LD-88 Digital Mixer  (1998)
Level Control Systems

LCS LD-88

The flagship digital audio engine of the SuperNova Series

The LD-88 is the foundation of the SuperNova Series(TM), and represents an evolution in high performance digital audio processing and control. Each LD-88 supplies eight channels of 20-bit audio I/O, utilizing eight 32-bit floating point audio processing DSPs. As many as 16 LD-88s can be digitally interconnected for a cohesive system supplying 128 inputs and 128 outputs, with external control or Embedded Dynamic Automation(TM).

 

The SuperNova Series(TM) is a modular system that brings unprecedented power to audio control sytems for theater, sound reinforcement, and location-based entertainment. SuperNova can be configured to create anything from a straightforward matrix mixer to a completely dynamic automated sound system that replaces a house console, matrix mixer, outboard signal processors, playback systems, and control computer.

The LD-88 can be controlled in two modes: as a dedicated matrix mixer, or as part of an integrated system of playback devices, mixing, and effects processing. The LCS CueStation(TM) control software for BeOS(TM) enables full access to the LD-88's Embedded Dynamic Automation (TM) and can be used to configure all input, matrix, and output levels, EQ, and delay parameters.

Key Features

• Eight analog inputs and eight analog outputs with 20-bit A/D and D/A converters
• Nine 32-bit floating point processors eliminate fixed-point scaling problems and provide greater than 144 dB of internal dynamic range
• 5 Parametric EQs per input
• 6 Parametric EQs per output
• Discrete delay (490 ms) per output
• Discrete delay (170 ms) per input
• RS-422 and MIDI control
• Novabus(TM) interconnects up to 16 LD-88s for a maximum system size of 128 inputs and 128 outputs
• Serial and MIDI control
• Embedded Dynamic Automation(TM) provides an internal cueing engine that eliminates the need for a permanent host computer and provides enhanced system security
• 4 MB DRAM for cues, expandable to 16 MB
• Sensor port provides E-Stop input and Automatic Level Control mic input
• Remote Interface ("RIF") expansion option
• Sample accurate synchronization between LD-88s
• Two expansion ports for future products
• Internal universal input switching power supply

LD-88 Technical Information

DSP

• 8 TMS320C32 - 50 MHz DSPs are assigned to audio processing each with 1 MB of SRAM.
• 1 TMS320C31 - 60 MHz DSP is assigned to auxiliary functions with 256 kB of SRAM, 4 MB of DRAM (expandable to 16 MB), 256 kB of FLASH, and 64 kB of EPROM.

Digital Audio Bus

• External: Novabus (128 channel bus) sample accurate fully synchronized.
• Internal: High Speed Data Bus (HSDB) can move up to 60 MB per second between internal DSPs.

Data Format

• All signals are stored, processed and transmitted as 32-bit floating point.

External Control

• Two RS-422 and one RS-232 serial ports, and one MIDI I/O port.

Expansion

• Two High Speed Data Bus expansion ports
• One Communications expansion port

Analog Section

• Optically coupled, with greater than 1000 V isolation between chassis ground and analog ground.
• Eight channels of 20-bit balanced input and output
• Total input to output S/N ration: greater than 101 dB
• Total input to output THD+N: less than 0.003%
• Input impedance: 25K ohms
• Output load: 600 ohms

Power Requirements

• Autoranging from 90-132 VAC to 175-264 VAC, 47-63 Hz, single phase at less than 150 Watts

LD-16S SCSI Expander

Provides instant start multi-channel digital audio playback.

The LD-16S is a 16-channel hard disk record/playback expansion board. An external connector is provided allowing SCSI connection to an external hard disk. All samples are 32-bit floating point to maintain resolution and dynamic range during recording and playback.

Key Features

• Uses off the shelf SCSI-2 disk drives
• Provides up to 16 channels of audio playback
• SIMM slot supports up to 32 MB RAM to preload starts of audio tracks
• Synchronous or asynchronous track playback

Key Benefits

• Integrated instant-start digital audio playback
• Audio inputs from the host LD-88 are not lost during playback or recording
• Many file formats may be converted for playback

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