Otari Advanta

The Otari Advanta is a large-format digital console unveiled in late 1997 for music mixing, broadcast and film post-production. It is built around 40-bit DSP processing capable of running at 24-bit / 96 kHz. The expandable control surface connects over Ethernet to a processing rack housing the digital engine, I/O modules and power supplies.

Its architecture is highly modular: each input section provides 16 physical paths, each carrying 8 layered virtual paths — up to 128 input paths per section and 1024 virtual paths per console. The music version could reach 256 inputs; the film variant offered three operator positions. Routing relies on 72 main recording buses and 24 reassign buses, with 32 aux sends and full surround-format support.

Per-path processing includes six filters, three dynamics processors, one insert (send/return) and four-band parametric EQ with high-pass and low-pass filters. Metering combines LCD screens (non-touch) with sixteen 40-segment tricoloured LED meters per input section; the 'Chroma' technology lets two parameters be shown on a single meter. Bus and path resources are freely allocated by the user, and configurations can be stored and recalled with frame accuracy. Offered from 32-in / 24-bus up to more than 128-in / 48-bus, the Advanta targeted the very high end, with pricing starting around $200,000.