The Lark is a 16-bit audio sampling and play back expansion card designed by Wild Vision. Features include stereo line-level input and output, MIDI connection and software support, and the inclusion of Computer Concepts' AudioWorks software.

Internal connection to the Archimedes' VIDC sound system allows audio material to be played back through the internal speaker (mono only) and for computer generated samples to be filtered and played back through the Lark in stereo. The line-level I/O permits connection to a wide variety of peripheral audio equipment, including 'active' speakers, hi-fi equipment, CD players, amplifiers and so on. The card also has connections for an external microphone and headphones.

A special MIDI cable is supplied for MIDI IN, Out and Thru connection. This enables the Lark, together with the Archimedes, to be used as a full recording studio environment, in which musical instruments can be played, and the track laid down onto hard disc in digital form.

The Lark package includes a copy of Computer Concepts's AudioWorks and AudioCtrl software. This allows the capture, manipulation and playback of samples, which is described in more detail under the separate AudioWorks entry. AudioCtrl additionally controls the Lark's sampling options - for example sampling to memory or disc, continuous or single shot sampling, background or foreground sampling and the setting of sample rates and formats.

The Lark mixer preferences window in AudioCtrl.

The Package

• The Lark single width card and Lark manual
• AudioWorks and AudioCtrl software and manual
• MIDI manual
• MIDI cable
• Selection of audio and MIDI samples

Pricing

System requirements

Suitable for all Acorn RISC computers except the A30X0 (an external A3000 version is available), A4000, A7000, Risc PC 700 and those Risc PC 600s fitted with RISC OS 3.6. 2MByte and RISC OS 3.1 required.

Reviews

Lark represents excellent value for money. It is a versatile card which is supplied with some first class software.
Silicon Village

The audio quality of both sampling and playback is excellent.
Acorn User

The sound quality offered by Lark is superb.
AudioWorks is probably the best and most comprehensive sound editing tool available for Acorn 32-bit micros.
Acorn Computing