16-channel 24 bit, 192 kHz, D/A Converter Users Guide

v2.0 - January 2005

16-channel 24 bit, 192 kHz, D/A Converter

V2.0 - January 2005

Users Guide

DA-16X Users Guide

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Warnings

FCC warning
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to take whatever measures necessary to correct the interference at his own expense.

Copyright Notice

The Apogee DA-16X is a computer-based device, and as such contains and uses software in ROMs. This software, and all related documentation, including this Users Guide contain proprietary information which is protected by copyright laws. All rights are reserved. No part of the software and its related documentation may be copied, transferred, or modied. You may not modify, adapt, translate, lease, distribute, resell for prot or create derivative works based on the software and its related documentation or any part thereof without prior written consent from Apogee Electronics Corporation, U.S.A.
Registration and Warranty Information
Be sure to register your DA-16X, either by lling in the enclosed Registration Card or by completing the on-line registration form at our Web site: http://www.apogeedigital.com/support/. If you do so, Apogee can contact you with any update information. As enhancements and upgrades are developed, you will be contacted at the registration address. Firmware updates are free for the rst year of ownership unless otherwise stated. Please address any inquiries to your dealer or directly to Apogee at: APOGEE ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, 3145 Donald Douglas Loop South, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA. TEL: (310) 915-1000, FAX: (310) 391-6262 email: support@apogeedigital.com. Web: http://www.apogeedigital.com/ APOGEE ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants this product to be free of defects in material and manufacture under normal use for a period of 12 months. The term of this warranty begins on the date of sale to the purchaser. Units returned for warranty repair to Apogee or an authorized Apogee warranty repair facility will be repaired or replaced at the manufacturers option, free of charge. ALL UNITS RETURNED TO APOGEE OR AN AUTHORIZED APOGEE REPAIR FACILITY MUST BE PREPAID, INSURED AND PROPERLY PACKAGED, PREFERABLY IN THEIR ORIGINAL BOX. Apogee reserves the right to change or improve design at any time without prior notication. Design changes are not implemented retroactively, and the incorporation of design changes into future units does not imply the availability of an upgrade to existing units. This warranty is void if Apogee determines, in its sole business judgment, the defect to be the result of abuse, neglect, alteration or attempted repair by unauthorized personnel. The warranties set forth above are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and Apogee specically disclaims any and all implied warranty of merchantability or of tness for a particular purpose. The buyer acknowledges and agrees that in no event shall the company be held liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, or for injury, loss or damage sustained by any person or property, that may result from this product failing to operate correctly at any time. USA: Some states do not allow for the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for incidental or consequential damage, so the above exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

Service Information

The DA-16X contains no user-serviceable components: refer to qualied service personnel for repair or upgrade. Your warranty will be voided if you tamper with the internal components. If you have any questions with regard to the above, please contact Apogee. In the event your DA-16X needs to be upgraded or repaired, it is necessary to contact Apogee prior to shipping, and a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number will be assigned. This number will serve as a reference for you and helps facilitate and expedite the return process. Apogee requires that shipments be pre-paid and insured unless otherwise authorized in advance. IMPORTANT: ANY SHIPMENT THAT IS NOT PRE-PAID OR IS SENT WITHOUT AN RMA NUMBER WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Declarations of Conformity
Declaration of ConformityFCC Apogee DA-16X
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful inteference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: 1. Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna. 2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. 3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a different circuit from that to which the receiver is connected. 4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. NOTE: The use of non-shielded cable with this equipment is prohibited. CAUTION: Changes or modications not expressly approved by the manufacturer responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate the equipment. Apogee Electronics Corporation, 3145 Donald Douglas Loop South, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Betty Bennett, CEO.

Industry Canada Notice

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numrique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Rglement sur le matrial brouilleur du Canada.

Declaration of Conformity CE
Apogee Electronics Corporation hereby declares that the product, the DA-16X, to which this declaration relates, is in material conformity with the following standards or other normative documents: EN50081-1/EN55022; 1995 EN50082-1/IEC 801-2, 3, 4; 1992 following the provisions of: 73/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive 89/336/EEC EMC Directive
Declaration of Conformity Japan
Apogee Electronics Corporation hereby declares that the DA-16X, to which this declaration relates, is in material conformity with the VCCI Class A standard.
Declaration of Conformity Australia
Apogee Electronics Corporation hereby declares that the DA-16X is in material conformity with AN/NZS standard requirements.

OWNERS RECORD

The serial number is located on the rear panel of the unit. We suggest you record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to it whenever you call an authorized Apogee Electronics repair facility or the manufacturer. Please be sure to return your completed warranty card immediately!
DA-16X Serial No._______________________________________________________ Purchase Date__________________________________________________________ Dealer_________________________________________________________________ Phone_________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________

CAUTION:

Any changes or modications not expressly approved by APOGEE ELECTRONICS CORPORATION could void your authority to operate this equipment under the FCC rules.
Please register this unit by lling in the included registration card, or registering online at http://www.apogeedigital.com/support/register.php Please read this manual if you call for technical support, well assume that you have. There will be a quiz.

Table of Contents

Introduction....2 Signal Flow Diagram....2 Getting Started Quickly....3 Connecting Power...3 Reset.....3 QuickStart....3 Navigating the Front Panel...4-6 Power Switch....4 Setup buttons....4 Primary Parameter Loop/Channel Cal Mode Loop..4 CLOCK SOURCE....5 SAMPLE RATE....5 WC Ratio....5 Lock indication....5 CAL mode indicator...5 OPTICAL format....6 AES format....6 INPUT....6 Level Meters....6 Standard and Advanced Option Routing...7-9 Overview.....7 Advanced Option Routing Example: Additional Digital I/O..8 Advanced Option Routing Example: Expanded Interface Choices.9 Connections on the Rear Panel...10 OUT 1-8....10 OUT 9-16....10 OPTION....10 ADAT S/MUX....10 AES IN....10 WC IN....10 WC OUT....10 WC IN Termination Switch...10 Internal Adjustments....11-12 MIDI Firmware update connector...11 Power switch calibration....12

Introduction

The DA-16X, Apogees latest and most advanced digital to analog converter, takes the legendary quality of Apogee a signicant step forward. Features such as a redesigned power supply, standard 192kHz sampling rates, the C777 clocking technology found in Big Ben, and optional Pro Tools HD and FireWire expansion cards, make the DA-16X the most powerful and exible D-to-A converter ever. Advanced High-Denition Conversion With up to 192k standard sample rates, the DA-16X combines Apogees legendary conversion quality with the very latest in high-denition digital to provide unrivaled exibility and quality. C777 Clocking used by Big Ben The DA 16-X uses Apogees C777 clocking technology. Famous for keeping Big Ben on time, the C777 utilizes an entirely digital process that Apogee has developed with the most advanced Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) technology and DSP-based digital ltering. With a stable, crystal based digital PLL handling the clocking, the DA-16X is able to intelligently manipulate incoming signals and adapt to them accordingly, resulting in unprecedented jitter attenuation and an astonishing and noticeable difference in sound quality. Advanced Option Routing With version 2 rmware, both digital inputs and analog outputs may be routed in conjunction with an installed X-Option card. Please see page 7 for details. Universal Connectivity With its wide array of standard and optional digital inputs, the DA-16X can be connected to virtually any digital system. The DA-16X includes AES and ADAT Optical digital inputs as standard, while either the X-HD or X-FireWire cards may be installed for connectivity to Pro Tools HD or any FireWire equipped computer. High Performance Output The DA-16X uses Apogees newly developed electronically balanced line drivers, able to simulate true transformer behavior. The circuitry is an ultra low output impedance, high current driver, capable of running levels up to 26 dBu to the most complex or low impedance loads. Recording studios utilizing vintage audio-equipment will nd this particularly valuable. Ultimately, the output performance of the DA16X achieves perfect symmetry when used in balanced mode (even with an unsymmetrical load) and no increased distortion when used unbalanced.

