Dsd I/O Module Prev039/9/1; Overview; Fitting The Module; Connection - Prism Sound ADA-8XR Module Reference

Prism Sound ADA-8XR Multi-channel A/D D/A Converter Module Reference - Revision 1.01

8 DSD I/O Module PREV039/9/1

8.1 Overview

The DSD I/O Module type PREV039/9/1 provides eight channels of 'Direct Stream Digital'
input and output for the ADA-8XR. The DSD interface format carries an over-sampled one-bit
representation of the audio signal as delivered on Super Audio CDs (SACDs).
The DSD I/O Module can transact the DSD data in either SDIF-2 (sometimes known as
DSD-RAW) or SDIF-3 formats, using coaxial cables via a breakout squid, and optionally in the
MAC-DSD / SuperMAC format using a CAT5E cable.
When combined with the ADA-8XR's Analogue Line Input and Output modules, the DSD I/O
Module provides eight channels of analogue-to-DSD and DSD-to-analogue conversion. The
Module also allows for PCM to DSD and DSD to PCM conversion where a PCM-type I/O
Module is fitted, such as an AES3 I/O Module. In this case, PCM synchronous sample rate
conversion can also be performed between the PCM input and output for all eight channels.
When used in conjunction with a dedicated workstation I/O Module, such as a Pro Tools HD
I/O Module, the DSD I/O Module allows DSD audio sources and destinations to be connected
to the workstation directly.
Whilst the DSD format uses a fixed sample rate of 2.8224MHz the ADA-8XR's DSD I/O
Module allows the user to run DSD-connected Paths with any of the ADA-8XR's sample rate
and sync options.

8.2 Fitting the Module

In most cases, the DSD I/O Module has been factory-fitted so, unless you are fitting the
Module yourself, the remainder of this section may be ignored.
The DSD I/O Module can be fitted to either Digital I/O Slot (DIO1 or DIO2) in the rear of the
ADA-8XR (as shown in the Layout section of the Operation Manual). Where an ADA-8XR is
to be fitted for 16-channel analogue-to-DSD or 16-channel DSD-to-analogue operation, DSD
I/O Modules must be fitted to BOTH DIO slots.
For details of how to fit the Module, refer to the Adjustments and Upgrades section of the
Operation Manual.

8.3 Connection

The DSD I/O Module supports three different interface standards.
The male 25-way 'D' connector is used for either SDIF-2 or SDIF-3 formats, selected using
the ADA-8XR's menu system. You should check the interface format of the connected
equipment to ensure correct operation, however no damage will result from a logical format
mismatch as the interface is electrically the same in both cases. The input and output
interface formats of the DSD Module are individually selectable. An optionally-supplied 'squid'
breaks out the 25-way 'D' to eight blue BNC plugs for the DSD inputs, eight red BNC plugs for
the DSD outputs, and one black BNC plug for the interface clock output. To assist in custom
cabling applications, the pinout of the squid is shown in section 8.10.6.
If the DSD I/O Module is fitted with the MAC-DSD / SuperMAC interface option, the RJ-45
connector can be used to connect to other suitably capable equipment using a CAT5E cable.
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