Computer recording


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Aardvark Q10

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10 In/10 Out Computer Audio Interface Zero-Latency Monitoring


8 studio quality XLR mic preamps having a quiet 002% THD+N let you record direct to the computer without a mixer. Any of the 8 inputs can also be used as high quality line inputs The Q10 has 4 analog effects inserts for easy integration with outboard processors, phantom power, 2 EFR guitar Hi-Z inputs, front mounted headphone & line monitor out level controls, SPDIF, MIDI, a shielded PCI card and comes with a full version of Cakewalk's Pro Audio 9.0 The Q10 is compatible with almost all audio recording software: Steinberg: :Cubase VST/32 & Nuendo, Cakewalk Sonar, Emagic Logic Audio Platinum, , Syntrillium Cool Edit Pro 2000 and gets low-latency performance with software synths & samplers like Native Instruments, GigaStudio and Propellerheads Reason.


Q10 Hardware
The Q10 has mic preamps and converters and I/Os of an analog mixer. You can record direct to you computer without having to go through a mixer or mic preamp.Q10 has 8 flexible and high quality inputs. With the XLR inputs going directly to the discrete mic preamp circuitry and the inputs going directly to the line level inputs. These having software controllable analog input gain applied before the A/D converter to maximize your sound and get clean gain just like an analog mixer. There's Aardvark's proprietary EFR Hi-Z guitar input circuitry to warm up any guitar you connect directly into the Q10.
8 Discrete Microphone preamps: the mic pre-amps in the Q10 are a transistor design.
4 Inserts for Outboard Effects:4 TRS inserts that work like those of an analog mixer. These connect directly to outboard signal processing gear so you can 'insert' the processed analog signal between the mic preamps and the A/D converter. This means your classic analog signal processing gear such as EQs, compressors, limiters, can be easily integrated with the Q10smic preamps, allowing you to still use your favorite analog processors when you record direct to the computer.
2 EFR Hi-Z Guitar Inputs: the selectable front panel Hi-Z inputs (inputs 7+8) feature an Enhanced Frequency Response input circuit (EFR) which is specifically tailored for recording electric and bass guitars with warmth and clarity. You also don't need any more boxes or extra cables to record.
Headphone & Monitor Output: the Q10 has both a headphone output on the front of the unit and stereo Monitor outputs on the back to connect directly to your speakers. Both outputs have individual level controls easily accessable on the front to give you mixer-like monitoring capability.

Shielded PCI Card:
Aardvark provides custom shielding on PCI cards. Both the breakout box and the PCI card are designed to be noise free.

Expandable: you can run up to 4 Q10's in the same computer for a maximum of 32 analog inputs and 8 channels of digital I/O. In fact, all Aardvark audio interfaces can be expanded up to 4 units. Just connect the word clock in & outs on the Q10's to each of the devices and you have 40 channels of I/O.

Aardvark Clock: every Aardvark computer audio card uses clocking technology similar to AardSync II master clock generator. The AardSync II is the master clock used to sync Pro Tools, digital mixers, A/D converters and other devices, improving their sound via its low-jitter clock. This proprietary clocking technology gives the computer audio interfaces improved stereo imaging and better resolution on extended high and low frequency audio tracks.




Q10 Software
Control Panel: the brain of the Q10 is the DSP powered Control Panel, which is designed to replace the need for an external hardware mixer, while providing the real-time mixing and easy monitoring that you get with an analog mixer. All of its features are powered by the powerful DSP processor on the PCI Card, so the mixing, monitoring and metering won't slow down your computer. It works in a similar way to an outboar mixer, and it works in combination with the Q10 hardware to provide a digital mixing solution that includes routing, zero-latency monitoring, snapshot preset recall, input level trim, digital peak metering and is +4/-10 selectable.
Control Panel can be seen as a 20 channel mixer with a 2 channel monitor output that is routed to stereo line outs on the back panel, and a front panel headphone out. Ten of the channels are from the physical 10 inputs of the box (8 analog and stereo digital), and the other 10 channels are from the software application. Any combination of previously recorded audio tracks can be played back, mixed and monitored individually or in subgroups, while simultaneously recording additional audio tracks. This control panel comes in 4 cool colors that ou can change as often as you'd like.

Stage Input Gain: the input trim (found at the top of each mixer strip on the Q10 Software Control Panel) provides up to 75dB gain on the mic inputs. This gain is done in the analog stage (pre A/D conversion), just like an analog mixer would do. The Q10 software sends commands to the analog circuitry in the breakout box to get the best sound possible. This has 3 separate gain stages; m2 (Mic 2), m1 (mic 1), and L (Line level), which are each optimized for that particular gain range.

ASIO Turbo Mode: ASIO 2 driver provides low latency performance, down to 4ms or less with some applications such as software synths and VST instruments. ASIO has a unique 31-step ASIO Buffer Slider which lets the user dial in the exact buffer size that is optimal for the computer.

