ESI EX8000 User Manual

MaXiO XD EX8000

INDEX

1. Introduction..................................................................................................................................2

1.1 Key Features........................................................................................................................... 2

1.2 Safety Instructions..................................................................................................................2

2. Description of EX8000................................................................................................................. 3

2.1 Front Channel Section............................................................................................................ 3

2.2 Power Section......................................................................................................................... 4

2.3 Clock & Control.....................................................................................................................4

2.4 Analog Outputs & Inserts....................................................................................................... 5

2.5 Digital I/O...............................................................................................................................6

3. Usage of EX8000 ..........................................................................................................................7

3.1 Control Modes........................................................................................................................7

3.1.1 E.D.I Control Mode .......................................................................................................... 7

3.1.2 Standalone Mode ..............................................................................................................7

3.1.3 Reset Internal Configuration.............................................................................................7

3.2 Audio Routing........................................................................................................................ 7

3.2.1 Audio Routing Mode selection.........................................................................................7

3.2.2 [MODE 1] AES/EBU to analog / analog to AES/EBU....................................................8

3.2.3 [MODE 2] S/PDIF to analog / analog to S/PDIF .............................................................9

3.2.4 [MODE 3] analog to ADAT and AES/EBU.....................................................................9

3.2.5 [MODE 4] AES/EBU to ADAT / ADAT to AES/EBU ................................................. 10

3.2.6 [MODE 5] ADAT to analog / analog to ADAT ............................................................. 10

3.2.7 [MODE 6] ADAT to analog / analog to ADAT (with S/MUX enabled) ....................... 11

3.2.8 Channel Mapping............................................................................................................11

3.3 System Clock........................................................................................................................12

3.3.1 System Clock Source......................................................................................................12

3.3.2 Internal Clock..................................................................................................................13

3.3.3 External Clock (Word Clock).........................................................................................13

3.3.4 Digital Input Clock .........................................................................................................13

3.3.5 E.D.I Clock ..................................................................................................................... 14

4. Technical Specifications ............................................................................................................ 15

END USER WARRANTY ............................................................................................................16

v1 March 2005

1

MaXiO XD EX8000

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the ESI EX8000, part of the MaXiO XD system.
EX8000 is a high performance 24-bit, 192 kHz AD/DA converter that features 8 balanced inputs

with microphone preamps, XLR/TRS combo connectors and 10 step LED metering lights for each
input channel. EX8000 also provides 8 analog output channels, multi-channel AES/EBU and
S/PDIF digital I/O, ADAT I/O and a headphone output for monitoring.

You can use EX8000 either as a very powerful standalone device or in combination with the
MaXiO PCI host card as a high-end multi-channel recording solution for the PC.

1.1 Key Features

· E.D.I Connector

· high-end quality 24-bit / 192 kHz ADC with 123dB(a) dynamic range

· high-end quality 24-bit / 192 kHz DAC with 120dB(a) dynamic range

· 8 balanced analog inputs with combo (XLR / TRS) connectors

· high precision & ultra low noise 'XD-PRE' microphone preamplifier (-135.5dBu) on each analog

input channel with support for +48V phantom power

· Mic/Line selection switch and gain control for each analog input channel

· 8 inserts (one for each analog input channel) with 1/4" connectors

· 8 balanced analog outputs with XLR connectors (+4dBu)

· 8 balanced/unbalanced analog outputs with TRS connectors (-10dBV)

· headphone amplifier with volume control

· 8 channel digital I/O in AES/EBU (XLR connectors) and coaxial S/PDIF (RCA connectors)

format, supporting up to 24-bit / 192 kHz

· 8 channel ADAT optical digital I/O with S/MUX support

· 10 step LED level meters on front panel for all channels (input and output)

· supported sample rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz

· Word Clock Input: Fs / 256*Fs (via BNC connector)

1.2 Safety Instructions

Caution: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover of this unit. Please refer
servicing to qualified personnel only.

Warning: Do not expose this unit to rain or moisture.
Retain Instructions: Please retain all safety and operating instructions for future reference.
Heat: The unit should be placed away from other heat sources such as heaters, radiators, ovens or

other studio equipment such as power amplifiers that produce heat.
Periods of inactivity: The power cord of the unit should be unplugged from the outlet when left

unused for a long period of time.

