Lynx Studio Technology Aurora 16 16 Channel Digital Audio ConverterThe Lynx Aurora line of digital audio converters from Lynx Studio Technology offers unprecedented audio quality and control in single-rack space eight and sixteen channel models.
The Aurora 8 and Aurora 16 feature 192 kHz analog to digital and digital to analog conversion with front panel control of all routing and sample rate options. Extended functions in Aurora are accessible via computer with the Lynx AES16 or by infrared using compatible laptops and handheld Pocket PCs. The rear panel has Clock and MIDI In and Out connectors and an LSlot bay, for the optional use of ADAT, Firewire and other audio interfaces.
Lynx Aurora 16 Features
- Simultaneous 16 Channel Analog I/O and 16 Channel AES/EBU I/O
- 24 Bit / 192 kHz Mastering Quality A/D and D/A conversion
- 192 kHz AES/EBU I/O Supporting Single and Dual Wire Modes
- Single Rack Space Configuration
- Extensive Remote Control Capability via Lynx AES16, IrDA and MIDI
- LSlot Expansion Slot for Firewire, ADAT, and Future Interface Options
- On-board Digital Mixer Provides Flexible I/O Routing
- Word clock I/O with Lynx SynchroLock Jitter Reduction Technology
Aurora 16 and Aurora 8 are 16 and 8 channel 24-bit/192 kHz analog-to-digital/digital-to-analog converters in a single-space rack-mount case. Representing Lynx Studio Technology’s first rack-mount product, Aurora was developed using the next generation of Lynx acclaimed conversion technology and rock-solid digital interface circuitry. Both units are identical in features and specifications except for the number of I/O channels.
Aurora provides professional I/O interfaces for ease of installation in most studios and live sound applications. The analog I/O is electronically balanced and supports both +4dBU and –10dBV nominal levels. The AES digital I/O is transformer coupled and is capable of driving 500 feet of cable at 192kHz. Both dual and single-wire AES channel modes are supported.
Aurora’s ergonomically designed front panel provides easy access to important controls and signal status. Unique to this product class, Aurora also offers extensive remote control capability. All front panel features as well as other low-level options can be controlled from the Lynx AES16 digital interface card on Windows and Macintosh platforms; a Pocket PC or laptop via infrared; MIDI; or an LSlot interface card. Multiple remote set-up configurations can be stored and recalled.
The on-board 32-channel digital mixer provides extensive routing and mixing options. Acting as a powerful patch bay style digital router, Aurora can easily route signals between analog and digital inputs on a channel-by-channel basis. Mixing capability on each output also provides flexible zero latency monitoring.
The LSlot expansion port accepts cards that provide compatibility with current and emerging digital interface standards, including Firewire, ADAT, and others. In addition to soon-to-be released LSlot cards, the LSlot port is compatible with existing Lynx LStream cards including the LS-ADAT and LS-AES.
Lynx’s proprietary SynchroLock jitter reduction technology, from the AES16, is also included. This exclusive feature provides extreme jitter reduction of up to 3000:1, allowing Aurora to output an extremely clean clock output for driving the digital audio system.
All analog and digital connections use DB25 connectors with industry standard pin-outs which are compatible with off-the-shelf cables from manufacturers such as Mogami, ProCo, Hosa and others.
Top Questions about Aurora
courtesy of Lynx, Inc.
1. 16 channels in and out A/D and D/A in one rack space?
Yes. The Aurora 16 offers sixteen channels of 24-bit, 192 kHz A/D and D/A in a single rack space. This is the only 16-channel converter that offers this high-end performance and compact size. The Aurora 8 offers eight channels of A/D and D/A conversion.
2. Do I need a computer to use Aurora?
No. Aurora 8 and Aurora 16 are standalone units that do not require a computer. The front panel controls and metering are sufficient for most applications, including permanent installation, houses of worship and many live sound/tour sound applications. You can operate Aurora via the front panel’s IrDA port, for use with compatible Pocket PCs and laptops.
3. What added capabilities do you get with the AES16?
While you do not need to use the AES16, Aurora was designed with the AES16 in mind. When interfaced with an AES16 in PC or Mac, you have individual channel control, levels and monitoring. 64 meters are available, one for each digital and analog input and output. You also have control over all front panel settings. Extensive routing is available, with any input assignable to any output. Once configured, all settings can be saved for immediate recall later, a huge benefit for live performance and broadcast applications. If you wish to record all 16 channels at 192kHz into a PC or Mac based digital audio workstation, the AES16 is the only reasonably priced solution that provides for 16-channels of digital I/O at sample rates up to 192k, so it is the ideal companion for the Aurora 16.
