| Reader's of last month's issue of Sound On Sound may have come across our review of the Hoontech Soundtrack Audio DSP24 & ADC/DAC2000 PC Recording Interface. The product is one of a range of computer recording systems made by South Korean company Hoontech. Most significantly, their systems deliver 24-bit/96KHz processing at an extremely competitive price, and that has been enough to generate plenty of interest from those people who want professional quality without the professional price tag.
UK distributor of Hoontech products SES Computers have been kind enough to provide us with three Hoontech recording systems, worth over £1500 collectively, to give away as competition prizes. First prize is a Hoontech DSP System III, second a DSP2000 (reviewed in the July issue of SOS), and third a DSP24 Value with Bracket. The prizes have a VAT-inclusive retail price of £986, £433 and £163 respectively.
The DSP24 System III has a very professional specification with its 24 bit/96kHz processing, comprehensive I/O options and software recording facilities. At the heart of the system is a DSP24 PCI host card which fits into a standard computer PCI slot and provides interfacing between the computer and the system's external I/O modules. The majority of the system's I/O is provided by the ADC III A-D and DAC III D-A converter rack units which house eight balanced XLR inputs and outputs. The ADC uses Crystal semiconductors and has an A-weighted signal to noise ratio of 116dB, while the DAC delivers a signal to noise ratio of 110dB. Also part of the system is an XGDB1 daughter board which, like the DPS24, fits a standard PCI slot. The board provides extra S/PDIF and AES/EBU I/O interfacing. Supporting the hardware is Logic SoundTrack 24 software which has been customised for Hoontech's systems by Emagic. SoundTrack 24 provides facilities for mixing and recording as well as audio and MIDI editing.
The system III allows the use of up to 10 inputs and outputs simultaneously at 24-bit 96kHz, making it a very powerful recording tool. High-quality microphone pre-amplifiers have been used on all inputs and each has its own gain control and switchable phantom power. Other features include a one in/one out 16-channel MIDI-interface port, and support for both internal and external sync via the S/PDIF input.
Driver support for PCs includes Windows 9x/ME, 2000, ASIO 2.0, DirectSound and GSIF. System III is compatible with Logic Audio, Cubase VST, Cakewalk, Samplitude, Cool Edit, Acid and Vegas.
 The second prize, a DSP2000 C-Port system is also a 24-bit/96kHz multi-channel recording package. Like the System III, the bundle comprises DSP24 PCI and XGDBI boards, and Emagic's Logic SoundTrack 24 software, but the ADC III and DAC III I/O boxes are replaced by the ADC/DAC2000 external converter unit.
The ADC/DAC2000 provides eight unbalanced analogue inputs and outputs on quarter-inch jacks and a pair of in and outs on balanced XLRs. Like the System III, the XLRs have microphone preamplifiers with gain controls and switchable phantom power. Also common is the XGDB1 board which has optical and coaxial S/PDIF and AES/EBU I/O. Once again, the DSP2000 has comprehensive driver support and software compatibility.
 The DSP24 Value with Bracket also offers 24-bit/96kHz processing, but provides its I/O on the main PCI card rather than using external breakout boxes. Two channels of A-D and two of D-A are provided via RCA connectors. Even on this budget card the converters provide over 100dB dynamic range. Logic SoundTrack 24 is also provided, as is driver support for most common audio applications.
The Value Bracket is an option for anyone buying this product, but SES have included it with the prize. The Bracket provides MIDI I/O ports and digital I/O via S/PDIF.
You don't need a PhD in pure logic to enter this competition, but we have set a few questions and a tie-breaker, all of which must be completed before you can stand a hope of winning. We also require you to fill in your full name, address, email and daytime telephone number. Once you have done the above tasks you should post your form to the usual Sound On Sound address included at the foot of this page. Entries must arrive with us by the closing date of 28th September 2001. |
