User Manual

1
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. This latest member of the Lynx converter family expands upon
the feature set that made the original Aurora famous and integrates innovative design and programming
techniques to produce a result that sounds better, is more flexible, adapts to more contexts of use, and is
optimally suited to become the heart of your recording studio. The Aurora
(
n
)
was designed to provide the
detailed recording and playback that you require today, along with an expandable feature set that prepares you
for whatever the future holds for your studio.
Lynx designed the Aurora
(n)
to be the last converter you will ever need. It’s better because we’ve been
listening to what our customers have been asking for, and built a precision audio tool to meet their needs.
Let’s take a look under the hood:
1.1 Overview
The Aurora
(n)
is a truly modular converter, computer interface and stand-alone recording system. Rather than a
fixed feature set product, it is more accurately perceived as a “platform”. With interchangeable LSlot
expansion cards, and interchangeable I/O modules, the Aurora
(n)
you own today, and the one you use years
down the road, may differ considerably.
Connectivity to the rest of your system can be via one of today’s most popular interfacing methods:
Thunderbolt, Dante, USB or ProTools|HD. Later, you can change to a different connection method, or even
use the Aurora independently of a computer. I/O modules determine the number and type of I/O that your
Aurora
(n)
is equipped with. To keep the unit suited to your system, you can add and remove I/O modules later
on. As an example, you can start with an 8-channel analog USB system today, and upgrade to a 16 analog +
16 digital Thunderbolt system in the future. You won’t be left behind as your needs, and the available
technology, changes.
The Aurora
(n)
is a single rack space unit that is passively cooled. This means there is no fan noise! Inside
there is a main board with logic and processing functions, I/O module boards for up to 32 channels of I/O, an
LSlot board and word clock and headphone modules. The back panel is designed to clearly label connectors
for any of the numerous combinations available.
1.2 Features
The Aurora
(n)
is loaded with enhancements over the original Aurora. For Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-
Analog conversion, it utilizes next generation components and design techniques to provide the most
transparent and low distortion audio performance of any device in its class. With -113dB THD+N and 119dB
of Dynamic Range, the Aurora
(n)
carries on the Lynx legacy of high-end conversion with low cost-per-
channel.
The modular design allows addition of 3-5 I/O expansion boards. An 8 analog I/O board, 16 digital I/O board,
16 channel ADAT module, and 4 channel microphone pre-amp are available now. The front panel features
two reference grade headphone outputs with level control. User controls allow for routing of any input or
output signals to the headphone jacks. A 480 by 128 TFT LCD display provides immediate access to all
levels and functions – also configurable for future functionality. Customize the display to suit your taste and
readability.
The microSD slot allows recording up to 32 channels of broadcast wave files, and supports all available
sample rates. This can be for a confidence recording during production, or to use as a standalone recording