The Fostex Model AC2496 is a 24 bit/96kHz compatible (compatible only to S/P DIF)
professional-use 8 channel A/D converter that converts analog input signals to digital
signals (adat or S/P DIF). It can be utilized to increase the number of inputs of Fostex
digital multirecorders D1624/D2424 and for substituting inputs of digital mixers and
personal computers.
Functions of the Model AC2496 can be extended according to the application by employing an optional Model 8355 (AES/EBU card) and Model 5045 (8 channel AD card).
When the 8355 is installed in an AC2496, it is possible to transmit 24 bit/96kHz digital
signals (8 channels) which is otherwise impossible to transmit in ADAT IN/OUT.
If a 5045 is installed, the 8 channel analog inputs of the AC2496 can be extended to 16
channels.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
"WARNING"
"TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR
MOISTURE."
CAUTION:
TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF
PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
ATTENTION:
POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE
LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE
CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU'
AU FOND.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral
triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of
uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure
that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric
shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended
to alert the user to the presence of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions
should be read before the appliance is operated.
2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions
should be retained for future reference.
3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the
operating instructions should be adhered to.
4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should
be followed.
5. Water and Moisture - The appliance should not be used near
water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink,
laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and
the like.
6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with a
cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer.
An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care.
Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause
the appliance and cart combination to overturn.
7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted to
a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer.
8. Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its location
or position dose not interfere with its proper ventilation.
For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed,
sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation
openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase
or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation
openings.
9. Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat sources
such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
10. Power Sources - The appliance should be connected to a power
supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or
as marked on the appliance.
11. Grounding or Polarization - The precautions that should be taken
so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is
not defeated.
12. Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed
so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items
placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords
at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they
exit from the appliance.
13. Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned only as
recommended by the manufacturer.
14. Nonuse Periods - The power cord of the appliance should be
unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of
time.
15. Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken so that objects
do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through
openings.
16. Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be serviced
by qualified service personnel when:
A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or
exhibits a marked change in performance; or
E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
17. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the appliance
beyond that described in the operating instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to qualified service
personnel.
The main power switch for the AC2496.
The power LED (green) will light when power is
switched ON.
2. WORD IN termination switch
This must be switched ON when input signals from
WORD IN is to be terminated by 75 ohms.
3. LOCKED indicator
This will light up when the CLOCK switch is set to
"WORD" and locked onto the external WORD clock.
4. Clock switch
This is for setup of the AC2496 operating clock.
"INT"Operates by the AC2496 crystal.
"WORD"Synchronizes with the external WORD clock.
5. Digital format selecting switch
This selects the digital output format (adat, S/P DIF
or AES/EBU). It can also be selected to 44.1kHz, 48kHz,
88.2kHz or 96kHz (44.1/48kHz only for adat output).
8
6. Reference level selecting switch
This switch selects the reference level (all channels
simultaneously) of the analog input (balance or unbalance). Both balance and unbalance can be selected
to -20dB/-18dB/-12dB (Refer to <Notes> on the next
page).
7. Analog input mode selecting switch
This switch becomes effective when the DIGITAL FORMAT switch is set to "adat" and if the optional Model
8355 has been installed; the signal applied to the analog input connector can be assigned to the desired
channel. In general, these are selected in accordance
to the number of BUSS OUT of a connected analog
mixer.
<Notes on switching>
Always switch off the main power to the AC2496
before changing the various selecting switches.
If the switches are manipulated with the main
power switched on, it could create noise.
910
11
8. Blank panel
This blank panel is removed when installing the optional Model 8355 (AES/EBU card) or the Model 5045
(8 channel AD card). In regards to installation of the
options, refer to the manual included with the cards.
9. DIGITAL OUT 1-8 connectors (Optical)
Digital equipment provided with optical DIGITAL IN
are connected here. The type of digital signals (adat
or S/P DIF) selected by the DIGITAL FORMAT switch
will be output here.
10. WORD IN connector (BNC type)
The WORD clock signal from external digital equipment is input here to match the phase with digital
equipment provided with WORD OUT.
11. AC IN connector
The AC cable included with the AC2496 is connected
here.
13
12
12. WORD OUT connector (BNC type)
The AC2496 WORD clock signal for external digital
equipment is output here.
