Bittree to Unveil Limited-Edition, 40th Anniversary Patchbay Series at 2018 NAB Show
Uniquely- stylized video, audio and data patching solutions commemorate significant milestone
Glendale, CA – April 4, 2018 – Bittree – a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio, video and data patching systems – is offering customers the opportunity to share in the company’s 40th anniversary celebrations by owning fully-functional mementos of the occasion. Exhibiting in booth SU3417 at the 2018 NAB Show from April 9 to 12, the company will unveil three new limited-edition patchbay models commemorating its four decades of innovation in the broadcast, professional audio/video and musical instrument markets.
The trio of special-edition products – one video, one audio and one data patching solution – will be powder-coated nickel with black silk screening for a distinctive look. Only 40 of each model will be offered, making them an instant collectable for infrastructure equipment aficionados. The limited-edition series includes:
“Our previous limited-edition models have proven very popular with our customers,” said Ari Baron, general manager at Bittree. “Our 40 years of success is a tremendous accomplishment, and a natural milestone to recognize with a new series of special units. We look forward to seeing our anniversary celebrations represented in users’ systems.”
Bittree Expands ProStudio Family of Pro Audio and Musical Instrument Patchbays with New Front-Programmable PS9625F
2x48 rackmount TT model with DB-25 rear interfaces delivers professional sound quality and durability at affordable, prosumer-like pricing
Glendale, CA – November 8, 2017 – Bittree – a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio, video and data patching systems – today announced the second product in its new ProStudio series of premium-quality yet affordable audio patchbays. Complementing the recently-introduced ProStudio 4825F compact desktop model, the front-programmable ProStudio 9625F combines robust durability with superior sound quality in a 96-jack rackmount configuration. The PS9625F will make its exhibition debut at the 2018 NAMM Show (January 25-28, 2018 in Anaheim, California), where Bittree will exhibit in booth 10614.
Enabling users to easily define and modify their audio signal flows, Bittree’s ProStudio family brings the company’s renowned patchbay quality and reliability to price points accessible to everyone from hobbyist musicians to top-tier studio engineers. The PS9625F ($1125.00 MSRP) delivers all of these benefits in a 1.5RU rackmount form factor with 96 TT (bantam) connectors in a high-density 2x48 configuration, with 12 DB-25 rear connectors for interfacing with Avid® ProTools® and Tascam® gear.
“We’ve received overwhelmingly positive response to the first model in our ProStudio series, the PS4825F, and we’re excited to introduce its ‘big brother’ for customers with larger-scale setups,” said Ari Baron, general manager at Bittree. “With the ProStudio family, people wanting to make professional-sounding music no longer need to sacrifice audio quality for affordability. The PS9625F is ideal for users who want the cleanest signal path possible, and delivers that quality in a heavy-duty design that’s built for reliability and longevity in demanding environments.”
The PS9625F features a sturdy metal front panel and durable full-frame jacks with gold cross-bar switching contacts, delivering superior durability, higher electrical current rates and lower noise than lower-end alternatives. Similarly, internal digital AES wiring ensures higher-quality audio than the flat cable typical in low-cost offerings.
Professional-grade, front-accessible shunts enable easy reconfiguration of circuit normalling, grounding and bussing, and are protected from dust, electrical interference and other elements by the PS9625F’s two removable stainless steel designation strips. The extra-large designation strips offer space for up to three lines of print for easy labelling, and combine with silk-screened numbering on the front panel to enable quick circuit identification. The fully-enclosed 1.5RU chassis measures seven inches deep, and despite its robustness weighs in at just 8.5 pounds.
The ProStudio 9625F is available immediately through dealers including Sweetwater, Guitar Center, Vintage King, Westlake Pro, Dale Pro Audio, Pro Audio LA and many more authorized resellers worldwide. For more information, please visit PS9625F
Bittree to Celebrate 40 Years of Audio Infrastructure Leadership with NAMM Show Debut
Acclaimed manufacturer of innovative patching solutions bringing deep music industry experience and cost-effective new solutions to booth 10614
Glendale, CA – October 18, 2017 – Bittree will celebrate 40 years of designing and manufacturing high-quality, industry-leading patching solutions for the broadcast, professional audio/video and musical instrument markets in 2018. The company will kick off its 40th anniversary festivities by exhibiting for the first time at the annual National Association of Music Merchants (NAMM) Show, taking place January 25-28, 2018 in Anaheim, California. Bittree will exhibit in booth 10614.
