With so many studio systems relying on computers or hard disk drives, connecting them up can be a bit of a problem, especially when, for example, two samplers need to share the same hard drive. Plugging and unplugging SCSI cables is nobody's idea of fun, which is where the Data Director steps in. Data Director is not, as its name might imply, a SCSI switching box but rather a central connection system allowing several SCSI devices to be connected simultaneously. Any number of devices may be connected, up to the maximum of eight permitted by SCSI protocol, but only one hard drive may be accessed from any sampler or computer at once. Keep in mind that computers' internal drives also have their own SCSI IDs which must be allowed for when setting up a system.

Housed in a 1U rack case, Data Director interfaces to the outside world via six standard 50-pin Centronics SCSI connectors, complete with locking clips. No power is required, as the unit is completely passive; the six connectors are, in effect, connected in parallel with an internal termination. Providing none of the SCSI devices is set to the same ID number, there should be no problem.

Units of this type are both simple and effective, the only weak point being the manual, which is so short that it shares the warranty card. I know the idea is pretty straightforward, but a couple of example setups might have helped clarify things further. Even so, there's a paragraph or so on each of seven sampler types, plus Macintosh computers, which explain any SCSI idiosyncrasies alongside operating tips. On the whole, a straightforward and welcome piece of utility equipment.

Further Information
Data Director £169 including VAT.

Key Audio Systems, (Contact Details).