Steinberger Nuendo 8 IO 96K User's Manual

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

Operation Manual

Handbuch

Mode d’emploi

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

Table of Contents

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Supplied Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

Brief Description and Characteristics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11

Technical Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Analog Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

Digital Specs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

First Usage - Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

Analog Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

Analog Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21

Digital Inputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

Digital Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Clock Section . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27

Special Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 31

Bit Split . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 32

Combine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

Copy Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 33

16 bit Operation and Dither . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35

DS - Double Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37

Controls and Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39

Front . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Rear . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40

Connector Pinouts / Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41

D-Sub analog input / output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

D-Sub TDIF-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

TRS-jacks of analog input / output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 42

Block Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43

Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47

NUENDO 8 I/O

I

Inhaltsverzeichnis

Einleitung . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51

Lieferumfang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53

Kurzbeschreibung und Eigenschaften . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 55

Technische Merkmale . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 57

Analoger Teil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 58

Digitaler Teil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59

Inbetriebnahme - Quick Start . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 61

Ein- und Ausgänge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 63

Analoge Eingänge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 64

Analoge Ausgänge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65

Digitale Eingänge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 66

Digitale Ausgänge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 68

Clock Sektion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 71

Besondere Funktionen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75

Bit Split . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76

Combine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

Copy Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 77

16 Bit Betrieb und Dither . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 79

Dither . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 80

DS - Double Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81

Bedienungselemente und Anschlüsse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83

Frontseite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Rückseite . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84

Steckerbelegungen / Blockschaltbild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 85

Sub-D analoger Ein- und Ausgang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Sub-D TDIF-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Klinkenbuchsen analoger Ein- / Ausgang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 86

Blockschaltbild . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 87

Garantie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 89

Anhang . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91

NUENDO 8 I/O

II

Table des matières

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

Eléments fournis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 97

Description rapide et caractéristiques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 99

Données techniques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101

Spécifications analogique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 102

Specifications numériques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103

Premiers pas - démarrage rapide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 105

Entrées et sorties . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 107

Entrées analogiques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 108

Sorties analogiques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 109

Entrées numériques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110

Sorties numériques . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 112

Section Clock . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 115

Fonctions speciales . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 119

Bit Split . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 120

Combine . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Copy Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121

Opérations 16 bit et Atténuation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 123

DS – Double Speed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 125

Contrôles et Connecteurs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 127

Façade avant . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Façade arrière . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128

Brochage / Schéma électronique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 129

Entrée / sortie analogique D-Sub . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

D-Sub TDIF-1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Les jacks TRS de l'entrée/sortie analogique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 130

Schéma électronique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131

Garantie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133

Appendice . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 135

NUENDO 8 I/O

III

IV

NUENDO 8 I/O

1

Introduction

Congratulations on your purchase of a NUENDO 8 I/O 96k. 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 96k will excite you even after many years of operation.

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

8 Introduction

2

Supplied Contents

Please ensure that all the following parts are included in Nuendo 8 I/O 96k's packaging
box:

• Nuendo 8 I/O 96k

• Manual

• Power cord

• 2 x 2m optical cable (TOSLINK)

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

10 Supplied Contents

3

Brief Description and Characteristics

The Nuendo 8 I/O 96k is an 8-channel analog to digital and digital to analog converter
in a 19" rackmount enclosure of 1 U height. Latest 24 bit / 96 kHz converters offer a
117 dBA 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. Both signal paths A/D and D/A are internally DC-coupled, for highest
phase accuracy at lowest roll-off. The digital inputs and outputs are available as ADAT
optical and TDIF-1 connectors.

To maintain the full dynamic range within the best operating level. Steinberg’s
Nuendo 8 I/O 96k includes electronic switches of the newest technology, which intro­duce no additional noise or distortion to the audio path. Two switches on the front
panel let you control input and output level for a perfect adaptation to the most often
used standards -10 dBV and +4 dBu. Each analog input has a 'Signal Ok' and 'Over'
LED, so levels and Overload are easy to check.

The A/D-converter can provide several internal clocks (44,1, 48, 88,2 and 96 kHz). The
unique Intelligent Clock Control technology (ICC) enables a flexible operation with in­ternal clock, external word clock or the digital input signal. These options, also availa­ble for the D/A-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 96k includes three 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 Yamaha’s digital mixing desk 02R, so
the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k can be used directly in 24 bit operation with this desk! Recording
to 16 bit devices without using Bit Split (avoiding the double number of channels) can
be done at highest sonic quality using the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k' Dither Option.

Furthermore the unique Copy Mode lets you fully make use of the device’s 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 96k 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 96k an Intelligent Audio Solution.

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

12 Brief Description and Characteristics

4

Technical Specifications

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

• Dimensions 483 x 44 x 205 mm

• Weight: 2 kg

Analog Specs

A/D

• Resolution A/D: 24 bit

• Signal to Noise ratio: 113 dB RMS unweighted, 117 dBA

• THD: < -110 dB, < 0.00032 %

• THD+N: < -104 dB, < 0.00063 %

• Crosstalk: > 130 dB

• Maximum input level A/D: +19 dBu

• Frequency response A/D, -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, Lo Gain

• Input level for 0 dBFS @ Lo Gain: +19 dBu

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

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

D/A

• Resolution D/A: 24 Bit

• Dynamic Range: 112 dBA (unmuted)

• THD: < -104 dB, < 0.00063 %

• THD+N: < -102 dB, < 0.0008 %

• Crosstalk: > 110 dB

• Maximum output level D/A: +19 dBu

• Frequency response D/A, -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 96k

14 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

• Word clock In range: 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

• ADAT In clock range: 33 kHz - 57 kHz

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

• Sample Split: 96 kHz to 2 channels of 48 kHz

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

• Dither: 1 LSB TPDF switchable

kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96

kHz

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

Technical Specifications 15

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

16 Technical Specifications

5

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. You can
find more information in chapter 7 (Clock section) and in the Copy Mode section of
chapter 8.

