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Product:
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Mashie Design Visual Audio (MDVA) |
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Price:
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$87 (CAN) / $75 (U.S)
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Supplied By:
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Mashie Design
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Author:
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Hi-TEK
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Date:
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January 7th, 2005
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Rating:
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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On the base of the Mashie Design Visual Audio (MDVA) are three buttons that allow consumers to control the various
aspects of the unit. The Pattern button toggles through eight different pre-programmed visual display styles. The
visual display styles turn the LED's off and on in sequence and range from classic patterns (center and out) to inverted
patterns (outer edge and in to the center). The Sensitivity button provides three different settings for the MDVA. The
settings are based on the volume level of your sound source and determine how the MDVA will react to audio generated.
The Brightness button allows you to adjust the overall brightness of the LED's at three different levels (Low, Medium
and High). Removing the Mashie Design Visual Audio (MDVA) from the smoked acrylic mounting bracket shows the high-level
of design on the PCB. There are a total of 112 LED's that make up the bulk of the display.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Using the one page reference guide was a breeze and I had the Mashie Design Visual Audio (MDVA) installed in my
VoyeurMods MTB Custom PC-V1100B Mid-Tower Case in no time. I wasn't too thrilled with using the provided Nylon bolts as
they don't secure as well as regular mounting screws. Nylon bolts were included in this package in order to protect the
smoked acrylic mounting bracket from cracking during the installation process. Once the 4-pin Molex connection has
been secured the last step attach the Audio Y-cable and secure it to your sound card. Once again, here is another area
of improvement that could be added to the MDVA. The package doesn't include a bypass bracket for routing the Audio
Y-cable to the rear of your PC. Consumers will be left to make their own or completely leave one PCI slot empty.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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Upon powering up a system, consumers will be in for a fantastic visual treat. My own personal experience with 2-line VU
Meters goes back to 2001 when I first installed one into a Lian-Li PC-60 Case.
The Mashie Design Visual Audio (MDVA) is an evolutionary step forward and the illumination and pattern sequences are
dazzling.
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Click image for larger view
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Click image for larger view
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To test out the Mashie Design Visual Audio (MDVA) I used several different audio sources ranging from streaming video,
audio files, CD's, live television and gaming. In all my tests the MDVA was able to keep in sequence with whatever
audio source was used. All 112 LED's flash individually depending on what pattern is selected and because this design
is digital there is no CPU usage or application software required prior to use. While the LED's are shielded behind
the smoked acrylic mounting bracket, the visual displays are adjustable and viewable at any angle. In order to get
an idea of how the patterns work, Mashie Design has provided downloable samples of the MDVA in action which can be watched
right here.
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Conclusion:
The Mashie Design Visual Audio (MDVA) is an excellent addition for those consumers looking for unique product to jazz
up their boring PC's. Installation of the MDVA is painless and complemented with an easy to use one page reference
sheet that covers all the required steps. Overall construction of the unit is top notch from the professionally designed
PCB circuit board to the smoked acrylic mounting bracket. Consumers will love the eight pre-programmed visual display
sequences that allow you to adjust the MDVA to your own personal preference. The sensitivity and brightness options
further enhance the product if your audio source is weak or the LED illumination needs to be turned down. The biggest
selling point for the Mashie Design Visual Audio (MDVA) is the fact that the product uses no CPU cycles and requires no
software application to be installed. While the MDVA excels in most categories there are a few points that I would
like to comment on. The MDVA requires two 5.25" drive bays so consumers should make sure that they have the space
available before purchasing the unit. Adding a PCI bypass bracket would make life much easier during the installation
phase in order to simplify routing the Audio Y-cable to the back of the case. Finally, I wasn't too thrilled with the
use of Nylon bolts for securing the unit but so far I haven't run into any problems with the MDVA moving around once
installed. Overall, I was pleased with the Mashie Design Visual Audio (MDVA) and award MTB's Seal of Approval with a
final score of 8.5 out of 10.. If you have any questions
regarding this review be sure to visit the Mashie Design website
for more information or discuss them in our forums.
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Pros:
- Easy installation
- Excellent build quality
- Bright LED's
- Eight different pre-programmed visual sequences
- Adjustable sensitivity and brightness options
- No CPU usage or software application required
- Case modder friendly
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Cons:
- No PCI bypass bracket
- Nylon screws don't provide the best installation option
- Requires two 5.25" drive bays
- Colour selection limited to black
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