Lynx AES16e-50 User manual

Contents
1Introduction/Features .........................................................................................................3
1.1 System requirements..........................................................................................................3
1.1.1 Compatible Equipment.....................................................................................................3
1.1.2 Windows.........................................................................................................................3
1.1.3 Macintosh .......................................................................................................................3
2Installation Procedures.......................................................................................................4
2.1 RJ-45 Bracket....................................................................................................................4
Windows Driver Installation (Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7) ............................................4
2.1.1 Installation Files..............................................................................................................4
2.1.2 Installing the Windows Driver Package in Windows XP/Vista/Win7..................................4
2.1.3 Uninstalling the Windows Driver Package in Windows .....................................................6
2.1.4 Updating an existing driver in Windows ...........................................................................6
2.2 Macintosh OS X ................................................................................................................7
2.2.1 OS X Installation Files.....................................................................................................7
2.2.2 Installing the AES16e-50 Device Driver and Mixer Application.........................................7
2.2.3 Uninstalling the AES16e-50 Device Driver and Mixer.......................................................9
2.2.4 Updating the AES16e-50 Device Driver and Mixer...........................................................9
3Hardware Connections .................................................................................................... 10
3.1 Cables/Routers.................................................................................................................10
3.2 AES50 Cable Connections ...............................................................................................10
3.3 Computer to Computer connections..................................................................................10
3.4 Verifying connections......................................................................................................10
4Routing in the Lynx Mixer .............................................................................................. 12
4.1 Input Routing ..................................................................................................................12
4.2 Output Routing................................................................................................................14
4.3 Input Monitoring..............................................................................................................14
5Clocking......................................................................................................................... 17
5.1 AES50 ............................................................................................................................17
5.2 Other Clock Choices........................................................................................................17

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 3
1Introduction/Features
The Lynx AES16e-50™PCI-Express audio interface is the first widely available computer audio product to
support the emerging AES50 standard (also referred to as SuperMac™). This product represents the union
of Lynx Technology’s industry respected digital interface experience, and the high-channel count, low-
jitter performance of AES50.
AES50 is capable of carrying up to 48-channels of audio from point to destination over a single Cat5 or Cat
6 data cable. With this single-cable solution and support for cable runs up to 100 meters, this is an ideal
format for live sound venues, permanent installations, or any high channel-count recording studios.
Currently, recording devices and mixing boards that support AES50 are being manufactured by Midas®and
Klark Teknik®, with more manufacturers certain to release compatible products in the near future.
The AES16e-50 includes all of the features of the popular Lynx AES16e-SRC audio interface, in addition
to AES50 support. AES/EBU I/O can be combined with AES50 I/O, providing for a versatile audio
solution.
Since the AES16e-50 is a variant of the AES16e card, this addendum will only address considerations
specific to AES50 operation. For correct operation, it is important to also refer to the AES16emanual
which is included in the Lynx Installation CD, as well as online at www.lynxstudio.com.
1.1 System requirements
The AES16e-50 has the same computer system requirements as the AES16e (see page 6 of the AES16e
manual). The requirements here are specific to the AES16e-50.
1.1.1 Compatible Equipment
The AES16e-50 will interface with any audio device that supports the AES50 standard.
1.1.2 Windows
Windows compatible computer with PCI
Express support
256 MB RAM
One empty PCI Express slot (1X – 16X)
Video display with 1024 x 768 minimum
resolution
Windows XP, Vista 32 or 64-bit, Windows 7 32
or 64-bit, Windows Server 2003
Version 2 Driver, Build 17 or above
Firmware Revision 10 or above
NOTE: The AES16e-50 is not supported under
Windows 2000, 95, 98 or ME.
1.1.3 Macintosh
Apple Mac Pro (not compatible with PPC-based
Macs)
256 MB RAM
One empty PCI Express slot (1X – 16X)
Video display with 1024 x 768 minimum
resolution
Macintosh OS X (10.6 or higher)
Lynx OSX driver Build 49 or above
Firmware Revision 10 or above

