Lynx AES16 User manual

Contents
1Introduction................................................................................................................................5
1.1 Overview .............................................................................................................................5
1.2 Features...............................................................................................................................6
1.3 Before you begin................................................................................................................6
1.4 In the box.............................................................................................................................7
1.5 System requirements..........................................................................................................7
1.5.1 Windows.......................................................................................................................7
1.5.2 Macintosh....................................................................................................................7
1.6 Nomenclature used in this manual.................................................................................7
2Installation Procedures .............................................................................................................8
2.1 AES16 Hardware Installation.............................................................................................8
2.2 Windows Version 2 Driver Package (Windows 2000 and Windows XP).....................8
2.2.1 Installation Files............................................................................................................8
2.2.2 Installing the Windows Version 2 Driver Package..................................................9
2.2.3 Uninstalling the AES16 Windows Version 2 Driver Package................................10
2.2.4 Updating an existing WDM driver: .........................................................................12
2.3 Macintosh OS X ................................................................................................................17
2.3.1 OS X Installation Files ................................................................................................17
2.3.2 Firmware Update......................................................................................................17
2.3.3 Install the AES16 Device Driver and Mixer.............................................................19
2.3.4 Uninstalling the LynxTWO/L22/AES16 Device Driver and Mixer .........................21
2.3.5 Updating the LynxTWO/L22/AES16 Device Driver and Mixer.............................21
2.4 Macintosh OS 9 ................................................................................................................22
2.4.1 Insert AES16 Installation CD in CD ROM Drive and Start Computer .................22
2.4.2 Firmware Update......................................................................................................22
2.4.3 Installing the OS9 ASIO Driver and Mixer...............................................................23
2.4.4 Uninstalling the AES16 Device Driver and Mixer...................................................23
2.4.5 Updating the AES16 Device Driver and Mixer......................................................23
3Hardware Connections......................................................................................................... 24
3.1 Overview ...........................................................................................................................24
3.2 AES/EBU Cable Connections .........................................................................................25
3.2.1 XLR Connections.......................................................................................................25
3.2.2 Connections to Equipment with 25-Pin AES/EBU D-Sub Connectors................26
3.3 Clock Connections..........................................................................................................26
3.3.1 External Clocking......................................................................................................26
3.3.2 Internal Clocking and Multi-card Systems............................................................27
3.4 Common Studio Setups ..................................................................................................28
3.4.1 External A/D and D/A with Word Clock................................................................28
3.4.2 Digital Mixer...............................................................................................................29
3.4.3 Combined Use of XLR and DB25 Cable sets ........................................................30
4Getting Started....................................................................................................................... 32
4.1 Windows Quick Audio Test .............................................................................................32
4.2 Macintosh OS X Quick Audio Test .................................................................................35
4.3 Macintosh OS9 Quick Audio Test...................................................................................37
5Operational Overview........................................................................................................... 39
5.1 Signal Flow.........................................................................................................................39
5.1.1 Physical Inputs...........................................................................................................40
5.1.2 Digital Mixer Inputs....................................................................................................40
5.1.3 Record Bus and Devices .........................................................................................40
5.1.4 Play Bus and Devices...............................................................................................40

5.1.5 Digital Mixer Outputs................................................................................................41
5.1.6 Physical Outputs .......................................................................................................41
5.2 Sample Clock Generator................................................................................................42
5.2.1 Sample Clock Sources.............................................................................................42
5.2.2 Phase-lock Loops and Clock Dividers ...................................................................42
5.3 SynchroLock™..................................................................................................................43
6Lynx Mixer Reference............................................................................................................. 44
6.1.1 Starting the Mixer......................................................................................................44
6.1.2 General Operation...................................................................................................44
6.1.3 Mixer Configuration Recall......................................................................................44
6.2 Adapter Window..............................................................................................................45
6.3 Record/Play Window.......................................................................................................50
6.4 Outputs Window...............................................................................................................53
6.5 Mixer Menu........................................................................................................................55
6.6 Settings Menu ...................................................................................................................57
7Using the AES16....................................................................................................................... 59
