Amiga.org

Amiga News and Community Announcements => Amiga News and Community Announcements => Topic started by: amigakit on October 30, 2016, 09:47:58 PM

Title: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: amigakit on October 30, 2016, 09:47:58 PM
AmigaKit.com is pleased to announce stock and availability of A-EON Technology's Prisma Megamix (http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1218) music card.

The Prisma is a new Zorro card expansion for big box Amiga's and also the Amiga 1200 Towers with an available compatible clockport socket (desktop A1200 version coming soon).

Based on VS1063 chip, it can playback many music formats in full 16-bit 48Khz audio and additionally mix with the Amiga's native Paula sound.  When it is decoding and playing back a MPEGA audio file or various other formats, it frees up the Amiga to do other things.  An MHI driver is supplied with the card for AmigaAmp (http://www.amigaamp.de) and other various music playing software.

Specifications
*  Clockport and Zorro II interfaces (if operated in Zorro II slot, clockport can be used for compatible add-on cards)
*  Compatible with Amiga A1200 T, A2000, A3000, A4000, A4000T.
*  Based on VS1063 chip
*  Playback of wide range of formats: MP2, MP3, WMA, OGG, LC-AAC, HE-AAC, FLAC, ALAC, IMA ADPCM, G.711 u-law, G.711 a-law, G.722, and WAV PCM formats
*  Pass through port for Paula mixing. Paula mixing is automatically activated by hardware, no software interaction needed
*  CDDA header
*  MHI support for use with MHI compatible software such as AmigaAmp
*  can be expanded by optional digital module (S/PDIF)

Direct Product Link:

AmigaKit UK Product Page (http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/GBP.php?url=product_info.php?products_id=1218)
AmigaKit USA Product Page (http://amigakit.us/product_info.php?products_id=1218)
AmigaKit Europe Product Page (http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/GBP.php?url=product_info.php?products_id=1218)
AmigaKit Canada Product Page (http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/CAD.php?url=product_info.php?products_id=1218)

(http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/images/Prisma_Megamix_sm.jpg) (http://amigakit.leamancomputing.com/catalog/product_info.php?products_id=1218)
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: apsturk on October 30, 2016, 10:49:49 PM
Great Job, A-Eon & Amigakit Boys!!!!!

Looking forward to putting one in my A3000 :)
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: Oldsmobile_Mike on October 30, 2016, 11:00:43 PM
Better late than never. :roflmao:
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: QuikSanz on October 30, 2016, 11:12:07 PM
Quote from: Oldsmobile_Mike;815869
Better late than never. :roflmao:


2016, wow. We were thinking 2020. Hope there are a good supply. Job hunting.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: Jeff on October 30, 2016, 11:20:05 PM
Well Done and Thank You!
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: Matt_H on October 31, 2016, 12:51:52 AM
Ooo, and quite cheap, too!
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: LoadWB on October 31, 2016, 01:29:35 AM
OOOooooooooooo  this is the answer to a couple of problems of mine.  Nice!
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: nicholas on October 31, 2016, 02:47:11 AM
Quote from: Matt_H;815874
Ooo, and quite cheap, too!


At 50 quid I'd have bought one straight away but 70-odd quid is too much for what it is.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: QuikSanz on October 31, 2016, 03:33:04 AM
Would like to know the in's and out's of this thing to see how to hook it up to a Repulse properly.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: Akiko on October 31, 2016, 10:21:46 AM
Quote from: nicholas;815881
At 50 quid I'd have bought one straight away but 70-odd quid is too much for what it is.


I think the price is very reasonable, only sub 50 quid Zorro card I have ever seen was the  Kickflash - 1MB Rom card.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: nicholas on October 31, 2016, 10:37:29 AM
Quote from: Akiko;815890
I think the price is very reasonable, only sub 50 quid Zorro card I have ever seen was the  Kickflash - 1MB Rom card.


If it also had a 16bit DAC with an AHI driver I'd gladly pay more.

It's a cool device and I may get one in future but it's too expensive for an impulse purchase right now.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: Iggy on October 31, 2016, 12:09:22 PM
Quote from: nicholas;815891
If it also had a 16bit DAC with an AHI driver I'd gladly pay more.

It's a cool device and I may get one in future but it's too expensive for an impulse purchase right now.

