Black Lion Audio Sparrow mkII ADC, Digital, 122dB Dynamic Range, 24-bit Bit Rate, 44.1-192kHz Sampling Rate, >+24dBu Analog Input, White

The Black Lion Audio White Sparrow mkII ADC employs two converters in a parallel-balanced circuit to increase converter dynamic range. The FM master clock with wide Q third harmonic crystal oscillators, advanced PLL recovery, and a low noise analog path, gives you the richest, clearest and fattest sounding A/D converter to ever set foot in recording studio. It is housed in a 1U, 1/2 rack chassis, featuring XLR and 1/4 balanced inputs, LED metering, BNC word clock I/O, AES output, coax and optical S/PDIF output, and user selectable input level calibration that accommodates nominal input signal levels from +11dBu down to -10dBV. It features sampling rates from 44.1kHz -192kHz, with clocking architecture that features low jitter and wide Q third harmonic crystal oscillators. Because of the quality of the clock multiplier and PLL recovery stages, performance will not degrade should the converter be synchronized to a lower quality word clock reference.

The A/D conversion process is a tricky beast to tame. Because conversion requires so much current movement, there are plenty of places for unwanted noise to be created, both within the signal chain and in the power supply. This proprietary converter circuit to a high-speed, high-headroom analog stage that can capture the smallest nuances and micro-dynamics. The result is unparalleled: a mastering grade, two-channel A/D converter that not only has an enormous sound with pinpoint imaging, but also has a smooth, open sonic quality and a wonderfully rich midrange. It features 4 input stage trim presets and a single amplifier before the converter for simplicity and purity of signal path. Power supply filtration is designed around latest-generation high grade capacitors, ensuring low power supply noise. This is an A/D whose sonic performance is as good as or better than the top A/D's.