Mastering Grade Analog to Digital / Digital to Analog Converter User Manual Firmware Version 1.22 Lynx Studio Technology, Inc. www.lynxstudio.com support@lynxstudio.
Purchase Date:______________________________________________________ Dealer Name:______________________________________________________ Dealer Telephone:______________________________________________________ Aurora(n) Serial Number:______________________________________________________ I/O Module 1 Serial Number:______________________________________________________ I/O Module 2 Serial Number:______________________________________________________ I/O Module 3 Serial Number:__________________________________
Aurora(n)™ User Manual Table of Contents 1 2 3 4 5 6 Introduction ................................................................................................................................................. 1 1.1 Overview................................................................................................................................................. 1 1.2 Features ........................................................................................................................
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6.2.6 Test Tone .................................................................................................................................29 6.2.7 Digital In Status .......................................................................................................................29 6.2.8 Optical Settings .......................................................................................................................30 6.2.9 SD Card .................................
1 Introduction The Aurora set the standard for transparency, reliability and economy for a professional AD/DA converter and is a staple of professional recording systems worldwide. The Aurora(n) ™ carries on that proud legacy with a complete redesign from the bottom up.
device. Single or multi-track recordings can be played back from the micro SD card to the Aurora(n) outputs – perfect for installations or live performances requiring prerecorded tracks. Even playlists can be created for use at installations or other venues. microSD cards up 2 TB in capacity are supported. The Aurora chassis is generous with venting to support the passively cooled design. The rack ears have been reinforced to protect against shock and impact when used within mobile or touring rigs.
1.5 Power and Safety Information This symbol, located on the equipment and in this manual, refers to important instructions. Read this manual thoroughly before operating this equipment. To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety.
• • 64-bit desktop computer or laptop with at least Intel Core 2 @ 1.6 GHz, or AMD equivalent At least 4GB RAM USB • One functional USB 2.
2 Getting Started Aurora(n)-USB Aurora(n) was designed to be a product that is so easy to use that this section of the manual would scarcely be necessary. However, it is quicker to learn how the device works in one go, than to spend precious minutes figuring things out by randomly pressing buttons. We recommend reading this section thoroughly, before putting the unit to serious use, if you can manage it. If you can verify functionality before rack mounting the unit that can be helpful.
IEC Power Connector: Use the included AC power cord. The Aurora(n) has a switching power supply and can be used with 100, 115, 230 or 240V systems without an external transformer. In Addition to the rear panel jack pack, there are two remaining cable connections on the front panel. The PHONES jacks use a standard ¼” TRS connector, and is capable of driving the full range of stereo headphones available. 2.
7. Press Next to complete the installation 8. If this is a driver upgrade, you will be promoted to disconnect the Aurora and reconnected it. 2.3.1.1 Verification of successful Installation in Windows After driver installation, let’s test playback and make sure we get indication of proper performance before claiming victory. First we will set up the Aurora as the default audio device in Windows. To do so, Navigate to the Sound Section of Windows Control Panel.
3 Getting Started Aurora(n)–TB3 (Thunderbolt) Aurora(n) was designed to be a product that is so easy to use that this section of the manual would scarcely be necessary. However, it is quicker to learn how the device works in one go, than to spend precious minutes figuring things out by randomly pressing buttons. We recommend reading this section thoroughly, before putting the unit to serious use, if you can manage it. If you can verify functionality before rack mounting the unit that can be helpful.
Thunderbolt Bus Power Connector: Thunderbolt devices that are powered from the Thunderbolt cable (called bus power) need an additional 12V DC power supply connected to the LT-TB3 card to supply the power required. When connecting a bus-powered device, connect the AC adapter to the 12V DC port on the LT-TB3 equipped interface that precedes the bus-powered hardware in the Thunderbolt daisy chain. Failure to connect the AC Adapter will prevent the downstream bus-powered device from operating.
connect to the Aurora as a Thunderbolt Device reinstall, you will not see this dialog box. Just continue on with the subsequent steps). 5. Double-click the installation file to start the driver installation 6. Accept the License Agreement 7. The installer will extract the 8. If you are prompted to let the 9. You may get a Windows Security Dialog Bog. If so, select “Install”. Driver installation will proceed 10. Finally you will receive a 11.