Getting Started Quickly

USING THIS MANUAL In this manual, parameters are dened as the characteristics of operation, such as CLOCK SOURCE or AES format, and are capitalized in this manner : CLOCK SOURCE. Values are dened as the choices available for each parameter for example, the parameter CLOCK SOURCE has the values INTernal,WC and INPUT Values are italicized in this manner: S/PDIF. Settings are dened as the entire set of parameters and values. When physical controls such as buttons or switches are referred to in the text, they are highlighted in this manner: DOWN.

INSTALLATION

Please ensure that the DA-16X is installed in a adequately ventilated location. It is recommended that a 1U space be left between units if installed in a 19 electronics rack

CONNECTING POWER

The DA-16X accepts an AC input of 100 to 240v AC at a frequency of 50 to 60 Hz. Thus, the unit may be connected to virtually any AC power outlet found worldwide without concern for voltage settings or fuse ratings.
To reset the DA-16X, power up the unit while pressing the DOWN button. This provides a quick method to return to factory default settings when exploring the units functionality and capabilities. When reset, the conversion level is set so a 16 dBFs digital input results in a +4 dBu analog output.

QUICKSTART

Follow these simple steps to get started quickly: 1) 2) 3) 4) 5) Connect an AC input, the desired digital inputs and analog outputs to the DA-16Xs rear panel. Reset the DA-16X by powering up the unit while pressing the DOWN button. Once the DA-16X has booted up, press the DOWN button repeatedly until the INPUT indication is lit (in the leftmost column of the Clock window). Press the NEXT button repeatedly until the AES LED is ashing (in the column of LEDs above INPUT). Press the UP or DOWN buttons until the desired input is selected. The sample rate of the input should be indicated in the Clock window, the Narrow Lock indicator should light, and audio should be present at the DA-16Xs outputs. If an X-Option card is installed, the DA-16X may be set in an Advanced Option routing conguration; please see page 8 for details.
Navigating the Front Panel
Power Switch - The POWER switch may be congured to operate in the manner best suited to the installation of the unit; for example, if the DA-16X is installed in a rack with a Master power switch, the unit may be congured to power on when the Master switch is turned on. Please see the section of this manual entitled Internal Adjustments for details. Note that the POWER switch LED indicates that the DA-16X is receiving a proper AC input, and is in Standby. The LED goes out when the DA-16X is powered on.
Setup buttons and LED - These buttons are used to modify all settings on the DA-16X. In general, setting modication is accomplished by : a) enabling Setup mode by pressing any of the 4 buttons (the Setup LED will light and one parameter value will ash); b) using the PREV or NEXT buttons to scroll to the parameter to be modied; c) using the UP or DOWN buttons to select the desired parameter value. After Setup mode is enabled, pressing the PREV or NEXT button will cycle through the DA-16Xs seven parameters - CLOCK SOURCE, SAMPLE RATE, WC ratio, OPTICAL format, AES format, INPUT and CAL mode- and then return to the rst parameter. Likewise, pressing the UP or DOWN buttons will cycle through the values available for the selected parameter. Once a value is selected, it immediately becomes active, regardless if the LED is ashing to indicate that Setup mode has been enabled. If the CAL parameter has been selected, pressing and holding either the PREV or NEXT button will allow the user to enter Channel CAL mode; its now possible to cycle through channels 1-16 (plus two oscillator settings) in order to make settings to individual channels. Please see page 5 for more details concerning CAL modes. Figure 1 depicts the parameter cycles of the DA-16X.

PRIMARY PARAMETER LOOP

Clock Source

Sample PN Rate

WC Ratio
OPTICAL AES PN Format Format

CAL Modes

Press and hold PREV or NEXT

CHANNEL CAL MODE LOOP

P N CH-16 P N
OSC P N OSC P N LEVEL ON/OFF PREV

Figure 1

P N NEXT
Navigating the Front Panel 3

continued

Parameters 3-7 are displayed in the Clock Window, as indicated at the top of this page. 3) CLOCK SOURCE This parameter determines the clock source of the DA-16X, and may be set to INTernal crystal, WC input, or to the digital INPUT (as selected by the INPUT parameter).To use Optical input as a clock or input source, the ADAT 1-8 input must be connected rst in precedence. When AES input is selected as a clock or input source, all inputs are scanned until a valid input is detected; this input is utilized as the clock source. SAMPLE RATE - When the CLOCK SOURCE is set to INTernal , the Sample Rate display indicates the frequency of the internally generated clock, and may be set to all standard sample rates between 44.1 and 192 kHz. When the CLOCK SOURCE is set to either WC or INPUT, the display indicates the sample Word Clock I/O Frequency rate of the DA-16X as a result of locking 44.1kHz 48kHz 88.2kHz 96kHz 176.4kHz to the selected source; the sample rate cannot be set by the user. WC Ratio This parameter determines WC /2: 88.2kHz 96kHz 176.4kHz 192kHz the ratio between the word clock Input/ WC/4: 176.4kHz 192kHz Output frequency and the units sample rate. Figure 2 indicates the resultant Resultant DA-16X Sample Rate DA-16X sample rate given a specic WC Figure 2 Frequency Ratio setting and word clock input frequency. Likewise, the word clock output frequency may be determined given a specic WC Ratio setting and DA-16X sample rate. This parameter should be used to adjust the DA-16X word clock I/O to accommodate the requirements of specic digital systems. For example, to congure the DA-16X to lock to a 48kHz word clock input and run at a sample rate of 192kHz, set WC Ratio to WC fs/4. Lock indication These LEDs indicate the Lock status of the DA-16Xs C777 clock. Two levels of lock precision are displayed, Wide and Narrow. When the Narrow LED and Lock exclamation point are lit, the DA-16X has locked to the selected CLOCK SOURCE in such a way to ensure the highest quality D-to-A conversion. If the Wide LED or only the upper section of the Lock exclamation point lights, the stability of the clock source is questionable, and should be veried. Thanks to SureLock, Apogees intelligent clock continuity algorithm, the DA-16X will output a stable clock signal even if the selected CLOCK SOURCE is interrupted. When SureLock is engaged, the arrow section of the Lock exclamation point ashes to indicate a loss of the clock source, while the Narrow LED and blue point light solidly to indicate a stable clock output. 7) CAL mode indicator This LED indicates that either Global or Channel CALibration mode is enabled, and that the digital to analog conversion level may be calibrated. Global CAL allows the calibration of all 16 channels simultaneously, while Channel CAL allows calibration of individual channels. Global CAL mode is enabled by scrolling through the 7 front panel parameters until the CAL LED ashes; global Cal will scroll across the Sample Rate display. Once enabled, all 16 analog output levels may be adjusted by one of three operations: Press and Hold UP to raise the analog output level and DOWN to lower the level; Press and release UP or DOWN to modify the analog outputs +-.01 dB; Quickly tap UP or DOWN twice (think of a double mouse click) to modify the analog outputs +- 1.0 dB. This double press function may be used to quickly jump from a house reference level to another reference level in precise 1 dB steps.

