APOGEE AMBUS-SDIF EXPANSION CARD

Multimedia Bus expansion card for the Apogee AD- 8000 8-channel
24-bit digital audio conversion system

THE SDIF-2 AMBUS CARD is an optional Apogee Multimedia Bus expansion card
for the Apogee AD- 8000 8-channel 24-bit digital audio conversion system and other
AMBus-equipped systems, enabling eight channels of audio data to be transferred
between the AD-8000 and a digital system, such as DASH open-reel digital recorders,
that supports the Sony SDIF-2 interface format.
Owners of DASH-format open-reel digital multitrack machines such as the Sony 3324,
3348 and 3348HR can now enjoy the benefits of enhanced Apogee quality digital audio
conversion, thanks to the AMBus SDIF-II card and associated wiring harness.
The Sony 3348HR, for example, can be purchased without converters at a substantial
cost saving, making the AD-8000 particularly attractive for potential purchasers ? especially
as the regular Sony converters offer only 20-bit operation. Purchasing AD-8000 units with
the SDIF card, on the other hand, delivers full 24-bit resolution.
The SDIF card has an associated wiring harness that enables up to six AD-8000 converter
systems to be interfaced with a multitrack recorder.
The SDIF card also supports Apogee Bit-Splitting, which uses multiple 16-bit tracks to
store high-resolution data. This means that existing 3324 and 3348 owners can enjoy 20-
or 24-bit resolution: the 3324 can record 12 tracks of 24-bit or 18 tracks of 20-bit, while
3348 owners can handle 24 tracks of 24-bit or 36 tracks of 20-bit.
Utilizing Apogee?s AMBus structure built into the AD- 8000, you can easily interface the
AD-8000 to the vast majority of industry standard interfaces such as ADAT, TDIF, ProTools,
and many others, performing multiple format conversions between installed interfaces and
distributing signals to several different types of device simultaneously.
Apogee Bit-Splitting (ABS)

The SDIF-2 card includes two ?bit-splitting? formats which split high resolution signals among
multiple 16-bit data paths. Thus the SDIF-2 card supports the following digital audio formats:
1. 8 channels of 24 bit data (16 or 20 bits with UV22, and bit-splitting OFF)
2. 4 channels of 24 bits each (ABS ?4/24?, Rane?s PaqRat format) formatted as eight 16-bit
data paths
3. 6 channels of 20 bits each (ABS ?6/20? format) formatted as eight 16-bit data path.
Full PaqRat capability is provided in 4/24 mode, enabling you to create or replay recordings that
are completely compatible with Rane?s PaqRat equipment or with the PaqRat-compatible mode
of the enhanced ?Platinum Edition? Apogee AD-1000.
The 4/24 mode (four channels of 24 bits on eight 16-bit data paths) delivers the first 16 bits of a
24-bit signal on the first 16-bit path, and the remaining bits on a subsequent path along with a
marker tone.
An additional feature of the 4/24 mode is the ability to transfer eight simultaneous 24-bit channels
by using two 8-channel 16-bit paths (and thus two SDIF-2 cards).
The 6/20 mode allows six channels of 20-bit data to be sent via eight 16-bit paths ? ideal for 5.1
mixing for DVDVideo release, where the 20/48 format is very common.

Input MADI: 1 x BNC, 1 x optical
Output MADI: 1 x BNC, 1 x optical
Input ADAT optical: 8 x TOSLINK, 24-Bit, Bitclock PLL
Output ADAT optical: 8 x TOSLINK, 24-Bit
Input word clock: BNC, Signal Adaptation Circuit (functional from 1.2 Vpp input signal), switchable termination
Output word clock: BNC, low-impedance driver stage, 4 Vpp into 75 Ohms, short-circuit-proof
MIDI input and output: via two 5-pin DIN jacks
Sync sources: MADI, ADAT optical, word clock, internal
Varipitch: by input signal or word clock
Sample rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, variable (Sync/word clock)
Sample rate range: MADI: 32 kHz - 96 kHz, word clock: 27 kHz-105 kHz, ADAT: 33 kHz - 57 kHz
Jitter: Internal clock Jitter suppression on external clock: circa 30 dB (2.4 kHz)
Jitter sensitivity: all PLLs operate even at 100 ns Jitter without problems
Power supply: internal switching mode ps, 100 V-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz, 10 Watts
Dimensions: 483 x 44 x 200 mm

• Stereo D/A Converter
• Supports up to 24-Bit/96 kHz Resolution
• Dante-Enabled Ethernet Input
• Balanced Analog XLR Outputs
• Adjustable Output Level
• 3.5mm Stereo Headphone Output
• 14-Gauge Steel Enclosure
• Sync and Power Indicators

The new Fostex HP-A3 is the perfect DAC for Computer Audio. This high quality unit features 32bit D/A Conversion with an integrated headphone amplifier exclusively designed to get the most from and PC audio set-up.

