AD-8000 Brochure 7/23/97 11:46 AM Page 3
The Apogee AD-8000 8-channel, 24-bit converter

The digital masters.

AD-8000 Brochure 7/23/97 11:51 AM Page 4
Its not an option. Its a necessity.
The AD-8000 24-bit conversion system quality digital audio equipis undoubtedly the highest quality ment available. From our very first converter Apogee has ever produced. filters, retrofitted into digital stereo We believe it to be the best-sounding and multitrack machines the world converter on the market. With the over, to our award-winning stereo AD-8000, Apogee takes the next step. digital conversion systems, Apogee The AD-8000 out-performs the Electronics leads the field. competition in any of todays most Along the way, weve introduced demanding audio environments. Its significant new developments, ideal in the project studio or postcontributing to the acceptance and production suite paired with a modular possibilities of the digital medium. digital multitrack or digital audio Our patented Low Jitter Clock cleans workstation, and equally at home in up digital signals, audibly improving At Apogee, we know that the layout of a converter is as important the worlds top recording studios and the sound. Our unique UV22 Super as the circuitry. As a result, we take special care with board production facilities, interfaced with CD Encoding process takes high design, materials and manufacture to ensure the very highest the most sophisticated digital 48-track resolution digital signals and trans- levels of build quality maximizing the AD-8000s audio quality, recorders and digital mixing consoles. lates them flawlessly into the 16-bit & performance and reliability at every stage. 20-bit domains, without THE BETTER THE CONVERTER, compromise, for Compact Disc and other formats. THE BETTER THE SOUND Today, UV22 is used by nine out of ten major US Theres no more important link in the digital recording chain than the mastering studios and appears on almost 90% of A/D converter that takes your original analog input signal and converts all hit records mastered in the United States. it into digital information. The higher the quality of the A/D converter, Its recognized as the best-sounding wordthe better the sound. Its as simple as that. length reduction system available. The Apogee AD-8000 takes digital conversion to a whole new level. At the same time, Apogee has built an enviable Its a true 24-bit converter, with 114 dB dynamic range and all the reputation for digital media products, including DAT and CD-R. features you need for truly outstanding, great-sounding, world-class WHY OUTBOARD CONVERTERS? recordings, whether you own the biggest studio in town, a leading postAt Apogee, better digital audio is all we do. We ensure that our conproduction facility, or simply have a project setup in your back room. verters deliver the best-sounding digital signals possible with todays The AD-8000 incorporates Apogees acclaimed UV22 process for technology. In most equipment, however, the converter is just another translating high-resolution digital audio to 16 or 20 bits without quality component. No built-in converter can match the superb quality and loss; and Soft Limit to add extra level to your recordings without detail of an Apogee. And now, with all the features of the new ADovers. Both are selectable on a per-channel basis. The AD-8000 includes 8000, an outboard converter is no longer an option its an essential. flexible, accurate bar-graph metering with six different modes,
OR OVER A DECADE, the name APOGEE has meant the highest

THE NEXT STEP

Powerful features that put the AD-8000 ahead of the field.
Eight channels of Apogees exclusive true 24-bit A/D conversion with 114 dB dynamic range Apogee Soft Limit on each channel helps you get more level on tape without overs Apogee UV22 Encoding optionally translates the 24-bit signal to 20 or 16 bits without quality loss Advanced multi-mode 8-channel LED bar metering Built-in level calibration to within 0.05 dB and 5-level digital oscillator Flexible over detection and tracking Headphone monitor for any channel pair Full Source/Destination monitoring Powerful track-bouncing capability Switchable analog and digital DC Offset removal AES/EBU distribution amplier capability Balanced or unbalanced inputs Smart sync capabilities: sync to crystal, word clock, video (optional) or any digital input Patching of channel pairs from digital sources Standard XLR jacks for analog in and digital out RCA jacks for S/PDIF in and out AES XLR input (8-channel AES input card also available) Additional interfacing via up to four different digital I/O AMBus cards with format conversion and re-clocking Proprietary low jitter master clock Non-volatile storage of front panel settings Optional 24-bit stereo and 8-channel D/A converters Optional video sync module with 0.1% pull up/down Remote-controlled microphone pre-amp option

OPTIONAL AMBUS CARDS*

ADAT interface with Bit-Splitting TDIF (Tascam DTRS) i/f with Bit-Splitting Digidesign interface 8-channel Glass Fiber i/f with Bit-Splitting AES 8-channel Input Sonic Solutions i/f S/PDIF optical (TosLink) interface MADI interface 24-bit Sample Rate Converter
Future cards may include*: SSL HiWay interface Yamaha interface Dolby AC-3 encoder DTS encoder SDIF-2 interface Audio networking card
*List subject to revision: some cards described may not be available immediately. Ask your dealer for prices and availability.
AD-8000 Brochure 7/23/97 11:42 AM Page 1
Upgrade to the Apogee AD-8000.
including simultaneous peak and average reading and 2-second or infinite peak hold. Numeric over indication can be configured to trigger at 1, 2, 3 or 4 consecutive full-scale digital samples, and to reset the over count automatically after 15 seconds. The metering system also incorporates a calibration mode accurate to within 0.05 dB. The AD-8000 incorporates eight channels of AES/EBU output, selectable S/PDIF output, and stereo AES/EBU and S/PDIF inputs. In addition, a four-card backplane, featuring our exclusive AMBUS (Apogee Multimedia Bus) technology, allows you to add the digital interfaces of your choice, such as ADAT, TDIF (Tascam), and Pro Tools (with an AES/EBU input card and a Pro Tools interface card, the AD-8000 is all you need to connect to a Pro Tools-equipped computer). The AD-8000 And there are more interfaces to come*. AMBUS features accurate multi-mode light-bar cards will also provide other features such as sample rate conversion. Use the AD-8000 as a metering with unique calibration multiple format conversion system and transfer features. between all available interfaces simultaneously. It can also be used as a multi-output AES/EBU distribution system. With the available 24-bit stereo or 8-channel D/A expansion cards, the AD-8000 becomes a complete conversion system with everything you need for digital recording except the recorder! Full source/ destination monitoring is built in, along with powerful digital trackbouncing capabilities and signal routing functions. Front-panel settings are memorized automatically for hassle-free configuration. In addition to standard 44.1 and 48 kHz sampling rates, the AD-8000 locks intelligently to word clock or to any digital input including video with the optional video sync card. Input signals are re-clocked with the patented Apogee Low-Jitter Clock for maximum quality. A headphone monitor socket provides the ability to monitor any pair of channels, via its own high-resolution stereo D/A converter. The AD-8000 includes balanced and unbalanced line inputs. In addition, the optional remote multi-channel microphone preamp can be controlled from the AD-8000 front panel.