Snapshot Preset Recall: hitting the Presets button on the Control Panel activates the Presets window, which let you save an unlimited number of screen shots to recall at any time. This is particularly useful when you need to change the patch bay settings or the input levels for different studio sessions.

Output Routing (Patch Bay): dealing with the software routing of audio interfaces can sometimes be a big hassle. That's why Aardvark has taken a photo of the back panel, and put easy to use drop down menus to select what you want routed. This includes analog through to the outputs (Analog 1-8), any of the playback tracks (Playback 1-10), generating a tone and using the stereo output of the Control Panel's Monitor Bus.

The Q10 is bundled with a full version of Cakewalk Pro Audio 9.0, multi-track audio recording and MIDI sequencing software:

Record & mix up to 128 tracks of audio

Full featured MIDI sequencer

Supports 24 Bit/ 96kHz

Real Time Effects

MP3 Enabled

Import and sync digital video to audio

Edit & Print Notation w/ Guitar Tablature

Real-Time Guitar Fretboard display

Time Expansion/Compression

Audio-to-Midi Conversion

Fade/Envelope & Crossfade

Direct X Plug-In compatible

Parametric EQ, Reverb, Delay/Echo

Flange, Chorus, Pitch Shifting

Vintage Amp Simulation

 

The Q10 package includes:

Shielded PCI Card 5)
Cakewalk Pro Audio 9 CD
Rack Mountable, 19" Breakout Box
Registration Cards
6' 25-pin Cable
Manual & Quick
Start Guides
Q10 Manual




Q10 Specifications

Converters: 24 Bit A/D D/A Shielded

THD+N: .002% @1kHz

Dynamic Range: 110 dB D/A, 100 dB A/D

Frequency Response: 7 Hz-44kHz, +/- .5 dB

Sample Rates: 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz

Analog Inputs: 8 Inputs Total

8 XLR Discrete Mic Preamp w/ Input trim or

8 Balanced Line (+4 dBu/-10 dBv) w/ Input Trim

2 Hi-Z Guitar Inputs (replaces Line In 7,8) w/ Input Trim

Inserts: 4 Inserts for using Mic preamps w/ outboard effects

Analog Outputs: 10 Balanced Line (+4 dBu/-10 dBv), 2 are Monitor Out

1 Headphone Output w/ Level Knob

Digital I/O: 24 Bit S/PDIF In/Out on RCA connectors

MIDI I/O: Midi In/Out on Standard 5-pin DIN

Sync I/O: Word Clock (BNC) In/Out, MTC (via MIDI) and S/PDIF clock

Modes: Full Duplex Simultaneous Rec/Play

Expansion: Up to 4 systems can be installed in the same computer

Card Type: PCI Bus Architecture, 5" Length

On Board DSP: 24 Bit, 80 MIPS

Connections: 6" Shielded 25 pin connector

DSP: 24 Bit, 80 MIPS

Minimum System: 233 MHz w/64 MB RAM

Software Included:  Cakewalk Pro Audio 9

 



FAQ

What is the DIRECT PRO Q10?

The Direct Pro Q10 is a hard disk recording. It's a professional hardware solution (PCI card, cable & rack mount box) for audio software recording programs like Steinberg, Cakewalk, Sonic Foundry, Emagic and many others. It alsoworks with stand alone soft synths & samplers. The Q10 gives you a professionally integrated system that lets you record direct to your computer with mic preamps and converters, and has the monitoring & mixing capabilities of an outboard mixer.

Does the Q10 actually record audio to my computer?

The Q10 consists of hardware and software that acts just like an outboard mixer and a professional audio card. You also need a software recording application that actually does all the recording, editing and for the mixdown. Of course the Q10 comes with multitrack recording software so it's perfectly usable right out of the box, but it's also been extensively tested with almost any audio recording software you choose to work with. There's lots of companies that do this type of recording software, and almost all of them are a perfect compliment to the Q10. Some of the industry are: Steinberg Cubase VST & Nuendo, Cakewalk (Pro Audio 9 is included), Cool Edit Pro, Emagic and Sonic Foundry, Propellerheads, Native Instruments and many more.

Those 8 input jacks on the front look different. What are they?

These are the new combo‚ connectors from Neutrik that allow you to plug either a 1/4" connector or an XLR (3-prong) connector. Aardvark uses the 1/4" as the line level inputs only, with Input 7 & 8 switchable to a Hi-Z guitar input. The XLR inputs are strictly for use with microphones. Do not plug in a 1/4" mic or a balanced line level into the XLR connector. The use of this connector allows you to go directly into your computer from any source so you don't need a mixer and adapters to get audio into the computer.

Can I use some XLR Mic inputs & 1/4" line inputs simultaneously?