4. What are the MIDI ports for?
Aurora was designed with your existing studio and equipment in mind. The MIDI port will allow you to use existing MIDI control equipment for Aurora, as well as control the Aurora digital mixer controls from a computer even if you are not using an AES16. The MIDI port also allows Lynx to update Aurora in the field. With its FPGA core, Aurora can be updated and new operations and functions can be added over time.
5. Does Aurora need to be installed adjacent to the mixing position?
No. Since the Aurora is designed to be optionally controlled via AES16 in a Mac or PC, Aurora converters can be installed away from crowded mixing stations. In fact, with Lynx’s proprietary SynchroLock jitter attenuation and rock-solid clock, Aurora converters can be installed up to 500 feet away when used in conjunction with an AES16. This is ideal for permanent installations, arenas, houses of worship, post-production and broadcast facilities.
6. Can Aurora act as an analog and digital breakout box for my LynxTWO?
Yes. Connecting Aurora to the LynxTWO via its sync port allows Aurora to in effect be an out-board LStream device offering additional channels of I/O controlled from the LynxTWO mixer. This feature is of significant importance to users running Macintosh OS X, where adding another PCI device to expand the Analog I/O is simply not yet supported.
7. What is the LSlot port for?
What do you want it to do? Immediately, you can use Lynx’s LS-ADAT and LS-AES for ADAT lightpipe and AES/EBU or S/PDIF digital I/O with sample rate conversion. We are developing Firewire expansion cards. We are also considering mLan, MADI, Pro Tools HD and other popular interfaces. Consumer and dealer feedback will help determine the interfaces we design. The LSlot port will also have extended, non-interface functions in later stages of development. The LSlot port is just one of the many open-ended features that shows our commitment to making Aurora viable for many years to come.
8. How is the audio quality compared to the LynxTWO?
LynxTWO is definitely the father of Aurora. We used our LynxTWO and AES16 technologies as the starting point in the development of Aurora. In many cases we have upgraded performance, using the latest technologies and advanced design techniques.
9. What converters do you use?
The best we can find, and this holds for all of the components in Aurora and the balance of the Lynx line. Without the best components, we cannot make the best products. These components, combined with our engineering expertise, commitment to quality and understanding of our customers allows us to design products that are being used by very particular and demanding customers.
10. Why is Aurora priced so much less than the high-end competition?
Frankly price point was not a consideration in our development of Aurora. We took our existing technologies and experience, expanded the capabilities of the product category and tried to think outside of the box. All engineering and software development is done in-house, with many benefits. Once we had developed a product that met our requirements and the requests of our customers, we set the price using the same criteria as the rest of our product line.
As it turns out, Aurora is in fact an excellent value in the high-end 192 kHz converter market. Its midrange price also makes Aurora, especially the Aurora 8, a huge step up for a small added investment over the consumer-level converters used in many project studios and smaller production facilities. Aurora’s price points and feature set make it viable for anyone seeking pristine audio and the highest level of A/D and D/A conversion.
11. What cables can you use with Aurora?
Aurora is designed to use standard 25-pin D-sub breakout cable sets. The analog ins and outs use Tascam DA-88 style cables, available from Lynx, Mogami, Proco, Hosa and others. Digital I/O is compatible with cables adhering to the Yamaha D-sub pinout, available from the same companies.
12. Where can I use Aurora?
Anywhere you need quality, versatile A/D and D/A conversion and digital signal routing. Examples:
- Recording and mastering facilities. The most obvious use. Computer and remote control add to Aurora’s utility.
- Live use – tour and venues. Having a lot of channels in a small rack is ideal for touring rigs.
- Permanent installation. Because of the full computer remote control up to 500 feet away, Auroras can be installed on stage, in an equipment room or in the rafters with no need to access the front panel.
- Post production. Different rooms need access to program material stored in a central location. Aurora’s extensive computer-controlled routing allows digital program material to be stored, called up, converted, then routed to mixers anywhere in the facility.
- Location recording. 64 channels in four rack spaces! You cannot get any more compact than that.
- Eight channel home and project studios. State of the art audio quality is now accessible to thousands of home and project studio buyers.
13. What’s unique about Aurora?
In a nutshell...
- Aurora 16 – 16 channels of 24 bit A/D and D/A conversion in a single rack space
- Extensive control options – front panel, remote by computer via AES16
- Computer control possible up to 500 feet from Aurora
- Infrared transceiver on front panel for control by compatible laptops and Pocket PCs
- Powerful breakout box for AES16 and LynxTWO
- SynchroLock offers 3000:1 jitter attenuation
- Future-proofed by LSlot expansion port and FPGA architecture
- Extensive digital and analog routing capabilities
- Complete 16 channel workstation / conversion solution when used with AES16