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Lynx e22/e44 User Manual Table of Contents 1 Introduction .................................................................................................................4 1.1 Overview ......................................................................................................4 1.2 Features ........................................................................................................5 2 Before you begin ...................................................................................
8.1.5 8.2 8.2.1 8.2.2 8.3 8.4 8.5 8.6 8.6.1 8.6.2 8.6.3 Configure for Use (OS-X).................................................................................................39 Application Setup.......................................................................................39 Windows ...........................................................................................................................39 Macintosh OS-X ........................................................................
1 Introduction Thank you for purchasing the Lynx E22 or E44™ audio interface! We have worked hard to create a reliable and high performance audio device using the latest high-speed interfacing technology available. We believe you will find our efforts to benefit all of your audio projects immensely. This manual covers operation, product characteristics, and information to help you get started. Additional information is available via our website’s support resources.
1.2 Features ¾ Hi-Speed PCI Express connectivity ¾ Mastering Quality Analog inputs and outputs: 2 channels with E22, 4 channels with E44 ¾ Digital Ports are user-switchable between AES and SPDIF: 2 channels with E22, 4 channels with E44 ¾ Up to four Lynx E44 / E22 cards can be used in a single computer for a total of 32 possible I/O channels.
2 Before you begin We recommend that you read through the entire manual to acquire an overview of the installation procedure and use of the E22/E44. It is highly recommended that you have a good working knowledge of Windows and/or Macintosh operating system basics and an understanding of computer hardware basics. This information is widely available on the web and from various computer hardware and software manufacturers.
2.2.1 ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ ¾ Windows 1 gigahertz (GHz) or faster 32-bit (x86) or 64-bit (x64) processor 1GB RAM (32-bit) or 2GB (64-bit) One functional PCI Express slot Windows 7 (32-bit or 64-bit), Windows 8, or greater A connection to the Internet to download the Lynx Driver (this can be from a different computer than the one that the card is installed into) NOTE: The E22/E44 is not supported under Windows 95, 98, ME, Windows 2000, Windows XP or Windows Vista. Windows installed via BootCamp is not supported. 2.2.
5 Installation Procedures The procedure for installing the E22/E44 requires that you physically install the card inside your computer before running the Driver Installer. The Driver Installer will install the required driver files and the Lynx Mixer application, as well as configure your system to recognize the E22/E44. 5.1 Hardware Installation 1. Turn OFF the power to your computer system and disconnect the power cords. 2.
8. Secure the bracket of the card to the computer chassis using a chassis screw or retaining bracket. 9. Replace the computer chassis cover and reconnect the power cord. 10. Connect the Audio and Sync cables to the E22/E44. Refer to Section 5.3: Cable Connections for more information. 11. Install software using the installation procedure for your computer type and operating system from the following section. 5.2 Installing the Lynx Driver Lynx Drivers and firmware updaters are updated regularly.
5. If you are prompted to let the program make changes to the computer, select “Yes” 6. You will next see the driver Install dialog. Click “Install” 7. You may get a Windows Security Dialog Bog. If so, select “Install” 8. Driver installation will proceed 9. Finally you will receive a confirmation that the install completed successfully 10. The card is ready to use, no reboot necessary NOTE: The driver installation process installs both the Windows driver and the Lynx Mixer application.
5.2.2 OS-X 1. Locate the Lynx driver from your downloaded files. The file name will be Lynx_OSX_##.zip (where ## is the version number of the driver). Double-click to expand the installer package. 2. Double-click “Lynx OSX.pkg” that was expanded from the step above. This will start the driver installation. 3. Click “Continue” at the “Install Lynx CoreAudio Driver Installer” dialog box 4. Click “Continue” for the Software License Agreement after reading it 5. Click “Agree” from the next Window 6.
8. Click “Continue Installation” for prompt about restarting computer after the installation 9. The installation will continue 10. When complete, you will be prompted to restart the computer 11. After restart the driver will be installed and ready for use NOTE: The OS-X installation process installs both the Core Audio driver and the Lynx Mixer application. The Lynx Mixer application is installed in the “Applications” folder.
