Gear Hunter

Slate Digital - VRS8

Description

Slate Digital's Virtual Recording Studio is a suite of clever hardware and software products working together to create an entire audio ecosystem. More than two years in the making, the hardware products have the potential to change the way that you think about producing music.

The VRS-8 Virtual Analog Interface changes the playing field by offering more pro features and technical advancements than any other interface in its class, and at a far lower cost. It features eight VMS Ultra Linear microphone preamps, mastering grade A/D and D/A converters, high-end circuit design featuring boutique op-amps, WIMA capacitors and discrete headphone amplifiers, and the lowest latency of any native solution (down to .7 ms at 96k!). Check out the Keynote Video link in the Media tab for more information and to hear the VRS-8 in action.

FEATURES

EIGHT ULTRA LINEAR PREAMPS
The start of any signal chain is extremely important, which is why the VRS8 features EIGHT high bandwidth Ultra Linear microphone preamps. These are the same 'blank canvas' design as the VMS-One preamp from Slate's Virtual Microphone System, enabling you to use their modeling software to recreate the authentic sound of famous microphones and preamps. Each preamp has its own high-quality metal knob, so you can easily set levels like a regular analog preamp instead of using single logic controller knobs and menus.

INDUSTRY BEST CONVERTERS
Instead of using budget components, the VRS8 offers mastering-quality conversion by incorporating the newest AKM AK5578 converter chips offering a whopping industry-best 124db of dynamic range on all 8 inputs!

HIGH QUALITY COMPONENTS
The sound of an audio interface relies on much more than the converter chip itself all of the components in the audio circuit have a direct result on the audio quality. Following a "no compromise design aesthetic, the VRS8 utilizes high-quality WIMA capacitors for the entire audio path.

LOW LATENCY NATIVE
Part of the goal behind creating the Virtual Recording Studio was to provide a near-realtime experience when using analog modeled plugins while tracking. To achieve this, Slate created a new technology called LLN, which stands for "Low Latency Native". LLN utilizes a custom hard-wired converter chipset, which reduces managed components in the audio path and allows an incredible .7 milliseconds of latency at 96K (with a 32 sample buffer). This latency spec allows you to monitor through mic and preamp emulations while tracking, giving you the ability to hear your audio in context while still allowing you to change your mind later.

XTC AUDIO CLOCK
The audio clock is the heart of any recording interface, which is why VRS8 uses satellite-grade XTC clocking technology, utilizing four temperature-compensated crystal oscillators for ultra-stable audio performance, keeping your audio jitter and distortion free.

DISCRETE HEADPHONE AMPLIFIERS
Instead of using typical designs that cost mere pennies, the VRS8 uses discrete amplifiers to ensure that your headphones sound robust and clear for all of your monitoring tasks. In addition, there are two separate monitor mixes and the ability to use the VRS8 as a speaker switcher.

CROSS PLATFORM LOW LATENCY PERFORMANCE
The world of audio interfaces is rarely cross-platform when it comes to performance, meaning that Mac devices (using Thunderbolt) usually far outperform PC interfaces (using USB). While USB can be effective for two-channel designs, it requires more CPU overhead to manage, resulting in higher CPU usage and latency versus Thunderbolt and the problem just gets worse as you add more channels. Unlike any other interface on the market, the VRS8 offers both Thunderbolt and PCIe connectivity for maximum cross-platform compatibility. The PCIe performance is the same as Thunderbolt, so you can decide for yourself which connection to use. You can also link up to 6 VRS8's via Thunderbolt to achieve 48 inputs and outputs.

NATIVE MIDI IO
Unlike USB MIDI interfaces (where MIDI information has to fight with your mouse, keyboard, and other USB traffic) MIDI IO on the VRS8 never touches the USB bus. You can count on hyper-accurate MIDI timing, and stuck sustain pedals when tracking keyboards and synths should become a thing of the past.


SPECIFICATIONS

Preamps: 8 x VMS-One preamplifiers
Connections: XLR and 1/4" inputs (1/4" inputs switchable between line and instrument)
Chipset: AKM AK5578
Dynamic Range: 124 dB across 8 inputs
Latency: 0.7 ms at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer via LLN technology
Clock: XTC clock with four compensated crystal oscillators
Headphone Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS outputs, phone type
Digital I/O: PCIe, USB, Thunderbolt
MIDI Connectors: 5-pin DIN MIDI input; 5-pin DIN MIDI output


SYSTEM REQUIREMENTS

Minimum System Requirements
Quad Core i5 Processor
4GB of RAM
Mac OS X 10.7 or Later (32 and 64-bit)
iLok2 Required

Supported Plugin Formats
Intel Mac: VST2, VST3, AU, AAX