Lynx Studio Technology LynxONE 2 I/O PCI Card (Macintosh and Windows)
No longer available at zZounds
The perfect "front-end" for any studio quality audio or MIDI workstation.
Overview
LynxONE is the perfect "front-end" for any studio quality audio or MIDI workstation. Whether an application requires uncompromising analog I/O, bit-perfect digital I/O, 32 channels of low-latency MIDI, or multi-card support LynxONE is up to the task. LynxONE's compatibility with all popular Windows based audio editing and MIDI sequencing software allows users to choose their own working environments. Pristine audio quality is ensured by 24-bit analog I/O and 24-bit/96kHz digital I/o. The LynxONE includes a 6-foot analog I/O cable with balanced/unbalanced XLRs, and a 2-foot MIDI/Clock cable. Superb quality throughout and solid tech support make the Lynx a great choice for the serious pro.
Features
Two 24-bit Analog Inputs
Two 24-bit Analog Outputs
+4 dBu or 10 dBV Balanced or Unbalanced
24-bit/96 kHz AES/EBU or S/PDIF I/O
Two Low-Latency MIDI Ports
Low-jitter PLL Sample Clock
Extensive Synchronization Capabilities
Multiple Card Operation
Independent 4-channel Operation
Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP MME, DirectSound, ASIO 2
Macintosh ASIO Driver
Mixer Application
Completely Software Controllable
Six-foot Balanced Audio Cable Set
Two-foot MIDI/Clock Cable Set
Half-size PCI Card
Stereo 24-bit analog input and outputs with +4dBu or -10dBV levels, less than 0.0025% THD+N, and dynamic range greater than 103dB (real specs, not just converter specs).
Digital I/O supporting… read more AES/EBU and S/P DIF formats at sample rates up to 96kHz.
Independent, 24-bit audio stream architecture supports simultaneous four-channel recording and playback.
Supports 8, 16, 24 and 32 bit audio file formats.
Two smart, deeply buffered MIDI ports.
Low-jitter, highly adjustable sample clock tunable to all rates 8kHz to 100kHz.
Clock inputs and outputs sync to word, word*256, video clocks and to other LynxONEs.
Reconfigurable FPGA-based engine supports record monitor mixing and stand-alone A>D or D>A conversion capability.
Mixer application provides software-controlled configuration - no jumpers!
Ships with complete 6' Audio cable and 2' MIDI/Clock cable set.
Audio cable is DB25 to balanced XLR for all connections.
MIDI/Clock cable is HD15 to standard MIDI connectors for both inputs and outputs. BNC for Clock input and output.
Internal Clock input and output connectors for synchronizing multiple LynxONE's or connection to video capture/playback adapter.
Requires 90MHz Pentium or DEC Alpha processor, one free PCI slot, 16MB RAM minimum.
FCC Class B and CE approved for Home and Office use.
The Vision
LynxONE was born from the desire to create a new standard in interface hardware by combining the latest technology with proven design theory and stable drivers for multiple operating systems. The result is a product that utilizes the latest generation of A/D and D/A converters, high-density Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), and other support circuitry to offer exceptional performance and integration at a good value. Unlike other multi-function cards, the performance of each component of the LynxONE does not suffer, but exceeds that of a single function analog, digital or MIDI device.
Pristine Analog I/O
The Lynx engineering team has utilized its years of experience designing low-noise analog audio circuitry in the design of the LynxONE's analog section - a task that is especially critical in a 24-bit system. Through careful scrutiny of every component in the analog signal path, LynxONE delivers exceptionally low-noise and distortion levels that rival the performance of studio equipment costing thousands more.
Based on the premise that fewer potential noise sources are better, the analog signal chain is relatively simple. It consists of a minimal number of surface-mount, low-noise active components and precision resistors. Its measured noise level complements the excellent characteristics of the 24-bit delta-sigma A/D and D/A converters.
Differential amplifiers on the analog inputs and cross-coupled electronically balanced line drivers on the outputs provide high rejection of common mode RF and power line noise that is picked up on connected cables, which is especially important in computer-based studios. The robust outputs are capable of driving the excessive capacitance of long cables and 600-ohm loads. Both balanced and unbalanced connections are supported.
