Gadget Labs Wave/8:24 PCI Soundcard Prof 24-Bit Digital Recording

Full Description & review: http://www.soundonsound.com

Official Site: http://www.gadgetlabs.org

Support: http://www.rhythminmind.net

Drivers: http://rhythminmind.net

The Wave/824 is a professional 24-bit interface with 8 inputs and 8 outputs of digital audio with an integrated MIDI port. Priced at under $500*, the Wave/824 sets a new benchmark for value in 24-bit multi-channel recording technology.

The Wave/824 is a complete system that includes PCI card, rack-mount patch box, and basic recording software. "Since the Wave/824 features are modeled after popular 8-track recorders, it's very easy to hook-up to other studio gear and start recording", said Rob Ranck, company founder. "It includes active-balanced audio connections that connect to nearly any analog equipment including mixers, preamps, amplifiers and monitors. It's the central hub of a digital desktop studio based on a Windows PC or Mac. Users can also expand to 16 or 24 analog channels by installing multiple Wave/824 interfaces."

The Wave/824 combines high current, low-impedance analog circuitry with 24-bit discrete digital converters to achieve professional audio performance (better than 102 dB dynamic range). "The PCI card incorporates the second generation of Gadget Labs' exclusive SoundCache(TM) to produce glitch-free audio recording and playback. This advanced design, combined with our direct marketing focus, allows us to deliver the Wave/824 interface at must lower cost than other 24-bit recording interfaces." 

Gadget Labs, SoundCache, Wave/824, Wave/4, WaveWARM and WaveZIP are trademarks of Gadget Labs, Inc. All other names may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies. Prices, specifications and availability subject to change without notice.

*Price for North America in US dollars.

Specifications

ANALOG AUDIO INPUT

• balanced or unbalanced line x 8
• drive level: +4dBu or-10dBv, auto-switched via software
• input impedance: 32K ohms
• connections: 1/4" jacks and XLR connectors via patch box

ANALOG AUDIO OUTPUT

• balanced or unbalanced line x 8
• drive level: +4dBu or -10dBv, auto-switched via software
• output impedance: 100 ohms
• connections: 1/4" jacks and XLR connectors via patch box

SAMPLING CONVERSION

analog-to-digital converters

• 24-bit, 128-times over-sampling
• sampling rates (kHz): 11.025, 16.0, 22.05, 24.0, 32.0, 44.1, 48.0
• dynamic range: 105 dB, A-weighted

digital-to-analog converters

• 24-bit, 128-times over-sampling
• dynamic range: 106 dB, A-weighted
• frequency response: 10 to 20 kHz, +-0.1 dB

MIDI INTERFACE

• hardware buffered using 16550 UART
• connection: MIDI In and Out via standard DIN on patch box

DIGITAL I/O OPTION (via add-on daughter card)

• S/PDIF, 24 bit, full duplex
• I/O connection
• RCA connectors (2) on base card

Brief Specification:

 Analogue I/O: 8 inputs, 8 outputs.
 Connectors: quarter-inch TRS balanced/unbalanced jack sockets (channels 1 & 2 have additional XLR input and output sockets).
 Drive levels: Each input and output can be separately or globally switched between –10dBV and +4dBu sensitivity.
 S/PDIF: optional (on daughterboard), providing 1 In and 1 Out with 24-bit full duplex.
 MIDI: In, Out (hardware buffered using 16550 UART).
 A-D Converters: Crystal CS5360 24-bit 128x oversampling.
 Input Dynamic Range: 105dB, A-weighted.
 Internal Path: 24-bit.
 D-A Converters: Crystal CS4390 24-bit 128x oversampling.
 Output Dynamic Range: 106dB, A-weighted.
 Frequency Response: 10Hz to 20kHz (+/-0.1dB).
 Supported Bit Depths: 8, 16, 24.
 Internal Sample Clock: 11.025, 16, 22.05, 24, 32, 44.1, and 48kHz (S/PDIF option supports 32, 44.1, and 48kHz only).