Steinberger Nuendo 8 IO User's Manual

NUENDO 8 I/O

Operation Manual

Handbuch

Mode d’emploi

NUENDO 8 I/O

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

Supplied Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

Brief Description and Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5

Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Analog Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

Digital Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

First Usage - Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Analog Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Analog Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

Digital Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

Digital Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Clock Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Special Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Bit Split . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

Combine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Copy Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

16 bit Operation and Dither . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 29

Controls and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 34

Block Diagram / Connector Pinouts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

NUENDO 8 I/O

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Einleitung . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Lieferumfang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Kurzbeschreibung und Eigenschaften . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

Technische Merkmale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49

Analoger Teil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50

Digitaler Teil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Inbetriebnahme - Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Ein- und Ausgänge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Analoge Eingänge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56

Analoge Ausgänge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Digitale Eingänge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Digitale Ausgänge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 60

Clock Sektion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Besondere Funktionen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 67

Bit Split . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Combine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

Copy Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 69

16 Bit Betrieb und Dither . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Bedienungselemente und Anschlüsse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Frontseite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Rückseite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Blockschaltbild / Sub-D Steckerbelegung . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Garantie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Anhang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

NUENDO 8 I/O

Table des matières

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Eléments fournis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Description rapide et caractéristiques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Données techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 93

Spécifications analogique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 94

Specifications numériques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Premiers pas - démarrage rapide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Entrées et sorties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Entrées analogiques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 100

Sorties analogiques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Entrées numériques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Sorties numériques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 104

Section Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Fonctions speciales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111

Bit Split . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Combine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Copy Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 113

Opérations 16 bit et Atténuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Contrôles et Connecteurs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Façade avant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Façade arrière . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Schéma électronique/ Brochage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Garantie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

Appendice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

NUENDO 8 I/O

III

NUENDO 8 I/O

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of a NUENDO 8 I/O. This hi-quality analog to digital and digital to analog converter includes ADAT optical and TDIF-1 digital interfaces. It precisely converts analog audio data into a digital data stream and into the format of your choice. Newest circuit technology combined with latest integrated circuits result in a unique and outstanding device, meeting highest quality standards. The Nuendo 8 I/O will excite you even after many years of operation.

NUENDO 8 I/O

2 Introduction

Supplied Contents

Please ensure that all the following parts are included in Nuendo 8 I/O's packaging box:

• Nuendo 8 I/O

• Manual

• Power cord

NUENDO 8 I/O

4 Supplied Contents

Brief Description and Characteristics

The Nuendo 8 I/O is an 8-channel analog to digital and digital to analog converter in a 19" rackmount enclosure of 1 U height. Latest 24 bit converters using 128 times oversampling result in more than 110 dB dynamic ratio. This value is not only printed in the brochure, thanks to our Low Jitter Design it is available with every sold unit.

The servo balanced analog inputs and outputs are fitted with both D-sub (for optional XLR multicore) and 1/4" TRS jacks. The complete signal path from the jacks to the ADC is balanced. The digital inputs and outputs are available as ADAT optical and TDIF-1 connectors.

One of the main issues when working with an AD-converter is to maintain the full dynamic range within the best operating level. Steinberg’s Nuendo 8 I/O includes electronic switches of the newest technology, which introduce no additional noise or distortion to the audio path and operate as remote controlled level attenuators. Two switches on the front panel control all electronic switches of all channels for a perfect adaptation to the most often used levels -10 dBV and +4 dBu. Each analog input has a 'Signal Ok' and 'Over' LED, so levels and Overload are easy to check.

The AD-converter can provide internal clocks (44,1 and 48 kHz) at all digital outputs. The unique Intelligent Clock Control technology (ICC) enables a flexible operation with internal clock at 44,1 and 48 kHz, external word clock or the digital input signals. These options, also available for the DA-conversion, are easy to understand and easy to use. The current state of locking and clock synchronisation is shown by blinking or constant lit LEDs.