13. Analog input connector (TRS phone jack)
This is connected to BUSS OUT (or GROUP OUT) of
the analog mixer (Refer to <Note> on the next page).
These connectors can accept both balanced (+4dBu)
and unbalanced (-10dBV) analog signals.
T: HOT
R: COLD
S: GND
<Notes when connecting cables>
When plugging or unplugging the interconnecting
cables, be sure to do so after switching off the power
to the AC2496.
4
Main features of the AC2496
The AC2496 is a professional use high quality 24 bit, 96kHz compatible 8 channel A/D converter for
converting analog signals to digital signals. Conversion to digital signals can be selected for S/P DIF or
adat, depending on the application. Furthermore, by installing the option, it will be possible to also
output AES/EBU format digital signals so it can be used to extend the number of digital multirecorder
analog inputs and to substitute the inputs of digital mixers and audio cards in personal computers.
• Balanced/unbalanced compatible input connectors
Stereo phone jacks that comply to both balanced
(+4dBu) and unbalanced (-10dBV) lines are employed
for the analog inputs (1-8).
• Reference level can be set to match the input
The reference level can be set to match the analog
input (balanced or unbalanced line). The reference
level can be chosen from three different levels: -12dB,
-18dB or -20dB. All channels can be switched simultaneously.
• Includes with WORD in/out connector
Synchronizing external equipment with the WORD
clock is possible by utilizing this WORD IN/OUT connector.
• Selecting various digital formats
Four different digital formats can be selected: 24 bit/
44.1kHz, 24 bit/48kHz, 24 bit/88.2kHz and 24 bit/
96kHz. When outputting adat digital signals, however, it will be limited to 24 bit/44.1kHz and 24 bit/
48kHz.
<Notes when setting the reference level>
Be sure to match the equipment level for both
balanced and unbalanced lines in regards to
both the reference level and the analog input
connector of connected equipment.
For example, if it is used with the REF LEVEL
switch set to balanced line reference level, digital clipping and low S/N signal may result if an
unbalanced input is connected to the input
connector.
• Optical digital output connector (DIGITAL OUT)
Adat or S/P DIF digital signals (by switch) can be output from the optical (square) digital output connector. This can be connected to external digital equipment provided with input connectors for adat or S/P
DIF signals.
• Options available for extending functionality
Two exclusive options are available for the AC2496
which further extend the AC2496’s capabilities.
Model 5045 (8 channel AD card)
This is an 8 channel AD card for extending the AC2496 analog inputs to 16 channels.
Model 8355 (8 channel AES/EBU card)
This is an 8 channel AES/EBU card for converting the analog input signal to AES/EBU digital signals. This card makes
it possible to transmit 24 bit/96kHz digital signals that could
not be output in adat format.
5
• AC2496 without the option installed
In a stock AC2496 without the option installed, analog input signal (1-8) is input as shown below
and output after converting to adat (ch1~8) or S/P DIF (ch1, 2) digital signals. For other application methods, please refer to pages 7 and 8.
adat (ch 1-8) or S/P DIF (ch 1, 2) digital signals
Analog input signals (1-8)
• AC2496 with the Model 5045 installed
When the 5045 (8 channel AD card) is installed in the AC2496, the analog inputs will be extended as shown in the schematic below enabling connection of 8 to 16 channels of input signals.
Digital signals from channels 1-8 and 9-16 will be output (at output of adat digital signals) from
each digital output connector (optical). For other applications, please refer to page 9.
adat (ch 9-16) or S/P DIF (ch 9, 10) digital signals
Analog input signals (9-16)
Analog input signals (1-8)
adat (ch 1-8) or S/P DIF (ch 1, 2) digital signals
• AC2496 with the Model 8355 installed
When the 8355 (8 channel AES/EBU card) is installed in the AC2496, in addition to adat (or S/P
DIF) digital signals, AES/EBU formatted digital signals can be output as shown in the schematic
below. For other applications, please refer to page 10.
AES/EBU formatted digital signals
adat (ch 1-8) or S/P DIF (ch 1, 2) digital signals
Analog input signals (1-8)
6
Application examples as an Analog-adat converter
As an example in using AC2496 as an analog-adat converter, here it is connected to a Fostex digital
multirecorder D2424 to enable 16 track simultaneous recording. The analog mixer in the connecting
example below will be for 8 BUSS OUT.