I think I'd have to side with Nick on this one, too expensive and it should have a 16 bit DAC.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: klx300r on October 31, 2016, 01:24:32 PM
can I use the clockport to install a Subway USB in my A4000 as I've sadly had zero luck installing it on my X-Surf100
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: UberFreak on October 31, 2016, 05:11:17 PM
"full 16-bit 48Khz audio"

This was acceptable 10+ years ago, but not today.
Most of the music I listen to in recent years (bought from online services) is 24bit/96Khz.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: BozzerBigD on October 31, 2016, 05:39:25 PM
Sounds fine! 16-bit at 48khz trounces the poor DAB radio services we've been suckered into accepting in the UK!
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: nicholas on October 31, 2016, 10:21:00 PM
Quote from: UberFreak;815904
"full 16-bit 48Khz audio"

This was acceptable 10+ years ago, but not today.
Most of the music I listen to in recent years (bought from online services) is 24bit/96Khz.


Which still doesn't sound as good as vinyl records on an SL1200 with Ortofon carts.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: QuikSanz on November 01, 2016, 01:44:08 AM
Quote from: nicholas;815915
Which still doesn't sound as good as vinyl records on an SL1200 with Ortofon carts.


Digital will never sound as good as analogue. AIFF comes close. Heard of Niel Young's project "PONO"?
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: mingle on November 01, 2016, 06:46:57 AM
True enough... I think the new Amiga motto should be "Too little, too late..." :-)

Quote from: UberFreak;815904
"full 16-bit 48Khz audio"

This was acceptable 10+ years ago, but not today.
Most of the music I listen to in recent years (bought from online services) is 24bit/96Khz.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: Iggy on November 01, 2016, 08:34:09 AM
Quote from: mingle;815923
True enough... I think the new Amiga motto should be "Too little, too late..." :-)


Personally I like to quote Frank Zappa's 'Cosmic Debris'

"But I got the crystal ball!"
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: Marcin1982 on November 01, 2016, 09:00:43 AM
mp3 decoder for 85 eur :roflmao: hell time we have
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: utri007 on November 01, 2016, 09:13:54 AM
what the f*ck :( I don't understand you guys.

Too littel and too late! Absolutely, what you wait? Something mind blowing with 20 euros? Amiga computers are hobby computers, nothing to do with real life and you all know that! I would like to buy one but I already have a Delfina, wich cost MUCH more than this.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: Niding on November 01, 2016, 09:53:22 AM
@utri007

Indeed. I mean, if people want perfect playback at supercheap price, then stick to wintel PC.
But since this is an Amiga forum, I figure its readers still tinker with Amiga hardware (or emulation). Personally I play music pretty much around the clock when at my computer (with the exception when I watch politics/economics youtube channels), and being able to play quite decent quality MP3s on my Amiga will be bliss.

If synergy between Vampire and Primsa is possible, it could be quite good for a new "standard" for upgraded AOS3.x/AROS users.

I realise there is a fair share of users (espesially democoders) that stick to the stock hardware.

As utri007 says; its a HOBBY platform, and Amigakit doesnt have billions to throw at a problem/development process like Apple, Microsoft etc.
Ill admit I was getting impatient with the Prisma development time, but instead of taking the piss over it, Im happy for their efforts and accomplishments.

Atleast they actually DO something for the platform.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: paul1981 on November 01, 2016, 10:01:38 AM
Quote from: BozzerBigD;815906
Sounds fine! 16-bit at 48khz trounces the poor DAB radio services we've been suckered into accepting in the UK!


Speak for yourself! There's no DAB crap in my life. ;)
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: psxphill on November 01, 2016, 10:48:18 AM
Quote from: nicholas;815915
Which still doesn't sound as good as vinyl records on an SL1200 with Ortofon carts.

I wonder why spending a fortune on professional analogue equipment would sound better than the cheapest possible digital equipment?

Vinyl production may have improved now that it's specialist, but back in the day the quality was terrible as they kept using the stamps after they wore out to save money. I doubt there is any modern Vinyl that hasn't been passed through an ADC/DAC, so it's impossible for those to be inherently "better".

People think those gold plated HDMI cables give a better picture too.

Quote from: nicholas;815891
If it also had a 16bit DAC with an AHI driver I'd gladly pay more.

It supports WAV PCM, assuming that means it can play uncompressed audio then it has what you refer to as a DAC and it's just missing the AHI driver (pretty much all sound chips invented have at least one DAC, whether it's directly accessible to users or not).
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: rockape on November 01, 2016, 10:56:26 AM
Hi AmigaKit,

Nice one :)

I'll be buying one soon, I'm going to put a LAG order in.


Regards, Michael

aka rockape

Founder member of LAG  "http://WWW.lincsamiga.org.uk/"

10 years old and still going strong.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: UberFreak on November 01, 2016, 02:36:12 PM
Quote from: nicholas;815915
Which still doesn't sound as good as vinyl records on an SL1200 with Ortofon carts.