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 4
2Installation Procedures
The procedure for installing the AES16e-50 only differs from the AES16einstallation in that there is an
RJ45 bracket to install, and it requires somewhat more recent drivers.
2.1 RJ-45 Bracket
The RJ-45 bracket that is included with the AES16e-50 card is required to provide an external connection
for AES50 devices. The bracket requires a slot window in the computer, but does NOT require a free PCI
or PCIe slot. If your computer has a slot window that is not associated with a PCI/PCIe slot than that would
be an ideal choice.
1. Simply install the RJ45 bracket with a standard mounting screw into the selected slot window
adjacent to the slot occupied by the AES16e-50 card.
2. Use the included CAT5e 14” cable to connect the RJ45 port on the rear of the AES16e-50 to the
port on the inside of the RJ45 bracket.
Windows Driver Installation (Windows XP, Windows Vista, Windows 7)
The Windows driver installers that are compatible with the AES16e-50 utilize a simplified installation
procedure than what is described in the AES16emanual. For best results, follow these steps.
2.1.1 Installation Files
Although there are driver files located on the Lynx Installation CD that came with your AES16e-50, we
recommend downloading the latest drivers from the Lynx website to insure that you are using the most
current drivers available.
To download drivers from our website, point your Internet browser to www.lynxstudio.com. After the
home page loads, click Support > Downloads. Select “Windows” as the Operating System, and the
“AES16e” as the Product, then click “Search”.
Download the current drivers to your computer’s download directory or any convenient location.
2.1.2 Installing the Windows Driver Package in Windows XP/Vista/Win7
1. Double-click the driver installer that was downloaded from the website and click “Run” when
prompted.

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 5
2. The Lynx End User License Agreement will appear onscreen. After reading it, click “Accept” in
order to proceed with the installation.
3. From the next window, accept C:\Lynx as the Destination Folder for the driver files by clicking
“Install”.
4. In Windows Vista or Windows 7 you may be prompted to allow the Lynx Driver Installer to make
changes to your computer. If so, click “Yes” to proceed.
5. When the Lynx Driver Installer screen appears, read the associated text, then click “Install”

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 6
6. The driver installation may take several minutes. The final dialog box will indicate that the driver
installation is complete. Click “close”, and the driver and Mixer application will be ready to use.
2.1.3 Uninstalling the Windows Driver Package in Windows
From the start menu, click All Programs > Lynx Studio Technology > “Uninstall Lynx Driver”. Follow the
prompts and reboot when prompted.
2.1.4 Updating an existing driver in Windows
Simply follow the same instructions for the driver installation. The installer will remove the old driver
automatically during the installation process.

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 7
2.2 Macintosh OS X
There are a few differences between the installation instructions we recommend for the AES16e-50 and the
instructions in the AES16emanual. Please follow these steps for the best results.
2.2.1 OS X Installation Files
Although there are driver files located on the Lynx Installation CD that came with your AES16e-50, we
recommend downloading the latest drivers from the Lynx website to insure that you are using the most
current drivers available.
To download drivers from the Lynx website, point your Internet browser to www.lynxstudio.com. After the
home page loads, click Support > Downloads. Select “OS X” as the Operating System, and the “AES16e”
as the Product, then click “Search”.
Download the current drivers to your computer’s download directory or any convenient location.
2.2.2 Installing the AES16e-50 Device Driver and Mixer Application.
1. Double-click “Lynx_OSX.pkg”. This will start the driver installation.
2. Click “Continue” at the “Install LynxTWO/L22/AES16 Audio Driver” dialog box.
3. When prompted to select a destination for the audio driver, click on “Macintosh HD” and then
click “Continue”.

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 8
4. Click “Install” on the next dialog box that appears.
5. Enter your password in the Authenticate dialog box and click OK.
6. Click “Continue Installation” in the next dialog box that appears.
7. 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.

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 9
2.2.3 Uninstalling the AES16e-50 Device Driver and Mixer
To uninstall the driver, you will have to use the Lynx Uninstaller application. This is available for
download off of the Lynx website. Point your Internet browser to www.lynxstudio.com. After the home
page loads, click Support > Downloads. Select “OS X” as the Operating System, and the “AES16e” as the
Product, then click “Search”. Select the Lynx Uninstaller. After downloading, simply run the application
and follow the prompts.
2.2.4 Updating the AES16e-50 Device Driver and Mixer
To update the AES16e-50 driver with a newer version, simply follow the instructions for uninstalling the
driver and then install the newer version per the installation instructions. You may need to reconfigure the
Lynx Mixer and your recording application(s) after updating the driver.

