Prism Sound Introduces New Version of ADA-8

Prism Sound has unveiled a new version of the ADA-8, the company's modular A-D and D-A converter and processor. The ADA-8 may be configured for up to 8 channels of simultaneous A-D and D-A conversion or 16 channels of either A-D or D-A conversion with resolution selectable up to 24bit/96kHz.

Several new software-enabled features were specifically designed to enhance both performance and operating flexibility when the ADA-8 is integrated into Pro Tools-based systems. The new version allows direct control analogue/digital input selection per channel pair from the host system's Pro Tools software. In addition, it provides support for 16 channel A-D or 16 channel D-A Pro Tools-compatible configurations.

Other new features of the enhanced ADA-8 include analogue or digital input selection for individual channels, parallel output capability (same signal drives both digital and analog outputs) and a wider (+/- 6%) lock range for external clock sources.

The new ADA-8 software also allows single-unit implementation of a full high end mastering, chain, with high-sampling rate D-A converters for driving an analogue chain and a choice of sampling rates for the final A-D conversion. The ADA-8's stereo monitor D-A converter allows monitoring of the stereo 16-bit digital output following noise shaping and word length reduction.

Equipped with four module slots, the ADA-8 can be configured for multi-channel, high resolution A-D or D-A conversion, or used for digital format conversion. It is suited for use with most popular digital audio workstations, and is particularly effective in applications where digital/analogue "hybrid" recording techniques require simultaneous conversion of multiple audio channels. in addition, it has become the unit of choice for surround sound mastering in several of the world's most prestigious studios.

Other ADA-8 features include flexible digital interfacing options (AES3, TDIF, ADAT, SDIF and others), dedicated interface modules for popular workstations, built-in SNS noise shapers for the ultimate in 16-bit reductions, and Prism Sound's MR-X word mapping for lossless recording at 24-bit/96kHz resolution on standard 16- or 20-bit media The newly enhanced ADA-8 carries a suggested professional user net price beginning at under $10,000 US (GBP 6500) depending on configuration.