Selection of either +4 dBu or -10 dBV nominal levels is accomplished through software control of gold-contact relays. Lower cost analog FET-based switching methods were not used due to their inherent distortion. Needless to say, manual installation of circuit board jumpers to select trim levels is not required. In either trim setting, a generous 16 dB of headroom is provided to easily handle musical peaks and to further boost the signal level above the studio noise floor.
Crucial to low-noise operation in a computer environment, is the rejection of computer related noises. LynxONE incorporates innovative PCB layout and circuit design techniques to combat these unwanted signals. Because of this, LynxONE offers 103dB of "real-world" dynamic range when installed in a typical computer.
Bit-perfect 96 kHz Digital I/O
When studio gear is connected digitally, the expectation is a perfect audio signal link down to the least significant bit. LynxONE delivers on this expectation by providing bit-perfect, 24-bit digital I/O at sample rates up to 96 kHz.
Supporting both AES/EBU and S/PDIF formats through software selection, LynxONE locks on to input signals from any studio device. Signals degraded by long cable runs are not a problem. LynxONE employs two phase-locked loop stages on its digital input that clean up incoming signals and offer excellent jitter rejection.
Both input and output are transformer coupled providing both common mode rejection to tackle studio noise and isolation that prevents ground loops.
Low-jitter Sample Clock
24-bit A/D and D/A converters require a stable, low-jitter clock in order to accurately sample and reproduce audio signals. LynxONE incorporates a custom phase-locked loop (PLL) based sample clock generator with extremely low jitter. In addition, the PLL has wide control registers to allow precise frequency tuning in minute increments and support a variety of clock sources.
Accurate Synchronization and Multiple Card Support
LynxONE is very adept as a synchronous slave or as a master timing source in any audio or video production studio. In slave mode, it will accurately lock to word clocks with frame-accurate phase. It will also lock to AES/EBU and S/PDIF signals, as well as other standard clock references. As a source, LynxONE generates a low-jitter word clock from its precision oscillator or from any one of the selected slave mode sources. LynxONE works especially well with digital video capture cards that include clock outputs for perfect A/V synchronization.
BNC connections provide clock I/O connections to external equipment. Likewise, internal clock connections to other computer cards are accommodated with LynxONE's board-mounted headers.
Speaking of other computer cards, if more analog or digital I/O channels are required, up to four LynxONE's can be connected to provide a phase-locked multi-track system!
Flexible Monitoring
Having the ability to easily monitor the recording inputs is mandatory during overdubbing sessions. LynxONE allows the selection of either the analog or digital inputs as the monitor source. This signal can be mixed with playback audio on either the analog or digital outputs or both simultaneously. In addition to providing flexible monitoring, this capability allows "stand-alone" A/D or D/A conversion completely on board LynxONE. Because mixing is performed in hardware, recording input-to-output delay is extremely low.
Independent 4-channel Architecture
Operation of the analog and digital inputs and outputs on the LynxONE is definitely not an either/or situation. They can be used simultaneously to provide up to four channels of recording and playback. The independent data streams associated with each I/O correspond to standard Windows multimedia devices. This architecture allows simple control of I/O routing using device selection menus available in most audio applications.
FPGA-Based I/O Processor Keeps Data Moving
Handling multiple streams of 24-bit audio data without a hiccup requires a dedicated real-time processor. LynxONE incorporates a proprietary I/O processing engine that routes and buffers data, manages I/O resources, and communicates with the host computer without the latencies and overhead associated with general purpose signal processors.
To accommodate unexpected latencies in a computer-based audio workstation, especially those caused by bus-hogging graphics cards, large 8 Kbyte sample buffers support each audio stream to maintain continuous glitch-free audio.
Low-Latency Dual MIDI Ports
LynxONE's two MIDI ports were not an afterthought during the design phase. They were designed from the ground up using FPGA technology. The ports are independent and support up to 32 MIDI channels, with each having both input and output. Deep 64-byte receive and transmit buffers prevent lost data.