Lock exclamation point

WC Ratio Setting
WC x1: 44.1kHz 48kHz 88.2kHz 96kHz 176.4kHz

192kHz 192kHz

Navigating the Front Panel 8
When modifying calibration levels, the Sample Rate display depicts the wheels of gain, which rotate clockwise to indicate increasing level and counterclockwise to indicate decreasing level, something like a volume knob. Channel CAL mode is enabled by scrolling through the 7 front panel parameters until the CAL LED ashes, then pressing and holding either the PREV or NEXT buttons until ch 1 scrolls across the Sample Rate display. Keeping in mind that Setup mode is always enabled while in Channel CAL mode, channel 1s analog output may be modied by the same operations described on the previous page. To adjust channels 2-16, press either the PREV or NEXT button until the LED corresponding to the channel to be modied is lit. Additionally, there are two extra parameters in the Channel CAL cycle: Oscillator On-Off and Oscillator Level. To engage the oscillator, press PREV or NEXT (while in Channel CAL mode) until OSC OFF scrolls across the Sample Rate display, then press the UP button to turn the oscillator on (if the oscillator is on, press DOWN to turn it off). To set the Oscillator level, press PREV or NEXT, until OSC 16dBFs scrolls across the Sample Rate display, and press UP or DOWN to set the oscillator to a value between -20 dBFs and 0 dbFs.
Saving calibration settings
To exit Channel CAL mode, press and hold either PREV or NEXT again. Keep in mind that values entered while in either Global or Channel calibration mode wont be saved in non-volatile memory until Channel CAL mode is exited and the Setup mode LED goes out. Individual channel level changes made in Channel Cal mode are preserved when modifying all channel levels in Global Cal mode. To calibrate the DA-16X, engage the internal oscillator at the desired digital reference level (between -20 and -12 dBFs) and calibrate the analog outputs until the desired analog reference level (most often +4 dBu) is attained. This may be most easily accomplished by measuring the AC voltage between the plus and minus legs of each analog output, and adjusting the calibration level until a voltage of 1.23 volts AC is attained. Any modern digital voltmeter will provide a sufciently accurate measurement. 8) OPTICAL format The format of the Optical inputs may be set to ADAT, S/MUX2 or S/MUX4 to accommodate the Optical format of connected devices. If the CLOCK SOURCE is either INTernal or WC, the OPTICAL format is determined by the Clock Sources sample rate, and cannot be modied. If the CLOCK SOURCE is INPUT and INPUT is set to ADAT, the OPTICAL format is specied by the user. AES format - The format of the AES inputs may be set to SINGLE or DOUBLE wire, to accommodate the AES format of connected devices. If the CLOCK SOURCE is either INTernal or WC and the sample rate is 44.1- 48kHz, only the SINGLE value is available; in all other cases both values may be selected.

10) INPUT The DA-16Xs digital input may be sourced from either the ADAT, AES or OPTION card inputs. The OPTION value is not accessible when no card is installed. To use Optical input as a clock or input source, the ADAT 1-8 input must be connected rst in precedence. When the DA-16X is set to Advanced Option routing conguration, the OPTION LED remains lit and INPUT may be toggled between ADAT and AES only. Please see page 8 for details. 11) Level Meters Much more than mere signal presence indicators, these LEDs display digital Input level from 36 to 0 dBFs according to their brightness.
Standard and Advanced Option Routing
When an X-Option card is installed, the DA-16X may be set to one of two output congurations, Standard and Advanced Option. When Standard routing is enabled, only one signal path is present the selected digital input to the analog outputs. When Advanced Option routing is enabled, two signal paths are present 1) ADAT or AES digital input to X-Option card outputs; 2) X-Option card inputs to analog outputs.
DA-16X : Standard Routing

AES Device

Optical Device

Optical

DA-16X
(input select) Cal Level D to A & Meters

Analog Out

Option Out
X-FireWire or X-HD option card

Computer

Option In
DA-16X: Advanced Option Routing

(input select)

Cal Level D to A & Meters
Please see pages 8 & 9 for Advanced Option Routing examples Switching the DA-16X between Routing modes may only be accomplished when powering on the unit. To toggle between Standard and Advanced Option routing modes, press and hold the UP button while powering on the unit; when Standard routing is enabled, Apogee DA-16X scrolls across the Sample Rate Display; when Advanced Option routing is enabled, Apogee DA-16X 2.0 scrolls across the Sample Rate Display
IMPORTANT NOTES CONCERNING ADVANDED OPTION ROUTING MODE
Advanced Option routing will modify the manner in which an X-HD equipped DA-16X is detected in Pro Tools, reecting the additional available inputs.

Standard and Advanced Option Routing Analog Out
Advanced Option Routing Additional Digital I/O
With Advanced Option routing, the AD and DA-16X offers additional digital I/O to Digidesign HD or Firewire-based audio systems. As depicted in the routing diagram at left, when an X-HD card is installed in both an AD and DA-16X, it becomes possible to route the DA-16Xs AES or ADAT inputs to a Pro Tools session while routing the AD-16Xs AES and ADAT outputs from the session. The AD-16X functions as a Digidesign 192 with 16 analog inputs and 16 digital outputs while the DA-16X functions as a 192 with 16 digital inputs and 16 analog outputs. Of course, the same functionality is possible with X-Firewire cards and a Firewirebased audio system.

Cal Level

D to A & Meters

X-HD option card

AD-16X: Advanced Option Routing

AD-16X

Soft Limit

A to D & Meters

Analog In
Computer X-HD option card with Pro Tools HD
Advanced Option Routing Expanded Interface Choices
When an X-Option card is installed in a DA-16X, Advanced Option routing offers the possibility to connect a second interface using the DA-16Xs digital I/O. As depicted in the routing diagram at right, the DA-16Xs digital inputs are routed to the Firewire audio device while the DA-16Xs analog outputs are routed from the Firewire device. These digital inputs may be connected to an AD-16X or a MiniMe to provide analog input. In short, only one X-Option card is needed to connect a DA-16X and an A-to-D.