Why settle for 'built-in' D/A conversion when you can drastically improve the quality of your audio with a Fostex HP-A3?

• USB Bus power without using unwanted AC adapter
• Works with up to 24bit/96kHz audio source
• Exclusive PLL power supply is built in to reproduce the stable electrical supply
• High quality analog headphone amp to drive any type of headphones
• Equipped with hgih-grade AKM 32bit(*) DAC AK4390
• Condensers and OP amp designed exclusively for audio products
• USB / Digital (Optical) input selector
• Headphones / RCA (Analog) output selector
• Doubles as D/D converter from USB digital audio to Optical
• An USB/AC adapter from the shelf can be used for use as an Optical / Analog converter

Note: When using the USB input, the sampling frequency is fixed at 96kHz.  Audio file with Fs 32k/44.1k/48kHz will be reproduced by upsampling to 96kHz and the S/PDIF Out is also fixed at 96kHz.

Input
USB port sampling frequency 16bit-24bit/96kHz
Interface: USB full speed
Digital Connector: optical, square
Format: S/PDIF (32kHz - 96kHz)

Output
Phones Connector: Stereo phone
Max Output: 100mW (32-ohm loaded)
THD: less than 0.01% at 1kHz, 32-ohm loaded, 100mW
Frequency response: 20Hz / 20kHz +-0.3dB (32ohm loaded, 100mW)
Analog Connector: RCA Pin
Reference output level -10dBV
THD: less than 0.01% at 1kHz
Frequency response: 20Hz / 20kHz +-0.3dB
Digital Connector: Optical, square
Format S/PDIF (32kHz - 96kHz)

General
Power: DC5V (via USB port)
Power Consumption: 2.5W
Accessories: 1 x USB cable (1.0m), 4 x rubber foot, manual
Dimensions: 108mm(W) x 36mm(H) x 140mm(D)
Weight: approx. 450g

Lynx Studio Technology is proud to present the Hilo Reference A/D D/A Converter System. With the pristine, open, transparent audio quality for which Lynx is known, Hilo (pronounced HE-low) provides two channels of mastering quality analog to digital conversion, up to six channels of digital to analog conversion, a secondary monitor output, and a world class independent headphone amplifier in a compact half-rack size. A first for the two-channel pro converter market, Hiloʼs innovative 480 x 272 touch-screen provides a flexible and intuitive interface that can adapt to a particular application and be easily upgraded with enhancements and new features. Front panel controls support extensive signal routing and mixing, sample rate selection, clock source options, levels, metering and diagnostic features.

Hilo completely redefines and evolves the category of the two channel converter. Of utmost importance is the audio signal quality. The completely new design of the analog stages and converter topology for Hilo break new ground in terms of lowering distortion and noise while maintaining transparency for A/D and D/A conversion. Beyond that, Hilo offers extensive I/O capabilities and utilizes the latest FPGA technology with vast resources for control, routing, and signal processing capabilities. Also in development are diagnostic and analysis tools for Hilo. The LCD screen is a natural interface for these functions.

The digital or analog inputs can be routed to three separate analog outputs, Line Output (with 8 trim settings), Monitor Output, and Headphone Output. Each of these output pairs has its own dedicated DACs, allowing each to offer a unique mix. The Monitor and Headphone Outputs have volume controls, accessible via faders on the touch-screen or the single knob on the front (offering control in ½ dB increments). Another innovation, the Headphone section has its own dedicated D/A converter. This supports the creation of 32-channel headphone mixes independent of the main and monitor outputs, as well as providing specifications that rival those of dedicated headphone amps costing $1500 and more.

The digital section offers a wide range of inputs. AES/EBU inputs and outputs have transformer isolated balanced XLR connectors. S/PDIF input and output are available via transformer-coupled coax or optical (TOSLINK) connections. The Optical ports can also be used for up to eight ADAT channels. The ADAT input and output channels are completely independent from the AES/EBU or S/PDIF coax channels. The Lynx LT-USB (USB 2.0) or LT-TB (Thunderbolt) LSlot accessory is also included, for computer connectivity. The LT-HD for Pro Tools HD connectivity is also enabled. Lynxʼs low jitter SynchroLock word clock is included, with Word Clock in and out connections available.

