Kyma to Gain FireWire Interface

Symbolic Sound Corporation announces a new FireWire (IEEE 1394a-2000) interface for its Kyma sound design workstation. The new 400 Mbps interface provides a faster connection between a laptop or desktop computer running the Kyma.5 software and Symbolic Sound's multi-processor Capybara*320 audio accelerator.

Benefits include:

• More disk tracks on both laptops & desktops - On a laptop computer, Kyma users can now expect to record/playback 24 mono tracks of 16-bit 44.1kHz audio. (That's 6 times as many tracks as could be delivered over the slower, PCMCIA interface card). On a desktop computer, the FireWire interface can deliver 26 tracks of recording and playback tracks.
• Faster downloads - Downloads between Kyma and the Capybara*320 are now up to 6 times faster than they were over the PCMCIA and PCI interfaces.
• More host platforms - Now Kyma can run on any FireWire-equipped computer, including the popular Apple iMacs, iBooks, G4s, and Powerbooks, as well as any FireWire-capable PC notebook or desktop machine.
• Longer cable runs - The maximum cable length between the Capybara and the host computer using the FireWire interface can now be as long as 25 ft. This is especially useful when running Kyma live onstage or when trying to isolate the computer in a studio environment.
• Easy upgrade - The Firewire interface is housed in a separate box about the size of a VHS video cassette box, so Kyma users can easily upgrade to the new interface without having to make any modifications to their Capybaras.
• Native power - A universal power adapter kit comes with the FireWire box, so you can plug into the local power outlets wherever you go on tour.
• Future - Having a Firewire interface opens the door to several future networking and inter-application developments.

Having a faster interface will be of benefit to all Kyma users, but the 6-fold improvement over PCMCIA in communication speed will be of special interest to people using Kyma on a laptop or notebook computer: for example, musicians who use Kyma for live processing or backing tracks on stage, and freelance sound designers who bring their Kyma systems with them to several different studios and sound stages.

Price and Availability

The price is US$495 when ordered separately. When ordered with a Kyma system, the price is $270. Limited quantities are available immediately. Full production quantities will be available in mid-December.