Apogee Announces New 24-bit, 96 kHz A/D, D/A

(Click on either image for a close-up)

Premiering at the San Francisco AES, the PSX-100 offers many of the features of the AD-8000, with built-in ADAT, TDIF, S/PDIF coax and optical, plus multiple AES interfaces. Other features include Apogee's proprietary UV22 word-length reduction system (which can be applied to either the A/D or the D/A) and SoftLimit for maximum level without overs. An auxiliary output allows a full-resolution output to be derived even when UV22 is in use on the main interfaces. The wide range of standard interfaces provided and the multiple AES I/O ports allow the unit to be used for signal distribution and format conversion as well as for A/D and D/A applications.

Built-in Apogee Bit-Splitting (ABS) modes allow the two-channel 24-bit signal to be recorded/replayed using multiple tracks of a 16-bit 44.1/48kHz sampling recorder, via ADAT, TDIF or AES/EBU. You can even record stereo at 96kHz sampling on your existing 16-bit 8-track! An optional video sync card allows the PSX to lock to NTSC/PAL color and monochrome video.

The unit matches the AD-8000 in appearance, with a distinctive purple front panel and large silver buttons. A multi-voltage linear power supply is incorporated and virtually the entire rear panel is occupied by interface connectors including two 2-ch AES inputs and outputs. Both connectors are used for 96kHz operation; at 44.1/48 kHz, they operate independently.

The PSX-100 includes completely separate A/D and D/A sections which may be clocked separately and can be configured to work together in different ways. The digital inputs and the A/D output are fed into a routing section which sends signals to the D/A and Aux output or to the main digital outputs, according to which of the three basic operating modes is selected.

The default is Confidence Monitor mode, in which the A/D and D/A are independently clocked (and can even run at different sample rates). The output of the A/D is available at all the digital outputs, and the D/A can receive its signal from any of the available digital inputs. The bargraph metering can be switched between A/D and D/A. In this mode, there are two separate signal paths through the unit, while the other modes utilize a single path.

Digital Copy mode takes the selected digital input and provides it to all the PSX-100's outputs, digital and analog. Both clocks in this mode are synchronized to the digital input. This mode is ideal for format conversion as well as offering the maximum D/A flexibility.

In Analog Monitor mode, the A/D is fed to all the system outputs and to the D/A. The main clock is used as the reference (locked to crystal or an external digital source), while the auxiliary clock is slaved to it.

The PSX-100 will be available in the last quarter of 1998 and is expected to retail for under $3,000.

Visit Apogee on the web at www.apogeedigital.com.