02/12/2010 Bookmark and Share

Benchmark ADC16 announced

Sixteen channels of high-quality A-D conversion

Benchmark have just announced the release of a new multi-channel A-D converter, the ADC16. A 1U rack, the ADC16 can convert up to 16 channels of analogue audio into a variety of different digital formats. Eight RCA sockets on the rear output 16 channels of S/PDIF-format audio, while eight TOSlink sockets allow the ADC16 to interface with ADAT and optical S/PDIF equipment (these also facilitate use of the SMUX 2 and SMUX 4 protocols, for running at sample rates of up to 192kHz). A pair of D-sub connectors to the left of these can send the 16 channels out in AES3 format, again at sample rates of up to 192kHz. Two further D-sub sockets handle the 16 analogue inputs, and finally, there are two BNC connectors for sending and receiving word clock.<strong>Benchmark ADC16</strong>

In addition to being able to run at all standard sample rates (from 44.1kHz to 192kHz), the ADC16 can also slave to any sample rate between 28kHz and 200kHz. A signal-to-noise ratio of 121dB (A-weighted) is claimed, as are THD+N figures of just 0.00063 percent.

The front panel houses buttons for clock-source selection, sample rate (when it is used as clock master), AES3 output source, S/PDIF output source, optical output source and TOSlink format (S/PDIF, ADAT, SMUX 2 or SMUX 4), plus a button marked Scale. The last of these changes the scaling of the nine-LED meters, such that they display either the top 20dB or the top 48dB of the full digital scale.<strong>The ADC16's rear panel</strong>

An optional expansion card is also available for the ADC16, and this turns it into a 16-channel, one-way Firewire audio interface.

No UK prices were available at the time of writing, but in the States, the ADC16 is set to sell for $3995, while the optional Firewire interface card costs $500.

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