AP-16+ Status

[JonnyMac]

Hey, gang, I just wanted to let you know where we are -- especially those of you who pre-ordered.  The AP-16+ has been tricky to build (it's our first run and we usually hit a few snags, but this one is a very complicated dude and has been more challenging).  The production order should arrive the week of the 14th.  We will test and start shipping as you ordered; we should be caught up by the end of the month.

Since we had some extra time we added a couple new features that may be useful:

* In-field updating.  With this feature we can provide a new version file that you simply drop onto an SD card, pop into the AP-16+, and then power up.  After about 15 seconds the AP-16+ will be updated to the latest and greatest features.

* Playback speed control.  While not used very often, it's nice to have.  You can vary the playback speed from 50% to 200%.  Note that 44.1kHz files cannot be sped up, only slowed down.  If you use 22050Hz files (very good quality, smaller size) you'll have full speed control.  Changing the playback speed, of course, changes the pitch.  If you want to make a creepy voice creepier, you can reduce the playback speed a bit to drop the pitch.

* AUX file override.  If you're using a controller without serial control (e.g., EZ-8) you can cause one file to stop another by using the AUX inputs.  SFX files (started with the normal start inputs) will play until finished.  An AUX file, on the other hand, can stop a file in progress and play immediately.  AUX files don't use the hold-off pots so they're good for sound effect boxes with multiple button inputs.

* Kill Enable: When the EN option switch is turned on the IN8 terminal becomes a "kill" button.

We're excited about the AP-16+ and it seemed to be a very big hit at the Midwest Haunters Convention.  Again, we appreciate your patience and look forward to delivering AP-16s soon.

[JonnyMac]

IT'S SHIPPING!