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Lynx Aurora (n) 16-TB3 16-channel AD/DA Converter with Thunderbolt 3 Interface

16-channel 24-bit/192kHz A/D-D/A Converter with Preinstalled LT-TB3 Thunderbolt 3 Option Card
$4,439.00

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Lynx Aurora (n) 16-TB3 16-channel AD/DA Converter with Thunderbolt 3 Interface
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Next-Gen Lynx Conversion Plus Thunderbolt

This Lynx Aurora (n) 16-TB3 with preinstalled LT-TB3 option provides you with pro-quality digital conversion and ultra-low-latency performance. The Aurora (n) 16-TB3 gives you up to 192kHz analog to digital and digital to analog conversion with front panel control of all routing and sample rate options. Word clock connectors provide you with additional sync options, and the preinstalled LT-TB3 card provides you with maximum bandwidth and minimal latency. Aurora (n) models give you up to 32-channel recording and playback to microSD for stand-alone operation or confidence recording, as well as two audiophile-grade headphone outs, while a TFT LCD display provides immediate status information. Leveraging high-end Lynx Hilo technology and utilizing cutting-edge FPGA processors, Aroura (n) delivers even greater transparency, with significantly lower noise and distortion than previous models. For excellent conversion quality, Sweetwater recommends the Lynx Aurora (n) 16-TB3.

Convenient front-panel control and the I/O options you need

In addition to an ergonomic front panel that provides easy access to all of its important controls and signal status, the Aurora (n) 16-TB3 offers professional I/O options to fit your studio or live-sound production rig. Based on handy DB-25 connections, the Aurora's analog I/O is electronically balanced and supports both +4dBU and -10dBV nominal levels, while its preinstalled LT-TB3 card delivers Thunderbolt connectivity with maximum bandwidth and minimal latency.

Onboard 32-channel mixer makes complex routing simple

The Aurora (n) 16-TB3's 32-channel onboard digital mixer provides you with extensive routing and mixing options. Acting as a powerful patch-bay-style digital router, your Aurora (n) 16-TB3 can easily route signals between its analog and digital inputs on a channel-by-channel basis. That provides you with extremely flexible, and totally recallable, zero-latency monitoring capabilities.

Armed with SynchroLock-2 jitter reduction for clear digital audio

Lynx's proprietary SynchroLock-2 jitter reduction technology, from the AES16, is also included. This LYNX-exclusive feature provides extreme jitter reduction of up to 300,000:1, allowing Aurora to output an extremely clean clock output for driving the digital audio system.

Preinstalled LT-TB option provides ultra-fast Thunderbolt 3 connection

Take advantage of this Aurora (n) 16-TB3's preinstalled LT-TB3 Thunderbolt port option and take full advantage of your computer's fastest connection. Thanks to the Aurora (n) 16-TB3's LT-TB3 option, you get 16 total analog and 16 digital I/O channels and full channel counts at sample rates up to 192kHz. The user-upgradable FPGA also adds enhanced 64 x 32 mixing, and low-latency performance starting at less than 1ms round trip.

Lynx Aurora (n) 16-TB3 with LT-TB3 Option Digital Converter Features:

  • 16-channel pro-quality AD/DA conversion at up to 24-bit/192kHz
  • Comes preloaded with Lynx LT-TB3 Thunderbolt 3 option card for ultra-high-speed connectivity and low-latency performance starting at >1ms round trip
  • Hilo Converter Technology (HCT) delivers amazing transparency and ultra-low noise and distortion
  • Up to 32-channels of real-time recording/playback to/from onboard micro SD card
  • Onboard 32-channel digital mixer provides flexible I/O routing
  • LSlot expansion for USB, Thunderbolt, Dante, Pro Tools|HD connectivity, and more
  • Configurable I/O, 2 audiophile-grade headphone outs, universal power supply
  • 1-in/3-out word clock I/O with 2nd-generation Lynx SynchroLock-2 sample clock technology
  • Designed and crafted in the Lynx Studio Technology lab in Costa Mesa, CA

