Swissonic Announces New A/D Units

AD8 Pro (Click for a larger picture)

The new Swissonic AD8 and AD8 Pro are a combination of an 8 channel AD converter and built in preamplifier per channel that are designed for outstanding high quality digital audio recording. The combination of preamplifiers and AD conversion in one single unit provides a direct and effective way to bring analog signals to the digital domain. Short signal paths and a compact, low noise analog design create the optimal signal level for the high quality AD converters.

Each input channel is equipped with XLR/1/4 combi inputs to connect any kind of balanced or unbalanced audio source such as microphones, guitars, keyboards, line signals etc. Each channel has switchable phantom power, a high pass filter, a high impedance switch, a 20 dB pad and a phase inversion switch. Separate input gain controls with a range of 40 dB allow precise level adjustments, supported by peak meters provided for each channel.

The AD converters operate at 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz @ 24-bit resolution. Dithering features with psycho acoustic noise shape filters provide 20-bit and 16-bit output. The units have wordclock inputs and outputs for external synchronization. The AD8 has two ADAT optical outputs for transmission of digital audio via ADAT light-pipe. In the 88.2/96 kHz mode, the ADAT outputs transmit audio in S/MUX, a sample multiplexing format that uses two 44.1/48 kHz channels to transmit one 88.2/96 kHz signal. S/MUX is supported by several sound cards such as the Sonorus STUDI/O or the RME Hammerfall. The AD8 Pro offers 4 AES/EBU outputs for professional applications.

"The AD8 is our latest innovation," says Daniel Feusi, General Manager of Swissonic AG. "It allows the user to convert to digital audio without using a mixing console or separate preamplifiers. This is a perfect solution for project studios or mobile recording systems."

The AD8 and AD8 Pro will be shipped in April 2000.