3.3.2 Installation for Apple macOS 1. Power up the Aurora(n) and connect it to the computer with a Thunderbolt cable. 2. Locate the LT-TB3 driver from your downloaded files. The file name will be Lynx_OSX_##.zip (where ## is the version number of the driver). Double-click to expand the installer package. 3. Double-click “Lynx_OSX.pkg” that was expanded from the step above. This will start the driver installation. 4. Click “Continue” for the Software License Agreement after reading it. 5.
If not, double check cable connections, refer to the online support resources from the lynxstudio.com website, or contact Lynx Technical support. 3.3.
4 Getting Started Aurora(n)-DNT (Dante) Aurora(n) was designed to be a product that is so easy to use that this section of the manual would scarcely be necessary. However, it is quicker to learn how the device works in one go, than to spend precious minutes figuring things out by randomly pressing buttons. We recommend reading this section thoroughly, before putting the unit to serious use, if you can manage it. If you can verify functionality before rack mounting the unit that can be helpful.
IEC Power Connector: Use the included AC power cord. The Aurora(n) has a switching power supply and can be used with 100, 115, 230 or 240V systems without an external transformer. In Addition to the rear panel jack pack, there are two remaining cable connections on the front panel. The PHONES jacks use a standard ¼” TRS connector, and is capable of driving the full range of stereo headphones available. 4.
be configured in terms of clocking, latency, device name, and transmission characteristics. Routing is achieved through a grid system, where “flows’ are defined between a transmitter and a receiver. With Dante Controller installed in macOS, or Windows PC, devices in the Dante network will automatically appear, there are no drivers or utilities to install for this to happen.
4.2.2 NControl The Lynx NControl is a convenient software mixer and control interface for the Aurora(n) hardware. Once installed, it allows hardware routing, level control, sync source selection, SD Card play and record, and a host of other functions. Download it from: https://www.lynxstudio.com/downloads > Aurora(n) > Apps. There is a 5 part tutorial video for the app on youtube.com/LynxStudioTech. 4.2.
5 Getting Started Aurora(n)-HD2 (ProTools HD) Aurora(n) was designed to be a product that is so easy to use that this section of the manual would scarcely be necessary. However, it is quicker to learn how the device works in one go, than to spend precious minutes figuring things out by randomly pressing buttons. We recommend reading this section thoroughly, before putting the unit to serious use, if you can manage it. If you can verify functionality before rack mounting the unit that can be helpful.
IEC Power Connector: Use the included AC power cord. The Aurora(n) has a switching power supply and can be used with 100, 115, 230 or 240V systems without an external transformer. In Addition to the rear panel jack pack, there are two remaining cable connections on the front panel. The PHONES jacks use a standard ¼” TRS connector, and is capable of driving the full range of stereo headphones available. 5.
The Aurora was programmed to respond to some of the menu items and switches in the Hardware Setup page. Let’s take a closer look at this page and which settings are implemented, and how to use them: Peripherals: This displays connected interfaces. With an 8 or 16 channel Aurora(n), it will be represented here as a single HD I/O. With a 24 or 32 channel version it will appear as two HD I/Os, with one indented in from the other. Clock Source: This control can change the SYNC SOURCE on the Aurora(n).
6 Front Panel Controls The Aurora(n) is designed to give the user operational flexibility: It can be easily and conveniently controlled from the computer, but also from the front panel. In fact, with the micro-SD card option, you could even record or play audio directly with the Aurora(n) even if there is no computer connected. In this section we will explore the navigation of the front panel, and what your options are.
• • • • Selecting a parameter can be done by pressing the Select button, or pressing in the rotary encoder. You can close the current page by pressing the Meter/Exit button. If you are at the top level of the menu, then pressing this button will return you to the “Meter” page. Pressing the Meter/Exit button while on the “Meter” page will toggle through the different metering options Pressing Phones Source button will open the “Phone Source” selection page from any other page. 6.
All I/O Meter on an Aurora(n) with 16 line i/o and Thunderbolt. All I/O Meter on an Aurora(n) with 24 line i/o and Thunderbolt combined on one page. All I/O Meter on an Aurora(n) with 24 line i/o (LSlot channels are shown on a separate page). All I/O Meter on an Aurora(n) with 32 line i/o. All I/O Meter on an Aurora(n) PRE1608 with Thunderbolt combined on one page. All I/O Meter on an Aurora(n) with 16 line i/o and LM-DIG.
6.1.2 Horizontal Meter The horizontal meters show greater detail for two pairs of channels on the Aurora(n). Level markers and clip indicators make this a useful tool for calibration and troubleshooting. Press the Select button to choose which sources drive both sets of meters: The “Meter Select” page operates a bit differently from other pages on the Aurora, since there are more options here than other pages.
The “Function” menu provides access to controls for recording and playback, as well as settings and even firmware updates. To navigate on this page, either use the Function button to increment, OR the rotary encoder to move to the desired menu item. To select that item or page, either press the Select button, OR press in the rotary encoder.
Note: If USB is used, then the Clock Setup page is disabled until the USB cable is disconnected. The “Word clock” option will only be illuminated and selectable when the Aurora(n) detects a valid clock signal is being delivered to its WORD CLOCK input. When clocked via “Word clock”, the Aurora(n) will follow whatever sample rate is being generated by the clock master.
When clocked externally, the Aurora(n) uses Lynx’s proprietary SynchroLock II clocking feature to reduce jitter and clocking anomalies. SynchroLock II takes only a few seconds to achieve full lock. While it is locking the SynchroLock indicator will show “Unlocked”, and will show “Locked” when full lock is achieved. SynchroLock will re-engage whenever the Sample Rate changes.
The right half of the preamp page shows the controls of the selected channel(s). 6.2.4 Input selector control. Switches between Mic / Line / HiZ. Mic and Line are both on the XLR jack, Hi-Z is on the TRS jack. Pad control. Enables 13.6dB pad. Not available when input is set to Line or Hi-Z. With the Pad enabled and the gain set to “14” the Mic input level will match the Line input level. 48V control. Enables 48V phantom power for the selected input.
The “Routing” page is where you control what sources you are able to monitor and record. This page involves “global” routing. You can get more sophisticated, with per-channel routing, using the NControl software when using the USB, Thunderbolt or Dante connection methods. This page, however, is ideal for setting source to destination for all channels quickly, or for setting up the Aurora(n) routing independently of the computer.
If the NControl software has been used to change the routing, a warning will appear before the Routing page is displayed. Selecting OK will reset the NControl scene and the Aurora(n) will revert to basic routing. 6.2.6 Test Tone The Test Tone page controls the test tone function, which can be used as a good diagnostic tool to test an output, and can even be used to calibrate downstream devices.
If the DB-ADAT module is installed, the Optical Input status will also be shown. 6.2.8 Optical Settings The “Optical Settings” page is available if the LM-DIG + DB-ADAT combination are installed in the Aurora(n). This setting allows the Optical Output to be changed to either ADAT or SPDIF mode, or to have the Optical Output format follow the same format as Optical Input 1 (which is the default). 6.2.9 SD Card The “SD card” page shows the characteristics of any inserted microSD card.
During recording, the number of record channels and sample rate are displayed, along with the Record speed rating. This gives you the exact performance capabilities of the specific microSD card. “100 / 100” is the best performance rating, and “1 / 100” is the worst and any microSD card showing this poor of performance will be unable to keep up with recording at the selected number of channels and sample rate.
of 4GB, a 32-channel recording at 96k would only get just over 7 minutes of recording time before this 4GB limit is reached. To overcome this limitation, the Aurora(n) will automatically switch the file to a 64-bit header (RF64) when the 4GB limit is reached. You may need to check with your DAW software to ensure it supports RF64 broadcast wave audio files. Details of how to integrate your recordings into a DAW environment are part of the support video for SD card recording on the Lynx YouTube channel. 6.2.
