Prism Sound ADA-128 Modular High-Quality Audio Conversion System

Prism Sound ADA-128 Modular High-Quality Audio Conversion System

A new breed of audio converter has arrived: Prism Sound’s Dream ADA-128.

The Dream ADA-128 redefines flexibility, capacity, and performance standards in professional audio conversion. In creating it, we ripped up the rule book and started again, using all our 30+ years of ADC and DAC development experience. Building on the legacy of the Prism Sound Dream ADA-8XR, the resulting Dream ADA-128 architecture is so capable that it is set to meet the needs of the most demanding facilities for years to come.

The Dream ADA-128 is a 2U chassis that can accommodate up to 20 plug-in Modules. These presently include eight-channel analogue input and output Modules and an eight-channel AES3 Module. Four of the slots can accommodate a range of 64-channel Host Modules which include Pro Tools HDX and Dante Host Modules (and more to come). As well as being able to route analogue and AES3 I/O to and from Host media, full routing flexibility allows analogue to/from AES3 routing without use of Host slots, and Host-to-Host bridging.

The Dream ADA-128 contains four independent clock generators, each of which can run at different sample rates and with different sync sources. The ADA-128’s Host and I/O Modules can be dynamically assigned to these Clock Domains, allowing multiple workflows (such as separate project studios or ingest stations) to simultaneously share the resources of a single ADA-128’s resources.

Every I/O Module, as well as the unit’s built-in Routing Module, have dedicated DSP capability, which will allow a wide range of future functionality to be added by a simple software download.

The Dream ADA-128 incorporates Prism Sound’s unique Verifile technology, wherein every ADC in the system can add imperceptible metadata to its dither signal, allowing downstream processes to check that every sample in a stream is exactly as it left the ADC. This reduces the need for expensive and unreliable listening tests of every minute of every digital recording or transmission.

These and many other unique capabilities make the Dream ADA-128 the only box you will ever need, no matter what your application.

QClocks

The four independently synchronized clock domains allow this revolutionary product to run at 4 different sample rates allowing a single unit to deliver independent configurations for up to four recording and playback systems.

Modular Construction

The modular design meets the needs of the most demanding applications, as well as the needs of the growing studio. As your requirements grow the ADA-128 can grow with you.

A.D.R.A.

“Advanced Digital Routing Architecture”. The ADA-128 delivers flexible interconnectivity both internally and externally allowing point-to-point routing throughout its modular configuration.

Dolby Atmos

The ADA-128 is set to become the centrepiece for studios worldwide. The ADA-128 allows you to meet the full Dolby Atmos channel count of 128 channels in a single 2 unit making this the most compact yet powerful solution available.

Dream ADA-128 USE Cases

The versatility and performance of the new Dream ADA-128 ensure that it can deliver, no matter what the application. Find out how it can help you by contacting us today.

Multiroom Facility

Four independent Clock Domains allow multiple room support with a single ADA-128. Share access to multi-channel resources between different studios.

Protools Recording

Four times as dense as an Avid HD I/O 16×16 Analog solution. The Dream ADA-128 will build on Prism Sound’s popularity in the quality-conscious Pro Tools world.

Dolby Atmos

The Dream ADA-128 is set to become the centrepiece for studios worldwide as the only system supporting the full Dolby Atmos channel count of 128 channels in a single 2U unit.

Audio Archiving

For archival projects, accurate and reliable ingestion of large audio assets is of paramount importance. Verifile provides automatic ingest integrity checking without the need for human listening.

This image of the unit’s rear panel shows the modular flexibility of the Dream ADA-128 allowing you to configure your unit before you buy to ensure your needs are met.

The left-hand section of the back-plane (left) shows the clocking connections, including:

• Physical DARS connection on XLR
• Word Clock on BNC
• The other three word clocks enabling multi-clock domains are via the nine-pin connector
• HDMI connection – future use is TBC
• Computer connections are for firmware updates and future developments

Dream ADA-128 Software

Software Overview

The Dream ADA-128 control software runs in an on-board CPU module, on a quad-core ARM processor. The intuitive control software allows you to manage every element of the unit. After 30+ years of UI engineering experience, we understand the needs of the modern audio professional; we have delivered the fastest, smoothest and most efficient workflow, based on a high-quality graphical representation of every feature.

Onscreen Control Panel

The Dream ADA-128 can be controlled from the front panel touch screen, or else it can be controlled over IP using a browser-based control panel which has been optimised for computer, phone and tablet screens. Every accessible element of the unit is only a touch away. The swift and intuitive navigation has been developed for those working in the most pressured environments.

Software Interface

A versatile store system allows swift reconfiguration of all or part of the unit (including individual Clock Domain resources).

The Dream ADA-128 can also be remotely controlled by other equipment in the system, for example by Dante or Pro Tools Hosts, or by dedicated controllers.

