Lynx AES16E-SRC, AES16E-50 User manual
AES16e User Manual
AES16e User Manual
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Contents
1 Introduction................................................................................................................................4
1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................4
1.2 Features...............................................................................................................................4
1.3 Before you begin................................................................................................................5
1.4 In the box.............................................................................................................................5
1.5 System requirements..........................................................................................................6
1.6 Nomenclature used in this manual.................................................................................6
2 Installation Procedures .............................................................................................................7
2.1 AES16e Hardware Installation ..........................................................................................7
2.2 Windows Driver Package (Windows XP and Windows Vista).....................................7
2.3 Macintosh OS X ................................................................................................................19
3 Hardware Connections......................................................................................................... 21
3.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................21
3.2 AES/EBU Cable Connections .........................................................................................23
3.3 Clock Connections..........................................................................................................24
3.4 Common Studio Setups ..................................................................................................26
4 Getting Started....................................................................................................................... 28
4.1 Windows Quick Audio Test .............................................................................................28
4.2 Macintosh OS X Quick Audio Test .................................................................................31
5 Operational Overview........................................................................................................... 33
5.1 Signal Flow.........................................................................................................................33
5.2 Sample Clock Generator................................................................................................35
5.3 SynchroLock™ ..................................................................................................................36
6 Lynx Mixer Reference............................................................................................................. 37
6.2 Adapter Window..............................................................................................................38
6.3 Record/Play Window.......................................................................................................44
6.4 Outputs Window...............................................................................................................47
6.5 Mixer Menu (Windows)/ File Menu (OS X)....................................................................50
6.6 Settings Menu...................................................................................................................52
7 Using the AES16e.................................................................................................................... 55
7.1 Mixer Scene Storage and Recall...................................................................................55
7.2 Input Patching..................................................................................................................55
7.3 Playback Routing and Mixing........................................................................................58
7.4 Clock selection and control...........................................................................................59
7.5 AES/EBU Dual-wire operation.........................................................................................59
7.6 ASIO Specific Setup (Windows only).............................................................................60
7.7 Controlling latency by changing buffer size ...............................................................61
8 Working with Third Party Applications ................................................................................. 62
8.1 Compatibility ....................................................................................................................62
8.2 Controlling Audio Bit Depth............................................................................................63
8.3 Multi-Device Operation ..................................................................................................63
9 Configuring Multiple AES16e’s.............................................................................................. 64
9.1 Clock Synchchronicity.....................................................................................................64
9.2 Adapter ID’s......................................................................................................................66
10 Troubleshooting................................................................................................................... 67
11 Support................................................................................................................................. 68
11.1 Lynx Website Support Resources ...............................................................................68
11.2 Telephone Support.......................................................................................................68
11.3 Registering your Aurora...............................................................................................68
11.4 Return Policy..................................................................................................................68
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12 Appendices......................................................................................................................... 69
12.1 Specifications................................................................................................................69
12.2 Programming the AES16e firmware...........................................................................71
12.3 Safety instructions.........................................................................................................71
12.4 EMC Certifications........................................................................................................72
13 License Agreement............................................................................................................73
14 Warranty Information.........................................................................................................74
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Introduction
1 Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Lynx AES16e™ PCI-Express audio interface. The AES16e has been designed
to provide you with the highest quality professional audio performance available, offering unequalled
AES/EBU channel capacity and routing flexibility.
Even if you’re an experienced audio professional, please take a few moments to read through this user’s
manual. It will help to streamline the installation procedure, and acquaint you with the AES16e’s superior
feature set, allowing you to quickly realize the full potential of this powerful audio tool.
1.1 Overview
The AES16e turns your computer into a powerful digital audio workstation, giving you up to sixteen
channels of professional AES/EBU digital input and output at sampling rates up to 192 kHz. Its integrated
64-channel software mixer provides zero-latency monitoring, with unprecedented control and matrixing
flexibility. With support for Windows and Macintosh computers, the AES16 can store and recall an
unlimited number of routing configurations and mixer scenes, providing you with a virtual digital patch
bay.
The AES16e supports the latest single-wire AES/EBU 192 kHz standard for up to 16 channels of digital
input and output, and is also compatible with existing dual-wire 96 kHz and 192 kHz devices.
