Prism Sound ADA-8 Manual de usuario

ADA-8 Multi-channel A/D D/A Converter

Operation Manual

Prism Sound ADA-8 Multi-channel A/D D/A Converter Operation Manual - Revision 1.00

Operation Manual Revision History

Rev Date Author Comments

1.00 11th January 2002 Ian Dennis Initial release with 1.22 firmware

Support Contacts

Prism Media Products Limited Prism Media Products Inc

William James House 21 Pine Street

Cowley Road Rockaway

Cambridge CB4 0WX NJ 07866

UK USA

Telephone: +44 1223 424988 Telephone: +1 973 983 9577

Fax: +44 1223 425023 Fax: +1 973 983 9588

Email: tech.support@prismsound.com

Web: http://www.prismsound.com

Or contact your local Prism Sound distributor as detailed on the website.

Trademark Acknowledgements

Digidesign, Pro Tools and 888|24 I/O are trademarks of Digidesign, a division of Avid Technology Inc.

Alesis and ADAT are trademarks of Alesis Studio Electronics

TASCAM, TDIF and DA-88 are tradmarks of TEAC Corporation Ltd.

Sonic and HDSP are trademarks of Sonic Inc.

All trademarks acknowledged

This manual may not be reproduced in whole or part, in any medium, without the written

permission of Prism Media Products Limited.

In accordance with our policy of continual development, features and specifications are

subject to change without notice.

Prism Sound ADA-8 Multi-channel A/D D/A Converter Operation Manual - Revision 1.00

WARNING!

TO PREVENT FIRE OR SHOCK HAZARD DO NOT EXPOSE

THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. DO NOT

REMOVE THE COVER. NO USER-SERICEABLE PARTS

INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE

PERSONNEL.

Statements of Conformity

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15

of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against interference in a residential

area. This device generates and uses radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the

instructions, may cause interference to radio or TV reception. If this unit does cause interference to radio or TV

reception, please try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

a) Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

b) Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiving antenna.

c) Plug the equipment into an outlet on a different circuit from the receiver.

d) If necessary, consult your dealer or an experienced radio or TV technician.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this equipment not expressly approved by the manufacturer could void the

user’s authority to operate this equipment.

THIS DIGITAL APPARATUS MEETS ALL CLASS B LIMITS FOR RADIO NOISE EMISSIONS AS LAID DOWN IN

THE RADIO INTERFERENCE REGULATIONS OF THE CANADIAN DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNICATIONS.

CET APPAREIL NUMÉRIQUE RESPECTE TOUTES LES EXIGIENCES APPLICABLES AUX APPAREILS

NUMÉRIQUES DE CLASSE B SUR LE BROUILLAGE RADIOELECTRIQUE EDICTE PAR LE MINISTERE DES

COMMUNICATIONS DU CANADA.

Prism Media Products Ltd hereby declares that this equipment conforms to the following standards:

EN55103-1, environment category E4

EN55103-2, environment category E4

NOTE: The use of this equipment with non-shielded interface cabling is not recommended by the manufacturer and

may result in non-compliance with one or more of the above directives. All coaxial connections should be made

using a properly screened 75Ωcable with the screen connected to the outer of the connector at both ends. All XLR

connections should use a screened twisted pair cable with the screen connected to pin 1 of the XLR connector at

both ends. In the case of the digital XLR connections this cable should be of 110Ωimpedance.

Prism Sound ADA-8 Multi-channel A/D D/A Converter Operation Manual - Revision 1.00

Contents

1 Introduction ............................................................................ 6

1.1 Functionality ................................................................................................................6

1.2 Modularity.................................................................................................................... 7

1.3 Firmware Updates....................................................................................................... 7

1.4 Organization of these Manuals ................................................................................... 7

2 Getting Started ....................................................................... 8

2.1 Connecting the ADA-8 ................................................................................................ 8

2.2 Configuring the ADA-8 ................................................................................................ 8

3 Layout ................................................................................... 10

3.1 Front Panel................................................................................................................ 10

3.2 Rear Panel ................................................................................................................ 11