2

MaXiO XD EX8000

2. Description of EX8000

2.1 Front Channel Section

1

Analog Balanced XLR / TRS (Combo) Input Connector

EX8000 provides 8 combo connectors (XLR and 1/4" TRS) on
the front panel that are used as balanced analog inputs for line
level signals and microphone connection (via XLR).

2

Microphone Input Selection Switch

Every input channel can be used for line level or microphone
signals. When this switch is enabled, a microphone can be
connected via XLR. In this case phantom power is supplied
(when enabled, check no. 7). When the switch is not enabled, the
XLR and TRS inputs are used for balanced line level signals.

3

Input Gain Control

Controls the amount gain applied to the input signal from the
XLR or TRS connector of specific channel. Microphone signals
can be amplified with 48dB maximum, line level signals with up
to 30dB.

4

2

1

3

4

Analog Input / Output Level Meter

The two level meters indicate the signal level for the analog inputs and outputs. The level meter
on the left shows the input signal; the level meter on the right shows the output signal of the
corresponding channel. A range from 0dB to 60dB in 10 dB-steps is displayed.

3

MaXiO XD EX8000

!

2.2 Power Section

5

Power Indicator LED

6

Power Switch

7

Phantom Power Switch

5

6

+48V DC phantom power (for balanced condenser microphones) will be
supplied via every XLR input connector when this button is enabled.

7

Note that this affects only those input channels that are set to receive
microphone signals (check no. 2).

· Before you turn on the phantom power switch, you must make sure to connect your microphones

to the XLR inputs (with balanced cables).

CAUTION

· After you have turned on the phantom power switch, you should not connect or disconnect a

microphone to any of the input connectors.

22

AC IN

22

EX8000 needs external AC power. It supports 100~240V AC (free voltage). There
is a spare fuse (5X20mm Glass Fuse) below the connector.

2.3 Clock & Control

9

Clock Source Indicator

Displays the current clock source of EX8000:

- Internal: EX8000 uses its internal clock.

- External: EX8000 works with the clock from the Word Clock input.

- Digital In: EX8000 works with the clock supplied from the AES/EBU,
S/PDIF or ADAT input.

- E.D.I: EX8000 works with the clock from the MaXiO PCI host
card.

10

Clock Frequency Indicator

Displays the current sample rate of EX8000.

11

Clock Select Button 1

When EX8000 is working in stand alone mode, you can choose the
clock source with this button (Internal, External, Digital In). This
function is not available when EX8000 is connected to the MaXiO PCI
host card.

9

11

12

10

12

Clock Select Button 2

When EX8000 is working in stand alone mode, you can choose the sample rate with this button
(44.1 ~ 192 kHz). This function is not available when EX8000 is connected to the MaXiO PCI
host card.

4

MaXiO XD EX8000

21

Word Clock Input

The Word Clock input allows you to synchronize EX8000 with other devices. When
EX8000 is connected to a Word Clock source, EX8000 will synchronize to it.

2.4 Analog Outputs & Inserts

8

Headphone

You can monitor the playback signal from output 1, 2 through the headphone
output. The output level can be adjusted with the pot.

14

Inserts

The inserts allow you to use the microphone preamps of EX8000 for incoming signals, then run
the signal through external hardware effects before the AD-converter processes the signal. In
order to use the inserts, you typically need a so-called "insert-cable"
with a 1/4" TRS connector on one and two 1/4" mono connectors on
the two other ends. Here is a description of the insert connector:

- Tip: return signal (input from effect processor)

- Ring: send (output to effect processor)

- Sleeve: common ground

15

Analog Balanced TRS Output Connectors

EX8000 has 8 balanced/unbalanced analog outputs (-10dBV) with TRS connectors.

16

Analog Balanced XLR Output Connectors

EX8000 has 8 balanced analog outputs (+4dBu) with XLR connectors.

5

MaXiO XD EX8000

2.5 Digital I/O

17

E.D.I Connector

E.D.I Connector IN: connection to MaXiO PCI (with a standard IEEE1394 cable).
E.D.I Connector THRU: this connector is reversed for future expansion.

18

ADAT Optical Input / Output

EX8000 has 8 channel ADAT optical I/O connectors. You can connect EX8000
to devices such as digital mixers or ADAT multichannel reorders equipped with
optical ADAT connectors. One ADAT cable transfers 8 channels with max. 48
kHz. EX8000 also supports different S/MUX modes to transfer signals with 96
kHz and above (S/MUX 2: 96 kHz, 4 channels / S/MUX 4: 192 kHz, 2
channels).

