UK-based XTA Electronics has launched the DS8000 – representing a complete re-design of its established DS800 mic/line distribution system by one of the company’s design protégés Lewis Evans. The project was overseen by Gottelier Award winner, R&D Manager, Alex Cooper.
Aimed at broadcast and touring applications, the DS8000 has two new key features – an OB split featuring two rear switches making stereo 16-way splits easy and a dual redundant power supply to support paired units.
In addition, the system incorporates remote controlled 48V phantom power with lockout ‘safe’ functions to prevent tampering. There are also all those new premium microphone pre-amps designed by Alex Cooper. Subtle panel lighting is provided for dark back stage environments and there is the option of adding an ADC card that provides AES3 outputs for integration into digital systems.
‘Every time I work on a new mic amplifier, I learn something new and as a result people say they get even better,’ Cooper says. ‘The DS8000 has Common Mode Rejection Ratio figures I could hardly believe – for example, a typical CMRR reading on a similar product may give 40-70dB whereas the DS8000 tests at a minimum of 120dB, which is phenomenal. The reason behind this is the common mode bootstrapped input configuration, which eliminates phase errors enabling near total cancellation of common mode noise.’
The DS8000 also uses new output transformers to offer a 2U-high, 8-input/32-output, mic/line distribution system with 16 transformer balanced isolated outputs and 16 electronically balanced outputs fitted as standard. Input transformers and the option of replacing the electronically balanced outputs with transformer outputs are available.
‘The DS8000 comprises XTA’s third generation of splitters,’ says Group Sales & Marketing Director, Bill Woods. ‘The legacy began with the DS400 and was followed by the DS800, the latter of which has become one of the go-to products in both touring and broadcast. We are confident that the DS8000 will quickly establish itself as a worthy successor to the DS800. With the linked PSUs, the simple OB split facility and the other features we have introduced, we are looking forward to even higher sales over the coming months and years. I have to congratulate Alex, Lewis and the other guys in the R&D Team for giving us a great product to sell.’
The DS8000 is covered by XTA Electronics’ ‘real-world’ five-year warranty, and has a UK list price of £1690 (+VAT).
More: www.xta.co.uk
