Z-Systems Unveils OptiPatch Lightpipe Router
GAINESVILLE, Fla. (Apr. 16, 2002) --
Z-Systems Audio Engineering announces the OptiPatch Matrix Audio Router, for handling multiple sets of ADAT Lightpipe-format digital inputs and outputs.
Although Lightpipe connections are an easy way to transfer eight channels of digital audio at a time between mixers, recorders and signals processors, patching can sometimes be a problem. The OptiPatch is designed to eliminate wear and tear on optical I/Os caused by repeated plugging and unplugging of connectors. Users can connect inputs to digital audio sources, and outputs to digital audio destinations, press one front-panel button and the patch is made. Up to 99 I/O routing patterns can be stored and recalled by the unit. [an error occurred while processing this directive] The suggested end-user price of OptiPatch is $549.
"ADAT Lightpipe format is a convenient way to move digital audio signals in eight-channel chunks -- hence its proliferation throughout every segment of the recording market," says Z-Systems president Glenn Zelniker. "Virtually every class of product is now outfitted with Lightpipe I/O: consoles, processors, workstations, instruments, recorders, and so on. But users are now faced with the same types of problems that necessitate the use of patch bays and distribution amplifiers for analog signals: sources often need to be fed to multiple destinations; many destination machines have fewer inputs than sources feeding them; and, most significantly, you need to be able to reconfigure 'Who speaks to Who' dynamically and quickly. Which is why we designed OptiPatch."
Rather than constantly unplugging and re-plugging Lightpipe connections between a digital mixer, several multitrack recorders, a workstation and some outboard converters -- to reconfigure the signal flow on the fly -- all these devices can be connected permanently to OptiPatch and the signal flow changed by pressing a button. The unit's rear panel features a total of eight Lightpipe inputs and eight Lightpipe outputs, for a total I/O capacity of 64 digital audio sources and 64 destination channels.
"OptiPatch is a matrix switcher for Lightpipe signals that lives up to our fanatical standards for signal integrity and reliability," Zelniker continues. "Despite stories to the contrary, not all digital signal routers are created equal; it's not as simple as putting some chips and connectors into a box. There are important considerations concerning circuit-board layout, grounding and signal termination, as well as choosing the right logic families to do the job properly. Otherwise, the router can introduce unpleasant artifacts such as jitter and crosstalk. Our routers have stood the test of time in the most difficult environments with the most demanding users."
OptiPatch is Z-Systems' first foray into developing and innovating mid-priced tools for the project studio. "Advances in materials and manufacturing have allowed us to build a digital audio router that lives up to our highest professional standards," Zelniker concludes, "without compromise in features, construction, or performance, at an affordable price."
For more information, go to www.z-sys.com.
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