.Page 1, 2
  The DI/O

(Click image for larger view).
The DI/O has stereo analog inputs and outputs, 24-bit S/PDIF digital input and output connections, and switchable 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96kHz sample rates. The unit will also sync to external digital systems automatically in External mode. Multichannel workstation users will use this mode, because you’ll want to sync with the rest of your A/D converters. The D/A converter synchs to incoming audio up to 100kHz sample rates and will mute audio if something is wrong. However, this action does not affect A/D conversion.

DI/O’s simple front panel has an input gain for adjusting analog audio levels from 0 to 20 dB. The 12AX7 tube in the DI/O’s signal path can be adjusted with the Tube Warmth control to add “character” to the A/D conversion. The control ranges from a very clean and pristine sound to a more warm and fuzzy nature. At higher tube warmth settings, a yellow LED lights to show saturation of the tube; the same LED moves up to red when the A/D is three dB from clipping. Sample rate is selected with a “Function Tree” pushbutton: Just push it until the right combination of LEDs light up, indicating your desired sample rate.

Using both the DI/O and Tube MP units together (they stack on one another), I can skip the analog front end of my cheap soundcard by going through the S/PDIF ports. The DI/O’s D/A converter was better than the one in my old DAT machine. On another session, I tried plugging the analog output of the D/A converter into the analog input of the A/D converter. As silly as this sounds, I was able to add a tubey sound to an already recorded Pro Tools file.

The DI/O is a great portable stereo AD/DA converter that sounds different enough from your other converters to make it more than worth its $249 MSRP. The ART Tube MP Studio is $159; both units include one-year warranties.

ART, 215 Tremont St., Rochester, NY 14608; 716/436-2720; fax 716/436-3942; www.artproaudio.com.
Barry Rudolph is an L.A.-based recording engineer. Visit his Web site at www.barryrudolph.com.



Reprinted with permission from Magazine, March, 2001
© 2000, Intertec Publishing, A Primedia Company All Rights Reserved


[an error occurred while processing this directive]