Benchmark ADC16 Instruction Manual 16-Channel 24-bit 192-kHz Audio Analog-to-Digital Converter
Contents Overview 3 Features 5 Front Panel 6 AC Power Switch Clock Settings Clock Status Indication Source for Digital Outputs Optical Output Format Meter Display Meter Scale and Peak Hold Rear Panel Analog Line-Level Inputs Input Level Trim-Pots AES Digital Audio I/O Coaxial Digital Audio Outputs Optical Digital Audio Outputs Clock Reference Input Word Clock Reference Output Slot for Optional Interface Cards AC Power Entry Connector Fuse Holder Specifications Audio Performance Group Delay (Latency)
Overview The ADC16 is a reference-quality, 16-channel, 192-kHz, 24-bit, analog-to-digital audio converter. The ADC16 utilizes Benchmark's UltraLockDDS™ clock system with multifunction clock input and word clock output. UltraLockDDS™ is a proprietary clock-sync system that is immune to jitter. UltraLockDDS™ is phase-accurate, even across multiple ADC16 units. The ADC16 has a wide variety of interfaces, including AES/EBU, coaxial, ADAT, Toslink, and more via an optional interface card.
500 MHz and includes digital filters to remove jitter from the reference clock input. The Benchmark UltraLockDDS™ clock-system outperforms two-stage PLL designs while providing the frequency agility to handle the special sample rates that are often required for video transfers to and from film. The Benchmark UltraLockDDS™ system delivers consistent performance under all operating conditions. Users should not hesitate to lock the ADC16 to other clock sources.
Features Sixteen (16) channels of 24-bit analog-to-digital audio conversion 9-segment dual-range digital LED meters with 'peak-hold' functionality Multifunction clock input with auto-recognition of AES, SPDIF, Word Clock, or Super Clock Capable of synchronizing to a master clock, other digital sources, and/or computer Benchmark's phase-accurate jitter-immune UltraLockDDS™ technology High-precision, low-jitter master clock via a temperature-compensated crystal oscillator Word Clock
Front Panel AC Power Switch - page 7 Clock Source - page 8 Settings: Internal Clock, Lock to WC / SC, Lock to AES, Lock to DAW Card Clock Sample Rate - page 8 Settings: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.
AC Power Switch DPDT (double-pole, double-throw) switch disconnects both sides of the AC line. When this switch is 'OFF', the ADC16 draws no power. When this switch is turned 'ON', the ADC16 will boot up and calibrate within 5 seconds. User settings are automatically stored in memory. These settings are automatically recalled when power is restored.
Clock Settings WC – On = clock is locked to the WC input via BNC INT – On = clock reference is the ADC16's internal clock Clock Sample Rate The 'SAMPLE RATE' control interface consists of a 'SAMPLE RATE' button and LED display. The 'CLOCK' control interface consists of a 'CLOCK SOURCE' button, a 'Sample Rate' button. Each button has a corresponding LED display. The 'SAMPLE RATE' Button The ADC16 can operate from its internal clock, or it can lock to a variety of external clock sources.
In any external clock mode, the ADC16 will automatically follow the sample rate of the external reference signal. The measured sample rate of the external source will be displayed on the LEDs. If the reference signal is good, the ADC16 will lock within 8 seconds. The ADC16 UltraLockDDS™ system is very tolerant of poor quality clock reference signals.
Source for Digital Outputs Routing A/D outputs through a DAW and Back to Digital Outputs The optional 'DAW' card provides a bidirectional 16-chanel interface between the ADC16 and a DAW. Analog audio can be converted in the ADC16, sent to the DAW, mixed in the DAW and sent back out through the ADC16 to external D/A converters. Multiple mixes can be created for monitor feeds or other uses.
Optical Output Format The optical output can provide either AES/EBU or ADAT format. The AES/EBU mode works with most S/PDIF optical inputs. Press and hold the 'FORMAT' button to change the optical output format. The 'press-andhold' action prevents accidental changes. When ADAT is active, S/MUX is automatically enabled at all 2X and 4X sample rates (88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, and 192 kHz).
Meter Display The ADC16 is equipped with a multi-function 9-segment LED meter. The 'SCALE' button selects either a 6 dB step or 1 dB step scale and controls the peak-hold function. Metering is fully digital and post-conversion for absolute accuracy. The units are dBFS (dB relative to the maximum possible digital signal). Time constants are built into the meters so all transient peaks can be observed easily.