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 10
3Hardware Connections
The AES16e-50 has been designed for simplicity of set up. In most cases, integrating the AES16e-50 with
your equipment will require only a few minutes time.
3.1 Cables/Routers
The AES16e-50 adheres completely to the AES50 specification, including compatible cable types and
lengths.
Cat 5e or Cat 6 networking cables can both be used with AES50, but Cat 6 is recommended whenever
possible, especially for longer cable runs. Maximum supported cable length for Cat 5e or for Cat 6 is 100
meters
AES50 is not compatible with existing networking protocols. This means that off-the-shelf Ethernet
routers cannot be used with AES50 signals.
3.2 AES50 Cable Connections
Each AES50 port is bi-directional, with input and output streams both carried by the same connection. To
connect an AES16e-50 to other AES50 gear, simply connect a Cat 5e/Cat 6 cable from the RJ45 port on the
AES16e-50 to the AES50 port on the other gear.
Refer to section 5: Clocking; for information about correctly clocking AES50 devices to each other.
3.3 Computer to Computer connections
One intriguing use of an AES16e-50 is to send up to 32-channels of audio at a time between two
computers. This can be an ideal solution for a composer needing to transfer stems from a virtual instrument
computer into a recording computer, or for sending a confidence mix to a second machine while doing live
event recording.
This is just a matter of installing an AES16e-50 into each computer, and connecting them via Cat 5e or Cat
6 cable. Clock relationships must be established, please refer to section 5: Clocking; for more information.
3.4 Verifying connections
After connecting the AES16e-50 to a signal source, it is important to verify that a valid AES50 signal is
detected by the driver. There are two means to achieve this:
1. Open the Lynx Mixer.
•On a Windows computer, the Lynx Mixer is launched from Start > All Programs > Lynx
Studio Technology > Lynx Mixer.
•On an OS X computer, the Lynx Mixer is launched from Applications > Lynx Mixer.
2. Open the Adapter page, and check the section in the lower left labeled “Preferred Clock Source”.
The lowest available clock source to select here is “AES50”. Next to this AES50 selection is a
rectangular box. If the box contains a valid Sample Rate (i.e. 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz. 96kHz,
176.4kHz or 192 kHz) and the sample rate text has a GREEN background, then the AES50
connection is valid.

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 11
If the Sample Rate listed has a RED background, or the box displays “Not Present”, then there is a
problem with the AES50 connection. Double-check cable connections and device settings.
3. You can also check for a valid AES50 connection by looking at the AES16e-50 card installed into
the computer. When a valid AES50 signal is detected, an GREEN LED on the RJ45 connector
located on the card’s back edge will pulsate. If the ORANGE LED is illuminated, then there is a
problem with the AES50 connection. Double-check cable connections and device settings.

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 12
4Routing in the Lynx Mixer
It is important to note that the AES16e-50 supports 16-channels of AES/EBU I/O as well as up to 32-
channels of AES50 I/O, but there is a hardware limitation of 32-independent input sources at a time. Also,
consider that the number of available AES50 channels scales with sample rate: 32 at 44.1/48kHz, 24 at
88.2/96kHz, and 12 at 176.4/192kHz.
With these variations to channel count, it is quite important to have a clear grasp on how to correctly route
signals using the Lynx Mixer application. Also, in the Lynx Mixer’s default state, AES50 input signals will
not be available to record until proper routing is established.
On a Windows computer, the Lynx Mixer is launched from Start > All Programs > Lynx Studio
Technology > Lynx Mixer. On an OS X computer, the Lynx Mixer is launched from Applications > Lynx
Mixer.
4.1 Input Routing
The AES16e-50 is capable of recording 32 unique input sources at a time. These sources are presented to
recording software as 16 stereo record devices.
Input sources are assigned to record devices in the Record/Play page of the Lynx Mixer. Input source
selection buttons appear directly above input meters. By default, the first 16-channels are pre-assigned to
the 16 on-board AES/EBU inputs, and channels 17-32 are pre-assigned to LStream – the Lynx expansion
device protocol, used by the LS-ADAT and LS-AES cards.
The input source selection buttons allow the user to select between Digital 1-8 Left/Right (AES/EBU),
LStream 1-16 and AES50 1-48. Any combination of AES/EBU, LStream and AES50 devices can be
selected for the 32 input sources.
If you wish to set the card up for AES50 recording, it would generally be simplest to assign all of the input
sources to AES50 1-32 in order. This way, when selecting input sources from your recording software,
Lynx AES16e Record 5+6 would receive signals from AES50 inputs 5+6, Lynx AES16e Record 13+14
would received signals from AES50 inputs 13+14, etc. The quickest way to switch input sources over to
AES50 is to click the first available source, and hold down the CTRL key on the keyboard while selecting
AES50 In 1. This will switch all 32 inputs to AES50 1-32 in order.