In total, Hilo has 12 total inputs, 16 total outputs plus 32 channels possible via its LSlot port. The unitʼs FPGA powers its internal 32-channel mixer, which allows Hilo to offer the most versatile I/O and routing in the two channel converter genre.

In contrast to the concentrated and intricate back panel, Hiloʼs front panel is elegant in its simplicity. It has a power switch, headphone jack, multipurpose control and a 480 x 272 pixel high resolution LCD touchscreen. This high-resolution screen does a lot more than simply replace the buttons on the front panel of most other converters. Of course it handles the basic settings and routing functions, clocking and level settings.

A second meter screen shows just two larger bar-graph style stereo bar meters. Any input or output set can be assigned to each meter. In addition to bar-graph meters common on most converters, Hiloʼs touchscreen is able to show more traditional metering types, such as old style VU meters. Firmware version 7 added a powerful metering addition, a stereo third octave real time analyzer. As with all other Lynx products, Hilo is FPGA based, meaning new features, capabilities and graphics can be added at any time with a simple download.

Crucial for mastering and critical listening, Hilo offers world class, verifiable specifications. Every unit Lynx ships will meet or exceed these published specs:

LINE IN A/D PERFORMANCE

THD+N -114dB @1kHz, -1dBFS, 20kHz filter

Dynamic Range 121 dB, A-weighted, -60dBFS signal method

Frequency Resp. ± 0.01 dB, 20 – 20kHz

Crosstalk -140 dB maximum @ 1kHz, -1dBFS signal

LINE OUT D/A PERFORMANCE

THD+N -109dB @1kHz, -1dBFS, 20kHz filter

Dynamic Range 121 dB, A- weighted, -60dBFS signal method

Frequency Resp. ± 0.02 dB, 20 – 20kHz

Crosstalk -135 dB maximum @ 1kHz, -1dBFS signal

Hilo can be powered by standard 110-230V AC power or remotely with 9-18 volts DC, allowing the use of standard video battery packs or even auto cigarette lighter connections. Hilo measures 8.50 x 3.25 x 10.00 inches, weighs 6.75 pounds and is available with a silver or black front panel/knob option. Now available in Silver and Black, the US suggested retail price is $2495 with the LT-USB and $2795 with the LT-TB.

It is impossible to compare Hilo to other two channel AD and DA converters. In fact it is a unique product that is, at first, a little difficult to get your head around. Basically, Hilo replaces three different, critical components:

#1 Hilo is an analog to digital converter

#2 It is also a digital to analog converter. With most companies, these are two separate units.

#3 It is an independent headphone amplifier. The headphone section has its own, dedicated D/A converter. This provides two key benefits. First this allows Hilo to offer a headphone output with exceptional clarity and noise specifications. Second, due to Hiloʼs internal 32 channel mixer, any input set can be routed to the headphone stereo output. This means that a mix that is entirely different from the analog outputs and monitors can be applied to the headphones.



    Hilo is a 4 in one unit – A/D converter, D/A converter, Monitor Controller with a dedicated D/A converter and a Headphone amplifier with a dedicated D/A converter.
    There are three unique sets of analog outputs: main analog output, monitor output (with analog volume) and headphone output (with analog volume)
    The flexible digital I/O section offers the choice of AES/EBU, SPDIF by coax or TOSLINK optical, or ADAT formats
    The innovative design of the analog stage and converter topology allow ultra low noise and distortion specifications
    A 480 x 272 pixel LCD touch screen for operation and monitoring
    A 32 channel internal mixer in the updatable FPGA
    12 total inputs, 16 total outputs plus 32 channels possible via LSlot.
    AC powered with Battery operation available
    Open ended software for future measurement, metering, diagnostic and personalization features using the touch screen LCD.
    Size - 8.50” wide x 3.25” tall x 10.00” deep (half rack, two spaces)
    Weight: 6.75 pounds

A/D converter card for ISA 428.
 
Technical Info:
THD+N: -110 dB (A-weighted) with -4dBfs input signal at .997kHz
Crystal oscillator accuracy: +/- 15 ppm
Clock Jitter 44.1kHz-192kHz: