User Manual

8
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. This just keeps our options
open if we need to get “under the hood”. We’ll start with our cable connections, turn the unit on, and then set
it up for use with the computer.
3.1 Cable Connections
Due to the modular nature of Aurora
(n)
, the back panel can look very different for different configurations. For
the time being, we will show a unit with 32 channels of analog I/O. Your unit may have a smaller number of
channels than that, but the basic configuration information is still pertinent.
A 32 channel Aurora
(n)
has 4 of the A8IOE 8 in and 8 out expansion modules installed. These have one 25-pin
D-Sub connector for 8 channels of analog input, and one D-Sub for 8 channels of analog output. Let’s take a
look at the back panel and explore the cabling considerations for all of the I/O we’ll see here.
 Line In Channels: Use a 25-pin D-Sub cable to connect this to Line Level analog signal sources. The
Lynx CBL-AIN-85 is an appropriate cable choice and has 8 Female XLR connectors to attach to connected
equipment. Alternatively, third party analog D-Sub cables sets can be used for whatever connector type the
signal source requires (D-Sub, 1/4”, RCA, etc.). These inputs support balanced or unbalanced operation.
Note: for unbalanced cable sets, 4.5 meters (15 feet) is the longest recommended cable length.
 Line Out Channels: Use a 25-pin D-Sub cable to connect this to Line Level analog signal destinations.
The Lynx CBL-AOUT-85 is an appropriate cable choice and has 8 Male XLR connectors to attach to
connected equipment. Alternatively, third party analog D-Sub cables sets can be used for whatever connector
type the signal source requires (D-Sub, 1/4”, RCA, etc.). These outputs support balanced or unbalanced
operation. Note: for unbalanced cable sets, 4.5 meters is the longest recommended cable length.
 Word clock I/O: Aurora
(n)
features one word clock input and three word clock outputs. This is an ideal
configuration if you need to integrate other digital devices into your studio, with the Aurora
(n)
as a master
clock. The word clock outputs deliver low jitter, time aligned clock signals to downstream devices. If the
Aurora
(n)
is a clock slave, the Lynx SynchroLock II circuitry ensures minimal jitter even from compromised
clock sources. Use standard 75 Ω word clock cable with BNC connectors. Recommended maximum length is
9 meters (30 feet). Note: models with an LM-PRE or DB-ADAT include a 1 in/1 out word clock module
 Thunderbolt: Aurora
(n)
-TB3 has been tested with standard copper Thunderbolt cables. For copper cable,
cable lengths up to 2 meters (6.6 feet) are supported. As of the printing of this manual, optical Thunderbolt 3
cables are not yet available. Either port may be used to connect to the computer. The other port may be used
to daisy-chain to other Thunderbolt 3 devices (up to 6 total on one Thunderbolt chain).
Note: Using a Thunderbolt 1 or 2 computer will require a 3
rd
party adapter like the Apple MMEL2AM/A
Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 Adapter.