music technology, Opcode created the first sequencer and MIDI interface for the Apple Macintosh computer in 1984 as well as the Standard MIDI File format, OMS and invented Studio Vision, the first sequencer to combine digital audio with MIDI recording. The company is an industry leader in USB (Universal Serial Bus) audio and MIDI hardware. Opcodes integrated music products appeal to professional, semi-professional and aspiring musicians worldwide.

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.