Benchmark’s New ADC16 24-bit 192kHz A/D Converter Coming in January ‘11
Announced at AES earlier this month, Benchmark’s newest A/D converter, the ADC16, delivers 16 channels of Benchmark conversion in a package that is reportedly “full-featured, functionally flexible, intuitive, aesthetically alluring, and surprisingly affordable.”
Benchmark ADC16 A/D converter
Via an optional Firewire card-slot for a computer interface, the ADC16 can operate as the sole interface to native DAW’s, including Pro Tools 9, without the need for any other hardware. The ADC16 is also completely compatible with the digital I/O interfaces of the Avid/Digidesign interfaces and other interfaces with AES, coaxial, and/or optical inputs.
The ADC16 also features Benchmark’s latest clock technology, UltraLockDDS™, as well as 9-segment dual-range metering with peak-hold.
When used with the optional card, the ADC16 can operate as a bi-directional computer interface so that the user can assign tracks within the DAW to be sent to the digital outputs on the ADC16 (which include 8 balanced AES, 8 coaxial, and 8 optical). So, for example, eight independent stereo headphone mixes can be made in the DAW and sent from the ADC16’s digital outputs to eight DAC1’s for independent headphone monitoring.
The ADAT mode of the optical outputs also makes the ADC16 compatible with older Pro Tools LE interfaces, as well as other digital interfaces with ADAT and coaxial inputs.
The ADC16’s control panel allows the user to dictate the source (A/D or DAW) for each of the AES, coaxial, and optical digital outputs, which would be very useful when used in a studio with an analog console. The digital audio from the A/D chips can be sent directly to the digital outputs to a multichannel D/A to feed the console – completely bypassing the DAW. This reduces latency and DAW artifacts in real-time monitoring.
For more information on the ADC16 and a complete list of features, visit http://www.benchmarkmedia.com/adc/adc16.
Benchmark will ship the first units in January, 2010, for $3,995. The optional computer interface card will be $500.
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