Manual A16 MK-II professional 16 channel AD/DA converter FERROFISH advanced audio applications
© Ferrofish GmbH Version 1.
Introduction Introduction Thank you very much for choosing to purchase this product. The A16 MK-II can convert simultaneously, 16 audio channels from digital to analogue (DA) and 16 audio channels from analogue to digital (AD). You can use both, MADI and ADAT as digital interfaces. Furthermore, you can also transmit signals between these two interfaces. The two TFT screens display the levels of all inputs and outputs in high resolution.
Operation Operation The A16 MK-II can be controlled via three front panel buttons SAMPLE RATE, SYNCHRONIZATION and MENU. Alternatively, you can use your PC to remote control the A16 MK-II using the MIDI interface. In the main screen the frequency and synchronization can be set using the corresponding buttons. Pressing MENU opens the main menu, where you can navigate with the SAMPLE RATE and SYNCHRONIZATION functions. Pressing MENU again will then confirm the selected function choice.
Digital Interfaces Digital Interfaces Every digital device requires a sampling rate for proper operation. The A16 MK-II can either generate such sampling rate itself (Master) or receive it from another device (Slave). It is important that all devices within a digital domain work with the same sampling rate. For that reason there has to be exactly one master generating the sampling rate, while all other devices have to refer to this sampling rate as a slave.
Digital Interfaces The higher you set the sampling rate, the higher will be the maximum frequency to be transmitted digitally, as it corresponds exactly to half the value of the sampling rate. However, the data volume will be increased for higher sampling rates. For that reason the number of channels halves in case of 88.2kHz or more for MADI and ADAT, and for 192kHz the channels are quartered. If you set the A16 MK-II to ADAT, MADI or BNC, it will display the measured sampling rate.
Digital Interfaces Besides the five presets there are many more routing possibilities. In order to configure these settings press MENU and then select routing. Please refer to the chapter Routing for further information. MADI MADI is a very popular audio interface offering 64 channels at a maximum cable length of 2 kilometers! Furthermore, when using more than one A16 MK-II, it is also possible to daisy chain the MADI cable. In this case the device's output will be connected to the next device's input.
Digital Interfaces (+/-10%). Hence a signal with 53kHz still could be converted (48kHz +10%). Nowadays most people don't need this variation feature anymore and instead prefer to use all 64 channels. If the A16 MK-II recognises only 56 channels at the MADI input, the outputs will also be reduced to 56 channels. This function allows to use older devices not capable to handle 64 channels. MADI SMUX Modes In case of frequencies higher than 48kHz, SMUX is used for transmission.
Digital Interfaces Frequency Grouping Mode* 48kHz (32kHz, 44,1kHz) no 48k frame 96kHz (88,2kHz) no 96k frame 96kHz (88,2kHz) 2 channels each 48k frame 4 channels each 48k frame 192kHz * only shown for 48kHz, 96kHz, 192kHz ADAT ADAT is probably the most common digital audio connection used in multichannel interfaces. Since an ADAT cable can transmit 8 channels only, the A16 MK-II has two pairs of this interface.
Digital Interfaces WORDCLOCK When using many devices which should run with the same sample rate, it is a good idea to use the Wordclock (BNC) connection of the A16 MK-II. It has both in and out connections to synchronize timings between multiple devices. The A16 MK-II can output a master wordclock, or accept (and then throughput) a signal from other devices. status screen The status screen is a useful help when configuring the A16 MK-II, giving an overview of the digital inputs.
Analog Interface Analog Interface All analog in-/outputs are balanced and can be adjusted to levels from -10dBu (“consumer”) to +4dBu (“professional”). If you adjust the output, for example to +4dBu, you should set the corresponding input to -4dBu in order to balance the amplification one by one. In doing so you can adjust the level of each channel individually. The settings are chosen in a way that, in case of analog full scale, a headroom of 6dB remains to avoid any digital clipping.
Analog Interface Level and gain screen All analog levels and gains can be adjusted independent of each other in steps of 0.5dB. Please press MENU and then select level or gain. Now you see a fader for each of the 16 channels (depending on the selection either the input channels or the output channels). In the first step you select those faders you want to move. You may select various groups of faders or individual faders. Next, press MENU in order to move the selected faders.
Routing Routing Press the MENU button and then select routing in order to adjust the routing between the digital channels and the analog input/output channels. You can now route the analog inputs to a MADI group of 16 outputs and also the ADAT inputs to a MADI output group. After pressing MENU you can adjust another routing for 88,2kHz/96kHz and then one for 192kHz. After pressing MENU again, the display switches to the output routing.
Routing The following table shows an overview of possible routings. MADI 1 are the first 16 channels, accordingly for MADI 2 to MADI 4. analog ADAT MADI 1 MADI 2 MADI 3 MADI 4 destination source analog X O O O O O ADAT O X O O O O MADI 1 O O MADI 2 O O MADI 3 O O MADI 4 O O MADI will be routed through if not assigned otherwise Example 1: 64 x in, 64 x out with four A16 MK-II In this example four A16 MK-II are simply chained in row in order to have 2 x 64 channels.
Routing Example 2: 64 x in, 64 x out with two A16 MKII and two A16 ultra: If you own two ADAT converters (in this example the A16 ultra by Sonic Core), you can incorporate them as shown.
PC remote control software PC remote control software The PC Remote Control Software A16remote.exe lets you control and monitor all your A16 MK-II from your PC. All you need to do is connecting the devices to your PC via MIDI. Alternatively, you can also use the MIDI signal embedded into MADI. In this case you will need a MADI card supporting this function. Please refer to the manual of the card's manufacturer for further information.
PC logo upload software PC logo upload software You can equip the A16 MK-II with your own logo that will be displayed upon switching on and when activating the menu. Additionally, you can enter a name with up to 16 characters which will be transmitted to all PC programs for identifying the A16 MK-II. After starting the software A16logo.exe you have to establish the MIDI connection at first. Select the interface and then click connect. Now you can select the desired A16 MK-II the logo shall be applied to.
CE / FCC Compliance CE / FCC Compliance This device complies with the limits of the European Council Directive on the approximation of the laws of the member states relating to electromagnetic compatibility (RL89/336/EWG, RL73/23/EWG). This device complies with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. RohS This device has been soldered lead free and fulfills the requirements of the RohS directive.
Warranty Warranty Each A16 MK-II is tested by us and all functions are checked extensively. Only high quality components are used, which enables us to give two years full warranty. As confirmation for the purchase date please keep the sales receipt. In case of a defect please consult your dealer. Defects, which are caused by improper installation or use are not subject to the warranty. In this case the repair is with costs. Compensation in any kind, i.e. of secondary damages is excluded.
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