16-Channel ADAT to AES3 Converter
Overview:
FC-16 is a 16-channel ADAT to AES3 format converter with volume control and mute. It provides bit-perfect conversion at any sample rate up to 96kHz with no reduction in channel count (i.e., you always get 16 channels, even at 96kHz).
We built this product for immersive (Dolby Atmos, DTS:X, Auro3D, etc.) studios with high-end monitors that have AES3 (“AES/EBU”) digital inputs. It lets you use the ADAT outputs of your existing audio interface to provide a pure digital signal path from your production software all the way to your speakers. You get better sound quality and it frees up your analog outputs for better uses.
User Benefits:
Improved sound quality. Avoid unnecessary AD/DA conversions and get the best sound out of your DSP-enabled speakers.
Free up analog outputs. Use your analog outputs for things that really need them (outboard gear, headphone mixes, etc.)
Eliminate hums and RF noise. AES3 signals are immune from ground hum and annoying RF noises that plague analog cables.
Reduce cabling cost and complexity. Each AES3 cable carries two channels, so your average cable runs are much shorter.
It probably works with your existing interface. Keep using the interface you know and love. Let us handle the monitoring.
Why did we make this product?
We built this product to address our own needs.
When we upgraded our studio (shown above) from 2.1 stereo to 5.1.4 Atmos, we discovered there was no good way to get pure digital signals to each speaker in an immersive setup. Many audio interfaces do have 16-channels of ADAT outputs but there is no easy way to convert those ADAT signals into AES3 that the speakers can understand. Even if you do convert the signals to AES3 using old, long-discontinued converters, then you may not have physical volume control over the speakers. This is risky when you have 12 or 16 speakers pointed at you!
Like other studio owners, we ended up using the analog outputs of our interface. This bothered because we spent a fortune on top-tier speakers but were not getting the absolute best sound from them all because of a formatting issue. It also meant we can’t use those analog outputs for other better uses.
We used our engineering and manufacturing skills to solve this problem for ourselves and others. We hope our care and workmanship comes through in the final product and that it provides years of dependable service.
Key Features:
16-Channels of bit-perfect ADAT to AES3 conversion
No reduction in channel count, even at 96k (4x ADAT optical inputs mean you always get 16 channels, even at 88.2/96k)
Reliable volume control knob with simple click-to-mute function. Control your 5.1, 7.1.4 or even 9.1.6 system with ease.
Volume control is bypassable (useful if your speakers have their own volume control system)
16 AES3 outputs on one DB-25 connector (uses common Tascam wiring standard)
Multicolor LEDs on front panel for clear status indication
Simple DIP switches on rear panel for setting preferences (no control panel software)
Works with any USB-C adapter. Uses 2W max (i.e., no heat, no fans, no noise).
Small/Rugged aluminum case and solid aluminum knob
Optional rack/desk/wallmount kit to place FC-16 exactly where you need it
Made in the USA using globally sourced components
Setup and Use Videos
Nitty-gritty details (for the nerds)
We have applied a strict “no bullshit engineering” approach because we need this product to work everyday without interruption. We use:
A “Bare metal” FPGA design (no operating system) that boots instantly and works reliably
A custom analog PLL circuit locks on to incoming signals and tracks very accurately (2-3x better phase noise than off-the-shelf ICs)
Clock-regeneration technology that cleans up jittery inputs and provides super-clean output
Temperature compensated crystal oscillator for extraordinary low-jitter performance
All AES outputs are transformer isolated as required by AES specification
In other words, it boots instantly and works reliably. It locks on to incoming signals quickly and provides an extremely clean output. The optical isolation (on the inputs) and electrical isolation (on the outputs) mean your gear is protected against accidental miswiring. And while we can’t guarantee this, you may notice an improvement in imaging and clarity if you use a cheaper audio interface as a source since FC-16 cleans up jittery ADAT signals before sending out precisely timed AES3 signals to your speakers.
IMPORTANT NOTES
1. You’ll need a DB25-to-XLR breakout cable
FC-16 needs a breakout cable to convert its DB-25 output into eight pairs of XLR outputs. You have three options here:
HOSA DTM-803 (recommended): If you do not already own a breakout cable, we recommend the HOSA DTM-803. We tested this cable in our lab and were impressed with the signal integrity, build quality and low cost. We liked the cable so much, we became an authorized Hosa reseller so we can offer it on our website (buy it here).
Any Tascam-formatted cable: If you already have a Tascam-formatted DB25-to-XLR cable, you can use that. However, you will need four inexpensive XLR-M to XLR-M couplers to convert the “input” connectors of the cable into outputs (FC-16 uses all pins as outputs). This is covered in detail in FC-16 User Guide (link below).
Build a custom cable: If you are a studio builder and are comfortable with soldering iron, you may wish to build your own custom cable. If so, use the following pinout diagram to help you wire everything up properly.
2. USB-C Power Supply and Cable are NOT included
FC-16 does NOT come with a USB-C power supply or USB-C cable because you can use any USB-C adapter and cable (from old smartphones and other gadgets). Our hardware has robust voltage regulation and filtering so it is not sensitive to incoming power. We sell the Anker Nano3 USB-C adapter and braided USB-C cable as an optional accessory if you do not have any spare adapters on hand.
3. Want all the optional extras at a good price?
If you want the Desk+Rackmount Kit, DTM-803 breakout cable, USB-C power supply and braided USB-C cable, have a look at the FC-16 Everything Bundle in our webshop.
Documentation:
