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Merging Technologies Sphynx User Manual

Modular high resolution audio interface
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Sphynx
Modular High Resolution Audio Interface

User Manual

Version: DOC-1.7 (April 2000)
© 2000 Merging Technologies Inc.

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  • Page 1: User Manual

    Sphynx Modular High Resolution Audio Interface User Manual Version: DOC-1.7 (April 2000) © 2000 Merging Technologies Inc.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    TABLE OF CONTENTS............................I IMPORTANT NOTICE:............................ III STATIC DANGER NOTICE: ........................... III INFORMATION FOR THE USER: ......................... III CONTACTING MERGING ..........................III SPHYNX WARRANTY INFORMATION....................... IV CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION ........................1 CHAPTER 2 – THE FRONT PANEL .........................2 .......................2 YNCHRONIZATION...
  • Page 4 UDIO HART ‘ 2’ SR ....................25 PHYNX IN MODE UDIO HART APPENDIX 3 - UPGRADING THE SPHYNX FIRMWARE .................26 APPENDIX 4 – TROUBLESHOOTING / FAQ ....................27 APPENDIX 5 – GLOSSARY OF TERMS ......................29 © 2000 Merging Technologies Sphynx User Manual...

  • Page 5: Important Notice

    Please take all of the necessary precautions when handling the Sphynx with the cover removed and all other electronic cards such as the I/O modules. This notice also applies when performing a firmware upgrade. Take all necessary precautions not to discharge static electricity when touching any of the Sphynx internals.

  • Page 6: Sphynx Warranty Information

    This Limited Warranty is extended by Merging Technologies, Inc. to the original purchaser. In the event of a defect or failure to confirm to this Limited warranty, Merging Technologies, Inc. will repair or replace the product without charge within sixty (60) days. In order to make a claim under this limited warranty; the purchaser must notify Merging Technologies, Inc.

  • Page 7: Chapter 1 - Introduction

    Chapter 1 – Introduction Congratulations on your Sphynx purchase. The Sphynx is a professional high quality, modular audio interface solution for MERGING® Pyramix users, SOFTIMAGE®|DS users and audio professionals. Features include: Modular I/O design. The modularity of this unit allows for custom configurations based on quality and audio interface requirements.

  • Page 8: Chapter 2 - The Front Panel

    MODULAR HIGH RESOLUTION AUDIO INTERFACE Synchronization Selection and Status The Sphynx can operate in many different synchronization modes. It can synchronize to its internal clock or to a wide range of industry standard external sources. Pressing the button allows the selection of the desired SELECT Synchronization mode.

  • Page 9: Sample Rate Selection And Status

    VIDEO: Sphynx synchronizes to a video signal and automatically detects and adapts to either a PAL or NTSC signal. If no valid sync signal is present at the video input (when the sync mode is selected), the LED will flash.

  • Page 10: Input Level Metering

    When this occurs, either a reduction of the analog source level or a decrease in the sensitivity of the analog input of the Sphynx is required (see Chapter 7 for details on how to calibrate the analog I/O level).

  • Page 11: Warnings Displayed

    Sample Rate LEDs blinking 1 or 2 LED is blinking. This is a warning to remember you that the Sphynx is set in AutoDetect SR mode In this mode, the Sphynx may change the sampling rate automatically, based on the selected synchronization source and its status, without any intervention of the user.

  • Page 12: Chapter 3 - The Back Panel

    AES-EBU REF Audio Inputs The Sphynx unit supports up to eight inputs. The inputs format is determined by the type of input modules installed in the Sphynx. Currently the Sphynx supports the following input modules: 24 bit analog line inputs (up to 48 kHz)

  • Page 13: Audio Outputs

    When the Sphynx is set in ‘x2’ SR mode, this input will only accept an AES-EBU signal of FS/2 sample rate. For example, when set to 96 KHz, the Sphynx would lock on a 48 KHz AES-EBU signal present at this input.

  • Page 14: Video/Wordclock I/O

    PDIF In this sync mode, the Sphynx routes the two S/PDIF input channels on the input channels 1-2, in place of input module 1/2. When using the S/PDIF input, the module present in slot IN1/2 is ignored. Note that the S/PDIF input is available only when using the Sphynx in ‘x1’ SR mode.

  • Page 15: Odi-B Input

    Power Connector Sphynx uses a variable power supply that accepts AC from 100 to 250 volts. It is designed to be connected to an outlet that includes three pins (center pin to ground). The ground connection is an important safety feature designed to keep potentially dangerous voltages away from the chassis.

  • Page 16: Chapter 4 - Adding/Removing I/O Modules

    The input modules can however be inserted into the output slots (this will not cause any damage to the I/O module or Sphynx). Caution: Never try to insert any Sphynx I/O modules into a PC computer PCI slot. This could damage both the computer and the Sphynx module.

  • Page 17: Chapter 5 - Making Audio Connections

    Any professional level balanced audio output source can be connected to the analog inputs of the Sphynx. The input format used is determined by the type of input modules installed in Sphynx. The XLR inputs on the rear of the Sphynx map to installed analog input modules as shown below.

  • Page 18: Connecting Aes-Ebu Inputs

    Any professional level balanced digital AES-EBU audio outputs sources can be connected to the AES-EBU inputs of the Sphynx. The input format used is determined by the type of input modules installed in Sphynx. The XLR inputs on the rear of the Sphynx map to installed AES-EBU input modules as shown below.

