Mastering Grade Analog to Digital / Digital to Analog Converter User Manual Lynx Studio Technology, Inc. www.lynxstudio.com support@lynxstudio.com Updated November 6, 2017...
(n)™ Aurora User Manual Table of Contents Introduction ..............................1 1.1 Overview ..............................1 1.2 Features ..............................1 1.3 Is this the only manual? .......................... 2 1.4 In the Box ..............................2 1.5 Power and Safety Information ........................ 3 1.6 Rack-Mounting ............................3 1.7 Operation Requirements .........................
1 Introduction ™ sets the standard for transparency, reliability and economy for a professional AD/DA ( n ) The Aurora ( n ) converter and is a staple of professional recording systems worldwide. The Aurora carries on that proud legacy with a complete redesign from the bottom up. This new member of the Lynx converter family expands upon the feature set that made the original Aurora famous and integrates innovative design and programming techniques to produce a result that sounds better, is more flexible, adapts to more contexts of use, and is optimally suited to become the heart of your recording studio.
ProTools|HD, and Dante. Aurora will receive regular updates from easy to use firmware updates that can be downloaded from the Lynx Studio Technology, Inc. website. Firmware updates allow the feature set to evolve and adapt for future functionality, expansion cards and I/O modules.
1.5 Power and Safety Information To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
Underlined Text indicates a parameter selection value or menu option (i.e. Function). Phrases, such as: Start > Programs > Lynx Studio Technology use the greater than symbol (“>”) to indicate multiple menu options or mouse selections within a software control context.
2 Getting Started Aurora (n)- Aurora was designed to be a product that is so easy to use that this section of the manual would scarcely be necessary. However, it is quicker to learn how the device works in one go, than to spend precious minutes figuring things out by randomly pressing buttons.
In Addition to the rear panel jack pack, there are two remaining cable connections on the front panel. The PHONES jacks use a standard ¼” TRS connector, and is capable of driving the full range of stereo headphones available. 2.2 Initial Setup Let’s verify primary functionality before racking the unit and connecting audio cables.
Verification of successful Installation in Windows 2.3.1.1 After driver installation, let’s test playback and make sure we get indication of proper performance before claiming victory. First we will set up the Aurora as the default audio device in Windows. To do so, Navigate to the Sound Section of Windows Control Panel.
3 Getting Started Aurora –TB (Thunderbolt) Aurora was designed to be a product that is so easy to use that this section of the manual would scarcely be necessary. However, it is quicker to learn how the device works in one go, than to spend precious minutes figuring things out by randomly pressing buttons.
If you are updating an existing driver, it is recommended to remove it before installing the new driver. In Windows, this is done from Start > Programs > Lynx Studio Technology > Uninstall Lynx Driver. From macOS, this is done by running the uninstaller that comes in the folder with the downloaded driver installer.
Speakers as the default device. Next we open the Lynx Mixer application from Start > Programs > Lynx Studio Technology > Lynx Mixer. Next we will test playback using Windows Media Player. Open a known good file and hit play. Navigate to the Lynx Mixer and look at the output meters in the bottom row.
Click “Continue” for the Click “Continue” at the Click “Agree” from the next “Install Lynx CoreAudio window. Click “Install” in the Software License Agreement Driver Installer” dialog box.. after reading it. Standard Install Window. Type in Password and click The installation will continue. When complete, you will be “Install”.
4 Getting Started Aurora(n)-DNT (Dante) Aurora was designed to be a product that is so easy to use that this section of the manual would scarcely be necessary. However, it is quicker to learn how the device works in one go, than to spend precious minutes figuring things out by randomly pressing buttons.
In Addition to the rear panel jack pack, there are two remaining cable connections on the front panel. The PHONES jacks use a standard ¼” TRS connector, and is capable of driving the full range of stereo headphones available. 4.2 Dante Connections Dante is not just a means for an audio device to communicate with a computer, but also a means for an audio device to communicate directly to other Dante-enabled devices.
With Dante Controller installed in macOS, or Windows PC, devices in the Dante network will automatically appear, there are no drivers or utilities to install for this to happen. When an Aurora is connected to the system, it will appear in Dante Controller as LT-DANTE (this can be easily changed from the Device Config page of DCS).
5 Getting Started Aurora(n)-HD (ProTools HD) Aurora was designed to be a product that is so easy to use that this section of the manual would scarcely be necessary. However, it is quicker to learn how the device works in one go, than to spend precious minutes figuring things out by randomly pressing buttons.
In Addition to the rear panel jack pack, there are two remaining cable connections on the front panel. The PHONES jacks use a standard ¼” TRS connector, and is capable of driving the full range of stereo headphones available. 5.2 Computer Set Up When the Aurora-HD is connected to an Avid ProTools card, it will emulate one HD I/O interface (for the 8 or 16 channel Aurora), or two HD I/O’s (for the 24 or 32 channel Aurora).
Page 21
Peripherals: This displays connected interfaces. With an 8 or 16 channel Aurora , it will be represented here as a single HD I/O. With a 24 or 32 channel version it will appear as two HD I/Os, with one indented in from the other.
6 Front Panel Controls The Aurora is designed to give the user operational flexibility: It can be easily and conveniently controlled from the computer, but also from the front panel. In fact, with the micro-SD card option, you could even record or play audio directly with the Aurora even if there is no computer connected.
Selecting a parameter can be done by pressing the Select button, or pressing in the rotary encoder. You can close the current page by pressing the Meter/Exit button. If you are at the top level of the menu, then pressing this button will return you to the “Meter” page. ...
