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Digilink Extreme -- Newest Version
- Thread starter Media Mogul
- Start date
I recently installed the Windows 7 version and it has caused me a lot of heartburn. Windows 7 seems to constantly shuffle the USB sound cards around every time we restart. Never know where your audio is going to show up.
On a side note: I am also NOT a fan of their "bridge". If it dies, you can't just swap it out. If Arrakis is closed for the weekend, you're dead in the water. I would prefer a Broadcast tools switcher and a ASI sound card.
I would not recommend it.
On a side note: I am also NOT a fan of their "bridge". If it dies, you can't just swap it out. If Arrakis is closed for the weekend, you're dead in the water. I would prefer a Broadcast tools switcher and a ASI sound card.
I would not recommend it.
I automatically vote down anything that requires anything like 'the bridge' to work.
I also automatically vote down anything by Arrakis.
I think you will get a pretty common consensus that Simian is pretty much the preferred 'low cost' option out right now.
My personal preference is Audiovault Flex, followed by Nexgen.
I also automatically vote down anything by Arrakis.
I think you will get a pretty common consensus that Simian is pretty much the preferred 'low cost' option out right now.
My personal preference is Audiovault Flex, followed by Nexgen.
Lazy J said:
Not to mention what a pain it is to install the bridge with those stupid, antiquated molex connectors. For anyone who is considering this system, get the connector kit from BSW. You will save money in the end. I speak from personal experience having installed two of these systems. But I also agree that you get what you pay for and that anyone if far better served with a system like Nexgen with a Broadcast Tools switcher.
I have a client who uses Digilink Extreme and it's a PIA to understand, hook up and maintain. Although I'm just an engineer, I have a basic understanding of other automation systems that are out there and can get them to do what I need to...except Digilink. I would reccomend Simian or Station Playlist over Digilink.
And like J said, if that bridge dies outside of "normal" business hours, you are screwed until the next morning. Broadcast Tool switchers are cheap enough you can have a spare on hand just in case.
And like J said, if that bridge dies outside of "normal" business hours, you are screwed until the next morning. Broadcast Tool switchers are cheap enough you can have a spare on hand just in case.
I will say though, that the 'bridge' concept intrigues me.
If it were made by say Digigram or Audio Science, this idea might have some merit to me. Especially as a TCP device, as opposed to USB.
If it were made by say Digigram or Audio Science, this idea might have some merit to me. Especially as a TCP device, as opposed to USB.
chriscollins said:
Not me. It's never a good idea to have everything, and I do mean EVERYTHING running through a proprietary device like their bridge. Even with a Broadcast Tools switcher, if that thing dies you can still get your audio out of the system. Not so with the bridge.
They don't call it "Extreme" for nothing.
Extreme all right, Extreme Piece of Arrakashit. Why? Unless maybe you like self abuse. Had one installed on one station. Went Tango Uniform one Saturday, the Bridge to nowhere conked out. Needless to say, a Staples special of the week PC on barter, an AudioScience spare card, and a fresh installation of WaveCart and Simian and lots of gnashing of teeth later, my blood pressure dropped. And it actually works when I need it to.
Kent T said:
That's my point. With anything else, you can get audio out of the PC, except Arrakis. BTW, I keep a PC with a spare ASI4215 back in the shop for when one of my client's automation computer goes TU. Drop their hard drive in it and we are cooking with gas again. It has come in handy several times.
Yup. It's the difference between companies that are a really set up to serve broadcasters that are 24/7 or joke companies that like banker's hours, etc. I like to buy stuff from people that are like I am, accessable when I'm off the air, which is likely not during banker's hours. #1 on my list would be companies like Telos-Omnia, Continental, Nexgen(RCS), AudioVault, Nautel, and a few others that will help at night and weekends, and won't act like your bothering them if you call. Real support is when you need it.
I agree with you guys for the most part,
But if BE and Digigram made me a 'bridge' that worked with Flex, that integrated Sound, Switcher, & Closures... And did it all via TCP/IP with a failover to bridge 2, I would buy two for each station and not think twice about it.
From Arrakis, no way... From BE or RCS, yes.
