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BLACKBOX multi-track players

Multi-track playback you can depend upon

When you require mission-critical playback that absolutely cannot fail, you can rely on JoeCo’s BLACKBOX Multi-Channel Player. This multi-channel player – available in a variety of formats – provides a solution for live performance playback in a compact 1U rack-mounted package. Specifically designed to replay backing tracks or multiple surround stems for live shows and themed entertainment, it can replay up to 64 channels of high quality audio at up to 24bit/96kHz. The BLACKBOX Player can be triggered using timecode, a footswitch or QWERTY keyboard, or it can be controlled via MIDI commands, giving the live engineer, installation sound designer, musical director or artist full control of the show at all times. Click below to find out more.

More information

Based on the proven technology of the award-winning BLACKBOX Recorder, the BLACKBOX Multi-Channel Player provides an innovative solution to live performance playback in a compact 1U rack-mounted package. Player capability is available for JoeCo’s 24- and 64-channel BLACKBOX systems, enabling up to 64 channels of synchronous audio to be replayed in up to 24 Bit/96kHz quality, without a computer. Multi-channel audio playback is important both for surround sound applications and because it allows the live engineer to compensate for the acoustics of the venue, or audience generated noise during the performance.

Playback material can be loaded from any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) capable of creating files in Broadcast WAV format. In addition to standard mono BWAV files, the Player also supports the replay of polyphonic wav files, from multiple stereo files up to 24 or even 64 channel PolyWAV files. Mono, stereo and multichannel files can even be used together in the same song, massively enhancing the system’s flexibility. The audio files can be stored on a standard USB2 drive, or Flash RAM drive. A simple naming procedure ensures that the correct file is replayed through each output.

Set lists can be configured into simple XML format playlist files. Playlists automatically cue up the next song ready for instantaneous replay and multiple playlists can be stored ready for any quick changes or alternative show formats.

Separate foldback mixes can be configured using normal facilities on the console. An additional mix can be sent via the headphone output for the musical director. For playback applications requiring time code synchronisation, the BLACKBOX Multi-channel Player can be configured to an incoming source of digital clock, or optionally word clock. The implementation of a “Chase” mode enables the unit to commence playback in sync when it receives incoming time code. This option can either be controlled from the front panel or via extended SONY 9-pin support. The extended 9-pin commands also allow the user to rehearse shows that are normally locked to time code via remote control and are compatible with most edit suites and show controllers. Time code can be shown on the main time display in playback mode.

Integrated safety features ensure that the BLACKBOX Multi-Channel Player is unwavering in it’s reliability. These include a unique automated fail-over mechanism that enables the BLACKBOX Player to automatically switch to a synchronous secondary system using its internal analogue relays in the event of a failure. (This would normally require a costly external switching matrix).

Models

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THE BLACKBOX BBP1B PLAYER

BBP1B – With 24 channels of balanced analogue I/O, the BBP1B is designed for use with mixing consoles that have balanced insert points or balanced group outputs.

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THE BLACKBOX BBP1A PLAYER

BBP1A – Equipped with 24 channels of Lightpipe digital I/O, and designed for use with mixing consoles that support Lightpipe (TOSlink). Unbalanced analogue I/O functionality is also available for situations where Lightpipe is not suitable. Cabling is not supplied, but available to order.

JoeCo blackbox multi-track player thumbnail

THE BLACKBOX BBP1D PLAYER

BBP1D – Equipped with 24 channels of AES/EBU digital I/O. Unbalanced analogue functionality is also available (switchable). Cabling is not supplied, but available to order.

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THE BLACKBOX BBP1U PLAYER

BBP1U – With 24 channels of unbalanced analogue I/O, the BBP1U is designed for use with more traditional analogue consoles and set-ups.

BLACKBOX BBR64MADI

THE BLACKBOX BBP64MADI PLAYER

BBP64MADI – Our MADI playback solution offers up to 64 channels with coaxial and optical I/O.

JoeCo blackbox dante recorder

THE BLACKBOX BBP64DANTE PLAYER

BBP64DANTE – Designed to seamlessly fit into any Dante network, the BP64DANTE delivers up to 64 channels of playback over Dante ethernet I/O.

General Specifications

Output

24 mono channels plus internally “mixed” headphone output

Audio Connections:

Unbalanced Analogue 3 x 25way D-sub TASCAM analogue format
(Hot in, cold out for connection into insert points on console)
Balanced Analogue 3 x 25way D-sub TASCAM analogue format inputs;
3 x 25way D-sub TASCAM analogue format outputs;
  AES/EBU: 3 x 25way D-sub YAMAHA digital format
  Lightpipe: 3 x TOSLINK*

Storage medium

External USB2 storage device
• USB2 drive
• Flash RAM drive (thumb drive)
• SDHC card via USB2 converter

Audio file format

Standard mono Broadcast WAV files

Audio file naming convention

sss-tt.songname-trackname.wav where:
sss is the song number (001-999)[determines which tracks play together as a Song]
-tt. is the track number (01-24)[determines which output each track is replayed through]
songname is the (optional) song name [free text up to 32 characters]
-trackname is the (optional) track name [free text up to 24 characters]
.wav is the file extension [mandatory]

Playlist format

Simple XML file structure for easy playlist editing

Pre-load time

Typically < 3 seconds

Control

Instant replay controlled by:
• Timecode (LTC or MTC),
• footswitch,
• QWERTY keyboard,
• MIDI control,
• Real-time clock
Automatic pre-load of next song in playlist

MIDI Controls

MIDI open loop connection
MIDI Start, Stop commands
MIDI Song Select: for preloading specific Songs
MIDI Program Change
MIDI Show Control

Audio clocks

Selectable between:
• Internal
• AES/EBU or SPDIF clock
• Word clock (available on BBP1A and BBP1D only)

Timecode

All standard frame rates supported

Auto fail-over

Analogue fail-over automatically switches to synchronous secondary system in case of a replay problem.

Physical

Size: 19” rack mounting x 1U (435 x 44 x 170mm)
Weight: < 2.5kg
DC input: 9-12V dc (PSU supplied)
Power: < 25W

*BBP1A uses the SMUXII protocol on its lightpipe i/o at high samples rates. SMUXII only allows 4 channels of audio per lightpipe connection thereby reducing the overall channel count to 12 channels at 88.2kHz and 96kHz.

Want to find out more about the JoeCo Players?

Click on the button below to email JoeCo, via an online-contact form, with a request for further information about our products.