AD-16X: Standard Routing

with FireWire 400/800
Connections on the Rear Panel
1) OUT 1-8 - This DB-25 connection provides analog outputs 1-8; analog outputs are balanced line level signals at a nominal level adjustable between. Apogees DA8-IFC breakout cable can connect here to provide 8 XLR male connecters. (pinout Figure 3). 2) OUT 9-16 - This DB-25 connection provides analog outputs 9-16. Apogees DA8-IFC breakout cable can connect here to provide 8 XLR male connecters (pinout Figure 3). 3) OPTION - This slot is reserved for Apogees X-Series Option cards, which provide additional digital input formats, such as FireWire or Digidesign HD. 4) ADAT S/MUX These Toslink connections accept ADAT or S/MUX format optical inputs according to the front panel conguration. Figure 4 indicates the Tosllink connectors used for each Optical format accepted. To use Optical input as a clock or input source, the ADAT 1-8 input must be connected rst in precedence.Only 8 channels may be input when using the S/MUX 4 format. 5) AES IN This DB-25 connector accepts 16 channels of AES-EBU Single wire input and 8 channels of Double wire input (pinout Figure 5). Apogees AES16IP-IFC breakout cable can connect here to provide 8 XLR female connectors. 6) WC IN - This BNC connection accepts a TTL Logic clock signal. Termination of the word clock input may be engaged with an internal switch; please see Internal Adjustments. 7) WC OUT - This BNC connection provides a TTL Logic clock signal output. 8) WC IN Termination Switch - When this switch is pressed IN, a 75 ohm load is engaged across the word clock input; when the switch is OUT, the word clock input is unterminated (Figure 6). 9) AC - This IES connection accepts an AC input of 100 to 240 VAC at a frequency of 50 to 60 Hz.

Pinout Diagram for Analog OUT 1-8 and 9-16

Figure 3

Rear Panel Optical Connectors

2 9-16 5-8 3-4

1-8 1-4 1-2

Optical Format

S/MUX 2: S/MUX 4:

9-12 5-6

13-16 7-8

Figure 4

Pinout Diagram for AES IN 1-16

Figure 5

WORD CLOCK IN, Termination Switch
Terminated switch position Unterminated switch position

Figure 6

Internal Adjustments
MIDI FIRMWARE UPDATE CONNECTOR
To allow the greatest exibility in the eld, Apogee now employs a rmware update method using stardard Midi protocol. Youll need the following items to update the rmware of your Apogee device: ApogeeUpdater program, available from Apogees website New rmware le, also available from our website Macintosh OSX 10.2 or higher or Windows XP computer USB Midi interface, compatible with OS used. Please note that Midi interfaces with proprietary latency-reducing modes do not properly transmit System Exclusive data such as this rmware update. Ensure that such modes are turned off before attempting to update rmware. USB Midi Interfaces such as the Edirol PC-300, where proprietary modes may not be turned off, are not compatible with this rmware update method.
To determine the version of rmware installed in the DA 16X, press the PREV button while powering on the unit. 2) Install both the ApogeeUpdater and the new rmware le onto a computer equipped with a USB Midi Interface. Its assumed that all drivers MIDI updater necessary for the proper test and operation of the Midi Interface have been installed. 3) Connect the DA-16Xs Midi Update Connector to an output of the Midi Interface. 4) On the DA-16X, simultaneously press the PREV and NEXT buttons while powering up the Apogee device; once the device has booted, release the PREV and NEXT buttons. When the signal level LEDs begin to dance, the unit is ready to receive data. 5) Open the ApogeeUpdater application, and click on OPEN FILE. In the Navigation window which appears, navigate to the new rmware le, select it, and click on OPEN. 6) Click on DOWNLOAD TO UNIT. 7) The complete update process takes 8 minutes; after about 1 minute, data transfer should begin and the percentage completed displayed on the ApogeeUpdater panel should correspond to the percentage displayed on the DA-16X front panel. 8) Once the download has reached 100%, the unit will re-boot and the front panel will return to a normal operating state. 9) Before proceeding, reset the unit by pressing DOWN while powering up the unit.

Internal Adjustments -

POWER SWITCH SETTINGS

JUMPER P13

(as seen from front)

DESCRIPTION

When AC power is applied to the input, the unit does not power up immediately; to power on the unit,the POWER button must be pressed. When AC power is applied to the input, DA-16X powers on immediately; nevertheless, the POWER switch is functional.

P13 Jumper

Features and Specications
16 channels of premium 24-bit D/A conversion Sample rates up to 192k 16 channels of AES, ADAT/SMUX Input Word Clock I/O Optional expansion card for direct connection to ProTools HD (X-HD card) Optional S800 FireWire card capable of sample rates up to 192k, compatible with OS X/Windows XP and all popular DAWs (X-FireWire card) All option cards (X-FireWire and X-HD) facilitate connection of multiple units Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) using Big Bens C777 Clock Technology up to 192kHz Master clock capability Adaptive Loop Filtering (ALF) for optimum clock performance and minimum jitter Support for AES double wire and SMUX formats Intuitive front panel calibration Word Clock termination switch
INPUTS AES-EBU in x 8, transformer balanced, DSUB 25pin connector (192k single wide compatible) Optical: toslink x 4, supporting ADAT and SMUX protocol WC in: BNC 75 ohm with switchable termination OUTPUTS WC out: BNC 75 ohm Analog out 1-8 Balanced, DSUB 25pin connector. Analog out 9-16 Balanced, DSUB 25pin connector. OPTION SLOT One x-type card can be installed, for Firewire, HD and or other future format connectivity
SPECS: Sample rates internal: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192k Sample rates external: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192k +/- 10% Frequency response at 44.1 k : 5 - 20.000 Hz (+/- 0.2 dB) Analog levels: 6 to 24dBu max through digital gain adjustment. (Compatible with -10dBV levels) THD+N: -107 dB Dynamic range: 118dB A weighted Power: 100 -240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz, 65 Watt
Due to on-going development Apogee reserves the right to change all information and specications without notice.
DA-16X USERS GUIDE - v2.0 - January 2005
Text conceived and delivered by: Roger Robindore Graphics and product illustration by: Sean McArthur

16-channel 24 bit, 192 kHz, A/D Converter Users Guide

v2.0 - January 2005

16-channel 24 bit, 192 kHz, A/D Converter

Users Guide

AD-16X Users Guide

APOGEE ELECTRONICS

Warnings

FCC warning

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when operated in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be required to take whatever measures necessary to correct the interference at his own expense.