Rear Panel Analog Line-Level Inputs - page 15 Tascam Analog DB-25 Standard Pinout - 2 Connectors - 16 Channels In Input Level Trim-Pots - page 15 One 10-Turn Trimmer per Channel, 23 dB Adjustment Range, Preset for +4 dBu @ -20 dBFS AES Digital Audio I/O - page 16 Tascam AES/EBU DB-25 Standard Pinout - 2 Connectors - 16 Channels Out - 2 Channels In Coaxial Digital Audio Outputs page 17 AES Professional Format 1Vpp Coaxial Outputs - 16 Channels Out Optical Digital Audio Outputs - page 18 8 Optical Output
Slot for Optional Interface Cards - page 19 See http://www.BenchmarkMedia.com/ADC16/optional-interface-card AC Power Entry Connector - page 19 IEC Power Connector Fuse Holder - page 19 Requires two 0.
Analog Line-Level Inputs Unbalanced Source Adaptation 1. Connect "+" or hot (tip on ¼ phone plug, center pin on RCA plug). 2. Connect both the ground conductor AND the"-" conductor to the connector's ground (sleeve on ¼" phone plug, or case on RCA plug). The balanced "ANALOG IN" line-level inputs follow the Tascam Analog DB-25 standard. Cables are available from many sources.
AES Digital Audio I/O The balanced 'AES I/O' digital I/O connectors follow the Tascam AES/EBU DB-25 standard. Cables are available from many sources. These 110-Ω 'AES I/O' connections include DC-isolation, transformer-coupling, currentlimiting, and diode-protection. Outputs are designed to drive standard 4 Vpp AES signals into a 110-Ω load. 110-Ω digital cables are required when connecting these signals to other devices.
Coaxial Digital Audio Outputs The ADC16 features eight coaxial digital outputs. There is one RCA coaxial connector for each pair of digital-audio output channels. The coaxial outputs are designed to operate within AES3-id and SMPTE 276M standards, and drive 1Vpp into 75-Ω. 75-Ω coaxial cables are required when connecting these outputs to other devices. Data transmission errors may occur if the wrong cables are used.
Optical Digital Audio Outputs The ADC16 features eight optical digital outputs. These outputs can be operated in four different modes: 'S/PDIF', 'ADAT', 'ADAT S/MUX2', and 'ADAT S/MUX4'. The 'FORMAT' button on the front panel toggles between 'S/PDIF' and 'ADAT' formats. If any ADAT mode is selected, S/MUX2, or S/MUX4 will be enabled automatically depending upon the system sample rate. In 'S/PDIF' mode, each optical connector carries two audio channels. Data format is AES professional.
Clock Reference Input Slot for Optional Interface Cards An interface card can be installed in the ADC16. The card is installed in the slot to the left of the AC power input. This slot provides a bi-directional 16-channel interface to external devices such as a digital audio workstation (DAW). The Clock Reference Input uses a BNC connector and is terminated with 75 Ohms. This input is DC isolated and includes overvoltage protection.
Specifications Audio Performance Fs = 44.1 to 192 kHz, 20 to 20 kHz BW, 1 kHz test tone, 0 dBFS = +24 dBu (unless noted) SNR – A-Weighted, 0 dBFS = +16 to +29 dBu 121 dB SNR – Unweighted, 0 dBFS = +16 to +29 dBu 119 dB SNR – A-Weighted at max gain, 0 dBFS = -10 dBv 117 dB THD+N, 1 kHz at –1 dBFS -102 dBFS, -101 dB, 0.00089% THD+N, 1 kHz at –3 dBFS -107 dBFS, -104 dB, 0.00063% THD+N, 20 to 20 kHz test tone at –3 dBFS -105 dBFS, -102 dB, 0.
Maximum Amplitude of AC line related Hum & Noise Interchannel Differential Phase (Stereo Pair) Interchannel Differential Phase (Between ADC16 Units) Maximum Lock Time after Fs change Mute on Sample Rate Change Mute on Loss of External Clock Mute on Lock Error -140 dBFS +/- 0.25 degrees at 20 kHz +/- 0.