Key to accurate timing for MIDI sequencing and playback and time code synchronization is low latency message passing to and from the MIDI ports and host computer. The LynxONE's MIDI ports include critical-message-handling technology that packs real time Note On, Note Off, and MTC messages for rapid transfers over the PCI bus.
LynxONE Mixer Application
Complete software control of LynxONE's features is provided with the LynxONE Mixer. This application permits keyboard and mouse click control of volume, sample clock generator, digital I/O format, analog trim, and input monitoring. Peak level meters are also provided.
Simple Jumperless Installation
We designed the LynxONE so a user can be up and running in a matter of minutes. The installation procedure is simple and painless - no DMA to be configured, no interrupts or I/O's to set, and no jumpers to switch! LynxONE takes full advantage of the plug and play capabilities of the PCI Bus.
The LynxONE Setup program automatically determines whether to install the Windows 95/98/ME driver or Windows NT/2000/XP driver based on your current operating system.
Cables Included
And now for the kitchen sink? LynxONE includes two professional quality cables sets. The Audio cable is six feet in length and provides XLR connections for analog and digital I/O on shielded twisted pair cable. The two-foot MIDI/Clock cable supplies DIN and BNC connections for MIDI and clock I/O, again using shielded cable.
System Requirements
The minimum computer system required for the LynxONE is a 90MHz Pentium-class or Alpha processor with an EGA or VGA display and adapter, 16MB of RAM, Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 and one empty PCI Slot. We recommend at least a 166MHz Pentium-class or Alpha processor with a S-VGA display and adapter, 32MB of RAM, Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 and one empty PCI Slot.
Devoted Support Staff
Lynx' support team is committed to providing the best service possible. They are well versed in the operation of the LynxONE, operating system configuration, and most popular audio and MIDI related applications. They offer quick email responses, typically within 12 hours. If you call them, a real live human will respond. read less
Features
Two 24-bit Analog Inputs
Two 24-bit Analog Outputs
+4 dBu or 10 dBV Balanced or Unbalanced
24-bit/96 kHz AES/EBU or S/PDIF I/O
Two Low-Latency MIDI Ports
Low-jitter PLL Sample Clock
Extensive Synchronization Capabilities
Multiple Card Operation
Independent 4-channel Operation
Windows 95/98/ME/NT/2000/XP MME, DirectSound, ASIO 2
Macintosh ASIO Driver
Mixer Application
Completely Software Controllable
Six-foot Balanced Audio Cable Set
Two-foot MIDI/Clock Cable Set
Half-size PCI Card
Stereo 24-bit analog input and outputs with +4dBu or -10dBV levels, less than 0.0025% THD+N, and dynamic range greater than 103dB (real specs, not just converter specs).
Digital I/O supporting… read more AES/EBU and S/P DIF formats at sample rates up to 96kHz.
Independent, 24-bit audio stream architecture supports simultaneous four-channel recording and playback.
Supports 8, 16, 24 and 32 bit audio file formats.
Two smart, deeply buffered MIDI ports.
Low-jitter, highly adjustable sample clock tunable to all rates 8kHz to 100kHz.
Clock inputs and outputs sync to word, word*256, video clocks and to other LynxONEs.
Reconfigurable FPGA-based engine supports record monitor mixing and stand-alone A>D or D>A conversion capability.
Mixer application provides software-controlled configuration - no jumpers!
Ships with complete 6' Audio cable and 2' MIDI/Clock cable set.
Audio cable is DB25 to balanced XLR for all connections.
MIDI/Clock cable is HD15 to standard MIDI connectors for both inputs and outputs. BNC for Clock input and output.
Internal Clock input and output connectors for synchronizing multiple LynxONE's or connection to video capture/playback adapter.
Requires 90MHz Pentium or DEC Alpha processor, one free PCI slot, 16MB RAM minimum.
FCC Class B and CE approved for Home and Office use.
