New 24-bit, 96 kHz Converters from Swissonic
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The AD96
(Click for a close-up) |
November 8, 1999
Responding to the strong customer demand for 24-bit 96kHz performance in professional
and semi-professional audio recording, Swissonic today announced a pair of A/D
and D/A converters, the AD96 and DA96. Each half rack space units features 4 balanced
analog XLR connectors and ADAT optical as well as AES/EBU digital interfaces.
The AD96 analog to digital converter offers a dynamic range and signal to noise
ratio of 118 dB and supports 16, 18, 20 and 24-bit digital word lengths with dithering
and psycho-acoustic noise shaping for the lower resolutions. The 4 high CMR analog
inputs are fully balanced and have Class-A biased multi-path input buffers. The
digital output signal is provided simultaneously via 2 AES/EBU outputs and an
ADAT optical output. The ADAT optical output supports bit packed / sample packed
ADAT formats, enabling recording of 24/96 digital audio to conventional 16 Bit
ADAT machines.
The integrated wordclock inputs and outputs support X1, X2 and super clock
formats. The Wordclock format for input and output can be selected independently.
The front panel features high resolution multi-mode peak level meters for
each input. An integrated 'clip counter' provides permanent control of the recording
quality. The front panel settings are saved in non-volatile memory.
The DA96 digital to analog converter offers a dynamic range and signal to
noise ration of 110 dB. The 4 cross-coupled high current output buffers are fully
balanced and can drive cable lengths of up to 1000 ft / 300 m. Linear-phase reconstruction
filters create a superior sound quality for any kind of sound material.
The ADAT optical input supports bit packed / sample packed ADAT formats, enabling
playback of 24/96 data from conventional 16 Bit ADAT machines. The dual PLL data
receivers effectively eliminate clock jitter while tolerating very noisy input
data.
The front panel offers dual LED level indicators for each channel. Front panel
settings are saved in non-volatile memory.
"The new Swissonic AD96 and DA96 offer professional sound quality at
affordable prices," says Daniel Feusi, General Manager of Swissonic, "and
make DVD quality audio affordable for every project and recording studio. There
are thousands of used ADAT machines at low prices out there. The integrated bitpack/samplepack
features turns any ADAT machine into a 24 bit / 96 kHz recorder. A smart and inexpensive
alternative to new high priced 24-bit DAT recorders."
Visit Swissonic on the web at www.swissonic.com.
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