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 13
If one follows this scheme, then the Record/Play Mixer would look like this:
AES50, as a standard, scales the number of active devices that each connection is capable of based on
sample rate. Each connection supports up to 48 channels of I/O at 1X sample rates (44.1kHz/48kHz), up to
24 channels at 2X sample rates (88.2kHz/96kHz), and 12 channels at 4X sample rates (176.4kHz/192kHz).
Keep in mind, however, that the AES16e-50 supports a maximum of 32-channels of I/O at one time, even
at 1X sample rates.
This means that, when operating at 2X or 4X sample rates, 24 or 12 channels respectively will be available
for use, even though one can technically still select up to 32 AES50 input devices. At 88.2kHz/96kHz,
AES50 channels 25-32 will have no signal, and at 176.4kHz/192kHz AES50 channels 13-32 will have no
signal.
As stated earlier, it is possible to mix AES-EBU, LStream and AES50 devices at any one time. This is
achieved by selecting the appropriate input types from the Record/Play page. In the example below, Record
Devices 1-16 use AES50 channels 1-16, and Record Device 17-32 use AES/EBU channels 1-16. Again,
when changing a number of sources in sequential order, hold the CTRL key while selecting an input source
and all subsequent sources will change in order. For Instance, in this example, hold down CTRL while
changing input source 1 to AES50 In 1, and then hold CTRL while selecting Input 17 to Digital In 1.

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 14
4.2 Output Routing
Output routing is handled quite differently than Input routing. Signals sent to the AES16e-50 outputs will
be mirrored to both AES50 AND AES-EBU/LStream Outputs. LStream is the protocol for Lynx I/O
expansion products, the LS-ADAT and LS-AES.
Lynx Output devices are referred to as “Play” devices, which is how they would typically appear in an
audio software application, i.e. Play 1+2, Play 9+10, etc. The first 16 Play devices are sent to AES/EBU
Outs 1-16 AND AES50 Outs 1-16. Play devices 17-32 are sent to LStream Outs 1-16 AND AES50 Outs
17-32.
In cases where AES50 outputs are used exclusively, this arrangement will be very simple in principle. Play
devices 1-32 will route to AES50 outputs 1-32. If one uses AES/EBU outputs exclusively, Play 1-16 should
be selected. If one uses LStream outputs exclusively, then Play 17-32 should be selected.
In cases where output types are mixed, for instance 16 AES50 outputs, 8 AES outputs and 8 LStream
outputs, one must take care to route signals appropriately to avoid signals being duplicated to parallel
outputs. For instance, signals sent to Play 3+4 will go to AES Out 3+4, as well as AES50 Out 3+4. If one
only wants to hear signals from the AES 50 stream, take care to not connect monitoring equipment to AES
Out 3+4.
Levels for output channels can be managed from the Lynx Mixer Outputs Page.
4.3 Input Monitoring
The AES16e-50 is capable of hardware-based, zero latency input monitoring. The Lynx Mixer Outputs
page is where input sources can be assigned to outputs. Up to 32 play and record sources can be assigned to
every output.
The Lynx Mixer Outputs page displays all outputs on the bottom of the screen, labeled as Digital Out 1 –
16, Left and Right. The reason for this orientation is because AES/EBU carries two-channels of audio on
each cable connection. When using AES50 or LStream output devices, one must do a bit of translation. For
instance, Digital Out 5 Left will also send signal to AES50 Out 9. Digital Out 13 Right will also send signal
to AES50 Out 26, etc.
On the left side of the screen all of the inputs are displayed (Record 1-32, in stereo pairs), as well as the 16
stereo play devices that represent playback streams from software.
By default play devices are pre-assigned to corresponding outputs. For instance Play 01+02 is assigned to
Digital Out 1 L/R, Play 05+06 is assigned to Digital Out 3 L/R, etc.
There are no input sources pre-assigned to outputs in the Mixer’s default state.