4 Philosophy of Operation...................................................... 12

4.1 Two Paths ................................................................................................................. 12

4.2 Menus or dedicated controls?................................................................................... 12

4.3 Monitor, Mimic, Meter and Menu Panels .................................................................. 12

4.4 Two-channel Monitor................................................................................................. 13

4.5 Configuration / Stores ............................................................................................... 13

4.6 Warning conditions.................................................................................................... 13

5 Control Panel Operation ...................................................... 15

5.1 Mimic Panel............................................................................................................... 15

5.1.1 Source box......................................................................................................... 15

5.1.2 Decode box........................................................................................................ 16

5.1.3 Process box ....................................................................................................... 17

5.1.4 Dither/Encode box ............................................................................................. 17

5.1.5 Dest box ............................................................................................................. 18

5.1.6 Sync Source/Sample Rate box.......................................................................... 18

5.2 Meter Panel............................................................................................................... 20

5.3 Monitor Panel ............................................................................................................ 21

5.4 Menu Panel ............................................................................................................... 22

6 Adjustments and Upgrades................................................. 23

6.1 Changing the mains voltage or fuse ......................................................................... 23

6.2 Adding I/O Modules................................................................................................... 24

6.3 Upgrading the firmware............................................................................................. 24

7 Technical Background ......................................................... 25

7.1 Synchronization and jitter.......................................................................................... 25

7.1.1 Background........................................................................................................ 25

7.1.2 Why are good clocks so rare? ........................................................................... 25

7.1.3 Analysis of sampling jitter .................................................................................. 25

7.1.4 Listening experience .......................................................................................... 26

7.1.5 Synchronization and the ADA-8......................................................................... 26

7.2 Extended sample rates and Split96 interfacing......................................................... 26

7.2.1 What are ‘extended’ sample rates? ................................................................... 26

7.2.2 What is the use of extended sample rates?....................................................... 27

7.2.3 Interfacing extended sample rates..................................................................... 27

7.2.4 Extended sample rates in the ADA-8................................................................. 28

7.3 Wordlength, dithering and Prism Sound SNS (Super Noise Shaping) ..................... 28

7.3.1 Truncation and dithering .................................................................................... 28

7.3.2 Noise shaping .................................................................................................... 29

7.3.3 Wordlength and the ADA-8................................................................................ 29

7.4 Prism Sound MR-X and DRE encoding processes .................................................. 31

7.4.1 Prism Sound MR-X ............................................................................................ 31

7.4.2 Using Prism Sound MR-X with the ADA-8......................................................... 32

7.4.3 Prism Sound DRE: ‘Dynamic Range Enhancement’ ......................................... 33

7.4.4 Using Prism Sound DRE with the ADA-8 .......................................................... 33

7.5 Prism Sound Overkiller ............................................................................................. 33

Prism Sound ADA-8 Multi-channel A/D D/A Converter Operation Manual - Revision 1.00

7.6 Sample-rate conversion and Prism Sound SSRC .................................................... 34

7.7 References................................................................................................................ 35

8 Specifications....................................................................... 36

8.1 Physical.....................................................................................................................36

8.2 Synchronization......................................................................................................... 36

8.3 Monitor ......................................................................................................................37

8.4 Meters .......................................................................................................................37

8.5 DSP ........................................................................................................................... 37

9 Glossary................................................................................ 38

Prism Sound ADA-8 Multi-channel A/D D/A Converter Operation Manual - Revision 1.00

1 Introduction

The ADA-8 is the latest in the acclaimed range of Prism Sound ‘Dream’ A/D and D/A

converters which have become widely regarded as the world’s best sounding converters.

