AVOCET as a router?? silly question

[peter07734]

Hi All,

I know the Avocet was designed as a monitor controller, but what would the reasons be behind not being able to use as a ADC and 3 in 3 out router? not a very big one i know..but just thinking aloud..

Also im looking for a EQ for the side chain in my STC8, is there any reason that a cheap Berhinger ( a weapon of mass distortion) Digital Ultra curve would not do the trick, as it would easy to match the left and right?

all the best

Pete

[DrDeltaM]

There's no AD convertor in the Avocet, only a DA convertor, as it's a monitoring unit.

[peter07734]

ahh im a plum, I meant DAC..

for example, to route my Computer to a tape machine?

Best

Pete

[DrDeltaM]

Originally Posted by peter07734

ahh im a plum, I meant DAC..

for example, to route my Computer to a tape machine?

Best

Pete

Sure, you could use it for that

[MASSIVE Master]

I've thought about that more than a few times myself... As an older-model Avocet owner, I always figured it would justify the upgrade to a new unit if I used the old model as an adjustable, multi-source feed for the chain (beyond just digital inputs)... It's clean enough to run the tape deck in, an unbalanced in from the phono pre (and additional gain if needed to feed the chain)... So many options.

Plus, it'd provide a backup for arguably one of the most important piece of gear in the room.

Eh, one of these days...

[peter07734]

Hi John,

sounds like a plan, I don't yet own one, but looking closely.

I was hoping it could be used like a router so i could route to speakers and the transfer chain for example, but as you know the volume controls all three outputs simultaneously...big bottom..

never mind....Manley back bone little out of budget! lol so i was looking for something smaller that could maybe do both monitor control and basic routing..

Thanks for your inputs..

all the best

Pete

[Franco]

Originally Posted by peter07734

I was hoping it could be used like a router so i could route to speakers and the transfer chain for example...

Keep in mind that the Avocet can only output to one of its 3 outs at a time; I don't know if it could be modified to do otherwise. You could send to something from the headphone amp, and even though it's a fine one, not sure if this would be ideal for your needs.

[duende]

Originally Posted by Franco

Keep in mind that the Avocet can only output to one of its 3 outs at a time; I don't know if it could be modified to do otherwise. You could send to something from the headphone amp, and even though it's a fine one, not sure if this would be ideal for your needs.

Actually with the new software, you can output one source to two outputs. This was intended for sending full bandwidth signal to a pair of satelites and a subs discretely. Thus allowing the user to toggle the sub on and off from the Avocet.

[peter07734]

OK, so now if you could make changes / set the volume independantly that would be good...Im asuming you cant...

because then i could set my monitor volume, then switch the same signal throguh another output to my transfer chain with the abilty to control this level with out affecting my monitors....

[Franco]

Originally Posted by duende

Actually with the new software, you can output one source to two outputs. This was intended for sending full bandwidth signal to a pair of satelites and a subs discretely. Thus allowing the user to toggle the sub on and off from the Avocet.

Nice, thanks for pointing this out. I didn't know it could also do this! I was afraid mine didn't have the new firmware (got it in '07) but it does!

...and no, unfortunately you can't set the volume independently on out 3.

[bob katz]

Originally Posted by duende

Actually with the new software, you can output one source to two outputs. This was intended for sending full bandwidth signal to a pair of satelites and a subs discretely. Thus allowing the user to toggle the sub on and off from the Avocet.

What new software? When was this announced? Are you sure?

Anyway, the physical architecture of the Avocet makes it really useful as a monitor "router" only. To try to adapt it to being a transfer router as well would require two sets of routes. In addition, there is only one output buffer amp, and the output switching is a passive relay. So if Dave has implemented new software to allow feeding more than one output at once, be aware that the loading on the output amp would be in parallel. This is usually not a problem with high impedance loads, but you should be aware of it, a short on any one cable would short all of the outputs with the new software (if such a thing exists).

[bob katz]

Originally Posted by peter07734

Hi All,

I know the Avocet was designed as a monitor controller, but what would the reasons be behind not being able to use as a ADC and 3 in 3 out router? not a very big one i know..but just thinking aloud..

Also im looking for a EQ for the side chain in my STC8, is there any reason that a cheap Berhinger ( a weapon of mass distortion) Digital Ultra curve would not do the trick, as it would easy to match the left and right?

all the best

Pete

On the EQ in the sidechain, 99% of the sidechain EQ I've done for mastering compression is a simple high pass (to keep the bass drum from pushing down the rest or over compressing). Try an 0.1 uF (100 nF) capacitor between the out/in pins of the sidechain and I'll bet it'll work. I can't remember if the STC-8 sidechain is balanced, in that case, try two capacitors in series for each channel. Then measure the gain reduction with a test tone sweep and see where it curves, and change the capacitor if you're not happy.

[duende]

Originally Posted by bob katz

What new software? When was this announced? Are you sure?

Anyway, the physical architecture of the Avocet makes it really useful as a monitor "router" only. To try to adapt it to being a transfer router as well would require two sets of routes. In addition, there is only one output buffer amp, and the output switching is a passive relay. So if Dave has implemented new software to allow feeding more than one output at once, be aware that the loading on the output amp would be in parallel. This is usually not a problem with high impedance loads, but you should be aware of it, a short on any one cable would short all of the outputs with the new software (if such a thing exists).

Hi Bob,

Rev. 7 firmware added some changes. One of them was:

THE CHANGES
1. Output #3 can work in parallel with outputs 1 or 2. This is for thoese who need only 2 outputs
and have the desire to turn a sub woofer on or off, the OUT 3 button cab be programmed to allow this
type of operation. Note that when setting up the type of speaker system, stereo or surround, the
system switches to non sub woofer mode. You will then need to reset this mode if you desire it.
At this time, there is not any writting on the front panel for this function

But it is still best served as a monitor only imo.

[peter07734]

Thanks for the info all, I agree best to leave the Avocet to Monitoring duties.


Bob, thanks for the tip on the side chain, great idea! thumbs up!