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 15
In order to assign an input source to an output for monitoring, follow these steps:
1. In the column of sources above the output that you will be monitoring from, click the 4-segment,
rectangular box that corresponds to the input source that you would like to monitor through that
output. For instance, in the example below, Record 3+4 is selected as the source for Digital Out 1.
2. When a monitor source has been selected it turns yellow and in the bottom left corner of the screen
a pair of faders appear. These faders control the level and pan settings for the signal source
selected.
3. By default Record sources are muted. To un-mute the source, click the Mute buttons at the bottom
of the fader pair.
4. In this state, AES50 in 3 is monitored through Digital Out 1 Left, and AES50 In 4 is monitored
through Digital Out 1 Right. If your input sources are mono, and you with to adjust their pan
positions in the stereo field for Digital Out Left and Right, you can do so with the panner slider

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 16
directly above the volume faders. Note: the signal level feeding each output will be reflected in the
source selection rectangle.
5. You can also adjust the level of the source feeding the output with the volume faders. The
resulting level change will also be reflected in the source selection rectangle.
Since multiple input and play sources can be assigned to any given output, it is quite important to manage
the levels of each source to avoid overloading the output.
To cease monitoring an input source, simply click the applicable source selection rectangle, and mute the
source with the associated fader group.

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 17
5Clocking
In any system with more than one digital device, there can be only one master clock providing
synchronization. Whether you designate the AES16eas the clock master (slaving all other devices to it) or
slave the AES16eto another clock master, it is important that only a single device act as clock master, to
prevent the occurrence of audible digital errors.
AES16eclocking options are discussed at length in Section 5.2 of the AES16emanual. However, the
AES16e-50 does have one unique clocking option not available on a standard AES16e.
5.1 AES50
The AES50 specification defines a separate “lane” for clock signals independent of audio signals. The
AES16e-50 is capable of slaving to this incoming clock signal.
To select AES50 as the clock source, open the “Adapter” page of the Lynx Mixer.
Under preferred clock source, there is an option for AES50.
If a valid AES50 connection has been made to a compatible device, next to the
AES50 selection there should be a sample rate present. Additionally, the sample rate
should have a green background (as pictured). If instead it has a Red background,
then the AES50 connection is not valid – double check cable and device settings
before proceeding. Make sure that the AES50 device that is connected to the
AES16e-50 is not slaving to AES50. A valid AES50 connection requires one
AES50 master and one AES50 slave.
If the Sample Rate is displayed with a green background then AES50 can be selected
as the preferred clock source. If no audio applications are open that are mounting the
Lynx Driver when you make this selection, then AES50 should appear at the top of
this page as the “Current Source”. When AES50 is selected as the Clock Source,
SynchroLock will appear as “disabled”. This is normal, as AES50 clocking is not
compatible with the AES16eSynchroLock circuitry.
This clocking method tends to be reliable and low jitter. It has the added advantage of using existing
cabling, particularly important when long cable runs are involved. We recommend this clocking method
when it is necessary for the AES16e-50 to be a clock slave.
5.2 Other Clock Choices
When passing signals between AES50 devices, the clock slave should be set to receive clock via AES50, as
AES50 is designed for device to device clock transmission. The Master device should either be set to
Internal, or set to slave to some other valid clock source.
Specifically, when an AES16e-50 is configured as an AES50 master, its SYNC SOURCE could be set to
“Internal”, or to any valid source except AES50. For instance, External (Word Clock), Digital In (AES In)
or Header are alternative choices. For thorough descriptions of these clock sources, please see section 2.6
of the AES16emanual.

AES16e-50 User Manual Addendum 18
Lynx Studio Technology, AES16e, AES16e-50, Aurora and the Aurora Logo are trademarks of Lynx
Studio Technology, Inc. All other product or company names are the trademarks or registered trademarks
of their respective owners.
AES16e-50™ User Manual Addendum
Copyright © 1998-2009, Lynx Studio Technology, Inc. All rights reserved.