Lynx Studio Technology:Aurora Questions

Top Questions We Have Heard about Aurora…

1. 16 channels in and out A/D and D/A in one rack space?
Yes. The Aurora 16 offers sixteen channels of 24-bit, 192 kHz A/D and D/A in a single rack space. This is the only 16-channel converter that offers this high-end performance and compact size. The Aurora 8 offers eight channels of A/D and D/A conversion.

2. Do I need a computer to use Aurora?
No. Aurora 8 and Aurora 16 are standalone units that do not require a computer. The front panel controls and metering are sufficient for most applications, including permanent installation, houses of worship and many live sound/tour sound applications. You can operate Aurora via the front panel's IrDA port, for use with compatible Pocket PCs and laptops. You can also operate Aurora converters from within ProTools® using the LT-HD LSlot Interface from Lynx.

3. What is Aurora’s price and availability?
Aurora 16 and Aurora 8 are now available. The Aurora 8 has a suggested retail price of $2195. The Aurora 16 has a suggested retail price of $3295.

4. What added capabilities do you get with the AES16?
While you do not need to use the AES16, Aurora was designed with the AES16 in mind. When interfaced with an AES16 in PC or Mac, you have individual channel control, levels and monitoring. 64 meters are available, one for each digital and analog input and output. You also have control over all front panel settings. Extensive routing is available, with any input assignable to any output. Once configured, all settings can be saved for immediate recall later – a huge benefit for live performance and broadcast applications. If you wish to record all 16 channels at 192kHz into a PC or Mac based digital audio workstation, the AES16 is the only reasonably priced solution that provides for 16-channels of digital I/O at sample rates up to 192k, so it is the ideal companion for the Aurora 16.

5. What are the MIDI ports for?
Aurora was designed with your existing studio and equipment in mind. The MIDI port will allow you to use existing MIDI control equipment for Aurora, as well as control the Aurora digital mixer controls from a computer even if you are not using an AES16. The MIDI port also allows Lynx to update Aurora in the field. With its FPGA core, Aurora can be updated and new operations and functions can be added over time.

6. Does Aurora need to be installed adjacent to the mixing position?
No. Since the Aurora is designed to be optionally controlled via AES16 in a Mac or PC, Aurora converters can be installed away from crowded mixing stations. In fact, with Lynx’s proprietary SynchroLock jitter attenuation and rock-solid clock, Aurora converters can be installed up to 500 feet away when used in conjunction with an AES16. This is ideal for permanent installations, arenas, houses of worship, post-production and broadcast facilities.

7. Can Aurora act as an analog and digital breakout box for my LynxTWO?
Yes. Connecting Aurora to the LynxTWO via its sync port using the LynxTWO/Aurora Interface Kit allows Aurora to in effect be an out-board LStream device offering additional channels of I/O controlled from the LynxTWO mixer.

8. What is the LSlot port for?
What do you want it to do? You can use Lynx's LT-ADAT for ADAT lightpipe. You can also operate Aurora converters from within ProTools® using the LT-HD LSlot Interface from Lynx. We are considering other popular interfaces. Consumer and dealer feedback will help determine the interfaces we design. The LSlot port will also have extended, non-interface functions in later stages of development. The LSlot port is just one of the many open-ended features that shows our commitment to making Aurora viable for many years to come.

9. How is the audio quality compared to the LynxTWO?
LynxTWO is definitely the father of Aurora. We used our LynxTWO and AES16 technologies as the starting point in the development of Aurora. In many cases we have upgraded performance, using the latest technologies and advanced design techniques. The final specs (to be published soon) will itemize these improvements.

10. What converters do you use?
The best we can find, and this holds for all of the components in Aurora and the balance of the Lynx line. Without the best components, we cannot make the best products. These components, combined with our engineering expertise, commitment to quality and understanding of our customers allows us to design products that are being used by very particular and demanding customers.

11. Why is Aurora priced so much less than the high-end competition?
Frankly price point was not a consideration in our development of Aurora. We took our existing technologies and experience, expanded the capabilities of the product category and tried to think outside of the box. All engineering and software development is done in-house, with many benefits. Once we had developed a product that met our requirements and the requests of our customers, we set the price using the same criteria as the rest of our product line.

As it turns out, Aurora is in fact an excellent value in the high-end 192 kHz converter market. Its midrange price also makes Aurora, especially the Aurora 8, a huge step up for a small added investment over the consumer-level converters used in many project studios and smaller production facilities. Aurora’s price points and feature set make it viable for anyone seeking pristine audio and the highest level of A/D and D/A conversion.

12. What cables can you use with Aurora?
Aurora is designed to use standard "25-pin D-sub breakout" cable sets. The analog ins and outs use Tascam DA-88 style cables, available from Lynx, Mogami, Proco, Hosa and others. Digital I/O is compatible with cables adhering to the Yamaha D-sub pinout, available from the same companies. Cables available directly from Lynx are:

CBL-AIN85 - For eight channels of analog input (5M / 16.4' long).
CBL-AOUT85 - For eight channels of analog output (5M / 16.4' long).
CBL-DIGY85 - For eight channels of digital input and output (5M / 16.4' long).

13. Where can I use Aurora?
Anywhere you need quality, versatile A/D and D/A conversion and digital signal routing. Examples:

Recording and mastering facilities. The most obvious use. Computer and remote control add to Aurora’s utility.
Live use – tour and venues. Having a lot of channels in a small rack is ideal for touring rigs.
Permanent installation. Because of the full computer remote control up to 500 feet away, Auroras can be installed on stage, in an equipment room or in the rafters with no need to access the front panel.
Post production. Different rooms need access to program material stored in a central location. Aurora’s extensive computer-controlled routing allows digital program material to be stored, called up, converted, then routed to mixers anywhere in the facility.
Location recording. 64 channels in four rack spaces! You cannot get any more compact than that.
Eight channel home and project studios. State of the art audio quality is now accessible to thousands of home and project studio buyers.

14. What’s unique about Aurora? In a nutshell…

Aurora 16 – 16 channels of 24 bit A/D and D/A conversion in a single rack space.
Extensive control options – front panel, remote by computer via AES16
Computer control possible up to 500 feet from Aurora
Infrared transceiver on front panel for control by compatible laptops and Pocket PCs
Powerful breakout box for AES16 and LynxTWO
SynchroLock offers 3000:1 jitter attenuation
Future-proofed by LSlot expansion port and FPGA architecture
Extensive digital and analog routing capabilities
Complete 16 channel workstation / conversion solution when used with AES16