San Francisco-based Bobwire Audio has introduced its very first product for audio enthusiasts and custom installers, namely the DAT1 Digital Audio Trigger, which adds an industry-standard 12-volt DC trigger output to audio components with a digital audio optical (SPDIF) output. This will enable devices like the Sonos Connect and Amazon Echo Link, which lack 12-volt triggers, to turn on and off connected power amplifiers and other equipment. The Bobwire DAT1 is available now for $79.99, but an introductory price of $39.99 can be found on Amazon with Prime shipping.
The company says that audio amplifiers have analog audio detection circuits, which are not always reliable, especially at lower listening levels. Because the DAT1 is monitoring the digital signal, the 12-volt trigger is activated immediately, as soon as music starts and at any volume level.
The 12-volt DC trigger standard is useful to audio enthusiasts because it uses inexpensive 3.5mm mono cables to send turn-on/off commands to external amplifiers, smart home controls systems, cooling fans, dropping projector screens and other accessories. Most streaming devices, including TVs, CD/DVD/Blu-ray players, video game systems, computers and other components do not have a 12-volt trigger output. The Bobwire DAT1 on-board software analyzes the optical digital signal to determine when the connected device is powered on, paused or playing music, and then activates one of the two 12-volt outputs.
The box includes an optical audio looping output so that the digital signal may be passed on to another DAC or surround sound receiver, and the analog audio output utilizes a high resolution 192-kHz 24-bit digital to analog converter. The 12-volt outputs are rated to 500 mA each which allows them to directly drive high power devices such as cooling fans and multiple relays. LEDs are provided for each of the 12-volt outputs to help troubleshooting. Included in the box is the DAT1 device, high-current power supply, 3-foot optical cable and 6-foot trigger cable.
For more information, click to access the Bobwire website here.
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Martin, a seasoned journalist and AV expert, has written for several notable print magazines. He’s served in key roles at Lucasfilm’s THX Division, NEC’s digital cinema division, and has even consulted for DreamWorks. Despite his illustrious career, Martin remains rooted in his passion for cinema and acting, with notable appearances in several Spielberg films, Doctor Who, and Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back. He currently resides in San Francisco.
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