Mastering Analog to Digital / Digital to Analog Converter User Manual Including April 2012 Version 4 Firmware and Feature Update Lynx Studio Technology, Inc. www.lynxstudio.com support@lynxstudio.
©2012 Lynx Studio Technology Inc.
User Manual Table of Contents 1 Introduction ..........................................................................................................................1 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 Overview ....................................................................................................................................... 1 Features ......................................................................................................................................... 1 In the Box...........
3.6 Information Page ........................................................................................................................ 36 3.6.1 3.6.2 3.6.3 3.6.4 3.7 Display Controls ......................................................................................................................... 39 3.7.1 3.7.2 3.7.3 3.7.4 3.7.5 3.7.6 3.7.7 3.8 3.9 4 Meter Button...............................................................................................................................
1 Introduction Thank you for choosing Lynx Hilo for your audio needs. The device you have received has been precision engineered to provide the very best audio quality possible, coupled with an innovative, intuitive user interface, and a unique and powerful feature set. Hilo is one of the first pro audio devices on the market that utilizes a full-color LCD touchscreen for control, metering and configuration.
1.4 Power and Safety Information 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. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
1.6.2 Computer requirements Hilo is configured to operate with Mac or PC computer systems via a USB connection. If one wishes to use this connection, check the system requirements below to insure compatibility.
2 Getting Started Hilo 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, then to spend precious minutes figuring things out by randomly pressing buttons. We recommend reading this section thoroughly, before putting Hilo to serious use, if you can manage it. 2.1 Unpacking Before setting up Hilo for use, remove it from the box and verify that the box contents described in section 1.
2.3 Cable Connections Hilo features a treasury of I/O types, suitable to accommodate whatever audio devices you wish to integrate. USB 2.0 port Use the included USB cable or equivalent to connect Hilo to a USB 2.0 equipped computer. Cable Concerns: If using a third party cable, make sure that it is USB 2.0 compliant. 5 meters (16 feet) maximum. LINE IN Use standard XLR cables (i.e. mic cables) to connect to a line level, balanced signal source.
S/PDIF/ ADAT Optical Use standard Toslink optical cables, of lengths up to 9 meters (30 feet). SPDIF Coaxial In Out Use 75 Ω S/PDIF cable with RCA connections. Recommended maximum length is 6 meters (20 feet) Wordclock In/Out Use standard 75 Ω wordclock cable with BNC connectors. Recommended maximum length is 9 meters (30 feet). Battery In DC 4-pin XLR battery pack connector. Supports 9-18 volts DC. See Appendix 5.1 for more information.
2.4 Initial Setup It is important to set up Hilo in the proper order to avoid any speaker damage calamities. Follow these steps for the best results: • Connect the AC power cord to Hilo and to a quality, surge-protected AC power source. Check the Power and Safety section of this manual for additional information. • Connect cables from Hilo to whatever audio devices Hilo will be connected to. These could include powered speakers, mixing consoles, power amps, microphone pre-amps, effects processors, etc.
6. Click “Install” to accept the default directory for program files. 7. After some time the following prompt will appear to allow changes to your computer. Click “Yes” in order to proceed. 8. After some time, the Installation Wizard will appear. Choose “Next” to proceed. 9. After a pause, you will be prompted to connect the USB device. Connect the USB cable from the Hilo to a vacant USB 2.0 port on your computer. Then click “Next”. 10.
12. When the installation completes, click “Next”. 13. Click Finish when prompted. 14. You may receive a warning that the driver has not been digitally signed by Microsoft. It is safe to disregard this warning and select “Continue Anyway.” On some systems the Windows hardware wizard will launch post driver installation. In this case, run the wizard using the “Automatic Installation” option, accepting the defaults, until it completes. Skipping this step may cause the driver to function incorrectly.
2.5.2 Hilo Driver Devices – Windows Operating Systems Hilo was designed to provide maximum compatibility with the most popular audio and multimedia applications that use the Windows MME, DirectSound, ASIO and OS X Core Audio driver standards. It is crucial that the applications are set up correctly for optimal operation. The Windows drivers for the LT-USB support two dominant driver models, WDM (which include both MME and DirectSound) and ASIO.
