Middle Input Channel / Middle Master

The Ark is the only console which offers support for a number of different modules.

The middle section of the input channel buckets and/or the master section can have a total of 16 slots:
* two rows of 8 slots for Octa modules
* two rows of 8 slots for 500 modules

None of these slots are “tied” to the channels.
Actually the slots are totally independent from the rest of the console.
They have their own I/O connectors on the back panel, and even have their own power supply.

Think of it as two 8-slot racks which are installed in the Ark.
This allows full flexibility, since you can use any Octa, 500 or 51x module (or chain of modules) on any channel.

Our IP508 board has 8 slots for 500 series modules.
Multiple IP508 boards can be installed in the Ark console.

Our IPocta board has 8 slots for Octa and 51x modules.
Multiple IPocta boards can be installed in the Ark console.
(note that 500 series modules can be used with our IPocta board)


What is the difference between 500 slots and Octa slots?

Octa and 500 modules have the same dimensions, only the connector is different.

500 slots use 15-pin EDAC connectors. Octa slots use 18-pin EDAC connectors.

The first 15 pins of the Octa 18-pin connector are used in the exact same way as the original 500 series rack.
Octa slots are fully compatible with standard 500 series compliant modules.
This means you can use 500 modules or Octa / 51x modules in an Octa slot.
But Octa / 51x modules can only be used in Octa slots.



What are the additional connection points on the Octa slots used for?

These are used for ± 24 Volt power rails.
Since the Ark runs on these ± 24 Volts power rails, this makes perfect sense.

We are the only console manufacturer offering support for Octa, 51x and 500 modules.
We offer this support, so the large DIY community out there can make use of this to design and build modules requiring ± 24V, like NEVE, Neumann or Telefunken style circuits.
We also hope to make it easier for other manufacturers to start using this improved specification and look forward to a range of high-quality Octa / 51x modules.



What is the difference between Octa slots and 51x slots ?

Octa and 51x modules have the same dimensions, and the same connector.
They both use 18-pin EDAC connectors and are fully compatible.

The difference is in the motherboard holding the slots.
The Octa motherboard uses the same technology as used in the Ark console, where each module has its own, dedicated voltage regulators.
In case of the Octa modules / slots, these voltage regulators are not on the module itself, but next to each connector on the Octa motherboard.
These regulators filter out all the “dirt” on the power lines and get the cleanest power to each module, resulting in much better audio quality.
(they really do)


What is the advantage of using Octa slots or modules?

Octa modules run on higher voltage than standard 500 modules (± 24V instead of ± 16V).
As a result, Octa modules have an extra 4dB of headroom also resulting in a better signal-to-noise ratio.

Octa slots are compatible with 500, 51x and Octa modules, and offer each of these modules the cleanest and best power.
This results in much improved sound quality.
Any 500, 51x or Octa module will sound better when used in Octa slots or Octa rack.