JoeCo BlackBox Player BBP1U - Unalanced Analog I/O

The BlackBox Player provides an innovative solution for live performance playback in a compact 1U rack-mounted package. Specifically designed to replay backing tracks or multiple surround stems for live shows and themed entertainment, it can replay up to 64 channels of high quality audio at up to 24bit/96kHz. The Player can be triggered using timecode, a footswitch or QWERTY keyboard, or it can be controlled via MIDI commands, giving the live engineer, installation sound designer, musical director or artist full control of the show at all times.

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 / 96kHz 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 synchronisation, 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).

Specifications for BBP1U:

• Designed for use with standard analogue mixing consoles
• Analogue I/O (switchable - 10dBu/+4dBu): Unbalanced
• Digital I/O: None
• I/O Cable: 3 x 1/4” multicore looms – TASCAM analogue format – for connection into insert points on console (supplied)
• Output: 24 mono channels plus internally "mixed" headphone output
• Audio Connections: 3 x 25way D-sub TASCAM analogue format (hot in, cold out for connection into insert points on console)
• Storage Medium: External USB2 storage device
• Size: 19” rack mounting x 1U (435 x 44 x 170mm)
• Weight: < 2.5kg
• DC input: 9-12V dc (PSU supplied)
• Power: < 25W