Also, up to 48channels of I/O are available using the AES16e’s optional AES50/SuperMac port. This port
can be used for high-channel count installations where long cable run s are possible without audio
degradation, and where connected devices can be controlled or monitored through browsers via TCP/IP.
With exclusive SynchroLock™ technology, the AES16e provides unmatched tolerance to jitter when
synchronizing to external clocks, making it an ideal solution for longer cable runs and other sources where
noise may be an issue. The SynchroLock output can also provide a clean and accurate clock output for
other audio devices.
Up to four AES16e cards can be installed in a single host computer to deliver a total of 64 inputs and 64
outputs of ultra-high bandwidth audio performance.
The AES16e provides ultra low latency drivers for most Windows protocols including WDM, MME, ASIO
2.0, DirectSound and Direct Kernel Streaming, and for Macintosh OSX Core Audio standard. The AES16e
has Universal Binary drivers for use with Intel Process or ba sed Macintosh models.
1.2 Features
Sixteen channel “single-wire” digital I/O at sample rates up to 192 kHz.
Eight channel “dual-wire” digital I/O at sample rates up to 192 kHz.
Eight stereo record and playback devices available to audio applications.
Transformer-coupled 24-bit AES/EBU inputs and outputs available on XLR or DB25 cables.
Sixteen channels of mastering-quality sample rate conversion available (on mode l AES16e-SRC).
Sync to external AES/EBU signals or word-clocks.
SynchroLock™ technology provides superior immunity to jitter in clock sources.
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Introduction
On-board zero-latency digital mixer provides extensive routing capabilities with patch-bay
functionality.
Full PCI Express implementation with simultaneous read/write capability.
Low-latency drivers for Windows XP and Vista – supports WDM, MME, ASIO 2.0, DirectSound, and
Direct Kernel Streaming.
64-bit drivers available for use with Windows XP64 and 64-bit versions of Windows Vista.
Low-latency drivers for Macintosh – supports Core Audio for OS X (including Intel-based Macs).
“Direct-connect” cabling available for digital mixers, recorders and converters from Lynx Studio
Technology, Yamaha, Tascam, Mackie, Apogee, Benchmark Media and other manufacturers.
Designed and manufactured in the USA by Lynx Studio Technology, Inc.
1.2.1 Upcoming features from firmware and driver updates
Support for 384kHz sample rates in dual wire mode.
Optional support for AES50 (SuperMac) allows multi-channel streaming over CAT 5/6 cabling.
Full 32 input by 32 output hardware monitoring capabilities.
Full 32-channel operation with 16-channel LStream I/O independent from the 16-channel AES/EBU
I/O.
1.3 Before you begin
Before you begin using the AES16e, we recommend you read through this manual and familiarize yourself
with the installation and operational procedures of this d evice. It is highly recommended that you have a
good working knowledge of Windows and/or Macintosh operating system basics, and an understanding of
computer hardware basics. This information is widely available on the web and from various computer
hardware and software manufacturers.
We also strongly recommend you familiarize yourself with the basics of digital audio and computer
recording, and particularly with the basic functionality of your chosen audio software. A solid grasp of the
operational fundamentals of your Digital Audio Workstation software and its user interface will go a long
way toward enhancing your experience with the AES16e.
1.4 In the box
The following items are included in your AES16e carton:
AES16e PCIe card in antistatic bag.
Lynx Installation CD containing current drivers and this manual.
Warranty registration card.
Quick Start Guide.
If any items are missing or damaged, please contact your dealer or Lynx at http://www.lynxstudio.com.
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Introduction
1.5 System requirements
Below are listed the minimum hardware and operating system requirements for compatibility with the
AES16e. It is important to note that most professional audio applications place significant demands on your
computer’s resources, and it is therefore recommended that you meet or exceed the recommended system
requirements for your Digital Audio Workstation software, which will likely be greater than those listed for
the AES16e. Please refer to your audio software’s documentation for more information.
1.5.1 Windows
Windows compatible computer with PCI Express support
One empty PCI Express slot (x1 – x16)
Video display with 1024 x 768 minimum resolution
Windows XP (32 or 64-bit) or Windows Vista (32 or 64-bit)
NOTE: The AES16e is not supported under Windows 2000, 95, 98 or ME.