7.1 Mixer Scene Storage and Recall...................................................................................59
7.2 Input Patching..................................................................................................................59
7.2.1 Monitoring Theory.....................................................................................................60
7.2.2 Monitor Setup Using Lynx Mixer ..............................................................................60
7.2.3 Using Direct Monitoring in an ASIO Application ..................................................61
7.3 Playback Routing and Mixing........................................................................................62
7.4 Clock selection and control...........................................................................................63
7.5 AES/EBU Dual-wire operation.........................................................................................64
7.6 ASIO Specific Setup.........................................................................................................64
7.6.1 ASIO Positioning Protocol ........................................................................................64
7.7 Bus Mastering....................................................................................................................65
7.8 Controlling latency by changing buffer size ...............................................................65
7.9 Sample Rate Conversion................................................................................................65
8Working with Third Party Applications................................................................................. 66
8.1 Compatibility ....................................................................................................................66
8.2 AES16 Devices ..................................................................................................................66
8.3 Controlling Audio Bit Depth............................................................................................67
8.4 Full Duplex Operation......................................................................................................67
9Configuring Multiple AES16’s ................................................................................................ 68
9.1 Designating clock master and slaves...........................................................................68
9.2 Adapter ID’s......................................................................................................................69
9.3 Cable connections..........................................................................................................69
9.4 Mixer settings.....................................................................................................................70
10 Troubleshooting................................................................................................................... 71
11 Support................................................................................................................................. 72
11.1 Contact us.....................................................................................................................72
11.2 Registering your AES16.................................................................................................72
11.3 Locating the Serial Number of Your AES16...............................................................72
12 Appendices......................................................................................................................... 73
12.1 I/O Configuration Jumpers .........................................................................................73
12.2 Specifications................................................................................................................75
12.3 Updating From the AES16 Standard NT4 Driver.......................................................77
12.4 Safety instructions.........................................................................................................78
12.5 EMC Certifications........................................................................................................79
12.5.1 FCC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY ...................................................................79
12.5.2 EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY......................................................................79

13 License Agreement............................................................................................................ 80
14 Warranty Information......................................................................................................... 81

Introduction
1 Introduction
Thank you for choosing the Lynx AES16™PCI
audio interface. The AES16 has been designed to
provide you with the highest quality professional
audio performance available, offering unequalled
AES/EBU channel capacity and routing
flexibility.
Even if you’re an experienced audio
professional, please take a few moments to read
through this users’ manual. It will help to
streamline the installation procedure, and
acquaint you with the AES16’s superior feature
set, allowing you to quickly realize the full
potential of this powerful audio tool.
1.1 Overview
The AES16 turns your computer into a powerful
digital audio workstation, giving you up to
sixteen channels of professional AES/EBU
digital input and output at sampling rates up to
192 kHz. Its integrated 32-channel software
mixer provides zero-latency monitoring, with
unprecedented control and matrixing flexibility.
With support for Windows and Macintosh
computers, the AES16 can store and recall an
unlimited number of routing configurations and
mixer scenes, providing you with a virtual digital
patch bay.
The AES16 supports the latest single-wire
AES/EBU 192 kHz standard for up to 16
channels of digital input and output, and is also
compatible with existing dual-wire 96 kHz and
192 kHz devices. Up to four AES16 cards can be
installed in a single host computer to deliver a
total of 64 inputs and 64 outputs of ultra-high
bandwidth audio performance.
With exclusive SynchroLock™technology, the
AES16 provides unmatched tolerance to jitter
when synchronizing to external clocks, making it
an ideal solution for longer cable runs and other
sources where noise may be an issue. The
SynchroLock output can also provide a clean and
accurate clock output for other audio devices.
The AES16 provides ultra low latency drivers
for most Windows protocols including WDM,
MME, ASIO 2.0, GSIF, DirectSound and Direct
Kernel Streaming, and for Macintosh protocols
including ASIO 2.0 under OS9 and Core Audio
under OS X.
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Introduction
1.2 Features
 16 channel “single-wire” digital I/O at sample rates up to 192 kHz
 8 channel “dual-wire” digital I/O at sample rates up to 192 kHz
 Eight stereo record and playback devices available to audio applications
 Transformer-coupled 24-bit AES/EBU inputs and outputs available on XLR or DB25 cables
 Eight channels of mastering-quality sample rate conversion available (on model AES16-SRC)
 Sync to external AES/EBU signals or word clocks
 SynchroLock™technology provides superior immunity to jitter in clock sources
 On-board zero-latency digital mixer provides extensive routing capabilities with patch-bay
functionality
 Optimized DMA engine offers extremely efficient PCI bus transfers
 Low-latency drivers for Windows 2000/XP – supports WDM, MME, ASIO 2.0, GSIF, DirectSound,
and Direct Kernel Streaming
 Low-latency drivers for Macintosh – supports ASIO 2.0 for OS9 and Core Audio for OS X
 “Direct-connect” cabling available for digital mixers, recorders and converters from Yamaha, Sony,
Tascam, Mackie, Wheatstone, Apogee, Benchmark Media and other manufacturers
 Designed and manufactured in the USA by Lynx Studio Technology, Inc.