Copyright Notice

The Apogee AD-16X is a computer-based device, and as such contains and uses software in ROMs. This software, and all related documentation, including this Users Guide contain proprietary information which is protected by copyright laws. All rights are reserved. No part of the software and its related documentation may be copied, transferred, or modied. You may not modify, adapt, translate, lease, distribute, resell for prot or create derivative works based on the software and its related documentation or any part thereof without prior written consent from Apogee Electronics Corporation, U.S.A.
Registration and Warranty Information
Be sure to register your AD-16X, either by lling in the enclosed Registration Card or by completing the on-line registration form at our Web site: http://www.apogeedigital.com/support/. If you do so, Apogee can contact you with any update information. As enhancements and upgrades are developed, you will be contacted at the registration address. Firmware updates are free for the rst year of ownership unless otherwise stated. Please address any inquiries to your dealer or directly to Apogee at: APOGEE ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, 3145 Donald Douglas Loop South, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA. TEL: (310) 915-1000, FAX: (310) 391-6262 email: support@apogeedigital.com. Web: http://www.apogeedigital.com/ APOGEE ELECTRONICS CORPORATION warrants this product to be free of defects in material and manufacture under normal use for a period of 12 months. The term of this warranty begins on the date of sale to the purchaser. Units returned for warranty repair to Apogee or an authorized Apogee warranty repair facility will be repaired or replaced at the manufacturers option, free of charge. ALL UNITS RETURNED TO APOGEE OR AN AUTHORIZED APOGEE REPAIR FACILITY MUST BE PREPAID, INSURED AND PROPERLY PACKAGED, PREFERABLY IN THEIR ORIGINAL BOX. Apogee reserves the right to change or improve design at any time without prior notication. Design changes are not implemented retroactively, and the incorporation of design changes into future units does not imply the availability of an upgrade to existing units. This warranty is void if Apogee determines, in its sole business judgment, the defect to be the result of abuse, neglect, alteration or attempted repair by unauthorized personnel. The warranties set forth above are in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and Apogee specically disclaims any and all implied warranty of merchantability or of tness for a particular purpose. The buyer acknowledges and agrees that in no event shall the company be held liable for any special, indirect, incidental or consequential damages, or for injury, loss or damage sustained by any person or property, that may result from this product failing to operate correctly at any time. USA: Some states do not allow for the exclusion or limitation of implied warranties or liability for incidental or consequential damage, so the above exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specic legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

Service Information

The AD-16X contains no user-serviceable components: refer to qualied service personnel for repair or upgrade. Your warranty will be voided if you tamper with the internal components. If you have any questions with regard to the above, please contact Apogee. In the event your AD-16X needs to be upgraded or repaired, it is necessary to contact Apogee prior to shipping, and a Return Materials Authorization (RMA) number will be assigned. This number will serve as a reference for you and helps facilitate and expedite the return process. Apogee requires that shipments be pre-paid and insured unless otherwise authorized in advance. IMPORTANT: ANY SHIPMENT THAT IS NOT PRE-PAID OR IS SENT WITHOUT AN RMA NUMBER WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
Declarations of Conformity
Declaration of ConformityFCC Apogee AD-16X
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation. This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits of a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful inteference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures: 1. Re-orient or relocate the receiving antenna. 2. Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver. 3. Connect the equipment into an outlet on a different circuit from that to which the receiver is connected. 4. Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help. NOTE: The use of non-shielded cable with this equipment is prohibited. CAUTION: Changes or modications not expressly approved by the manufacturer responsible for compliance could void the users authority to operate the equipment. Apogee Electronics Corporation, 3145 Donald Douglas Loop South, Santa Monica, CA 90405. Betty Bennett, CEO.

Industry Canada Notice

This Class B digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment Regulations. Cet appareil numrique de la classe B respecte toutes les exigences du Rglement sur le matrial brouilleur du Canada.

Declaration of Conformity CE
Apogee Electronics Corporation hereby declares that the product, the AD-16X, to which this declaration relates, is in material conformity with the following standards or other normative documents: EN50081-1/EN55022; 1995 EN50082-1/IEC 801-2, 3, 4; 1992 following the provisions of: 73/23/EEC Low Voltage Directive 89/336/EEC EMC Directive
Declaration of Conformity Japan
Apogee Electronics Corporation hereby declares that the AD-16X, to which this declaration relates, is in material conformity with the VCCI Class A standard.
Declaration of Conformity Australia
Apogee Electronics Corporation hereby declares that the AD-16X is in material conformity with AN/NZS standard requirements.

OWNERS RECORD

The serial number is located on the rear panel of the unit. We suggest you record the serial number in the space provided below. Refer to it whenever you call an authorized Apogee Electronics repair facility or the manufacturer. Please be sure to return your completed warranty card immediately!
AD-16X Serial No._______________________________________________________ Purchase Date__________________________________________________________ Dealer_________________________________________________________________ Phone_________________________________________________________________ Address________________________________________________________________

CAUTION:

Any changes or modications not expressly approved by APOGEE ELECTRONICS CORPORATION could void your authority to operate this equipment under the FCC rules.
Please register this unit by lling in the included registration card, or registering online at http://www.apogeedigital.com/support/register.php Please read this manual if you call for technical support, well assume that you have. There will be a quiz.

Table of Contents

Introduction....2 Signal Flow Diagram....2 Getting Started Quickly....3 Installation....3 Connecting Power...3 Reset....3 QuickStart....3 Signal Flow....3 Navigating the Front Panel...4-7 Power Switch....4 Setup buttons....4 Primary Parameter Loop...4 CLOCK SOURCE....5 SAMPLE RATE....5 WC Ratio....5 Lock indication....5 CAL mode indicator...6 UV22HR.....6 SoftLimit.....7 AES format....7 CLEAR....7 Level Meters....7 Standard and Advanced Option Routing..8-10 Overview....8 Advanced Option Routing Example: Additional Digital I/O..9 Advanced Option Routing Example: Expanded Interface Choices..10 Connections on the Rear Panel...11 OUT 1-8....11 OUT 9-16....11 OPTION....11 ADAT S/MUX....11 AES IN....11 WC IN....11 WC OUT....11 WC IN Termination Switch...11 Internal Adjustments...12-13 MIDI Firmware update connector...12 Power switch calibration....13

Introduction

The AD-16X, Apogees latest and most advanced analog to digital converter, takes the legendary quality of Apogee a signicant step forward. Features such as a redesigned power supply, standard 192kHz sampling rates, the C777 clocking technology found in Big Ben, and optional Pro Tools HD and FireWire expansion cards, make the AD-16X the most powerful and exible A-to-D converter ever. Advanced High-Denition Conversion With up to 192k standard sample rates, the AD-16X combines Apogees legendary conversion quality with the very latest in high-denition digital to provide unrivaled exibility and quality. C777 Clocking used by Big Ben The AD-16X uses Apogees C777 clocking technology. Famous for keeping Big Ben on time, the C777 utilizes an entirely digital process that Apogee has developed with the most advanced Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) technology and DSP-based digital ltering. With a stable, crystal based digital PLL handling the clocking, the AD-16X is able to intelligently manipulate incoming signals and adapt to them accordingly, resulting in unprecedented jitter attenuation and an astonishing and noticeable difference in sound quality. Advanced Option Routing With version 2 rmware, both digital inputs and analog outputs may be routed in conjunction with an installed X-Option card. Please see page 7 for details. Universal Connectivity With its wide array of standard and optional digital outputs, the AD-16X can be connected to virtually any digital system. The AD-16X includes AES and ADAT Optical digital outputs as standard, while either the X-HD or X-FireWire cards may be installed for connectivity to Pro Tools HD or any FireWire equipped computer. SoftLimit Soft Limit is an analog peak limiter that instantaneously and gracefully controls transient peaks, thereby allowing an additional 4-6 dB of headroom. Short of purchasing a very expensive stand-alone compressor/limiter, there is currently no product on the market that handles this process better than SoftLimit. UV22HR UV22HR is Apogees industry standard technology for reducing the word-length of a high-resolution digital signal to 16 bits. UV22HR is also being employed to produce dramatically improved internet and computer audio content without increased le sizes or data rates. It is estimated that 8 out of 10 hit records are mastered using Apogees UV22HR technology.

