We're often asked the about the sound differences between the Lynx Aurora and the Apogee converters, and invariably which one sounds "better". We ran some tests when the Aurora converters first started to ship which you can read about below, however as with all our tests and comparisons, your mileage may vary. Aside from whatever sound differences exist between the Lynx and Apogee converters, there are also feature differences that you should take into account as well when making a purchase decision. For instance, do you need an ADAT? Are you also connecting to a Digidesign system? Or would you like a Firewire connection? Often a quick phone call or email to us can help point you in the right direction, leaving you to decide what sounds best.
We took 8 tracks from a session and set them up as 3 groups on the RADAR [I know the Aurora can do 16 I/O... for this text it was doing 8]. We then printed 24 tracks of 1 kHz tone onto the RADAR and calibrated 24 returns with no panning to -5 on the VU meters for all channels. All three master two busses were also calibrated to the exact same level... all levels were checked three times to make sure no one had even .1db of an advantage in terms of level. A Crane Song Avocet was used as our source switcher with the three converter sets running to the three analog inputs on the Avocet.
On first listen, the Apogee Rosetta 800 had a clearer, larger bottom... almost like it went down an extra octave or 1/2 octave from the Lynx. The Lynx was sweeter and better defined in the upper midrange and on the very top.
Next, for shits and grins we panned the overheads left and right on all three sets, muted the other channels and gave it a listen [remember, both the Lynx and the Apogee are doing the A/D-D/A process from an already recorded digital source so they're both equally handicapped]. The Lynx had a slightly better, slightly more open stereo image, however it was overall pretty close, and again, the Apogee had a better bottom in our opinion.
The other test we did get to this week was to hook them both up to an Apogee Big Ben and give them a go. All I can say is "H-O-L-Y S-H-I-T !!!!!" Both boxes came pretty damn close to giving the RADAR [still on internal clock] a serious run for the money.
The bottom on the Apogee became clearer and tightened up (just like you read about in Apogee's marketing) and the Aurora's bottom became more focused with better detail. The high end imaging of the Rosetta took a quantum leap forward and the Aurora's stereo imaging spread out an extra few inches.
We were remarkably impressed with the differences... they're both really good units, but with the Big Ben, they're really amazing. -- Fletcher
FEATURES
Aurora 16 is a 16 channel 24-bit/192 kHz analog-to-digital/digital-to-analog converters in a single-space rack-mount case. Representing Lynx Studio Technology’s first rack-mount product, Aurora was developed using the next generation of Lynx acclaimed conversion technology and rock-solid digital interface circuitry. Both units are identical in features and specifications except for the number of I/O channels.
Aurora provides professional I/O interfaces for ease of installation in most studios and live sound applications. The analog I/O is electronically balanced and supports both +4dBU and –10dBV nominal levels. The AES digital I/O is transformer coupled and is capable of driving 500 feet of cable at 192kHz. Both dual and single-wire AES channel modes are supported.
Aurora’s ergonomically designed front panel provides easy access to important controls and signal status. Unique to this product class, Aurora also offers extensive remote control capability. All front panel features as well as other low-level options can be controlled from the Lynx AES16 digital interface card on Windows and Macintosh platforms; a Pocket PC or laptop via infrared; MIDI; or an LSlot interface card. Multiple remote set-up configurations can be stored and recalled.
The on-board 32-channel digital mixer provides extensive routing and mixing options. Acting as a powerful patch bay style digital router, Aurora can easily route signals between analog and digital inputs on a channel-by-channel basis. Mixing capability on each output also provides flexible zero latency monitoring.
The LSlot expansion port accepts cards that provide compatibility with current and emerging digital interface standards, including the LT-HD to connect the Aurora to a Digidesign HD, and LT-ADAT.
Lynx’s proprietary SynchroLock™ jitter reduction technology, from the AES16, is also included. This exclusive feature provides extreme jitter reduction of up to 3000:1, allowing Aurora to output an extremely clean clock output for driving the digital audio system.
The Lynx Aurora 16™ features 192 kHz analog to digital and digital to analog conversion with front panel control of all routing and sample rate options. Extended functions in Aurora are accessible via computer with the Lynx AES16 or by infrared using compatible laptops and handheld Pocket PCs. The rear panel has Clock and MIDI In and Out connectors and an LSlot bay, for the optional use of ADAT, Firewire and other audio interfaces.
CABLES - If you need cables for your Aurora 16, check out these:
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