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[Pete Erskine]

This is a very simple Stereo Audio out box for Mac/Windows/Lunix USB audio out.  It uses native drivers in all flavors of OS, has a ground lift switch and mono/Stereo switch and is powered from the USB.  It is made by Mark Fiore.  He tells me that a 2X2 version with 2 audio inputs is coming mid year.

Input: USB "B" connector (1.5' USB cable included)
Output: 10k ohm balanced XLR outputs :: Pin 2 + :: Pin 3 - :: Pin 1 GND (switchable)
Freq Response: 20 - 20Khz
THD @1Khz: .001
Dimensions: 3.375"W x 3.375"D X 1.5"H (85mm x 85mm x 39mm)

http://www.blackdogaudio.net/

[Jordan Wolf]

Pete,

Did you ever try the Peavey USB-P?  It has been recommended on here before.

Still, it's a nice piece you tout - I may look into one for the future…

[Pete Erskine]

Did you ever try the Peavey USB-P?  It has been recommended on here before.

Does look nice too.  It is permanent ground lift whereas the Black dog has a switch but i am sure doesn't make a difference to line level audio.

[Jordan Wolf]

Does look nice too.  It is permanent ground lift whereas the Black dog has a switch but i am sure doesn't make a difference to line level audio.

Yeah, that was the main difference I noticed between the two units, too.

I wonder what transformer was utilized?  Lundhal, Jensen, "custom", etc.?

[Pete Erskine]

I wonder what transformer was utilized? 

They aren't labeled but are substantial.

[Geoff Doane]

Input: USB "B" connector (1.5' USB cable included)
Output: 10k ohm balanced XLR outputs :: Pin 2 + :: Pin 3 - :: Pin 1 GND (switchable)
Freq Response: 20 - 20Khz
THD @1Khz: .001
Dimensions: 3.375"W x 3.375"D X 1.5"H (85mm x 85mm x 39mm)

Is it really a 10KΩ output?  That's awfully high if you plan to run any length of cable.  Seems like a DI-type transformer at the output to drop it down to 150Ω would be a good idea.  It wouldn't be line level any longer, but it shouldn't be a problem to get 15 dB or so of gain back in most consoles.

Still, it looks like they've worked out most of the other requirements.

GTD

[Mac Kerr]

They aren't labeled but are substantial.

It is a custom wound Edcor.

Mac

[Keith Broughton]

At $150, the price is nice.
Would be interesting to do a comparison with the Peavey.

[Andrew Broughton]

Is it really a 10KΩ output?  That's awfully high if you plan to run any length of cable.  Seems like a DI-type transformer at the output to drop it down to 150Ω would be a good idea.  It wouldn't be line level any longer, but it shouldn't be a problem to get 15 dB or so of gain back in most consoles.

Still, it looks like they've worked out most of the other requirements.

GTD

It's a typo. Output impedance is spec'd at 150 ohms. i contacted the company and i think they will be updating the web site accordingly.

[Chris Johnson [UK]]

Much like ARX USB-DIs which I use regularly. Switchable earth lift, fully balanced outputs. Available at fixed line level, or with analog volume control. There is also a 2x2 available

[Pete Erskine]

Much like ARX USB-DIs which I use regularly. Switchable earth lift, fully balanced outputs. Available at fixed line level, or with analog volume control. There is also a 2x2 available

The Audibox USB I/O looks nce - hard to find in USA though.

[David Sturzenbecher]

The Audibox USB I/O looks nce - hard to find in USA though.

Wouldn't this work?

http://www.markertek.com/Audio-Equipment/Audio-Interface/Computer-Audio-Interface/ARX-America/ARX-AUDIBOX-USB-DI.xhtml?utm_medium=shoppingengine&utm_source=googlebase&cvsfa=3786&cvsfe=2&cvsfhu=4152582d5553422d31&gclid=CJnF3bjokrUCFcWPPAodDlcAZw

[Pete Erskine]

That's a good source-Here is a link for it

http://www.markertek.com/Audio-Equipment/Audio-Interface/Computer-Audio-Interface/ARX-America/ARX-AUDIBOX-USB-I-O.xhtml?ARX-USB-3

Blackdog has a 2x2 coming.  We'll see if it's a little more inexpensive.  The Aussi products seem to be 1.5X the cost of Blackdog.

[Greg_Cameron]

Where are the decoder electronics, under the transformer PCB?

[Pete Erskine]

Where are the decoder electronics, under the transformer PCB?

Probably.  Google USB audio circuit and there are a lot of schematics

[Dave Rennie]

The Audibox USB I/O looks nce - hard to find in USA though.

These are pretty awesome. Platform independent, sound nice, driverless install, and the I comes in handy more often than you think. I'd recommend them to anyone in a heartbeat, and when i do a show I have two stashed away just in case I need them.

[Steve Anderson]

[...] and when i do a show I have two stashed away [...]

You still do shows, Dave??? 

Agreed though, inputs quite useful. My last use was a presenter 'Skype-ing' into a conference with 500 pax. 8 minutes notice! ARX was flawless

[ProSoundWeb Community]