1.3 Before you begin
Before you begin using the AES16, we
recommend you read through this manual and
familiarize yourself with the installation and
operational procedures of this device. It is highly
recommended that you have a good working
knowledge of Windows and/or Macintosh
operating system basics, and an understanding of
computer hardware basics. This information is
widely available on the web and from various
computer hardware and software manufacturers.
We also strongly recommend you familiarize
yourself with the basics of digital audio and
computer recording, and particularly with the
basic functionality of your chosen audio
software. A solid grasp of the operational
fundamentals of your Digital Audio Workstation
software and its user interface will go a long way
toward enhancing your experience with the
AES16.
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Introduction
1.4 In the box
The following items are included in your AES16
carton:
 AES16 PCI card in cushioned antistatic bag
 Two AES16 cables (CBL-AES1604 six-foot
cable with 8 XLR connectors. Included with
models AES-16XLR and AES16-SRC
only.)
 Lynx Installation CD containing current
drivers and this manual
 Warranty registration card
 Quick Start Guide
If any items are missing or damaged, please
contact your dealer or Lynx at
http://www.lynxstudio.com.
1.5 System requirements
Below are listed the minimum hardware and operating system requirements for compatibility with the
AES16. It is important to note that most professional audio applications place significant demands on your
computer’s resources, and it is therefore recommended that you meet or exceed the recommended system
requirements for your Digital Audio Workstation software, which will likely be greater than those listed for
the AES16. Please refer to your audio software’s documentation for more information.
1.5.1 Windows
 Pentium II class computer or better
 32 MB RAM
 One empty PCI slot
 PCI or AGP Graphics card
 Video display with 1024 x 768 minimum
resolution
 Windows 2000 or Windows XP
NOTE: The AES16 is not supported under
Windows 95, 98 or ME.
1.5.2 Macintosh
 Apple Macintosh G4 or later
 32 MB RAM
 One empty PCI slot
 PCI or AGP Graphics card
 Video display with 1024 x 768 minimum
resolution
 Macintosh OS 9.2.2 or OS X (10.2.8 or
higher)
1.6 Nomenclature used in this manual
The following typographic conventions are used in this manual:
 Underlined text indicates characters that are to be typed using the computer keyboard.
 ALL UPPER CASE TEXT indicates the names of specific cable connectors.
 First Character Upper Case Text indicates Lynx mixer control names or menu options.
 Phrases, such as: Start > Programs > Lynx Studio Technology use the greater than symbol (“>”) to
indicate multiple menu options or mouse selections.
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Installation Procedures
2 Installation Procedures
The procedure for installing the AES16 requires that you physically install the AES16 card inside your
computer before running the AES16 Setup Program.
The Setup Program will install the required driver files and the Lynx mixer application, as well as
configure your system to recognize the AES16.
2.1 AES16 Hardware Installation
1. Turn OFF the power to your computer system and disconnect the power cords.
2. Touch a metal plate on your computer system to ground yourself and discharge any static
electricity.
3. Remove the cover from your computer chassis and select an empty PCI slot in your computer.
4. You should refer to your computer system documentation for any special instructions on installing
expansion cards and peripheral equipment.
5. Unscrew and remove the slot cover from your selected PCI slot.
6. Insert the AES16 into the selected PCI slot and press it down so that the contacts are securely
seated.
7. Secure the bracket of the AES16 card to the computer chassis using a chassis screw or retaining
bracket.
8. Replace the computer chassis cover and reconnect the power cord.
9. Connect the Audio cables to the AES16. Refer to Section 3 Hardware Connections for more
information.
10. Install software using the installation procedure for your computer type and operating system from
the following sections. Refer to Section 2.2 for Windows and Section 2.3 for Macintosh.
2.2 Windows Version 2 Driver Package (Windows 2000 and Windows XP)
The LynxTWO/AES16 Version 2 Driver Package provides the greatest compatibility with today’s most
popular audio and production software. Included are the following driver models:
 ASIO (Cubase, Nuendo, Sonar, Samplitude, Sequoia)
 WDM/Direct Sound (Sonar, Samplitude, Sequoia, Media Player)
 MME (Windows multi-media extensions)
 GSIF (Tascam GigaStudio)
The Version 2 driver also supports multi-channel playback for use with Surround Sound or other multi-
channel encoded material.
