After what they describe as ‘an intense development period,’ German companies AFMG and DSPecialists have released the Aubion X.8, an 8-input high-end measurement device using standard Ethernet as the means of connection.
The X.8 promises highly-accurate and stable performance with professional audio measurement systems such as AFMG’s Easera and SysTune, using a sophisticated hardware/driver combination and a simple user interface help avoid network issues and tuning issues.
‘What sound technician or system integrator has not dreamt of a simple multi-channel measurement interface he could use for tuning his systems?’ asks Stefan Feistel, Manager of AFMG. ‘Maybe even one connected by Ethernet to avoid the limitations of USB and FireWire and to be able to transfer calibrated data smoothly in and out of SysTune, either on a PC or within Parallels on the Mac?’
‘Our main focus was on designing an easy-to-use system for high-precision acoustic measurements.’ adds Dr Jochen Cronemeyer, Managing Director of DSPecialists. ‘As a result we created the very user-friendly Aubion X.8 suitable for multiple fields of application like room-acoustic measurements, designing and testing loudspeakers or commissioning sound systems.’
The Aubion X.8 is a high-quality, fully ASIO compatible audio measurement interface with eight inputs and two outputs that can be used in a standard Ethernet environment. It also has a two-port Ethernet switch, allowing it to be inserted into an existing network connection. Aubion X.8 devices are auto-detected by the driver and can be plugged in and out of the network without losing their configuration or assignment to a PC. Aubion hardware offers a dynamic range of 110dB (unweighted) on inputs and outputs with a signal-to-noise ratio (THD+N) of below 0,001%.
The unit integrates itself into Windows XP, Vista, and 7 as a standard ASIO multi-client audio device which can be addressed by any ASIO compatible software running on the system. Used in conjunction with one of AFMG´s measurement programs SysTune or Easera, the X.8 claims a ‘major advantage’ over other audio interfaces – any gain adjustments made in the GUI or directly on the device are transferred to the software thus maintaining any calibrations made.
The rugged 1U-high, half rack-space design makes the X.8 allows ready transportation of the unit by engineers or technicians who are frequently installing and tuning large loudspeaker systems, including line arrays, using a number of microphones simultaneously. It is also suited to complex measurements of room acoustics at multiple locations. Together with Eaaera or SysTune the Aubion X.8 creates a unique full-function hardware and software solution for audio and systems engineers to achieve precision live sound system tuning and monitoring.
Technical Specifications:
Aubion X.8 is now available worldwide directly through DSPecialists. The retail price is €1,400/US$1,950. A limited number of devices will be selling at an introductory price of €1,100/US$1,500. To purchase the Aubion X.8 together with Easera or SysTune, please contact AFMG.