The digital section of the Nuendo 8 I/O includes two outstanding functions. Bit Split allows to split one 24 bit signal to two 16 bit outputs. This technique allows for example to use two 8-channel 16 bit tape recorders to record 8 channels in 24 bit resolution. Using Bit Combine will put the splitted signals back to one full 24 bit signal. The method of splitting/combining is compatible to the method used by Yamaha in their digital mixing desk 02R, so the Nuendo 8 I/O can be used directly in 24 bit operation with this desk!

Furthermore the unique Copy Mode allows to use the device completely in the digital domain. Copy Mode routes the digital input to the digital outputs ADAT and TDIF. As these operate simultaneously with identical data the Nuendo 8 I/O not only turns into a superiour ADAT/TDIF converter but also allows copying between devices of the same format and a distribution to different devices. In Copy Mode both Bit Split and Combine are also available, so the functionality is boosted again. That's why we call our Nuendo 8 I/O an Intelligent Audio Solution.

NUENDO 8 I/O

6 Brief Description and Characteristics

Technical Specifications

• Power supply: Internal, 100-240 V AC, 30 Watts

• Dimensions 483 x 44 x 205 mm

• Weight: 2 kg

Analog Specs

• Resolution AD: 24 bit

• Signal to Noise ratio: 115 dBA

• THD: < -110 dB, < 0,00032 %

• THD+N: < -102 dB, < 0,0008 %

• Crosstalk: > 130 dB

• Maximum input level AD: +19 dBu

• Frequency response AD, -0,1 dB: 5 Hz - 21,5 kHz

• Input Line: 1/4" TRS and 25 pin D-sub, servo balanced

• Input impedance Line: 10 kOhm

• Input sensitivity switchable: +4 dBu, -10 dBV, Hi Gain

• Input level for 0 dBFS @ Lo Gain: +19 dBu / -1 dBV

• Input level for 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu

• Input level for 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV

• Resolution DA: 24 Bit

• Dynamic Range: 110 dBA (unmuted)

• THD: < -104 dB, < 0,00063 %

• THD+N: < -102 dB, < 0,0008 %

• Crosstalk: > 110 dB

• Maximum output level DA: +19 dBu

• Frequency response DA, -0,1 dB: 5 Hz - 21,6 kHz

• Output Line: 1/4" TRS and 25 pin D-sub, servo balanced

• Output impedance Line: 47 Ohm

• Output level switchable: Hi Gain, +4 dBu, -10 dBV

• Output level at 0 dBFS @ Hi Gain: +19 dBu

• Output level at 0 dBFS @ +4 dBu: +13 dBu

• Output level at 0 dBFS @ -10 dBV: +2 dBV

NUENDO 8 I/O

8 Technical Speciﬁcations

Digital Specs

• Super Low Jitter Design: < 4 ns word clock PLL, < 1 ns ADAT PLL, < 1 ns internal

• Internal sample rates: 44,1 kHz, 48 kHz

• Supported sample rates through word clock in: 27 kHz - 57 kHz

• Internal resolution: 24 bit

• Outputs: ADAT optical (24 bit), TDIF-1 (24 bit), word clock

• Inputs: ADAT optical (24 bit), TDIF-1 (24 bit), word clock

• Supported sample rates through ADAT In: 33 kHz - 57 kHz

• Bit Splitter: 24 bit to 1 channel 16 bit and 1 channel 8 bit

• Copy Mode: Direct 24 bit copying from ADAT to ADAT/TDIF and vice versa

NUENDO 8 I/O

Technical Speciﬁcations 9

NUENDO 8 I/O

10 Technical Speciﬁcations

First Usage - Quick Start

The clearly structured front panel design ensures an easy start when working with the device for the first time. Nevertheless we recommend to study at least the chapters 'Clock Section' and 'Copy Mode', as the extensive usage of format converter and clock options may result in some behaviour that may require further explanation.

Connect the analog inputs with the analog signal source. Change the input sensitivity by pressing INPUT LEVEL until the input level is sufficient to avoid noisy operation. Try to achieve an optimum input level by adjusting the source itself. Raise the input level until the Over LED's flash at the loudest parts of the signal, then reduce the level a bit until no more overs are detected.