Yep, but the SL1200 was not built for sound quality, way too rigid.
I had one but sold it the minute I heard a 70's era Thorens on my setup, simply no comparison (with same cartridge, of course).
More detail, more dynamic, lower noise-floor.

These days I'm using a Thorens TD125mk2 with an Ortofon SuperOM30 nude/fine-line stylus.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: UberFreak on November 01, 2016, 02:43:32 PM
Quote from: psxphill;815930
back in the day the quality was terrible as they kept using the stamps after they wore out to save money.


It all depends on the record company.
Generally, German & UK pressings from the late 70's and 80's are amazing, especially the 45rpm maxi-singles.
US pressings I found to be generally mediocre, but there are exceptions.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: klx300r on November 01, 2016, 03:39:16 PM
trying again with same question:

can I use the clockport on the Prisma Megamix to install a Subway USB in my A4000 as I've sadly had zero luck installing it on my X-Surf100
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: matt3k on November 01, 2016, 03:52:15 PM
Is it available for immediate shipment?  I assume all the issues with accelerated Amigas has been corrected?
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: nicholas on November 01, 2016, 04:23:49 PM
Quote from: UberFreak;815937
Yep, but the SL1200 was not built for sound quality, way too rigid.
I had one but sold it the minute I heard a 70's era Thorens on my setup, simply no comparison (with same cartridge, of course).
More detail, more dynamic, lower noise-floor.

These days I'm using a Thorens TD125mk2 with an Ortofon SuperOM30 nude/fine-line stylus.


Very nice!

I sold my 1210's a long time ago sadly so I'm at the mercy of 24/96 FLAC rips I took of my vinyl collection and they nowhere near sound the same. :/
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: nicholas on November 01, 2016, 04:25:58 PM
Quote from: UberFreak;815938
It all depends on the record company.
Generally, German & UK pressings from the late 70's and 80's are amazing, especially the 45rpm maxi-singles.
US pressings I found to be generally mediocre, but there are exceptions.


I had dubplates that sounded better than some pressings that came out of Chicago and Detroit in the 80's. Lol
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: Iggy on November 01, 2016, 05:07:09 PM
Quote from: UberFreak;815938
It all depends on the record company.
Generally, German & UK pressings from the late 70's and 80's are amazing, especially the 45rpm maxi-singles.
US pressings I found to be generally mediocre, but there are exceptions.


Regardless of the source, vinyl is still a mechanical medium subject to wear and degradation.
It never sounds better than the first time it is played.
There have been more modern standards for analog storage, but none has really gained a market.

Considering the limitations of human hearing, most of the qualities you are all perceiving are fairly subjective.

Frankly, even when I was using vinyl, I usually immediately recorded it to a high quality tape system and limited playback of the discs.

All that being said, the Prisma is still a bit underwhelming.
But...as Amiga hardware goes...
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: aggro_mix on November 01, 2016, 05:11:03 PM
Quote from: QuikSanz;815919
Digital will never sound as good as analogue. AIFF comes close. Heard of Niel Young's project "PONO"?


And so does .wav files (and basically any other lossless file format)
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: Oldsmobile_Mike on November 01, 2016, 05:11:37 PM
Guys, not meaning offense, but can you please go somewhere else with your debate on vinyl vs analog/digital formats?  It's super off-topic for people who'd rather discuss this new card.  :p
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: QuikSanz on November 01, 2016, 05:16:08 PM
Quote from: Oldsmobile_Mike;815945
Guys, not meaning offense, but can you please go somewhere else with your debate on vinyl vs analog/digital formats?  It's super off-topic for people who'd rather discuss this new card.  :p


Noted. Anyone know what the I/O layout on this thing is?
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: LoadWB on November 01, 2016, 06:14:12 PM
+1 Mike and utri007.  We tend to shyt up threads a lot around here.  It's good conversation and discussion, but it doesn't help the intent of the thread.

To answer the question about the clock port, my guess is these are not active clock ports to support an added device, but rather an interface for THIS device to be used on a clock port.

I am waffling on whether I want to use one on my desktop 4000 (which has USB AHI sound, wished THIS was AHI as well,) or on my 1200.  Decisions decisions.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: klx300r on November 01, 2016, 09:01:34 PM
Quote from: LoadWB;815951
...

To answer the question about the clock port, my guess is these are not active clock ports to support an added device, but rather an interface for THIS device to be used on a clock port.
...


