Leitch Shows Range of Digital Audio Converters and Routers at World Media Expo

Los Angeles, CA. Along with its customary array of video chain technology, Leitch Inc. is showing a new series of AES/EBU digital audio cards, interfaces and routers in their booth at World Media Expo. The audio series products, dubbed “AES Glue,” can be housed in the same frames as Leitch’s popular Digital Glue® products and inter-mixed with various modules.

The AES Glue line includes AES/EBU Audio Output Modules for Leitch’s DigiBus mounting frames (model 3160AO-S); the Digital Audio Reference Signal Generator (AES11-1993); AES/EBU Digital Audio Distribution Amplifiers (ADC-880, ADC-6880); and AES/EBU Digital-to-Analog (DAC-880, DAC-6880) and Analog-to-Digital Converters(ADC-880, ADC-6880); and a number of routing units, including the VIA? Digital Audio Switcher, and the X-plus™ AES/EBU Routing Module.


DigiBus AES/EBU Audio Output Module (Model 3610AO-S)

In addition to converting analog and digital signals, DigiBus supports both video and audio synchronization including audio embedding (multiplexing) and de-embedding (demultiplexing). The new AES audio output module may be added to a DigiBus frame to provide a cost-effective single function for outputting AES audio from a system, especially when demultiplexing.

AES11-1993 Digital Audio Reference Signal Generator

The Digital Audio Reference Signal Generator generates high-quality AES reference signals and test/alignment signals. The reference can be locked to composite video or AES2 signal, or it can be a free-running reference to AES11 Grade 2 performance. The generator outputs five or six AES11 Grade 2 reference signals at 44.1 or 48 KHz sample rates, and a one-word clock output. A sixth output is jumper-selectable to output any one of four signals.

AES-880 and AES-6880 AES/EBU Digital Audio Distribution Amplifiers

Leitch’s 110 and 75 ohm digital audio distribution amplifiers are differential input, eight-output units featuring cable equalization, data reclocking and contact closure output for remote error indication. Equalization and reclocking provide the ability to compensate for cable lengths exceeding 5,000 feet. Card-edge LED error indicators provide a quick and accurate assessment of the incoming signal integrity.

DAC-880 and DAC-6880 AES/EBU D-to-A and A-to-D Converters

Leitch claims exceptional digital audio conversion quality at unbeatable prices with these 20-bit converters. The units feature flat frequency response from 20 Hz to 20 KHz, dual outputs, and excellent linearity and signal-to-noise specifications. The dual outputs eliminate the need for DA’s after conversion and cut down on the amount of equipment and rack space needed. Both types of converters can be used in existing audio distribution amplifier frames or housed in the same frames as other Digital Glue products, allowing digital video and audio in the same frame.

VIA32 AES/EBU Digital Audio Routing Switchers

The VIA audio routers are available in both balanced and coax versions. They feature expansion capabilities up to 32×48 and 32×64 with additional frame and input distribution. These switchers can route any digital audio signal at any of the professional data rates such as 32, 44.1 and 48Khz. A wide-range of control options is availableas well, including Leitch’s Programmable Control Panels and Windows-based software.

AES Audio XPRESS Routing Switcher

Leitch’s XPRESS routers are designed for flexibility, to fit any production, broadcast or telecommunications monitor switching application. The new AES audio versions of the router include a serial video and AES combination; AES audio with 75ohm coax interface; AES audio with 110 ohm balanced interface; and AES only. They are compact, one-rack units with optional built-in analog video and analog audio monitoring output (this eliminates the need for external video and audio converters in installations where the XPRESS is used to feed a monitoring station).

ASR-8×8, 16×1 and 16×16 AES/EBU Routing Modules

The X-plus™ Series of routing switchers is a modular system featuring standard one- and two-rack unit mounting frames into which a wide range of modules can be installed such as AES/EBU 8×8, 16×1 and 16×16 sizes. Digital and analog, video and audio modules can be installed in the same frame and multiple frames can be combined to build complex multi-level systems.

The ASR-8×8 module requires one rear slot in an X-plus frame and receives both its computer controls and its power from the frame. With the 16×1 unit, a line-level analog stereo output provides a means for monitoring the digital audio. And with a secondary switching monitoring router, configurations of 64×1 to 4096×1 are possible. The X-plus ASR-16×16 can also be configured as two independent 8×8 routers or two 8×8 routers slaved together.

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