Sound Pure's Take

Lynx has stayed comfortably ahead of the curve with their Aurora 8 and 16 converter systems. By not settling on one interfacing solution, they’ve in essence future-proofed their design. As computer interfacing standards change (the latest iteration being Thunderbolt), Lynx has adapted and produced top quality expansion cards to meet in industries ever evolving standards (option card for PT HD and HDX systems are available as well). I take solace knowing that the investment I have made in my Aurora is a sound one. The system can adapt and ultimately not leave me feeling like I have to re-invest large amounts of money every time I update my recording computer. 
 
These converters are truly world-class and should be a consideration for any pro tracking or mastering facility. When I track through the Aurora my projects exhibit an unparalleled depth, width, and openness that have often eluded me with previous systems. With Aurora conversion there is no color - just pure, clean, and accurate audio signals straight to my DAW. This allows me to dial in the exact amount of appropriate color through my mics, preamps, outboard processors and plugins knowing that 100% of that sound will be retained and untouched through the Aurora’s pristine and open conversion stage. 
 
As a dedicated converter, the Aurora does not offer any headphone amp or monitor control (outside of their software mixer), however what it lacks in features, it more than makes up for in top notch conversion quality. Combining an Aurora with a Dangerous Monitor ST or Presonus Central Station and you’re equipped with all the monitoring power you need, in addition to a more pristine and accurate converter quality than what you’d find in most “all-in-one” recording interfaces. 

From Lynx Studio Technology

The Aurora™ line of digital audio converters from Lynx Studio Technology offers unprecedented audio quality and control in single-rack space eight and sixteen channel models. The Aurora 8™ and Aurora 16™ feature 192 kHz analog to digital and digital to analog conversion with front panel control of all routing and sample rate options. Extended functions in Aurora are accessible via computer with the Lynx AES16 or by infrared using compatible laptops and handheld Pocket PCs. The rear panel has Clock and MIDI In and Out connectors and an LSlot bay, for the optional use of other audio interfaces.

Several interfaces allow Aurora to be used in a number of different configurations. LT-HD allows Aurora to be recognized by and controlled from a ProTools|HD® system. FireWire access is easy using the LT-FW. 16 channels of ADAT Lightpipe I/O is made available with the LT-ADATLT-MADI allows up to four Aurora converters to send and receive up to 64 MADI channels. The LT-USB is a USB 2.0 device for up to 16 I/O channels. And Lynx AES16 and AES16e allow interface with a wide range of Windows and Macintosh computers.

Aurora converters are preconfigured for three voltages. Aurora 115 volt models are available in the US, Canada, Mexico and Brazil. The 100 volt models are available in Japan only. 230 volt units are available throughout the rest of the world through authorized distributors and retailers.

  • Simultaneous 8 Channel Analog I/O and 8 Channel AES/EBU I/O
  • 24 Bit / 192 kHz Mastering Quality A/D and D/A Conversion
  • 192 kHz AES/EBU I/O Supporting Single and Dual Wire Modes
  • Single Rack Space Configuration
  • Extensive Remote Control Capability via Lynx AES16, IrDA and MIDI
  • On-board 16 Channel Digital Mixer Provides Flexible I/O Routing
  • Word clock I/O with Lynx SynchroLock™ Sample Clock Technology
  • Digital I/O DB-25 connectors follow Yamaha pinout protocol
  • Analog I/O DB-25 connectors follow Tascam pinout protocol
  • RoHS compliant
  • Available in 100V, 115V and 230V models

LYNX AURORA 16 AND AURORA 8 SPECIFICATIONS

ANALOG I/O

Aurora 8 Eight inputs and eight outputs

Aurora 16 Sixteen inputs and sixteen outputs

Type Electronically balanced or unbalanced

Level +4 dBu nominal/ +20 dBu max, or -10 dBv nominal / +6 dBv max

Input Impedance Balanced mode
24k Ω
Unbalanced mode
12k Ω
Output Impedance Balanced mode
100 Ω
Unbalanced mode
50 Ω

Output Drive 600 Ω impedance, 0.2 µF capacitance

A/D and D/A Type 24-bit multi-level, delta sigma

ANALOG IN PERFORMANCE

Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz, +0/-0.1 dB

Dynamic Range 117 dB, A-weighted

Channel Crosstalk -120 dB maximum, 1 kHz signal, -1 dBFS

THD + N -108 dB (0.0004%)@-1DBFS

104 db (0.0006%)@-6DBFS

1 kHz signal, 22Hz-22kHz BW

ANALOG OUT PERFORMANCE

Frequency Response 20Hz - 20kHz, +0/-0.1 dB

Dynamic range 117 dB, A-weighted

Channel crosstalk -120 dB maximum, 1 kHz signal, -1 dBFS

THD + N -107 dB (0.00045%)@-1DBFS

106 dB (0.00050%)@-6DBFS

1 kHz signal, 22 Hz-22kHz BW

DIGITAL I/O

Number/Type Aurora 8
8 inputs and 8 outputs
Aurora 16
16 inputs and 16 outputs

24 bit AES/EBU format, transformer coupled

Channels Aurora 8
* in/out in single wire mode

4 in/out in dual wire mode

Aurora 16
16 in/out in single wire mode

8 in/out in dual wire mode

Sample Rates All standard rates and variable rates up to

192 kHZ in both single-wire and dual-wire modes

ON-BOARD DIGITAL MIXER (VIA AES16/AES16e)

Type Hardware based, low latency

Routing Ability to route any input to any or multiple outputs

Mixing Up to four input or playback signals mixed to any

output, 40-bit precision

Status Peak levels to -114dB on all inputs and outputs

CONNECTIONS

Digital I/O Ports 25-pin female D-sub connectors

Port A
channels 1-8 I/O
PortB
channels 9-16 I/O (aurora 16 only)

Yamaha pinout standard

Analog I/O Ports 25-pin female D-sub connectors

Analog in 1-8

Analog in 9-16 (Aurora 16 only)

Analog out 1-8

Analog out 9-16 (Aurora 16 only)

Tascam Pinout standard

External Clock 75-ohm BNC word clock input and output

MIDI One input and one output, standard opto-isolated

5-pin female DIN connecters

REMOTE CONTROL OPTIONS

Function Controls all I/O, levels, monitoring, routing and setting recall

Method AES16-AES16e
with PC or Mac IrDA: For compatible Pocket

PCs and laptops

MIDI
Selected MIDI devices

GENERAL

AC Power 110/115/230 VAC, 70 watts

Size 1.75" H x 19"W x 9"D

Shipping Weight 12lbs

Certifications CE and FCC Class B EMI, CE Product Safety

LSLOT™ EXPANSION PORT

Compatibility Supports Lynx Lslot expansion cards

Channels Up to 16 input and 16 output simultaneously at up to

192 kHz sample rate

OPTIONAL INTERFACE CARDS FOR LSLOT

LT-ADAT Provides ADAT Optical I/O

LT-HD For ProTools/HD/Native

LT-FW Provides up to 16 channels via FireWire 400

LT-MADI Provides up to 64 MADI I/O channels

LT-USB Provides up to 16 I/O channels, USB 2.0

Warranty

This item is sold without the Sound Pure 3-year warranty (used / B-stock / dealer-exempt). Coverage terms for items in this category live in Terms & Conditions, Section 27.

Returns

This item is not eligible for the Try-Before-You-Buy 48-hour audition. Standard return policy applies — see Terms & Conditions, Section 18 for details.

Sound Pure Studios Control Room A — Durham, NC

Sound Pure Studios · Durham, NC

Come hear it in our control rooms.

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