DakotaIt may look like just another PCI card at first glance. But delve a little deeper, and you'll discover that Dakota is one of the most powerful and highly integrated computer audio production tools you can get today.One Card, Lots of ConnectionsInstead of turning to separate devices for digital audio, MIDI and synchronization for your computer, choose Dakota. It provides a full complement of 16 high-performance 24-bit digital audio channels in ADAT Optical "lightpipe" format. Its breakout cable offers interfacing with S/PDIF digital audio I/O on RCA jacks, as well as ADAT 9-pin sync input. Dakota also features two MIDI inputs and two MIDI outputs, as well as an internal CD-ROM digital audio cable for direct transfers of audio CDs. Plus, Dakota's SMPTE and ADAT sync ensure that all of your studio components can stay locked together.Who Needs It?Anyone who records, composes or performs music with a computer will benefit from Dakota. It's a great way to connect your digital mixers, tape machines, synthesizers, samplers, sequencers, video decks, sound modules, and more. Dakota is compatible with most popular recording, editing and sequencing software. You can also send audio directly to and from your computer via an external multichannel converter (like our Tango24).Thirsty for sync? Have a SoDA!Dakota's audio channels support Frontier Design Group's innovative SoDA (SMPTE on Digital Audio) technology. This unique advantage lets you use any digital audio input or output for SMPTE timecode. Standard audio channels, in either ADAT optical or S/PDIF format, can be defined as SMPTE I/O ports using the Dakota control panel – no additional hardware is required. SMPTE signals are detected, decoded, and delivered digitally to external analog converters. Plus, Dakota's hardware supports SMPTE and MIDI timecode chase-lock, a big benefit over software-based approaches that tax your CPU.Easy to Install, Easy to Use ... Get to work!Frustrated of wasting your time configuring your studio's audio, MIDI and sync to work together? Dakota is the answer. Install it in a standard PCI slot in your Mac or PC, and you'll have a superintegrated interface for all your audio needs at your fingertips.PCI interface card for Mac and PCCompatible with most popular software applications via ASIOGSIF support for GigaSampler and GigaStudio16 channels ADAT lightpipe in16 channels ADAT lightpipe out2-channel S/PDIF on coax or optical cables2x2 MIDI on standard MIDI cablesSMPTE using any compatible digital audio converter and its analog I/OADAT sync input for sample-accurate, multi-machine syncMontanaIf you want to powerfully and affordably double the inputs and outputs of the Dakota system, here's your solution. Add a Montana card and you'll have a mind-blowing 32 inputs and 32 outputs of ADAT Optical I/O with your computer.Professional Sync FeaturesWith Montana, the Dakota gets additional synchronization features normally found in expensive external hardware boxes. An RCA input synchronizes the computer to an external video signal (NTSC or PAL) or to an external audio word clock. Video sync can also come from an internal header, for direct connection to a digital video board. Montana also has an ADAT 9-pin sync output.Easy FitFor maximum flexibility, Montana features a dual-slot layout so it can be installed in either a PCI or ISA slot next to Dakota. Compatible in both Mac and PC and with most popular audio applications, Montana lets you take advantage of the expansion power of Dakota.Montana Specifications2 ADAT optical inputs (16 additional channels)2 ADAT optical outputs (16 additional channels)Input for video sync or word clock (adapter included for RCA or BNC input), audio can directly lock to NTSC or PAL video at standard frame ratesADAT 9-pin sync outputIncludes internal cable for connecting to DakotaDual-slot layout allows installation in either a PCI or ISA computer slotSystem requirements: Dakota, one PCI short slot or one 16-bit ISA slotMONTANA SPECIFICATIONSADAT optical inputs (16 additional channels)2 ADAT optical outputs (16 additional channels)Input for video sync or word clock (adapter included for RCA or BNC input), audio can directly lock to NTSC or PAL video at standard frame ratesADAT 9-pin sync outputIncludes internal cable for connecting to DakotaDual-slot layout allows installation in either a PCI or ISA computer slotSystem requirements: Dakota, one PCI short slot or one 16-bit ISA slotSierraLook around. If you're surrounded by keyboards, sound modules, samplers and other MIDI gear, you may need more ins and outs than Dakota's built-in 2x2 MIDI interface. That's where Sierra comes in.Sierra is the MIDI and SMPTE expansion tool for Frontier Design Group's powerful Dakota PCI audio system. Sierra is a must-have for serious MIDI users who are working with the Dakota card. It features eight MIDI input ports, eight MIDI output ports, and a SMPTE input and output on 1/4" jacks.Perfect for serious sequencing and computer productionBy itself, Dakota provides 2 MIDI inputs and outputs, and provides SMPTE I/O on any audio channel. Connecting a Sierra to Dakota quadruples the number of available MIDI ports, and adds dedicated SMPTE jacks so you can enjoy timecode I/O without sacrificing any audio channels.Using inputs from a Sierra, Dakota's hardware can directly support SMPTE and MIDI timecode chase-lock. This is a great advantage over software-based approaches that rely on real-time audio resampling or repositioning. Hardware-based chase-lock eliminates these sources of audio distortion and frees the CPU for other tasks.Bright Lights, Nice BoxSierra's front panel has activity indicators for each MIDI and SMPTE input and output, and shows the lock status of the SMPTE input. Sierra is housed in a rugged 1U 19" rackmount enclosure, and comes with a 15-foot cable for connecting to a Dakota soundcard. Need a great solution for mondo MIDI productions? Dakota and Sierra ... a match made on the Frontier.8 independent MIDI output ports (128 output channels)8 independent MIDI input ports (128 input channels)SMPTE input and output on quarter-inch jacksSMPTE output level controlled by Dakota softwareFront panel activity indicators for each MIDI and SMPTE portStandard 1U, 19-inch rackmount enclosure15-foot (4.5-meter) Dakota cable includedSierra Specifications8 independent MIDI output ports (128 output channels)8 independent MIDI input ports (128 input channels)SMPTE input and output on 1/4" jacksSMPTE output level controlled by Dakota softwareFront panel activity indicators for each MIDI and SMPTE port1U, 19-inch rackmount enclosure15-foot (4.5-meter) Dakota cable includedSystem requirements: Dakota multichannel I/O soundcard