Lynx Aurora (n) 16 AD/DA Converter

The Lynx Aurora 16 I/O D/A and A/D Converter is a full featured, 16 channel AD/DA device, packed into a compact single rack space. It supports up to 192k, and has word clock I/O stabilized with Lynx SynchroLock technology. The converters sound especially good, and the Aurora can be directly connected to your DAW via ADAT, FireWire, or Pro Tools HD, using an LT card in the available slot..

Aurora(n). The next generation interface.

The new Aurora(n) is a complete redesign of the original Aurora which defined the interface genre. Building on the bedrock of the original, the Aurora(n).

Transparency Matters

Signal coloration is additive and can kill an otherwise pristine mix. That’s why a colored mix begins to collapse while the transparent mix has space, definition and a level of detail that is simply unattainable with converters that add color and distortion. Lynx’s hallmark sonic transparency is why Lynx converters are being used in the most mission-critical audio applications and in the world’s finest recording facilities. Lynx converters have been specified for their uncanny ability to convert signals without adding any artifacts or color. For audio engineers and producers demanding the most pristine recordings and mixes Lynx is the converter of choice at facilities like Dolby’s new mega complex of audio research, Skywalker Sound, NPR, and the Smithsonian Institute. Lynx converters pass the most stringent tests and shoot outs to become the sought after converters for these discerning professionals. Precision matters more than ever and there is no place for even the slightest coloration or degradation of the signal.

Discrete Converter Array

Some manufacturers use multiple converters on a single chip. While that is one way to fit many converter channels in a single rack space while lowering costs, it comes at a steep cost in performance. At Lynx, the analog signal path for each channel has been designed as a self-contained and shielded circuit. Each channel pair has its own dedicated conversion device. This has many sonic advantages by significantly reducing crosstalk and distortion while increasing dynamic range and performance.

Hilo Converter Technology (HCT)

Design and technology borrowed from the development of the Hilo is used to significantly improve specifications and transparency over previous models while attaining stunning Hilo-like performance.

Future-Proof Design

Configurable I/O

– Add Channels – Start with eight, sixteen or twenty four channels and later add additional groups of eight channels for up to thirty two total.
– Add Modules – Digital (AES3 ADAT), Mic Pre Amp & Analog Summing modules to be released in 2017. More are being designed now for future release.
– Add Connection Method – Thunderbolt, DANTE, ProTools|HD or USB via LSlot Cards
– Add Functionality – Via firmware updates. Just as we have for Hilo and Aurora we will continue to improve the Aurora(n)’s functionality and build in new feature sets.

Synchro Lock 2

All new SynchroLock 2 high-performance sample clock technology provides a whopping 300,000:1 reduction in jitter, 5 second lock time and absolute accuracy. Word clock I/O provides one input and three outputs on BNC connectors.

LSlot connectivity options

We don’t restrict how you choose to connect your devices. With LSlot, you can change your connection whenever you need. We have you covered now, and in the future when new standards are made available.

As of today we have USB, Thunderbolt, Pro Tools HD and Dante.

               

Tony Hoffer on Aurora

“The sound quality is pristine. It’s going to be as great as I want it to be or as gritty as I want it to be. I can alter it in any way and I know I am starting from a great source. With Aurora I can hear even the most minute EQ shifts on any track and how that affects the mix overall.”

Features

– 8, 16, 24, and 32 channel versions – each in a 1U format.
– Onboard 32ch microSD recorder for direct recording and playback.
– Upgradable modules including a pre-amp, analog summing and digital connectivity (AES3 ADAT).
– Two audiophile-grade headphone outs with independent volume controls.
– 1in 3out world clock with Lynx’s second generation SynchroLock 2 technology.
– Future-proof LSlot design with swappable USB, Thunderbolt, ProTools|HD and DANTE cards.
– Full Windows and OSX compatibility
– Road-ready rack-mount reinforced chassis
– 24 Bit – 192 kHz mastering grade A/D and D/A conversion
– Designed and built in Southern California, USA

For USB

The LT-USB is an LSlot interface for the Aurora, Aurora(n) 8 and 16 as well as the Hilo A/D D/A converters. The LT-USB provides digital input and output to PC and Mac computers using USB 2.0 ports.

Ideal for quick connect and portable applications, the LT-USB allows up to 16 input and output channels at up to 96 kHz, and 8 channels at 192 kHz.