In some cases, users require our older, NT4 based drivers for compatibility with their applications or
context of use. Refer to the Appendix for installation information for the NT4 driver family.
2.2.1 Installation Files
The Lynx Installation CD contains all driver files mentioned in the subsequent installation steps, as well as
the AES16 manual, driver release notes and test files. If you do not have a CDROM drive or need a more
recent version, these files are available on our website at http://www.lynxstudio.com/download.html.
If you have downloaded newer drivers than those included on your Lynx Installation CD, please extract the
driver to its default location, C:\Lynx. The following instructions can still be followed, simply type
C:\Lynx as the location for driver files, rather than “removable media” as specified in these instructions.
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Installation Procedures
2.2.2 Installing the Windows Version 2 Driver Package
1. When you start Windows after installing the AES16 into your computer, the New Hardware
Wizard will appear. Select “Install from a list or specific location” and click “Next >” to proceed.
(NOTE: In Windows 2000, click “Next>” on the New Hardware Wizard welcome screen, on the
Install Hardware Device Driver dialog box, choose “Display a list of the known drivers for this
device” and click “Next>”)
2. From the next window, select "Search removable media”. Click "Next >" to proceed. (NOTE: In
Windows 2000 select “Sounds, video and game controllers” as a hardware type, and click
“Next>”. From the next screen click “Have Disk”, then type in the drive letter of your CD-ROM
drive, i.e. D:\, then click “OK”. Select the AES16 or AES16-SRC from the list of choices and
click “Next>”.)
3. Windows will begin to search for the appropriate driver files:
4. You may receive a warning that the driver has not been digitally signed by Microsoft. It is
perfectly safe to disregard this warning and select “Continue Anyway.” (NOTE: In Windows 2000
click “Yes” to continue installation.)
5. The driver installation will continue. After several moments, the new hardware wizard will
indicate that it has completed the installation. Click “Finish”:
6. Reboot the computer. The AES16 Card and Lynx Mixer application are now ready to use.
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Installation Procedures
2.2.3 Uninstalling the AES16 Windows Version 2 Driver Package
1. From the start menu, click on “Control Panel.” (NOTE: In Windows 2000 click on Settings>
Control Panel.)
2. Click “System” to launch System Properties:
3. Choose “Device Manager” from the “Hardware” tab:
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Installation Procedures
4. Expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” section of device manager be clicking its + sign:
5. Right click on “Lynx AES16” and choose “Uninstall”
6. Confirm device removal by clicking “OK”. (Note: In Windows 2000, click “Yes” when prompted
to restart your computer.)
7. Reboot the computer
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Installation Procedures
2.2.4 Updating an existing WDM driver:
Navigate your web browser to: http://www.lynxstudio.com/download.html. Scroll to the WDM driver
section and click on the appropriate file to download.
1. Double-click the downloaded file to decompress, and accept the default destination folder of
C:\Lynx.
2. Click “Yes to All” when prompted to confirm the files to be replaced.
3. From the start menu, click on “Control Panel.” (NOTE: In Windows 2000 click on “Settings >
Control Panel.”)
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Installation Procedures
4. Click “System” to launch System Properties.
5. Choose “Device Manager” from the “Hardware” tab.
6. Expand the “Sound, video and game controllers” section of device manager be clicking its + sign.
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Installation Procedures
7. Double click the “LynxAES16” entry to launch the LynxAES16 Properties dialog box. Click the
“Driver” tab, then click “Update Driver…”.
8. When the Hardware Update Wizard box appears, choose “Install from a list or specific location
(Advanced)” and click “Next>.” (NOTE: In Windows 2000 click “Next>” on the Hardware
Upgrade Wizard welcome screen.)
9. From the next window, select "Don’t search, I will choose the driver to install”. Click "Next >" to
proceed. (NOTE: (In Windows 2000, choose “Display a list of the known drivers for this
device…” and click “Next>).
10. When prompted to select a device driver, click “Have Disk”.
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Installation Procedures
11. Next, you’ll be asked to insert the manufacturer’s installation disk into the drive selected (the
default is A:\) – type “C:\Lynx” in the text box, and click “OK”.
12. You will be prompted to select the device driver you are installing. “Lynx AES16” will be your
only choice. Select it and click “Next>”. (NOTE: In Windows 2000, choose AES16 from the list,
then click “Next>”. Click “Next>” on the subsequent confirmation window as well).
