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Well, we pretty much know what the new hardware from Digi will be. From the specs it looks like a serious jump. I was expecting PT to go to 96k with support for 192k but I wasn't expecting an actual 192k system. At this point in time I'm not sure that the benefits of 192k over 96k will be worth the file sizes/proccessing cost. No doubt this will be hashed to death on the DUC once the new systems hit the streets.

For high end users it looks like a full HD3 system + 192 interface (loaded) will list at about US$17,000. A long way off the $50,000 that some speculated and of course we still don't have any idea of upgrade deals.

The main question I have will be the processing power. Baring in mind that 192k requires 4 times the processing power/bandwidth of 48k, how will this affect track count and plugin instances? In other words, does a HD3 system provide at least 4 times the processing power of a Mix3 system? Answer this question and we'll have a much better idea of what it will really cost us.

Exciting times, I'm really looking forward to hearing the new system. Hopefully all (or most) will be answered within the next week or so.

Greg

Comments

anonymous Sat, 01/12/2002 - 12:35

Yes the big point for me is processing power...

I almost feel guilty having read things about the new system and then finding out that I wasn't supposed to. I hate the thought of Digi feeling that they're moment has been spoilt...
sending stuff out to dealers is a bit niave though...

Oh well the new stuff sounds very interesting and it will be fascinating as comparisons to the current TDM system will no doubt get debated for months, nay years to come!!

Renie

Greg Malcangi Sun, 01/13/2002 - 04:40

Hi Renie,

it will be fascinating as comparisons to the current TDM system will no doubt get debated for months, nay years to come!!

I'm sure there will be quite a bit of debate but only from people who can't get to hear the new systems, and not for that long. I fully expect a new stock system with a 192 to easily out perform a stock Mix system in the audio quality stakes. I know for a fact that Digi has taken the huge DUC threads about audio quality very seriously.

I would be surprised and disappointed if the audio quality of the new systems doesn't set a new standard for DAW audio quality.

Greg

Ang1970 Sun, 01/13/2002 - 06:15

Originally posted by Greg Malcangi:
I would be surprised and disappointed if the audio quality of the new systems doesn't set a new standard for DAW audio quality.

Hate to be a negative nelly, but I'm not holding my breath for this to come from digi. Sure, I'll dig into the new system and give it credit for whatever improvements are made. I just don't expect it to set any new standard on ADC/DAC that will last more than a few months. There are a couple companies that have been quietly pushing the envelope on 24b/48k, and I would expect them to quickly open a can of whoop-arse on digi's new converters. IMO, digi is too concerned with price point to make the electronics that good.

Word-clocking may be another matter altogether. I speculate digi has enough data on competing WC generators, and could've made something v f competitive by now.

Rader Ranch Wed, 01/16/2002 - 13:49

well, here was a little hidden gem of a post at musicplayer...

Am headed to NAMM after day and night mixing for several months now, not to mention a considerable effort to get our 96k plugin ready to show on the new ProTools hardware.

Would very much like to answer this when I return, if that's o.k.

George

--------------------

George Massenburg

http://www.massenburg.com

...or did everyone but me know already that his plug was gonna be available?

Greg Malcangi Fri, 01/18/2002 - 03:05

I just don't expect it to set any new standard on ADC/DAC that will last more than a few months.

I never said how long I expected it to last! :) I believe that although Digi are breaking new ground with the 192, ultimately they are looking to create a box that will be at the top of the mid end. They have always left space for the high end companies like Prism, etc, to bring out stuff that's beyond the budget of most TDM users.

Regarding George Massenburg: I knew George was working on a PT plug from my private discussions with Nika about 96kS/s, although I don't know any details. Whatever it is, I'm pretty sure I'll be in the market for it!!

Greg