| Aphex 144 8 Channel Bi-Directional AES / ADAT Details
The Aphex Models 141, 142 and 144 were developed as interfaces between the Aphex Anaconda digital snake system and other devices. Each model was designed to do its job without any extra unnecessary bells or whistles. While they each fulfill that design specification, each model is an excellent, useful product in it own right.
Since the I/O of the Anaconda is ADAT, there is an ADAT connection in each model. The ADAT eight channel format has been a standard in the audio industry for years. It is a reliable, mature, cost effective technology albeit with limitations. The prime limitation is the distance that ADAT audio can be safely transmitted through ‘Lightpipe’ fiber. Some claim that it could be as far as 30 feet, but our experience shows that there can be significant audible artifacts at 20 feet. We strongly recommend that the distance be as short as possible, preferably less than 10 feet (3 meters).
The other limitation is that its maximum sample rate is 48kHz for eight channel operation. There is a technology called S-Mux that doubles the maximum frequency but halves the channel count. We have elected to stay with the sample rate of 48kHz in the Model 142, but Models 141 and 144 can work at 44.1 or 48kHz.
There are many other products on the market that do similar functions. But none as simply or aswell or as cost effectively, as these units. You will enjoy many years of excellent uninterrupted performance.
Aphex 144 8 Channel Bi-Directional AES / ADAT Features
- ADAT connections use a standard TOSLINK optical transmitter and receiver on the Model 144.
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AES connections use Aphex standard 15 pin D-Sub. The AES output from the Model 144 is female and the AES input to the Model 144 is male.
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The Model 144 has no separate clock input. However, the same word clock (either 44.1kHz or 48kHz) must be used for all the AES sources. Also, AES input channels 1 and 2 must be connected to the Model 144 in order for the clock to be derived for the ADAT output. |
