Re: SoundMeister

[andrep@balboa.eng.uci.edu (Andre Prellwitz)]

In article <1993May27.062345.27584@muug.mb.ca> jfenske@muug.mb.ca 
(John Fenske) writes:
>The second release from Genie
>
>ECON Announces the SoundMeister Stereo Amplifier/Digitizer for the Apple IIgs

[stuff nuked]

>Inputs/Outputs:
> 
> * 1/4" stereo phone jack for mic or line level inputs (software
>   selectable).
> * 1/4" stereo phone jack for amplified output (connect to
>   speakers).
> * 1/4" stereo phone jack for line level output (both line and
>   amplified output can be used simultaneously).
> 

If these are _really_ 1/4" jacks, I have to question WHY??  Wouldn't it be
better:
RCA output jacks (line)
1/4" output jack (amplified)
1/8" input jack (mic or line)

Not many people have mics with 1/4" jacks, and most amplifiers use RCA input
jacks.

>-------------------------
> 
>Technical Specifications:
> 
> * Frequency response:
> 
>   Outputs:
>   20Hz - 20KHz  +/- 3dB (amplified)
>   20Hz - 11Khz  +/- 3dB (line)

Does this mean that the SM somehow bypasses the GS' internal filtering?  I
thought the DOC was only capable of outputting ~26K samples/sec (~13KHz
effective output) max, but filtered at just below that?  At any rate, unless
the SM uses its D/A converters for input monitoring, it makes no sense.

>   Inputs:
>   DC to 50KHz  +/- 3dB
> 
> 
> * Distortion:
> 
>   0.15 % at 1Khz (amplified)
>   < 0.1 % at 1KHz (line)
> 
> 
> * Channel separation:
> 
>   75 dB (amplified)
>   > 90 dB (line)
>

Pretty impressive overall, though.  Fix the jacks and I'll buy one!

Oh, btw, how much RAM is on-board?  Will I be able to offload the task of DOC
swapping to the SM so I can play MODs in the background while doing file
transfers?  And, does it have registers that will allow me to write an output
scope as a CDA without having to add/multiply the volume/sample registers on
the DOC?  'Twould be neat!

andrep@balboa.eng.uci.edu
---
The University of CA, Irvine probably does not agree with me. :)