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Sound Reinforcement - Forums for Live Sound Professionals - Your Displayed Name Must Be Your Real Full Name To Post In The Live Sound Forums => LAB: The Classic Live Audio Board => Topic started by: Pete Erskine on January 27, 2013, 03:01:59 PM

Title: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Pete Erskine on January 27, 2013, 03:01:59 PM
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/ (http://www.blackdogaudio.net/)
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Jordan Wolf on January 27, 2013, 03:10:09 PM
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…
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Pete Erskine on January 27, 2013, 03:31:17 PM
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.
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Jordan Wolf on January 27, 2013, 03:54:32 PM
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.?
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Pete Erskine on January 27, 2013, 05:24:56 PM
I wonder what transformer was utilized? 

They aren't labeled but are substantial.
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Geoff Doane on January 27, 2013, 05:29:25 PM
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
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Mac Kerr on January 27, 2013, 06:59:58 PM
They aren't labeled but are substantial.

It is a custom wound Edcor.

Mac
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Keith Broughton on January 28, 2013, 08:13:52 AM
At $150, the price is nice.
Would be interesting to do a comparison with the Peavey.
Title: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Andrew Broughton on January 30, 2013, 03:22:32 PM
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.
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Chris Johnson [UK] on January 31, 2013, 07:53:08 AM
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
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Pete Erskine on January 31, 2013, 01:04:46 PM
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.
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: David Sturzenbecher on January 31, 2013, 01:17:12 PM
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
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Pete Erskine on January 31, 2013, 01:45:32 PM
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 (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.
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Greg_Cameron on January 31, 2013, 02:21:16 PM
Where are the decoder electronics, under the transformer PCB?
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Pete Erskine on February 01, 2013, 01:44:22 PM
Where are the decoder electronics, under the transformer PCB?

Probably.  Google USB audio circuit and there are a lot of schematics
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Dave Rennie on February 04, 2013, 08:02:57 AM
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.
Title: Re: Terrific audio out for computer DI - Blackdog audio
Post by: Steve Anderson on February 04, 2013, 09:34:56 AM
[...] and when i do a show I have two stashed away [...]

You still do shows, Dave???  ;D

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