Getting Started Quickly

USING THIS MANUAL In this manual, parameters are dened as the characteristics of operation, such as CLOCK SOURCE or AES format, and are capitalized in this manner : CLOCK SOURCE. Values are dened as the choices available for each parameter for example, the parameter CLOCK SOURCE has the values INTernal,WC and INPUT Values are italicized in this manner: S/PDIF. Settings are dened as the entire set of parameters and values. When physical controls such as buttons or switches are referred to in the text, they are highlighted in this manner: DOWN.

INSTALLATION

Please ensure that the AD-16X is installed in a adequately ventilated location. It is recommended that a 1U space be left between units if installed in a 19 electronics rack

CONNECTING POWER

The AD-16X accepts an AC input of 100 to 240v AC at a frequency of 50 to 60 Hz. Thus, the unit may be connected to virtually any AC power outlet found worldwide without concern for voltage settings or fuse ratings.
To reset the AD-16X, power up the unit while pressing the DOWN button. This provides a quick method to return to factory default settings when exploring the units functionality and capabilities. When reset, the conversion level is set so a +4 dBu analog input results in a 16 dBFs digital output.

QUICKSTART

1) 2) 3) 4) 5) 6) 7)
Follow these simple steps to get started quickly: Connect an AC input and the desired analog inputs and digital outputs to the AD-16Xs rear panel. Reset the AD-16X by powering up the unit while pressing the DOWN button. Once the AD-16X has booted up, the CLOCK SOURCE will default to INTernal and the SAMPLE RATE will default to 44.1kHz. If lock to an external word clock is desired, press the DOWN button until the WC lights. To change to another sample rate (if CLOCK SOURCE is set to INTernal), press the NEXT button until the Sample Rate Display ashes, then press either the UP or DOWN buttons to select the desired sample rate. In the clock window, verify that the desired sample rate is indicated and theLock Exclamation Point is lit. If an X-Option card is installed, the AD-16X may be set in an Advanced Option routing conguration; please see page 9 for details. Signals present at the analog inputs will now be converted to digital and routed to the corresponding channels of ALL the digital outputs.

SIGNAL PATH

AES OUT
Analog Inputs Cal Level Soft Limit A to D Conversion UV22

OPTICAL OUT OPTION OUT

Navigating the Front Panel
Power Switch - The POWER switch may be congured to operate in the manner best suited to the installation of the unit; for example, if the AD-16X is installed in a rack with a Master power switch, the unit may be congured to power on when the Master switch is turned on. Please see the section of this manual entitled Internal Adjustments for details. Note that the POWER switch LED indicates that the AD-16X is receiving a proper AC input, and is in Standby. The LED goes out when the AD-16X is powered on.

Setup buttons and LED - These buttons are used to modify all settings on the AD-16X. In general, setting modication is accomplished by : a) enabling Setup mode by pressing any of the 4 buttons (the Setup LED will light and one parameter value will ash); b) using the PREV or NEXT buttons to scroll to the parameter to be modied; c) using the UP or DOWN buttons to select the desired parameter value.

PRIMARY PARAMETER LOOP

Clock Source

Sample PN Rate

WC Ratio

Soft Limit

AES Format

Global CAL

UV22 CHANNEL SELECT MODE
Press and hold PREV or NEXT

CH 1-2

CH 3-4

CH 5-6

CH 15-16
SOFT LIMIT CHANNEL SELECT MODE

CHANNEL CAL MODE

P N NEXT

Figure 1

Navigating the Front Panel 3

continued

After Setup mode is enabled, pressing the PREV or NEXT button will cycle through the AD-16Xs seven parameters - CLOCK SOURCE, SAMPLE RATE, WC ratio, UV22HR, SOFT LIMIT, AES format and CAL mode- and then return to the rst parameter. Likewise, pressing the UP or DOWN buttons will cycle through the values available for the selected parameter. Once a value is selected, it immediately becomes active, regardless if the LED is ashing to indicate that Setup mode has been enabled. If either the UV22HR, SOFT LIMIT or CAL mode parameters has been selected, pressing and holding either the PREV or NEXT button will allow the user to enter a corresponding Channel mode; its now possible to cycle through channels 1-16 in order to make settings to individual channels. Please see page 6 for more details concerning CAL modes. Figure 1 depicts the parameter cycles of the AD-16X. Parameters 3-7 are displayed in the Clock Window, as indicated at the top of this page. 3) 4) CLOCK SOURCE This parameter determines the clock source of the AD-16X, and may be set to INTernal crystal or WC input. SAMPLE RATE - When the CLOCK SOURCE is set to INTernal , the Sample Rate display indicates the frequency of the internally generated clock, and may be set to any standard sample rates from 44.1 to 192 kHz. When the CLOCK SOURCE is set to WC, the display indicates the sample rate of the AD-16X as a result of locking to the selected source; the sample rate cannot be set by the user. WC Ratio This parameter deterWord Clock I/O Frequency mines the ratio between the word clock Input/Output frequency and the units 44.1kHz 48kHz 88.2kHz 96kHz sample rate. Figure 2 indicates the WC x1: 44.1kHz 48kHz 88.2kHz 96kHz resultant AD-16X sample rate given a WC Ratio specic WC Frequency Ratio setting Setting WC /2: 88.2kHz 96kHz 176.4kHz 192kHz and word clock input frequency. LikeWC/4: 176.4kHz 192kHz wise, the word clock output frequency may be determined given a specic Resultant AD-16X Sample Rate WC Ratio setting and AD-16X sample rate. This parameter should be used Figure 2 to adjust the AD-16X word clock I/O to accommodate the requirements of specic digital systems. For example, to congure the AD-16X to lock to a 48kHz word clock input and run at a sample rate of 192kHz, set WC Ratio to WC fs/4. Lock indication These LEDs indicate the Lock status of the AD-16Xs C777 clock. Two levels of lock precision are displayed, Wide and Narrow. When the Narrow LED and Lock Exclamation Point are lit, the AD-16X has locked to the selected CLOCK SOURCE in such a way to ensure the highest quality A-to-D conversion. If the Wide LED or only the upper section of the Lock Exclamation Point lights, the stability of the clock source is questionable, and should be veried. Thanks to SureLock, Apogees intelligent clock continuity algorithm, the AD-16X will output a stable clock signal even if the selected CLOCK SOURCE is interrupted. When SureLock is engaged, the arrow section of the Lock exclamation point ashes to indicate a loss of the clock source, while the Narrow LED and blue point light solidly to indicate a stable clock output.

