SPHYNX2 - 8 channel PCM, DSD, and DXD audio converter

 

 

Jointly developed with Danish Digital Audio Denmark (DAD) and Merging Technologies, the Sphynx-2 is an 8 channel integrated AD-DA interface offering the latest in Crystal chip technology to produce what we describe as the most advanced and sonically pure converter ever developed.

The sample rate capability of this unit allows for 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192 kHz, DSD 1-bit 64FS, DSD 1-bit 128fs and even supports the new DXD (Digital eXtreme Definition) 352.8kHz 8fs format for SACD production. Sphynx-2 can also be soft controlled from within the Pyramix screen via a simple RS422 link using DAD’s DADman PC remote control software.
The clever modular design of the Sphynx-2 offers 8 channels of A to D with the option of inserting an 8 channel D to A card resulting in the most cost-effective means of achieving 8 channels of AD-DA in 1-bit DSD. A range of audio interfaces for external equipment is available including MADI, SDIF, AES-EBU, and TDIF. Pyramix DSD users will likely opt for the MADI interface offering 8 channels of DSD/DXD in a single MADI link and allowing two units to be synchronised using a second MADI link for the Pyramix 16 channel DSD system.

What magazines have to say:

  • "...But even on first hearing it was obvious that it is a very special device."
     
  • "In comparison at conventional sampling rates there is a natural, relaxed quality
    to the Sphynx 2 sound, reminiscent of the most satisfying analogue systems I have ever heard.
    The same comments are equally applicable for DSD and DXD conversion."
     
  • "On the PCM performance alone Sphynx 2 jumps straight into the 'must audition' list for any one in the market for an 8-channel convertor solution."

    Rob James, Resolution, July/August 2005

 

 FACE/REAR PLATE

 

 

 Product highlights: 8-channel PCM, DSD and DXD audio converter

 

  • PCM sample-rates: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz

  • DSD sample-rates: 2.8224 and 5.6448 Mhz (64 and 128 fs)

  • DXD sample-rate: 352.8 kHz

  • Line input level adjustable from +12 dBu to +30 dBu

  • 7 slots for expansion cards

  • Over MADI, multiple Sphynx2 can be daisy chained. (Up to the equivalent of 64 channels at 1FS) See also diagram below.

  • Digital PCM interfaces compatible with MADI, AES/EBU, S/PDIF, TDIF, ADAT and ProTools

  • Digital DSD interfaces compatible with MADI and SDIF-3

  • Remote controlled via RS 422 or USB
     

 

 
     

The most advanced and sonically transparent audio converter yet developed.
The Sphynx2 is based on the Digital Audio Denmarks high quality multi bit converter and modulator design, using a 5 bit delta sigma modulator. Sphynx2 offers A/D and D/A conversion in PCM up-tp 192 kHz, DSD at 64fs or 128fs and DXD at a sample-rate of 352.8 kHz. Sphynx2 covers applications for music recording as well as mastering and monitoring in DSD.

The Sphynx2 is ideal in a machine room environment, due to the powerfull remote control via RS-422.
7 interface slots are available for additional D/A converters and digital interfaces.

DAD-I/O modules

Modular Interface structure.
The DAD-I/O modules for the ADDA2408 converter family are all available for the Sphynx2 for interfacing standard PCM formats up-to 96 kHz. Additionally a SDIF-3 and a MADI module is available for the Sphynx2

SDIF-3The SDIF-3 interface, is able to interface to all SDIF-3 based DSD equipment using 25 pin D-sub to 8 BNC break out cables. The SDIF-3 interface supports both 64fs and 128fs.

 

  

MADIThe MADI interface, is an extremely powerful interface which inputs and outputs all PCM sample rates up-to 192 kHz as well as DSD and DXD(352.6 kHz). The interface can be configured to operate in a daisy chain for connecting more converters to the same MADI link. The MADI interface and the converter can be set to access any MADI channels in any confuration in blocks of 8 consecutive channels. All "unused" channels are passed untouched trough the interface. See "SPhynx2 diasy chained over MADI" chapter below for example.

for more details on the I/O modules, please visit http://www.digitalaudio.dk/dadio.htm

External synchronisation to AES 11, Word Clock, Super clock or video (PAL, NTSC, SECAM) . The built-in PLL circuit is able to correct for minor variations in the external sync clock signal, giving a very stable adaptation to the external synchronisation signal.

Sync alarm. If a digital output is chosen with the DA source button, and the digital input for some reason is out of synchronisation, the red Sync alarm LED will blink. This function is available to secure that the whole recording system is synchronised. The function can be turned off in the system menu.

Security locks. The power standby circuit can only be turned off by pressing the power button on the front for 3 seconds.

 

 DOCUMENTATION

 
You can download (Right click > Save As) a PDF document on the Sphynx2 here.
 

 TECHNICAL SPECS

 
 
A/D Conversion:
PCM / DXD resolution 24 bit
PCM sample rates 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
DSD sample rates 2.8224 & 5.6448 MHz (64fs & 128fs)
DXD sample rates 352.8 kHz
Dynamic range (A), PCM > 121 dB
Dynamic range (A), DSD & DXD > 118 dB
THD+N (A) < -115 dBFS
Cross talk < -120 dB
Max. input level +12 to 30 dBu, adjustable
Input Impedance > 10 k
Connectors XLR (pin 2 hot)
Processing delay < 1.0 ms
D/A Conversion (optional):
PCM / DXD resolution 24 bit
PCM sample rates 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
DSD sample rates 2.8224 & 5.6448 MHz (64fs & 128fs)
DXD sample rates 352.8 kHz
Dynamic range (A) > 117 dB
THD+N (A) < -105 dBr
Cross talk < -120 dB
Output Impedance < 40
Max. output level +12 to +27 dBu, adjustable
Connectors XLR (pin 2 hot)
Processing delay < 1.0 ms
Frequency Response A/D and D/A.
Fs: 44.1 kHz ±0.1dB, 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Fs: 48 kHz ±0.1dB, 20 Hz - 21.5 kHz
Fs: 88.2 kHz ±0.1dB, 20 Hz - 39 kHz
Fs: 96 kHz ±0.1dB, 20Hz - 40 kHz
Fs: 176.4 kHz ±0.1dB, 20Hz - 40kHz
Fs: 192 kHz ±0.1dB, 20Hz - 40 kHz
Fs: DSD 64fs ±0.1dB, 20Hz - 28 kHz
Fs: DSD 128fs ±0.1dB, 20Hz - 35 kHz
Fs: DXD ±0.1dB, 20Hz - 40 kHz
Digital Audio Inputs and Outputs:
Expansion modules 7 slots for DADI/O modules
Synchronization:
AES11 XLR: 44.1 to 96 kHz
Word clock sync in/out BNC: 44.1 to 48 kHz
Super clock sync out BNC: 11.2896 to 12.288 Mhz
Video sync in BNC: PAL, SECAM, NTSC
General:
Control interface RS-422 (up to 100 m)
EMC complies with EN 50082 and EN 50022
Operating Temperature +5 to +45° C
Dimensions (w,h,d) 19", 2U, 275 mm
Weight 5.8 kg
Mains voltage 95 - 240 VAC
Power Consumption max 45 Watts

Due to our policy of continous improvement of our products, Digital Audio Denmark reserves the right to make feature and specifications changes without notice.

  

 Sphynx2 Daisy Chained over MADI

 
 

Example of 4x Sphynx2 @ 4FS, daisy chained to/from 2x MADI DC & 2x Mykerinos card