Opcode's DATport Now Shipping

Opcode Systems has shipped the DATport audio interface, the first member in their family of affordable USB musical products that make setup and use of audio easier than ever before. DATport creates a high-quality two-channel digital link between any external digital coaxial S/PDIF audio device and any USB-compatible computer. These devices include DAT machines, digital multitrack recorders, MiniDisc systems and front-end A/D converters. The DATport is available at a street price of under $200 (suggested retail price is $249.95). Opcode plans to release several other USB products for audio and MIDI over the coming months.

Opcode's DATport 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 DATport's six-foot cable to the USB connector of any Windows 98 PC, connect your digital audio source and transfer your data to the computer for editing or to burn a CD.

Macintosh OS support for audio over USB is expected in early Spring 1999. The DATport is 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.

"Opcode has solved the computer connection problem musicians have been facing for more than a decade. Sound cards are notoriously difficult to install and often cause conflicts with other installed peripherals." states Tom Sherman, Vice President of Development, Opcode Systems. "DATport installs in seconds and provides a high resolution, 24-bit audio solution for both laptops and desktops."

The DATport features stereo input and output in the form of two Coaxial S/PDIF connectors. The DATport is compatible with 16 and 24-bit systems at 48Khz , and 44.1K.

Opcode has also announced the DATport +Analog which includes 20 bit analog A-to-D and D-to-A, and OPTICALport +Analog which has S/PDIF Toslink (optical) and 20 bit analog A-to-D and D-to-A. These are scheduled to ship over the next few months and are both priced at US SRP $299.95. Street price is expected at under $240.