Lucid Technologies ADA8824 User manual

ADA8824
A/D - D/A Platform
(ADAT Interface)
User’s Guide

TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section 1 Introduction 1
Section 2 Operator Safety Summary 2
Section 3 About the ADA8824 (ADAT) 4
Section 4 Setup (Connections & Settings) 5
Section 5 Product Description
Front Panel Overview 10
Rear Panel Overview 11
Section 6 Using the ADA8824 14
Section 7 Applications & Configurations
Digital Audio Workstation 18
Multitrack Recording 19
A/D-D/A Converter with ADAT Optical I/O 19
A/D-D/A Converter, No ADAT Optical I/O 20
Digital I/O to ADAT Optical I/O 21
Syncing Two Units 22
Section 8 MIDI Implementation Chart 24
Section 9 Block Diagram 25
Section 10 ADA8824 (ADAT) Specifications 26
Section 11 Warranty & Service 28
Section 12 Declaration of Conformity 29
Rev A.0, June 1, 1999
Lucid Technology part number 53ADAT1A00
Specifications subject to change without notice.
©1999 Lucid Technology. All rights reserved.
Lucid is a registered trademark of Symetrix, Inc.
Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes
only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommenda-
tion. Lucid Technology assumes no responsibility with regard to
the performance or use of these products.
Under copyright laws, no part of this manual may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, scanning, recording or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without permission, in writing, from
Lucid Technology.
Lucid Technology
14926 35th Avenue West
Lynnwood, WA 98037 USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
Website: www.lucidtechnology.com

1
The Lucid ADA8824 (ADAT) Audio Interface is an eight-channel, 24-bit, A/D and D/A converter
intended for use with digital audio workstations. [For clarity the ADA8824 (ADAT) will be referred
to as the 8824 throughout the rest of this user’s guide.] The 8824 provides ADAT lightpipe connec-
tions, eight analog I/O channels, and eight AES/EBU digital I/O channels.
Designed specifically for Alesis lightpipe (fiber-optic) connections, the 8824 provides a plug and play
audio interface between your studio’s audio gear and the Apple Macintosh or Windows computers.
Created in a strategic partnership with Alesis Corporation, the 8824 delivers the flexibility and
performance you need for leading-edge audio production by providing eight channel digital transfers at
24-bit resolution. Digitally controlled attenuation of analog input and output levels and high-resolu-
tion LED metering help you realize the maximum dynamic range from your digital audio system.
Alesis pioneered the use of fiber-optic connections for digital audio transfer through its proprietary
format. The Alesis PCR card works on Macintosh and Windows computers and is compatible with
products from a wide range of vendors. The growing popularity of ADAT-equipped gear and the
introduction of the 8824 make it even easier for you to stay in the digital domain throughout most of
the production process.
The 8824’s analog I/O channels are equipped with XLR connectors, which accept or deliver either
balanced or unbalanced signals.The AES/EBU digital I/O channels use XLR connectors and the
lightpipe connections use TOSLINK connectors. The 8824 operates at +4dBu, -10dBV, and
intermediate signal levels.
We recommend that you read this manual from cover to cover. Somewhere between the confines of
the two covers you should find the answers to most of your questions, both technical as well as
musical. Please feel free to contact us if you have questions, comments or suggestions.
Phone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [e-mail]
INTRODUCTION SECTION 1
50Hz-60Hz AC INPUT 40 WATTS MAX.
115V
RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE FUSE.
CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST
ADA8824
ANALOG INPUTS
ANALOG OUTPUTS
OUT
MIDI
INPUT OUT/THRU
AES/EBU DIGITAL INPUTS
INPUTINPUT
OUT/THRU OUTPUT
AES/EBU DIGITAL OUTPUTS
S/P DIF
WORD CLOCK
IN
ADAT OPTICAL
8
8
INPUT OUTPUT
74 5621 3
FOR OPTIONS
6745231
CONFIGURATION
REFER TO USER’S GUIDE
SYNC
ADAT
1
1
2346785
4328765
1-23-45-67-8
5-6 3-4 1-27-8
ANALOG IN
DIGITAL IN
ANALOG OUT
DIGITAL OUT
-1
-3
-9
-15
-12
-6
-1
-3
-1
-3
-9
-15
-12
-9
-15
-12
-6 -6
-21
-27
-24
-30
-50
-40
-21
-27
-24
-21
-27
-24
-30
-50
-40
-30
-50
-40
-18 -18 -18
24-BIT I/O
ADAT OPTICAL INTERFACE
-60 -60 -60
000
-1
-3
-9
-15
-12
-6
-1
-3
-9
-15
-12
-6
-21
-27
-24
-30
-50
-40
-21
-27
-24
-30
-50
-40
-18-18
-1
-3
-1
-3
-9
-15
-12
-9
-6 -6
-12
-15
-21
-27
-24
-30
-50
-40-40
-50
-30
-24
-27
-21
-18 -18
-60-60 -60 -60
48 kHz
44.1 kHz
WORD CLK
AES/EBU
0000
ADA
76853421
TECHNOLOGY
ld
i
cu 8824
METERINGSYNC