19

Digital S/PDIF (RCA) Input / Output

EX8000 has 4 S/PDIF inputs and 4 S/PDIF outputs (RCA) for coaxial
digital connection.

20

AES/EBU (XLR) Input / Output

EX8000 has 4 AES/EBU inputs and 4 AES/EBU outputs (XLR) for balanced digital connection.

6

MaXiO XD EX8000

3. Usage of EX8000

3.1 Control Modes

3.1.1 E.D.I Control Mode

When EX8000 is connected to the MaXiO PCI host card,
it is controlled via the E.D.I connection from the PC.
EX8000 automatically detects if it is connected to a PC
when power is switched on. In that case, it can only be
controlled via the MaXiO XD Control Panel software on
your PC. Check the MaXiO XD system manual for more
information.

3.1.2 Standalone Mode

When EX8000 is not connected to a MaXiO PCI host card, it works as a standalone device.
EX8000 automatically switches to this standalone mode when there is no active E.D.I signal when
power is switched on.

You can set up the internal audio routing and the system clock with the two clock selection buttons

11 12

( ) on the front panel.

3.1.3 Reset Internal Configuration

EX8000 will automatically keep the last configuration in standalone mode. If you want the reset this
value, press the first clock selection button ( ) when all lights on the front panel are on during the

11

initialisation of EX8000 after power has been switched on.
The system clock will be set to the default (internal, 44.1 kHz); audio routing [MODE 1] will be

selected as default (see below).

3.2 Audio Routing

3.2.1 Audio Routing Mode selection

EX8000 has various digital and analog I/O connectors. In
E.D.I Control Mode, the audio signal routing is controlled the
MaXiO XD Control Panel software on your PC. In standalone

Push these buttons simultaneously

mode, there are 6 different audio routing mode presets
available that can be selected via the two clock selection
buttons ( ) on the front panel.

11 12

To change the audio routing when EX8000 is in standalone
mode, you need to push the two clock selection buttons (

12

) simultaneously. The current mode ([MODE 1] to [MODE

[MODE 6]
[MODE 5]
[MODE 4]
[MODE 3]

11

[MODE 2]
[MODE 1]

6]) is displayed via the output level meter display of channel

8. Please refer to the picture on the right to see which LED is
used to display which mode. A description of each different
mode follows in the next sections.

7

MaXiO XD EX8000

!

A

· Please verify your I/O connections before you change the audio routing.

· Please temporarily turn off your amplifier or active monitor speakers when you change the audio

CAUTION

routing.

3.2.2 [MODE 1] AES/EBU to analog / analog to AES/EBU

E.D.I IN

8CH 24-bit/192kHz 8CH 24-bit/192kHz

DIGITAL IN

4 XLR In

4 RCA In

ANALOG IN

8 XLR / TRS IN
MIC / LINE, GAIN

ADAT OPTICAL IN

~ Normal : 8CH 24-bit/48kHz
{ S/MUX 2 : 4CH 24-bit/96kHz
{ S/MUX 4 : 2CH 24-bit/192kHz

~ Professional
{ Consumer

DC

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

ANALOG

DIGITAL

DIGITAL

E.D.I OUT

DIGITAL OUT

~ Professional
{ Consumer

ANALOG OUT

DAC

ADAT OPTICAL OUT

~ Normal : 8CH 24-bit/48kHz
{ S/MUX 2 : 4CH 24-bit/96kHz
{ S/MUX 4 : 2CH 24-bit/192kHz

4 XLR Out
4 RCA Out

8 XLR balanced OUT
8 TRS balanced OUT

[MODE 1] allows you to use EX8000 as 8 channel AD converter with 4 AES/EBU outputs and
simultaneously as 8 channel DA converter with 4 AES/EBU inputs.

Please note that the system clock can be set to INTERNAL (which means that EX8000 will
generate the master clock), to DIGITAL IN (which means that the clock from input 1, 2, 3 or 4 is
used) or to EXTERNAL (which means that a Word Clock source will be used as system clock).
You must set up the system clock correctly for your specific setup to make this audio routing mode
work properly. A detailed description can be found under 3.3 System Clock in this manual.

