SGI Audio Features

Here is a brief summary of the audio hardware and software features of current and past SGI workstations. This is my homespun description of the SGI feature set and is subject to change without notice.

For performance specifications on Indigo2 and Indy workstations, please refer to Ted Marsh's PostScript SGI Workstation Audio Features

Octane Bundled Audio Hardware

[adat OPTICAL Logo] 8-channel, 24-bit ADAT Optical input and output (2 optical connectors)
stereo 18-bit analog line-level input and output (4 RCA connectors)
stereo AES3 24-bit digital input and output (2 RCA connectors)
Optical connectors can be used for ADAT I/O or SPDIF I/O
Nearly arbitrary sample rates from 4kHz to 48kHz.
All inputs and outputs are independent and can be used simultaneously either with independent or synchronized sample-rates
A/D, D/A, and/or digital output sample rates can be slaved to ADAT Optical or AES input clock
A/D, D/A, and/or digital output sample rates can be slaved to video
sample-accurate timing information for precise synchronization
I/O can be scaled up to many channels using an optional expansion card (see below)
Speaker output, mono microphone input
bundled powered desktop speakers

Onyx2 Bundled Audio Hardware

[adat OPTICAL Logo] 8-channel, 24-bit ADAT Optical input and output (2 optical connectors)
stereo 18-bit analog line-level input and output (4 RCA connectors)
stereo AES3 24-bit digital input and output (2x75-ohm BNC connectors)
Optical connectors can be used for ADAT I/O or SPDIF I/O
Nearly arbitrary sample rates from 4kHz to 48kHz.
All inputs and outputs are independent and can be used simultaneously either with independent or synchronized sample-rates
A/D, D/A, and/or digital output sample rates can be slaved to ADAT Optical or AES input clock
A/D, D/A, and/or digital output sample rates can be slaved to video
sample-accurate timing information for precise synchronization
I/O can be scaled up to many channels using an optional expansion card (see below)
Speaker output, mono microphone input
bundled powered desktop speakers

O2 Bundled Audio Hardware

2 independent, 16-bit stereo analog line-level outputs (2 RCA jacks + stereo 3.5mm jack). One output also drives internal speaker/headphone jack.
1 16-bit stereo analog input, selectable between line-level (2 RCA jacks), video camera microphone (included), or external microphone (not included).
supports all sample rates from 4kHz to 48kHz with 1Hz resolution
audio sample rates can be slaved to video inputs or outputs
sample-accurate timing information for precise synchronization
easy-access front-panel volume controls (in addition to apanel).

Low-Cost O2, Octane, and Onyx2 Digital Audio Expansion Option

Currently shipping! Product code PCI-AUD-8C

1/2-length PCI option card
[adat OPTICAL Logo] 8-channel, 24-bit ADAT Optical input and output (2 optical connectors)
stereo AES3 24-bit digital input and output (2x75 ohm BNC connectors)
video house sync input (1 BNC connector)
Multiple cards can be added and synchronized for scalable I/O
Optical connectors can be used for ADAT I/O or SPDIF I/O
Nearly arbitrary sample rates from 4kHz to 48kHz.
All inputs and outputs are independent and can be used simultaneously either with independent or synchronized sample-rates
output sample rates can be slaved to ADAT Optical or AES input clock
output sample rates can be slaved to video
sample-accurate timing information for precise synchronization

Indigo2 (bundled), Indy (bundled), and Onyx (with Audio/Serial Option)

4 channels 16-bit analog line-level input and output
1 IEC958 24-bit stereo digital input and output
Numerous sample rates, including 8,11.025,16,22.05,32,44.1,and 48kHz
Supports simultaneous input and output with independent or synced rates
A/D, D/A, and/or digital out can be slaved to digital in clock for external sync
Headphone output, stereo or mono microphone input

SGI Audio Library (AL 2.0)

Provides a device-independent interface to low-latency, real-time audio I/O
AL 1.0 bundled with IRIX 5.3, 6.2 Developers Option; AL 2.0 bundled with later releases
Supports multiple simultaneous applications using audio hardware.
AL 2.0 supports multiple independent or synchronized audio devices.
Supports scalable hardware capabilities, in terms of sample rates, gains, numbers of channels, and audio word-size.
Supports precise synchronization to other media, including MIDI & video

SGI Audio File Library (All Platforms)

Supports audio file I/O to many formats with a uniform API
Latest version supports: AIFF-C, AIFF, NeXT/Sun SND/AU, WAVE (RIFF) Berkeley/IRCAM/CARL SoundFile, MPEG1 audio bitstream, Sound Designer II, Audio Visual Research, Amiga IFF/8SVX, SampleVision, VOC, SoundFont2, Raw (headerless)

MIDI capabilities (Indy/Indigo2/Indigo)

I know this is missing O2 and Onyx2 right now; those have different MIDI specs. I'll update them as soon as I get a chance.
Provides low-latency, real-time MIDI I/O with standard Mac-compatible MIDI adapter
O2 requires an RS232<->RS422 converter for this.
SGI MIDI Library bundled with IRIX 5.3 and later operating systems
MIDI Library supports timestamped input and scheduled output
MIDI Library supports multiple simultaneous MIDI applications

DAT & CD Capabilities

Normal DDS-2 drive supplied by SGI supports audio & data both
Read and write standard DAT audio tapes over SCSI at >2X speeds
Read standard audio CD's over SCSI

A Bunch of Bundled Tools

Return to Audio Applications List