5.3 Cable Connections The cables for the E22 and E44 cards are optional. If you only need analog I/O connections then only the analog cables would be necessary. If only digital I/O is necessary, only the digital cables would be required. Word clock connections are on the digital cables only. This chart details the cable options and features: Cable Set CBL-L2AUDIOA CBL-ESYNC CBL-L22AUDIO CBL-L22SYNC 5.
5.4.2 Digital In When Digital In is selected, the card will slave to the clock that is presented to its digital inputs. In the case of the E44, where there are two pairs of digital inputs available, you can choose between “Digital In 1” or “Digital In 2”. As with word clock, it is crucial that the clock source be set to the same sample rate as the project or audio file being played. If the clock source is a SPDIF device, make sure that the digital input is configured for SPDIF (see Section 5.
For the slave cards, make sure that a sample rate shows up next to “Header” in the Preferred Clock Source section of the Lynx Mixer, and select that as the clock source. B. As an alternative, all the Lynx cards can be clock slaves in a multi-card configuration. In this case, word clock or digital in can be selected as the clock source, depending on the overall configuration. It is essential that there is a single Master clock source in the system, either a converter or dedicated clock generator.
6 Getting Started With the drivers and Mixer application installed, the E22/E44 can now be used with most popular third-party audio applications. However, it is a good practice to verify that the system is functional by testing the card with the following procedure. 6.1 Windows Quick Audio Test The installation of your card can be tested using the Lynx Mixer and the Lynx Demo application that is installed automatically by the driver installer.
6. Click “Play.” You should see the progress bar move from left to right. 7. Launch the Lynx Mixer application. Check the Outputs pane at the bottom. Check for meter activity for AOut (Analog Outputs) 1&2. If you have speakers or headphones connected to your destination device, you should be hearing audio as well. If the test did not operate as described or you received any errors, please refer to Section 10: Troubleshooting.
6.2 Macintosh Quick Audio Test The installation of your E22/E44 can be tested using the Lynx Mixer application and the iTunes software that is included with OS-X. This is a quick way of verifying that the interface is installed correctly and properly connected to your external equipment. 1. Open Audio MIDI Setup from Applications > Utilities. 2. If the Audio Devices window does not appear automatically, then select “Show Audio Menu” from the “Window” menu. 3.
8. Launch iTunes from “Applications” or from the OS-X dock. Drag the “SineWaveMinus16.aif” file from your desktop into the iTunes song list 9. Highlight this file from the song list and click the Play button. Make sure that the iTunes progress bar is moving from left to right. 10. Open the Lynx Mixer and show the Play Panel. Check for meter activity for AOut (Analog Outputs) 1&2. If you have speakers or headphones connected to your destination device, you should be hearing audio as well.
7 Lynx Mixer Application Reference The Lynx Mixer application allows control of card parameters from a convenient software interface. It also provides accurate real-time metering for all inputs and outputs, and displays status information, sync source and sample rate. The Lynx Mixer is automatically installed with the driver setup program for Windows or OS X. 7.1 Starting the Lynx Mixer Application within Windows Click: Programs > Lynx Studio Technology > Lynx Mixer. 7.
software applications (the exception being non-ASIO software under Windows: see Section 8.1.4: Configure for use). Most features are identical for the OS-X and Windows versions, but there are a few OSspecific controls. These will be pointed out as such in the sections below. 7.3.1 Navigation Bar The bar at the top of the Lynx Mixer main window, provides access to commonly used functions, and allows for customizing the displayed elements.
e Rate Select This button displays the current sample rate of the Lynx card and can also be used to select a desired sample rate when the card is operating off of its Internal Clock. However, when on Internal clock, the sample rate is generally determined by the audio application being used, or the default sample rate settings in the operating system. r Adapter This button toggles whether the Adapter settings are visible from the Main window or not.
Now let’s look at the Mixer Main Window in greater detail 7.3.2 Adapter Section The Adapter Section is where the clock settings for the Lynx Card are established and monitored. q Current Source This displays the clock source that is active. This may differ from the selection in the “Preferred Clock Source” section, if an invalid or offline clock source had been chosen there.
