Soundart Chameleon Now Available
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(Click for a close-up) |
March 20, 2002
Soundart announced the availability of its
programmable studio hardware, the Chameleon.
Housed in a sturdy rack unit, the Chameleon is a studio tool that can be completely reprogrammed to
perform any conceivable audio or MIDI processing task.
Customers can enjoy the crystal-clear 24-bit sound and
hands-on interface, without sacrificing the flexibility of
computer based audio solutions. Soundart will also
give away the programming tools on request, making
the Chameleon a professional audio platform
that is truly open.
The Chameleon is an audio processor housed in a
sturdy 1u rack. The front panel delivers normal
functionality such as volume control, headphone
access, and power cycling. In addition, 12 push
buttons, an LCD readout, a rotary control and 3 knobs
for can be reprogrammed for any functionality desired
by the user. Round the back are connections for power,
a serial interface for connection to a PC, and MIDI and
audio connections. Inside, a powerful Digital Signal
Processor (DSP) chip and an embedded Coldfire
microcontroller offer the same kind of processing
solution found in most modern DSP synthesizers and
effects units.
Until now studio hardware has been the preserve of
professional audio manufacturers; users had no
access to the operating system and could not
reprogram their hardware. Soundart has broken down
the wall separating quality hardware and user
accessibility to software. Any Chameleon owner can
load or program new applications - through either the
serial or MIDI ports - allowing the Chameleon to
'become' a different studio processor. Synthesis, effect
processing, MIDI manipulation - the Chameleon can
handle all these tasks using purpose-built,
professional sounding hardware.
All incoming or outgoing audio processed on the
Chameleon is handled by a Motorola DSP56303 - the
same chip found in the majority of 'virtual analogue'
synthesizers made in recent years. Most electronics
musicians already own gear using this proven
hardware solution. Unlike conventional computers,
DSP chips use a different programming model
optimised for the kind of math necessary to produce
quality real-time audio. Further, this powerful DSP can
process audio at depths of up to 56 bits, far beyond
what is capable with personal computers. As well as
the chip itself, we included 4 'mega-words' of 24-bit
RAM, allowing mono delay times of over 87 seconds.
All audio passes through high-quality analogue-digital
converters operating at 48KHz.
More hands-on control for real musicianship
But the Chameleon isn't limited to black-box
processing of audio. The company employs Motorola's Coldfire
processor to manage real-time data input - and visual
feedback - from the unit's front panel. And the
Chameleon MIDI functionality is no bolted-on
afterthought; Soundart has resurrected the powerful
MIDIShare programming system that graced the Atari
ST and early Macintosh computer, with up to 8
megabytes of RAM for sequence storage and another
megabyte of Flash RAM for patch storage. All the most
common interface and control tasks are easily
manageable using our powerful real-time operating
system.
Audio developers get a robust platform to work on. By
removing compatibility problems and bloated computer
operating systems, developers can focus on what really
matters - new ways of processing audio and MIDI for
electronic music. The Chameleon's operating
software lets programmers exploit all the power in the
hardware, without forcing them to reinvent the wheel for
basic functionality.
With a Chameleon in the studio or stage rack, users
get all the benefits of hardware: pristine audio quality,
portability, total MIDI compatibility, and an interface they
can actually touch. Once an application is loaded, the
Chameleon behaves no differently from a purpose-built
studio unit. Applications can even be stored in the
Flash memory so that they load automatically at
power-on. Instead of rebalancing delicate computer
configurations every time they want more audio
processing, Chameleon users can simply switch on
and start work as if they had a dedicated audio
processor. When their needs change, a new
application can be loaded in seconds from any MIDI
sequencer.
A new generation
of studio tools
Flexible studio tools have been offered before by other
firms. But none has the portability and features of the
Chameleon. In addition, other products have required
programmers to pay crippling fees or undergo difficult
approval processes before they are allowed to access
pro-quality hardware. This has discouraged many
aspiring electronic musicians and sound designers
from taking the final step in their chosen field - building
their own synthesis and effect processing tools.
Soundart changes all that, by sharing their complete
software development kit with anyone who wants it.
Now both experienced developers and eager learners
have access to the same tools used by pro audio
developers. As well as programming tools, we also
share extensive documentation and examples that
expose the secrets of how studio gear actually works.
Soundart has opened the door for everyone who has
ever dreamed of making their dream studio tools.
The Chameleon is available to commercial developers as well. A powerful hardware based security system
allows applications to be locked to the serial number of
the unit for secure distribution. No
licensing conditions or royalty charges are imposed: developers can
sell or give away their applications as they see fit. They
may share the source code for collaborative products if
they choose, or keep their algorithms completely private
- even from Soundart. However developers want to present
their work to the public, all are welcome to sell or share
applications on the Soundart website. The company also expects to provide
billing and shipping functionality, so customers have a
central point of sale for all their Chameleon needs.
Chameleon already shipping to developers and
colleges.
Chameleon units are already being shipped to
developers all over the world, as well as to university
research departments. Any DSP developer can start
working on a Chameleon now - the only wait is the time
it takes us to ship them a unit. Experienced
programmers are already at work on applications for
use on stage and in the studio, as well as more
advanced programming tools for musicians who do not
have coding experience.
The suggested retail price of the
unit is Euro 795.00 plus applicable taxes.
Developers are eligible for discounts depending on
their experience and design ideas. Soundart values
and respects the research community as well, and will
make the unit available to educational institutions at
discounted prices - generous support on anyone's
terms.
For more information, visit their web site at www.soundart-hot.com. | 