2.5.2.2 ASIO Application When using an application that supports the ASIO driver standard, one must specify the Hilo ASIO driver as the appropriate audio device. Once that is established, multiple stereo input and output devices will be available for use within the application. Please note: the LT-USB Mode from the Hilo “Tools” page will determine whether 8-channels or 16-channels of I/O are presented.
LT-USB Firmware Upgrade Disregard this page. This is no longer used as the interface for LT-USB firmware updates. See section 3.9 for the current firmware update process. Device Info This page provides information for the Lynx Technical support staff. Please note that the “Streaming Mode” and “Volume Control” settings are not implemented at this time and should not be changed from their current values.
2.5.2.3 Controlling Latency by Changing the Buffer Size Latency in an audio interface can be defined as the time required to process a sample from an application to the interface’s audio output. A number of factors determine the achievable latency performance of a Hilo system: processor speed, operating system, sample rate, number of utilized record or play channels, system efficiency, etc.
2.5.1 Installation for Macintosh OS X Hilo will operate as a Core Audio device under OS X automatically without any driver installation required. Core Audio is the dominant audio driver model for OS X, and is used for media playback applications as well as Pro Audio applications. Simply connect the USB cable from Hilo to your Mac OS X computer and Hilo will be immediately available for use. Please note that Hilo does require OS X version 10.6.4 or above. 2.5.1.
Latency can be manipulated by changing the size of the buffers used to transfer data to and from Hilo. Core Audio buffer size controls are offered within most pro audio recording applications. With Hilo, buffer sizes typically range between 32 and 2048 samples. Smaller buffer sizes will give you lower latency. However, if a buffer size is too small for the system or context, audio anomalies such as clicks and pops may occur.
3 Using Hilo Hilo’s Touch Screen gives it a key advantage over other converters. As all of the functions are controlled by the software that runs the touch screen, Hilo is not locked into just one way to work. We can add features. We can change the graphics. We can offer completely different user interfaces for different types of users. So the Hilo user interface in five years may be radically different than today’s Hilo. In short, it will evolve. You can help us with this.
3.2 Changing the Meter Page At this time there are three metering options: Analog VU Horizontal Bar Style Note – The All I/O Meters screen shows signal activity for all digital and analog inputs and outputs on the Hilo, except for ADAT Lightpipe. All I/O To change the meter type, tap the meters on the screen, and the Meter Type menu will appear: Touch on the type of meter you would like to see. The new meter will instantly appear.
3.2.1 Choosing the Meter Source You can select any Input or Output Source to be shown on the Analog VU and Horizontal Meters. 3.2.1.1 For the Analog VU Meters: Touch the Monitor Source Selection button that is centered at the bottom of the screen. Before touching the button, it will show the current selection. A Pop-up will appear with two sets of input sources on the left and six sets of output sources on the right. Tap on the input or output source you need.
3.3 Getting to the Menu Pages The in the lower right corner of any Meters page will send you initially to the Home page. Thereafter this will send you to the last Menu page that you accessed. The bottom of the menu pages has five round buttons which allow you to navigate between menu pages. The Meter button on the far left returns you to the active meter page. The four buttons on the right select menu pages, each with up to 8 functions.
3.4 Home Menu 3.4.1 Sample Rate Hilo will display the sample rate that it is currently operating at. If clocked externally, this may be the sample rate being generated by the clock source. If clocked Internally, the sample rate may reflect the rate of audio being played or the rate requested from an audio software application.
3.4.2 Sync Source This button will show the currently selected Sync Source. When you push the Sync Source button, you may select any of six possible clock sync options. If a clock source is valid, a sample rate will appear next to that selection. For instance, if a clock source is connected to the Hilo word clock input, next to “Word Clock” there would appear the sample rate that the clock source is generating. This is where a new Sync Source can be selected.