Amigakit/A-Eon can you please confirm this as this will be critical for me on the decision to buy or not
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: HaukeVB on November 01, 2016, 09:22:27 PM
"if operated in Zorro II slot, clockport can be used for compatible add-on cards"

straight from AmiKit's website (EU)... :rtfm:

But compatible add-ons only ... :(
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: Iggy on November 01, 2016, 09:57:40 PM
Quote from: Oldsmobile_Mike;815945
Guys, not meaning offense, but can you please go somewhere else with your debate on vinyl vs analog/digital formats?  It's super off-topic for people who'd rather discuss this new card.  :p


:cry: :rolleyes:
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: Oldsmobile_Mike on November 01, 2016, 10:29:12 PM
Digging through the super-long thread over on EAB about this card (much of it the same "two more weeks" comments, that were on our thread here), found this video of someone using the card:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FQ9fQ0w5SjE

Also this information posted by one of the betatesters, which might be helpful:  "Yes, it works with the clockport expander. Use Prisma in Port 2 and RR in port 3 and both things work at the same time. Remember that RR and Prisma use the red wire in different sides."
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: LoadWB on November 01, 2016, 11:24:18 PM
Quote from: HaukeVB;815958
"if operated in Zorro II slot, clockport can be used for compatible add-on cards"

straight from AmiKit's website (EU)... :rtfm:

But compatible add-ons only ... :(


THAT'S pretty cool... but then, what are compatible add-ons?  hrmmmmmmmm the game's afoot!
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: klx300r on November 02, 2016, 01:17:07 PM
Quote from: LoadWB;815961
THAT'S pretty cool... but then, what are compatible add-ons?  hrmmmmmmmm the game's afoot!

I'm hoping RapidRoad USB is one but still waiting for official response from Amigakit/ A-Eon
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: klx300r on November 03, 2016, 07:01:37 PM
Amigakit/ A-Eon?? we know you're here somewhere .......
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: danwood on November 05, 2016, 09:02:14 AM
Anyone managed to get CD audio working?  Had my card since Wednesday but cannot get CD audio to work no matter what I try :/

Presume this is the CDDA header?  (documentation doesn't give a port layout)

http://i.imgur.com/8wFE5xG.jpg

Keen to get a review of this out today, but need to get it working first.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: klx300r on November 05, 2016, 05:16:21 PM
Amigakit/A-Eon :confused:
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: QuikSanz on November 05, 2016, 06:28:48 PM
Quote from: danwood;816112
Anyone managed to get CD audio working?  Had my card since Wednesday but cannot get CD audio to work no matter what I try :/

Presume this is the CDDA header?  (documentation doesn't give a port layout)

http://i.imgur.com/8wFE5xG.jpg

Keen to get a review of this out today, but need to get it working first.

The output of that connector is already converted to audio in the CD. The connector on the Prisma may be an output, not an input.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: klx300r on November 05, 2016, 06:37:05 PM
Quote from: danwood;816112
Anyone managed to get CD audio working?  Had my card since Wednesday but cannot get CD audio to work no matter what I try :/

Presume this is the CDDA header?  (documentation doesn't give a port layout)

http://i.imgur.com/8wFE5xG.jpg

Keen to get a review of this out today, but need to get it working first.

from: bubbo42 over at EAB thread:

"you need to enable CD_Input via CON304, first. This is done by attaching the yet-to-be-released SPDIF-module.

Alternatively, put two jumpers on CON301 like this (please excuse blurry picture):"
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: trixster on October 05, 2017, 08:26:35 PM
Quote from: LoadWB;815961
THAT'S pretty cool... but then, what are compatible add-ons?  hrmmmmmmmm the game's afoot!


Did it ever get solved whether the clockport functioned as an actual clockport, or wherever it's just the way to connect to a clockport equipped machine?
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: BozzerBigD on October 05, 2017, 09:51:23 PM
Quote from: trixster;831346
Did it ever get solved whether the clockport functioned as an actual clockport, or wherever it's just the way to connect to a clockport equipped machine?
This has never been clarified hence I have not bought one. I need USB functionality (Rapid Road) and would like to play MP3s etc but don't really need ethernet so if it worked as a clock port and was compatible with the Rapid Road it would be ideal. However, I guess AmigaKit are keeping tight lipped for a reason.
Title: Re: Prisma Megamix Music Card Available On AmigaKit.com
Post by: QuikSanz on October 06, 2017, 03:22:57 AM
Quote from: BozzerBigD;831349
This has never been clarified hence I have not bought one. I need USB functionality (Rapid Road) and would like to play MP3s etc but don't really need ethernet so if it worked as a clock port and was compatible with the Rapid Road it would be ideal. However, I guess AmigaKit are keeping tight lipped for a reason.


Actually there are many connectors on there and none of them are documented so I will not touch one until they are. There is even one with no pins in it with audio connector spacing?