Rich Music Industry History
While new to exhibiting at NAMM, Bittree has a long and illustrious history in the music industry even beyond the company’s 40 years in business, starting with the rich pedigree of founder and CEO Glenn Garrard. Following his initial service time in the National Guard and early jobs in computers and telecommunications, Garrard entered the music business in 1968, building and maintaining speakers, tape machines and studios for Motown Records in Detroit. Garrard moved to Hollywood in 1971, working for Motown founder Berry Gordy Jr. when the company relocated to Los Angeles in 1972.
Garrard then worked at Merv Griffin’s Trans-American Video television studios starting in 1974, a role that provided his first hands-on experience with video signals. The tedious processes and challenges that Garrard faced in working with audio and video distribution equipment – hand-soldering dozens of connections into inflexible, hard-wired architectures – inspired him to develop better solutions.
Garrard established Bittree in 1978, with an initial fixed, pre-wired patchbay design followed by a connectorized, chassis-based patching system. Today, the world’s leading studios, broadcasters, entertainment venues and A/V integrators count on Bittree for audio, video and data patching systems that consistently deliver superior product quality, performance, and precise adherence to exacting standards.
New at NAMM
The centerpiece of Bittree's inaugural NAMM Show exhibit will be the company's new ProStudio series of audio patchbays. Addressing a void in the market for reliable, professional-quality patchbays at affordable pricing, the ProStudio line makes Bittree’s renowned quality and engineering excellence accessible to everyone from hobbyist musicians to top-tier studio engineers.
The first offering in the ProStudio family, the front-programmable ProStudio 4825F, is the first patchbay designed specifically for pairing with transportable 500 Series modular chassis. Fitting perfectly on 500 Series racks or under computer monitors in fixed or temporary installations, the sturdy PS4825F ($625.00 MSRP) offers 48 TT (bantam) connectors in a 2x24 configuration, with DB25 rear connectors for interfacing with Avid® ProTools® and Tascam® gear.
Bittree will also use the 2018 NAMM Show as the launch pad for additional ProStudio products, including 96-connector, front-programmable and internally-selectable rackmount configurations. Details of these upcoming introductions will be revealed closer to the event.
“Thriving as an independent company through 40 years in a technology business is a remarkable feat, and Bittree has helped our customers navigate through many key infrastructure and format transitions in the media and entertainment industry,” said Garrard. “The 2018 NAMM Show is a perfect backdrop for celebrating this success with our customers, and we’re excited to bring the advantages of the new ProStudio line to NAMM attendees for the first time.”
For more information about Bittree and the ProStudio series, please visit www.bittree.com.
About Bittree:
Established in 1978, Bittree is dedicated to offering state-of-the-art patchbays and patch panels that streamline signal routing and troubleshooting in media and entertainment operations of all sizes. The company offers an innovative line of audio, video, and data patchbays for use in broadcasting, postproduction, and pro A/V operations. Tailored for use in the post-production, pro A/V, systems integration, and radio and television broadcasting fields, Bittree’s patching solutions are rigorously tested to ensure long-term functionality and dependability, especially for mission-critical operations and live events. To ensure consistency, performance, and adherence to rigid quality standards, all of the company’s patching products are designed, assembled, and tested in its state-of-the-art facility in Glendale, California. Bittree is an active member of industry trade organizations NAB (National Association of Broadcasters), NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), and SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers). For more information, please visit www.bittree.com.
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New product family brings professional patching robustness to prosumer-level price points, starting with industry-first 500 Series model
Glendale, CA – May 24, 2017 – Bittree – a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio, video and data patching systems – has unveiled the new ProStudio series of audio patchbays, aimed at making the company’s renowned quality and robustness affordable to everyone from hobbyist musicians to top-tier studio engineers. The first offering in the new line, the front-programmable ProStudio 4825F, is the first-ever patchbay designed specifically for pairing with transportable 500 Series modular chassis such as the API® Lunchbox®, Rupert Neve Designs R6 and Radial® Six-Pack.
Designed to fit perfectly on portable 500 Series racks or under computer monitors in fixed or temporary installations, the desktop PS4825F ($625.00 MSRP) enables users to easily define and alter their audio signal flow between equipment or around the studio.
The PS4825F offers 48 TT (bantam) connectors in a 2x24 configuration, with DB25 rear connectors for interfacing with Avid® ProTools® and Tascam® gear. Eschewing the plastic construction typical of many low-cost patchbays, the sturdy PS4825F features a metal front panel rather than breakage-prone phenolic material. The same robust and carefully-engineered design also eliminates the noise associated with lower-end alternatives.
This meticulous attention to quality extends to the PS4825F’s connectors and components. Solid-gold switching contacts are welded and electrically bonded to the spring leaves, providing superior durability and higher electrical current ratings than competing solutions’ pressed-on foil approach.
