The LynxONE is a 4 in / 4 out 24-bit digital audio/MIDI PCI card that combines the latest generation of analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters, high-density Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGA), and other support circuitry to offer exceptional performance and integration at a good value. Because of this, the card offers 103dB of "real-world" dynamic range when installed in a typical computer.
Based on the premise that fewer potential noise sources are better, the analog signal chain is relatively simple. It consists of a minimal number of surface-mount, low-noise active components and precision resistors. Differential amplifiers on the analog inputs and cross-coupled electronically balanced line drivers on the outputs provide high rejection of common mode RF and power line noise that is picked up on connected cables, which is especially important in computer-based studios. The LynxONE supports both balanced and unbalanced connections. Selection of either +4dBu or -10dBV nominal levels is accomplished through software control of gold-contact relays.
Supporting both AES/EBU and S/PDIF formats with sample rates of up to 96kHz, the LynxONE employs two phase-locked loop stages on its digital input to clean up incoming signals and offer excellent jitter rejection. Word clock synchronization is available via BNC connectors and if more analog or digital I/O channels are required, up to four additional cards can be connected to provide a phase-locked multi-track system.
The LynxONE allows the selection of either the analog or digital inputs as the monitor source. This signal can be mixed with playback audio on either the analog or digital outputs or both simultaneously. In addition to providing flexible monitoring, this capability allows "stand-alone" A/D or D/A conversion. Because mixing is performed in hardware, recording input-to-output delay is extremely low. Two MIDI ports are independent and support up to 32 MIDI channels, with each having both input and output. Deep 64-byte receive and transmit buffers prevent lost data. Drivers are available for Windows 95/98/ME, Windows NT on Intel/AMD and DEC Alpha platforms, Windows 2000, and Macintosh.