LYNX L22 Vs. Everybody Else?

[Mr. Nice]

Everywhere I look people say that this card compares to High End Standalone converters. Is this really possible? Has anybody actually listened to a Lynx 2 or L22 and tested it out against Apogee, Mytek, or Bechmark? These cards are getting great reviews and if they're at all realy true, in terms of comparisons to significally more expensive gear, than shouldn't everybody be going this route and save the extra $$$ for nice clothes or a vacation There's got to be a difference! YES???? NO?????

[Thermionic]

I've been looking at a Lynx 2 since I went off the idea of a MOTU 192. The only reservation I have is the fact that it interfaces via a d-type connector, I'm not insinuating this would effect the sound, but I'm just not too keen on d-types for analogue connections. Be good to hear some thoughts from anyone here that's used a Lynx!

Was also thinking that a good idea would be to mount the Lynx in a separate annexed PCI box, thus getting it away from the potential rfi inducing computer circuitry. Anyone here got comments on using standalone PCI boxes? I'm told you need some kind of booster between the box and the computer.

[Ruphus]

I have the Lynx2A coming tom-m-morrow

Originally posted by THERMIONIC

Was also thinking that a good idea would be to mount the Lynx in a separate annexed PCI box, thus getting it away from the potential rfi inducing computer circuitry. Anyone here got comments on using standalone PCI boxes? I'm told you need some kind of booster between the box and the computer.

That´s a really nice topic in my eyes. Months ago I noticed exactly that: Noise induced by the computer. Only slight, but still nothing you wanna have.
At that time I already researched about mu-metal until I became aware that It would be a silly idea to cover PCI cards with it. Not only for eventual temperature issues, but because it could only work when completely enclosing the card which was to be shelterd.

Great to first time hear of a possibly practical solution. ( Thanks, Thermionic! )
[ Though, should it be settled similar to PCI boxes for laptops, it would mean to be in a wild price range. ]

Ruphus

[bradavenson]

I have a lynx one card and I have been really happy with it. The analog out sounds good and is very quiet. When I have my attenuator at 0db I still have no noticeable noise coming from the speakers, but if I played anything it would probably blow my head off! (I usually listen with the attenuator at -20 db)

[Mr. Nice]

I've got the L22 version on its way to mi casa and I've been thinking about a post I read on the Lynx users list, where some poor guy said he lost his hearing do to one of those cards. My idea is to connect directly to my powered monitors and would like to know if this is recommended and/or dangerous? How would you set-up the output (Lynx Mixer and Speaker wise)

Thanks!

[atticus]

If I were doing that I'd patch in a passive volume control for my control room level changes. I think that A Designs makes one and there's a thread going on about it around here somewhere. Good luck!

[bradavenson]

Yeah, I am using a passive L-Pad type control to drive my amps. It uses a 4 section linear 600 ohm pot. I also have a -20 db pad in front of the control so that I can have 2 ranges. (the left right balance is more than a db off on the botthom quarter of the pot) Here is a schematic on the web if you are interested:
http://www.gyraf.dk/schematics/bridge-attenuator.gif

[Mr. Nice]

Thanks for the replies. That looks like a very good product. Do you think that something like this really necessary, or can I get by without it. I mean that if the input sensitivity on my monitors and LYNX 2 mixing software are set-up for shooting out lower level signals can something catastrophic still happen? Anybody have any experiences that they could possibly share with me, and or somebody thinking of going the mixerless route. I'm just looking for an excuse not to spend anymore money, though I think that this looks to be unavoidable and the safest bet.

BTW, regarding the LYNX, has anybody out there had bad or scary experiences of volumes getting to dangerous levels out of no-where.

Thanks!

[Ruphus]

Can anybody tell me what´s about that "ferrrite cable clamp" coming with the Lynx?

Would you make use of it?

Thanks,

Ruphus

[Schnert]

You definately need an attenuator after the Lynx when going to powered monitors. When using software to attenuate, you'll seriously be reducing bit depth, unless you're listening at really high levels.
I think you mentioned one of my posts at the Lynx board, where I mentioned some nasty digital distortion occuring. That was "my" fault, as I had modified some chipset settings.... Still, something could always happen, and when it does, you'd have some crazy levels going to those monitors.

[fifthcircle]

You should have some sort of volume attenuation whenever you are coming right out of your DAC (whatever kind it may be) to your speakers.

Personally, I like a passive box for this (I use the Coleman M3P), but there are plenty of other monitor controllers out there.

If you don't, you have to attenuate in software (not usually a good idea) or you will get very loud levels out of most amps or speakers.

--Ben

[bradavenson]

Plus when you power up and power down it is nice to be able to turn down the volume so there is no "thump."

[Mr. Nice]

I was looking at the ATTY form A-DESIGNS, which I got form an earlier post.

Basically, the outs of the LYNX L22 would go into the INS of the ATTY and then the OUTS of the ATTY go into my POWERED SPEAKERS? IS THIS CORRECT? I just want to be sure that I'm on the same page as everybody. Is there going to be a loss in sound quality with the ATTY between my soundcard and speakers?

[fifthcircle]

I haven't used the ATTY, but by the looks of it, it should be fine. My coleman M3P is great. There are also some pretty good unballanced boxes out there as well (like the NHT).

--Ben

[faeflora]

Another option is the PVC.

I have one. It works very well.


Passive Volume Control

[Mr. Nice]

I checked out the PVC and that looks pretty sweet also. I never new that so much of this stuff exisited. Are there anymore? Is it possible to get 1 with a Headphone out? or is that basically a MIXER?

The L22 has no headphone outs, and no way of controlling the volume when it does shoot out of the DAConverters. A mixer is overdoing it for my needs, because I'll be doing everything inside of LOGIC. I was looking into a PRE-AMP with a Headphone out so i could monitor my signal via Headphones and maybe even do some live recording of voice and Piano (kinda killing 2 birds with 1 stone)

The Mindprint D I Port looks like a good soution for this and would like some opinions on this product or anyothers like this.

[fifthcircle]

Originally posted by Mr. Nice
I checked out the PVC and that looks pretty sweet also. I never new that so much of this stuff exisited. Are there anymore? Is it possible to get 1 with a Headphone out? or is that basically a MIXER?

You could go one of a couple ways for this...

Benchmark DAC-1 (volume control for outpus with headphone amp). Run it off of your AES out of the L22.

Coleman M3PH is 4 stereo ins, 3 speaker outs, headphone amp. Mute on Left and Right and Mono sum (handy for checking mixes/mastering)

--Ben

[Bernd G]

I have had one of these for a yearand a half or so. Last night I checked and saw -93 dB (only 16 bit into SEQUOIA) coming in analog from a Aphex -10dB + 4dB converter driven with no level by a Tascam DAP-1 ( I was doing some simple tansfers). I think that is respectful. I do have a MAGMA chassis here for my laptop and I have been wondering about moving the L 2 away from the computer hardware into the chassis. I will let you know if I get to it tomorrow. BTW, I am driving active speakers with volume controls directly from the card. I know this way you only get one volume level, but for my home setup and purpose (sound restoration) it is perfect because my ears can relate relative loudness to a specific sound pressure level. So, you might start out not needing the volume control. There was a post somewhere on this forum about changing the breakout cables to a fancier (silver?) design - worth contemplating. Also, I am driving all of my electronics from a balanced power supply - that does make a difference, both in Jitter reduction and overall analog noise.
Cheers