Lynx AES16e

The AES16e builds on the capabilities of our industry-standard AES16 with an updated feature set and the benefits of the PCI Express interface. The architecture and higher bandwidth of PCI Express reduces bottlenecks and overhead, which provides higher performance for computer-based high end audio.

The AES16e provides 16 channels of 24-bit AES/EBU digital audio at a 192 kHz sample rate in both single-wire and dual-wire AES modes. Designed to integrate digital consoles, multichannel A/D and D/A converters, hard disk recorders, digital audio workstations and other digital audio equipment, the AES16e is compatible with Windows and Macintosh operating systems.


Lynx AES16e Features :

• PCI express interface works with Macintosh or Windows PCs with PCI Express ports.
• Eight stereo inputs and eight stereo outputs (16 mono I/O), AES/EBU format, 24-bit, single wire and dual wire, transformer coupled.
• Extensive on-board digital mixer.
• Optional sixteen channels of Sample Rate Conversion. Support for conversion ratios up to 16:1 with 144 dB dynamic range.
• Optional AES50 interface.
• All relevant settings, such as sample rate selection, sync source selection, channel routing, and buffer size are enabled, controlled and monitored from the host computer.
• Multi-channel support of 5.1 and 7.1 surround playback formats.
• Includes Lynx-exclusive SynchroLock™ sample clock generator for 3000:1 jitter rejection on external clock sources.
• Supports ASIO and WDM for Windows and CoreAudio for Mac OSX.
• Easy driver installation for Windows, Mac OSX.

The Lynx Studio Technology AES16e multi-channel interface is the ideal way to integrate digital consoles, multi-channel A/D and D/A converters, and hard disk recorders with PCI Express-equipped computer-based workstations. Using exclusive SynchroLock technology, jitter is eliminated for the purest conversions possible, and the AES16 supports sample-rates up to 192kHz. Large, on-board buffers ensure glitch-free recording and playback, aided by an extremely efficient zero-wait state DMA engine. These features provide tolerance to system latencies and significantly reduce load on the host CPU. The AES16e is a great centerpiece of a digital studio.


Supporting up to 16 channels of 192kHz audio I/O :
The AES16e offers unprecedented AES/EBU channel capacity and routing flexibility in a single PCIe card format. With support for up to 16 channels of input and output at sample rates up to 192kHz, the AES16e turns your computer into a powerful digital router or patchbay with extensive flexibility with minimal cabling. Most importantly, the AES16e supports the single-wire 192kHz standard and is compatible with existing dual-wire AES/EBU devices. Up to four AES16es can be installed in a single computer. (Windows)


Exclusive SynchroLock technology assures jitter-free performance :
Offering a solution for jitter problems in AES signals, the AES16e incorporates a new Lynx technology called SynchroLock that provides extreme jitter tolerance at all inputs. By coupling statistical analysis with low-noise clock generation techniques, SynchroLock is able to extract a very clean clock from AES signals affected by long cable lengths and other noise sources. The clock output of SynchroLock can also be used as a very accurate word clock source for other studio devices.


Low-latency performance and reduced CPU load :
Glitch-free recording and playback is assured due to the AES16e's large onboard buffers and extremely efficient zero-wait state DMA engine. These features provide tolerance to system latencies and significantly reduce load on the host CPU. Data transfer hardware and software are highly optimized to provide extremely low latencies for ASIO and other real-time applications.


Mastering-grade sample rate conversion :
The AES16e-SRC model offers 16 channels of mastering quality sample rate conversion to accommodate studios running multiple samples rates or signals not locked to "house sync".


Onboard digital mixer :
The onboard digital mixer offers flexible patch-bay style routing and digital mixing. It provides zero-latency 32-channel/32-bit digital mixing with 16 sub outputs. Multiple dither algorithms per channel are available.

Lynx AES16e Specifications :

General:
    * PCI Express Bus: Version 2.0 compliant
    * Data Transfers: Bi-directional up to 250 Mbps, custom 32-channel, zero-wait
    * state, scatter-gather DMA engine, bus mastering supported
    * Dimensions: 4.4"H X 6.6"W X 0.75"D (standard half-size PCI Express card)

System Requirements:
 PC:
    * Windows-compatible computer with PCI Express support
    * One empty PCI Express slot (x1 x16)
    * Video display with 1024 x 768 minimum resolution
    * Windows XP (32 or 64-bit) or Windows Vista (32 or 64-bit)
    * NOTE: The AES16e is not supported under Windows 2000, 95, 98 or ME.

 Mac:
    * Apple Macintosh G5 or later (compatible with Intel-based Macs)
    * One empty PCI Express slot (x1 x16)
    * Video display with 1024 x 768 minimum resolution
    * Macintosh OS X (10.4 or higher)

Digital I/O:
    * Number/Type: Eight inputs and eight outputs, 24-bit AES/EBU format, transformer coupled
    * Channels: 16 in/out in single-wire mode, 8 in/out in dual-wire mode
    * Sample rates: All standard rates and variable rates up to 192 kHz in both single wire and dual-wire modes

Architecture:
    * Core: FPGA-based core contains custom PCI Express interface, data routing and formatting, device/stream control, digital mixing, clock routing, and control, and DMA engine. Support for field upgrades of firmware.
    * Audio Devices: Card is visible to host applications as 8 record devices and 8 play devices. Each device has two channels and can be used independently for multi-client functionality.

Clocking:
    * Sources: Digital inputs 1 4, internal word-clock on header, on-board low-jitter crystal oscillator
    * SynchroLock: Multi-stage, VCXO-based clock generation system with 3000:1 jitter attenuation. Wide mode tracks off-frequency clocks, narrow mode generates ultra-low jitter output for standard frequencies.

Onboard Digital Mixer:
    * Type: Hardware-based, low-latency
    * Routing: Ability to route any input to any or multiple outputs
    * Mixing: Up to 22 input or playback channels mixed to any output, 40-bit precision
    * Status: Peak levels to -114 dB on all inputs and outputs

Lstream Expansion Port:
    * Compatibility: Supports Lynx LStream expansion cards including the LS-ADAT 16-Channel ADAT I/O card
    * Type: High-speed serial, up to 16 channels @ 24-bits. 14-pin internal connector

Connections:
    * I/O ports: Two bracket-mounted, 26-pin, high-density female D-sub connectors
    * External clock: 75-Ohm BNC word-clock input and output provided on XLR breakout cables
    * Internal clock: Two 75-Ohm board-mounted, 2-pin headers for word-clock input and output
    * Windows drivers: Windows XP/Vista platforms (MME, ASIO 2.0, WDM, and DirectSound)
    * Macintosh drivers: Core Audio for OS X 10.4 and up. Universal binary.
    * Mixer application: Multi-window GUI provides complete control of digital mixer and all hardware settings