2
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence
of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a
risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user of the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the product (i.e. this manual).
Caution Topreventelectricshock,donotusethepolarizedplugsuppliedwiththeunitwithanyextensioncord,receptacle,orother
outletunlessthebladescanbefullyinserted.
Terms
Several notational conventions are used in this manual. Some paragraphs may use Note, Caution, or
Warning as a heading or certain typefaces and capitalization are used to identify certain words.These are:
Note Identifies information that needs extra emphasis. A Note generally supplies extra information to help you
to better use the product.
Caution Identifies information that, if not heeded, may cause damage to the Lucid product or other equipment in your system.
Warning Identifies information that, if ignored, may be hazardous to your health or that of others.
CAPITALS Controls, switches or other markings on the product's chassis.
Equipment Markings
OPERATOR SAFETY SUMMARY
AVIS:
NE PAS OUVRIR
Il ne se trouve a l’interieur aucune piece pourvant entre reparée l’usager.
SEE OWNERS MANUAL. VOIR CAHIER D’INSTRUCTIONS.
S’adresser a un reparateur compétent.
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
N
o user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel
.
CAUTION
WARNING:
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
DO NOT OPEN
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
Important Safety Instructions
Please read and keep these instructions. Heed and follow all warnings and instructions.
Mains Voltage Selection The Line Voltage selector switch is located near the IEC power inlet
connector. Set it to correspond to the nominal AC mains voltage
used in your studio. The amperage of the fuse changes depending on
the setting of the Line Voltage selector switch. (You must change the
fuse to correspond with the new amperage.)
The fuse ratings are listed later in this section.
Power Source This product is intended to operate from a power source that does
not apply more than 250V rms between the power supply conductors
or between either power supply conductor and ground. A protective
ground connection, by way of the grounding conductor in the power
cord, is essential for safe operation.
Grounding The chassis of this product is grounded through the grounding
conductor of the power cord. To avoid electric shock, plug the power
cord into a properly wired receptacle before making any connections to
SECTION 2