Working: In this state SynchroLock is analyzing the input clock signal and making adjustments to frequency and phase. This process typically takes two to three minutes to complete. The four LED’s show progress towards final lock: One green LED denotes frequency lock to 3.2 ppm accuracy, two LED’s denote frequency lock to 1.6 ppm accuracy, three LED’s denote frequency lock to 0.6 ppm and the transition to the phase lock stage, four LED’s denote the start of the phase lock stage.
in older Lynx products such as the LynxTWO when switched to a +4 trim setting. This refers to a nominal +4dBu level with 16dB of headroom. Switching to Variable Trim changes the Trim level to +6dBV – the same level of the LynxTWO and Aurora products when put into the -10dBV trim position. This is the factory default state, but can be changed to the desired reference level with the Trim Pots on the card itself. These levels can be set anywhere from 0dBV (consumer levels) to +24 dBu.
will appear here, with an E22 four record channels will appear. Input names are abbreviated so that they can appear in 4 spaces. Sources that start with “A” are for Analog and with “D” are for Digital. For instance, “AIn4” means Analog Input 4, “DI2L” means Digital In 2 Left (Note: digital inputs have a stereo orientation, analog have a mono orientation). Clicking the Input Source button generates a menu with all of the Analog and Digital Inputs available to choose from.
into an audio application. It is applicable to Monitoring Level only (how loud that signal source is through the output you are listening to). r Faders and Meters The METERS on the Input section show the peak level of the signals at the associated input. Since there is no way to attenuate the level of the signal being recorded (except for the rotary Trim controls, see Section 8.3: Onboard Variable Trim Pots), the METER level will reflect the signal that will be recorded into audio software.
other will snap to the same position. The linked state also impacts the Pan controls. If one pan pot is moved to the left the other will move a corresponding amount to the right. For instance, if the left pot is set to -25, the right channel will pan to +25. Linked is the default state for pairs of inputs. To “un-link” a pair, click on the link icon and it will change to a single circle: . In this state, the mute, fader and pan controls operate on a single channel independently.
outputs by selecting the desired Output from the bottom fader group in the Mixer, and then un-muting play channels that are to be routed to that output. If a pan position established for Play 1 is assigned to Analog Output 1, there can be a different pan position for Play 1 assigned to Analog Output 3, as an example. w Numeric Level Indicator This displays the amount of attenuation performed on the associated play device.
t Channel Link In between the two Mute buttons for a pair of Inputs, is the channel link control: . This control toggles the linked state for a pair of faders and mutes. If two channels ARE linked, then moving the fader for one of them will move both channels. Similarly, if one is muted then both will mute. If the faders between the channels are offset, when one is moved the other will snap to the same position. The linked state also impacts the Pan controls.
The FADERS in the Outputs Pane are for attenuation of the output levels. Levels can be reduced in ½ dB increments with a click-drag of the mouse. This is the rough equivalent to turning down the faders on a mixing board. If there are several sources assigned to that output, play and record sources, all will be attenuated when the faders are brought down. All faders can be attenuated at the same time by holding down the CTRL key on the keyboard while click-sliding any single fader.
single output, it is often necessary to attenuate the individual sources to prevent overloading and distorting the output. 7.3.6 Mixer Menu q Restore Defaults This returns the Mixer to its factory default state. Routing, Sync Source, state of the Play and Record panes, all will be impacted. What is NOT impacted is device order, since that state is stored in the actual hardware. Restore defaults is an excellent troubleshooting tool. When things are not going as expected, this is a good first step to try.
r About This option displays information about the Lynx Mixer, driver, and firmware as follows: Mixer/Driver Version: Displays the current mixer version and build number. Build Date: Displays the date the driver and mixer were released. DLL and SYS versions (Windows only): These are driver system file versions, useful for diagnosing a potential versioning mismatch. Device Name: Displays the name of the Lynx audio device installed. Up to six Lynx audio devices may be shown. In this case, E44.
w Driver Options (Windows only) This page reveals options that involve how the card or cards interact with Windows. It is actually a separate program that is launched when this menu option is selected. The top pain shows any Lynx Cards that are installed in the system presently, or have been installed in the past. The other options will be specific to whichever Lynx card is highlighted in the list.
r Allow Clock Change If Active This option allows the Current Clock Source to be changed even when the Lynx card is being used by an audio application. Please note: there will be an audible glitch when a clock source is changed during playback or recording of audio. With the Allow Clock Change if Active option OFF (the default), changing the Preferred Clock Source will not change the Current Clock Source until the driver is no longer being utilized by a software application.
