14/02/2024
Penta 721s may look like its sibling - the DAD AX Center - when it comes to the form factor. So, what are the differences between these two units?
First of all, Penta 721s comes as a purely digital box until you may decide to install an Analog input or output expansion card. In other words, it would easily fit into your audio routing system whenever you need to convert between various digital formats such as Dante, MADi and AES. And as mentioned, if you need to add Analog inputs or outputs, you can do so - or choose to add even more Dante, AES or MADI channels. Or even 3G SDI connectivity.
AX Center can pretty much do the same, but it also comes with 2 Analog inputs with mic pres on the front, as well as 8 Analog outputs (4 line outputs and 2 stereo headphones out). And most importantly, it comes with Thunderbolt connectivity, meaning it can act as your main - and possibly only - audio interface for your computer.
In short, the DAD AX Center would likely be sitting on your desktop or a rack close to you, whereas Penta 721s may be sitting in a rack in a different room, solving conversion and routing tasks remotely.