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Tech Specs

  • Computer Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3
  • Form Factor: Rackmount
  • Simultaneous I/O: 16 x 16
  • A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
  • Analog Inputs: 2 x DB-25
  • Analog Outputs: 2 x DB-25
  • Headphones: 2 x 1/4"
  • Thunderbolt: 2 x USB-C (Thunderbolt 3)
  • Other I/O: Micro SD card slot
  • Clock I/O: 1 x In, 3 x Out
  • Software: Lynx NControl
  • OS Requirements - Mac: MacOS 10.13 or later
  • OS Requirements - PC: Windows 7 SP1 or later
  • Rack Spaces: 1U
  • Power Supply: Standard IEC AC cable, 12V DC power supply (sold separately)
  • Height: 1.75"
  • Width: 19"
  • Depth: 10"
  • Weight: 7.1 lbs.
  • Manufacturer Part Number: LYN-AN16-TB3

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Customer Reviews

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Rated 5/5

Really awesome!

I will admit I haven't tried any "higher" end converters besides the Lynx. Previously i've had several different budget interfaces including a Focusrite Claret 8, Presonus Quantum 4848 and various other smaller budget interfaces. What I can say is the Lynx is night and day high fidelity and detail. I immediately heard it upon testing my favorite reference tracks. It is the final 1-5% of polish that for many might not be worth the investment. However I really feel this investment was one I should have made from the beginning, even before I began investing in outboard mixing gear. My advice is to save up and get your interface/converter right before you allow your self to go on the gear journey. That way you are "set" from the get go.

The first difference I noticed is the noise floor. I learned that I could turn my monitor control all the way up with out hearing virtually any hiss like I had been noticing with my Quantum 4848 turned maybe 60% of the way up. I also noticed a much more "centered" sounding low end how ever much flatter at the same time. Which made me realize that my Quantum 4848 had a low mid bump baked into the sound.

When I got around to tracking with this converter it almost made my preamps sounds completely new to me. The detail between preamps became all the more apparent. Saturation and compression all come through clearer and accurate. Almost to the point where I had to completely re-learn my monitors in many ways.

I think for the price this is a great value per I/O and maybe it has less features then many other converters in the price point and maybe less I/O then many but that's because most of those don't claim to be "mastering" grade. Which I believe would ultimately mean those other models could be slightly noisier than this "mastering" grade converter.
Music background: 18 years
Rated 5/5

By this interface

I don't write reviews. I don't have time for it even when I like a product. However, this product is different.

I've owned 5 interfaces for my recording hobby over the years, from Avid, UAD and MOTU, at various price points. In recent years, I've ALWAYS sent them to the people at BlackLionAudio for their analog path upgrades because the sonic difference they provide is huge.

When I upgraded from UAD to Lynx, I expected to hear some sort of a sonic improvement. However, I was not prepared for the actual difference! It isn't a small difference, a slight improvement. IT'S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN NIGHT AND DAY.

People don't both with the 'hobby level' interfaces out there! This 16x16 is priced very competitively with the 'hobby grade' interfaces from all of the main manufactures. However, the sound quality is not competitive. This thing is premium, pro-grade equipment. Allow me to try and explain this difference:

* what I hear in my monitors is what I hear in the room
* the difference in pres or mic choices has been amplified by a factor of 5 because of the ACCURACY of what is translated to digital data
* depth, precision, space, transients (attack), accuracy in highs and lows and everywhere in between.
* no sonic smudge, blur or 'coloration' of the sound
* it's like someone transformed my monitors from a dixie cup sitting on top of a magnet to a truly hi-fi set of boxes.
* I can hear every element of a dense mix, and this translates to the final output as well

Of course, you don't get any on board CPU chips to run plugins. Why worry about running great plugins on crappy sound? Figure out another path to plugins, like a UAD satellite or better computer.

DON'T BOTHER WITH ANY OTHER INTERFACE BECAUSE OF SOME BELL OR WHISTLE. IT'S THE SOUND, STUPID!
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