8

MaXiO XD EX8000

A

A

3.2.3 [MODE 2] S/PDIF to analog / analog to S/PDIF

E.D.I IN

8CH 24-bit/192kHz 8CH 24-bit/192kHz

DIGITAL IN DIGITAL OUT

4 XLR In

4 RCA In

{ Professional
~ Consumer

ANALOG IN

8 XLR / TRS IN

DC

MIC / LINE, GAIN

ADAT OPTICAL IN

~ Normal : 8CH 24-bit/48kHz
{ S/MUX 2 : 4CH 24-bit/96kHz

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

ANALOG

DIGITAL

DIGITAL

{ S/MUX 4 : 2CH 24-bit/192kHz

E.D.I OUT

{ Professional
~ Consumer

4 XLR Out
4 RCA Out

ANALOG OUT

DAC

8 XLR balanced OUT
8 TRS balanced OUT

ADAT OPTICAL OUT

~ Normal : 8CH 24-bit/48kHz
{ S/MUX 2 : 4CH 24-bit/96kHz
{ S/MUX 4 : 2CH 24-bit/192kHz

[MODE 2] allows you to use EX8000 as 8 channel AD converter with 4 S/PDIF outputs and
simultaneously as 8 channel DA converter with 4 S/PDIF inputs. This is similar to [MODE 1]
although the digital I/O is an S/PDIF consumer signal in [MODE 2] while in [MODE 1] it is a
professional AES/EBU signal.

3.2.4 [MODE 3] analog to ADAT and AES/EBU

E.D.I IN

8CH 24-bit/192kHz

DIGITAL IN

4 XLR In

4 RCA In

~ Professional
{ Consumer

ANALOG IN

8 XLR / TRS IN

DC

MIC / LINE, GAIN

ADAT OPTICAL IN

~ Normal : 8CH 24-bit/48kHz
{ S/MUX 2 : 4CH 24-bit/96kHz
{ S/MUX 4 : 2CH 24-bit/192kHz

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

ANALOG

DIGITAL

ANALOG

E.D.I OUT

8CH 24-bit/192kHz

DIGITAL OUT

~ Professional
{ Consumer

4 XLR Out
4 RCA Out

ANALOG OUT

DAC

8 XLR balanced OUT
8 TRS balanced OUT

ADAT OPTICAL OUT

~ Normal : 8CH 24-bit/48kHz
{ S/MUX 2 : 4CH 24-bit/96kHz
{ S/MUX 4 : 2CH 24-bit/192kHz

[MODE 3] equals [MODE 1] with the difference that the ADAT optical output will send out an 8
channel signal from the AD converters in addition. This allows you to use EX8000 as 8-channel
ADC with microphone preamps and inserts for devices with optical ADAT input.

9

MaXiO XD EX8000

A

A

3.2.5 [MODE 4] AES/EBU to ADAT / ADAT to AES/EBU

E.D.I IN

8CH 24-bit/192kHz

DIGITAL IN

4 XLR In

4 RCA In

ANALOG IN

8 XLR / TRS IN
MIC / LINE, GAIN

ADAT OPTICAL IN

~ Normal : 8CH 24-bit/48kHz
{ S/MUX 2 : 4CH 24-bit/96kHz
{ S/MUX 4 : 2CH 24-bit/192kHz

~ Professional
{ Consumer

DC

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

ADAT

DIGITAL

DIGITAL

E.D.I OUT

8CH 24-bit/192kHz

DIGITAL OUT

~ Professional
{ Consumer

ANALOG OUT

DAC

ADAT OPTICAL OUT

~ Normal : 8CH 24-bit/48kHz
{ S/MUX 2 : 4CH 24-bit/96kHz
{ S/MUX 4 : 2CH 24-bit/192kHz

4 XLR Out
4 RCA Out

8 XLR balanced OUT
8 TRS balanced OUT

[MODE 4] allows you to use EX8000 has AES/EBU to ADAT and ADAT to AES/EBU converter
unit. The signals from the 4 AES/EBU inputs will be sent out through the 8 channel ADAT output.
The signal from the 8 channel ADAT input will be sent out through the 4 AES/EBU outputs.

The system clock can be set to INTERNAL, DIGITAL (input 1~4) and EXTERNAL (Word Clock).
You must set up the system clock correctly for your specific setup to make this audio routing mode
work properly. A detailed description can be found under 3.3 System Clock in this manual. Note
that this mode only works with 44.1 or 48 kHz (due to ADAT format limitations).

