The Lynx Aurora PRE 1608 TB3 AD/DA Converter Thunderbolt 3is preconfigured with 8 analog ins and 8 analog outs on two DB-25 connectors, plus two LM-PRE4 preamp modules which not only add the flexibility of eight channels of mic / line / Hi-Z inputs, but also bring an additional eight channels of A/D conversion. It is also equipped with a Lynx LT-TB3, two-port Thunderbolt 3 LSlot interface card that provides plenty of extra bandwidth for the demands of multiple channels of audio, even at the highest sample rates.

The Aurora⁽ⁿ⁾ PRE 1608 TB3 is a mastering-grade 16-in / 8-out AD/DA converter, which supports up to 24-bit / 192 kHz conversion. Design and technology borrowed from the development of Hilo converters is used to significantly improve specifications and transparency over previous models, while attaining stunning Hilo-like performance. Ideal for audio engineers and producers who demand the most pristine recordings and mixes, the PRE 1608 TB3 delivers coloration- and degradation-free signal for mission-critical audio applications in studios, mastering facilities, remote recordings, and broadcast and live performance facilities.

The unit features an onboard microSD player/recorder capable of up to 32 channels of direct recording and playback, ideal when working in the field. Two headphone outputs with independent volume control let you monitor your sound with audiophile-grade precision, while a bright TFT LCD display gives you immediate access to all levels and functions, right from the front panel.

16-In / 8-Out AD/DA, 24-Bit / 192 kHz    2 LM-PRE4 4-Channel Preamp Modules    Lynx LT-TB3 Thunderbolt 3 Interface Card    1-In / 3-Out SynchroLock 2 Word Clock    Hilo Converter Technology (HCT)    Onboard 32-Channel microSD Recorder    Two Audiophile-Grade Headphone Outputs    Future-Proof LSlot Design    Road-Ready Rackmount Reinforced Chassis    Full Windows and Mac Compatibility

• The two LM-PRE4 modules feature four high-performance mic / line / Hi-Z preamps each.
• They are sonically matched for the Aurora⁽ⁿ⁾ with all the transparency, detail, and flexibility you've come to expect from Lynx.
• When combined with the built-in microSD recorder, the LM-PRE4 preamps transform the Aurora(n) into a standalone mobile recording device.

• The LT-TB3 card provides digital input and output to Windows and Mac computers using Thunderbolt 3 ports.
• The two-port card supports daisy-chaining Aurora⁽ⁿ⁾ converters (up to six total) with certified Thunderbolt devices, plus a display on both Mac and Windows computers.
• Thunderbolt 3 can support up to a 40 Gb/s bidirectional data rate and is primarily designed to handle the bandwidth demands of multichannel audio and 4K video.

• The analog signal path for each channel has been designed as a self-contained and shielded circuit. Each channel pair has its own dedicated conversion device. This offers many sonic advantages like significantly reducing crosstalk and distortion, while increasing dynamic range and performance.

• Proprietary, SynchroLock 2 high-performance sample-clock technology provides a whopping 300,000:1 reduction in jitter, 5-second lock time, and absolute accuracy.
• Wordclock I/O provides one input and one output on BNC connectors.

Add Channels:

• Start with eight, sixteen, or twenty-four channels and later add additional groups of eight channels for up to thirty two total.

Add Modules:

• Digital I/Os, mic preamps; more are being designed now for future release.

Add Connectivity Options:

• Dante, ProTools | HD, or USB via LSlot cards (available separately).

• Mastering-quality, 16-in / 8-out AD/DA conversion at up to 24-bit / 192 kHz.
• 8 analog ins and 8 analog outs on two DB-25 connectors.
• Two preinstalled LM-PRE4 4-channel preamp modules (8 channels total).
• Preinstalled Lynx LT-TB3, two-port Thunderbolt 3 LSlot interface card.
• Wordclock I/O: one input and three outputs on BNC connectors.
• Onboard microSD player/recorder capable of up to 32 channels of direct recording and playback.
• Two audiophile-grade headphone outputs with independent volume control.
• 480 X 128 TFT LCD display provides immediate access to all levels and functions and ensures that you see every piece of critical data, from just about any viewing angle.
• Universal power supply built in, no wallwarts.
• 1 RU rack-space design with no fan provides silent operation, so you can keep unit in the recording room, with no need for isolation from distracting fan noise.
• Full Windows and OSX compatibility.
• Designed and built in Southern California, USA.

Related Questions and Answers

Q: 1. Will this unit work with a Mac using the M1 chip? Thanks.

A: The RME ADI-2 Pro FSR BE Reference AD/DA Converter with Extreme Power Headphone Amplifiers and Remote is a Class Compliant device and is compatible for use with M1 Apple computers.

Q: 2. Will this lens work on a Pentax 55-300 lens? Thanks. Steve

A: You may or may not be happy with the results. Bear in mind that teleconverters are designed to work properly with prime (fixed) fast lenses...f4 or faster. On zooms, even on fast zooms like 70-200f2.8, the results will not be that great. 55-300mm.... Probably not worth spending $$500 for a TC since the performance and quality will be marginal. I don't like it in my 70-200 f4 or f2.8

Q: 3. Does it have its own remote controller ?

A: It does not come with a remote controller. You can get the Cinetics Lynx Controller as a separate item. https://tinyurl.com/3hs3kbr8

Q: 4. What are the differences between the pro and the non-pro version?

A: New Shark chipset, Black Face, extended remote better audio specs that match the ADI2 DAC FS.

Q: 5. Would this permit me to plug a microphone into one of the XLR ports or do I need a seperate mic pre?

A: No, the RME ADI-2 Pro FSR does not have any mic preamps built-in so it is not intended for connecting microphones. You would need to use a separate mic preamp. As another option, you may like the RME Babyface Pro FS 24-Channel 192 kHz Bus-Powered USB 2.0 Audio Interface (B&H #RMBABYFACEPF) which has two analog XLR inputs with mic preamps.

Q: 6. Can I get this with XLR connectors?

A: we do not sell this product with XLR connectors at this time.

Q: 7. Will this model play back FLAC files?

A: No, the RME ADI-2 Pro FSR BE Reference AD/DA Converter with Extreme Power Headphone Amplifiers and Remote does not have the ability play back FLAC files directly.

Q: 8. Is it possible to route an input to two inputs? (e.g. analog 1-8 to MADI 1-8 as well as Dante 1-8 at the same time)

A: According to Ferrofish, the internal matrix allows the free routing and splitting of all 176 Inputs to all 176 Outputs in blocks of 8 channels, so you would be able to split out analog inputs to MADI and Dante.

Q: 9. Could I use the line outputs with active studio monitors?

A: The LINE outputs of the RME ADI-2/4 Pro SE 2-AD/4-DA 768 kHz, High-Performance Converter (Black Edition),BH # RMDI24PROSE, may be used to drive most active (powered) studio monitors.

Q: 10. Is the DSD in this model a Quad-DSD (DSD256)?

A: This device can handle DSD256 playback.