Description
MAIN FEATURES
Inputs
The inputs to the AFI1 consist of four XLR sockets for the AES/EBU signals and two TOSLINK sockets for eight channels each of ADAT format signals. The number of ADAT channels scale with the sampling frequency, i.e. the sixteen channels are there at 44.1 or 48 kHz, while at 88.2 or 96 kHz there are eight ADAT channels available and at 176.4 or 192 kHz there are four ADAT channels available. The number of AES/EBU channels stays constant for all sampling frequencies though.
Outputs
The outputs from the AFI1 follow the same connector scheme and restrictions as the inputs. There are two Firewire 400 sockets for connecting the computer and for daisy chaining more Firewire devices. In that manner the number of channels can be multiplied by adding more AFI1 interfaces to the bus.
Synchronization
The AFI1 is synchronized via an internal sampling frequency generator or via any of the input connectors. There also are BNC connectors available for feeding an external word-sync signal and for taking out the word-sync signal from the AFI1 to synchronize other equipment.
Configuration switches
Configuration switches at the back of the unit allow for setting the dual wire mode for the AES/EBU inputs/outputs (active at 176.4 or 192 kHz), for switching the ADAT interfaces off in case they are not used, which saves on Firewire bus bandwidth and for setting the synchronization frequency in the case of the dual wire mode.
Front panel controls
The front panel shows a power switch and three LEDs for power on indication, Firewire connection indication and synchronization lock indication.
Applications
The AFI1 is a “simple” interfacing workhorse for studios as well as for residential use, like e.g. for playback of surround sound files via the AFI1 to a multi-channel D/A Converter. The AFI1 can be connected to Thunderbolt equipped computers via Apple’s® Thunderbolt to Firewire adapter.