Hear Technologies Modular Card for 16-Channel of AES/EBU Digital Input/Output

Where high-quality audio transmission is a priority, the Modular Card for 16-Channel of AES/EBU Digital Input/Output is a must-have. This advanced card utilizes a Tascam DA-88 style pinout on a DB25 connector, a standard in analog DA-88 style connections, to connect 16 channels of audio. Unlike most manufacturers who use the first 8 channels for inputs and the last 8 for outputs, our card ingeniously uses a single DB25 connector to input or output all 16 channels, maximizing space efficiency.

When interfacing with AES/EBU on another device that uses a DB25 type connector, it's advisable to use the manufacturer's break-out cable, which splits out to individual XLR connectors. This ensures compatibility with our cable, as a DB25 to DB25 cable may only deliver 8 channels.

The AES/EBU card's functionality is flexible, capable of either inputting or outputting 16 channels of balanced AES/EBU audio. This is determined by the positioning of four jumpers - J4, J5, J6, and J7 - located on the card. By default, these jumpers are set as inputs at the factory.

When used as an input, the first pair of channels (1/2) act as the clock source for the system and must be connected to a valid AES/EBU source for the remaining inputs to function. It's crucial that all inputs run at the same sampling rate and have their word-clocks synchronized to prevent digital pops and clicks. The AES Card automatically adjusts the sampling rate to lock onto the incoming signal.

As an output, the AES card will automatically change sampling rates to match the input source. It supports a wide range of sampling rates from 44.1kHz to 192kHz.

For optimal transmission of the AES/EBU signal, a digital-grade 110Ohm AES/EBU cable like the West Penn DA2401 is recommended over standard microphone cables. The maximum distance for running AES/EBU on a high-quality digital-grade 110 Ohm cable depends on the maximum sampling rate you wish to support.