The analog line inputs of the Nuendo 8 I/O can be used with +4 dBu and -10 dBV signals. They are fitted with both D-sub (for an optional XLR multicore) and 1/4" TRS jacks. Both are internally connected, so not operational at the same time. The electronic input stage is built in a servo balanced design which handles monaural and stereo jacks correctly. When used unbalanced it automatically corrects the gain by 6 dB.

When switched on the Nuendo 8 I/O starts in a default mode which should be suitable for most applications:

• AD-converter in master mode (CLOCK INTERNAL)

• DA-converter in slave mode (CLOCK INPUT)

• Sample rate 44,1 kHz

• Input ADAT optical

On the DA-side you just have to choose the desired digital input by pressing DIGITAL INPUT. A coarse correction of the analog output level can be done by pressing OUTPUT LEVEL.

We recommend Steinberg’s ST24/96 or Nuendo 9652 digital interface cards for digital data transfer into a PCI bus equipped computer. These cards have the highest reputation and are the ultimate solution for master and multitrack tasks.

NUENDO 8 I/O

12 First Usage - Quick Start

Inputs and Outputs

Analog Inputs

The Nuendo 8 I/O's rear provides 8 (stereo) 1/4" TRS jacks and a 25 pin D-sub jack. Both are internally connected, so not operational at the same time. The electronic input stage is built in a servo balanced design which handles monaural and stereo jacks correctly. When used unbalanced it automatically corrects the gain by 6 dB.

❐

When using unbalanced cables with XLR jacks pin 3 of the cables jack should be connected to pin 1 (ground). Otherwise noise may occur, caused by the unconnected negative input of the ADI's balanced input.

The 25-pin D-sub connector follows the pinout known from devices manufactured by Tascam. Refer to chapter 10 for a pinout listing. We do not recommend to make such a cable by yourself, as it is extremely difficult to integrate 8 balanced lines into a small Dsub housing without short circuits. Your dealer should be able to sell you a professional Tascam multicore, D-sub to XLR, made in the length of your choice.

One of the main issues when working with an AD-converter is to maintain the full dynamic range within the best operating level. Because of this Steinberg’s Nuendo 8 I/O includes electronic switches of the newest technology, which introduce no additional noise or distortion to the audio path. The key INPUT LEVEL allows a perfect adaptation for all 8 channels to the most often used levels -10 dBV and +4 dBu.

Each analog input has a 'Signal Ok' and 'Over' LED, so levels and Overload of each channel are easy to check. The green LED begins to light at -40 dBFS in an analog fashion (more bright at higher levels). When this LED lights up only seldom or never the input level is too low, causing a noisy and distorted recording.

The 'standardized' studio levels do not result in a (often desired) full scale level, but take some additional digital headroom into consideration. The amount of headroom is different in different standards and again differently implemented by different manufacturers. Because of this we decided to define the levels of the Nuendo 8 I/O in a most compatible way. The headroom of the Nuendo 8 I/O is defined according to the chosen reference level.

NUENDO 8 I/O

14 Inputs and Outputs

Reference 0 dBFS @ Headroom

Lo Gain +19 dBu 15 dB

+4 dBu +13 dBu 9 dB

-10 dBV +2 dBV 12 dB

At +4 dBu a headroom of 9 dB offers a problem-free operation with most devices and most standards (broadcast etc.). At -10 dBV 12 to 15 dB headroom are common practise, each mixing desk operating at -10 dBV is able to send and receive much higher levels. Lo Gain is best suited for professional users who prefer to work balanced and at highest levels.

Analog Outputs

The 8 short circuit protected, low impedance and servo balanced line outputs are available as (stereo) 1/4" TRS jacks and 25 pin D-sub jack. Both are internally connected, and - in contrary to the inputs - can be used simultaneously. The electronic output stage is built in a servo balanced design which handles monaural and stereo jacks correctly. When used unbalanced it automatically corrects the gain by 6 dB.

To maintain an optimum level for devices connected to the analog outputs the Nuendo 8 I/O includes electronic switches of the newest technology, which introduce no additional noise or distortion to the audio path. The key OUTPUT LEVEL allows to change the output level of all 8 channels simultaneous to the most often used -10 dBV and +4 dBu.

