The Ark is the only console which offers support for both 500 and 51x modules.

The middle section of the input channels and/or the master section can have two rows of 8 slots for 500 modules or two rows of 8 slots for 51x modules (for a total of 16 slots per block of 8 channels and/or per master section).

None of these slots are “tied” to the channels.
Actually the slots are totally independent from the rest of the console.
They have their own I/O connectors on the back panel, and even have their own power supply.

Think of it as two 8-slot racks which are installed in the Ark.
This allows full flexibility, since you can use any 500/51x module (or chain of modules) on any channel.

Our IP508 board has 8 slots for 500 series modules.
Multiple IP508 boards can be installed in the Ark console.

Our IP51x board has 8 slots for 51x series modules.
Multiple IP51x boards can be installed in the Ark console.
(note that 500 series modules can be used with our IP51x board)


What is the difference between 500 slots and 51x slots?

500 slots use 15-pin EDAC connectors. 51x slots use 18-pin EDAC connectors.

The first 15 pins of the 51x 18-pin connector are used in the exact same way as the original 500 series rack.
51x slots are fully compatible with standard 500 series compliant modules.
This means you can either use 500 modules or 51x modules in a 51x slot.
But 51x modules can only be used in 51x slots.

500 and 51x modules have the same dimensions, only the connector is different.


What are the additional connection points on the 51x slots used for?

These are used for +/- 24 Volt power rails.
Since the Ark runs on these +/- 24 Volts power rails, this makes perfect sense.

We are the only console manufacturer offering support for 51x modules.
We offer this support, so the large DIY community out there can make use of this to design and build modules requiring +/- 24V, like NEVE, Neumann or Telefunken style circuits.
We also hope to make it easier for other manufacturers to start using this improved specification and look forward to a range of high-quality 51x modules.

All Interphase Audio “500” modules can be used in 500-series or 51x-series slots.