6.2.13 Scenes The “Scenes” page is where scenes can be recalled, saved, hidden and have their names edited. Scenes are simply a collection of control values (pan, volume, mute and so on) describing the routing setup of the Aurora(n) and stored in the “Scenes” folder on the microSD card. The scene file is the same XML format as NControl, so a scene created on NControl can be saved to the “Scenes” folder and then applied to the Aurora(n) without the computer connected.
6.2.14 Playlists The “Playlists” page is where a playlist can be created, edited, hidden, selected or unselected. Playlists are simply a collection of WAV files that can be played in order. Playlists conform to the standard .xspf format and are stored in the “Playlists” folder on the microSD card. Please note that the location of the track must be from the root of the microSD card. This means if the playlist is being copied from a computer, drive letters and volume names must not be included.
Unselecting the Playlist or pressing the Record button will revert to “Session” mode, making the playlist no longer active. Playlists names can be changed by pressing the Function button until the pencil icon is highlighted then press the Select button. If the playlist is renamed to “AutoStart”, each time the microSD card is inserted in the Aurora(n) and each time the Aurora(n) is powered on, the playlist will automatically start playing from the first track.
• • RE wheel: This setting allows the user to select what rotating the rotary encoder will do when on the meter pages. Valid selections are: SD Shuttle and Monitor Out Volume (abbreviated “Volume”). When Volume is selected, the Monitor Out volume is set with the Monitor Out button. SD Shuttle moves forward into the active SD card file, when playback is paused.
6.2.18 About The “About” page is a convenient way to determine system specifics, such as firmware versions and dates, serial numbers and installed expansion cards. Pressing the Select button will restore the Aurora(n) to factory default settings. 6.2.19 Firmware Update Lynx regularly releases firmware updates for the Aurora(n) and its installed expansion cards. Firmware updates add features, improve performance, or expand support for new interfacing methods.
Select the “OK” indicator and press Select. The firmware update will progress through four stages: Erasing, Programing, Verifying, Complete When the firmware update is complete, the following page will appear: To complete the update process, simply turn the power off using the front panel power switch. Once you turn the power back on the new firmware should be active. 6.2.20 USB Mode The Aurora(n)-16 USB has a unique page to itself. The LT-USB can operate in two different modes, 8Channel and 16-Channel.
6.3 Phones Source (Basic) Please see the “Settings” page above to select between the Basic and Advanced Phone Source page. The “Phones Source” page can be brought up from any other page on the Aurora(n) display by simply pressing the Phones Source button. This is where the source can be selected for the two headphone outputs. Please note: The PHONES have independent level controls, but the source selected will apply to both jacks.
• When in channel mode: Rotate rotary encoder to change between: Stereo (normal: left goes to left, right goes to right) Sum (left and right summed together and has 6dB gain reduction) Left (left & right headphone channels listen to the left source channel) Right (left & right headphone channels listen to the right source channel) Press the Up or Down arrow buttons to change between source channels, even when in 'volume' or 'channel mode' to allow for quick change of volume between multiple sources. 6.
There are two main controls in the Output group: Volume and Link. • • When the volume control is the selected control, rotating the rotary encoder changes the volume and clicking the rotary encoder changes the output mute. When the link control is the selected control, rotating the encoder changes the volume of the output signal and clicking the rotary encoder links or unlinks the stereo output channels. When unlinked, the volume controls may be set separately.
• When the link control is the selected control, rotating the encoder changes the volume of the source signal and clicking the rotary encoder links or unlinks the two stereo source channels. When unlinked, each pan and volume control may be set separately.
7 microSD Record and Play basics The Aurora(n) has a very powerful new feature for a professional audio converter, the inclusion of a microSD card reader for recording and playback. To support the throughput required for high channel count, high sample rate recording, a simple limitation was required. The Aurora(n) will always record to files that are contiguous, meaning there can be no gaps in the file structure.
8 Firmware Updates Aurora(n) contains firmware that is field-programmable via the computer connection or the microSD card. These updates can improve performance and enhance the functionality of the unit. In some cases, the display screen functions and appearance may change dramatically from firmware updates, even adding meter types and other significant functionality. This flexibility does much to add value to the unit, and keeps it futureproof.