The Vision
LynxONE was born from the desire to create a new standard in interface hardware by combining the latest technology with proven design theory and stable drivers for multiple operating systems. The result is a product that utilizes the latest generation of A/D and D/A converters, high-density Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), and other support circuitry to offer exceptional performance and integration at a good value. Unlike other multi-function cards, the performance of each component of the LynxONE does not suffer, but exceeds that of a single function analog, digital or MIDI device.
Pristine Analog I/O
The Lynx engineering team has utilized its years of experience designing low-noise analog audio circuitry in the design of the LynxONE's analog section - a task that is especially critical in a 24-bit system. Through careful scrutiny of every component in the analog signal path, LynxONE delivers exceptionally low-noise and distortion levels that rival the performance of studio equipment costing thousands more.
Based on the premise that fewer potential noise sources are better, the analog signal chain is relatively simple. It consists of a minimal number of surface-mount, low-noise active components and precision resistors. Its measured noise level complements the excellent characteristics of the 24-bit delta-sigma A/D and D/A converters.
Differential amplifiers on the analog inputs and cross-coupled electronically balanced line drivers on the outputs provide high rejection of common mode RF and power line noise that is picked up on connected cables, which is especially important in computer-based studios. The robust outputs are capable of driving the excessive capacitance of long cables and 600-ohm loads. Both balanced and unbalanced connections are supported.
Selection of either +4 dBu or -10 dBV nominal levels is accomplished through software control of gold-contact relays. Lower cost analog FET-based switching methods were not used due to their inherent distortion. Needless to say, manual installation of circuit board jumpers to select trim levels is not required. In either trim setting, a generous 16 dB of headroom is provided to easily handle musical peaks and to further boost the signal level above the studio noise floor.
Crucial to low-noise operation in a computer environment, is the rejection of computer related noises. LynxONE incorporates innovative PCB layout and circuit design techniques to combat these unwanted signals. Because of this, LynxONE offers 103dB of "real-world" dynamic range when installed in a typical computer.
Bit-perfect 96 kHz Digital I/O
When studio gear is connected digitally, the expectation is a perfect audio signal link down to the least significant bit. LynxONE delivers on this expectation by providing bit-perfect, 24-bit digital I/O at sample rates up to 96 kHz.
Supporting both AES/EBU and S/PDIF formats through software selection, LynxONE locks on to input signals from any studio device. Signals degraded by long cable runs are not a problem. LynxONE employs two phase-locked loop stages on its digital input that clean up incoming signals and offer excellent jitter rejection.
Both input and output are transformer coupled providing both common mode rejection to tackle studio noise and isolation that prevents ground loops.
Low-jitter Sample Clock
24-bit A/D and D/A converters require a stable, low-jitter clock in order to accurately sample and reproduce audio signals. LynxONE incorporates a custom phase-locked loop (PLL) based sample clock generator with extremely low jitter. In addition, the PLL has wide control registers to allow precise frequency tuning in minute increments and support a variety of clock sources.
Accurate Synchronization and Multiple Card Support
LynxONE is very adept as a synchronous slave or as a master timing source in any audio or video production studio. In slave mode, it will accurately lock to word clocks with frame-accurate phase. It will also lock to AES/EBU and S/PDIF signals, as well as other standard clock references. As a source, LynxONE generates a low-jitter word clock from its precision oscillator or from any one of the selected slave mode sources. LynxONE works especially well with digital video capture cards that include clock outputs for perfect A/V synchronization.
BNC connections provide clock I/O connections to external equipment. Likewise, internal clock connections to other computer cards are accommodated with LynxONE's board-mounted headers.
Speaking of other computer cards, if more analog or digital I/O channels are required, up to four LynxONE's can be connected to provide a phase-locked multi-track system!
Flexible Monitoring
Having the ability to easily monitor the recording inputs is mandatory during overdubbing sessions. LynxONE allows the selection of either the analog or digital inputs as the monitor source. This signal can be mixed with playback audio on either the analog or digital outputs or both simultaneously. In addition to providing flexible monitoring, this capability allows "stand-alone" A/D or D/A conversion completely on board LynxONE. Because mixing is performed in hardware, recording input-to-output delay is extremely low.