Whilst continuing the tried and trusted ‘no compromise’ design philosophy of previous ‘Dream’

products, the Dream ADA-8 adds a new dimension in flexibility, functionality and cost-

effectiveness:

• Eight channels of high-performance 24-bit A/D conversion;

• Eight channels of high-performance 24-bit D/A conversion;

• Sample rates up to 96kHz;

• Modular digital I/O options include popular interface standards and direct workstation

connections;

• Two-channel Monitor section follows channel pairs or a mix of all channels;

• Prism Sound ‘Overkiller’ progressive limiting of each A/D channel;

• Prism Sound ‘Super-Noise Shaping’ on each channel;

• Precise and repeatable software-controlled analogue input and output line-up levels;

• Eight-channel assignable bargraph meter array with over-detection;

• Renowned Prism Sound jitter-rejecting PLL technology and low-jitter master clock;

• Flexible synchronization options, including sync to AES11, wordclock or video sync;

• Flexible routing allows creation of D-D processing Paths for processing or format

conversion;

• Prism Sound ‘MR-X’ bit-splitting allows extended wordlengths and sample rates on 16-bit

media;

• Prism Sound ‘DRE’ allows extended wordlength performance on 16-bit stereo media;

• Optional DSP expansion facility for extended processing features, including synchronous

sample-rate conversion;

• Modular architecture allows special configurations: e.g. 16-channel D/A or A/D unit;

• Comprehensive store system for fast-access factory and user presets;

• Unique ‘Access button’ layout combines flexibility of menus with speed of dedicated

controls;

• Modular architecture provides future-proofing: A/D conversion, D/A conversion, DSP, digital

interfacing and utility hardware can all be individually upgraded;

1.1 Functionality

The ADA-8 provides eight channels of high-resolution, high-sample-rate A/D and D/A

conversion with a variety of processing and interfacing functions, plus a two-channel Monitor

with both analogue and digital outputs.

A/D and D/A Paths can be independently synchronized at 32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96kHz sample

rates. Sync sources can be Local, WCK, AES11 or DI (one of the digital inputs), and can be

at a different rate from the Path’s sample rate if required. Wordlengths of 16, 20 and 24 bits

are supported.

Digital output wordlength is managed by flat re-dithering, or by applying one of the family of

industry-standard Prism Sound SNS noise shaping algorithms. Bit-splitting using the Prism

Sound MR-X system (as implemented on the Prism Sound MR-2024T interface adapter and

licensed equipment from other manufacturers) is built-in, so that 20-bit and 24-bit recordings

at up to 96kHz can be made and replayed using 16-bit, low-sample-rate recorders. Encoding

and decoding of Prism Sound’s DRE process (Extended wordlength recording on 16-bit

media without sacrificing tracks) is also included. Digital I/O for high sample rates can be in

1-wire or 2-wire (‘Split96’) format.

Analogue inputs can be individually aligned in software for 0dBFS levels of +5dBu to +24dBu

in 0.5dBu steps, with ±0.5dB trim in 0.05dB steps. The Prism Sound ‘Overkiller’ progressive

limiter feature is selectable per analogue input channel to allow louder tape levels by control

Prism Sound ADA-8 Multi-channel A/D D/A Converter Operation Manual - Revision 1.00

of transients. Analogue outputs can also be individually aligned for 0dBFS levels of +5dBu to

+24dBu in 0.5dBu steps, with ±0.5dB trim in 0.05dB steps.

A two-channel Monitor is provided which can be attached to either the A/D or D/A Path; it can

monitor either adjacent-channel pairs, or a mix of any or all of the channels, with individual

gain and pan settings. The Monitor has both analogue (line and headphone) and digital

outputs.

Digital-to-digital Paths can be set up for dithering/noise-shaping, or MR-X/DRE

encoding/decoding, and/or converting between different interface formats.

1.2 Modularity

The ADA-8 is modular in respect of both its hardware and software. Throughout the life of the

product, new software features and support for new hardware options will be added through

firmware updates which will be distributed on disk and via the Internet.

Although the standard ADA-8 as summarised above provides eight channels of A/D and eight

channels of simultaneous D/A conversion with a variety of available digital I/O options, many

custom configurations are possible. For example, the ADA-8 can be supplied as A/D-only or

D/A-only at a cost saving, or with two A/D or D/A Modules for sixteen-channel operation. A

two-frame 8-in-24-out setup is a popular and cost-effective choice for DAW users.