3.2.6 [MODE 5] ADAT to analog / analog to ADAT

E.D.I IN

8CH 24-bit/192kHz 8CH 24-bit/192kHz

DIGITAL IN

4 XLR In

4 RCA In

ANALOG IN

8 XLR / TRS IN
MIC / LINE, GAIN

ADAT OPTICAL IN

~ Normal : 8CH 24-bit/48kHz
{ S/MUX 2 : 4CH 24-bit/96kHz
{ S/MUX 4 : 2CH 24-bit/192kHz

~ Professional
{ Consumer

DC

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

ADAT

ADAT

ANALOG

E.D.I OUT

DIGITAL OUT

~ Professional
{ Consumer

ANALOG OUT

DAC

ADAT OPTICAL OUT

~ Normal : 8CH 24-bit/48kHz
{ S/MUX 2 : 4CH 24-bit/96kHz
{ S/MUX 4 : 2CH 24-bit/192kHz

4 XLR Out
4 RCA Out

8 XLR balanced OUT
8 TRS balanced OUT

[MODE 5] allows you to use EX8000 as 8 channel AD converter with optical ADAT output and
simultaneously as 8 channel DA converter with ADAT optical input. This allows you to use

10

MaXiO XD EX8000

A

EX8000 as standalone AD and DA converter for any ADAT compatible devices such as digital
mixers or ADAT multitrack recorders. [MODE 5] only works with 44.1 or 48 kHz (due to ADAT
format limitations).

3.2.7 [MODE 6] ADAT to analog / analog to ADAT (with S/MUX enabled)

E.D.I IN

8CH 24-bit/192kHz

DIGITAL IN

4 XLR In

4 RCA In

ANALOG IN

8 XLR / TRS IN
MIC / LINE, GAIN

ADAT OPTICAL IN

{ Normal : 8CH 24-bit/48kHz
~ S/MUX 2 : 4CH 24-bit/96kHz
{ S/MUX 4 : 2CH 24-bit/192kHz

~ Professional
{ Consumer

DC

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

E.D.I

DIGITAL

ANALOG

ADAT

ADAT

ADAT

ANALOG

E.D.I OUT

8CH 24-bit/192kHz

DIGITAL OUT

~ Professional
{ Consumer

ANALOG OUT

DAC

ADAT OPTICAL OUT

{ Normal : 8CH 24-bit/48kHz
~ S/MUX 2 : 4CH 24-bit/96kHz
{ S/MUX 4 : 2CH 24-bit/192kHz

4 XLR Out
4 RCA Out

8 XLR balanced OUT
8 TRS balanced OUT

[MODE 6] equals [MODE 5] with the difference that S/MUX is enabled. This means that only 4
instead of 8 channels are transferred, but the supported sample rates are now doubled. [MODE 6]
only works with 88.2 kHz or 96 kHz.

3.2.8 Channel Mapping

The following table shows the mapping of the I/O channel assignment of EX8000. This is
especially important when you work with S/MUX enabled. Note that S/MUX 4 (192 kHz) only can
be used when EX8000 is connected to the MaXiO PCI host card. In the table, E.D.I refers to the
connection to the PCI card.

Analog I/O CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 CH 5 CH 6 CH 7 CH 8
Digital I/O 1L 1R 2L 2R 3L 3R 4L 4R
ADAT I/O ADAT –1 ADAT - 2 ADAT - 3 ADAT - 4 ADAT - 5 ADAT - 6 ADAT - 7 ADAT - 8
ADAT S/MUX 2 (96) S/MUX –1 S/MUX -2 S/MUX -3 S/MUX -4
ADAT S/MUX 4 (192) S/MUX –1 S/MUX - 2
E.D.I E.D.I –1 E.D.I - 2 E.D.I - 3 E.D.I - 4 E.D.I - 5 E.D.I - 6 E.D.I - 7 E.D.I - 8

11

MaXiO XD EX8000

!

3.3 System Clock

The following diagram gives you an overview of the different available clock sources of EX8000.

INTERNAL

192.0kHz

176.4kHz

96.0kHz

88.2kHz

48.0kHz

44.1kHz

EXTERNAL

256FS
FS

44.1 ~ 192kHz

INTERNAL

EXTERNAL

DIGITAL

E.D.I

Clock Source Select

DIGITAL IN

ADAT In
Digital In 4
Digital In 3
Digital In 2
Digital In 1

E.D.I Clock

From PCI Host Card Clock

44.1 ~ 192 kHz

Clock Freq. / Sub Clock

3.3.1 System Clock Source

When multiple digital audio devices are connected to each other, they must all use the same system
clock to work properly. This means that EX8000 needs to be synchronised to all digital devices
connected to it. Drop outs, clicks or noise could result from wrong settings. As EX8000 has a huge
number of I/O connection possibilities, there are also a number of different options to set the correct
system clock for EX8000 in every specific setup. Please read this chapter carefully as it provides
the most important basics to allow you to setup EX8000 in your studio environment.

