Apogee Launches Mini-Me 96kHz Portable Converter

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New at the NAMM show from Apogee Electronics Corporation is the Mini-Me portable 2-channel A/D converter with built-in mic, line and instrument-level inputs and USB, AES and S/PDIF out, a successor to the popular AD-1000 and designed as the ultimate converter for location and portable use as well as in the studio.

Built into a sturdy 5.5 x 10 in case (1/3 rack width, with a 1U rack-mount kit available), the Mini-Me's looks are reminiscent of the AD-1000, with its sturdy aluminum extrusion case and purple knobs. But under the skin lies an entirely new design.

Two universal XLR/TRS connectors on the rear panel accept line, mic or instrument levels and impedances, the instrument input being selected automatically when a TRS plug is inserted. Switched 48v phantom power is provided. The preamp section was designed by the same team that produced the award-winning Trak2 design, and includes both independent left/right controls and a switched "CAL/LINE" position with multiturn presets. In addition to Apogee's famed Soft Limit, which gets maximum output level without digital overs, the Mini-Me includes a powerful new multi-curve soft-knee compressor/limiter for the ultimate in dynamic control. The latest Apogee A/D converters offer sample rates up to 96 kHz and word lengths from 24 bits to 16 and 20 with UV22HR -- all selected on a single control that also delivers digital black. Outputs include AES/EBU XLR and S/PDIF RCA connectors, plus a USB port for direct connection to the computer and audio software of your choice. Zero-latency headphone monitoring is controlled with a volume knob, while a control allows mixing of the direct signal and the return from the USB port along with stereo/mono monitor switching.

The USB interface utilizes USB Audio support in the host computer's OS, with ASIO drivers to be available later, and has a special feature that matches the sample rate between the Mini-Me and the computer even if they are set differently, for true plug and play operation. The Mini-Me is to ship by the end of April, with a provisional SRP of $1495.

For more information, visit their web site at www.apogeedigital.com.