3
the product. A protective ground connection, by way of the grounding
conductor in the power cord, is essential for safe operation. Do not
defeat the safety purpose of the grounding plug. The grounding plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided
for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit your outlet, consult
an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Danger from If the protective ground connection is lost, all accessible conductive
Loss of Ground parts, including knobs and controls that may appear to be insulated,
can render an electric shock.
Proper Power Cord Use only the power cord and connector specified for the product and
your operating locale. Use only a cord that is in good condition. Protect
the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Proper Fuse The user accessible fuse is a part of the IEC AC inlet connector. The
fuseholder accepts 5 x 20mm diameter fuses.
For 117VAC operation, the correct value is 1/2A, 250VAC, slow
blowing (Bussman type GDC-500MA).
For 230VAC operation, the correct value is 1/4A, 250VAC, slow blowing
(Bussman type GDC-250MA).
Operating Location Do not operate this equipment under any of the following conditions:
explosive atmospheres, in wet locations, in inclement weather, improper
or unknown AC mains voltage, or if improperly fused. Do not install
near any heat source such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Unplug this apparatus
during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Stay Out of the Box To avoid personal injury (or worse), do not remove the product covers or
panels. Do not operate the product without the covers and panels
properly installed. Only use accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Clean only with a damp cloth.
User-serviceable parts There are no user serviceable parts inside the ADA8824. In case of
failure, refer all servicing to the factory. Servicing is required when the
ADA8824 has been damaged in any way, such as when a power supply
cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen
into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

4
In its principal application, the 8824 connects the external world (analog and digital) of your
studio with your computer using the ADAT lightpipe multichannel interface. In this setup you
will also need a suitable computer (Wintel PC or Apple Macintosh) and a suitable interface card.
Suitable cards are made by Alesis, Sonorus, Korg, Mark of the Unicorn (2408 system),
MIDIMAN and others.
There are many reasons for using an external interface device rather than an all-in-one card that
positions converters inside your computer. Some of these reasons are:
· From an audio signal’s point of view, the inside of your computer is a nasty environment,
both noisy and plagued by RF. Using the 8824 removes the critical steps of A/D and D/A
conversion from this noise-prone box and allows them to take place in an environment
more conducive to high performance, 24-bit conversion.
· Quite often, connecting the computer’s ground system into your audio ground system
causes hum. The lightpipe interface provides complete isolation between the computer’s
ground system and your audio system; each system’s grounding is totally separate and isolated.
· There isn’t nearly enough room on the interface card’s mounting bracket to house suitable
connectors. The rear panel of the 8824 has enough space to house a full complement of
the connectors that you already use in your audio system.
For all of these reasons, we think that the 8824 is the best solution for getting analog and digital
signals into your ADAT lightpipe equipped computer.
Your studio may or may not utilize any Alesis ADAT modular digital multitrack (MDM)
machines. If you use ADAT MDM’s, the 8824 may be used to improve the quality of your audio
conversion and dynamic range. However, you may wish to continue using the machine’s internal
A/D converters rather than the 8824, and your decision will most likely depend on which MDM
you use. The 8824 has no dither capability, so using the 8824 instead of the MDM’s internal
converters may cause audible truncation when using 16-bit MDM’s. Losing these bits won’t cause
the end of the world, or damage to anything, and you might even find the trade-off in dynamic
range to be worthwhile. The degree of truncation you experience will depend on the converter
resolution of your specific MDM.
ABOUT THE ADA8824 (ADAT) SECTION 3

5
SETUP (CONNECTIONS & SETTINGS)SECTION 4
This section discusses a multitude of things, all related to getting signals in and out of the 8824
and getting on with using it.
ADAT Sync Connections
These connectors allow sending and receiving ADAT-specific information between daisy-chained
ADAT machines or other hardware capable of sending or receiving ADAT Sync. The ADAT sync
cable carries machine control, word clock, and timecode signals. These connectors, or the MIDI
connectors, may be used for controlling the 8824. The only signal in the ADAT sync connection
that matters to the 8824 is the machine control signal.
Note If you are using the 8824 with the Alesis PCR card, the 8824 must be the first device
connected after the PCR card. Doing so ensures that the 8824 can always receive
commands (ADAT machines do not always pass ADAT Sync information through
themselves.)
Lightpipe Connections
The lightpipe connectors accept TOSLINK fiber-optic cables. There are two such connectors; one
for input, one for output. The optical signal at these connectors represents all eight channels.
Connect the lightpipe connectors to and from your computer’s lightpipe interface card. There is
no provision within the unit to operate the lightpipe connectors in thru mode.
MIDI Connections
The MIDI connectors receive or send MIDI data. These connectors, or the ADAT Sync
connectors, may be used for controlling the 8824.
Note If you use the MIDI connectors, it is preferable to use a separate MIDI port on your
computer (i.e. one that depends on a different IRQ than the lightpipe interface).
Analog I/O Connections
It is not necessary to connect to any or all of these connectors at any given time. The connectors
used or not used depend on your specific application. In most situations, connect the sources and
destinations that you do have to the 8824. You can then use it as a ‘router’ to patch your sources,
destinations, and the computer workstation software together.
Connect your analog sources to the rear-panel analog input connectors. These connectors may be
driven from a balanced or unbalanced, low-impedance source. When using an unbalanced source,
the preferred connection method is to bring all three input connections through to the unbal-
anced source, tying the shield to the source ground, pin 2/hot to the source hot, and pin3/cold to
the source ground.