10 kHz sine wave at -125 dB full-scaleA/D FFT
This A/D plot shows the true 24-bit conversion of the Apogee AD8000. The sine wave is cleanly and accurately resolved right down to the 24-bit, -144 dB noise floor. Distortion products are better than 140 dB below full-scale. No wonder the AD-8000 has been hailed as a major advance in digital audio conversion quality and performance.
AD-8000 A/D: THD + Noise versus frequency
Analog to digital frequency response
The AD-8000s A/D conversion system exhibits a superb THD + Noise response, from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
And finally, of course, every AD-8000 comes with Apogees awardwinning reputation for audio quality, performance and innovation. The Apogee AD-8000 is available from Apogee authorized dealers and distributors worldwide. For the location of your nearest supplier, please contact Apogee Electronics: check our Web site, at http://www.apogeedigital.com/; call +1 310-915-1000; fax +1 310-3916262, or email info@apogeedigital.com. Experience the AD-8000. Youll soon realize why an Apogee converter is no longer an option: its a necessity.
This frequency response curve demonstrates the superb engineering of the AD-8000 converter, with a response flat within 0.025 dB across the entire audio band we leave signal coloration up to you!
AD-8000 Brochure 7/23/97 11:57 AM Page 5
The Most Important Link In The Digital
True 24-bit A/D conversion: The AD8000 features true 24-bit accuracy and simply stunning technical specifications. Like -110 dB THD+Noise. 114 dB dynamic range. A frequency response thats flat from 20 Hz to 20 kHz 0.025dB. No wonder the AD-8000 sounds so goodand its already been chosen for several top projects, such as the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix and major motion picture soundtracks.
UV22 Encoding: Theres nothing like Apogees exclusive UV22 encoding process taking your 24-bit digital signals and translating them flawlessly into the 20- or 16-bit domains. UV22 is standard in the vast majority of US mastering houses: over 90% of hit records have been made with UV22. Now any facility can enjoy the audible improvements offered by this unique process.

Soft Limit: Apogees proprietary Soft Limit circuitry, available on every channel of the AD8000, behaves like classic tape compression to get more level on to tape without risking digital overs. Indicator shows when a signal is activating the Soft Limit circuit.
Sample Rate & Sync Options: 44.1 and
48 kHz crystal-locked sample frequencies, plus pull-up and pull-down settings for video/film transfers. The AD-8000 smart syncs to any digital input signal, via Apogees proprietary Low Jitter Clock, in the range 32 to 54 kHzincluding video with the optional video sync card.
Option Card Slot: Install the optional 24bit stereo D/A or the full 24-bit, 8-channel D/A converter, engineered to the same exacting standards as the rest of the unit, and you can dramatically increase the functionality of your system. With both A/D and D/A functions in the same unit, the AD-8000 may be all the converter youll need!
Built-in Functionality: On-board AES/EBU and S/PDIF inputs and outputs, plus Word Clock I/O. The rear-panel DIP switch sets pin 2/3 hot, analog & digital DC removal, Over definition, UV22 resolution (16/20 bit output), line levels (10dBV or +4dBu, balanced or unbalanced) and other features. (An optional AMBUS card provides eight AES inputs.)
The AD-8000 8-channel 24-bit converte convert
AD-8000 Brochure 7/23/97 12:04 PM Page 6
In The Digital Recording Chain.
Advanced Metering System: The AD-8000 incorporates no less than six highly accurate light-bar metering modes offering simultaneous average and peak ballistics, with 2-second and infinite peak hold. The number of digital overs is indicated by a 7-segment display, and can be set to clear automatically. Calibration and Diagnostics: The AD-8000 is straightforward to set up and use. With comprehensive power-on diagnostics, non-volatile setup memory, a digital oscillator and a full range of calibration options accurate to within 0.05 dB, the AD-8000 is ready to use from the moment you power it up. Digital Routing: With the AD-8000s
unique digital routing matrix, choose sources and destinations for all your signals at the push of a silver button. AMBUS slots with cards installed are identified for instant access. Combinations of analog and digital inputs may be selected simultaneously. Comprehensive track-bouncing capabilities are ideal for multitrack environments.

Format Conversion: All interfaces are available at all times, enabling you to use the AD-8000 as a powerful multi-channel digital format converter or AES/EBU distribution unit a feature worth thousands on its own. Convert from any interface to all others simultaneously, whether they are built-in or on AMBUS cards.
Overdub (Destination) Mode: Any
device connected to an AMBUS card can be monitored while it is the output destination of the AD-8000, to permit overdubbing and confidence monitoring. The output of the selected card is also available at all other interfaces and any installed D/A card.
Built-in headphone monitor: Hear whats going to tapeand whats coming back!via the on-board headphone amplifier with multi-step volume control, fed by its own high-resolution D/A converter. Monitoring is selectable to allow the auditioning of pairs of channels at a time.
AMBUS Expansion Cards: Available Apogee Multimedia Bus (AMBUS) cards provide additional interfaces including ADAT Optical (shown here) and TDIF (Tascam DA-88), with Apogee bit-splitting technology for recording 20/24-bit signals on multiple 16-bit tracks. Other available interfaces include AES input and Pro Tools cards that provide complete Pro Tools compatibility with no other external hardware. Additional interfaces to follow*.
Look for the AMBUS logo on Apogeecompatible products and interface cards
4-bit converter. From Apogee.
AD-8000 Brochure 7/23/97 11:43 AM Page 2
The Apogee AD-8000 Specifications

ANALOG AND A/D CONVERTER

Parameter Resolution Sample Rate Input Impedance Pro Consumer Relative THD+N 0.1 dBFS

20 dBFS 60 dBFS

HEADPHONE D/A AND AMPLIFIER

Units bits kHz

dB dB dB dB dB dB (unweighted) (A-weighted) (unweighted) (A-weighted) (unweighted) (A-weighted)