  • Page 19: Typical Connection Scenarios

    This section will display some typical audio connection scenarios for Sphynx. SOFTIMAGE®|DS with SONY® Digital BetaCam Users This example is based on Digital Studio users who are using the Sphynx in conjunction with the Merging Keops boards and a Digital Betacam video deck.

  • Page 20: Softimage®|Ds With Sony® Analog Betacam Users

    SOFTIMAGE®|DS with SONY® Analog BetaCam Users This example is based on Digital Studio users who are using the Sphynx in conjunction with the Merging Keops boards and an Analog Betacam video deck. This example uses the following: All monitoring is done by the front panel Monitoring selection and output The Sphynx contains 2 analog input modules (4 inputs) and 2 analog output modules (4 outputs) AES-EBU output modules are optional in this configuration.

  • Page 21: Merging® Pyramix 3.0 Daw Setup

    This example uses the following: All monitoring is done by the front panel monitoring selection and output and/or the analog output modules. The Sphynx is fitted with analog input modules and AES-EBU output modules. The Sphynx is set to INT Sync mode Sphynx User Manual ©...

  • Page 22: Stand Alone Analog/Digital Audio Setup

    This example uses the following: All monitoring is done by the front panel monitoring selection and output The Sphynx contains analog input modules and AES-EBU output modules. The Sphynx is set to INT Sync Mode. The parameter 6 in the Settings Menu must be set, to enable the Stand Alone mode. See Chapter 7 on how to use the Settings Menu.

  • Page 23: Chapter 6 - Power-Up

    This will occur if an input module is inserted into an output slot, or if an output module is inserted into an input slot. In this case switch the Sphynx OFF, unplug the power cable, open the Sphynx and check the placement of all installed modules.

  • Page 24: Chapter 7 - Settings Menu

    YNCHRONIZATION SELECT ONITOR SELECT Warning: If holding the M button for longer than 2s, the Sphynx enters the ‘Display Configuration’ ONITOR SELECT mode, as described in Chapter 6. Using the S button, to change the parameter number (1-8) displayed on the OVL leds.

  • Page 25: Analog I/O Level

    This selection is global to all analog I/O modules. It is not possible to configure each module separately. By default, the Sphynx unit is set to Custom I/O level. All analog module trim-pots are set at the factory to the following values: Input Level = + 18 dBu for 0 dBFS (+4 dBu with +14 dB of headroom).

  • Page 26: Aes-Ebu I/O Dual Mode

    4 - AES-EBU I/O DUAL Mode The default Sphynx AES-EBU mode in ‘x2’ SR mode is HSR, where both left and right channels are conveyed on the same single AES-EBU signal. To provide compatibility with some early digital systems using two separate AES-EBU connections at x2 sampling...

  • Page 27: Odi-B Out Routing Selection

    When this parameter is cleared, the WCLK Ref. input will only accept an FS frequency. The WCLK OUT output will provide a FS frequency. (Example: WCLK I/O = 96KHz while working at 96KHz sampling rate). Sphynx User Manual © 2000 Merging Technologies...

  • Page 28: Appendix 1 - Technical Specifications

    > 40 Interchannel Isolation (Crosstalk) 1 KHz > 110 Dynamic Range A-weighted dB(A) Unweighted THD+N 1 KHz @ 0 dBFS 1 KHz @-20 dBFS Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 KHz ± 0.1 © 2000 Merging Technologies Sphynx User Manual...

  • Page 29: H Z Analog Input Module

    20 Hz – 20 KHz ± 0.1 Sampling Rate 96 kHz Dynamic Range A-weighted dB(A) Unweighted THD+N 1 KHz @ 0 dBFS 1 KHz @-20 dBFS Frequency Response 20 Hz – 40 KHz ± 0.2 Sphynx User Manual © 2000 Merging Technologies...

  • Page 30: Aes-Ebu Input Module

    AES-EBU Output Module Parameter Conditions Value Unit Resolution Max. Sampling Rate Without SRC Output Impedance Differential Ohms Note: All specifications subject to change without notice. Appendix 2 – Flow Chart Diagrams Sphynx Synchronization Flow Chart © 2000 Merging Technologies Sphynx User Manual...

  • Page 31: Sphynx In 'X1' Sr Mode Audio Flow Chart

    Sphynx in ‘x1’ SR mode Audio Flow Chart Sphynx in ‘x2’ SR mode Audio Flow Chart Sphynx User Manual © 2000 Merging Technologies...

  • Page 32: Appendix 3 - Upgrading The Sphynx Firmware

    Appendix 3 - Upgrading the Sphynx Firmware All Sphynx users will be contacted by Merging in the event of a Sphynx firmware upgrade. This upgrade can be performed easily in the field, by using the firmware removal tool included with the unit.

  • Page 33: Appendix 4 - Troubleshooting / Faq

    When using the Sphynx as a stand-alone unit, how do you route audio through the unit? Can you do it without patching the ADAT INs and OUTs together? When using the Sphynx as a stand-alone unit, the parameter 6 in the ‘Settings Menu’ should be set to enable the STAND ALONE mode.
  • Page 34 The dither is disabled by default, which correspond to a use in a 24 bit recording environment. If your recording system is limited (or that you want to limit it) to 20, 18 or 16 bit, you should set the Sphynx A/D dither to the corresponding word length.

  • Page 35: Appendix 5 - Glossary Of Terms

    LED blinking, it indicates that no valid AES-EBU signal has been detected. It may be that there is no signal at all, or that this signal is not at the same sample rate than the Sphynx. It happens also when the Sphynx is set in SRC mode. In this mode, only the AES-EBU Reference input is available as a valid AES-EBU sync source.

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