Connect the TRS-jacks (or the D-sub connector) 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 source’s output 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 96k 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 for the first time, the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k starts in a default mode
which should be suitable for most applications:

• A/D-converter in master mode (CLOCK INTERNAL)

• D/A-converter in slave mode (CLOCK INPUT)

• Sample rate 44.1 kHz

• Input ADAT optical

On the D/A-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.

The Nuendo 8 I/O 96k stores all current settings and automatically activates them
when the device is turned on.

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 96k

18 First Usage - Quick Start

6

Inputs and Outputs

Analog Inputs

The Nuendo 8 I/O 96k'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 shorts. Your dealer will be glad to provide you with a profes­sional Tascam multicore, D-sub to XLR, made in the length of your choice.

One of the main issues when working with an A/D-converter is to maintain the full dy­namic range within the best operating level. Because of this Steinberg’s Nuendo 8 I/O
96k 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 an (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 96k in
a most compatible way. The headroom of the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k is defined according
to the chosen reference level.

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

20 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. 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 lets
you work with high levels. It 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.

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 will be glad to provide you with a pro­fessional Tascam multicore, D-sub to XLR, made in the length of your choice.

To maintain an optimum level for devices connected to the analog outputs the Nu­endo 8 I/O 96k 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 96k

Inputs and Outputs 21

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 96k 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. 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 96k 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 with COMBINE BS (Bit Split) or DS (Double Speed) active, 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 96k 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 96k.
Carries the channels 1 to 8. When receiving a Bit Split or Double Speed signal this in­put carries the channels 1 to 4.

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

22 Inputs and Outputs

ADAT AUX

Only necessary in COMBINE and DS mode. Interface for the second device sending a
Bit Split or Sample Split signal to the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k. Carries the channels 5 to 8.

The TDIF-1 connectors of the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k are fully compatible with all devices of­fering such an interface, for example D/A-38 and D/A-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 transmitting a Bit Split our Double Speed signal, this port carries the channels 1
to 4.

TDIF AUX

Copy of the data at the MAIN interface. Carries the channels 5 to 8 in Bit Split or Dou­ble Speed mode.

General hints on TDIF operation

TDIF and word clock

When the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k 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 96k 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 D/A-converters of the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k 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 96k

Inputs and Outputs 23

Digital Outputs

The Nuendo 8 I/O 96k 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 with PROCESS BS or DS active, 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 PROCESS BS or DS 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 96k can feed up to 4 devices (2 x ADAT, 2 x TDIF).

The ADAT optical outputs of the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k 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
96k. Carries the channels 1 to 8. When sending a Bit Split or Double Speed signal this
port carries the channels 1 to 4.

ADAT AUX

Copy of the data at the MAIN output. When sending a Bit Split or Double Speed signal,
this port carries the channels 5 to 8.

The TDIF-1 connectors of the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k are fully compatible to all devices with
such an interface, for example D/A-38 and D/A-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 transmitting a Bit Split or Double Speed signal, this port carries the channels 1 to 4.

TDIF AUX

Copy of the data at the MAIN interface. In BIT SPLIT mode: Carries the channels 5 to 8
in Bit Split or Double Speed mode.

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

24 Inputs and Outputs

General hints on TDIF operation

TDIF and word clock

When the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k 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 96k 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 D/A-converters of the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k 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 96k

Inputs and Outputs 25

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

26 Inputs and Outputs

7

Clock Section

The Nuendo 8 I/O 96k 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, and in DS mode 88.2 and
96 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.

A/D

The clock source of the A/D-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. When PROCESS DS is activated the selected sample rate is
doubled.

D/A

The same options are available for the D/A-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 D/A.

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

The Lock state of the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k is indicated by a blinking (error) or constantly
lit (Ok) EXT. or INPUT LED in the Clock section.

Clock mode D/A Internal

Clocking the D/A-converter from the internal quartz crystal is propably the most out­standing feature of the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k. This technique provides simply the best
sound quality, as the internal clock has very low jitter, so that the D/A-converters can
achieve the highest signal to noise ratio and lowest distortion.

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

28 Clock Section

❐

The setting Clock INTERNAL D/A requires a synchronous operation of all devices. To guar­antee this the external device connected to the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k has to synchronize itself
to the clock from the word clock output or ADAT/TDIF output of the Nuendo 8 I/O 96k.

The Nuendo 8 I/O 96k 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 96k. The actual state is indicated by a blink­ing (error) or constantly lit (Ok) ADAT or TDIF LED in the DIGITAL INPUT section.

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

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

Clock Section 29

NUENDO 8 I/O 96k

30 Clock Section