YES. You can use any combination or the 8 XLR mic, 8 line or 2 Hi-Z guitar inputs. Let's say your recording a session and you have 2 condenser mics for vocals (XLR 1,2), 1overhead mic (XLR 3), 1 outboard synth line input (1/4" 4), 2 line inputs (1/4" 5,6) and have a lead and a bass guitar (1/4" 7,8). You can set all these levels individually, mixing them and monitor them allin real-time through the Monitor outputs.

What is EFR circuitry?

EFR (E.nhanced F.requency R.esponse) is a proprietary technology from Aardvark that adds just a bit of warmth to your guitars to give you a full, rich sound. Guitarists will love it !

Is the noise from my computer getting into my audio?

With the Q10, Aardavrk protect the audio signal starting from the balanced inputs all the way to your hard drive. It starts with a shielded break-out box that keeps any noise or other interference far away from the custom microphone preamp circuitry. This guarantees noise-free audio at the most critical point of any audio recording.

Does the Q10 have phantom power for condenser microphones?

The Phantom Power switch on the front of the Q10 lets you use "condenser" type microphones, usually used for critical vocals or acoustical instruments. These "condenser" microphones cost a little more and need a perfectly matched 48 V Phantom Power supply to keep them working properly. You can use up to four condenser microphones with your Q10 and all four are guaranteed to sound equally good.

Will the Q10 slow down my computer?

All the extra processing is done with its own powerful DSP Engine. This means the real-time monitoring, metering, mixing, routing that the Q10 Control Panel does, won't slow down your computer at all. This means you can use more plug-ins and other native effects because the Q10 brings its own horsepower.

How many channels can I record at the same time?

You can record up to 10 individual tracks simultaneously, however in the software recording application, you can get up to 256 separate audio tracks which make it usefull for overdubs and mixing.

Can I connect the Q10 to MIDI gear or DATs?

The MIDI I/O on the back of the Q10's sturdy breakout box enclosure allows you to use any software sequencer to slave your synthesizers and other MIDI gear. The MIDI I/O works just like any 16 channel MIDI interface and is in sync with all your audio tracks. The stereo S/PDIF I/O gives you a digital interface for DAT decks and CD burners as well as most samplers and CD players so you can dump stereo tracks down to DAT or load in your favorite CD without any loss of audio quality.

How many Q10's can I put in my computer?

You can use up to 4 complete Q10 systems in any one computer for a total of 40 in and 40 out. Just connect the Word Clock inputs. Many people put 2 Q10 systems and have 16 discrete mic preamps ready to go at any time. In fact, you can use up to four of any of Aardvark's computer audio cards in the any one computer. This lets you keep adding cards as you expand your studio. so you're not limited in a

 


Aardvark, 202 E. Washington 306, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 -Usa
Tel: 734-665-8899, Fax: 734-665-0694,
e-mail

Italy - Onetime Technologies, Ponti Sul Mincio, Mantova , tel: +39-0376-808-170 Email


Argentina - - SigmaDelta, Buenos Aires, Cap Fed , tel: 54-1-816-0472 Email
Australia - Innovative Music Australia, Mt Waverley Victoria, 03-95400-658 Email
NL- Digital Music Media, Amsterdam,, +31-20 4218934 Email
Brazil- Quanta, Campinas/Sao Paulo, tel: 551-937414644 Email
Chna - Central Music, Chaoyang District, Beijing , tel: +861-085-801115 Email
Czech - DISK Multimedia, Boskovice, Tel.: ++420 501 454 769 Email
Denmark - Gaya Musik , Holbaek, tel: +59-44-34-05 Email
Estonia - Pro Media, Tallinn, Tel: 372-6418006 Email
France -S.C.V. , Roissy Tel.011-33-1-48-63-11-44 Email
Germany - M3C Systemtechnik, Berlin, Tel: + 49-30-7890-790 Email
Greece- V. Demitriadis, Athens, Tel: 003-018-232415 Email
Indonesia- Wisma Musik, Jakarta, Tel: 629-229-260 Email
Japan- High Resolution, Tokyo, tel: +81 (03) 5379-5574 Email
Korea - Asaphaus, Seoul, Tel: 822-263-78141 Email
Mexico - MidiLand, tel: +52-5-5541-2241 Email
New Zealand - Protel International Technologies, Wellington, Tel: +64-4-801-9494 Email
Norway - A Systems , Oslo, tel: +(47) 4130 1440 Email
Poland - Audio Factory, Warszawa , Tel: 482-282-61889 Email
Russia- AT Trade, Moscow, Tel: 7-095-956-1105 Email
South Africa - Tuerk Technologies, Randburg, tel: +27-11-792-8402 Email
Sweden - LEYMAN MUSIC, Goeteborg, tel. (46) 3-1128563 Email
Switzerland - S.T.G. Distribution, Geneva, tel: 412-28300484 Email
UK - Et Cetera, Haslingden, tel: + 44-1-706-228-039 Email





advanced technologic sound magazine
2002

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