JoeCo BBP1B BlackBox Player - Balanced Analog I/O

The JoeCo BBP1B BlackBox Player is an innovative playback solution from the company behind the award-winning BlackBox range of multi-track recorders. Based on the same trusted technology, the BlackBox multi-track player is available as a software upgrade for existing units, delivering high quality, absolutely reliable multi-track playback in a variety of formats and a compact 1U package. When you simply can’t afford to have your playback fail, you can rely on the BlackBox Player.

Based on the proven technology of the award-winning BlackBox Recorder, the BlackBox Player provides an innovative solution to live performance playback in a compact 1U rack-mounted package. Player capability is now available for JoeCo’s 24- and 64-channel BlackBox systems enabling up to 64 channels of synchronous audio to be replayed in up to 24-bit/96 kHz quality, without a computer. Multi-channel audio playback is important both for surround sound applications and because it allows the live engineer to compensate for the acoustics of the venue, or audience generated noise during the performance.

Playback material can be loaded from any Digital Audio Workstation capable of creating files in Broadcast WAV format. In addition to standard mono BWAV files, the Player also supports the replay of polyphonic wav files, from multiple stereo files up to 24 or even 64 channel PolyWAV files. Mono, stereo and multichannel files can even be used together in the same song massively enhancing the system’s flexibility. The audio files can be stored on a standard USB2 drive, or Flash RAM drive. A simple naming procedure ensures that the correct file is replayed through each output.

Set lists can be configured into simple XML format playlist files. Playlists automatically cue up the next song ready for instantaneous replay and multiple playlists can be stored ready for any quick changes or alternative show formats.

Separate foldback mixes can be configured using normal facilities on the console. An additional mix can be sent via the headphone output for the musical director. For playback applications requiring time code synchronization, the BlackBoxPlayer can be configured to an incoming source of digital clock, or optionally word clock. The implementation of a "Chase" mode enables the unit to commence playback in sync when it receives incoming time code. This option can either be controlled from the front panel or via extended SONY 9-pin support. The extended 9-pin commands also allow the user to rehearse shows that are normally locked to time code via remote control and are compatible with most edit suites and show controllers. Time code can be shown on the main time display in playback mode.

Integrated safety features ensure that the BlackBox Player can meet the all-important "show must go on" criteria. These include a unique automated fail-over mechanism that enables the BlackBox Player to automatically switch to a synchronous secondary system using its internal analogue relays in the event of a failure. (This would normally require a costly external switching matrix).

FEATURES:

• Synchronous multi-channel playback in up to 24-bit/96 kHz quality
• Files for playback can be loaded from any Digital Audio Workstation capable of creating valid WAV/BWAV files, or recorded directly
• Audio can be stored on USB2 hard drive or fast Flash drive
• Simple naming convention ensures that the correct file is replayed through each output
• Output options include unbalanced and balanced analogue, digital AES/EBU, Lightpipe, MADI and DANTE
• Set lists configured as simple XML format playlist files
• Remote control via QWERTY keyboard, footswitch, MIDI, SONY 9-pin and JoeCoRemote for iPad
• Synchronous playback to SMPTE timecode (LTC and MTC)
• Multiple playlists can be stored for quick changes or alternative show formats
• Separate foldback mixes can be configured via the console. An additional mix can be sent via the headphone output (e.g. for the musical director)
• Can be configured to accept an incoming source of digital clock
• Built-in safety features including automated fail-over for Balanced Player pairs.