The Seelake AudioStation Audio Workstation

Musikmesse 2012: The Seelake AudioStation is a all-in-one audio workstion, combining a powerful CPU, multiple audio and MIDI inputs and outputs and microphone preamplifiers in one device.

AudioStation functions:

  • Powerful Multi-Instrument VST Player
  • VST Multi-FX Rack
  • Advanced MIDI Patchbay
  • Performance Digital Audio Recorder
  • VST and audio Digital Mixer
  • Multi-Track Digital Audio Player

Main features:

  • Powerful processor
  • Large RAM memory
  • 1 or 2 large hard disks
  • DVD writer
  • Main Operative System expressely built and optimized for audio signals, based on Microsoft Windows kernel and compatible with any musical application written for Windows.
  • AudioStation software Audio and VST Mixer-Host integrated in the operative system.
  • Completely independent additional operative environment, to use AudioStation like a traditional computer for word processing, graphics, web or any other, with no risk to the AudioStation audio/musical functionality.
  • operative environment for the maintenance of the device, where users can: restore factory defaults; clone installations into the (optional) backup hard disk and vice versa; wipe the file system in case of shocks or free falls
  • Audio system with 10 I/Os and high quality converters
  • MIDI system with 8 I/Os and ultra precise timing
  • Live Control remote controller for controlling AudioStation in live performances with no need for monitor, keyboard nor mouse

Specifications below. See the Seelake site for details.

Features

CPU:

  • Quad-core latest generation processor (updateable)
  • 4 GB RAM Memory
  • 1TB SATA 3 Hard disk, 7200 RPM (updateable)
  • Dual layer DVD writer, with slot-loading mechanisms
  • PS/2 connector for PS/2 keyboard and mouse (not included)
  • 3 Video connectors for hooking up 1 or 2 displays (not included):
    • 1 D-Sub 15 for VGA connections
    • 1 DVI-D for digital monitor with resolution up to 1920×1200 (DVI to VGA adapter not supported)
    • 1 HDMI for digital monitor with resolution up to 1920×1200
  • 6 USB connectors:
    • 4 USB 2.0 type (USB 1.1 compatible)
    • 2 USB 3.0 type (USB 2.0 compatible)
  • RJ45 connector for Gigabit LAN.

Optionals:

  • 1TB or 2TB Backup hard disk, can be used in case of fault of main hard disk (must be factory installed)
  • 2TB main hard disk (must be factory installed)
  • 256 GB or 500 GB Solid State Disk (SSD) (must be factory installed)

Audio/MIDI System:

  • 4 high quality microphone preamplifiers (in analog inputs 1-4), each one with:
    • Adjustable gain over 60dB
    • Signal and clip LED
    • 48V Phantom power with activity LED
  • 8 analog inputs:
    • Inputs #1-2 with combo connector XLR+TRS 6.3mm jacks
    • Inputs #3-4 with combo connector XLR+TS 6.3mm jacks
    • Inputs #5-8 with TS 6.3mm jacks
  • 8 analog outputs with 6.3mm TS jacks
  • +4dBu/-10dBV signal level can be adjusted via software individually, for inputs and outputs
  • Stereo digital coaxial S/PDIF input
  • Stereo digital coaxial S/PDIF output
  • Word Clock I/O for sample-accurate syncing of external digital audio devices
  • 8 MIDI I/Os (2 I/Os on front panel and 6 I/Os in rear panel), 128 MIDI input channels and 128 MIDI output channels
  • LiveControl safe connection plug

Live Control:

  • Alpha-numeric backlighted 2×20 characters display
  • 10 encoders:
    • 9 endless rotative
    • 1 endless rotative with push
  • 22 enlighted buttons
  • Main unit safe connection plug

Specifications

  • Conversion parameters:
    • Digital and analog I/O Sample Rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96KHz.
    • Bit Depth: 24 bits
  • Microphone inputs (AD):
    • Frequency response: 20Hz-22KHz @ 48KHz; 22Hz-40KHz @ 96KHz.
    • Dynamic range: 100dB (A-weighted)
    • S/N ratio: 100dB (A-weighted)
    • THD+N: 0.005% @ 1KHz, G=1
    • Gain: 70dB max
  • Line inputs (A/D):
    • Frequency response: 20Hz-22KHz @ 48KHz; 22Hz-40KHz @ 96KHz
    • Dynamic range: 100dB (A-weighted)
    • S/N ratio: 100dB (A-weighted)
    • THD+N: 0.002%.
  • Line outputs (D/A):
    • Frequency response: 20Hz-22KHz @ 48KHz; 22Hz-40KHz @ 96KHz
    • Dynamic range: 102dB (A-weighted)
    • S/N ratio: 102dB (A-weighted)
    • THD+N: 0.002%
  • Weights and sizes:
    • Console’s size: 89 (H) x 446 (W) x 425 (D) mm / 3.5 (H) x 17.6 (W) x 16.7 (D) inches
    • Console’s weight: 9 Kg / 19.8 lbs
    • LiveControl size: 45 (H) x 228 (W) x 114 (D) mm / 1.8 (H) x 8.9 (W) x 4.5 (D) inches
    • LiveControl weight: 0.44 Kg / 1 lb
    • LiveControl connection cable length: 5 m / 16.4 ft (10 m / 32.8 ft with optional extension cord)
  • Power:
    • 100-240V, 50-60Hz, 4-2A

6 thoughts on “The Seelake AudioStation Audio Workstation”

  1. I do quite like the idea of having a computer that’s completely optimized and built around music, but I’d be very interested to see what, if any, noticeable gains there are from using this kind of system, i.e. lower latency, less jitter, or if it’s purely for the convenience of having a music-centric computer already specced out.

  2. most likely the latter. but that alone can be quite advantageous for someone whose distracted easily by the internets or free episodes of Eastbound & Down.

  4. I have an Audiostation. Before buying it i put a lot of thought and research into building my own music computer. In the end this thing does costs a little more, but not as much as you are probably thinking now (if you haven’t build your own music pc yet). For that extra you get a lot of things back like a handy controller. A lot of testing time and you will notice that they already put a lot of thoughts in the machine.
    I use it for live use only (small stages and big stages).

    You can start it up also in “Standard environment” to watch Eastbound & Down 😉

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