Professional-grade shunts, protected from dust and other elements including EMI and RFI by the PS4825F’s removable front stainless steel designation strips, enable easy reconfiguration of circuit normalling, grounding and bussing. Meanwhile, the designation strips themselves provide ample space for three lines of print, enabling easy labeling and quick identification.
The PS4825F and other upcoming ProStudio models all build on Bittree’s rich history in the music industry, beginning with the extensive experience of Bittree founder and CEO Glenn Garrard. Starting out by building and maintaining speakers and tape machines for Motown Records in Detroit, he came to the west coast when Berry Gordy Jr. relocated Motown to Los Angeles in 1972. Garrard then worked in television on the Merv Griffin Show, before founding Bittree in 1978.
“The ProStudio line fills a void in the market for reliable, professional-quality patchbays at sub-$1000 pricing, and we’re excited to make Bittree’s proven product excellence accessible to a wider range of customers,” said Garrard. “The first model, the PS4825F, is the perfect complement to the exceptional flexibility and elegance of 500 Series modules and chassis, delivering the cleanest patching signals possible in a compact, robust and cost-effective package.”
The ProStudio 4825F is available now with further ProStudio models following later this year. For more information, please visit www.bittree.com.
Bittree’s 4825F compact dimensions (12.5 in. x 7 in. x 2.5 in.) and low weight (5 lbs.) combine with high-quality components to provide the perfect companion for any desktop application. Rack mountable brackets sold separately.
About Bittree:
Established in 1978, Bittree is dedicated to offering state-of-the-art patchbays and patch panels that streamline signal routing and troubleshooting in media and entertainment operations of all sizes. The company offers an innovative line of audio, video, and data patchbays for use in broadcasting, postproduction, and pro A/V operations. Tailored for use in the post-production, pro A/V, systems integration, and radio and television broadcasting fields, Bittree’s patching solutions are rigorously tested to ensure long-term functionality and dependability, especially for mission-critical operations and live events. To ensure consistency, performance, and adherence to rigid quality standards, all of the company’s patching products are designed, assembled, and tested in its state-of-the-art facility in Glendale, California. Bittree is an active member of industry trade organizations NAB (National Association of Broadcasters), NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), and SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers). For more information, please visit www.bittree.com.
Employee of 20-plus years rises in ranks to executive level position, overseeing daily production and operational efficiency improvements
Glendale, CA – May 17, 2017 – Bittree, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio, video and data patching systems, has promoted longtime employee Hamlet Stepanian to role of Operations Manager, effective immediately. Reporting to General Manager Ari Baron, Hamlet will oversee all production, warehousing, shipping and manufacturing of Bittree products and accessories, with an eye on operational excellence and continuous business improvement.
Hamlet’s experience with Bittree dates to 1996, beginning on the production assembly line before transitioning to a shipping and receiving role. Over the years, he gained experience in Bittree’s machine shop and furthered his education, attaining his Auto Desk Inventor certification. Through this certification, he quickly gained a reputation internally for his creativity and efficiency with 3D design software.
His professionalism across 3D part design almost immediately translated to a reduction in costs, time and labor associated with Bittree patchbay manufacturing – which meant quicker turnaround times for Bittree customers in the musical instrument, pro audio and broadcast markets.
As Hamlet transitions to the Operations Manager role, he intends to implement new processes that will further accelerate turnaround time, bolster the supply chain, and introduce new efficiencies to the Bittree manufacturing operation that will reduce internal production costs. For example, Hamlet points to eliminating steps in the front and rear panel assembly processes that will reduce production times significantly.
“We’re innovating new 3D parts and developing partnerships that will eliminate several current production steps, and allows us to assemble products in a fraction of the time it takes today,” said Stepanian. “This will far outpace our competition across delivery times, and optimize productivity for our customers.”
In addition to his Auto Desk Inventor certification, Hamlet’s expertise with Fadal CDC machines allows him to implement similarly efficient production strategies in the machine shop, where specialists work with the robust aluminum and phenolic components that strengthen the durability of Bittree patchbays. It is an example of how Hamlet’s long-term experience within Bittree – and his associated continuing education – will bring exceptional value to his new executive-level role.
Working closely with Ari, Hamlet also plans a reorganization of the entire production floor to improve accessibility to parts for his entire operations team.
“Elevating Hamlet to the position of Operations Manager will have an immediate impact on our entire production workflow, with the eventual goal of achieving same-day shipping on many of our products and accessories,” said Baron. “His understanding of the company, and experience in expense reduction and creating leaner manufacturing processes, will be of great value to Bittree and its customer moving forward.”