8 Using the E22/E44 With the E22/E44 correctly installed in your computer, you can begin to use it with most popular third-party audio applications. In this section we will explore setting up the card for different contexts of use. 8.1 Configuring multiple cards Up to four PCIe Lynx cards can be used in a single computer. Each unit will be addressable independently in the Lynx Mixer, and the combined I/O can be used by a DAW application. Connecting multiple units is done in several stages: 8.1.
Select a card to be the master, and connect a CBL-ICC cable from its Clock Out header pins, to the Clock In pins of the first slave card. If there are more than two cards in the system, continue connecting Clock Out from Card #2 to Clock In of card #3, Clock Out from card #3 to Clock In of card #4, etc. The physical position of the card selected as #1 does not matter, we’ll look at establishing the card order in the Lynx Mixer in the next section.
2. Launch the Lynx Mixer (Windows: All Programs > Lynx Studio Technology. OS-X: Applications) 3. The cards will each have their own tab on the left side of the Lynx Mixer. Click through each tab and look at the “Preferred Clock Source” columns in the ADAPTER section. Each card that has a sample rate next to “header” is a clock slave. The card that has no sample rate next to header is the clock Master. If this card is NOT the first tab (i.e. card #1) then its device order will need to be changed. 4.
When using ASIO applications, all of the Lynx Interfaces will be presented as a single ASIO device, labeled “Lynx ASIO”. When “Lynx ASIO” is selected as the current audio device, all of the I/O from all of the interfaces will be presented in the same order as in the Lynx Mixer. ASIO devices will be labeled with the Device ID, then the Play or Record channels. For instance: 1: E44 Play 1+2” is for card 1, Channel 1+2 2: E22 Play 3+4” is for card 2 Channels 3+4 etc. 8.1.
DirectSound, but when the option exists, we recommend using ASIO for the best performance. 8.2.1.1 WDM/Multimedia Applications The Lynx cards can be used as playback devices for most popular multimedia, home theater and consumer audio applications. Some such applications allow selection of specific playback devices. In these cases, a Lynx output device can be selected from the appropriate device selection menu.
The following parameters can be altered from the Lynx ASIO Control Panel: 1. Buffer Size - This control allows the size of the ASIO buffer in samples to be established. The buffer size is the primary factor in the amount of latency that a user will experience when using the Lynx card. See Section 8.2.1.4 Controlling Latency by Changing the Buffer Size 2. Latency – Displays the amount of latency in milliseconds that is the result of the selected buffer size at the active sample rate. 3.
8.2.1.3 Controlling Latency by Changing the Buffer Size Latency in an audio interface can be defined as the time required to process a sample from an application to the interface’s audio output. A number of factors determine the achievable latency performance of a Lynx card: processor speed, operating system, sample rate, number of utilized record or play channels, system efficiency, etc. Latency can be manipulated by changing the size of the buffers used to transfer data to and from the E22/E44.
8.2.2 Macintosh OS-X The E22/E44 will operate as a Core Audio device under OS-X. Core Audio is the dominant audio driver model for OS-X, and is used for media playback applications as well as Pro Audio applications. 8.2.2.1 OS-X Audio Applications The Lynx cards can be used as playback devices for most popular multimedia, home theater and pro audio applications. Some such applications allow selection of specific playback devices.
8.2.2.2 Controlling Latency by Changing the Buffer Size Latency in an audio interface can be defined as the time required to process a sample from an application to the interface’s audio output. A number of factors determine the achievable latency performance of an E22/E44 system: processor speed, operating system, sample rate, number of utilized record or play channels, system efficiency, etc. Latency can be manipulated by changing the size of the buffers used to transfer data to and from the card.
From the top of the board going downward, the channel associated with each pot is: Analog In 1 Analog In 2 Analog In 3 Analog In 4 Analog Out 1 Analog Out 2 Analog Out 3 Analog Out 4 For the input channels, a clockwise rotation of the trimpot corresponds to a decrease in allowable input level (increased sensitivity). For the output channels, a clockwise rotation of the trim pot corresponds to an increase in output level.
8.4 Updating Firmware The E22/E44 contains firmware that is field-programmable. These updates can improve performance and enhance functionality of the card. To program the Lynx card’s firmware, follow these steps: • • • • • • Visit www.lynxstudio.com > Support > Downloads. Product = E22/E44. Download file.