 

Chassis Specifications:

• Form factor: 2U rack mountable
• Front panel: Power/standby button, 5" touch TFT control panel
• Rear panel:
• 16 I/O Module slots (1-16), 4 Host Module or I/O Module slots (17-20)
• CPU Module with: 1xGbE RJ45, 2xUSB host, 1xUSB device, 1xHDMI
• Utility reference sync panel with:
• XLR DARS/AES11 input, XLR DARS/AES11 output
• BNC Wordclock/Baseclock/Black-burst-video/10MHz input
• BNC Wordclock/Baseclock output
• DE-9F sync breakout, with 1x DARS out, 2xBNC out, 1xBNC in
• 3-pin 6A IEC mains inlet, fuse holder and isolation switch*
• Clock Domains:
• Four independent clock generators providing four Clock Domains
• Each Module slot can be assigned to any Clock Domain
• Host slots have access to multiple Clock Domains
• Routing: Every output port can be routed from any input port. Host Modules may thus operate as bridges
• Dimensions: W: 483mm D: 320mm H: 88mm (2U)
• Power requirement: 90-260VAC 50/60Hz, up to 80W depending on fitment
• Environmental: 0 to 35°C, 85% maximum relative humidity

I/O Modules Specifications:

• Configuration: Eight input ports, electronically balanced, with fully-balanced analogue signal paths
• Connection: DB-25F, industry-standard TASCAM pinout
• Supported sample rates:
• 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
• Pullup: 0.1%, 4.16%; pulldown: 0.1%, 4.0%
• Wordlength: 32 bits
• Verifile: Tag insertion (allows downstream signal integrity verification)
• DSP functions:
• Amplitude calibration and trim
• MS processing
• High-pass filter selectable
• Input sensitivity: 0dBFS = 24dBu to 3dBu in 1dB steps, with 0.1dB stepped trim
• Input impedance: 14.5kΩ
• Unbalanced mode: Automatic
• Over-killer (soft limit): Per-channel, software selectable
• Total harmonic distortion: -115dB (< 0.00018%)
• THD+N: -111dB (< 0.00028%)
• Dynamic range: 116dB (residual at -60dBFS), 119dB with A-weighting filter
• Ide channel noise: -116dBFS
• Gain accuracy: ±0.05dB
• LF roll-off (wrt 997Hz): -0.05dB at 20Hz, -3dB at 1.7Hz
• HF roll-off (wrt 997Hz):
• -0.05dB at 20kHz (fs>=48kHz)
• -3dB at 19k2 (fs=44k1)
• -3dB at 20k9 (fs=48k0)
• -3dB at 38k4 (fs=88k2)
• -3dB at 41k6 (fs=96k0)
• -3dB at 75k6 (fs=176k4)
• -3dB at 81k5 (fs=192k0)
• CMRR: >80dB at 50Hz, >63dB at 15kHz
• Crosstalk (any port pair):
• <-130dB (50Hz)
• <-112dB (15kHz)
• Inter-channel phase:
• ±0.03° (10Hz - 5kHz)
• ±0.12° (5kHz - 20kHz)
• ±0.3° (20kHz - 50kHz)

Line Output Module:

• Configuration: Eight outputs, electronically balanced, with fully-balanced analogue signal paths
• Connection: DB-25F, industry-standard TASCAM pinout
• Supported sample rates
• 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
• Pullup: 0.1%, 4.16%; pulldown: 0.1%, 4.0%
• Wordlength: 32 bits
• Verifile: Tag checking (signal integrity verification)
• DSP functions: Amplitude calibration and trim
• Output amplitude: 0dBFS = 24dBu to 3dBu in 1dB steps, with 0.1dB stepped trim
• Output impedance: 50Ω
• Unbalanced mode: Automatic, with bootstrapping level compensation (only at <= 18dBu line-up)
• Total harmonic distortion: -114dB (< 0.0002%)
• THD+N: -111dB (< 0.00028%)
• Dynamic range: 123dB (residual at -60dBFS), 125dB with A-weighting filter
• Idle channel noise: -123dBFS
• Gain accuracy: ±0.05dB
• LF roll-off (wrt 997Hz): -0.1dB at 20Hz, -3dB at 1.25Hz
• HF roll-off (wrt 997Hz):
• -0.1dB at 20kHz
• -3dB at 21k6 (fs=44k1)
• -3dB at 23k5 (fs=48k0)
• -3dB at 42k3 (fs=88k2)
• -3dB at 46k0 (fs=96k0)
• -3dB at 80k0 (fs=176k4)
• -3dB at 86k8 (fs=192k0)
• Output balance: >50dB
• Crosstalk (any port pair):
• <-133dB (50Hz)
• <-121dB (15kHz)
• Inter-channel phase:
• ±0.02° (10Hz - 5kHz)
• ±0.1° (5kHz - 20kHz)

AES3 I/O Module:

• Configuration: Eight input and output ports on four pair of digital carriers, transformer-coupled
• Connection: DB-25F, industry-standard TASCAM pinout
• Supported sample rates:
• 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
• Pullup: 0.1%, 4.16%; pulldown: 0.1%, 4.0%
• Wordlength: 24 bits
• Verifile: Tag checking on outputs (signal integrity verification)
• DSP functions:
• MS processing
• High-pass filter selectable on inputs
• Formats:
• AES3 (110Ω I/O impedance, professional Channel Status)
• S/PDIF (75Ω I/O impedance, consumer Channel Status)
• AES3id (110Ω I/O impedance, professional Channel Status)
• Format is software-selectable per carrier

Host Modules Specfications:

Pro Tools HDX Host Module:

• Configuration: 64 directly-connected Pro Tools HD I/O ports
• Connection: 2x DigiLink Mini connectors, each carrying 32 I/O ports
• Supported sample rates:
• 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
• Pullup: 0.1%, 4.16%; pulldown: 0.1%, 4.0%
• Wordlength: 24 bits
• Emulation modes
• Avid HD I/O 16×16 Analog or Avid HD I/O 16×16 Digital
• Two emulations per DigiLink
• Pro Tools control: Supported functions are controlled from the Pro Tools UI

Dante Host Module:

• Configuration: 64 directly-connected Dante I/O ports
• Connection: 2x GbE RJ45 connectors (switched or redundant operation)
• Supported sample rates:
• 44.1kHz, 48.0kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz
• Pullup: 0.1%, 4.16%; pulldown: 0.1%, 4.0%
• Wordlength: 32 bits