Lynx Reengineers the two-channel converter format with innovative features and control
Lynx Studio Technology is proud to present the Hilo Reference A/D D/A Converter System. With the pristine, open, transparent audio quality for which Lynx is known, Hilo (pronounced HE-low) provides two channels of mastering quality analog to digital conversion, up to eight channels of digital to analog conversion, a secondary monitor output, and a world class independent headphone amplifier in a compact half-rack size. A first for the two-channel pro converter market, Hilo’s innovative 480 x 272 touchscreen provides a flexible and intuitive interface that can adapt to a particular application and be easily upgraded with enhancements and new features. Initial front panel controls support extensive signal routing and mixing, sample rate selection, clock source options, levels, metering and diagnostic features.
Hilo completely redefines and evolves the category of the two channel converter. Of utmost importance is the audio signal quality. The completely new design of the analog stages and converter topology for Hilo break new ground in terms of lowering distortion and noise while maintaining transparency for A/D and D/A conversion. Beyond that, Hilo offers extensive I/O capabilities and utilizes the latest FPGA technology with vast resources for control, routing, and signal processing capabilities. Also in development are diagnostic and analysis tools for Hilo. The LCD screen is a natural interface for these functions.
The digital or analog inputs can be routed to three separate outputs, Line Output (with 8 trim settings), Monitor Output, and Headphone Output. Each of these output pairs has its own dedicated DACs, allowing each to offer a unique mix. The Monitor and Headphone Outputs have volume controls, accessible via faders on the touchscreen or the single knob on the front (offering control in ½ dB increments). Another innovation, the Headphone section has its own dedicated D/A converter. This supports the creation of 32-channel headphone mixes independent of the main and monitor outputs, as well as providing specifications that rival those of dedicated headphone amps costing $1500 and more.
The digital section offers a wide range of inputs. AES/EBU inputs and outputs have transformer isolated balanced XLR connectors. SPDIF input and output are available via transformer-coupled coax or optical (TOSLINK) connections. The Optical ports can also be used for up to eight ADAT channels. The ADAT input and output channels are completely independent from the AES/EBU or S/PDIF coax channels. Lynx’s low jitter SynchroLock word clock is also included, with Word Clock in and out connections available.
In total, Hilo has 12 total inputs, 16 total outputs plus 32 channels possible via its LSlot port. The unit’s FPGA powers its internal 32 channel mixer, which allows Hilo to offer the most versatile I/O and routing in the two channel converter genre. This is just the beginning of the innovation.
In contrast to the concentrated and intricate back panel, Hilo’s front panel is elegant in its simplicity. It has a power switch, headphone jack, multipurpose control and a 480 x 272 pixel high resolution LCD touchscreen. This high-resolution screen does a lot more than simply replace the buttons on the front panel of most other converters. Of course it handles the basic settings and routing functions, clocking and level settings.
A second meter screen shows just two larger bar-graph style stereo bar meters. Any input or output set can be assigned to each meter. In addition to bar-graph meters common on most converters, Hilo’s touchscreen is able to show more traditional metering types, such as old style VU meters. Also in development are diagnostic screens, such as real time analyzer, phase meter and loudness meter. As with all other Lynx products, Hilo is FPGA based, meaning new features, capabilities and graphics can be added at any time with a simple download.
LT-TB3 LSlot card
Lynx Studio Technology created the LT-TB3 Thunderbolt 3 LSlot interface for its Aurora(n) and Hilo converters. The LT-TB3 is a two-port Thunderbolt 3 expansion card that supports daisy-chaining Aurora(n) and Hilo converters for up to six total certified Thunderbolt devices plus a display on both Apple and Windows computers.
The LT-TB3 LSlot card can be installed into any existing Hilo or Aurora(n) with an easy and free firmware update. In addition, Lynx is making Thunderbolt 3 equipped Aurora(n) and Hilo models available at the same time. These models are:
Hilo-TB3 in Black and Silver
Aurora(n) 32-TB3
Aurora(n) 24-TB3
Aurora(n) 16-TB3
Aurora(n) 8-TB3
Features
• Available for Aurora(n) and Hilo
• Supports connection of up to 6 other Thunderbolt devices total plus a display
• Compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and Thunderbolt 2 devices (with customer supplied adapter)
• Supports up to 40Gbps data speed
• Integrates seamlessly with Aurora(n) and Hilo
The LT-TB3 is the latest in a series of LSlot connectivity cards available for the acclaimed Aurora(n) and Hilo A/D and D/A converter interfaces. The LT-TB3 allows the Aurora(n) and Hilo to have direct connectivity to Thunderbolt 3TM equipped devices without the need of Thunderbolt adapters. Other LSlot modules available include Dante, USB and ProTools|HD versions. Lynx’s continual LSlot module development ensures the Aurora(n) and Hilo will continue to be compatible with the future high performance connectivity standards for both PC and Mac.
“From its inception, the upgradeable LSlot feature was designed for both the Aurora and Hilo so that owners would not need to replace their entire interface each time a new or improved connection standard hits the market. It can be quite expensive and disconcerting for the customer. Regularly delivering new modules as well as firmware updates allows us to keep up with market demands for features and capabilities.” Stated Bob Bauman, Co-Owner and Chief Hardware Engineer. “We could simply release new interface models with added capabilities every six months, or continue to add value with our current platform. We believe our customers would rather just download a free firmware update or easily add a new module to get a slew of new features and capabilities than entirely replace their interfaces.”
“Thunderbolt 3 can support up to a 40Gbps bi-directional data rate and was primarily designed to handle the bandwidth demands of 4K video.” explained Lynx Co-Founder and Chief Software Engineer David Hoatson. “Even with Thunderbolt 1 there was plenty of extra bandwidth for the demands of multiple channels of audio even at the highest sample rates. With Thunderbolt 3 there’s even less strain on the data flow and much more bandwidth than we would ever need for multi-channel audio. And with the new Thunderbolt 3 computing devices our customers won’t need any Thunderbolt adapters.”
Rating: 4.8
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