Balanced Analog Audio Inputs Number of Inputs Connectors Connector Pinout Impedance Sensitivity at Maximum Gain Sensitivity at Factory Preset Gain Sensitivity at Minimum Gain Maximum Input Level at Maximum Gain Maximum Input Level at Factory Preset Gain Maximum Input Level at Minimum Gain CMRR Common Mode Trim 16 Two 25-pin DB-25 Connectors Tascam Analog DB-25 Standard 200 kΩ Balanced, 100 kΩ Unbalanced -14 dBu @ -20 dBFS +4 dBu @ -20 dBFS +9 dBu @ -20 dBFS +6 dBu @ 0 dBFS +24 dBu @ 0 dBFS +29 dBu @ 0 dBFS
Balanced AES/EBU Digital Outputs Audio Channels Output Format Output Sample Rate Output Word Length Connectors Connector Pinout Output Impedance Output Level 16 AES3 Professional Data Format Up to 200 kHz 24-bits Two DB-25 Connectors Tascam AES DB-25 Pinout 110-Ω 4 Vpp into 110 Ω Transformer Coupled DC Blocking Capacitors Transient Protection Over-Voltage Protection RF Filters Coaxial Digital Outputs Audio Channels Output Format Output Sample Rate Output Word Length Connectors Output Impedance Output Leve
Controls Power Switch Clock Source Sample Rate AES Output Source Coaxial Output Source Optical Output Source Optical Format Meter Range (Uses Meter 'SCALE' Button) Meter Peak Hold (Uses Meter 'SCALE' Button) Rocker Button With Button With Button With Button With Button With Button With Button With Button With Delayed Response Delayed Response Delayed Response Delayed Response Delayed Response Delayed Response Delayed Response Instant Response * * * * * * ** * Delayed response (push and hold) prevents ac
Dimensions Form Factor Depth Behind Front Panel Recommended Minimum Rack Depth to Clear Cables Depth Width Height 1 Rack Wide, 1 RU High 12.125" 16" 12.5" 19" 1.725" Weight ADC16 only Shipping Weight ADC16 Instruction Manual 7.0 lbs. 10 to 12 lbs.
ADAT S/MUX Tutorial Proper S/MUX Identification S/MUX2 allows the recording of 4 channels at 88.2 or 96 kHz using a standard 8-channel 44.1 or 48 kHz ADAT recorder. S/MUX4 allows the recording of 2 channels at 176.4 or 192 kHz using a standard 8-channel 44.1 or 48 kHz ADAT recorder. In either case it is important to identify S/MUX recordings so that they can be properly decoded upon playback. Failure to properly decode an S/MUX recording will add unwanted artifacts to the audio.
S/MUX Sample Rates Must Match Most devices (including the ADC16) automatically enable and disable S/MUX in response to changes in sample rate. Therefore it is essential that all S/MUX equipped A/D converters, D/A converters, digital consoles, digital audio workstations, and digital processing devices be set to identical sample rates.
ADAT S/MUX2 Channel Assignments* ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT Channel Channel Channel Channel Channel Channel Channel Channel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 = = = = = = = = Audio Audio Audio Audio Audio Audio Audio Audio Channel Channel Channel Channel Channel Channel Channel Channel 1.a 1.b 2.a 2.b 3.a 3.b 4.a 4.b * 'X.a' and 'X.
UltraLockDDS™ … What Is It? Accurate audio conversion requires a very low-jitter conversion clock. Jitter can easily cause severe inaccuracies if not adequately addressed, even when the device employs high-performance converter chips. UltraLockDDS™ is Benchmark's latest jitter-immune clock technology. The ADC16 is the first device to employ Benchmark's new UltraLockDDS™ technology to eliminate all jitter-induced performance problems.
seconds to lock to an incoming signal, and may have a very limited frequency range. Two-stage PLLs may fail to lock if the reference signal is slightly off frequency. Two-stage PLLs may also fail to lock when jitter is too high. UltraLockDDS™ converters exceed the jitter performance of two-stage PLL converters, and are free from the slow-lock and no-lock problems that can plague two-stage PLL designs. UltraLockDDS™ converters are highly immune to interface jitter under all operating conditions.
the converter IC. These high-frequency signals are a result of crosstalk between digital and analog signals, and may have high amplitudes in a poorly designed system. Under ideal (low jitter) conditions, a digital anti-alias filter may remove most of this unwanted noise before it can alias down into lower (audio) frequencies. These crosstalk problems may not become obvious until jitter is present.
Regulatory Compliance CE Certificate of Conformity ADC16 Instruction Manual Page 32
RoHS Compliance This statement clarifies Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. product compliance with the EU's (European Union) directive 2002/95/EC, or, RoHS (Restrictions of Hazardous Substances). As of July 01, 2006, all Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. products placed on the European Union market are compliant (containing quantity limit weight less than or equal to 0.
only to products purchased within the US and Canada and is extended only to the original purchaser. Attempts to deliberately deface, mutilate, or remove the product's label will render this warranty void. Benchmark will not honor warranties for any products disingenuously purchased on the US or Canadian markets for export. The terms of the extended warranty are subject to change without notice.
Contact Information Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. 203 East Hampton Pl, Suite 2 Syracuse, NY 13206 USA +1-315 437-6300, FAX +1-315-437-8119 http://www.benchmarkmedia.com Copyright © 2011 Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. All rights reserved.