1.5.2 Macintosh
Apple Macintosh G5 or later (compatible with Intel-based Macs)
One empty PCI Express slot (x1 – x16)
Video display with 1024 x 768 minimum resolution
Macintosh OS X (10.4 or higher)
1.6 Nomenclature used in this manual
The following typographic conventions are used in this manual:
Underlined text
ALL UPPER CASE TEXT indicates the names of specific cable connectors.
First Character Upper Case Text indicates Lynx mixer control names or menu options.
Phrases, such as: Start > Programs > Lynx Studio Technology use the greater than symbol (“>”) to
indicate multiple menu options or mouse selections.
indicates characters that are to be typed using the computer keyboard.
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Installation Procedures
2 Installation Procedures
The procedure for installing the AES16e requires that you physically install the AES16e card inside your
computer before running the driver installation.
The Setup Program will install the required driver files and the Lynx mixer application, as well as
configure your system to recognize the AES16e.
2.1 AES16e Hardware Installation
1. Turn OFF the power to your computer system and disconnect the power cords.
2. Touch a metal plate on your computer system to ground yours elf and discharge any static
electricity.
3. Remove the cover from your computer chassis and select an empty PCI Express slot in your
computer.
4. You should refer to your computer system documentation for any special instructions on installing
expansion cards and peripheral equipment.
5. Unscrew and remove the slot cover from your selected PCI Express slot.
6. Insert the AES16e into the selected PCI Express slot and press it down so that the contacts are
securely seated.
7. Secure the bracket of the AES16e card to the computer chassis using a chassis screw or retaining
bracket.
8. Replace the computer chassis cover and reconnect the power cord.
9. Connect the Audio cables to the AES16e. Refer to Section 3 Hardware Connections for more
information.
10. Install software using the installation procedure for your computer type and operating system from
the following sections. Refer to Section 2.2 for Windows and Section 2.3 for Macintosh.
2.2 Windows Driver Package (Windows XP and Windows Vista)
The AES16e Driver Package provides the greatest compatibility with today’s most popular audio and
production software. Included are the following driver models:
ASIO (Cubase, Nuendo, Sonar, Samplitude, Sequoia)
WDM/Direct Sound (Sonar, Samplitude, Sequoia, Media Player)
MME (Windows multi-media extensions)
The Windows Driver Package also supports multi-channel playback for use with Surround Sound or other
multi-channel encoded material, and is 64-bit compatible for operation within XP64 and 64-bit Windows
Vista.
2.2.1 Installation Files
The Lynx Installation CD contains all driver files mentioned in the subsequent installation steps, as well as
the AES16e manual, driver release notes and test files. If you do not have a CDROM drive or need a more
recent version, these files are available on our website at Support > Downloads.
If you have downloaded newer drivers than those included on your Lynx Installation CD, please extract the
driver to its default location, C:\Lynx. The following instructions can still be follo wed, simply type
C:\Lynx as the location for driver files, rather than “removable media” as specified in these instructions.
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Installation Procedures
2.2.2 Installing the Windows Driver Package In Windows XP/XP64
1. When you start Windows after installing the AES16e into your computer, the New Hardware
Wizard will appear. Select “Install from a list or specific location” and click “Next >” to proceed.
2. From the next window, select "Search removable media”. Click "Next >" to proceed.
3. Windows will begin to search for the appropriate driver files:
4. You may receive a warning that the driver has not been digitally signed by Microsoft. It is
perfectly safe to disregard this warning and select “Continue Anyway.”
5. The driver installation will continue. After several moments, the new hardware wizard will
indicate that it has completed the installation. Click “Finish”:
6. Navigate to the C:\Lynx folder. Right-click the file “LynxApps.inf” (Setup Information) and click
“Install”. The AES16e Card and Lynx Mixer application are now ready to use.
