Horus Key Features - Merging HORUS-AD8 User Manual

Horus User Manual

HORUS KEY FEATURES

Modular analog interfacing
Horus allows the user to choose how many Analog inputs and Analog outputs are required for each
unit. Horus provides a total of six universal I/O slots which can accept a combination of Mic/Line
modules and or Line output cards. Users can configure their Horus with any combination but installing
more than 3 Mic/Line modules requires the installation of the Horus Redundant Power option.
For instance, in a studio environment, 24 A/D (3X IOC-AD8/P) and 8 D/A (IOC-AD8/P) will allow for 24
inputs from the live room and 8 outputs to feed studio monitoring and foldback to the artist. But, with
any combination being possible, this is but one of many scenarios for different combinations.
Modular Device connectivity
Any of the modules listed below (A/D, D/A, MADI, AES, Ravenna) can be interconnected in any way the
user chooses. Simple and easy routing pages enable the user to source signal from any module, and
send it to any other combination of modules. An A/D Module could feed 8 Channels of AES Outputs. At
the same time, it could feed to 8 MADI channels, or even the RAVENNA stream as well. This is the
function that allows the user operate with the Horus in either a standalone (Analog to MADI/AES
AD/DA) or in RAVENNA Mode, which connects the audio to a Ravenna network (described below).
With such a wealth of different outputs, it made sense to apply a "route to" instead of a "route from"
philosophy in the way Horus presents its routing pages. After an initial learning period, you will
understand that this is a much more efficient way to present so many routing options in an easy to
unfold process. So always ask yourself first which output is being considered and then decide what
input signal will feed that output and you will be offered all logical and valid choices at every step. It also
made sense to limit the granularity of routing options to blocks of 8 channels, as a good compromise
between flexibility and complexity.
AD8 / AD8P Remote controlled Mic/Line A/D module
The AD8 (works up to 192 kHz) and the AD8P (works up to DXD/DSD256) are remote controllable,
extremely high-quality Microphone pre-amplifiers with a switch on each channel to route the signal
through dedicated line level circuitry instead. The remote control is achieved over Ethernet, via the
Ravenna Port at the back of the chassis. With all standard analogue controls also available via remote
(Phantom power on a "per channel" basis, phase invert, HPF) and a Gain stage reaching from -10dB all
the way up to +60dB, these modules are not only easy to use, but completely transparent to listen to as
well.
DA8 / DA8P Safety Conscious Analogue Line output Modules
The DA8 (works at sample rates up to 192 kHz) and DA8P (works at sample rates up to DSD) are
specifically designed with the user's speakers in mind. Incorporating analogue mute circuitry, the DA8/P
modules provide protection against spurious transients that may occur during Sample rate changes and
power cycling "clicks" and "pops" which can damage not only speakers, but also the listener's ears.
When you add to that a noise floor of less than -125dB, these are the ultimate analog outputs for any
monitoring system.
Redundant power supply option
In broadcast and live applications, nothing can be allowed to fail. By requesting the addition of the
optional redundant power supply to be configured with your Horus interface, you can insure against the
possibility of power supply failure. The redundant power supply takes up no more room and only adds
a few grams to the unit's total weight.
MADI 1
This MADI port (switchable between coaxial or optical input connections using the front panel Touch
Screen) provides users with up to 64 channels of MADI I/O for use with the system. The signal sent to
the MADI Outputs (both Coaxial and Optical are available simultaneously) are configurable in blocks of
8 channels and can be sourced from any other module in the Horus.
MADI 2 (Expansion Slot)
An expansion slot allows a second MADI card to be fitted into the Chassis, bringing the total MADI I/O
up to 128 channels. When using the RAVENNA connection to deliver sound to your Pyramix or Ovation
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