User manual

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Horus User Manual
HORUS KEY FEATURES
Modular analogue interfacing
Horus allows the user to choose how many Analogue inputs and Analogue outputs are needed for
each unit. Horus provides a total of six universal I/O slots that can accept a combination of Mic/Line
modules, and Line output cards. Users can configure their Horus with any combination of them, but
installing more than 3 Mic/Line modules requires to install the Horus Redundant Power option.
For instance, in a studio environment, 24 A/D (3X IOC-AD8/P) and 8 D/A (IOC-AD8/P) will allow for
24 inputs from the live room and 8 outputs to feed studio monitoring and foldback to the artist. But,
with any combination being possible, this is but one of many reasons for different combinations.
Modular Device connectivity
Any of the modules listed below (A/D, D/A, MADI, AES, Ravenna) can be interconnected in any way
the user chooses. Simple and easy routing pages allow the user to get signal from any module, and
send it to any other combination of modules. An A/D Module could feed 8 Channels of AES Outputs.
At the same time, it could feed in 8 channels of the MADI, or even the RAVENNA stream as well. This
is the function that allows the user to function with the Horus in either a standalone (Analogue to
MADI/AES AD/DA) or in RAVENNA Mode, which connects the audio to a Ravenna network
(described below).
With such a wealth of different outputs, it made sense to apply a “route to” instead of a “route from”
philosophy in the way Horus presents its routing pages. After an initial training period, you will
understand that this is a much more efficient way to present so many routing options in an easy to
unfold process. So always ask yourself first which output is being considered and then decide what
input signal will feed that output and you will be offered all logical and valid choices at every step. It
also made sense to limit the granularity of routing options to blocks of 8 channels, as a good
compromise between flexibility and complexity.
AD8 / AD8P Remote controlled Mic/Line A/D module
The AD8 (works up to 192 kHz) and the AD8P (works up to DXD/DSD256) are remote controllable,
extremely high-quality, Microphone pre-amplifiers with a switch on each channel to pass the signal
through dedicated line level circuitry instead. The remote control is achieved over Ethernet cable,
through the Ravenna Port at the back of the chassis. With all standard analogue controls being
available via remote as well (Phantom power on a “per channel” basis, phase invert, HPF) and a Gain
stage reaching from -10dB right up to +60dB, these modules are not only easy to use, but absolutely
transparent to hear as well.
DA8 / DA8P Safety Conscious Analogue Line output Modules
The DA8 (works at sample rates up to 192 kHz) and DA8P (works at sample rates up to DSD) are
specially designed with the user’s speakers in mind. Incorporating analogue mute circuitry, the DA8/P
modules provide protection against spurious transients that may occur during Sample rate changes,
and power cycling “clicks” and “pops” which can damage not only speakers, but also the ears of the
listener. When you add to that a noise floor of less than -125dB, these are the ultimate analogue
output for any monitoring system.
Redundant power supply option
In broadcast and live applications, nothing is allowed to fail. By requesting the addition of the optional
redundant power supply to be configured with your Horus interface, you can prevent against the
possibility of a power supply failure. The redundant power supply takes up no more room and only
adds a few grams to the unit’s total weight.
MADI 1
This MADI port (switchable between coaxial or optical input connections using the front panel Touch
Screen) provides users with up to 64 MADI I/O for use with the system. The signal being sent to the
MADI Outputs (both Coaxial and Optical available simultaneously) are configurable in blocks of 8
channels and can be from any other module in the Horus.
MADI 2 (Expansion Slot)
An expansion slot allowing for a second MADI card to be fitted into the Chassis, bringing the total
MADI I/O up to 128 channels. When using the RAVENNA connection to deliver sound to your
Pyramix or Ovation system, this increases the total possible Inputs and outputs in a single
Pyramix/Horus combination to a mind-blowing 176 x 178 channels (combined Analogue/AES/MADI).