There are four possible states for the SynchroLock button. Locked Either Hilo is operating off of its Internal clock, or SynchroLock has achieved full lock to the specified external clock source. In this state, playback and recording of audio is possible Working Hilo is operating off of its Analog Phase Lock Loop to lock to the incoming clock signal, while the SynchroLock circuitry is performing analysis on the incoming clock signal. This may continue for 1-2 minutes.
3.4.5 Line In Trim Line In Trim can be set to any of eight preset trim settings. The Line In Trim button shows the currently selected trim level, the same for the Left and Right inputs. There are four Pro Level settings: +18 dBu; +20 dBu; +22 dBu; and +24 dBu. There are four additional levels most often used on Consumer Audio products: +0 dBV; +2 dBV; +4 dBV and +6 dBV. When the button is pushed, a Selection Window pops up.
3.4.7 Digital In Source Hilo offers a choice of AES or S/PDIF as the digital input source. With S/PDIF you have the option of Coax or Optical Inputs. Before being pushed, this button shows the current selection. Upon pushing the button, you can select: AES; S/PDIF Coax; or S/PDIF Optical. If selecting SPDIF Optical, the Optical Out mode must be set to SPDIF. See section 3.4.4. Note: You do not need to make this choice for outputs, as all three digital outputs are independently available and assignable. 3.
First a few conventions: RED buttons mean that the associated signal source or output is OFF or MUTED GREEN buttons mean ON or UNMUTED A WHITE LINE around a button means this is the channel is in focus, and can be acted upon by the faders or ON/OFF switch below the fader. As you can see, the page is divided into input sources on the left and outputs on the right. What we are seeing here is which input sources are assigned to the displayed output.
In the Graphic above, we see the default state of USB channels 1&2 being routed to the Hilo’s Line Out. This is for signals from the Analog Line In ports. Of the three stereo digital formats: AES, SPDIF Coax and SPDIF Optical, only one can be active at a time. This is selected from the “Digital In Source” button from the Home menu. These sources correspond to USB play devices that will appear in the host computer.
Outputs are labeled clearly for selection. Unlike with input sources, all three digital outputs are individually selectable, as are the ADAT Outputs Please note, if the Optical Out Mode on the Home menu is set to SPDIF, then the ADAT outputs will not be shown and cannot be selected. The USB Record devices correspond to the input options that will appear in OSX or Windows recording software.
Analog Output Level – This is your primary monitoring level control. You can control this level / volume using the fader or the knob on the front panel. Digital Output Level – Your default for this level is all the way on, at 0 dBFs. This provides the best possible signal to noise ratio, and therefore the best audio quality. However, since Hilo offers you the option of routing several inputs to these outputs, you may overload the digital output and cause distortion.
level of that source before it is sent to the output. This mode would be typical for live use, where making an input source live at full volume could have ear-shattering consequences. For the remainder of this section, when mention is made of enabling sources whether this is accomplished by the Single Tap method (Single Tap Source Select = ON) or Two Tap (Single Tap Source Select = OFF) will be left up to the reader. 3.4.8.
3.4.8.4 Adjusting levels of input sources and outputs The Output Mix Routing page has two faders, one on the input side and one on the output side. In both cases the single fader controls the level for two channels of audio. The fader on the input side adjusts the amount of signal from the input source that is in focus (with the white box around it) that is feeding the active output.
We already have signal from USB Play 1&2 carrying the streams from the computer. Now let’s add Line In as a source so there is the new keyboard parts along with the existing tracks. The keyboard level is a bit hot compared to the mix. Let’s attenuate the Line In signal by 10dB. Now let’s pull up the Phones Out to adjust the performer’s levels. Again, USB Play 1&2 is pre-assigned as a source.
Now we’ll add Line In, so the performer can hear their input signal This performer likes the levels of the backing tracks louder, but the overall level down a bit, so we’ll nudge the USB Play source signal up by 6dB, and attenuate the Phones output by 10dB Now the performer and engineer each have their own monitor mix. Now we’re ready to record, keeping in mind that the signals from the Line In will appear in the DAW software as USB Record 1&2.