6
Connect the analog outputs as required in your studio. These connectors deliver a balanced
output signal from a simulated grounded center-tap source. For unbalanced use, either float pin 3
at the 8824 (preferred), or if necessary, connect it to pin 1 at the 8824.
Digital I/O Connections
It is not necessary to connect to any or all of these connectors at any given time. The connectors
used or not used depends on your specific application. In most situations, connect the sources
and destinations that you do have to the 8824. You can then use it as a ‘router’ to patch your
sources, destinations, and the computer workstation software together.
Connect the AES/EBU input connectors to AES/EBU digital audio sources. Connect the AES/
EBU output connectors to AES/EBU digital audio inputs. If you plan to sync to an AES input,
be sure to use inputs 1-2, 3-4, or 5-6, but not 7-8.
Connect the S/PDIF connectors to consumer audio digital inputs.
Connect the Word Clock input connector to a source of digital audio word clock.
Connect the Word Clock output connector to any other unit requiring the word clock signal.
50Hz-60Hz AC INPUT 40 WATTS MAX.
ADA8824
CONFIGURATION
REFER TO USER’S GUIDE
7 8
7 8
5643
5 643
21
21
FOR OPTIONS
INPUT
TO AES OUTPUT
OF PROFESSIONAL
DAT RECORDER
OF PROFESSIONAL
DAT RECORDER
FROM AES OUTPUT
FROM OUTPUT OF
CONSUMER DAT RECORDER
CD PLAYER OR
S/PDIF IN
INPUT OUTPUT
REMOTE CONTROL
COMPUTER FOR
MIDI OUT FROM
OPTICAL
E
QUIPPED
TO ADAT
I/O CARD
FROM ADAT
EQUIPPED
OPTICAL
I/O CARD
ANALOG AUDIO OUT TO MIXER OR OTHER DESTINATION
ANALOG AUDIO OUT FROM MIXER OR OTHER SOURCE
115V
RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE ONLY WITH SAME TYPE FUSE.
CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST
ANALOG INPUTS
ANALOG OUTPUTS
OUT
MIDI
INPUT OUT/THRU
AES/EBU DIGITAL INPUTS
INPUTINPUT
OUT/THRU OUTPUT
AES/EBU DIGITAL OUTPUTS
S/P DIF
WORD CLOCK
IN
ADAT OPTICAL
OUTPUT
SYNC
ADAT
1
1
2346785
4328765
1-23-45-67-8
5-6 3-4 1-27-8
Figure 3-1. Computer Connections