But if BE and Digigram made me a 'bridge' that worked with Flex, that integrated Sound, Switcher, & Closures... And did it all via TCP/IP with a failover to bridge 2, I would buy two for each station and not think twice about it.
From Arrakis, no way... From BE or RCS, yes.
I politely disagree. I try to stay away from proprietary equipment on automation systems.
1. I find companies try to over-charge for proprietary equipment.
2. If you ever change automation systems, the equipment is useless (except to be sold).
3. If you can't afford to keep a spare, you're at the mercy of the company to be open and have one ready to overnight to you.
Yes, some companies are more reliable than others. But when it comes to automation, I favor flexibility over convenience.
1. I find companies try to over-charge for proprietary equipment.
2. If you ever change automation systems, the equipment is useless (except to be sold).
3. If you can't afford to keep a spare, you're at the mercy of the company to be open and have one ready to overnight to you.
Yes, some companies are more reliable than others. But when it comes to automation, I favor flexibility over convenience.
Lazy J said:
Manufactured products cost far more when produced in small quantities. It isn't that companies "try to over-charge". The Arrakis 'bridge' may be appealing to some, but I found the latest system to be a bit strange, and missing key features from the old Digilink II and III, including holding a return liner until the stopset is finished.
jboyd said:
So you're saying the ones from the 90s were user friendly? If so, I'd hate to see what you consider user un-friendly!
jboyd said:
Yes, and I was making a joke.
I felt the Diglink II (and even the III) were very user-friendly. They packed a lot of power inside the box. Admittedly, they also were difficult to work with when the boards had to be reseated...
In many ways, the DG II was more dependable than current products. But having moved over to currently available products a few years ago, we would never suggest anyone going back.
If, however, you want to, I have something like 15 Digilinks in storage. Pay shipping and they're yours.
We tried to use the Extreme... twice. We couldn't convince ourselves. Too many eccentricities.
In many ways, the DG II was more dependable than current products. But having moved over to currently available products a few years ago, we would never suggest anyone going back.
If, however, you want to, I have something like 15 Digilinks in storage. Pay shipping and they're yours.
We tried to use the Extreme... twice. We couldn't convince ourselves. Too many eccentricities.
Good uses for Arrakashit Digilinks of all varieties. Or Top 10 things to do with your Arrakashit!
1. Offer it to your friendly military base for demolition training, C4 going kablooey is really superb. Insist on video of said event.
2. Run over Digilink with steamroller
3. Pour gasoline over Digilink and light and RUN!
4. Run over Digilink with 18 wheeler
5. Throw Digilink off of 50 story building.
6. Use your AK 47 to put Digilink out of it's misery.
7. Use Digilink for paperweight in GM's office to remind him what cheaping out does for his revenues.
8. Throw your Digilink off of cliff and watch it go goodbye.
9. Use the Digilink for good, donate it to the station who you'd like to see the most Dead Air on.
10. Put your Digilink in a trash compactor, turn it on, and enjoy peace of mind.
All of the above will help reduce your blood pressure, improve your mood and outlook, vastly improve your station's on air sound, and make your GM aware of the smart engineer he hired. Enjoy and repeat. Better than Prozac. The less Arrakashit in your life, the better your working conditions are.
1. Offer it to your friendly military base for demolition training, C4 going kablooey is really superb. Insist on video of said event.
2. Run over Digilink with steamroller
3. Pour gasoline over Digilink and light and RUN!
4. Run over Digilink with 18 wheeler
5. Throw Digilink off of 50 story building.
6. Use your AK 47 to put Digilink out of it's misery.
7. Use Digilink for paperweight in GM's office to remind him what cheaping out does for his revenues.
8. Throw your Digilink off of cliff and watch it go goodbye.
9. Use the Digilink for good, donate it to the station who you'd like to see the most Dead Air on.
10. Put your Digilink in a trash compactor, turn it on, and enjoy peace of mind.
All of the above will help reduce your blood pressure, improve your mood and outlook, vastly improve your station's on air sound, and make your GM aware of the smart engineer he hired. Enjoy and repeat. Better than Prozac. The less Arrakashit in your life, the better your working conditions are.
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