8.3 Updating the LT-DANTE The updater for the LT-DANTE is provided by the manufacturer of the Dante Brooklyn II chip, Audinate. Because of this, the process is quite a bit different from the other LSLOT expansion cards as it relies upon a third party updater program. 1. Prior to updating, ensure that Aurora(n) appears normally from the Dante Controller application. 2. Next, download the Brooklyn firmware update tool from: https://www.audinate.com/products/firmware-update-manager 3.
9 Support We are devoted to making your experience with Aurora(n) trouble-free and productive. If the troubleshooting and operational sections of this manual did not help resolve your questions, several support options are available to you: 9.1 Lynx Website Support Resources Logging on to https://www.lynxstudio.com > Support, will provide several options for resolving your support issues: Answers An extensive catalog of FAQs derived directly from our most common tech support inquiries.
10 Troubleshooting & User Tips Q. I want to change my Sync Source but it is locked out. A. To change SYNC SOURCE it is important that audio is not streaming to the interface. The method for changing Sync Source varies by connection method: USB – First disconnect USB from the Aurora, then set your SYNC SOURCE, then re-connect the USB cable.
11 Specifications Line Input on LM-AIO8 and LM-PRE Modules THD+N -113dB (0.00022%) 1kHz, -1dBFS, 20kHz filter, +20dBu trim Dynamic Range 119dB Frequency Response ±0.010dB maximum Crosstalk -130dB maximum Common Mode Rejection 75dB min.
Mic Input on LM-PRE4 Module THD+N Dynamic Range -111dB (0.00028%) -99dB (0.0011%) -80dB (0.010%) -127dBu -129dBu 116dB @ 21.6dB gain @ 41.6dB gain @ 61.6dB gain @ 61.6dB gain, 20kHz filter @ 61.6dB gain, A-weighted @ 21.6dB gain Frequency Response +0.01 / -0.08dB max. @ all gain settings Crosstalk -127dB max. -117dB max. 75dB min. @ 41.6dB gain, 1kHz @ 41.6dB gain, 10kHz @ 61.
Digital I/O on LM-DIG Module Number Type Channels Optical I/O on DB-ADAT Module Number Type Channels General Processing Sample Rates Synchronization Options Word Clock I/O LSlot™ Expansion Port LCD Display AC Power Size Shipping Weight Depending on I/O configuration Eight inputs and eight outputs 24-bit AES/EBU format, transformer coupled 16 inputs / outputs Two inputs and two outputs 24-bit ADAT or SPDIF format, TOSLINK connectors 16 inputs / outputs for ADAT mode 4 inputs / outputs for SPDIF mode 32-bi
12 Aurora(n) Performance Measurements Test Setup: • Aurora(n) with two AIO8E modules and LM-DIG • Analyzer: Audio Precision SYS-2722, S/N SYS2-32376 12.1 A/D THD+N Ratio vs Frequency Sample Rate: 44.1 kHz Signal Level: -1dBFS Analyzer BW 22Hz – 20kHz Filter: None Lynx Studio Technology Trim: +4 dBu Channels: 1/2 Output impedance: 40 ohms AIDO THD+N RATIO VS FREQUENCY 10/11/17 14:34:59 5 -30 2 -35 1 -40 0.5 -45 -50 0.2 -55 0.1 -60 0.05 -65 -70 % 0.02 -75 0.01 -80 0.005 -85 -90 0.
12.2 A/D THD+N Ratio vs Frequency Sample Rate: 48 kHz Analyzer BW: 22Hz – 20kHz Signal Level: -1dBFS Filter: None Lynx Studio Technology Trim: +4 dBu Channels: 1/2 Output impedance: 40 ohms AIDO THD+N RATIO VS FREQUENCY 10/11/17 14:48:02 5 -30 2 -35 1 -40 0.5 -45 -50 % 0.2 -55 0.1 -60 0.05 -65 -70 0.02 -75 0.01 -80 0.005 -85 d B -90 0.002 -95 0.001 -100 0.0005 -105 -110 0.0002 -115 0.
