New 16-Channel A/D with ADAT & S/MUX Interfaces from Apogee

Jul 25, 2001

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Apogee’s new AD-16 is a 16-channel 24-bit A/D converter, operating at sample rates up to 96 kHz. The system offers ADAT optical output for compatibility with a wide range of digital audio systems, and can sync to word clock, or its own internal high-stability clock. Word Clock output is also provided.

For the first time in an Apogee A/D conversion system, the AD-16 supports the Sonorus S/MUX specification for sample-splitting of high sample-rate audio data into multiple ADAT-style optical interfaces. Additional light-pipe outputs are provided to deliver up to 96 kHz digital audio from all 16 channels in this mode. An expansion card can be added to offer either TDIF or AES interfacing. An LED indicates signal status on each channel, with the intensity modulated by the signal level to give an “analog-like” display. A second LED per channel indicates “overs”. The balanced analog inputs are configured in two groups of eight channels on 25-pin D connectors.

The AD-16 includes Apogee’s industry-standard word-length reduction system, UV22HR, for reduc-ing the word length from the native 24 bits to 16 for CD mastering, Internet audio and other applica-tions, and SoftLimit to maximize digital output level without overs. The features are activated with a pair of buttons, and may be optionally applied to channels 1–8, 9–16 or all. The AD-16 features an elegant and effective user interface, including a power switch, sample rate/sync selector, clear “overs” button, and two buttons for Soft Limit and UV22HR respectively, and closely matches the companion DA-16 16-channel D/A in appearance.

The AD-16 will ship in the third quarter, 2001.

For more information, visit their web site at www.apogeedigital.com.