Each analog output has its own 'Signal Ok' LED, so a signal at the analog outputs is visually indicated. The green LED begins to light at -40 dBFS in an analog fashion (brighter at higher levels).

NUENDO 8 I/O

Inputs and Outputs 15

As with the analog inputs the analog output levels do not follow any single standard, but are designed to maintain a problem-free operation with most other devices. The headroom of the Nuendo 8 I/O is defined according to the chosen reference level.

Reference 0 dBFS @ Headroom

Hi Gain +19 dBu 15 dB

+4 dBu +13 dBu 9 dB

-10 dBV +2 dBV 12 dB

At +4 dBu a headroom of 9 dB offers a problem-free operation with most devices and most standards (broadcast etc.). At -10 dBV 12 to 15 dB headroom are common practise, each mixing desk operating at -10 dBV is able to send and receive much higher levels. Hi Gain results in maximum level for professional users who prefer to work balanced and at highest levels.

Digital Inputs

The Nuendo 8 I/O provides two digital inputs, both in ADAT optical and TDIF-1 format. In normal operation only the MAIN inputs are used. When using more than the first 4 channels PLUS activated COMBINE the AUX inputs also have to be used.

The key DIGITAL INPUT sets the desired input active.

The ADAT optical inputs of the Nuendo 8 I/O are fully compatible with all ADAT optical outputs. Steinberg’s unsurpassed Bitclock PLL prevents clicks and drop outs even in extreme vari pitch operation, and guarantees a fast and low jitter lock to the digital input signal. A usual TOSLINK cable is sufficient for connection.

ADAT Main

Interface for the first or only device sending an ADAT signal to the Nuendo 8 I/O. Carries the channels 1 to 8. When receiving a Bit Split signal this signal carries the channels 1 to 4 (split into 16 bit and 8 bit).

NUENDO 8 I/O

16 Inputs and Outputs

ADAT AUX

Only necessary in COMBINE mode. Interface for the second device sending a Bit Split signal to the Nuendo 8 I/O. Carries the channels 5 to 8 (split into 16 bit and 8 bit).

The TDIF-1 connectors of the Nuendo 8 I/O are fully compatible with all devices offering such an interface, for example DA-38 and DA-88. A low jitter PLL ensures best playback sound quality and reliable operation. Steinberg’s exclusive SyncCheck verifies synchronous operation when using both TDIF ports. The connection is done through a special TDIF cable, available at your local dealer (Tascam part number PW-88D).

TDIF Main

Interface for the first or only device with a TDIF-1 interface. Carries the channels 1 to 8. When receiving a Bit Split signal this signal carries the channels 1 to 4 (split into 16 bit and 8 bit).

TDIF AUX

Only necessary in COMBINE mode. Interface for the second device sending a Bit Split signal to the Nuendo 8 I/O. Carries the channels 5 to 8 (split into 16 bit and 8 bit).

General hints on TDIF operation

TDIF and word clock

When the Nuendo 8 I/O is slave no additional word clock connection is necessary. In case DA88 and/or DA38 are slave the word clock output of the Nuendo 8 I/O has to be connected to the word clock input of the first (master) recorder. When using more than one recorder a special sync cable (Tascam part number PW-88S) is needed.

Emphasis

The TDIF interface and the DA-converters of the Nuendo 8 I/O support Emphasis. Please note that an Emphasis indication will not be stored or processed on the sound when doing digital transfers between TDIF and ADAT, because the ADAT standard does not include Emphasis.

NUENDO 8 I/O

Inputs and Outputs 17

Digital Outputs

The Nuendo 8 I/O provides two digital outputs, both in ADAT optical and TDIF-1 format. In normal operation only the MAIN outputs are used. When using more than the first 4 channels PLUS activated COMBINE the AUX outputs also have to be used.

TDIF and ADAT optical outputs always operate simultaneously and carry the same audio data. As long as BIT SPLIT isn't activated MAIN and AUX also operate simultaneously and carry the same audio data. With this it is possible to distribute the output signal to two devices of the same format. When using all connectors the Nuendo 8 I/O is able to feed up to 4 devices (2 x ADAT, 2 x TDIF).