Bittree to Showcase High-Density Fiber and Copper Keystone Data Patchbays at 2017 NAB Show
Flush-mount, modular panels bring benefits of company’s highly-regarded video and audio patching solutions to data-centric applications
Glendale, CA – March 13, 2017 – Supporting the accelerating adoption of data-based systems in broadcast and professional A/V environments, Bittree is bringing a versatile array of flush-mount, high-density, modular keystone panels to the upcoming 2017 NAB Show (April 24-27 in Las Vegas). Available in fiber, copper and mixed configurations with a flexible choice of connection types, the new data patch panels will be demonstrated alongside the company’s latest video and audio patchbay innovations in booth SU6221 at the show.
“From television broadcast facilities to audio recording studios and performing arts centers, today’s media environments are integrating data-centric workflows at a rapid pace, with an increasing need for fiber optic and copper data connectivity beyond their traditional BNC and XLR infrastructures,” said Bryan Carpenter, senior sales consultant at Bittree. “Our high-density, flush-mount data panels provide customers with the same robust build quality and engineering excellence they have come to expect from Bittree’s video and audio solutions, along with innovations such as our unique ground plane design.”
Accommodating inserts with up to a 17mm pitch, Bittree’s space-friendly 1RU data panels deliver the industry’s highest keystone density, offering 1x24 in a single, non-staggered row with plenty of room for the included bar-and-cap front designation strip. Keystone jacks mount flush with the surface of the panel, interfering less during patching than protruding alternatives.
Folded-steel front panel construction is complemented by removable, securely-attached rear lacing bars, while the units’ entire nickel-plated rear panel serves as a ground plane for shielded and bonded applications when used with corresponding modular jacks in copper configurations.
Bittree’s high-density keystone panels support a multitude of connectivity options including ST, LC and SC fiber, plus RJ45 CAT6 and CAT6A punchdown or feed-through, shielded or unshielded adapters. The panels are available in multiple pre-configured models, or can be fully customized with any combination of connectors. Custom configurations can even accommodate both fiber and copper connections in a single panel, ideal for maximizing space efficiency in small-scale deployments.
Fiber-equipped panel configurations support both multi-mode and single-mode fiber applications, and are fully compliant with ANSI/TIA-568-C and UL1863 communications standards. Zirconia (ceramic) alignment sleeves enable compatibility with angle polished cables. LC fiber modules are available in a choice of blue or green, supporting the telecommunications industry’s convention of color-coding connectors to indicate the type of polished fiber behind them.
Four copper connectivity options incorporate nickel-plated phosphor bronze contacts with gold over-plate, and exceed ANSI/TIA-568-C.2 requirements. RJ45-to-RJ45 feed-through and RJ45-to-110 IDC Punchdown interface modules are available in shielded or non-shielded variants. Shielding provides additional protection from EMI, RFI, and alien crosstalk, which can be problematic in high-density usage situations where many copper lines are in immediate proximity to each other.
Shielded CAT6A punchdown modules are designed to suppress internal magnetic coupling up to a bandwidth of 500MHz and feature a 180-degree jack design that enables tool-less termination within 90 seconds. They incorporate die-cast, nickel-plated, zinc clamshell housings for transferring the shields to the backplane, while the shielded CAT6 feed-through modules use stainless-steel shells with spring clips that mate against RJ45 plugs. Using the modules’ shielding in conjunction with the panels’ advanced design minimizes EMI ingress and outgress while simultaneously increasing channel bandwidth capacity, allowing these products to meet the demanding grounding and bonding requirements of military applications.
Like Bittree’s renowned audio and video products, the high-density data panels leverage the company’s 39 years of proven engineering expertise, and are designed, manufactured, and tested to rigid quality standards in Bittree’s state-of-the-art California plant. To help maximize networking integrity, Bittree can also supply corresponding, high-quality connecting patch cables and termination tooling.
The high-density, flush-mount keystone modular panels are available immediately through the Bittree website and the company’s extensive network of authorized resellers and systems integrators. For more information, please visit www.bittree.com.
About Bittree:
Established in 1978, Bittree is dedicated to offering state-of-the-art patchbays and patch panels that streamline signal routing and troubleshooting in media and entertainment operations of all sizes. The company offers an innovative line of audio, video, and data patchbays for use in broadcasting, postproduction, and pro A/V operations. Tailored for use in the post-production, pro A/V, systems integration, and radio and television broadcasting fields, Bittree’s patching solutions are rigorously tested to ensure long-term functionality and dependability, especially for mission-critical operations and live events. To ensure consistency, performance, and adherence to rigid quality standards, all of the company’s patching products are designed, assembled, and tested in its state-of-the-art facility in Glendale, California. Bittree is an active member of industry trade organizations NAB (National Association of Broadcasters), NAMM (National Association of Music Merchants), and SMPTE (Society of Motion Picture & Television Engineers). For more information, please visit www.bittree.com.
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