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Summer NAMM 2015: PreSonus DigiMax DP88 (Video)

Eight-channel preamp/converter with ADAT I/O

There’s a new member of Presonus’ DigiMax family of multi-channel mic preamps with built-in A-D/D-A conversion and ADAT connectivity. The DigiMax DP88 combines eight remote-controlled preamps with 24-bit/96kHz converters and, while it will happily operate as a stand-alone unit, the DP88 is designed to work seamlessly alongside the Presonus Studio 192 audio interface to expand its analogue I/O capabilities. 

Unlike the Studio 192, which provides front-panel headphone outputs, mic/instrument inputs and monitoring controls, the DigiMax DP88 is more in the mould of an I/O workhorse. There are clear level meters for each of the eight XMAX Class-A mic preamps on the front panel, plus a compact set of controls to adjust them, but given the unit’s extensive remote control facilities, users may rarely end up touching them at all. The DP88 uses simple MIDI CC messages to control level, phantom power and input selection, so the unit can be controlled from any DAW. When connected via ADAT to the Presonus Studio 192, the DP88 can be managed using the UC Surface control software with no additional setup required. 

Around at the rear, the DP88 presents eight XLR mic/line inputs, plus two D-sub connectors providing eight further mic inputs and eight balanced, line-level direct inputs that bypass the preamps and go straight to the A-D converters. These can be connected simultaneously and selected remotely. Two pairs of light pipe connectors provide eight channels of ADAT input and output at either 48 or 96 kHz, with two further D-sub connectors delivering eight direct balanced outs and eight balanced outputs from the D-A converters. MIDI and BNC word clock connectors complete the array. The DigiMax DP88 is due to start shipping in the third quarter of 2015 with a projected US street price of $699.

http://www.presonus.com/products/DigiMax-DP88

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