DAW Back-Up Solution Debuts From JoeCo

The reliability of digital audio workstation based set-ups has been secured with the launch of BlueBox Workstation Interface Recorders – a new range from UK-based manufacturer JoeCo.

Officially launched at IBC 2016, the BlueBox range is being described as the ultimate back-up solution for DAW-based systems, combining the benefits of a superior interface with industry-leading recorder technology to ensure that no matter what happens, your work is always protected.

Following previews earlier in the year, BlueBox is now receiving an enthusiastic welcome from broadcasting professionals, for whom the loss of audio due to an unexpected DAW freeze or failure can prove catastrophic.

"No matter how robust a DAW-based set-up might seem, there is always a risk that something could go wrong and that critical work could be lost – BlueBox is the definitive, cost-effective insurance policy against that happening," says JoeCo founder and Managing Director Joe Bull. "When you can't afford to lose anything, BlueBox will ensure that your work is safe."

Prior to the launch of BlueBox, JoeCo was perhaps best known as the company behind the award-winning BlackBox Recorder and Player ranges, the success of which has spurred the development of variants including AES/EBU, MADI and Dante options. Also available is the BBR1MP, equipped with microphone preamps of such a high quality that they inspired BlueBox.

"Our preamps are at the heart of BlueBox," explains Bull. "The BBR1MP proved a big success for us and we quickly began receiving requests from the market to incorporate our preamps into a high-end workstation interface. BlueBox delivers everything we've been asked for with the added benefit not just of very high quality audio, but also the peace of mind of your work always being backed up."

The BlueBox range incorporates two Workstation Interface Recorders, the BBWR24MP and BBWR08MP. Both have been designed and constructed to the same exacting standards as the BlackBox range, with its reputation for rock solid reliability. As the names imply, the BBWR24MP provides 24 channels of individually switchable mic/line inputs, while the BBWR08MP represents JoeCo's most affordable package yet with 8 channels of individually switchable mic/line inputs and 16 channels of dedicated balanced line inputs. Crucially, the mic channels on both units incorporate those best-in-class mic preamp designs.

Adaptability is also central to the appeal of the range. In a studio environment, a BlueBox Workstation Interface Recorder can be used as a near-zero latency audio interface device that slips unobtrusively into your workflow, both improving results and protecting your output. The BBWR24MP, for example, will deliver 24 channels of pristine audio at 24bit/96kHz both to and from a workstation, simultaneously backing up all audio at the same quality.

"You can simply press record at the beginning of the day and forget about it until you're finished," continues Bull. "Everything is recorded with full timestamping and nothing is lost – the BlueBox continues running in the background until you tell it to stop."

Outside of the studio, meanwhile, BlueBox takes on a new dimension. When used for field work, all of the renowned mic preamps become available to deliver a fully stand-alone, multi-channel audio acquisition recorder with near-zero latency and 24bit/96kHz performance.

Those familiar with JoeCo will recognise the fleet of peak features that accompany these core functions. Among them is the facility to control the unit however you choose, whether that means using JoeCoControl on the workstation itself or via the JoeCoRemote app for iPad. This also includes the facility to set up individual mic pre channel parameters such as level, mic/line, phantom power, hi-pass filter, soft limiter and phase reverse. Levels are displayed on high resolution meters. The monitor mix can also be adjusted in real time, incorporating both local and workstation feeds to deliver a customised mix that perfectly suits your requirements. Further control options are available with expandable channel strips that provide graphic faders, pan, solo, mute and more.

Both versions feature a range of connection options with audio clocks locked to timecode, video, or word clock inputs. Microphones can be connected via tails from the rear D-Sub connectors, or via an optional 2U breakout panel with XLR connectors, and local audio is recorded direct to an external USB2/3 drive in Broadcast WAV format with support for iXML data. Finally, while the BlueBox Workstation Interface Recorders operate with a 12V source, those using them for field work can disable unused channels and features to preserve battery life.

www.joeco.co.uk

This article is also available to read at BFV online here, page 12.

(JP)