Features

– One USB Device port, using USB 2.0 protocol
– Class compliant USB Audio 2.0 high speed card
– Field upgradable over USB
– Supports 16 I/O channels at 96 kHz (Aurora 16 and Aurora(n) 16), 8 I/O channels at 192 kHz (Aurora 8 and Aurora(n) 8). All bidirectional.
– Compatible with Macintosh OS X 10.6.4 and up
– Compatible with Windows Vista / 7 / 8, 32 and 64 bit drivers
– Designed and manufactured in the USA by Lynx Studio Technology

For Thunderbolt

Lynx Studio Technology created the LT-TB Thunderbolt LSlot interface for its Aurora and Hilo converters. The LT-TB is a two-port Thunderbolt expansion card that supports daisy-chaining Aurora and Hilo converters and any other certified Thunderbolt device on both Apple and Windows computers. The LT-TB and accompanying Aurora and Hilo models are the first Thunderbolt audio devices certified for Windows as well as Mac.

The LT-TB LSlot card can be installed into any existing Hilo or Aurora with an easy and free firmware update.

The LT-TB, in development for over a year, uses Intel’s Cactus Ridge second-generation Thunderbolt controller. This device allows for a more robust design electrically. Similar to other Lynx products, LT-TB incorporates an FPGA for audio mixing and control functions that can be easily updated in the field.

Months of in-house testing along with support from Apple and Intel assure that LT-TB works well with any other certified Thunderbolt product on the market.

Whereas some earlier Thunderbolt equipped converters are limited to two units and 32 analog channels, the LT-TB can be used in a chain of up to 6 Aurora converters for up to 96 analog channels, plus 96 digital channels on one Thunderbolt port. So theoretically, the upcoming 6 port Mac Pro could deliver up to 1,152 channels.

The Thunderbolt protocol allows up to six devices and one display to be connected to the computer on a single Thunderbolt port. So in addition to Lynx converters, you can have external drives, displays, expansion chassis and so on. The LT-TB has two Thunderbolt ports, which allows this daisy chaining of devices.

One of the other nice features of the LT-TB and other Thunderbolt devices is the ability to plug, unplug and hot-plug them. So you can easily bring in an additional Aurora or Hilo or other Thunderbolt device without needing to reinstall drivers or reset anything. It’s all automatic.

According to Intel, the developer of Thunderbolt, “Thunderbolt delivers unparalleled performance, flexibility and simplicity to personal computing.” said Jason Ziller, Intel’s director of Thunderbolt Marketing, “Products like the Lynx LT-TB LSlot interface help highlight what Thunderbolt makes possible.”

Thunderbolt technology is the fastest connection to your PC at 10Gbs – in each direction, and at the same time. This is twice the speed of USB 3.0. Thunderbolt provides flexibility and simplicity by connecting up to six data and display devices in a daisy-chain.

For Pro Tools HD

Lynx Studio Technology has announced a revised version of the LT-HD firmware for their Aurora and Hilo converters. The LT-HD version 10 firmware update for the LT-HD card allows the Aurora 16, Aurora 8 and Hilo to emulate the interface characteristics of the Avid HD I/O converter, allowing seamless operation with Avid systems including HDX and HD Native.

Avid has made great improvements with the HDX card and Pro Tools 10. The new LT-HDx firmware update for the LT-HD card allows current and new Aurora owners to get the most out of their Pro Tools HDX or Native equipped studio. Emulation of the HD I/O delay allows the ability to use Lynx and Avid hardware in the same system with sample accuracy.

Thousands of studios worldwide have adopted Aurora and Hilo converters as their standard, for its pristine audio quality, versatility and value. This update for the LT-HD card gives even more versatility to Aurora and Hilo.

Lynx has always been committed to long-term support of our customers’ needs. Current owners of LT-HD equipped Aurora converters can update to the LT-HDx functionality at no charge with a simple firmware update. New hardware is not required.

Easily installed in Aurora’s or Hilo’s LSlot bay, the LT-HD allows Lynx converters to be used in all current ProTools|HD systems. Connected via Digilink cables to HD Core, Accel Core, HDX or Native cards, Pro Tools recognizes the Aurora/Hilo converter and controls all input and output functions, clocking, routing and other settings. One LT-HD equipped Aurora 16 can provide up to 32 channels of analog to digital and digital to analog conversion.

This is a truly plug and play system. LT-HD’s hardware and on-board software streamline installation and set-up, bringing Aurora and Hilo audio quality and channel count to the ProTools system. LT-HD provides signal latency identical to that of the Avid converter for accurate delay compensation within ProTools – no manual delay adjustments are required.

The LT-HD contains one Primary and one Expansion DigiLink port. Aurora supports full channel count at sample rates up to 192 kHz. You do not lose half of your channels at higher sample rates and you do not need to purchase additional expensive modules for full channel counts. Pro Tools users can now benefit from Lynx’s exclusive SynchroLock word clock for very low jitter and low distortion of digital signals.

