Re: Fw: Soundart

[Mark Sottilaro <sine@zerocrossing.net>]

Something that can do everything can be curiously close to something that 
does nothing.

franky, this sounds like a nightmare to me.

Mark

Jazwell Wankerl wrote:

> 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...
>
> €€€€€€§€€€€€€
>
> "He was born with the gift of laughter
> and a sense that the world was mad."
> -R Sabatini
>
> €€€€€€§€€€€€€
>
> J, S
> J 3:8, 11:35
> A 17
> 1C 2:2, C 3:16-17