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2.2.3 Uninstalling the AES16e Windows Driver Package in Windows XP/XP64
1. From the start menu, click on “Control Panel.”
2. Click “System” to launch System Properties:
3. Choose “Device Manager” from the “Hardware” tab:
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4. Expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” section of device manager be clicking its + sign:
5. Right click on “Lynx AES16” and choose “Uninstall”
6. Confirm device removal by clicking “OK”.
7. Reboot the computer
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2.2.4 Updating an existing driver in Windows XP/XP64:
Navigate your web browser to: http://www.lynxstudio.com > Support > Download. Select OS = Windows;
Product = AES16e; File Types = All Types. Download the current driver installer.
1. Double-click the downloaded file to decompress, and accept the default destination folder of
C:\Lynx.
2. From the start menu, click on “Control Panel.”
3. Click “System” to launch System Properties.
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4. Choose “Device Manager” from the “Hardware” tab.
5. Expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” section of device manager be clicking its + sign.
6. Double click the “Lynx AES16e” entry to launch the Lynx AES16e Properties dialog box. Click
the “Driver” tab, then click “Update Driver…”.
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7. When the Hardware Update Wizard box appears, choose “Install from a list or specific location
(Advanced)” and click “Next>.”
8. From the next window, select "Don’t search, I will choose the driver to install”. Click "Next >" to
proceed.
9. When prompted to select a device driver, click “Have Disk”.
10. Next, you’ll be asked to insert the manufacturer’s installation disk into the drive selected (the
default is A:\) – type “C:\Lynx” in the text box, and click “OK”.
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11. You will be prompted to select the device driver you are installing. “Lynx AES16e” will be your
only choice. Select it and click “Next>”.
12. You may receive a warning that the driver has not been digitally signed by Microsoft. It is
perfectly safe to disregard this warning and click “Continue Anyway” to proceed with the
installation.
13. The driver installation will continue. After several moments, the Hardware Update Wizard will
indicate that it has completed the installation. Click “Finish”.
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14. Next, we need to update the Lynx Mixer. From the Start Menu, choose “My Computer.”
15. Double-click on the C: Hard Drive and look for the “Lynx” Folder. Double Click the folder to
open it.
16. Right Click on the LynxApps.inf (Setup Information) file and click “Install”
17. The new Lynx Driver and Mixer application are now ready to use.
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2.2.5 Installing the Windows Driver Package in Windows Vista
1. When you start Windows after installing the AES16e into your computer, the New Hardware
Wizard will appear. Select “Locate and install driver software (recommended)”.
2. On the next screen, you will be prompted to “Insert the disc that came with your Multimedia
Audio Controller”. Since we already did this in Step 2.2.1, click “Next”.
3. The driver installation will begin. A dialog box may appear prompting you to confirm installation
of the driver. Select “Install”.
4. The installation will continue until a dialog box appears that reads: “The software for this device
has been successfully installed”.
5. Open Windows Explorer (Start > Programs > Accessories > Windows Explorer), expand "My
Computer" in the left frame, and then click on the drive letter for your CD-ROM drive (i.e. “D:\”).
The files on the CD should then appear in the right frame. Open the Windows folder. Right-click
on LynxApps.inf (Setup Information) and choose "Install".
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2.2.6 Uninstalling the Windows Driver Package in Windows Vista
1. From the start menu, click on “Control Panel.”
2. Click “Device Manager” .
3. Expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” section of device manager be clicking its + sign:
4. Right click on “Lynx AES16e” and choose “Uninstall”
5. Put a check next to “remove driver software” Confirm device removal by clicking “OK”.
6. Reboot the computer
2.2.7 Updating an existing driver in Windows Vista
Navigate your web browser to: http://www.lynxstudio.com > Support > Download. Select OS = Windows/
Product = AES16e/ File Types = All Types. Download the current driver installer.
1. Double-click the downloaded file to decompress, and accept the default destination folder of
C:\Lynx.
2. Click “Yes to All” if prompted to confirm the files to be replaced.
3. From the start menu, click on “Control Panel.”
4. Click “Device Manager” .
5. Expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” section of device manager be clicking the + sign.
6. Double click the “Lynx AES16e” entry to launch the LynxAES16e Properties dialog box. Click
the “Driver” tab, then click “Update Driver…”.
7. When the Hardware Update Wizard box appears, select “Locate and install driver software
(recommended)”.
8. The system will unsuccessfully attempt to locate drivers via Windows Update. On the next screen,
you will be asked to install a driver disk. Select “I don’t have the disc. Show me other options.”