Another advantage of the modular construction of the ADA-8 is that future improvements in

technology can be incorporated; for example new A/D converter devices, D/A converter

devices, DSP chips, digital I/O standards can all be accommodated by replacing only the

relevant Module.

1.3 Firmware Updates

The ADA-8 firmware is stored within the unit in a flash memory which can be updated from a

floppy disk or from the Internet. Details of how to perform the upgrade are in section 6.3.

1.4 Organization of these Manuals

The ADA-8 operators’ literature is organised as three separate volumes:

• Operation Manual (this volume) which covers the general principles of operation;

• Firmware Reference which provides operating details of the latest firmware revision;

this volume can be updated in the event of a firmware upgrade;

• Module Reference which contains information about all available analogue and

digital I/O Modules; this volume can be updated to cover new I/O Modules;

Prism Sound ADA-8 Multi-channel A/D D/A Converter Operation Manual - Revision 1.00

2 Getting Started

This section is intended to get you going quickly, without the need to read the entire

Operation Manual. This is quite feasible if your application is fairly ‘standard’; if not, you may

need to refer to other parts of the manual to get exactly what you need.

If your ADA-8 is to be used with a direct workstation interface, such as Pro Tools, please refer

to the appropriate ‘Getting Started’ section in the Module Reference (volume 3).

2.1 Connecting the ADA-8

First, check that the line voltage setting matches your local voltage; if not change it by

reorienting the voltage selector in the power inlet on the rear of the unit. Two ranges are

selectable: 180-250VAC or 90-125VAC. Details of how to switch between ranges are in

section 6.1.

Connections to the analogue inputs and outputs are via panel-mounted XLR connectors.

Connections to digital inputs and outputs may require the use of a breakout cable (supplied)

according to the formats fitted to your unit. Direct connection to a workstation may require the

use of the workstation manufacturer’s cable. Refer to the appropriate section in the Module

Reference for connection details and example diagrams.

Analogue Monitor outputs are on RCA (phono) sockets; stereo digital Monitor out is on BNC

(RCA/phono adapter included); AES11 ref sync I/O are on XLRs; wordclock ref sync I/O are

on BNCs; serial comms (jumpered for RS-232) is on DB9 male.

Plug in the unit and switch on the power switch which is integral to the power inlet. The

ADA-8 should briefly light all LEDs, then settle into its default setup with the level screen

displayed on the LCD display. The unit can thereafter be turned off and on using the

‘Standby’ key in the top left-hand corner of the front panel.

2.2 Configuring the ADA-8

The user-interface of the ADA-8 is a ‘three-tier’ system. If your application is fairly standard,

you will probably be able to load a ‘Factory Store’, and be up and running straight away.

There may be a few changes which you need to make to the loaded Store, which you can

most easily do using the blue ‘Access’ buttons to take you straight to the Menus you need. If

your application is unusual in its details, you may need to navigate the Menu system

manually.

First, have a look at the available ‘standard’ Factory Stores at the end of the Firmware

Reference. These apply to most non-workstation applications. If you’re using a dedicated

Workstation I/O Module, look instead at the Factory Stores section for that Module in the I/O

Module Reference. Hopefully one of the Factory Stores will be either exactly what you need,

or close to it.

Select the most appropriate Factory Store by pressing the ‘Bank’ button at the bottom left of

the Menu Panel until the desired Bank of Stores is shown in the LCD display. Then press the

desired Store number button. At this point, the name and number of the desired Store should

be displayed, along with the message: “Load?”. Press the ‘Enter/Accept’ key to load the

Store.

If the Store you loaded requires further modification, the easiest way to do this is to use the

blue Access buttons which are distributed over the ADA-8’s Front Panel. The Access buttons

on the Mimic Panel (block diagram) area are the most likely to be useful. Using the ‘Path’

select button in the top left-hand corner of the Mimic Panel, choose the Path who’s settings

Prism Sound ADA-8 Multi-channel A/D D/A Converter Operation Manual - Revision 1.00

you want to modify. Normally Path 1 is configured as the A/D Path and Path 2 as the D/A

Path, although other variations are possible – check that you are dealing with the desired

Path by observing the signal flow indicated by the LEDs on the Mimic Panel in each of the

states of the ‘Path’ selector button.