176.4kHz 176.4kHz

192kHz 192kHz

Lock Exclamation Point

Navigating the Front Panel 8
CAL mode indicator This LED indicates that either Global or Channel CALibration mode is enabled, and that the analog to digital conversion level may be calibrated. Global CAL allows the calibration of all 16 channels simultaneously, while Channel CAL allows calibration of individual channels. Global CAL mode is enabled by scrolling through the 7 front panel parameters until the CAL LED ashes; global Cal will scroll across the Sample Rate display, followed by the digital output level of channel 1. Once enabled, all 16 analog input levels may be adjusted simultaineously by one of three operations: Press and Hold UP to raise the analog input level and DOWN to lower the level. Press and release UP or DOWN to modify the analog inputs +-.01 dB; Quickly tap UP or DOWN twice (think of a double mouse click) to modify the analog inputs +- 1.0 dB. This double press function may be used to quickly jump from a house reference level to another reference level in precise 1 dB steps.
Channel CAL mode is enabled by scrolling through the 7 front panel parameters until the CAL LED ashes, then pressing and holding either the PREV or NEXT buttons until ch 1 scrolls across the Sample Rate display. Keeping in mind that Setup mode is always enabled while in Channel CAL mode, channel 1s analog output may be modied by the same operations described on the previous page. To adjust channels 2-16, press either the PREV or NEXT button until the LED corresponding to the channel to be modied is lit.
Saving calibration settings
To exit Channel CAL mode, press and hold either PREV or NEXT again. Keep in mind that values entered while in either Global or Channel calibration mode wont be saved in non-volatile memory until Channel CAL mode is exited and the Setup mode LED goes out. When either Global or Channel CAL modes are enabled, the Sample Rate Display operates as a digital level meter with a range of -24 to 0 dBFs; if the level is below -24dBFs (or there is no analog input present), the Display will read ----. In Global CAL mode the level of Channel 1 is indicated; when in Channel CAL mode the level of the selected channel is indicated. Individual channel level changes made in Channel Cal mode are preserved when modifying all channel levels in Global Cal mode. To quickly calibrate the AD-16X, reset the unit (by pressing DOWN while powering on) and connect a 1 kHz tone at the desired analog reference level (usually +4 dBu) to channel 1. Enable Global CAL and press UP or DOWN to modify the level indicated by the Sample Rate Display to the desired digital reference (usually between -20 to -12 dBFs). Keep in mind that digital levels are expressed as a minus reading below 0 dBFs; thus a change from -16 dBFs to -14 dBFs is an increase of the coversion level.This procedure calibrates ALL channels to approximately the same conversion level. To rene the calibration of each channel, press and hold either PREV or NEXT to enter Channel CAL mode, connect a 1kHz tone to the channel to be modied, select that channel using PREV or NEXT (the selection is indicated by the red ashing LED) and press UP or DOWN to attain the desired digital level. 8) UV22HR This LED indicates the status of UV22HR processing, which reduces bit resolution from 24 to 16 bits when applied to the converted digital signal. When the UV22HR LED is illuminated, UV22HR processing is engaged on channel pairs selected in UV22HR Channel Select Mode. To enable this mode, press and hold either PREV or NEXT (while the UV22HR LED is ashing). To select channel pairs, press PREV or NEXT until the red OVER LEDs of the desired pair are lit, and press UP or DOWN to select the pair, as indicated by the illumination of the corresponding green LEDs. UV22HR may only be engaged when the SAMPLE RATE is set to 44.1 or 48kHz

Navigating the Front Panel 9
SOFT LIMIT - This LED indicates the status of Soft Limit, Apogees analog transient peak reduction circuitry. When the Soft LIMIT LED is illuminated, SOFT LIMIT is engaged on channels selected in SOFT LIMIT Channel Select Mode. To enable this mode, press and hold either PREV or NEXT (while the SOFT LIMIT LED is ashing). To select channels, press PREV or NEXT until the red OVER LED of the desired channel is lit, and press UP or DOWN to select the channel, as indicated by the illumination of the corresponding green LED. Soft Limit is an analog process that instantaneously rounds transient peaks; for all intents and purposes attack and release times may be considered as instantaneous. As with any peak reduction device working at such fast time constants, Soft Limit is most effective with signals whose peak information is much greater than its average (or RMS) information, such as drums, percussion and plucked instruments. Soft Limit may not be the appropriate choice for limiting signals whose crest factor (peak to RMS ratio) is low, such as bass or organ.
10) AES format - The format of the AES inputs may be set to SINGLE or DOUBLE wire, to accommodate the AES format of connected devices. If the CLOCK SOURCE is either INTernal or WC and the sample rate is 44.1- 48kHz, only the SINGLE value is available; in all other cases both values may be selected. 11) CLEAR Pressing this button clears OVERs (displayed by the red LEDs). Pressing and holding this button toggles the AD-16X between two OVER LED Hold modes - One Second Clear and Autoclear. One Second Clear (CLEAR LED off) - OVERs are held for one second and then automatically cleared. If youre really impatient, you can clear them manually. Autoclear - (CLEAR LED on) - Autoclear acts like an alert assistant, clearing OVERs between takes. When an OVER occurs, it is held until 1) the level on the corresponding channel drops below -50 dBFs for at least 5 seconds and 2) a new signal over -50 dBFs is input. Now, OVERs will be held throughout the duration of a take, and cleared when the next take begins. 12) Level Meters Much more than mere signal presence indicators, these green LEDs display digital output level from 36 to 0 dBFs according to their brightness. OVER Indicators - The red LEDs indicate that 3 consecutive overs have occurred in the conversion process.

Standard and Advanced Option Routing
When an X-Option card is installed, the AD-16X may be set to one of two output congurations, Standard Routing and Advanced Option Routing. When Standard routing is enabled, only one signal path is present analog inputs routed simultaneously to all digital outputs. When Advanced Option routing is enabled, two signal paths are present 1) analog input to XOption card outputs; 2) X-Option card inputs simultaneously to ADAT and AES outputs.

AD-16X: Standard Routing

AES Device

AD-16X

Analog In
Cal Level Soft Limit A to D & Meters UV22

Optical

Optical Device

Option In

X-FireWire or X-HD option card

Computer

Option Out
AD-16X: Advanced Option Routing
Please see pages 9 & 10 for Advanced Option Routing examples Switching the AD-16X between Routing modes may only be accomplished when powering on the unit. To toggle between Standard and Advanced Option routing modes, press and hold the UP button while powering on the unit; when Standard routing is enabled, Apogee AD-16X scrolls across the Sample Rate Display; when Advanced Option routing is enabled, Apogee AD-16X 2.0 scrolls across the Sample Rate Display
IMPORTANT NOTES CONCERNING ADVANDED OPTION ROUTING MODE
Advanced Option routing will modify the manner in which an X-HD equipped AD-16X is detected in Pro Tools, reecting the additional available outputs. Please see the X-HD manual for details.
Standard and Advanced Option Routing Analog Out
Advanced Option Routing Additional Digital I/O
With Advanced Option routing, the AD and DA-16X offers additional digital I/O to Digidesign HD or Firewire-based audio systems. As depicted in the routing diagram at left, when an X-HD card is installed in both an AD and DA-16X, it becomes possible to route the DA-16Xs AES or ADAT inputs to a Pro Tools session while routing the AD-16Xs AES and ADAT outputs from the session. The AD-16X functions as a Digidesign 192 with 16 analog inputs and 16 digital outputs while the DA-16X functions as a 192 with 16 digital inputs and 16 analog outputs. Of course, the same functionality is possible with X-Firewire cards and a Firewirebased audio system.
DA-16X: Advanced Option Routing

(input select)

DA-16X

Cal Level

D to A & Meters

X-HD option card

A to D & Meters
Computer X-HD option card with Pro Tools HD
Advanced Option Routing Expanded Interface Choices
When an X-Option card is installed in an AD-16X, Advanced Option routing offers the possibility to connect a second interface using the AD-16Xs digital I/O. As depicted in the routing diagram at right, the AD-16Xs analog inputs are routed to the Firewire audio device while the AD-16Xs digital outputs are routed from the Firewire device. These digital outputs may be connected to a DA-16X or a MiniDAC to provide analog output. In short, only one X-Option card is needed to connect an AD-16X and a D-to-A.