Value 24 3254

9K 15K 52 54
Dynamic range 60 dB, Unweighted dB, A-weighted 114 Peak Spurious Component 120 Group Delay (in passband) 38.7/Fs Passband Ripple 0.001 Digital Filter Stopband 26.232 Stop-band Attenuation 110 Channel Separation Left/right 113 Between pairs 113 Frequency Response (20 Hz20 kHz) Gain 0.025 Phase <2 Common-Mode Rejection Ratio 60 Hz > kHz > 80 Input Level, maximum (no gain) Professional, balanced 27 Professional, unbalanced 23 Consumer, balanced 16 Consumer, unbalanced 15 Input Level, adjustment range 20 Crystal Oscillator accuracy 25 Clock Jitter, 32kHz54 kHz << 50
dB dB dB (max) seconds dB kHz dB dB (worst case) dB (worst case) dB degrees dB dB dBu dBu dBu dBu dBu ppm psec
Parameter Resolution Sample Rate Relative THD+N, S/(N+D) 0.5 dBFS input Dynamic range 60 dB, Unweighted 60 dB, A-weighted (EIAJ), typ Group Delay (in passband) Passband Ripple Stop-Band Attenuation Channel Separation DAC Amplier Frequency Response (20Hz20 kHz) Gain Phase Output Level (max) Output Power (max) 8 load 150 load 600 load

Value 18 3254

88 94.22.25/Fs 0.0.05 < 2.20
dB dB dB sec dB dB dB dB dB degrees Vp-p W/channel mW/channel mW/channel

DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSOR

Processing Delay 16/Fs DC High-Pass Filter Corner Freq. 1.0 UV22 Amplitude Normal, 16 bits 84 Low, 16 bits 90 Normal, 20 bits 108 Low, 20 bits 114 Metering Accuracy 0.05 Over Detection 14 consecutive 0 seconds Hz dB dB dB dB dB dBFS readings (user-denable)

SYSTEM

AC line voltage Fusing Power Size (w, h, d) Weight 100, 120, 220, 240 vac (set internally) 0.75 A slow-blow 60 Watts 19 in, 3.5 in (2U), 14.25 in 20 lb (9.1 kg)
Specications and other information provided in this brochure is subject to change without notice. Apogee Electronics Corporation reserves the right to make design changes without prior warning.
APOGEE ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, 3145 Donald Douglas Loop South, Santa Monica, California 90405-3210, USA. Telephone: +1 310/915-1000. Fax: +1 310/391-6262. Email: info@apogeedigital.com For full details and application notes on all Apogee Electronics products, visit our Web site at http://www.apogeedigital.com/
Photography by David Norwood Created by Richard Elen Printed in U.S.A. AD8K/5M/0797

AD-8000

24-bit 8-channel Digital Audio Conversion System
Operating Manual and UV22 License Agreement
Rev 1.5 June 1999 Firmware revision 1.20
AD-8000 Operating Manual Manual written by Bob Clearmountain and Brent Elder. Edited by Julio Alvarez and Joe Raia. Interconnection diagrams by Julio Alvarez. Produced and edited by Richard Elen. Color by WaterColor. At a theater or drive-in near you. Batteries not included.
SoftLimit and UV22 are Registered Trademarks of Apogee Electronics Corporation. All other trademarks are property of their respective holders. Technology within the AD-8000 including the Low Jitter Clock may be covered by one or more patents that are the property of Apogee Electronics Corporation. Registered User Customer Support: For customer support, please call (310) 915-1000 or email support@apogeedigital.com You can register your AD-8000 on the Internet: visit http://www.apogeedigital.com/register.html
Features and specifications subject to change without notice. 1998 APOGEE ELECTRONICS CORPORATION 3145 Donald Douglas Loop South Santa Monica California 90405 USA Tel: +1 310/915-1000 Fax: +1 310/391-6262 Email: info@apogeedigital.com Web: http://www.apogeedigital.com/ This manual is copyrighted 1997 by APOGEE ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, with all rights reserved. Under copyright laws, this manual may not be duplicated in whole or in part without the written consent of Apogee.

Part Number MANUALAD8000

Rev 1.4 November 1998

AD-8000 Operating Manual

The Apogee AD-8000 24-bit, 8-channel Digital Conversion System
Its not an optionits a necessity!
Registration and Warranty Information
Be sure to register your AD-8000, either by filling in the enclosed Registration Card or by completing our on-line registration form at our Web site: http://www.apogeedigital.com/register.html. 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 first year of ownership. 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. Apogee reserves the right to change or improve design at any time without prior notice. Design changes are not implemented retrospectively, 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 specifically disclaims any and all implied warranty of merchantability or of fitness 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. Full warranty terms and conditions are given at the end of this manual. 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 specific legal rights, and you may have other rights which vary from state to state.

Service Information

If the AD-8000 is kept in a clean environment free of excess dust, moisture and heat, it will give years of trouble-free service. Please see the installation information in the manual. The AD-8000 contains no user-serviceable components: refer to qualified 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 by phone at (310) 915-1000, by fax at (310) 391-6262, or via email to support@apogeedigital.com. In the event your AD-8000 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.

Page 11

AD-8000 Operating Manual If you have the optional Video Sync module installed, the AD-8000 gains the ability to lock to PAL, NTSC or Monochrome (B&W) external video sync, chosen by selecting VIDEO. The connected video sync is automatically detected, locked to and the sync rate is displayed. The unit also gains the ability to do Pull-Ups and Pull-Downs multiplying or dividing the NTSC video sync rate by 1.001 to compensate for the speed change necessary for film to video (or vice versa) transfers. This is selected with the SAMPLE RATE button.
Your choice. If you believe this will be your projects final analog to digital conversion before the final CD mastering, youll probably want to select 44.1 kHz. If its a multitrack project that will be mixed through an analog console, you may wish to choose 48 kHz for slightly better resolution. x1.001 (pull up) and 1.001 (pull down) wont be available unless you have the Video Sync module installed, as mentioned above. If youre locking the unit to external word clock (selected by the SYNC SOURCE button), the sample rate display will reflect the incoming sample rate, and the LOCK LED will light if the external sync is stable. If the external word clock is running at a stable, but non-standard rate, i.e. not 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz, the sample rate indicator closest to the incoming clock rate will flash and the LOCK LED will light indicating this condition, usually resulting from the word sync source being varisped. The ERROR LED indicates a problem with the external sync signal, the incoming digital audio or cable connection. In this condition all outputs are muted.

