16 Channel Digital to Analog Converter D/A - DAC16

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Benchmark audio converters have earned indelible trust and respect in critical audio environments. Benchmark's DAC1 family of converters have become the best selling 2-channel pro-audio D-to-A converters, and are very popular in mastering rooms. In keeping with this tradition, the DAC16 brings true mastering-quality conversion to multi-track environments.

The DAC16 is Benchmark’s highest-performance digital-to-analog converter. With unprecedented clarity and fidelity, the DAC16 sets the ‘benchmark’ for D-to-A performance.

A unique feature-set compliments the outstanding performance of the DAC16. Features include an ultra high-performance 2-channel mode, an ultra low-noise 16-2 analog summing bus, a 16-channel meter bridge, and 3 sets of routable digital inputs with support for a variety of input formats. An optional I/O interface card supports bi-directional 16-channel connections to and from a multichannel device such as a DAW. Any group of digital inputs can be routed to the DAW while the DAW sends digital audio to the D-to-A conversion circuits. No other multi-channel converter has this combination of features.

The DAC16 can simultaneously convert digital signals from multiple sample rates and multiple clock domains. All D-to-A conversion uses Benchmark's UltraLock32(TM) jitter attenuation to ensure that conversion never introduces audible jitter-induced distortion. Jitter-free performance assures consistent results.

The digital summing bus in a DAW can become a bottleneck that can limit the performance of your mix. This is often compounded by the fact that the entire mix must pass through a 2-channel digital fader, and a 2-channel D-to-A converter. The DAC16 allows analog summing of 8 stereo stems. This 16 to 2 analog summing opens up your mix and allows you to hear details that could be lost when mixing 'in the box'. In typical Benchmark fashion, the analog summing bus in the DAC16, outperforms stand-alone analog summing busses.

All of the analog and digital resources in the DAC16 can be combined to create the ultimate 2-channel converter. 32 DACs, 32 current to voltage converters, 16 differential amplifiers, and a 16-2 analog summing bus are combined to create a two channel D-to-A that is unrivaled. If you are using a DAW with a high-resolution 64-bit summing bus, you may wish to sum inside the DAW while using the DAC16 in 2-channel mode. This combination can be breathtaking.

Benchmark currently offers a Firewire card that supports 16 channels in and out at up to 96 kHz. More cards are under development, including cards that will support 192 kHz. The DAC16 and ADC16 share the same interface cards, but it is not necessary to purchase a card for both products. The I/O routing capabilities of the DAC16 and ADC16 allow full bi-directional 16-channel connectivity between a DAW and a linked pair of converters (1 ADC16 linked to 1 DAC16) using a single interface card installed in either product. The converter pair may be linked via AES, coaxial, or optical interfaces. If an interface card is installed in both units, the linked pair will support redundant bi-directional DAW connections. The linked pair will also allow bridging between two DAW connections. When more cards are introduced, it will even be possible to bridge between two different multi-channel formats. It is also possible to link most other A-to-D converters to a DAW through the interfaces on the DAC16.

The card slot gives the DAC16 and ADC16 converters the ability to adapt to the ever-changing world of digital interfaces.

The DAC16 includes a generous array of digital input paths. There are 8 coaxial inputs, 8 optical inputs, and 2 DB25 balanced digital inputs. All inputs support AES (professional format) and S/PDIF (consumer format). The optical inputs also support ADAT, ADAT SMUX2 (96 kHz), and ADAT SMUX4 (192 kHz). Each input group can be routed to either the D-to-A converters or the optional interface card. Any input group can be used to route the outputs of an A/D converter to a DAW through the optional interface card.

Benchmark's UltraLock32™ clock system allows simultaneous inputs from different clock domains, even simultaneous inputs at different sample rates. In essence, the DAC16 can function as 8 separate 2-channel converters. This feature provides flexibility and eliminates the risk of pops and clicks caused by an unlocked source.

The balanced analog outputs are delivered via two DB25 connectors. Outputs have a 60-Ohm output impedance, and are capable of driving long cables. Common-mode distortion components are removed with precision differential amplifiers and are not present on the balanced outputs. Output levels are jumper selectable. Outputs are factory preset for +4 dBu at -20 dB FS.

The DAC16 features the same multi-resolution metering used on the Benchmark ADC16 and ADC1 converters. These 9-segment meters accurately capture short transients and include decay characteristics that make every transient visible to the human eye. A meter mode switch selects one of two scale factors; 6-dB per step, or 1 dB per step. This mode switch also controls a peak-hold function. These features allow precise monitoring of signal levels, and have made Benchmark's meters popular with users.