12.4 A/D Frequency Response at 48 kHz and 96 kHz Sample Rates Sample Rate: 48 kHz / 96kHz Analyzer BW: <10Hz – Fs/2 Lynx Studio Technology Signal Level: -1dBFS Trim: +4 dBu Output impedance: 40 ohms Channel: 1 A-D FREQUENCY RESPONSE 48kHz and 96 kHz Sample Rate 10/11/17 15:10:42 +1 +0.75 +0.5 +0.25 -0 -0.25 -0.5 d B r 1 -0.75 -1 -1.25 -1.5 -1.75 -2 -2.25 -2.5 -2.
12.5 A/D Crosstalk Sample Rate: 48 kHz Signal Level: -1dBFS Trim:+4 dBu Channel: 1/2 Analyzer BW: <10Hz – Fs/2 Filter: Narrow Output impedance: 40 ohms Lynx Studio Technology A-D CROSSTALK or SEPARATION VS FREQUENCY 10/11/17 15:27:55 +0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50 -60 -70 d B -80 -90 -100 -110 -120 -130 -140 -150 -160 60 100 200 500 1k 2k Hz Sweep Trace Color Line Style Thick Data Axis 1 1 1 2 Blue Red Solid Solid 3 3 DSP Anlr.Crosstalk B DSP Anlr.
12.6 D/A THD+N Ratio vs Frequency Sample Rate: 48 kHz Signal Level: -1dBFS Analyzer BW: 22 – 22 kHz Filter: None Lynx Studio Technology Trim: +4 dBu Channel: 1(blue) / 2(red) D-A THD+N VS FREQUENCY 10/11/17 16:17:35 5 -30 2 -35 1 -40 0.5 -45 -50 % 0.2 -55 0.1 -60 0.05 -65 -70 0.02 -75 0.01 -80 0.005 -85 -90 0.002 -95 0.001 -100 0.0005 -105 -110 0.0002 -115 0.
12.8 D/A Frequency Response at 96 kHz Sample Rate Sample Rate: 96kHz Signal Level: -1dBFS Analyzer BW: <10Hz – 500kHz Filter: None Trim: +4 dBu Channel: 1/2 D-A FREQUENCY RESPONSE Lynx Studio Technology 10/11/17 16:38:31 +1 +0.75 +0.5 +0.25 -0 -0.25 -0.5 d B r -0.75 A -1.25 -1 -1.5 -1.75 -2 -2.25 -2.5 -2.75 -3 20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k Hz Sweep Trace Color Line Style Thick Data Axis 1 1 1 2 Blue Red Solid Solid 3 3 Anlr.Level A!Normalize Anlr.
12.9 D/A Crosstalk Sample Rate: 48 kHz Signal Level: -1dBFS Analyzer BW: <10Hz – 500 kHz Trim: +4 dBu Channel: 1/2 D-A CROSSTALK or SEPARATION Lynx Studio Technology 10/11/17 16:50:52 +0 -10 -20 -30 -40 -50 -60 -70 d B -80 -90 -100 -110 -120 -130 -140 -150 -160 20 50 100 200 1k 500 Hz Sweep Trace Color Line Style Thick Data Axis 1 1 1 2 Blue Red Solid Solid 3 2 Anlr.Crosstalk Anlr.
13 Certifications 13.1 FCC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY MANUFACTURERS NAME: MANUFACTURER ADDRESS: TELEPHONE TYPE OF EQUIPMENT: MODEL NUMBER: COMPLIANCE TEST REPORT NUMBER: COMPLIANCE TEST REPORT DATE: YEAR OF MANUFACTURE: Lynx Studio Technology, Inc. 190 McCormick Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92626, U.S.A.
14 Warranty Information One year Free Labor / One year Parts Exchange This product must be returned to the factory for repair. Who Is Covered? You must have proof of purchase to receive warranty service. A sales receipt or other document showing when and where you purchased the product is considered proof of purchase. This warranty is enforceable only by the original retail purchaser. To be protected by this warranty, the purchaser must register online within 14 days of purchase.
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