EX8000 can provide its own internal system clock, it can synchronise to an external (Word Clock)
source, to another digital source (ADAT, AES/EBU or S/PDIF) or to the MaXiO PCI host card
(E.D.I connection).

When EX8000 is connected to the MaXiO PCI host card, the clock and sample rate is determined
by the Control Panel software of the MaXiO PCI host card. EX8000 is capable of automatically
detecting a clock source in the range between 44.1 kHz and 192 kHz (+/- 3%). The detected clock
and clock source will be displayed on the front panel ( ). If the clock source indicator LED ( ) is

10

9

red, the clock cannot be used / detected.
In standalone mode, EX8000 can provide its own internal clock and the clock can be supplied from

an external source. With the first clock selection button ( ) you can choose between INTERNAL,

11

DIGITAL IN and EXTERNAL by simply pushing the button one or several times.

· Never connect / disconnect the connection that provides the clock source while EX8000 is

turned on.

CAUTION

12

· Before making changes to the system clock, always check the full system; e.g. make sure that all

MaXiO XD EX8000

used devices are setup properly.

· Please turn off your amplifier or active monitor speakers when you change the clock source. You might

hear noise during the change or if a setting is incorrect.

· Please check that the clock source indicator LED ( ) is green after making a change.

· If EX8000 is connected to the MaXiO PCI host card, verify the clock source indicator LED ( ). When it

9

9

is not green, the connection to the PC and the clock settings are not working.

3.3.2 Internal Clock

C

When EX8000 is set to INTERNAL clock, it can be used as clock
master for all digital devices in your

setup.

lock Freq.

EX8000 can generate the master clock with the following sample rates
in kHz: 44.1/48.0/88.2/96.0/176.4/192.0. The sample rate itself can be
selected with the second clock selection button ( ) on the front panel.

12

3.3.3 External Clock (Word Clock)

When EX8000 is set to EXTERNAL clock, it works with the
system clock from the Word Clock input. This allows you use
EX8000 in an environment with master Word Clock signal.

Sub Clock Select

The Word Clock input supports 1xFS and 256xFs ("Super
Clock") resolutions. A 1xFs signal can be received in the range
between 32kHz and 200kHz, a 256xFs signal can be received in
the range between 8MHz ~ 50MHz. EX8000 will detect the

256 Fs

Fs

sample rate within the +/-3% range.
To use the Word Clock input...

1. Connect a BNC cable from your clock source to the Word Clock input ( ).

2. Set EX8000 to EXTERNAL clock source with the first clock selection button ( ).

3. Set up the system clock resolution that you want with the second button ( ). The two lower

21

11

12

LEDs of the output level meter from channel 8 will display either 256xFS or 1xFS (check
the picture above).

Example: the picture above shows that EX8000 receives a 256xFS Word Clock signal with

49.152MHz (=192 kHz x 256).

3.3.4 Digital Input Clock

When EX8000 is set to DIGITAL clock source, it will use one of the digital inputs (ADAT, S/PDIF
or AES/EBU) and derive its system clock from there.

To use one of the digital inputs as clock source...

1. Connect the external device that will provide the system clock via ADAT, S/PDIF or
AES/EBU to the digital input of EX8000.

13

MaXiO XD EX8000

A

lock 2. Set EX8000 to DIGITAL clock source with the first c

selection button ( ).

11

Sub Clock Select

3. Select the digital input you want to use with the second
button ( ). The LEDs of the output level meter from

12

channel 8 will display ADAT IN (for the optical ADAT
input), or DIGITAL 1~4 (for AES/EBU and S/PDIF) as

DAT IN
DIGITAL 4
DIGITAL 3
DIGITAL 2
DIGITAL 1

shown on the picture on the right.

4. As soon as the clock source indicator LED ( ) turns

9

green, EX8000 uses the external clock.

Example: The picture above shows that the EX8000 system clock works with 48 kHz, supplied
from AES/EBU input 2 with audio routing [MODE 1].

