2192 Master Audio Interface Released at AES

Front Panel (Click for a close-up)

Rear Panel (Click for a close-up)

Universal Audio has announced the release of the 2192 Master Audio Interface. The 2192 Master Audio Interface is the first product to combine Universal Audio's expertise in vintage analog gear with its digital designs.

The 2192 is a 1U, 2 channel 24-bit AD & DA with master reference clock, provides simple front panel controls, supports sample rates up to 192K, and transcodes between AES/EBU, S/PDIF and ADAT in realtime, with both single and dual wire AES modes. Universal Audio CEO Bill Putnam jr. presented 8 channels (four 2192 hardware units) to acclaimed surround Engineer/Producer Elliot Mazer for use in his cutting-edge SACD & DVD-A projects on October 10, 2003 at the 115th Audio Engineering Convention in New York City.

"What really sets the 2192 apart from other AD/DA converter designs," said Universal Audio VP of Engineering, Joe Bryan, "is its discrete, Class-A analog circuitry, which yields not only exceptional detail, transient response and image stability, but most importantly, retains all the magical analog warmth and character of the original source across multiple sample rates."

Despite being UA's first entry into the professional analog to digital conversion market, the 2192 is the result of over 18 months of research and development and studio field testing. The technical specifications speak volumes with a staggeringly low noise floor of -145 dBFS, and a stunning dynamic range over 122dB, but ultimately it's the sound that's the real testament to this labor of love.

The 2192 offers flexibility in clocking, signal routing and monitoring all packaged in a single 1U rack. A signal can run into the analog inputs at sample rates ranging from 44.1K to 192K, and then simultaneously output to AES/EBU (single- or dual-wire), S/PDIF and ADAT (with industry standard S-MUX interleaving for sample rates above 48kHz). The selectable output monitor controls any of the digital inputs, or the analog input with no interruption to the transcoding, making the 2192 an ideal "hub" in any project or professional studio needing high caliber analog/digital/analog conversion.

Pricing and Availability:

The Universal Audio 2192 is now available from Universal Audio dealers worldwide for a MSRP of US$ 2795.00.