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edited RME ADI-8 PRO

The ADI-8 PRO is an 8 channel analog to digital and digital to analog converter with reference approach. The compact 19" 1U rackmount enclosure includes several outstanding features, like Intelligent Clock Control (ICC), SyncCheck®, SyncAlign®, TDIF/ADAT converter and Bit Splitter. AD- and DA-circuit automatically operate either independently or linked. The latest 24 bit converters with 128 times oversampling achieve more than 110 dB real dynamic range. All digital inputs and outputs operate at full 24-bit resolution. If you have been waiting for a flexible, fully professional yet affordable multi-channel converter - the wait is over. Use the following feature list to compare our ADI-8 PRO with all other multitrack converters, and you will agree: The ADI-8 PRO has the best value/price point! The ADI-8 PRO's astonishing capabilities are easy to explore thanks to a simple and easy to understand user interface. Let's have a short walk over the front panel from left to right. Setting up the ADI-8 PRO starts with an input sensitivity that perfectly suits your needs and maintains the excellent dynamic range of the AD-Converters. INPUT LEVEL lets you choose between Lo Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV. Each analog input has its own 'Signal Present' and 'Clip' LED, so levels and Overload are easy to check. The key BIT SPLIT allows to spread the 24 bit signal on two outputs. This technique allows two 8-channel 16 bit tape recorders to record 8 channels in 24 bit resolution. BIT SPLIT works with both TDIF and ADAT. RME's intelligent clock control (ICC) provides professional features you won't find anywhere else. First set the clock of the AD-Converter, choose between INTERNAL, EXTERNAL (BNC word clock) or INPUT (the digital input signal ADAT or TDIF.) The internal clock can be 44.1 or 48 kHz. The DA-Converter has the same settings available. The current state of locking and clock synchronisation is shown by blinking or constantly lit LEDs. The next key DIGITAL INPUT determines the used digital input, and the clock source in case INPUT was activated. DIGITAL INPUT is already part of the DA-Converter section. Next is COMBINE which activates the re-combination of split signals back to a full 24 bit signal. The key COPY MODE routes the digital input to the digital outputs ADAT and TDIF. As these operate simultaneously sending identical data the ADI-8 PRO not only turns into a superiour ADAT/TDIF converter, but also allows copying between devices of the same format and a distribution to different devices. For example an ADAT signal can be distributed to 2 ADAT plus 2 TDIF outputs simultaneously. In Copy Mode also both BIT SPLIT and COMBINE are available, so it's possible to recombine a split signal while copying, or split a not split signal, or recombine and split again into another format. With this the ADI-8 PRO turns into an extremely powerful TDIF/ADAT interface. Each analog output has its own 'Signal Present' LED which works in an analog fashion (brighter at higher levels.) A push on OUTPUT LEVEL sets Hi Gain, +4 dBu or -10 dBV as analog output level.

edited Apogee PSX-100

For more than a decade, Apogee Electronics has been a pioneer in digital audio technology, releasing numerous products such as state-of-the-art digital filters, format converters and, more recently, conversion systems. The recently introduced PSX-100 functions as a complete 2-channel high-density conversion system and capitalizes on the industry's migration toward a 24-bit/96kHz audio standard. Housed in a 1U rackmountable enclosure, the unit provides stereo 24-bit/96kHz analog to digital conversion, plus stereo 24-bit digital to analog conversion. The PSX-100 also functions as a bit-splitter and format converter. Incorporating Apogee's proprietary UV22 word length reduction technology, the PSX-100 outputs 16- and 20-bit word data without any appreciable loss of detail. The PSX-100 is a comprehensive system. The A/D and D/A sections can function independently of one another and can be clocked separately or cross-connected. Built into the unit are all the industry-standard interfaces, including multiple AES/EBU, S/PDIF (both coaxial and optical), Tascam TDIF and Alesis Lightpipe. The PSX-100 supports high-density sample rates (88.2 and 96 kHz) and the more conventional 44.1 and 48kHz sample rates. One particularly useful feature is an Aux AES/EBU output that always outputs 24-bit full-resolution audio, regardless of what else may be taking place. This feature is very convenient because you can mix to a 24-bit device while taking advantage of the UV22 technology to reduce the bit count for a simultaneous mix to a conventional 16-bit DAT recorder. In terms of its functions and internal operating modes, the PSX-100 does some very cool stuff. In case you were wondering what on earth you might use to cap-ture a 24-bit/96kHz stereo mix, Apogee Bit-Splitting (ABS) technology enables you to use a conventional MDM recorder. If, for example, you are mixing a 24-bit, 44.1kHz recording to your ADAT or DA-88, the ABS technology uses four tracks to accomplish this. The PSX-100 effectively prints the left channel's first 16 bits to track 1 while placing the remaining eight least significant bits (LSB) onto track 2. The right channel is handled similarly by using tracks 3 and 4. For a 24-bit/96kHz recording, Apogee's ABS-96 technology divides the data down the middle again and, hence, uses tracks 1-4 for the left channel and tracks 5-8 for the right channel. Other noteworthy features include a Soft Limit function that provides maximum digital level to a recording without incurring overruns, the metering of either the A/D output or the D/A input, a Digital Copy Mode to facilitate conversions between the various supported formats, and an Analog Monitor Mode for monitoring the A/D output through the D/A converter. Additionally, an optional video card can provide sync to PAL, NTSC or black-and-white video signals.