• Connecting example for 16 track simultaneous recording
This example demonstrates a standard AC2496 and 16 channels of analog signals being recorded simultaneously.
In this example, the analog signals (1-8) from analog mixer 1 are input to ANALOG INPUT 1-8, while the signals
(1-8) from analog mixer 2 connected to AC2496 are converted to adat digital signals and input to DATA INPUT 916 (or 17-24). Sixteen track simultaneous recording is possible with this procedure.
Analog Mixer-1
<CAUTION>
If it is to be connected to a digital recorder -- a D2424 in this case -- having
a WORD OUT port as shown in the example, it must always be connected to
WORD IN of the AC2496 and WORD
clock signals input from the digital recorder.
Also, if WORD clock is to be input to
AC2496, be sure to set the recorder
clock in the "asynchronous mode."
Refer to the recorder Manual for details.
If WORD clock cannot be input, set the
recorder in the "synchronous mode"
and the AC2496 CLOCK switch to "INT."
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
REMOTE
(Master)
RS422
REMOTE
THRU
100Ω
ON OFF
AC-IN
(Slave)
<Notes when making connections>
When connecting external equipment
to AC2496, be sure to switch off power
to AC2496. Noise could be created if
Analog Mixer-2
cables are plugged in or out while the
power is on.
• Setup of the AC2496
If the AC2496 is to be used as an analog-adat converter as shown in the previous example, set it up as explained
in the following.
When WORD clock is input
from the D2424, set the
CLOCK SW to "WORD" and
the terminator switch to "ON."
Set this to "ADAT -48" or "ADA T-
44.1," matching the D2424
sampling frequency.
If connecting an 8 BUSS OUT
mixer, set the ANALOG INPUT MODE SW to "1-8."
Set the AC2496 reference level
to match the output level (balanced or unbalanced line) of
any external equipment connected, such as an analog
mixer.
7
<Notes at setup>
Be sure to switch off power
to AC2496 before manipulating each selector switch of
the AC2496. If the switches
are manipulated with the
power switched on, it could
create noise.
Application examples as an Analog-S/P DIF converter
• Connection example when substituting the input of personal computers (audio card)
An example using an AC2496 as an analog-S/P DIF converter connected to the audio card installed in a personal
computer for converting the analog audio signal to S/P DIF digital signal and recorded.
<Notes on cable connection>
When plugging or unplugging the interconnecting cables be sure to do so only after switching
off the power to the AC2496.
Otherwise, noise could result.
Analog signals
• Setup of the AC2496
When the AC2496 is to be used as an Analog-S/P DIF converter, it must be setup as explained below.
<Notes on setup>
When changing the select switches
of AC2496, be sure to do so only
after switching off power to
AC2496.
Should the switches be manipulated
with power on, it could create noise.
If WORD clock cannot be input, switch CLOCK SW to
"INT." The terminate switch
can be set to either position.
S/P DIF digital signals
This switch will have no affect
at output of S/P DIF digital signals.
This is set to match the sampling frequency of connected equipment.
For S/P DIF digital signals, it will comply
also to "96kHz."
Using the AC2496 as a digital master
In the explanations up to this point, the AC2496
was used as the slave. In other applications, the
AC2496 can be used as the master.
As shown in schematic at right, by applying
WORD clock from the AC2496 WORD OUT port
to digital equipment installed with WORD IN,
such equipment can be synchronized with the
AC2496 WORD clock.
<Note>
When using the AC2496 as the master, set its switch
to "INT" and the external digital equipment to "sync
mode."
WORD clock
The AC2496 reference level
should be set to match the
analog signal output level that
is connected.
WORD IN
Digital Equipment
(Slave)
WORD OUT
AC2496
ANALOG IN
(Master)
Analog signals
S/P DIF IN (adat IN)
DIGITAL OUT
8
Extension example after installing a Model 5045
The 8 analog-input channels of the AC2496 can be extended to 16 channels by installing an optional
Model 5045 8ch A/D card. Such an installation enables 24 track simultaneous recording by using a
D2424 as shown in example below.
• Connecting example for 24 track simultaneous recording
This is an example of installing a Model 5045 in an AC2496. Twenty four channels of analog signals can then be
recorded simultaneously. In this example, analog signals (1-8) from analog mixer 1 are input to ANALOG INPUT
1-8, while signals from analog mixer 2/3 (1-8, 9-16) connected to the AC2496 are converted to adat digital
signals and applied to DATA INPUT 9-16 and 17-24. Using this procedure, it is possible to simultaneously record
24 tracks.
