Introduction; Features; Firmware Revisions - Apogee AD-8000 Operating Manual

The AD-8000 is an eight-channel 24-bit A/D converter with extensive I/O and processing features and an
extensive, accessible user interface. Its primary components are the A/D section and its associated analog elec-
tronics, an extensive digital I/O section with four stereo AES/EBU outputs, plus one stereo AES and one stereo
S/PDIF input as standard. A headphone DAC and amplifier to monitor any two of the eight channels (whether
the source is digital or analog) is also included, and the AD-8000 utilizes the patented Apogee Low-Jitter Clock
to minimize input jitter.
The AD-8000's add-on options include a stereo 24-bit DAC card with dual XLR jack outputs, an eight-chan-
nel 24-bit DAC card, a remote microphone pre-amplifier controlled from the AD-8000, a video sync plug-in card,
and up to four digital audio I/O cards which plug into the four-slot Apogee Multimedia Bus (AMBus).

Features

• Eight channels of state-of-the-art 24-bit A/D converters
• Apogee Soft Limit ®
• Apogee UV22 ® word-length reduction on each channel to 20 or 16 bits
• Advanced multi-mode 8-channel metering
• Built-in level calibration to within ±.05 dB
• Built-in 5-level digital oscillator
• Flexible over detection and tracking
• Overdub/confidence source/destination monitoring
• Headphone monitor for any channel pair
• DC Offset removal (switchable) on each channel for analog and digital sources
• Balanced or unbalanced inputs
• "Smart" sync capabilities include word clock, video, crystal, or any digital input
• Standard XLR jacks for analog in and AES/EBU digital out
• 2 RCA jacks for S/PDIF in and out
• 1 XLR jack for AES input
• One-to-four AES/EBU signal distribution facilities
• Installation of up to four different digital I/O AMBus cards with format conversion and re-clocking
• Proprietary low jitter master clock
• Non-volatile storage of front panel settings
• Optional video sync plug-in module with 0.1% pull up/down control
• Optional stereo 24-bit D/A analog expansion card
• Optional 8-channel 24-bit stereo D/A analog expansion card
• Expanding selection of optional AMBus cards for a wide range of interfaces and facilities

Firmware Revisions

Much of the AD-8000's functionality is defined in the system's internal firmware EPROM. From time to time,
additional firmware revisions may be introduced which offer additional features and/or fix bugs, and you may
wish to upgrade to the latest version. Information on the latest firmware revision may be found on our Web site,
at http://www.apogeedigital.com/ad8kupd.html.
You can check the firmware version you are currently running by holding down the SOFT LIMIT button dur-
ing power-up. The code version number is indicated in the "Over" display LEDs. The version number is shown
as long as the button is pressed.
Upgrading the EEPROM in the unit requires removing the cover and potential exposure to dangerous
voltages. As a result, this should be carried out only by technically-qualified personnel. You can option-
ally ask your Apogee or one of our authorized service centers to do it for you, for which there may be
a small charge. Depending on the content of the revision and other factors, you may be sent an EEPROM free
of charge, offered a free EEPROM, or you may be able to purchase an upgrade. We will be in touch with you (if
you've registered your AD-8000!) if you would benefit from an upgrade.
It is extremely important that you register your unit as soon as possible so that you can be informed
about any relevant updates. Return your Warranty Registration Card or complete our on-line registration
form at http://www.apogeedigital.com/register.html.
AD-8000 Operating Manual

Introduction

on each channel
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