Features

– Two modes of Avid HD I/O emulation: 32-channel mode provides two instances of the 8 x 8 x 8 analog and digital in and out model, 16-channel mode provides one instance of the 16 x 16 analog in and out model.
– Emulation of HD I/O delay times to ensure accurate delay compensation within Pro Tools. No manual adjustments needed.
– Improved internal clock management provides compatibility with changes in Avid hardware.
– One Primary and one Expansion DigiLink port
– Up to 32 channels of analog and digital I/O per HD Core or Accel Core, HDX or Native card possible with one Aurora 16
– Supports full channel count at sample rates up to 192 kHz
– Offers audio signal latency identical to that of the Avid HD I/O for accurate delay compensation within Pro Tools – no manual delay adjustments required
– Allows I/O functions for parameter control to be controlled and monitored within ProTools
– Interfaces with HD system using standard DigiLink cables
– Allows daisy-chaining of multiple Aurora converters and other DigiLink devices via Expansion port
– Lynx proprietary SynchroLock technology can be used to reduce jitter when Aurora or Hilo is a clock slave or to provide stable, low jitter clock to downstream devices
– Easily installed into Aurora or Hilo
– Designed and manufactured in the USA

For Dante

Lynx Studio Technology announces the LT-DANTE LSlot interface for Aurora and Hilo converters. The LT-DANTE is a two-port expansion card that supports the Dante audio networking standard adopted by a multitude of audio manufacturers for use in live, studio, broadcast and commercial installation applications.

The LT-DANTE LSlot card can be installed into any existing Hilo or Aurora with an easy and free firmware update.

The LT-DANTE enables connectivity for the Aurora and the Hilo to Dante audio networks. Dante is a multi-channel audio networking solution developed by Audinate. The world’s leading professional audio manufacturers have adopted Dante, making it the standard for digital audio networking for recording, live, broadcast and commercial installations.

Dante audio networking utilizes standard IP networks to transmit high-quality, uncompressed audio with near-zero latency. It is the most economical, versatile, and easy-to-use audio networking solution and is scalable from simple installations to large-capacity networks running thousands of audio channels. The Hilo and Aurora are an obvious choice among integrators as their uncolored audio conversion provides the uncompressed high quality audio that Dante transmits over the network.

Dante allows users to replace multiple analog or multi-core cables with a single affordable Ethernet cable for transmitting high-quality multi-channel audio safely and reliably. Standard Gigabit routers can distribute signals throughout a facility. With Dante software, the network can be easily expanded and reconfigured with just a few mouse clicks. Hundreds of Dante-enabled audio products are currently available. The Lynx Aurora and Hilo converters have a proven track record in thousands of professional studios and audio production facilities around the world. Lynx has long been the leader in offering options in connectivity, computer platform choice and proactive customer support. The LT-DANTE card adds to this legacy.

Features

– Allows for easy connectivity to a Dante audio network for your Hilo or Aurora convertors
– Extremely low latency
– Uses standard and affordable CAT 5 and CAT 6 cables
– Designed and manufactured in the USA by Lynx Studio Technology
– Supports up to 32-channels @ 96kHz, 16-channels @ 192kHz

Connectivity	Dante, Pro Tools HD, Thunderbolt, USB

Analog Performance

Line In (includes A/D Conversion)

- THD+N: -113dB @1kHz, -1dBFS, 20kHz filter, +20dBu trim
- Dynamic range: 119dB, A-weighted, -60dBFS signal method
- Frequency response: ±0.010dB, 20–20kHz
- Crosstalk: -130dB maximum @ 1kHz, -1dBFS signal
- Common mode rejection: greater than 80dB
- Full-scale trim settings: +6dBV, 20dBu

Line Out (includes D/A Conversion)

- THD+N: -108dB @1kHz, -1dBFS, 20kHz filter, +20 dBu trim
- Dynamic range: 120dB, A-weighted, -60dBFS signal method
- Frequency response: ±0.025dB, 20–20kHz
- Crosstalk: -130dB maximum @ 1kHz, -1dBFS signal
- Full-scale trim settings: +6dBV, 20dBu

Headphone Out (includes D/A Conversion)

- THD+N: -107dB @1kHz, -1dBFS, 20kHz filter, volume at max
- Dynamic range: 120dB, A-weighted, -60dBFS signal method
- Frequency response: ±0.025dB, 20–20kHz
- Crosstalk: -120dB maximum @ 1kHz, -1dBFS signal
- Output level: 18.4dBu maximum

Digital I/O

Digital I/O module to be released summer 2017

- AES3 plus ADAT I/O

Software

- Lynx Mixer for Aurora(n) Thunderbolt models
- Included with Thunderbolt driver

Other

Additional modules to be released in 2017

- Digital I/O
- Microphone preamp
- Analog summing

Analog Input Connections

- Aurora(n) 16 - 2 x DB25

Analog Output Connectors

- Aurora(n) 16 - 2 x DB25

Dimensions

- Depth - 10 inches
- Width - 19 inches
- Height - 1.7 inches

Weight

- Aurora(n) 16 - 7.1 pounds