3.5 Tools Page At the time of this writing of the owner’s manual, 6 of these 8 buttons are used. Tools will be added in future updates that will add capabilities and features to Hilo. These will be available via Firmware update from the Lynx website. 3.5.1 Restore Default Routing This button restores the factory default settings, as covered in section 3.4.8. 3.5.2 Save Scene Button Once you have created a specific routing/level set up that you may want to recall, here is where you would store it. 1.
3.5.3 Recall Scene This button lets you recall the Scenes that you have stored using the Save Scene button. 1. 2. 3. 4. Push Recall Scene. Up to 6 Scenes will be selectable on the Pop up Select the Scene you wish to reload. The Scene will be instantly loaded with routing, level, meter, sample rate, sync source, trim, digital source and optical mode information. 5. If you do not want to Recall a scene, push the Close button at the bottom of the Pop up.
3.5.5 LT-USB Mode The LT-USB that comes with Hilo has two modes of operation: • 16 Channel operation – 16 input and 16 output channels at sample rates to 96 kHz • 8 Channel operation – 8 input and 8 output channels at sample rates to 192 kHz 8 channel operation is the default. Clicking on the button will toggle Hilo between 16 channel (96 kHz maximum) and 8 channel (192 kHz) modes. You should not change this mode while an audio application is utilizing Hilo.
3.6 Information Page As with the Tools page, there are several open buttons for future features. Another advantage of the Touch Screen is that status information can be quickly accessed. This information tells you what is going on “under the hood” of Hilo and provides crucial data for trouble shooting in the field. All Information pages will stay open until you tap “Close”, or the Meter screen comes up based on the “Return to Meters” delay time established in the DISPLAY CONTROLS page. 3.6.
• Invalid (red) Indicates the Valid channel status bit is not set Emphasis • Off (gray) Emphasis is off • 50/15us (green) 50/15us pre-emphasis • J17 (green) CCITTJ.17 emphasis • Unknown (green) Emphasis not indicated Rate. Clock Rate displays a real-time measurement of the sample rates of the incoming signals. These measurements are very useful for evaluating and validating digital inputs when synchronization or clocking issues are encountered. 32.0; 44.1; 48.0; 88.2; 96.0; 176.4; 192.
3.6.3 Frequency Counters Also a Status button with no selections available. Measured settings will be shown on a Green button. If no signal is detected on an input, the button will be Gray and state “Not Present”. 3.6.4 About Hilo Also a status only button. This screen provides you with the hardware information for Hilo and the LT-USB card, including date of manufacture, hardware and software revision dates.
3.7 Display Controls These controls allow you to customize how you want the LCD screen to work and what information you want it to show. 3.7.
3.7.2 Return to Meters Hilo will revert to the Meters screen after some period of inactivity. The default period is 15 seconds. This is where you can change that delay time. • • • • • 3.7.3 Shows the current Menu Delay This sets the time that any menu, selection page, pop up menu or status page will stay active before the screen defaults back to the selected Meter page. The only menu page that does not “time out” is the Output Mix Routing Page.
3.7.4 Show/Hide Sample Rate This is a Toggle type button. This button allows you to add Sample Rate status information to the VU or Horizontal Meters pages • • • 3.7.5 Before pushing the button, it will show the alternate setting, whether the Sample Rate is present on the Meters page or hidden. Tapping the button toggles between Hide or Show Sample Rate info. The information can be seen on the upper left of the VU or Horizontal Meter page.
3.7.6 Show/Hide Recall Scene This also is a toggle type button which allows you to add Recall Scene to the top right corner of the VU or Horizontal Meters pages. When set to “Show”, you can recall Scenes directly from the Meter pages. 3.7.7 Calibrate Touchscreen The LCD Touchscreen has a grid that detects when you touch it to select or change settings. If you find that the touch response gets slow or does not always engage properly, you may need to recalibrate the touch screen.
3.9 Firmware Updates Hilo contains firmware that is field-programmable via the USB bus. These updates improve performance and enhance functionality of Hilo. In some cases, the touch screen functions and appearance may change dramatically from firmware updates. Additionally, the LT-USB card installed into Hilo has its own firmware. There are also updates for this card available that, similarly, can improve functionality and expand the feature set.