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT
TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
REMOTE
RS422
REMOTE
THRU
100Ω
ON OFF
AC-IN
(Master)
adat digital signal (9-16)
adat digital signal (1-8)
WORD clock
(Slave)
Analog Mixer-3
Analog Mixer-2
• Setup of the AC2496
The same as the previous example, when using an AC2496 as an Analog-adat converter, it must be setup as
follows:
If WORD clock is input from a
D2424, the CLOCK SW must
be set to "WORD" and the terminate SW to "ON."
If an 8 BUSS OUT mixer is to
be connected, set the ANALOG INPUT MODE SW to "1-
8."
Set to "ADAT-48" or "ADAT-
44.1" to match the D2424
sampling frequency.
9
Set the AC2496 reference level
to match the output level (balanced/unbalanced line) of external equipment connected
such as an analog mixer.
Extension example after installing a Model 8355
When the optional Model 8355 (8ch AES/EBU card) is installed, the AC2496 can be utilized as an
analog-AES/EBU converter. Unlike the previous example, this setup can output 24 bit 88.2kHz/24 bit
96kHz digital signals.
• Connecting example
Digital equipment installed with
AES/EBU input ports
(Refer to explanation below)
AES/EBU digital signal
PIN assignments
Pin 1 = GND
Pin 2 = HOT
Pin 3 = COLD
• Set of the AC2496
WORD clock
In compliance to the DIGITAL FORMAT switch setting, adat or S/P DIF digital
signals will also be output.
Analog Inputs (1-8)
If WORD clock is input from
digital equipment, set the
CLOCK SW to "WORD" and
the terminate SW to "ON."
If it is to be set to 44.1kHz and
48kHz, it is okay to set to FS for
ADAT or S/P DIF.
However, digital signals (adat or
S/P DIF) corresponding to the setting will be output from the optical
DIGITAL OUT connector.
Set FS (44.1/48/88.2/96kHz)
to match the equipment connected. Above is an example
of setting to 96kHz.
This is switched in accordance to the analog input type
(Refer to explanation below).
Set the AC2496 reference level
to match the output level (balanced/unbalanced line) of external equipment connected
such as an analog mixer.
The AES/EBU format output signals are output from each connector as shown below in compliance
to the front panel setting ANALOG INPUT MODE switch.
Signals applied to inputs 1 and 2 will be output in
the AES/EBU format from output connectors 1-2,
3-4, 5-6 and 7-8.
ch1/2
ch1/2ch1/2ch1/2
Signals applied to inputs 1-4 will be output in the
AES/EBU format from output connectors 1-2 and
3-4 (5-6 and 7-8).
ch1/2
ch3/4
ch1/2
ch3/4
10
Two channels each of the signals applied to inputs 1-8 will be output in the AES/EBU format from
their respective output connectors.
• Dimensions (AC2496): 482 (W) x 44 (H) x 220 (D) mm
• Weight (AC2496): 2kg
• To facilitate product improvement, specifications and appearance are subject to change without
notice.
• Adat and the symbol are trademarks of Alesis Corporation.
11
Declaration of EC Directive
This equipment is compatible with the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) - Directive on approximation of member
nation's ordinance concerning the electromagnetic compatibility and with the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC)
- Directive on approximation of member nation's ordinance concerning electric equipment designed to be used
within the specified voltage range.
The Affect of Immunity on This Equipment
The affect of the European Specification EN50082-1 (coexistence of electromagnetic waves - common
immunity specification) on this equipment are as shown below.
* In the electrical fast transient/burst requirements, surge, conducted disturbances by radio-frequency fields,
power frequency magnetic field, radiate electromagnetic field requirements and static electricity discharging
environment, this could be affected by generation of noise in some cases.
FOSTEX DISTRIBUTORS LIST IN EUROPE
* Including non-EU countries.
* underlined: contracted distributors (as of August, 2000)
<AUSTRIA>
NAME: ATEC Audio-u. Videogeraete VertriebsgesmbH.
ADD: Im Winkel 5, A-2325 Velm, Austria
TEL: (+43) 2234-74004, FAX: (+43) 2234-74074