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Thought this might be interesting to the programmers out there. Potential
looping device? Maybe just general sonic mayhem...
For Immediate Release.
Soundart Unveils the Chameleon at the 2002 Frankfurt
Musik Messe.
24-bit rack programmable for any studio or stage task.
Frankfurt, Germany. March 13, 2002.
Soundart is proud to announce the availability of its
programmable studio hardware, the Chameleon.
Housed in a sturdy rack unit, the Chameleon is the on
ly studio tool that can be completely reprogrammed to
perform any conceivable audio or MIDI processing task.
Customers can enjoy the crystal-clear 24-bit sound and
hands-on interface, without sacrificing the flexibility of
computer based audio solutions. Soundart will also
give away the programming tools on request, making
the Chameleon the first professional audio platform
that is truly open.
Chameleon can feel at home in the best studios.
The Chameleon is an audio processor housed in a
sturdy 1u rack. The front panel delivers normal
functionality such as volume control, headphone
access, and power cycling. In addition, 12 push
buttons, an LCD readout, a rotary control and 3 knobs
for can be reprogrammed for any functionality desired
by the user. Round the back are connections for power,
a serial interface for connection to a PC, and MIDI and
audio connections. Inside, a powerful Digital Signal
Processor (DSP) chip and an embedded Coldfire
microcontroller offer the same kind of processing
solution found in most modern DSP synthesizers and
effects units.
Until now studio hardware has been the preserve of
professional audio manufacturers; users had no
access to the operating system and could not
reprogram their hardware. Soundart has broken down
the wall separating quality hardware and user
accessibility to software. Any Chameleon owner can
load or program new applications - through either the
serial or MIDI ports - allowing the Chameleon to
'become' a different studio processor. Synthesis, effect
processing, MIDI manipulation - the Chameleon can
handle all these tasks using purpose-built,
professional sounding hardware.
All incoming or outgoing audio processed on the
Chameleon is handled by a Motorola DSP56303 - the
same chip found in the majority of 'virtual analogue'
synthesizers made in recent years. Most electronics
musicians already own gear using this proven
hardware solution. Unlike conventional computers,
DSP chips use a different programming model
optimised for the kind of math necessary to produce
quality real-time audio. Further, this powerful DSP can
process audio at depths of up to 56 bits, far beyond
what is capable with personal computers. As well as
the chip itself, we included 4 'mega-words' of 24-bit
RAM, allowing mono delay times of over 87 seconds.
All audio passes through high-quality analogue-digital
converters operating at 48KHz.
More hands-on control for real musicianship.
But the Chameleon isn't limited to black-box
processing of audio. We employ Motorola's Coldfire
processor to manage real-time data input - and visual
feedback - from the unit's front panel. And the
Chameleon MIDI functionality is no bolted-on
afterthought; we have resurrected the powerful
MIDIShare programming system that graced the Atari
ST and early Macintosh computer, with up to 8
megabytes of RAM for sequence storage and another
megabyte of Flash RAM for patch storage. All the most
common interface and control tasks are easily
manageable using our powerful real-time operating
system.
Audio developers get a platform to work on that is
second to none in terms of quality and robustness. By
removing compatibility problems and bloated computer
operating systems, developers can focus on what really
matters - new ways of processing audio and MIDI for
electronic music. The Chameleon's powerful operating
software lets programmers exploit all the power in the
hardware, without forcing them to reinvent the wheel for
basic functionality.
With a Chameleon in the studio or stage rack, users
get all the benefits of hardware: pristine audio quality,
portability, total MIDI compatibility, and an interface they
can actually touch. Once an application is loaded, the
Chameleon behaves no differently from a purpose-built
studio unit. Applications can even be stored in the
Flash memory so that they load automatically at
power-on. Instead of rebalancing delicate computer
configurations every time they want more audio
processing, Chameleon users can simply switch on
and start work as if they had a dedicated audio
processor. When their needs change, a new
application can be loaded in seconds from any MIDI
sequencer.
Breakthrough for developers heralds a new generation
of studio tools.
Flexible studio tools have been offered before by other
firms. But none has the portability and features of the
Chameleon. In addition, other products have required
programmers to pay crippling fees or undergo difficult
approval processes before they are allowed to access
pro-quality hardware. This has discouraged many
aspiring electronic musicians and sound designers
from taking the final step in their chosen field - building
their own synthesis and effect processing tools.
Soundart changes all that, by sharing their complete
software development kit with anyone who wants it.
Now both experienced developers and eager learners
have access to the same tools used by pro audio
developers. As well as programming tools, we also
share extensive documentation and examples that
expose the secrets of how studio gear actually works.
Soundart has opened the door for everyone who has
ever dreamed of making their dream studio tools. Our
commitment to openness, combined with
reference-quality studio hardware, means that those
dreams can now become reality.
For commercial developers, the Chameleon is just as
attractive. A powerful hardware based security system
allows applications to be locked to the serial number of
the unit for secure distribution. And we don't impose
licensing co ditions or royalty charges: developers can
sell or give away their applications as they see fit. They
may share the source code for collaborative products if
they choose, or keep their algorithms completely private
- even from us! However developers want to present
their work to the public, all are welcome to sell or share
applications on our website. We will even provide
billing and shipping functionality, so customers have a
central point of sale for all their Chameleon needs!
Chameleon already shipping to developers and
colleges.
Rather than talk about future plans, Soundart believes
in delivering solutions before talking about them.
Chameleon units are already being shipped to
developers all over the world, as well as to university
research departments. Any DSP developer can start
working on a Chameleon now - the only wait is the time
it takes us to ship them a unit. Experienced
programmers are already at work on applications for
use on stage and in the studio, as well as more
advanced programming tools for musicians who do not
have coding experience.
Of course, this would not be news if the hardware were
not affordable; but it is. The suggested retail price of the
unit is a competitive Euro 795.00 plus applicable taxes.
Developers are eligible for discounts depending on
their experience and design ideas. Soundart values
and respects the research community as well, and will
make the unit available to educational institutions at
discounted prices - generous support on anyone's
terms.
Conclusion.
No other company can offer this combination of studio
functionality, versatility, and openness. We expect the
Chameleon to become a fixture in audio racks the
world over, as professionals see how they can benefit
from this winning combination. Digital signal
processing has changed the music industry and ope
ned up possibilities undreamt of only a few years ago.
The personal computer has brought equally wide
changes to the studio. The Chameleon is the first tool
that combines all the advantages of both with none of
the restrictions. Soundart is proud to open a new
chapter in the history of electronics in music.
Press contact:
Josep-Oriol Tomas, Managing Director
Soundart
c/ Corcega 89, entlo.
08029 Barcelona - Spain
Phone (Main): (34-93) 363 71 00
Fax: (34-93) 321 31 73
http://www.soundart-hot.com/
Mailto:codemaster@soundart-hot.com
Press Kit with hi-res pictures available on request.
---Jazwell Wankerl
phone: 715.833.2290
cell: 920.980.8311
'Duckbill Glass'
Synths * Samples
Effects * Engineering
I Wonder as I Wander...
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"He was born with the gift of laughter
and a sense that the world was mad."
-R Sabatini
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