8. Now we need to update the LT-USB card inside of Hilo. Launch the Hilo Update application again. This time from the “Select Unit to Update” drop-down menu, choose “LT-USB” 9. Verify that the New Firmware Version is higher than the Current Firmware Version. If so, click “Update” 10. When the updater is complete, close the pop-up window in your computer. Again, power cycle Hilo using the front panel standby switch, the rear panel power switch, wait three seconds, then turn the unit back on. 11.
4 Support We are devoted to making your experience with Hilo 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: 4.1 Lynx Website Support Resources Logging on to http://www.lynxstudio.com > Support, will provide several options for resolving your support issues: Downloads A library of current firmware and driver files are available for download and installation.
5 Appendices 5.1 Battery Information Hilo can operate off of a portable DC Battery Pack for field recording or whenever AC power is not available. The BATTERY IN connector is located directly above the AC connector on the Hilo back panel. Battery Packs can be purchased from retailers of video cameras and other electronics equipment. Almost any lead acid or lithium battery should work as long as it has the following characteristics: • 9-18 Volts. Typical choices are either 12V or 14V.
Keep in mind that this variation will also be represented in other trim levels that are selected. For instance if a trim level of +22dB is active, and the trim pots have altered that to 22.25dB, if later a trim value of +24dB is selected from the Hilo, the resulting signal will be +24.25 dB. 5.3 XLR Connector Wiring and Adapters This section describes the proper wiring of cables that can be used to adapt both the Analog and AES Digital XLR connectors on the Hilo. 5.3.
The wiring method for unbalanced connections with XLR connectors to RCA/Phono phone connectors using shielded twisted pair cable (2 wire + shield) is as follows: XLR Pin 1 (GND) to cable shield with no connection on the other end XLR Pin 2 (+) to signal wire and to the Phono center pin XLR Pin 3 (-) to the other signal wire and to the Phono sleeve XLR Male or Female RCA/Phono Plug 2 Conductor shielded cable (Unbalanced) 1 2 3 5.3.
The wiring method for unbalanced connections with XLR connectors to unbalanced RCA/Phono phone connectors using coaxial cable (1 wire + shield) is as follows: XLR Pin 1 (GND) no connection XLR Pin 2 (+) to signal wire and to the Phono center pin XLR Pin 3 (-) to the cable shield and to the Phono sleeve XLR Male or Female Single conductor shielded cable RCA/Phono Plug (Unbalanced) 1 2 3 5.4 Setting the Monitor Out Level Mode By default, the Hilo Monitor Outputs are calibrated to a maximum of +10dBu.
6 Troubleshooting & User Tips Q. Why are there circles and red lines through my Sample Rate, Sync Source and SynchroLock icons? A. When Hilo is connected via USB, these controls lock out. Hilo will respond to Sample Rates changes that occur in your DAW. To make changes when not using your DAW, go to the Sound Control Panel in Windows or to AUDIO MIDI SETUP in a Mac. Q. I want to change my Sync Source but it is locked out. A.
the Input Meters is a MONO button. Tap that button to activate it (it will turn green). On the OUTPUT METERS you should now see your signal on the both the left and right sides. Note: The MONO button is selectable PER INPUT and PER OUTPUT. While this make the feature very flexible, keep in mind you may need to select MONO for multiple outputs (such as MONITOR OUT and PHONES).
Synchronization Options Internal External word clock I/O AES/EBU or S/PDIF inputs 75ohm TTL signal on BNC connectors Computer Connectivity Windows 32-bit and 64-bit drivers provided by Lynx Macintosh OS X drivers provided by Apple LSlot™ Expansion Port Supports Lynx LSlot expansion cards with up to 32 input and outputs simultaneously LCD Display 480 x 282 LCD Touch Screen AC Power Battery Power Size Shipping Weight 110 to 230 VAC, 30 watts; 9-18 volts DC on 4-pin XLR 8.50” wide x 3.25” tall x 10.
8 Warranty Information Hilo 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.
