ELAN Audio

Elan REP-01

The REP-01 is a digital audio player designed as an emergency programme source. It uses Compact Flash media storage, eliminating moving parts, and is ideal for standby operation at transmitter sites or at studios to cover for loss of audio due to STL failure, automation crashes, or the presenter falling asleep!

No longer is it necessary to have a CD or MiniDisk player left in "pause" in the hope that when it is needed it will start - in reality, more often than not, it doesn't!

Pre-recorded announcements and programme material is stored in mp3 format. Capacity depends on Compact Flash card size (32MB to 512MB are usable) and the degree of mp3 compression applied. Typically a 128MB card with mp3 recorded in stereo at 160 kbps with 44.1 kHz sampling gives nearly 2 hours of audio at near-CD quality.

Playback is initiated by external equipment such as a silence detector, using closing contacts or DC voltage, and the unit may be configured for sequential or random track selection, with optional regular insertion of Track 0, the announcement or "apology" track.

The unit is 1U rackmount, and has line level balanced mono and stereo outputs on XLR's, and a pre-emphasised mono output on BNC. It has front panel headphone monitoring, a test start button, and four LED status indicators. Optionally a AES/EBU digital output module is available.

Other potential uses for the REP-01 include applications where high reliability in either continuous play or continuous standby, together with generous audio storage and low cost are important. Examples include background music delivery, music on hold, tourist radio, and even overnight playout.