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Greetings,

This unit was mentioned as a decent buy for 16 inputs, so I went to take a look at it to add it to my list of things to watch. I found...
http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/prod_ad16.html

"The balanced analog inputs are configured in two groups of eight channels on 25-pin D connectors."

from my somewhat simple view I have no idea why they used this interface. The preamp unit that is used would have to do a 25-pin output. i find that odd. Is there something I am missing? Some piece of equipment that does this? Why not just 1/4" inputs or something universal.

SirRiff

Comments

knightfly Sat, 04/27/2002 - 20:46

Unless Apogee is doing something completely different from the rest of the digital audio world, those connectors are probably wired the same as a Tascam DB-25 connector as used on their 8-track digital recorders and other Tascam products. If this is the case, then what you need for interface to outside equipment (Patch bays, etc) would be, depending on which connectors your outboard equipment has:

xlr male=10' pn is cu/sd203, 16' pn is cu/sd205

xlr female= 10' cu/sd303, 16' pn is cu/sd305

trs = 10' cu/sd403, 16' pn is cu/sd405

The cu stands for "CableUp", Tascam's brand of cabling solutions for their gear. These connections make for compact, easy to wire systems, take up far less real estate on back panels, and are very cost effective. US prices run about $30 to $50 (this is for 8 channels), depending on which connectors are needed on the breakout end.

Another very cool reason for doing it this way: You need TRS outs for your system, but your buddy has to have XLR's - no prob, just buy a different cable and you both win!

Of course, if this is not what Apogee did on their converter, then all the above was crap...

Hey, OPUS!!!! You work (attend, anyway) there - Tell da man... Steve

Opus2000 Sat, 04/27/2002 - 21:06

Yes, the DB25 connectors are based on the same wiring as the Tascam format...it's a standard pin out from a DB25 connector that can go to XLR M or F and TRS. It made sense to use two DB25 connectors to save space. If you had 16 individal 1/4" outs it would turn into more than just a 1RU unit! :eek:
If you had a mixer with the DB25 connector you could hook the two up DB25 to DB25 and not have to detangle anything to find the numbers on the wires!
Vice versa on the DA-16 as well!
Have to say those units sound really amazing...did some listening at Universal Music the other day and been listening to the Beach Boys stuff too...clean..transparent..doesnt color the sound too much..just brings it out!
Opus

anonymous Sat, 04/27/2002 - 22:36

Greetings,

I think i dig it now, it just confused me they never linked to their cable solutions on the AD-16 product page, they probobly assumed if you were looking at it, you were familiar with their systems. It makes sense more or less, since you can go to any interface with a different cable and since it makes more efficient ues of space. As long as its just not a ploy to keep you with theier interfaces only, or get some extra cash out of you.

Thanks for the explaination guys.
SirRiff

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