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In bringing the Horus and Hapi to the pro audio world, Merging Technologies worked to create not only outstanding audio interfaces, but two pieces of gear that would also offer unprecedented connectivity. The resulting products are nothing short of their ambitious goals, allowing users to take advantage of a plethora of connectivity options, including using innovative RAVENNA technology. To get a better understanding of the Horus and Hapi interfaces, RAVENNA technology and more, we connected with Merging Technologies' Dennis Gaines. As a product specialist for the brand, Gaines offered insight into the team's development goals, what makes these products unique and how they are trying to change the marketplace for audio interfaces and beyond. What did Merging Technologies set out to accomplish with the Horus and Hapi? To create an interface that was feature rich with no compromise on the sonic quality. No color added! There are very few touch-screen controlled audio interfaces on the market. What were the inspirations behind the Horus taking this approach? The reason Horus was designed with a touchscreen was so that users could use the same web server interface on the touchscreen. This allows them to navigate menus directly on the Horus and on a computer exactly the same. What about the AD/DA convertors in these units make them some of the best on the market right now? Merging uses ARDA Tech AD converters and ESS DA convertors on the cards. Both are utilizing custom FPGAs. Claude Cellier, the President of Merging, designed the cards. He has been known for fully transparent designs in the past with Merging’s former interfaces and his work at Nagra. • Hand matched and hand soldered analog componentry. • Ardatech AT1201 A/D chip with modified HPF for enhanced performance • Individually calibrated quartz clocking mechanism • Each channel must pass over 30 noise, distortion, CMRR and level threshold tests • Completely balanced signal path direct to the AD • A/D and D/A sample rate support from 44.1 -> 384kHz, DXD & DSD64/128/256
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What about the mic pre portion? The mic pre is also considered one of the most transparent mic pres you can buy. Talk a little about RAVENNA. How does it make connecting together your entire studio space easier? You no longer need large expensive multicores or patch bays to route any signal from any Horus/Hapi in your facility to any control room. All inputs are “multicast” across the RAVENNA network. This means multiple control rooms can receive the same inputs. RAVENNA Key Features • Sub-millisecond latency • Over 400 bidirectional channels @1FS on one CAT5e • Sample-accurate play-out alignment • QoS support • Utilizes standard protocols on IP layer • Operate on existing networks (PTP-aware switches recommended) • Operation in shared traffic environment (with QoS in place) • Easy to configure and maintain RAVENNA networks
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Both the Hapi and Horus utilize Merging Technologies' Pyramix platform. What sets Pyramix apart from other DAWs in the industry? What can users expect from the combination of the Horus/Hapi and Pyramix? Pyramix is the most powerful DAW on the market. MassCore gives you huge amounts of DSP with ultra-low latency without the use of expensive DSP and IO cards. Pyramix also has a highly sophisticated editing paradigm. To see the Horus, Hapi, Pyramix and RAVENNA technology in use, check out the demo from Pro Audio TV below. Host Maurice Engler offers an in-depth introduction to using all of these products together and the wide range of connectivity offered by the audio interfaces.