3.3.5 E.D.I Clock

EX8000 will use the clock provided and controlled by the MaXiO PCI host card when connected to
it. To change clock settings in that case, you need to use the MaXiO XD Control Panel software
which is explained in the MaXiO XD system manual.

14

MaXiO XD EX8000

4. Technical Specifications

y General

Type 19" rack mounted, digital audio interface
Audio Total 8-in / 8-out, 24bit, audio interface
System Clock Support Internal (44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0, 176.4, 192.0 kHz), Word Clock, Digital In, E.D.I
WORD Clock IN FS / 256*FS, BNC Connector
Power AC IN 100V ~ 240V, 50Hz ~ 60Hz, 30W
Weight 3.5kg
Dimensions 482(mm) x 180(mm) x 86(mm)
y Analog Inputs

Type Balanced 1/4” TRS (Balanced XLR ) Input
Level +4dBu Nominal (@-16.2dBFS) , +20.2dBu max
Gain Range 0.0dB (@Gain min, +20.2dBu max) ~ +29.0dB (@Gain max, -7.8dBu max)
Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.1dB
THD + N 0.0003% A-weighted (@ -3dBFS)
Dynamic Range 116dB A-weighted
CMRR 75dB
Impedance 10K ohm (1/4” TRS), Low impedance : 3K ohm (XLR)
A/D Converter Type

Dynamic Range
S/(N+D) Ratio
Frequency Response

Interchannel Isolation

Gain Mismatch
y MIC Pre-amp
Type Balanced XLR (+48V Phantom Power support)

Level 500 mV max (-3.8dBu)
Gain Range +25.0dB (@Gain min, -3.8dBu) ~ +73dB (@Gain max, -51.8dBu)
Equivalent Input Noise - 135.5dBu (@ 0 ohm, 20Hz ~ 20kHz)
THD + N 0.00065% A-weighted (@ gain+35dB)
Dynamic Range 103dB A-weighted (@ gain +35dB)
CMRR 90dB
Impedance 1.5K ohm

y Analog outputs
Type +4dBu Balanced XLR output

-10dBv Balanced/Unbalanced 1/4” TRS output

Level +4dBu Nominal (@-16dBFS) , +20.0dBu max

-10dBu Nominal (@-16dBFS) , +8.2dBu max

Frequency Response 20Hz to 20kHz, +/- 0.05dB
Analog Filter 3-pole low-pass filter
THD + N 0.0001% A-weighted (@ -3dBFS)
Dynamic Range 118dB A-weighted
Impedance 110 ohm (1/4” TRS), 110 ohm (XLR)
D/A Converter Type

Dynamic Range
S/(N+D) Ratio
Frequency Response

Interchannel Isolation

Gain Mismatch
y Digital Audio
AES/EBU, Coaxial (S/PDIF) Connector

Impedance

Format

Sample rate
ADAT Connector

Format

Sample rate

E.D.I Connector

Format

Sample rate

24bit, 192KHz, 128X Oversampling
123dB (@ -60dBFS with A-Weighted)
110dB (@ -1dBFS, measurement method)

6.5 ~ 21.768KHz, +/- 0.001dB (@ fs=48KHz)

6.5 ~ 43.536KHz, +/- 0.003dB (@ fs=96KHz)

6.5 ~ 87.072KHz, +/- 0.007dB (@ fs=192KHz)
123dB

0.1dB

24bit, 192KHz, 128X Oversampling, 8 times digital filter
120dB (@ -60dBFS with A-Weighted)
100dB (@ -1dBFS, measurement method)
0 ~ 21.7KHz, +/- 0.002dB (@ fs=48KHz)
0 ~ 43.5KHz, +/- 0.002dB (@ fs=96KHz)
0 ~ 87.0KHz, +/- 0.002dB (@ fs=192KHz)
120dB

0.15dB

XLR (AES/EBU), RCA (S/PDIF) I/O
XLR : 110ohm, RCA : 75ohm
IEC-60958 Professional / Consumer

44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0, 176.4, 192.0 kHz
TOS-Link (Optical) I/O
ADAT® protocol

44.1, 48.0kHz (8channel)

88.2, 96.0kHz (4channel - SMUX )

176.4, 192.0kHz (2channel - SMUX )
IEEE1394 compatible
E.D.I protocol

44.1, 48.0, 88.2, 96.0, 176.4, 192.0 kHz (8 channel)

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