SONICport and SONICport Optical Shipping

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 1/8th inch stereo inputs and record with any Windows 98 compatible software (Macintosh drivers available in the near future). SONICport is perfect for laptop computers, creating 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, Opcode's 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 set-the host computer doesn't even need to be turned off. Simply attach the SONICport's 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 data-without dropouts-to 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 Opcode's 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.

Pricing

The SONICport and SONICport Optical are available at a street price of under $250 (suggested retail price of each is $299.95).

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.

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.