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9. The next screen will claim that Windows couldn’t find a driver. Choose “Browse my computer for
driver software (advanced)”
.
10. On the next screen, you will be prompted to specify a location for the driver files. Either click
“Browse” and navigate to the Lynx folder on the C: drive, or type in “C:\Lynx”. Then click
“Next”.
11. If you are prompted to confirm the installation, click “Install”.
12. The driver installation will proceed and then indicate that the installation has completed
successfully.
13. Navigate to C:\Lynx, and right-click on LynxApps.inf, and choose "Install". The driver and mixer
app are now installed and ready to use.
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2.3 Macintosh OS X
The AES16e Driver Package provides the greatest compatibility with today’s most popular audio and
production software. The AES16e OS X driver supports the Core Audio driver standard and is Universal
Binary compatible for use with Intel-based Macintosh computers.
2.3.1 OS X Installation Files
The Lynx Installation CD contains all driver files mentioned in the subsequent installation steps, as well as
the AES16e manual, driver release notes and test files. If you do not have a CDROM drive or need a more
recent version, these files are available on our website at www.lynxstudio.com > Support > Downloads.
If you have downloaded newer drivers than those included on your Lynx Installation CD, please extract the
driver to the desktop. The following instructions can still be followed, use the driver file on the desktop
rather than the CD as specified in these instructions.
2.3.2 Installing the AES16e Device Driver and Mixer Application.
1. Open the OSX folder.
2. Double-click “Lynx_OSX.pkg”. This will start the driver installation.
3. Click “Continue” at the “Install Lynx CoreAudio Driver Installer” dialog box.
4. When prompted to Agree with the terms of the software license agreement, click “Agree”.
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5. When prompted to select a destination for the audio driver, choose an appropriate Macintosh HD
and then click “Install”.
6. Enter your password in the Authenticate dialog box and click OK.
7. At the installer restart warning, click “Continue Installation”.
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8. When the install is complete, you will be prompted to restart the computer.
NOTE: The OS X installation process installs both the Core Audio driver and the Lynx Mixer application.
The Lynx Mixer application is installed in the “Applications” folder.
2.3.3 Uninstalling the AES16e Device Driver and Mixer
To uninstall the driver, you will have to use a third-party uninstaller like DesInstaller, which you can get
from: http://www.versiontracker.com/macosx/. Follow the uninstaller’s instructions to remove the
Lynx_OSX.pkg.
2.3.4 Updating the AES16e Device Driver and Mixer
To update the AES16e driver with a newer version, simply follow the instructions for uninstalling the
driver and then install the newer version per the installation instructions. You may need to reconfigure the
Lynx Mixer and your recording application(s) after upda ting the driver.
3 Hardware Connections
3.1 Overview
The AES16e includes eight AES/EBU compatible inputs and outputs that provide sixteen channels of
digital audio I/O. These signals are available on two bracket-mounted 26-pin high-density D connectors,
labeled I/O Port A and I/O Port B as shown in Figure 1 below.
Also shown in Figure 1 are CLOCK IN and CLOCK OUT connectors that provide word-clock I/O for
internal synchronization with other installed cards. The LStream Port provides a connection for optional
Lynx LStream expansion cards.
The AES50 port is an RJ-45 connector that can be used for future format expansion with an optional
bracket-mounted AES50 interface.
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Figure 1: AES16e Board
Hardware Connections
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Hardware Connections
3.2 AES/EBU Cable Connections
To minimize cabling issues, a variety of breakout cables are available for the AES16e.
3.2.1 Connections to Equipment with XLR Connectors
The CBL-AES1604 cable provides standard XLR connectors for the AES16e. It is a 2 meter long cable
with the AES16e compatible HD-26 connector, 4 male and 4 female XLR connectors as well as a BNC
word-clock connection. It is important to note that the signals associated with each XLR and BNC
connector depend on which I/O Port it is used on. These signals are listed below in Figure 2. Clock
connections are discussed in detail in Section 3.3
This is the correct cable set to use whenever the AES16e is attached to an AES/EBU device that has XLR
connections.
Figure 2: XLR Connections with CBL-AES1604 Cable
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