13. You may receive a warning that the driver has not been digitally signed by Microsoft. It is
perfectly safe to disregard this warning and click “Continue Anyway” to proceed with the
installation. (NOTE: In Windows 2000 click “Yes” to continue installation.)
14. The driver installation will continue. After several moments, the Hardware Update Wizard will
indicate that it has completed the installation. Click “Finish”. (NOTE: In Windows 2000 you will
be prompted to restart the computer. There is one remaining step, so choose “No.”)
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Installation Procedures
15. Next, we need to update the Lynx Mixer. From the Start Menu, choose “My Computer.” (NOTE:
In Windows 2000 click the “My Computer” icon on the desktop.)
16. Double-click on the C: Hard Drive and look for the “Lynx” Folder. Double Click the folder to
open it.
17. Right Click on the LynxApps file and click “Install”
18. The new Lynx Version 2 Driver Package is now ready to use.
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Installation Procedures
2.3 Macintosh OS X
2.3.1 OS X Installation Files
The Lynx Installation CD contains all firmware and driver files mentioned in the subsequent installation
steps, as well as the AES16 mixer, manual, driver release notes and test files. If you do not have a
CDROM drive or need a more recent version, these files are available on our website at
http://www.lynxstudio.com.
2.3.2 Firmware Update
For Macintosh compatibility, the firmware stored in the on-board flash memory must be updated prior to
use. This is required because the AES16 ships from the factory with Windows firmware installed. To
update the firmware:
1. Locate the file L2Update_OSX.sit on the Lynx Installation CD and drag the file onto the computer
desktop, or download the latest OS X firmware file from
http://www.lynxstudio.com/download.html to the computer desktop.
2. Double-click on the L2Update_OSX.sit file to launch the Stuffit Expander. If a simple double-
click does not launch the Stuffit Expander, you may need to launch Stuffit Expander manually,
and then open the L2Update_OSX.sit file using the Open command in the File menu. Drag the
L2Update.app file to the desktop, which will decompress the firmware updater, and then close
Stuffit Expander. An L2Update program icon should now be on your desktop.
3. Make sure that no applications are open before running the firmware updater.
4. Run L2Update by double clicking on the L2Update program icon.
5. Enter your password in the Authenticate dialog box and click OK.
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Installation Procedures
6. In a few moments, the “Lynx Two Firmware Update” dialog box should appear. Confirm that the
correct Lynx Card model appears under “Model” (please note: pictured below is the SRC version),
and also confirm that the Firmware Version and New Firmware Versions are NOT the same.
While the number “14” is seen on both the Firmware Version and New Firmware Version, the
“W”:is for Windows and the “M” is for Macintosh.
7. Select “Update” and click OK when prompted to confirm the Update.
 While the firmware updater is programming the on-board flash memory, it is
crucial that you do not power off the computer or interrupt the process in any way.
8. When the update is complete, you will be prompted to power off the computer.
9. After shutting down, wait for at least 10 seconds, then power the computer back on.
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Installation Procedures
2.3.3 Install the AES16 Device Driver and Mixer
1. Locate the file LynxTWO_OSX.sit on the AES16 Installation CD and drag the file onto the
computer desktop, or download the latest OS X driver file from
http://www.lynxstudio.com/download.html to the computer desktop.
2. Double-click on the LynxTWO_OSX.sit file to launch the Stuffit Expander. If a simple double-
click does not launch the Stuffit Expander, you may need to launch Stuffit Expander manually,
and then open the LynxTWO_OSX.sit file using the Open command in the File menu.
3. Drag the LynxTWO_OSX.pkg file to the desktop, which will decompress the driver file, and then
close Stuffit Expander. A LynxTWO_OSX.pkg icon should now be on your desktop.
4. Double-click on the LynxTWO_OSX.pkg file. This will start the driver installation.
5. Click “Continue” at the “Install LynxTWO/L22/AES16 Audio Driver” dialog box.
6. When prompted to select a destination for the audio driver, click on “Macintosh HD” and then
click “Continue”.
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Installation Procedures
7. Click “Install” on the next dialog box that appears.
8. Enter your password in the Authenticate dialog box and click OK.
9. Click “Continue Installation” in the next dialog box that appears.
10. When the install is complete, you will be prompted to restart the computer.
NOTE: The OS X installation process installs both the Core Audio driver and the Lynx Mixer application.
The Lynx Mixer application is installed in the “Applications” folder.
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