The ADAT optical outputs of the Nuendo 8 I/O are fully compatible to all ADAT optical inputs. A usual TOSLINK cable is sufficient for connection.

ADAT Main

Interface for the first or only device receiving an ADAT signal from the Nuendo 8 I/O. Carries the channels 1 to 8. When sending a Bit Split signal this signal carries the channels 1 to 4 (split into 16 bit and 8 bit).

ADAT AUX

Copy of the data at the MAIN output. In BIT SPLIT mode: Interface for the second device receiving a Bit Split signal from the Nuendo 8 I/O. Carries the channels 5 to 8 (split into 16 bit and 8 bit).

The TDIF-1 connectors of the Nuendo 8 I/O are fully compatible to all devices with such an interface, for example DA-38 and DA-88. The connection is done through a special TDIF cable, available at your local dealer (Tascam part number PW-88D).

TDIF Main

Interface for the first or only device with a TDIF-1 interface. Carries the channels 1 to 8. When sending a Bit Split signal this signal carries the channels 1 to 4 (split into 16 bit and 8 bit).

NUENDO 8 I/O

18 Inputs and Outputs

TDIF AUX

Copy of the data at the MAIN interface. In BIT SPLIT mode: Interface for the second device receiving a Bit Split signal from the Nuendo 8 I/O. Carries the channels 5 to 8 (split into 16 bit and 8 bit).

General hints on TDIF operation

TDIF and word clock

Emphasis

NUENDO 8 I/O

Inputs and Outputs 19

NUENDO 8 I/O

20 Inputs and Outputs

Clock Section

The Nuendo 8 I/O provides an outstanding clock section with professional features you won't find anywhere else. The unique Intelligent Clock Control (ICC) enables a flexible operation with internal clock (44,1 and 48 kHz), external word clock or the digital input signals. These options are easy to understand and easy to use thanks to a clear display of the corresponding lock and sync state.

The clock source of the AD-converter can be Internal (quartz crystal), External (BNC word clock) and Input (the digital input signal TDIF or ADAT). Internal 44.1 kHz or 48 kHz sample rate is available.

The same options are available for the DA-converter.

The key DIGITAL INPUT determines the digital input being used and the clock source in case INPUT was activated before.

❐

As not all combinations of clock settings make sense some of them are blocked. The limitations mainly affect TDIF operation and the setting Clock INTERNAL DA.

Please note that the DA key has priority. In case an allowed combination can't be set simply press the DA key, set AD as desired, and set DA back to its last state.

The Lock state of the Nuendo 8 I/O is indicated by a blinking (error) or constantly lit (Ok) EXT. or INPUT LED in the Clock section.

Internal Clock DA

Clocking the DA-converter from the internal quartz crystal is propably the most outstanding feature of the Nuendo 8 I/O. This technique provides simply the best sound quality, as the internal clock has very low jitter, so that the DA-converters can achieve the highest signal to noise ratio and lowest distortion.

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The setting Clock INTERNAL DA requires a synchronous operation of all devices. To guarantee this the external device connected to the Nuendo 8 I/O has to synchronize itself to the clock from the word clock out or ADAT/TDIF out of the Nuendo 8 I/O.

NUENDO 8 I/O

22 Clock Section

The Nuendo 8 I/O has to be master, all attached devices slave. To prevent a not better but worse sound quality caused by imperfect or even no synchronisation a special method called SyncCheck compares the synchronicity of the incoming data with the internal clock of the Nuendo 8 I/O. The actual state is indicated by a blinking (error) or constantly lit (Ok) ADAT or TDIF LED in the DIGITAL INPUT section.

In Clock INTERNAL DA mode the clock choices EXTERNAL and INPUT of the AD-section do not make sense, as the clock at the digital output has to be synchronous to the internal clock. Therefore INTERNAL AD is automatically activated and cannot be changed.

NUENDO 8 I/O

Clock Section 23

NUENDO 8 I/O

24 Clock Section

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