Sample Rate

Selecting HOLD or AUTOCLEAR causes the 7 segment over counter displays to keep track of the number of digital overs on each channel up to a total of 9. More than 9 overs is indicated as -. The displays can be reset to 0 by pressing the CLEAR METERS button. Selecting AUTOCLEAR causes the displays to hold the last indication, but they will automatically clear when any audio above -50 dB is detected after 15 seconds of silence. Over detection is disabled for one second after each over, to avoid counter saturation. The number of full scale samples that trigger the over LEDs and the counters are determined by a DIP switch on the back of the unit (see Appendix I). OFF, we feel, is self explanatory. There are six metering modes selectable by the METER button. Peak metering is always on, but various other functions can be displayed in addition: 1. AVERAGE and 2 SEC HOLD indicates simultaneous peak and average with 2 second peak hold (selected on initial power-up). 2. AVERAGE and HOLD LEDs indicates simultaneous peak and average metering with infinite peak hold. 3. AVERAGE LED only indicates peak and average. The meters appear solid from -50 up to the average level, the peak level is indicated by a single LED. 4. 2 SEC HOLD indicates peak and a peak level hold that automatically clears after 2 seconds. 5. HOLD LED only indicates peak and infinite peak hold. This adds highest peak infinite hold to the peak indication described above (#1), that can be cleared by pressing the CLEAR METERS button. 6. No LEDs lit indicates peak mode only, with no peak hold. In this mode, the meters appear as a solid bar between -50 and the peak level.

Metering

Page 12
AD-8000 Operating Manual Soft Limit is the same exclusive transparent system of controlling digital overs that Apogee has become famous for with our two-channel AD-500 and AD-1000 A/D Converters. It can allow several more decibels of apparent level to be recorded on your digital tape, while subtlely giving your recording a more analog sound. Soft Limit may only be selected on analog inputs and cannot be selected on digital input sources. To select Soft Limit on individual channels, press the SOFT LIMIT button briefly and the indicator will light. Then select the channel you would like to apply it to by pressing one or more of the eight CHANNEL SELECT buttons below the meters. The Soft Limit indicator on the channel youve selected will illuminate. If you wish to select all the channels, press and hold the SOFT LIMIT button for at least one second. Whenever the Soft Limit threshold is crossed, the decimal point on the Over Counter display will light, so youll know when its working. UV22 is Apogees exclusive process of encoding high resolution (20 to 24 bit) digital audio into 16 or 20 bit formats avoiding truncation, dithering or noise shaping, processes that either add noise or can adversely affect the audio quality of your recording. You can apply UV22 to individual analog input channels or pairs of digital inputs. UV22 is selected in the same manner as Soft Limit. If your recorder is not capable of 24 bit recording, you should select UV22 on all channels. If you expect UV22 to be used on your project later on down the line, for example mastering or mixing, set UV22 to low by switching SW5 on the Aux Control DIP switch (found on the back of the unit) to ON. The normal UV22 setting is SW5 OFF (default). UV22 can be set to deliver a 16- or 20-bit output, according to the setting of the SW2 DIP switch on the rear panel: OFF (default) selects 16-bit; ON selects a 20-bit output. Set this switch according to the resolution of the digital device you are using with the AD-8000. IMPORTANT NOTE: Most current DAT machines (with a couple of exceptions) do not actually record more than 16-bit words to tape, even though some say 20 bit on them. This actually means that the analog to digital converters are 20 bit, but the extra four bits have been dithered, noise-shaped or merely truncated (chopped off) before recording. UV22 is a much more efficient way of doing this, and we believe youll find that the result of using the UV22 process is a significant, audible improvement in audio quality at the final resolution of your recording. The simple rule is to check the actual resolution of your recording system. If it records 24-bit, set UV22 off. If it records 16 or 20 bits, set UV22 accordingly.

To calibrate the analog inputs, do the following: 1. Get a 1 kHz tone up on your consoles output buses at exactly 0 VU on its meters. 2. Press the CAL 1dB button. 3. Select a headroom setting with the headroom selector button (12, 14 20). 16 is pretty much standard for digital multitracks, but if you use Soft Limit, you can crank it to 14 or even 12 if you want to get more level on to tape. You may want to experiment with different headroom settings to find what suits your recording needs. 4. The 7-segment displays will now indicate how many dB you are above or below the selected reference level. indicates that you are 10 dB or more above or below the selected reference level. Above is indicated by the 0 dBFS LED being illuminated, while Below is indicated by the illumination of the 50 dBFS LED. 5. Adjust the trim-pot on the selected channel (next to the appropriate CHANNEL SELECT button) until the number indicated in the 7-segment display reaches 0. 6. Now tweak each channel so that the middle LED (at 0.0 on the left side of each meter) is lit. In this mode, the entire range of the meter becomes 2 dB, each segment representing one tenth of a dB, so the channel is now calibrated to within 0.1 dB of the selected reference level.

Calibrate

Oscillator
The AD-8000 has a built-in digital oscillator, selected by holding the OSCILLATOR button down for at least one second (to prevent potentially painful accidents), that generates a sine wave at 1 kHz and puts it across all eight digital outputs, including all AMBus cards, at the selected headroom setting. This is useful for quickly checking digital connections and routing, and also for recording an extremely accurate alignment tone at the head of your project tape, for setting playback levels. Pressing the button again turns the oscillator off. The oscillator level can be set to any one of the five different reference levels, which are selected by repeatedly pressing the headroom select button until the desired headroom setting is displayed. The oscillator can be locked to internal crystal, or to any other external sync source. The frequency of the tone will vary in proportion to the sample rate: for example, at 44.1 kHz, the oscillator tone is 1.00 kHz, while at 48 kHz it is 1.09 kHz.
Storage of Front Panel Settings
The front panel settings on the AD-8000 are stored automatically on power-down and are remembered for the next time you turn the unit on, when they are recalled automatically. If you do not wish to restore the previous settings on power-up, hold the OVERS button down during the power-up sequence. And, incidentally, if the power-on Apogee wave gets boring, you can skip it by holding the CLEAR METERS button down during power-up.

