The AudioBox AB64

16 to 64 channel matrix mixer

CobraNet capable

64 channel hard disk record / playback

32 assignable submasters

Advanced show controller

GPIO control port

Ethernet control interface

Graphical LCD display

Motor Mix interface

2 MIDI ports

The AB64 is a network-based 64 channel digital matrix mixer, integrated with a hard disk record / playback unit and a programmable show controller. Housed in a 2U rack-mount cabinet, it is approximately the same physical size as previous 16 channel AudioBox models. The AB64 connects to computers on a local network via ethernet at 10 or 100 Mbit/s. Two sets of MIDI inputs and outputs and a general purpose parallel control (GPIO) interface are also provided. The front panel features a bright graphic LCD display for a variety of configuration and status display functions.

The matrix can be configured for 0, 16, 32, 48 or 64 channels, based on the number of 16-channel AB64 DSP cards plugged in. The base unit with no DSP cards provides a full range of show controller functions. Analog input and output channels can be added in multiples of 16. CobraNet digital input and output channels can be added in multiples of 32.

At each matrix input, the three possible input signals (analog, playback and Cobranet) are mixed (or selected) prior to input level, delay and equalization processing. A set of 32 assignable submasters are provided, which can be mapped to MIDI faders. Each submaster can be assigned to any set of input and output level controls.

At each of the 4096 matrix crosspoints, signal level, polarity and delay can be independently set. Ramps are available to automate all gain and all crosspoint delay changes.

The unit provides record and playback of up to 64 simultaneous audio channels from a single internal IDE drive. Any set of playback channels can be synchronized for multi-channel playback. Any set of input channels can be recorded to a multi-channel file which can be played back or transferred to a personal computer for editing and archiving.

The AB64 is configurable with two IDE disk drives. Should the primary drive fail, the secondary drive is selected on reboot. Mirroring firmware will become available soon.

The programmable show controller can be used to automate all AudioBox functions. Compatibility with shows written for previous version of the AudioBox is maintained.

Computer control programs ABShowMaker for Mac OSX and ABEdit for Windows are available without charge.

The AB64 can be controlled live via the CM Automation Motor Mix Digital Mixer Worksurface.