AD10

Product Description

The LavryBlack AD10 is a stereo Analog to digital converter that accepts line level analog inputs and outputs stereo digital audio in XLR and optical formats. An XLR to RCA adapter is included for connection to RCA/S-PDIF inputs.

For more information on the LavryBlack AD10 click here

For general information see analog to digital converter.

Features

• Internal Crystal 44.1, 48, 88.2, & 96 kHz sampling rates
• Ultra-stable internal and external clocking
• External Word Clock or AES sync for 32-100kHz operation
• 24 bit AES/SPDIF and optical outputs
• XLR professional level analog inputs (+4dBu)
• ¼" instrument line level analog inputs (-10dBV)
• Accepts balanced or unbalanced analog signals
• 14 segment digital meters w/Peak Hold
• Meter displayed gain setting from 0 to 13 dB (1dB steps)
• Digital Alias-free Emulation(TM) modes for Tube, transformer, and Tube+Transformer sound

Applications

• Tracking
• Mixing
• Overdubs
• Mastering
• Broadcast
• Live/Location Sound
• Post Production
• Vinyl Transcription

Connections

Analog inputs

The AD10 has "Combo connectors" that can accept XLR or 1/4" T.R.S. or T.S. phone plugs for balanced or unbalanced sources. In the line level gain range of 0-13dB; the XLR input accepts "+4dBu" level signals.

The 1/4" input is wired in a standard manner so the tip is the "+" signal conductor for either T.R.S. or T.S. connections. The sleeve is the "-" signal conductor for T.R.S. connections and would be grounded by the sleeve in T.S. connections. In the Line level Gain range of 0-12dB, the 1/4" input applies 12dB of fixed gain to the signal to raise "-10dBV" consumer line level inputs to "+4dBU" professional line level; allowing the lower line level analog signals to be encoded at full digital level.

The XLR input is Pin 2 "+" and Pin 3 "-" for normal signal polarity. Thus, for unbalanced Line level XLR connections, the "hot" signal conductor would be connected to Pin 2 and the signal return would be connected to Pin 3. In Microphone mode, the AD10 accepts ONLY low impedance balanced microphone inputs.

The Maximum peak input level before distortion is different for balanced and unbalanced line level signals, and for XLR and T.R.S. connections. This is due to the use of an electronically balanced input for XLR inputs, and the additional gain automatically applied for T.R.S. inputs. Please note that the same peak level specification applies to “unbalanced” as well as “pseudo-unbalanced” signals. Pseudo-unbalanced sources use the same connectors as balanced signals, but virtually all of the signal level appears on the “+” conductor, and the “-” conductor has virtually no signal present. To the AD10 receiving the signal, it appears to be the same as an unbalanced signal, even though the “-” conductor it is actively driven by an amplifier in the source (not connected to ground, as in the case of an unbalanced source).

The meters of the AD10 display the digital output level, so under the right circumstances, it is possible to over-drive the analog input at a level that appears below “0” on the AD10 meters (“0dBFS” digital level). If an unbalanced professional line level signal is applied to the AD10 input with less than 6dB of front panel Gain on that channel, the Maximum peak input level capability of the AD10 may be exceeded, resulting in “clipping” at the analog input. The effects are the signal level on the AD10 meters never reaching “0” and the digital output’s signal peaks being distorted.

The Maximum peak input level specifications are:

Maximum Input level to achieve “0dB Full Scale” digital level (Analog levels +0.25 dB):

XLR Balanced input:

With gain set to 0 dB +24dBu

With gain set to 13 dB +11dBu

XLR Unbalanced input:

With gain set to 6 dB +18dBu

With gain set to 13 dB +11dBu

¼” input Balanced or Unbalanced:

With gain set to 0 dB +11dBu (+8.8dBV)

With gain set to 13 dB - 2dBu ( -4.2dBV)

Digital outputs

The digital outputs consist of (1) male XLR and (1) Toslink optical connector. The optical output transmits S-PDIF format, which is not compatible with ADAT Lightpipe format.

The included XLR to RCA adapter can be used to feed a standard RCA to RCA 75 Ohm coaxial "SPDIF" cable for connection to RCA input SPDIF equipment. In the vast majority of cases, the RCA SPDIF input will be compatible with the output of the AD10 without the use of an impedance matching transformer, if cable length conforms to recommendation for coaxial SPDIF connections (<3 meters).

AC Power

90-264 VAC @ 47-63Hz The power supply automatically adjusts to AC inputs in the range of 90 to 264 volts at line frequencies between 47 and 63 Hz. It is not necessary to change any settings.

Operating tips

• When using unbalanced professional line level sources, it is recommended that a minimum of 6dB of AD10 front panel Gain be used. See Analog Inputs (above) for details.
• For best results when using the Digital Alias-free Emulation(TM) modes; record with the average signal level is as high as possible, without distortion.
• The AD10 will output a signal when set to external Word Clock or AES sync when it is not “locked” to the incoming signal. The output sample frequency may be incorrect; or the sample frequency may be close enough for the receiving device to accept the incoming digital audio with errors such as “clicks” or “mutes.” When operating on external clock; the sample frequency indicator serves as the “Lock” lamp. Unless both the LED in the front panel “CLOCK” column labeled “Word” (or “AES”) and the LED in the “RATE” column indicating the sample rate are both illuminated; the AD10 is not locked to the external clock.

Links

AD10 Manual