Page 14

Monitor
The AD-8000 incorporates a high-quality, 18-bit stereo digital to analog converter for monitoring purposes. Briefly pressing the MONITOR SELECT button routes program from the selected pair of channels or the AES input to three destinations: the S/PDIF output on the back of the unit, the D/A converter for the front panel headphone output, and the optional 24-bit stereo D/A card (if installed). There is no facility for mixing tracks together. The headphone output includes a toggle switch for raising and lowering the headphone level, with a seven-segment numerical display to indicate relative headphone volume. This control affects the headphone monitor socket output level only, and does not affect any of the other outputs, so you can make perfect digital copies while independently controlling the headphone level. Although the indicator only displays 10 digits, the volume control actually consists of 255 steps for smooth headphone volume control. Pressing the MONITOR SELECT button steps through the input selections: 1/2, 3/4, 5/6 and 7/8. The LEDs illuminate to indicate the channel pair selected. Pressing the button once more when 7/8 is displayed illiminates all four LEDs. In this condition, the on-board AES input is fed directly to the headphone D/A and the optional 2-channel D/A card if installed.

Monitor/Destination

Holding the MONITOR button for at least one second activates the DESTINATION mode and indicator. This mode is used during recording for monitoring through any recording device with inputs and outputs connected to an AMBus card. In this way, previously-recorded tracks can be monitored along with tracks being currently recorded, utilizing the monitor switching/mixing functions of the connected recorder/workstation. While holding the MONITOR button, the headphone level display changes to display one of four letters A through D, designating the AMBus slot being monitored. The letters/slots are scrolled through by pressing the headphone volume switch up or down, while holding the MONITOR button depressed. In this mode all outputs (including AES, S/PDIF, the headphone monitor DAC, the optional 2- or 8- channel DACs and all installed AMBus cards other than the one selected by the DESTINATION function) receive audio from the output of the selected card. Holding the MONITOR button for a second disengages DESTINATION mode. Once DESTINATION mode has been entered, the last AMBus card used for monitoring is stored for use in case DESTINATION mode is exited and then re-entered. This information is not saved on power-down.

AMBus Interface Cards

Installing AMBus Cards
To install an AMBus card, first make sure the power is turned off. You may wish to keep the unit plugged into a grounded, but turned off, AC receptacle so as to minimize the chance of static discharge. Avoid standing on carpeting while carrying out this procedure. Keep the new AMBus card in its packaging until you are ready to install. Now turn the unit around so youre facing the back panel. Remove the plate covering one of the four AMBus slots. Ground yourself by touching the metal cover of the AD-8000 and unpack the card. Insert the card until you feel it mate with the connector at the back of the card bay. Fasten the card in place with the screws. Turn the power on. Note: Youll find some cards take up two slots.

TDIF 8 AMBus Card

This card is used to interface the AD-8000 to a Tascam DA-88, DA-38 or any device that utilizes the Tascam Digital Interface Format (TDIF). You will need a special TDIF cable that terminates with a DB-25 connector at each end. These are available from Tascam and third-party suppliers. The card includes Apogee Bit-Splitting technology to enable 24-bit channels to be recorded on multiple 16-bit tracks. For full details on cabling and on how to use this card, see the TDIF AMBus card documentation.

Rear Panel

The rear panel includes the following input and output connectors and switches:
Aux Control This 10-position DIP switch controls a series of internal settings. If you change any DIP switch settings, do so with the unit powered down to ensure that the changes are registered. Note: AD-8000 units leave the factory with all DIP switches in the default (down) position. DOWN = OFF (Default) UP = ON SW1 Pro line level (+4 dBu) Consumer line level (10dBV) SW2 UV22 to 16 bits UV22 to 20 bits SW3/SW4 Over detection threshold (see below) SW5 UV22 Normal setting UV22 Low setting SW6 Digital Input DC remove DISABLED Digital Input DC remove ENABLED SW7 Analog Input DC remove DISABLED Analog Input DC remove ENABLED SW8 Polarity Pin 2 hot Polarity Pin 3 hot SW9 Truncation Logic ENABLED* Truncation Logic DISABLED* SW10 Autosync ENABLED Autosync DISABLED Over Detection Threshold The over detection threshold is the number of consecutive full-scale samples that constitutes a digital over. The Over indicator will increment when the threshold is reached. To avoid rapid saturation of the counter, the DSP times out for one second after detecting an over, before detection is re-enabled. SW3 SW4 Threshold ON ON 1 ON OFF 2 OFF ON 3 OFF OFF 4
*Truncation Logic is applied only to digital inputs such as AES/EBU and S/PDIF, which carry internal data about the sample length. If an input is applied which, for example, identifies itself as 16-bit, then the truncation logic will discard any additional bits in case they contain undefined data. If you are handling a signal in which the LSBs are used for some other purpose, however, and wish to preserve them, you can turn the truncation logic off to ensure that the data is passed unchanged. SW7 is set to OFF (down) when the AD-8000 leaves the factory. In this default position, DC components are not removed from incoming analog signals. The over threshold setting defaults to four consecutive full-scale samples. If you wish to remove DC from analog signals, we recommend that you set the over threshold to one sample, ie set DIP switches 3 and 4 ON (up). If you attempt to perform DC removal on analog input signals with the threshold set to a higher value, some overs may go unregistered, because the DC removal circuitry interprets any analog clipping longer than a single full-scale sample as a DC component, and consequently removes it before it can be registered as an over, if the over threshold is set to more than one sample.

AES Outputs Connectors: Function:
Male XLR connectors (4) Transmits AES data from A/D converters or digital inputseach carries two channels

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AD-8000 Operating Manual AES and S/PDIF Input Connectors: Female XLR connector (AES), RCA connector (S/PDIF)each carries two channels Function: Multiplexed AES or S/PDIF receiver S/PDIF Output Connector: RCA connectorcarries two channels Function: S/PDIF transmitter Word Clock/Video In Connector: BNC connector Function: Word clock sync in or Video (PAL, NTSC, Mono) in Word Clock Out Connector: BNC connector Function: Word clock sync out Analog Expansion Card Connectors: Plug-in edge connector on 0.1 centers on motherboard Card size: 2in x 6 in approx. Function: Stereo 24-bit balanced analog output, controlled by headphone amp selector switch, or 8-channel 24-bit DAC AMBus Card Cage Connectors: 120-pin PCI connectors (4) Card size: Approx 6.3 in deep x 4.5 in wide, height can be one or two slots Function: AMBus digital I/O cardsa range of cards are available for different functions and interfaces Connection: To AMBus

Analog Inputs

The Analog Front-End
The analog front-end contains common-mode and differential filters, +4 dBu (default)/10 dBV gain switching, a balanced gain stage with 20 dB of gain, a precision balancing circuit (for unbalanced inputs), buffer amplifiers to drive the A/D, and Apogees proprietary Soft Limit circuit with trimpot-adjustable thresholds. To adjust the Soft Limit threshold, it is necessary to remove the units top cover. See the Card Installation and Adjustments Guide at the end of this manual.
Analog shield grounds are normally tied only to chassis ground. A jumper on each channel, near the XLR connector, can be shorted to connect the shield to analog ground. This is potentially useful for an ungrounded analog source, although it is not recommended under normal conditions. To change the jumper settings, it is necessary to remove the units top cover. See the Card Installation and Adjustments Guide at the end of this manual.

