New USB S/PDIF Interface for Under $200

Opcode Systems of Palo Alto, CA, introduces the first member in their new family of affordable USB musical products for professionals using the Universal Serial Bus, the DATport audio interface. DATport creates a high-quality two channel digital link between any external digital S/PDIF audio device and any USB-compatible computer. These devices include DAT machines, digital multi-track recorders, MiniDisc systems, and front-end A/D converters. The DATport has a list price of under $200.

Opcode's new DATport eliminates all the installation nightmares of a traditional PCI or ISA card solution. No cards to install, no IRQs or DMAs to configure- the host computer doesn't even need to be turned off. Simply attach the DATport's six-foot cable to the USB connector of any Windows 98 PC (Macintosh drivers are expected shortly), connect your digital audio source and transfer your data to the computer for editing or to bum a CD.

"The DATport is a dream come true for musicians looking for a simple, yet professional solution for getting audio data into their computers digitally," states Tom Sherman, Vice President of Development, Opcode Systems. "It simply could not get any easier to install and use."

The DATport features stereo input and output in the form of two Coaxial S/PDIF connectors. Opcode has also prepared the DATport to be compatible with higher resolution systems, including 24 bit support.