3. By default switch 4 is labeled “Prom 2” and is ON be default. Switch 3 is labeled Prom 1 and is OFF by default. Simply turn switch 4 to the OFF position, and switch 3 to the ON position. In other words, prom 2 is OFF and Prom 1 is ON. 4. Return the card to its slot, plug in and turn on the computer. 5. If the OS now recognizes the card, run the latest firmware updater for the card 6. When complete, shut down computer. 7.
Volume up, CTRL + SHIFT + M for Mute, etc. If you encounter a problem, simply have the Volume Control Settings app learn a new key sequence. 8.6 Connector Pinouts The E22 and E44 cards have two external ports for connecting cables to audio equipment, as well as internal clock connections. The pinouts below are presented as a convenience should one wish to use custom cables, rather than the Lynx branded options. 8.6.
8.6.2 Sync Port The Sync Port is a female, high-density 15-pin D-connector with the following connections: Pin Signal Pin Signal 1 none 9 Digital Out 1 Hot 2 none 10 Digital In 1 Cold 3 Digital In 2 Hot 11 none 4 Clock In Hot 12 none 5 Digital In 1 Hot 13 Digital Out 2 Hot 6 Ground 14 Clock Out Hot 7 8 Digital Out 2 Cold Digital In 2 Cold 15 Shell Digital Out 1 Cold Ground Please note: for the E22 card, there is no Digital In 2 or Digital Out 2. Those pins are not utilized.
9 Specifications Analog I/O Lynx E44 Lynx E22 Type Level Input Impedance Output Impedance Output Drive Capability A/D and D/A Type Sample Rates Four input channels / four outputs channels Two input channels / two output channels Electronically balanced or unbalanced, XLR connectors +20dBu full-scale or variable +8.23dBu to +24dBu full-scale; jumper selectable Balanced mode: 24 kΩ Unbalanced mode: 12 kΩ Balanced mode: 100 Ω Unbalanced mode: 50 Ω 600 impedance, 0.
Connections Audio Port Sync Port Bracket-mounted 25-pin female D-sub connector for analog audio In/Out Bracket-mounted 15-pin high-density female D-sub connector for digital input and output, word clock in and out Cables (Optional) E44 Audio Cable E44 Sync E22 Audio Cable E22 Sync 25-pin male D-sub to 4 male and 4 female XLR connectors on six-foot shielded twisted pair cabling (part # CBL-L2Audio-A) 15-pin high-density male D-sub to (2) male and (2) female XLR on six-foot shielded twisted pair cabling a
LED Out: This means the card is NOT appearing to the OS. Try installing in a different PCIe slot. Also try setting the Jumper for Prom 1 (See Section 8.4: Updating Firmware). If all attempts are unsuccessful, try installing into a different computer and see if the card appears after loading the driver. The card shows up in the Operating System as a usable device, but will not pass audio: 1. Make sure that the E22/E44 has been assigned as the active device in the application being tested.
• • In the computer BIOS, disable CPU Speedstep (sometimes labelled as EIST, or Intel Speedstep) In the computer BIOS, disable C States (sometimes split out as C1, C3, C6, etc.) 2. If this behavior happens after pausing a multimedia playback app with Windows, make sure that you are using driver build 22 or above. 3. Make sure there are not any background tasks that are causing the behavior, such as antivirus software, scheduled tasks, or automatic updates.
11 Support We are devoted to making your experience with the E22/E44 trouble-free and productive. If the troubleshooting and operational sections of this manual did not help resolve your questions, several support options are available to you: 11.1 Lynx Website Support Resources Logging on to www.lynxstudio.
11.4 Return Policy If you have a unit that you suspect is defective or is malfunctioning, contact Lynx technical support via one of the means described above for diagnosis. If the technician determines that the unit is faulty, they will issue an RMA number so you can send the unit in for repair. Units received without a valid RMA number will be refused. All RMA numbers are valid for 30 days from the date of issue. 11.
13 Warranty Information One year Free Labor / One year Parts Exchange This product must be returned to the factory for repair. Who Is Covered? You must have proof of purchase to receive warranty service. A sales receipt or other document showing when and where you purchased the product is considered proof of purchase. This warranty is enforceable only by the original retail purchaser.
