Modularity; Firmware Updates; Organization Of These Manuals - Prism Sound ADA-8XR Operation Manual

Prism Sound ADA-8XR Multi-channel A/D D/A Converter
of transients. Analogue outputs can also be individually aligned for 0dBFS levels of +5dBu to
+24dBu in 0.5dBu steps, with ±0.5dB trim in 0.05dB steps.
A two-channel Monitor is provided which can be attached to either the A/D or D/A Path; it can
monitor either adjacent-channel pairs, or a mix of any or all of the channels, with individual
gain and pan settings. The Monitor has both analogue (line and headphone) and digital
outputs.
Digital-to-digital Paths can be set up for dithering/noise-shaping, or MR-X/DRE
encoding/decoding, and/or converting between different interface formats.

1.2 Modularity

The ADA-8XR is modular in respect of both its hardware and software. Throughout the life of
the product, new software features and support for new hardware options will be added
through firmware updates which will be distributed on disk and via the Internet.
Although the standard ADA-8XR as summarised above provides eight channels of A/D and
eight channels of simultaneous D/A conversion with a variety of available digital I/O options,
many custom configurations are possible. For example, the ADA-8XR can be supplied as
A/D-only or D/A-only at a cost saving, or with two A/D or D/A Modules for sixteen-channel
operation. A two-frame 8-in-24-out setup is a popular and cost-effective choice for DAW
users.
Another advantage of the modular construction of the ADA-8XR is that future improvements
in technology can be incorporated; for example new A/D converter devices, D/A converter
devices, DSP chips, digital I/O standards can all be accommodated by replacing only the
relevant Module.

1.3 Firmware Updates

The ADA-8XR firmware is stored within the unit in a flash memory which can be updated from
a floppy disk or from the Internet. Details of how to perform the upgrade are in section 6.3.

1.4 Organization of these Manuals

The ADA-8XR operators' literature is organised as three separate volumes:
• Operation Manual (this volume) which covers the general principles of operation;
• Firmware Reference which provides operating details of the latest firmware revision;
this volume can be updated in the event of a firmware upgrade;
• Module Reference which contains information about all available analogue and
digital I/O Modules; this volume can be updated to cover new I/O Modules;
© Prism Media Products Limited, 2001-2004
Operation Manual - Revision 1.00
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