Grounding

Balanced vs Unbalanced Inputs
The AD-8000 can accept unbalanced or balanced inputs. Unbalanced inputs are dynamically balanced before being applied to the A/D inputs. For optimum performance, use balanced inputs whenever possible.

Emphasis/de-emphasis

15/50 s emphasis is detected and utilized by the AD-8000, but it only directly affects the headphone DAC. If an expansion stereo or 8-channel DAC is plugged in, then de-emphasis will be detected if present, and applied to that.

Soft-Muting

Individual channels can be muted. Muting provides an exponential decay to 122 dBFS over 0.25 seconds.
Appendix I: DIP Switch Settings
Note: AD-8000 units leave the factory with all DIP switches in the default (down) position. Changes to switch setting should be made with the power OFF to ensure that changes are registered. DOWN = OFF (Default) UP = ON SW1 Pro line level (+4 dBu) Consumer line level (10dBV) SW2 UV22 to 16 bits UV22 to 20 bits SW3/4 Over detection threshold (see below) SW5 UV22 Normal setting UV22 Low setting SW6 Digital Input DC remove DISABLED Digital Input DC remove ENABLED SW7 Analog Input DC remove DISABLED Analog Input DC remove ENABLED SW8 Polarity Pin 2 hot Polarity Pin 3 hot SW9 Truncation Logic ENABLED* Truncation Logic DISABLED*

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AD-8000 Operating Manual SW10 Autosync ENABLED Autosync DISABLED Over Detection Threshold The over detection threshold is the number of consecutive full-scale samples that constitutes a digital over. The Over indicator will increment when the threshold is reached. To avoid rapid saturation of the counter, the DSP times out for one second after detecting an over, before detection is re-enabled. SW3 SW4 Threshold ON ON 1 ON OFF 2 OFF ON 3 OFF OFF 4
*Truncation Logic is applied only to digital inputs such as AES/EBU and S/PDIF, which carry internal data about the sample length. If an input is applied which, for example, identifies itself as 16-bit, then the truncation logic will discard any additional bits in case they contain undefined data. If you are handling a signal in which the LSBs are used for some other purpose, however, and wish to preserve them, you can turn the truncation logic off to ensure that the data are passed unchanged. SW7 is set to OFF (down) when the AD-8000 leaves the factory. In this default position, DC components are not removed from incoming analog signals. The over threshold setting defaults to four consecutive full-scale samples. If you wish to remove DC from analog signals, we recommend that you set the over threshold to one sample, ie set DIP switches 3 and 4 ON (up). If you attempt to perform DC removal on analog input signals with the threshold set to a higher value, some overs may go unregistered, because the DC removal circuitry interprets any analog clipping longer than a single full-scale sample as a DC component, and consequently removes it before it can be registered as an over, if the over threshold is set to more than one sample.

Appendix II: About UV22 Super CD Encoding
Squeezing more performance from a digital recording is not a new idea. It began with adding white noise, called dither, to the digital audio. Plain dither was followed by different flavors of dither noise, then a process called noise shaping, and various forms of so-called bit mapping. Most recently, systems have been introduced that store control information in the least-significant bits and use a special decoder to recover the data on playback. Independent listening tests confirm that these systems either color the recordings we are trying to preserve, or compromise the audible noise floor. Encode/decode systems may sound good if they are decoded, but almost nobody owns a decoder! Five years in the making, Apogee UV22 Encoding is an entirely different process. UV22 does its job without sonic compromise, and without adding a sound of its own, preserving the sound stage and tonal balance of the original high-resolution source. The effects are even audible on original 16-bit recordings. UV22 Encoding adds an inaudible, high frequency bias to the digital bitstream, placing an algorithmicallygenerated concentration of energy around 22 kHz. Much as the bias on an analog tape recorder smooths out magnetic tape recording non-linearities, UV22 silently captures resolution up to and beyond 20 bits on a standard, 16-bit CD. In addition, this inaudible carrier smooths the rough edges of even the most inexpensive CD player or external converter. UV22 makes your recordings sound better on all listening systems. Running already-mastered 16-bit sources through a UV22 processor delivers sonic improvements that any user can realize on equipment they already own. UV22 is a very special information carrier: it is not a new flavor of dither noise. The truly unique statistical properties of UV22 guarantee a constant white noise floor, very similar in character to analog tape noise, no matter what the input source. If you listen to the noise on a UV22 encoded recording, you can hear a stable, accurate sound stage and faithful tonal balance more than 24dB into the noise just as you do on analog tape. Yet the UV22s low audible noise floor sits at the theoretical limit for a 16-bit system. Nothing is lost but a great deal is gained. In listening test after listening test, engineers and reviewers alike choose UV22 over all other systems. Many thousands of CD titles have already been mastered using Apogee UV1000 Super CD Encoders and the Apogee AD-1000. Apogees UV22 is today in use in the vast majority of US mastering houses, and it is estimated that as many as 80% of the hit records mastered in the United States today utilize UV22. The latest development in word-length reduction technology is Apogees new UV22HR technology. The vast increase in computing power over recent years has made it possible to completely re-work the UV22 process from scratch, to produce UV22HR High Resolution. UV22HR retains even more of the detail of a high resolution signal while delivering, as before, a signal at the desired output word-length with the noise floor at the theoretical level.

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AD-8000 Operating Manual UV22HR will be fitted to new AD-8000 units, and will be available as an upgrade to most AD-8000s. For availability information, check our Web site at http://www.apogeedigital.com/ UV22 Encoding is intended to be applied at the final step in the signal chain before the actual mastering device. For example, if you are mastering a conventional 16-bit CD, but you have the ability to employ higher-resolution devices earlier in the chain, you should keep your signal at the highest resolution possible until the creation of the final master tape, and at that point apply UV22 to reduce the wordlength from high-resolution to the final 16-bit for Compact Disc. We recommend that no additional process of any kind be performed on the UV22-processed data, as there is a risk that the benefits may be compromised. Application of UV22 at other points in the signal chain is possible, but some care must be taken when applying the process. Because of the addition of the UV22 signal, we do not recommend that you use the full-strength UV22 process more than once or twice on a signal. Multiple passes through the UV22 process could degrade the noise floor of the system at the upper frequencies. Experimentation with the NORMAL and LOW settings (SW 5 DIP switch setting) is recommended if you intend to carry out multiple passes through the UV22 process. In the NORMAL mode, UV22 has been optimized to capture the greatest amount of detail from the high resolution digital input. The NORMAL mode has the added benefit of smoothing out the non-linearity of almost any DAC. Even with 16-bit sources, the UV22 process gives notably better results on inexpensive DACs. When using the LOW setting, less of the detail is captured. The LOW setting maintains respectable performance with a reduction in the UV22 energy concentration of 6 dB. The reduction in energy could be desirable when multiple passes on a signal are performed. Recordings to be used in a sample or sound effects disc can be UV22 encoded if pitch shifting is not likely to be employed, or if pitch shifting upward only is to be used. Pitch shifting downward on processed signals risks making the UV22 energy concentration audible. You may experience problems with UV22 processing on signals that are destined for lossy compression systems, ie systems in which the compression system actually removes significant amounts of information from the data stream in such a way that it can never be recovered, such as those techniques used on the Internet. The UV22 process encodes so much detail that there is a small possibility that the compression algorithms could cause audible artifacts on UV22 processed material. The same caveat may also apply to other word-length reduction systems such as noise-shaping. The exact effects may vary according to the program material and if possible you should test the material first. UV22 is entirely unaffected by lossless compression schemes such as MLP (Meridian Lossless Packing), the compression scheme used in DVD-Audio; and you should not notice any problems with common perceptual coding schemes such as Dolby AC-3, MPEG-2 or DTS. The AD-8000 features the capability to use UV22 to reduce the digital word length from the AD-8000s standard 24 bits to either 16 or 20 bits. This is set by means of rear panel DIP switch SW2: the default (OFF) selects 16 bits and ON selects 20 bits. If you are using UV22 to adjust the word length of the output from your AD8000, be sure to set this switch to the resolution of your destination system.

UV22 Process Caveats

Appendix III: Interfacing the AD-8000 with typical MDMs
The following pages include diagrams showing how to interface the AD-8000 with ADAT and DA-88 machines, including different synchronization requirements.

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Digital Master

AMBus ADAT8 OPTICAL

ADAT 1
slave to AD-8000 WC via optical

ADAT Sync

ADAT 2

slave to BRC ADAT sync

ADAT 3

ADATs w/ BRC

AMBus ADAT8 AMBus OPTICAL ADAT8 OPTICAL slave

WORD CLOCK to 48K INPUT

to BRC/ADAT sync

slave to BRC/ADAT sync

Alesis BRC

slave to AD-8000 WC

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DAW/Digital Console/ADATs

DIGITAL CONSOLE

clock slave to AD-8000 AES TC slave to MTC from BRC (for automation)
AMBus ADAT8 AMBus OPTICAL ADAT8 AMBus OPTICAL ADAT 1 ADAT8 OPTICAL slave to BRC/ADAT

AES AES Pro Tools AMBus

WORD CLOCK to 48K INPUT MTC

AES or S/PDIF

SMPTE to MTC converter

MTC to Mac serial port

DAW clock slave to AD-8000 MTC slave to SMPTE-to-MTC Converter

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NTSC Generator (clock master)/VTR (transport slave)/ DAW/Digital Console/ADATs
NTSC Generator: Master Clock DIGITAL CONSOLE

slave to NTSC Generator

AMBus ADAT AMBus OPTICAL ADAT AMBus OPTICAL ADAT 1 ADAT OPTICAL slave to BRC/ADAT

NTSC ADAT Sync

slave to AD-8000 WC Transport master (to VTR via synchronizer)

Mult TC D/A

SYNCHRONIZER

SMPTE-to-MTC Converter

Sony 9 pin
MTC to Mac serial port SMPTE
clock slave to NTSC generator Transport slave to BRC (via synchronizer) SMPTE on video tape
DAW clock slave to AD-8000 MTC slave to SMPTE-to-MTC Converter Although this setup is fairly complex, it is designed to illustrate the flow of time code, NTSC video signal (or black burst), and word clock. Understanding the overall concept allows you to add or remove different pieces of equipment while keeping the system synchronized.

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DA-88s

Master Word Clock

AMBus TDIF

Word Clock

DA-88 #1
slave to AD-8000 WC (set to reference EXT WC)

DA-88 #2

slave to DA-'sync in' (set to CHASE)

DA-88 #3

DA-88s w/ RC-848
Remote 'in' connector SYNC
Tascam RC-848 Remote Control

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DAW/Digital Console/DA-88s
clock slave to AD-8000 AES TC slave to MTC from DA-88 #1 (for automation)
AMBus TDIF AMBus TDIF AMBus TDIF

AES AES

AMBus Pro Tools
slave to AD-8000 WC (set to reference EXT WC) / SMPTE/MTC master
MTC from SY-88 card Remote 'in' connector SYNC

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NTSC Generator (clock master)/VTR (transport slave)/ DAW/Digital Console/DA-88s
NTSC Generator: Master Clock
NTSC video signal or black burst
AMBus TDIF AMBus TDIF AMBus TDIF Word Clock

AES AES AMBus Pro Tools

slave to AD-8000 WC (set to reference EXT WC) / SMPTE master

Mult TC D/A SMPTE

Sony 9 pin RS-422
Although this setup is fairly complex, it is designed to illustrate the flow of time code, NTSC video signal (or black burst), and word clock. Understanding the overall concept allows you to add or remove different pieces of equipment while keeping the system synchronized.