Choose the appropriate Access button to take you to the first parameter you want to alter.

For example, if you want to change something to do with the analogue input of an A/D Path,

press the Access button in the ‘Source’ box. This action takes the Menu Panel (with the LCD

display) directly to the cluster of Menus which deal with the analogue inputs. Pressing the

SOURCE Access button again moves to the next analogue-input-related Menu and so on, in

a cyclic fashion. When you have found the Menu you want, you should be able to alter the

desired parameter using the Menu keys (in combination with the Channel Select buttons at

the bottom of the Meter Panel if the parameter must be altered per-channel).

If you can’t find how to access the desired parameters, refer to the Firmware Reference. If

the parameters are obscure, you may need to navigate the Menu system manually without

the help of the Access buttons.

Finally, you should be able to check the correct operation of the ADA-8 in system by using the

eight bargraph meters on the Meter Panel, and perhaps also the two-channel Monitor feature,

which is controlled from the Monitor Panel at the left-hand side of the unit. Note that both of

these Panels are also assignable to either of the two eight-channel Paths with their own

[Path] selector buttons.

Prism Sound ADA-8 Multi-channel A/D D/A Converter Operation Manual - Revision 1.00

3 Layout

3.1 Front Panel

The front panel of the ADA-8 contains four divided panels, from left to right:

The Monitor Panel controls and displays all parameters of the two-channel Monitor.

The Mimic Panel controls and displays all parameters of the routing and processing of the two

eight-channel audio Paths through the ADA-8.

The Meter Panel contains eight LED bargraphs which can be switched to meter either of the

two eight-channel Paths, as well as a row of Channel Select buttons, which are used to apply

controls to one or more selected channels, or to all eight channels using the ‘All’ button.

On the right-hand side is the Menu Panel, which contains the LCD display and navigation

keys for the menu system, through which all parametric adjustments are made. Blue Access

buttons, distributed over the other three panels, provide short-cuts into those parts of the

menu system related to their positions. Below the menu controls are the buttons for the

Configuration / Store system, which allows factory and user-defined setups to be instantly

loaded.

At the extreme left-hand side of the front panel are the ‘Standby’ key (which is used to switch

the ADA-8 in and out of Standby power mode) and, below, a headphone socket for the two-

channel Monitor.

Tabla de contenidos

Otros manuales de Convertidor de medios de Prism Sound

Prism Sound

Prism Sound CALLIA Manual de usuario

Prism Sound

Prism Sound AD-2 Manual de usuario

Prism Sound

Prism Sound DREAM ADA-128 Manual de usuario

Prism Sound

Prism Sound ADA-8XR Manual de servicio

Prism Sound

Prism Sound ADA-8XR Manual de usuario

Manuales populares de Convertidor de medios de otras marcas

SoundTraxx

SoundTraxx Blunami BLU-2200 Manual de usuario

SPROLINK

SPROLINK VA1 Manual de usuario

Acclaim Lighting

Acclaim Lighting DDC-1-AC Manual de usuario

Nikon

Nikon AF-S TC-20E III Manual de usuario

Axis

Axis AXIS Q7406 Manual de usuario

Omega

Omega TAC80B-J Manual de usuario

Zoom

Zoom Thunderbolt TAC-2R Manual de usuario

OST

OST iConverter 10/100M Manual de usuario

Vertiv

Vertiv Netsure Manual de usuario

birddog

birddog MINI Manual de usuario

Roland

Roland GI-10 Manual de usuario

Wallenstein

Wallenstein WX310 Manual de usuario

Pace

Pace MSS 200-1 Manual de usuario

Solar Converters

Solar Converters EQ 12/24-50 Manual de usuario

CYP

CYP EL-7400V Manual de usuario

TIE

TIE MIDI 1i1o Manual de usuario

DCS

DCS Vivaldi Upsampler Manual de usuario

Westermo

Westermo MCW-211 SERIES Manual de usuario