DA-16X: Standard Routing

X-FireWire option card

with FireWire 400/800

Connections on the Rear Panel
1) IN 1-8 - This DB-25 connection accepts analog inputs 1-8; analog inputs are balanced line level signals at a nominal level adjustable between +4 dBu = -22 dBFs and -10 dBV = -10 dBFs. Apogees AD8-IFC breakout cables can connect here to provide 8 XLR female connecters. (pinout Figure 3). 2) IN 9-16 - This DB-25 connection accepts analog inputs 9-16. Apogees AD8-IFC breakout cables can connect here to provide 8 XLR female connecters. (pinout Figure 3). 3) OPTION - This slot is reserved for Apogees X-Series Option cards, which provide additional digital output formats, such as FireWire or Digidesign HD. 4) ADAT S/MUX These Toslink connections provide ADAT or S/MUX format optical outputs; the format employed is based on the AD-16X sample rate as indicated in Figure 4: also indicated are the connections used for each format. 5) AES OUT This DB-25 connector provides 16 channels of AES-EBU Single wire output and 8 channels of Double wire output (pinout Figure 5). Apogees AES16-OP-IFC breakout cable can connect here to provide 8 XLR male connectors. 6) WC IN - This BNC connection accepts a TTL Logic clock signal. Termination of the word clock input may be engaged with an internal switch; please see Internal Adjustments. 7) WC OUT - This BNC connection provides a TTL Logic clock signal output.
Pinout Diagram for Analog IN 1-8 and 9-16

Figure 3

Rear Panel Optical Connectors

44.1-48k ADAT:

2 9-16 5-8 3-4

3 1-8 9-12 5-6

4 9-16 13-16 7-8

Figure 4

1-8 1-4 1-2

Optical Format

88.2-96k S/MUX 2: 176.4-192k S/MUX 4:
Pinout Diagram for AES OUT 1-16

Figure 5

8) WC IN Termination Switch - When this switch is pressed IN, a 75 ohm load is engaged across the word clock input; when the switch is OUT, the word clock input is unterminated (Figure 6). 9) AC - This IES connection accepts an AC input of 100 to 240 VAC at a frequency of 50 to 60 Hz.

WORD CLOCK IN, Termination Switch
Terminated switch position Unterminated switch position

Figure 6

Internal Adjustments
MIDI FIRMWARE UPDATE CONNECTOR
To allow the greatest exibility in the eld, Apogee now employs a rmware update method using stardard Midi protocol. Youll need the following items to update the rmware of your Apogee device: ApogeeUpdater program, available from Apogees website New rmware le, also available from our website Macintosh OSX 10.2 or higher or Windows XP computer USB Midi interface, compatible with OS used. Please note that Midi interfaces with proprietary latency-reducing modes do not properly transmit System Exclusive data such as this rmware update. Ensure that such modes are turned off before attempting to update rmware. USB Midi Interfaces such as the Edirol PC-300, where proprietary modes may not be turned off, are not compatible with this rmware update method.

5) 6) 7) 8) 9)

To determine the version of rmware installed in the AD-16X, press the PREV button while powering on the unit. Install both the ApogeeUpdater and the new rmware le onto a computer equipped with a USB Midi Interface. Its assumed that all drivers MIDI updater necessary for the proper test and operation of the Midi Interface have been installed. Connect the AD-16Xs Midi Update Connector to an output of the Midi Interface. On the AD-16X, simultaneously press the PREV and NEXT buttons while powering up the Apogee device; once the device has booted, release the PREV and NEXT buttons. When the signal level LEDs begin to dance, the unit is ready to receive data. Open the ApogeeUpdater application, and click on OPEN FILE. In the Navigation window which appears, navigate to the new rmware le, select it, and click on OPEN. Click on DOWNLOAD TO UNIT. The complete update process takes 8 minutes; after about 1 minute, data transfer should begin and the percentage completed displayed on the ApogeeUpdater panel should correspond to the percentage displayed on the AD-16X front panel. Once the download has reached 100%, wait for the unit to re-boot and the front panel to return to a normal operating state. Before proceeding, reset the unit by pressing DOWN while powering up the unit.
Internal Adjustments POWER SWITCH SETTINGS

JUMPER P13

(as seen from front)

DESCRIPTION

When AC power is applied to the input, the unit does not power up immediately; to power on the unit,the POWER button must be pressed. When AC power is applied to the input, AD-16X powers on immediately; nevertheless, the POWER switch is functional.

P13 Jumper

Features and Specications
16 channels of premium 24-bit AD conversion Sample rates up to 192k 16 channels of AES, ADAT/SMUX Output Word Clock I/O Optional HD card for direct connection to ProTools HD Optional S800 FireWire card capable of sample rates up to 192k, compatible with OS X/Widows XP and all popular DAWs All option cards (X-FireWire and X-HD) facilitate connection of multiple units Soft Limit for maximum digital level without overs (can be applied to a single channel or all channels) UV22HR for superior dither of high resolution audio to 16-bit (can be applied to a channel pair or all channels) Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) using Big Bens C777 Clock Technology up to 192kHz Adaptive Loop Filtering (ALF) for optimum clock performance and minimum jitter Support for AES double wire and SMUX formats Post A/D conversion level monitoring Intuitive front panel calibration Word Clock termination switch
INPUTS Analog in 1-8 Balanced, DSUB 25pin connector Analog in 9-16 Balanced, DSUB 25pin connector WC in: BNC 75 ohm with switchable termination OUTPUTS AES-EBU out x 8, transformer balanced, DSUB 25pin connector (192k single wide compatible) Optical: toslink x 4, supporting ADAT and SMUX protocol WC out: BNC 75 ohm OPTION SLOT One x-type card can be installed, for Firewire, HD and or other future format connectivity
SPECS: Sample rates internal: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192k Sample rates external: 44.1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192k +/- 10% Frequency response at 44.1 k : 5 - 20.000 Hz (+/-.2 dB) Analog levels: 6 to 24dBu max through digital gain adjustment. (Compatible with -10dBV levels) THD+N: -110 dB Dynamic range: 120 dB A weighted Power: 100 -240 VAC, 50 - 60 Hz, 65 Watt
Due to on-going development Apogee reserves the right to change all information and specications without notice.
AD-16X USERS GUIDE - v2.0 - January 2005
Text conceived and delivered by: Roger Robindore Graphics and illustration by: Sean McArthur