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Appendix IV: AD-8000 Specifications

ANALOG AND A/D CONVERTER

Parameter Resolution Sample Rate Input Impedance Pro Consumer Relative THD+N 0.1 dBFS 20 dBFS 60 dBFS Value 9K 15K 108 110.54 Units bits kHz dB dB (A-weighted) dB dB (A-weighted) dB dB (A-weighted) dB dB dB (Max) seconds dB kHz dB dB (Worst Case) dB (Worst Case) dB Degrees dB dB dBu dBu dBu dBu dBu ppm psec
HEADPHONE D/A AND AMPLIFIER
Resolution Sample Rate Relative THD+N, S/(N+D) 0.5 dBFS input Dynamic range 60 dB 60 dB, A-weighted (EIAJ), typ Group Delay (in passband) Passband Ripple Stop-Band Attenuation Channel Separation DAC Amplifier Frequency Response (20Hz20 kHz) Gain Phase Output Level (max) Output Power (max) 8 load 150 load 600 load 88 94.22.25/Fs 0.0.05 < 2.20 bits kHz dB dB dB sec dB dB dB dB dB degrees Vp-p W/channel mW/channel mW/channel
Dynamic range 60 dB dB, A-weighted 114 Peak Spurious Component 120 Group Delay (in passband) 38.7/Fs Passband Ripple 0.001 Digital Filter Stopband 26.232 Stop-band Attenuation 110 Channel Separation Left/right 113 Between pairs 113 Frequency Response (20 Hz20 kHz) Gain 0.025 Phase <2 Common-Mode Rejection Ratio 60 Hz > kHz > 80 Input Level, Maximum (No Gain) Professional, balanced 27 Professional, unbalanced 23 Consumer, balanced 16 Consumer, unbalanced 15 Input Level, Adjustment Range 20 Crystal Oscillator Accuracy 25 Clock Jitter, 32kHz54 kHz << 50

DIGITAL SIGNAL PROCESSOR

Processing Delay DC High-Pass Filter Corner Freq. UV22 Amplitude Normal, 16 bits Low, 16 bits Normal, 20 bits Low, 20 bits Metering Accuracy Over Detection 16/Fs 1.114 Seconds Hz dB dB dB dB
0.05 dB 14 consecutive 0 dBFS readings (User-definable)

SYSTEM

AC line voltage Fusing Power Size (w, h, d) Weight 100, 120, 220, 240 vac (set internally) 1 A slow-blow U.S.A. 60 Watts 19 in, 3.5 in (2U), 14.25 in 20 lb (9.1 kg)
Note: These specifications are subject to change without notice.

Public Revision History

Version 1.0, July 24, 1997 Initial release version: for distribution. Version 1.1, August 29, 1997 Reference to DIP switch corrected on p11 (Connections). Minor revisions to diagram on p31 (NTSC generator with DA-88). Release version for distribution. Version 1.2b, October 7, 1997 Corrections to reflect firmware revisions 0.55-1.02. Discussion of Autosync and power-up version display added. Version 1.3, December 1997 Corrections and additions to reflect firmware revisions to 1.15. Changes from previous firmware revisions is available on the Apogee Web Site. Version 1.4, November 1998 Corrections and additions to meet CE requirements. Some additional information included.

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Appendix V: Card Installation and Internal Settings Guide
Technically-qualified personnel only!
WARNING. This section includes operations which require access to the inside of the unit. Removing the cover may expose the user to dangerous voltages. As a result, the operations in this section should be carried out only by technically-qualified personnel, and without power being applied to the unit. Apogee cannot be held responsible for damage or injury caused by failing to follow these directions, failing to use reasonable care during operations involving the removal of the top cover of the unit, or failing to use reasonable precautions generally understood in the professional audio industry to be necessary when working internally on equipment of this type, whether or not such precautions are included in this document.
Removing and replacing the cover
To remove the top cover of the unit, undo the retaining screws and set them aside. You will notice that the screws from the front of the unit are shorter than the rest: ensure that these are re-inserted into the front holes when you replace the cover, as inserting the longer screws into the front may damage the front panel display circuitry resulting in a malfunction. We recommend that when installing or removing cards, the unit is grounded to reduce the risk of damage by static discharge. One method of doing this is to keep the unit plugged into a grounded, switched-off outlet. The Option Card slot at the rear of the AD-8000, adjacent to the power input connector, is utilized by the optional stereo or 8-channel 24-bit D/A cards. To install one of these optional cards, you will need to remove the unit from a rack, if so installed. You may wish to keep the unit plugged into a switched-off, grounded AC receptacle so as to minimize the chance of static discharge, and avoid standing on carpeting while carrying out this procedure. Keep the option card in its packaging until you are ready to install. Now turn the unit around so youre facing the back panel. Remove the AD-8000 top cover. Remove the three retaining screws securing the blank panel to the right of the power input connector, and remove the panel. Ground yourself by touching the metal chassis of the AD-8000, and unpack the card. The simplest way of making sure that the card locates in position in the slot is as follows: 1. Positioning the card directly above the edge connector, line up the recesses on the edge of the cards cover plate with the edges of the cutout in the AD-8000 rear panel. 2. Keeping the card connector aimed at the socket, gently slide the card vertically downwards towards the connector until it stops. The card will at this point probably be partially inserted into the edge connector. 3. Locate the power connector J20 that lies just behind the card slot. This holds a short ribbon cable that connects to the adjacent power supply board. 4. With a finger, gently move the J20 connector slightly in the direction of the AD-8000 front panel so as to clear the rear edge of the D/A card, while at the same time pressing the D/A card into place in its slot. It should slot positively into place. After insuring that the cards rear panel is correctly positioned, re-install the retaining screws and replace the AD-8000 top panel. You will notice that after the card has been installed, the top right LED in the routing matrix will illuminate (ANALOG row, DESTINATION column) to show that analog is available as a signal destination. The video sync module is a small optional card that fits over the system firmware EEPROM inside the front of the unit. It provides the AD-8000 with the capability of synchronizing to video input and pulling the sample rate up/down as required. To install the video module, remove the top cover of the unit. Locate the system EEPROM near the front of the unit. This will have a label carrying the software revision number. You will see two connectors, one on either side of the EEPROM, that mate with the pins on the module. The video sync module can be inserted either way round one way is correct and the other is not! The correct orientation will result in the System EEPROM being covered by the module. Position the module over the connectors so that this is the case. Ensure that the module is positioned correctly and that no pins are offset or overhanging the connectors. Press the video module gently but firmly into place on the connectors. Replace the cover as detailed above.