All I/O Meter on an Aurora with 16 analog i/o. All I/O Meter on an Aurora with 24 analog i/o. All I/O Meter on an Aurora with 32 analog i/o. Pressing the Select button changes the All I/O Meter to the Digital I/O (if available). Pressing Select again switches to Thunderbolt/USB/Dante/HD.
The “Meter Select” page operates a bit differently from other pages on the Aurora, since there are more options here than other pages Select between the “Top Meter” and “Bottom Meter” choices with the Up or Down Arrow buttons, respectively. The Function button will allow you to choose the source category, between “Analog In”, “Analog Out”, “Digital In’, “Digital Out”...
Clock Setup 6.2.1 The Clock Setup page is where the Aurora can be set up as a clock master, or slave to some other device in on “Internal”, unless using a Dante system, in which case your system. The default state is with the Aurora the default SYNC SOURCE is “Dante”.
Dante is a unique case, in that clocking should generally be established from within the Dante network. For this reason, the Aurora will default to “Dante” as the clock source when it is operating in a Dante system. In that case, clock setting are managed from the Dante Controller software. It is possible to use the Aurora Internal clock, or an external word clock source with Dante, but it is necessary to establish the Aurora operating from “external”...
etc). TO ANALOG OUT sources can be stacked, you can even select all three if you wish. Please be aware that if multiple sources are all selected and playing at the same time, overloads can occur. If LM-DIG module is installed, TO DIGITAL OUT will default to signals from the Analog Input, computer (via Thunderbolt, USB, etc), and signals from playback of the SD card.
Backlight 6.2.6 The “Backlight” page is where you can adjust the intensity of the display and front panel buttons. SD Record Setup 6.2.7 “SD Record Setup” is where parameters can be established for recording to the SD card. Aurora is capable of recording interleaved files of 2, 4, 8, 16, or 32 channels of audio.
SD Card 6.2.8 The SD card page shows the characteristics of any inserted microSD card. The label assigned to the card, the File system used (FAT32 and exFAT are both supported), Capacity, Free space and Used space are displayed in bytes (for example 17,179,869,184 = 16GB). When the Free space is less than 18,432,000 bytes (one second for 32-channel / 192kHz, just over one minute for 2-channel / 44.1kHz) the Record button will go out and new recordings will not be possible on that microSD card until it is cleared of all files and formatted.
To perform a Firmware Update using only the Aurora and a microSD card, first, obtain the firmware “bin” file from the Lynx Studio Technology Download page. Next, place that file in the root directory of the microSD card.
Select Firmware Update and a screen similar to the one above should appear. To proceed with the update, press the Select button and a confirmation page will appear: Select the “OK” indicator and press Select. The firmware update will progress through four stages: Erasing, Programing, Verifying, Complete When the firmware update is complete, the following page will appear: To complete the update process, simply turn the power off using the front panel power switch.
USB Mode 6.2.13 The Aurora -16 USB has a unique page to itself. The LT-USB can operate in two different modes, 8- Channel and 16-Channel. In 8-Channel mode, 192kHz operation is possible, however in 16-Channel mode 96kHz is the maximum sample rate. This page allows switching between the two modes. Please note that changing the setting will reset the computer connection.
Page 34
When in volume mode: Rotate rotary encoder to change individual input volume (the selected input will have a green outline). Press rotary encoder to switch between muted state and last attenuation. When in channel mode: Rotate rotary encoder to change between: Stereo (normal: left goes to left, right goes to right) Sum (left and right summed together and has 6dB gain reduction) Left (left &...
7 microSD Record and Play basics The Aurora has a very powerful new feature for a professional audio converter, the inclusion of a microSD card reader for recording and playback. To support the throughput required for high channel count, high sample rate recording, a simple limitation was required.
8 Firmware Updates Aurora contains firmware that is field-programmable via the computer connection or the microSD card. These updates can improve performance and enhance the functionality of the unit. In some cases, the display screen functions and appearance may change dramatically from firmware updates, even adding meter types and other significant functionality.
6. At the main updater welcome screen, make sure that the drop down menu for SELECT UNIT TO UPDATE is set to “LT-TB”. 7. Verify that the New Firmware Version is higher than the Current Firmware Version. If so, click “Update”.
Like us? Then Like us on Facebook to be alerted to the latest support, product and product information. There is a Lynx Studio Technology, Inc group as well as a Lynx Support and Updates page where information about new drivers and firmware updates are announced.
10 Troubleshooting & User Tips Q. I want to change my Sync Source but it is locked out. A. To change SYNC SOURCE it is important that audio is not streaming to the interface. The method for changing Sync Source varies by connection method: USB –...
11 Specifications Line In THD+N -113 dB @1kHz, -1dBFS, 20kHz filter, +20dBu trim Dynamic Range 119 dB, A-weighted, -60dBFS signal method ± 0.01 dB, 20 – 20kHz Frequency Response Crosstalk 130 dB maximum @ 1kHz, -1dBFS signal Full-scale trim settings: +6dBV, +20dBu, software selectable Line Out THD+N...
13 Certifications 13.1 FCC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY MANUFACTURERS NAME: Lynx Studio Technology, Inc. MANUFACTURER ADDRESS: 190 McCormick Avenue Costa Mesa, CA 92626, U.S.A. TELEPHONE (714) 545-4700 TYPE OF EQUIPMENT: Professional A/D and D/A Converter EQUIPMENT CLASS: Residential, Commercial, Light Industry, Urban Outdoors, Dedicated...
Lynx reserves the right to change or improve design of the product at any time without prior notice. Lynx Studio Technology, Aurora and the Aurora Logo are trademarks of Lynx Studio Technology, Inc. All other product or company names are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owner.
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Aurora(N) and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers