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Minimum System Requirements |
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Unitor8
MkII |
If you stack two Unitor8s, the matrix updates to 8-In by 16-Out. As you add more Unitor8s to your setup, MIDI data coming into one input is fed to multiple outputs (for example, 8 by 24, 8 by 32, and so forth). You might expect that you increase the number of inputs as you stack interfaces, but in fact, there’s a limit of eight addressable MIDI inputs; all of the corresponding inputs of each Unitor8 will merge. So if you stack eight Unitor8s, data going to MIDI In 1 on Unit A will correspond to MIDI In 1 on Units B through H. Emagic assumes that nobody uses more than eight MIDI controllers simultaneously, which isn’t necessarily true.
It’s a Setup
Patch Mode Setup and Computer Mode Setup offer various customization options for the Unitor8’s synchronization activities. In both Mode Setup windows, you can select whether the Unitor8 generates and receives LTC SMPTE, LTC EBU, or VITC SMPTE time code. Unlike Patch mode, Computer mode can stripe SMPTE, letting you record time code onto a tape so it can sync to your sequencer. Post-production pros should appreciate the Unitor8’s ability to burn time code into video pictures.
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Product Summary |
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Emagic |
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Unitor8 MkII |
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MIDI interface/SMPTE synchronizer |
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$799 |
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Rating products from 1 to 5 |
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PROS: Seamless operation when paired with Logic Audio. Simple to configure using Unitor8 Control software. Performs well under pressure. |
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CONS: No front-panel configuration or control. No word clock or ADAT sync out. Expensive. |
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Manufacturer |
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Emagic USA |
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tel. (530) 477-1051 |
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e-mail emagic@emagicusa.com |
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Web www.emagic.de |
A choice of frame rates (24, 25, 29.97, 29.97 drop, 30, and 30 drop) provides the ability to sync with a variety of formats. The Refresh option assists in handling poor-quality time code. In the Mode Setup Windows you can also enable Video Thru, read lines to properly sync to VITC (in which the Unitor8 scans the video signal and adjusts to the right line), and adjust the freewheel time, which is the time the Unitor8 takes to sync to an internal reference.
You can manually switch the video format from NTSC to PAL, but an Auto setting lets the Unitor8 automatically recognize the current format. Pro Tools users can adjust the Full Frame Message to select the number of frames they want to transmit. Other options include enabling MIDI Time Code out and selecting the MIDI transmission channel or channels. You can also adjust LTC output gain with an onscreen fader.
Patch Mode and Computer Mode have input and output filters for certain MIDI commands, including MTC, SysEx, Active Sensing, Tune Request, System Real Time, System Reset, and Song Select. Most pro-level sequencers offer the same filtering options, but having additional data filters doesn’t hurt.
The Unitor8’s Click Input is a simple feature that offers lots of functionality. In the Click Input Mode window, you can configure the input to accept a repetitive audio signal, such as a click or a kick drum, or a trigger from a footswitch. If your footswitch terminates with a TRS plug, you can reconfigure the tip and the ring independently to connect a double footswitch for a greater range of functions. Applications include synching Logic to taped material through the sequencer’s Tempo Interpreter and using a footswitch to start and stop your sequencer. For live performance, you can also configure a footswitch to skip through program settings or to serve as a panic button.
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Reprinted with permission from
Magazine, April, 2001© 2000, Intertec Publishing, A Primedia Company All Rights Reserved
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