Independent 4-channel Architecture
Operation of the analog and digital inputs and outputs on the LynxONE is definitely not an either/or situation. They can be used simultaneously to provide up to four channels of recording and playback. The independent data streams associated with each I/O correspond to standard Windows multimedia devices. This architecture allows simple control of I/O routing using device selection menus available in most audio applications.
FPGA-Based I/O Processor Keeps Data Moving
Handling multiple streams of 24-bit audio data without a hiccup requires a dedicated real-time processor. LynxONE incorporates a proprietary I/O processing engine that routes and buffers data, manages I/O resources, and communicates with the host computer without the latencies and overhead associated with general purpose signal processors.
To accommodate unexpected latencies in a computer-based audio workstation, especially those caused by bus-hogging graphics cards, large 8 Kbyte sample buffers support each audio stream to maintain continuous glitch-free audio.
Low-Latency Dual MIDI Ports
LynxONE's two MIDI ports were not an afterthought during the design phase. They were designed from the ground up using FPGA technology. The ports are independent and support up to 32 MIDI channels, with each having both input and output. Deep 64-byte receive and transmit buffers prevent lost data.
Key to accurate timing for MIDI sequencing and playback and time code synchronization is low latency message passing to and from the MIDI ports and host computer. The LynxONE's MIDI ports include critical-message-handling technology that packs real time Note On, Note Off, and MTC messages for rapid transfers over the PCI bus.
LynxONE Mixer Application
Complete software control of LynxONE's features is provided with the LynxONE Mixer. This application permits keyboard and mouse click control of volume, sample clock generator, digital I/O format, analog trim, and input monitoring. Peak level meters are also provided.
Simple Jumperless Installation
We designed the LynxONE so a user can be up and running in a matter of minutes. The installation procedure is simple and painless - no DMA to be configured, no interrupts or I/O's to set, and no jumpers to switch! LynxONE takes full advantage of the plug and play capabilities of the PCI Bus.
The LynxONE Setup program automatically determines whether to install the Windows 95/98/ME driver or Windows NT/2000/XP driver based on your current operating system.
Cables Included
And now for the kitchen sink? LynxONE includes two professional quality cables sets. The Audio cable is six feet in length and provides XLR connections for analog and digital I/O on shielded twisted pair cable. The two-foot MIDI/Clock cable supplies DIN and BNC connections for MIDI and clock I/O, again using shielded cable.
System Requirements
The minimum computer system required for the LynxONE is a 90MHz Pentium-class or Alpha processor with an EGA or VGA display and adapter, 16MB of RAM, Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 and one empty PCI Slot. We recommend at least a 166MHz Pentium-class or Alpha processor with a S-VGA display and adapter, 32MB of RAM, Windows 95 or Windows NT 4.0 and one empty PCI Slot.
Devoted Support Staff
Lynx' support team is committed to providing the best service possible. They are well versed in the operation of the LynxONE, operating system configuration, and most popular audio and MIDI related applications. They offer quick email responses, typically within 12 hours. If you call them, a real live human will respond. read less
Specs
Specifications
Analog I/O
Number / Type: Two inputs and two outputs / cross-coupled electronically balanced or unbalanced, XLR connectors on Audio cable
Level: +4 dBu nominal /+20dBu max. or -10dBV nominal / +6dBV max.
Input Impedance: Balanced mode: 24 kW , Unbalanced mode: 12 kW
Output Impedance: Balanced mode: 100 W , Unbalanced mode: 50 W
Output Drive Capability: 600W impedance, 0.16
Analog I/O
Number / Type: Two inputs and two outputs / cross-coupled electronically balanced or unbalanced, XLR connectors on Audio cable
Level: +4 dBu nominal /+20dBu max. or -10dBV nominal / +6dBV max.
Input Impedance: Balanced mode: 24 kW , Unbalanced mode: 12 kW
Output Impedance: Balanced mode: 100 W , Unbalanced mode: 50 W
Output Drive Capability: 600W impedance, 0.16
No longer available at zZounds
In most cases, a product is unavailable because it has been discontinued by the manufacturer