Apogee AD-8000 User manual

Sync Options: 44.1 and 48 kHz crystal-
locked sample frequencies, plus “pull-up” and
“pull-down” settings for video/film transfers.
The AD-8000 “smart syncs” to any input sig-
nal, via Apogee’s proprietary Low Jitter Clock,
in the range 32 to 54 kHz—including video
with the optional video sync card.
Advanced Metering System: The AD-
8000 incorporates no less than six highly
accurate bargraph metering modes offering
simultaneous average and peak ballistics,
with 2-second and infinite peak hold. The
number of digital “Overs” is indicated, and
can be set to clear automatically.
Soft Limit: Apogee’s proprietary Soft Limit
circuitry, available on every channel of the
AD-8000, enables you to get more level on to
tape without risking digital “overs”.
Per-channel indication shows when a signal
is activating the Soft Limit circuit.
UV22: There’s nothing like Apogee’s exclu-
sive UV22 encoding process—taking your 24-
bit digital signal and translating it flawlessly
into the 20- or 16-bit domains. UV22 is stan-
dard in the vast majority of US mastering
houses, and a great many hit records have
been made with the process.
Overdub (Destination) Mode: Any
device connected to an AMBus card can be
monitored while it is the output destination
of the AD-8000, to permit overdubbing and
confidence monitoring. The output of the
selected card is also available at all other
interfaces and any installed D/A card.
Calibration and Diagnostics: The
AD-8000 is a breeze to set up and use. With
comprehensive power-on diagnostics, non-
volatile setup memory, a digital oscillator and
a full range of calibration options accurate to
within ±0.05 dB, the AD-8000 is ready to use
from the moment you power it up.
Built-in high-resolution D/A: Hear
what’s going to tape—and what’s coming
back!—via the on-board headphone amplifier
with multi-step volume control, fed by a
built-in stereo D/A. Selectable to audition
pairs of channels. Optional stereo and 8-
channel 24-bit plug-in D/A cards available.
Digital Routing: With the AD-8000’s
unique digital routing matrix, choose sources
and destinations for all your signals at the
push of a silver button. AMBus slots with
cards installed are identified for instant
access. Combinations of analog and digital
inputs may be selected simultaneously.
True 24-bit A/D conversion: The AD-
8000 features true 24-bit accuracy and simply
stunning technical specifications. Like –110 dB
THD+Noise. 114 dB dynamic range. A frequency
response that’s flat from 20 Hz to 20 kHz
±0.025 dB. No wonder the AD-8000 sounds
so good.
Format Conversion: All interfaces are
available at all times, enabling you to use the
AD-8000 as a powerful multi-channel digital
format converter—a feature worth thousands
on its own. Convert from any interface to
all
others
simultaneously, whether they are
inbuilt or on AMBus cards.
Built-in Functionality: On-board
AES/EBU and S/PDIF inputs and outputs, plus
Word Clock I/O. Rear-panel DIP switches
define pin 2/3 hot, analog/digital DC removal,
“Over” definition, UV22 resolution (16/20 bit
output), line levels (–10dBV or +4dBu, bal-
anced or unbalanced) and other settings.
Option Card Slot: Install an optional 24-
bit stereo D/A or even a full 24-bit, 8-channel
D/A converter, engineered to the same exact-
ing standards as the rest of the unit. With on-
board D/A conversion, the AD-8000 may be
all the converter you need!
THERE’S NOTHING MORE IMPORTANT in the digital recording chain
than the converter that takes your original analog input signal
and converts it into digital information. The higher the quali-
ty of the A/D converter, the better the sound. It’s as simple as
that. So when we decided to create a new conversion system, we
knew we had to listen – and listen hard.
Apogee’s engineering team worked with Apogee’s Advisory
Board, which includes some of the top names in the
industry. Each contributed ideas and suggestions from
their own area of expertise: mixer/producer Bob
Clearmountain; mastering maestro Bob Ludwig; top film
composer David Newman; producer Don Was; songwriter/producer
Steve Kipner; guitarist Steve Stevens; and Tony Berg, producer/A&R
at Geffen Records. And as each prototype left the lab, Board mem-
bers submitted it to extensive listening tests, refining and opti-
mizing the design.
The result was the AD-8000 – a conversion system truly
without parallel.
The AD-8000 takes digital conversion to a whole new
level. It’s a true 24-bit converter, with 114 dB dynamic
range and all the features you need. Whether you own
the biggest studio in town, a leading post-production facility,
THE MOST IMPORTANT LINK INTHE DIGITAL RECORDING CHAIN.
Trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners. AMBus is a trademark, and UV22 and Soft Limit are registered trademarks, of Apogee Electronics Corporation.
Tel: [phone]. Fax: [phone]. Email: [email protected]. Web: http://www.apogeedigital.com/
APOGEE ELECTRONICS CORPORATION, 3145 Donald Douglas Loop South, Santa Monica, CA 90405, USA.
The AD-8000 8-channel 24—bit converter. From Apogee.
The AD-8000 8-channel 24—bit converter. From Apogee.
Available AMBus cards provide
additional interfaces including
ADAT Optical (shown here),
AES and TDIF (Tascam),
with “bit-splitting”
technology
for recording
20/24-bit
signals on
multiple 16-bit
tracks. Other available
interfaces include cards
providing direct connection to a
Pro Tools d16, d24 or DSP Farm card.
Additional interfaces to follow*.
Look for the AMBus™
logo on Apogee-
compatible products
and interface cards
or have a project setup in your garage, the AD-8000 was created
with you in mind.
Every facet of the AD-8000 was designed by industry profes-
sionals – from Apogee’s proprietary UV22®and Soft Limit®to the
multi-mode bargraph metering; from the innovative front panel to
the four-slot AMBus card bay supporting virtually any interface.
Hear the Apogee advantage for yourself. Just visit your Apogee
dealer and try out the AD-8000. You’ll notice the difference
immediately. Whatever your recording environment, the converter
is the heart of your digital system. Now, with the Apogee AD-8000,
an outboard converter is no longer an option. It’s a necessity.
*Some of the option cards described may not be available immediately. Ask your dealer for prices and availability.
THE MOST IMPORTANT LINK INTHE DIGITAL RECORDING CHAIN.
AD-8000 DPS v3a 4/30/98 3:36 PM Page 2