Express (non-Cobra) is available in three models - 12x4, 4x12, and 8x8, targeted at stand-alone applications where a single DSP unit is sufficient to handle all of the processing between the source gear (all inputs are line- or microphone-selectable) and the amplifiers.
Express Cobra is available in four models - 12x4, 4x12, 8x8, and 4x4. Along with analog I/O, each includes an 8x8 CobraNet license, supporting Peak Audio's industry standard protocol for networked digital audio. Via CobraNet these units can interface with each other, SymNet Audio Matrix systems using Symetrix CobraLink hardware, or third party manufacturers supporting the protocol. Express Cobra models can function as basic components in a simple system, or cost-effective remote I/O units in more complex audio system scenarios.
"We're very excited about this new series of hardware," stated Dane Butcher, Symetrix president and founder. "It takes all the power and flexibility of SymNet and places it in a series of cost-effective, nimble devices that can go a lot of places we couldn't go before. Of course, we couldn't resist the temptation to add some new features too."
Key hardware features include an onboard Ethernet interface so Express units can be mounted on a computer network (LAN) and accessed in real time from a remote location. Symetrix addresses a question posed by DSP users by providing for the connection of a redundant 24-volt power supply (not included) on all Express models. New software features include additional mixers, a new EQ module and auto firmware-upgrade function.
All of the Express units are driven by SymNet Designer 5.0 the latest version of the powerful application software for Windows This software allows offline creation and adjustment of processing systems from a desktop environment, and enables real-time control once the hardware has been commissioned onsite. SymNet Designer's comprehensive audio processing toolkit provides a numerous options for system creation and control. It is also compatible with older system designs, supporting the complete line of SymNet hardware.
Some of the additions to the software are new mixers, a new British EQ module, the ability to return to the last operational state when the hardware is power cycled, an auto firmware upgrade routine and full support for the Motor Mix control surface by CM Labs.
SymNet Express continues to rely on SHARC floating point DSP chips from Analog Devices for its audio processing engine. Each unit includes two 100MHz processors capable of running the full gamut of Symetrix tools such as automixers, compressor/limiters, Feedback Fighters, matrix mixers, and more. SHARCs provide a very efficient processing platform allowing these units to handle a variety of audio signal processing tasks.
(Sarah Rushton-Read)
