The first converters that Apogee ever made were portable reference units. They rapidly became the choice of mastering engineers, because of their superb audio quality. Best-loved of early Apogee converter designs was the AD-1000, with its two channels of mic pre and unparalleled flexibility in the studio or in the field.
The Portable Answer
Now, by popular demand, Apogee has returned to home territory with the release of a new portable 2-channel A/D converter with built-in mic/instrument preamps, featuring a special low-power, wide range supply-voltage design for maximum flexibility. (Please note: The Mini-Me is designed for 12v operation. It will, however, accept both higher and lower voltages: see specifications).
The Apogee Mini•Me is a completely new design. Its looks recall the AD-1000, with its purple knobs and sturdy extruded case, but beyond that it is a completely new, 21st-century design. Everything is better, from its 24/96 sampling capability to its direct computer interfacing via USB – so you can use almost any software you choose. And the price tag? Less than a third the cost of the AD-1000.
But this compact unit is not a toy. It is a professional audio product and delivers true Apogee professional-quality audio performance, from input to output.
The New Compact Vision
The smooth lines of the Mini•Me front panel begin to tell the story. Left and right input level controls feature a click stop at the far left that activates a preset line/cal level, set with multi-turn trimmers. Accurate LED indicators between the input level controls give a clear display of available headroom.
Two Channel Mic/Instrument Preamp
The mic preamps are a high-quality design by the team that created our award-winning and widely praised Trak2 preamps. And, like the Trak2, the Mini•Me accepts mic, line and instrument-level inputs.
Phantom power is of course provided, and universal XLR/TRS connectors select the instrument input automatically when you plug in a TRS jack.
Compressor/Limiter
Apogee has long been famed for our Soft Limit process, designed to maximize digital level without overs – but now there’s a major new twist: we’ve added Push-IT™ – a unique new three-curve stereo compressor/limiter circuit. It’s ideal when you need extra punch, or require a
safety net for the unexpected when making live recordings. This powerful new circuitry takes Apogee’s dynamics control to a whole new level – from the people who invented soft limiting for digital conversion.
44.1 - 96 kHz Sample Rates
A single control selects the sample rate and word length. The Mini•Me’s converters output a full 24-bit signal at any of the standard rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2 and 96 kHz sampling. In addition, select 16- or 20-bit outputs at 44.1 or 48 kHz using Apogee’s industry standard UV22 HR system for word-length reduction.
Plug and Play with USB
The Mini•Me’s low-latency USB interface carries two channels of audio at up to 24-bits and 48 kHz sampling*, from the Mini•Me to the computer and back again for monitoring. Using an operating system that supports USB Audio Devices (including Windows 98SE, Me, 2000 and XP, and Macintosh OS 9.x and 10.x), simply select the option in your recording application’s preferences. ASIO drivers are also supplied for minimum latency.
Even if you get the sample rates mismatched between the Mini•Me and your computer, the unit will convert rates automatically. And if you select 24-bit on the Mini-Me and 16 bit on your recording software, the unit will apply UV22HR automatically to the USB output.
Standard Interfaces
The Mini•Me includes AES/EBU (XLR) and S/PDIF (RCA/coaxial) outputs which are available simultaneously, clocked by a high-stability reference crystal oscillator, making the Mini•Me an ideal master clock.
Direct/Return Mix Monitor
A comprehensive mono/stereo monitor section allows you to balance the direct sound you’re recording with audio returned via the USB port.
Apogee’s new Mini•Me: It’s everything you need in a portable converter. Professional performance. Direct USB computer connection. AES and S/PDIF. Portability. And of course, Apogee quality.
Battery Power
The Mini-Me's low power consumption makes it ideal for battery operation. The supplied power unit supplies 12v, but the unit will run on AC or DC from 6 to 16 volts. Several suitable battery packs are available.
Specifications
- Dynamic range 105 dB
- THD+Noise –94 dB
- Sample rates 44.1–96 kHz ±10%
- Frequency Response 20 Hz – 20 kHz ±0.2 dB @44.1 kHz sampling
- Inputs Mic/line (XLR), instrument level (TRS)
- Min/Maximum input level (CAL/LINE) –6/28 dBu
- Mic amp gain range 12–65 dB
- Mic input impedance 1.2 k ohms
- Line input impedance 10 k ohms
- Instrument input impedance (1/4in connector) 2.2M ohms
- Digital interfaces Firewire Audio I/O, AES/EBU, S/PDIF
- Headphone monitor 0.3W/channel RMS out, 1/8in jack
- Power input 6-16 v dc, 5.5W
- Power supply External, universal voltage in, 12 v dc out
- FireWire power Derived from interface
- Size (w x d x h) 5.4in x 9.8in x 1.5in
- Weight 2 lb
*Maximum USB sample rate may depend on operating system capabilities and other factors. All specifications and features are subject to change without notice.
System Requirements
Windows
- Drivers available for, 98, 2000, XP
Mac
- Drivers available for 9.1 and on
- Support for OS 10.2.3-10.2.4 Core Audio (no driver required)
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