Audio Output Section¶

The first stage of the analog output section is the digital to analog converter (DAC). Symetrix DSP utilizes advanced 24 bit 128x over-sampling sigma-delta converter. Like the ADC, an enhanced multi-bit architecture is used, which achieves wider dynamic range, but still keeps much the same superior distortion characteristics as conventional single-bit DACs. Following the DAC, there is a volume control section that provides gain changes from -72 dB to +12dB in .5dB steps. This allows the user to match the output level to a wide variety of devices, from +4dBu professional devices to microphone-level inputs with no external level-shifting required.

With the volume control set to unity gain (0dB), the analog output section is calibrated for +4dBu operation with 20dB headroom. This means that a digital signal of 0dBFS corresponds to a +24dBu output signal. If other signal levels are required, this is easily accommodated by changing the volume. Following the volume control, the signal is output on balanced Euro-block connectors.

The Edge Digital Output card provides AES/EBU (3-conductor), or S/PDIF (2-conductor) outputs with a digital clock signal to allow for syncing the external devices to the Edge. Please see the section of the help file on the Edge (4) channel Digital Output Card, for further information.