7
Table 1. Dip Switch Settings in Local mode (SW1 up at power-up).
Table 2. Clock Selector Switch Settings
cnyStupnInoitisoPwSpiD
ecruoS)2WS(0leSklC)3WS(1leSklC)4WS(2leSklC
lacitpOTADA NWODNWODNWOD
tupnIkcolCdroW PUNWODNWOD
kcolczHk1.44lanretnI NWODPUNWOD
kcolczHk84lanretnI PUPUNWOD
1tupnISEA NWODNWODPU
2tupnISEA PUNWODPU
3tupnISEA NWODPUPU
tupnIFIDP/S PUPUPU
Configuration Settings
The rear-panel configuration switches determine the initial conditions (power-up) of the 8824.
For most applications use Remote mode (set SW1 down). Set SW2 thru SW4 as required by the
input selection and clock source. Refer to Table 2.
SW5-8 have different functions depending on the mode selection (SW1). In Local mode, these
switches determine the origins of the various output signals and the monitoring point for the
meters. Refer to Table 1. In Remote mode, the arithmetic sum of the bit values of these switches
(SW5-7) sets the MIDI device number (0-7). SW8 switches the MIDI command input between
the ADAT Sync input and the DIN-5 MIDI input connectors. Refer to Table 3.
1WS2WS3WS4WS5WS6WS7WS8WS
/lacoL
etomeR 0leSklC1leSklC2leSklC
golanA
tuptuO
ecruoS
UBE/SEA
tuptuO
ecruoS
lacitpO
tuptuO
ecruoS
tceleSreteM
PU lacoL eeS
2elbaT SEAgolanASEAtuptuO
NWOD etomeRTADATADAgolanAtupnI
1WS2WS3WS4WS5WS6WS7WS8WS
/lacoL
etomeR A/NA/NA/N0eciveD1eciveD2eciveD tupnIIDIM tceleS
PU lacoL
A/N eeS cnySTADA
)tupnI(
NWOD etomeR4elbaTIDIM
Table 3. Dip Switch Settings in Remote mode
(SW1 down at power-up).
eciveD
5WS6WS7WS
DI
0eciveD1eciveD2eciveD
0
NWODNWODNWOD
1
PUNWODNWOD
2
NWODPUNWOD
3
PUPUNWOD
4
NWODNWODPU
5
PUNWODPU
6
NWODPUPU
7
PUPUPU
Table 4. Device ID selection.

8
The 8824 Configuration Application
Included with the 8824 is a small application that implements a virtual front panel so you can
alter the settings of the unit. If you have any familiarity with Windows or Macintosh applica-
tions, you’ll be right at home.
Installation
On either Wintel or Macintosh platforms, make a separate folder and copy the appropriate file
into that folder. On your desktop, create a shortcut to the configuration application that you just
copied into the folder. Double-click on the shortcut to launch the application.
Settings
Unit Number Dropdown menu selects unit number (0-7).
Analog Output Source Select either ADAT or AES. The eight analog outputs are generated
from this source.
AES Output Source Select either ADAT or Analog (input). The four AES/EBU output
pairs are generated from this source.
Optical Output Source Select either Analog or AES. The lightpipe signal is generated from
this source. There are four of these switch blocks; one for channels
1-2, 3-4, 5-6, 7-8.
A/D Sync Source Select from the following: ADAT, Word Clock, Internal 44.1kHz,
internal 48kHz, AES 1-2, AES 3-4, AES 5-6, S/PDIF. The 8824
locks its clock to the selected source. The front panel indicator
relays this information. If ADAT is the sync source, then none of
the front panel sync indicators illuminate. If the A/D sync source
does not match a valid clock source, or if the optical outputs are
fed by a mixture of analog and AES inputs AND the A/D sync
source is not set to the appropriate AES input, audible distortion
may occur.
Digital Input 1,2 Select Select either AES or S/PDIF. Digital inputs 1-2 can use either the
AES/EBU digital inputs (XLR) or the S/PDIF digital inputs (RCA/Coax).
Meters Select from Analog Inputs (ADC), Digital Inputs (AES), Analog
Outputs (DAC) or Digital Outputs (AES).
Apply button Sends all settings to the 8824.
Quit button Quits the configuration application without making any changes.
Save and Quit Saves the changes made and quits the application.
File Menu
Print Screen Prints the current screen display.
Print Setup Modifies the current printer setup.
Exit Exits the configuration application.