So you like the software but not the hardware? We offer a modification for the Digidesign Digi 002. Now you can get substantial improvement to the quality of your Digidesign 002 interface.
Line stages are based around ST Microelectronics' version of the TL072 and TL074, and JRC's NJM4580 and NJM5532. Personally, I find the TL07x family to be a little on the noisy side, and I don't care what the 4580's datasheets claim, they're NOT low noise either.
Analog Stages +
Mic Pres
There are a couple of options for the 002. Obviously, if we can get the
noise floor to practically disappear, we should do so. The same can be
said for things like THD and transient response-basically, the analog
stage can be completely revamped, including the input stage and mic
preamps. We've also discovered methods to reduce and
eliminate internal RF noise.
The Clock
While experimenting with clock designs, we found that we liked the
quality of the audio better when the master clock frequency was
increased. Due to the superior nature of third overtone XO
crystal oscillators (they have inherently less jitter than fundamental
XO oscillators), we decided to increase the 002's original master clock
frequencies, and then divide them down as necessary. We
started with a pair of ultra-low jitter (1 picosecond average) XO
oscillators, one for 44.1 kHz and its multiples, and one for 48 kHz and
its multiples. We divide these two frequencies using a
proprietary method that keeps accumulated jitter to a bare minimum:
under 10 picoseconds. Would you ever use the word "punch"
when describing the sound of your 002? With our internal clock, you
most certainly will.
Taking the 002 even further
In late 2006, we began experimenting with linear power supplies in the
002. We've never been big fans of switch mode supplies in audio, mostly
because of the way they seem to strip the audio of any real body or
impact. By powering the analog and digital stages separately, we
felt we could improve overall sonic character as well as completely
eliminating the power supply as a source of crosstalk between analog
and digital. By using a low-emission toroid with a bigger power
supply rail, we are increasing headroom, and as a result, dramatically
improving sonic impact.
We also toyed with different converter configurations. Converters are very sensitive to their power sources, and proper decoupling is very crucial. We began to experiment with some theories concerning resonant frequencies within power supplies and their overall impact on conversion. After almost six months of testing, we came up with a proprietary method for reducing the noise and decoupling the 002's converters. We feel the end result represents a great breakthrough, and takes the 002 to a completely new level of sonic quality.
These two new features are available for both new and old customers. The 'HD' package offers converter and logic decoupling, and the 'Tweak Head' package offers both decoupling and power supply. If you are a previous customer and wish to have these upgrades installed, you will simply be charged the difference between the basic package and the new one.
Reviews
Click on the link below and have a look at some the glowing reviews we
have received from our customers on the modified Digi 002.
Digidesign
002 Basic Package
Digidesign
002 Tweak Head Package
Digi 002R and Digi002
Console: Basic package no longer offered.
Digi 002R
and Digi002 Console 'HD' package: $575 for clock, analog, and
converter decoupling
Digi 002R 'Tweak Head package: $795, named after the audio import
setting in Pro Tools, this package offers clock, analog, converter
decoupling, and a separate linear power supply for the analog stages
that increases headroom by 20dB!
These options
give your 002 the ability to compete with converters that are much,
much more expensive-once we're done with it, it's simply not even the
same unit. Sorry, due to internal space limitations, we're
unable to offer the Tweak Head package on 002 Consoles.
Contact us
to schedule an appointment.
Here is how it works:
We schedule an appointment for the modification and then send you an
initial invoice for 50% down payment that is due within three days.
Payment can be made by credit card or through Paypal.
When payment is received we confirm your scheduled appointment.
You ship the unit to us so that it arrives two days before the
scheduled modification.
When the modification is finished we notify you and you then pay the
remainder of the cost.
We ship you the modified unit.
Please note that there is a cancellation fee of 30% of the scheduling
deposit.
If you wish to reschedule, we require two-weeks notice, and there is a
$25 rescheduling fee.
There is a $10 a day charge for units that remain on our shop for more
than seven days.
We wish we did not have to require these fees, but unfortunately they
are necessary in order for us to keep our prices low and to meet our
scheduled commitments.
