BLA MK2 Black, Red and White

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BenjaminWells
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BLA MK2 Black, Red and White

Post by BenjaminWells » Mon Apr 04, 2011 3:31 pm

Just wondering about your educated thoughts on these:
http://www.blacklionaudio.com/content.php?p=35

Am I correct that these only have SPDIF out? If so, how best can I get the signal from it to my DAW? Many thanks.

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Post by Bro Shark » Mon Apr 04, 2011 4:51 pm

AES output, coax & optical S/PDIF output
I'm waiting for professional reviews.

BTW, they have a D/A coming out next, and then an full-fledged interface in a year or two. Which might be interesting.

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signal path

Post by BenjaminWells » Tue Apr 05, 2011 12:10 pm

So, the little audio-in jack on Mac Book Pros and iMacs is actually an optical in. This makes it really easy to use one of these:
http://www.amazon.com/StarTech-com-THIN ... B00016W6Y6 to go from a converter like the BLA MK2 Sparrow to a DAW. I'd love to hear from anyone who has used this method. Are both channels routed separately, at the same time?

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Post by DCrippa » Wed Apr 13, 2011 12:57 pm

This also has my attention... I'm looking for better A/D than what is in my Digi002 console.
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Post by Jim Williams » Thu Apr 14, 2011 7:50 am

Got $149?

PCM4222 EVM

www.ti.com
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Post by DCrippa » Thu Apr 14, 2011 7:52 am

Yeah I saw that discussed elsewhere - just not sure of how it would work... do I just have to replace the existing A/D chip in the Digi 002 with the TI one?

Bummed because black lion will no longer take the consoles... but if it's doable.. I'd be open to modding it myself - or getting someone who could do it for me... got next to nothing to lose as it's re-sale value is low.... it's value to me given what I originally spent on it would be in making it better and continue using it...
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Post by Jim Williams » Thu Apr 14, 2011 8:40 am

It's a complete self contained AD converter. it has all the switch choices and it's balanced in, with 2 s/pdif or AES digital outputs, both active.

Add a + - 15 and a + 5 volt power supply and go...
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Post by DCrippa » Thu Apr 14, 2011 9:16 am

Where can I find a pic - all TI shows is the chip and schematics
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Post by DCrippa » Thu Apr 14, 2011 10:08 am

Sorry for the newb questions... I found this... http://www.flickr.com/photos/isialdi/44 ... 434592957/

so I guess it comes pre-assembled or does it have to be built?

Also, could I just throw it in a cigar box or like wooden box - or where could I get a proper metal enclosure like in the pic?

thanks! This is so awesome - exactly what I needed and within my current budget.
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Post by Jim Williams » Fri Apr 15, 2011 7:37 am

You want the evaluation module or EVM. Everyone else has these now, suprized it's not known around here.
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Post by rhythm ranch » Sat Apr 16, 2011 8:07 am

Jim Williams wrote:You want the evaluation module or EVM. Everyone else has these now, suprized it's not known around here.
http://focus.ti.com/docs/toolsw/folders ... 22evm.html

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Post by kslight » Sat Apr 16, 2011 9:47 am

Jim Williams wrote:You want the evaluation module or EVM. Everyone else has these now, suprized it's not known around here.
So how exactly does one take this to a fully functional device...what do you get for $149? Is there some kind of tutorial out there?

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Post by snatchman » Sat Apr 16, 2011 10:22 am

SOT..So Jim, how would this TI converter compare to the Emu 1820m converter.?

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Post by DCrippa » Sat Apr 16, 2011 11:23 am

kslight wrote:
Jim Williams wrote:You want the evaluation module or EVM. Everyone else has these now, suprized it's not known around here.
So how exactly does one take this to a fully functional device...what do you get for $149? Is there some kind of tutorial out there?
I've been wondering the same thing - from what I've seen on the net - it seems you'll need to also order a linear power supply to work with it... this is what I've seen reccomended:

http://www.mouser.com/Search/ProductDet ... xTB0ldXA==

Plus you'll probably have to either, buy, fabricate or find something to use as a housing... hopefully it comes pre assembled (that isn't clear to me either) or else it's time to find a fine tip soldering iron ... with the info I've gotten so far that's what I expect...

am I right Jim?
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BLA MK2 Black, Red and White

Post by BenjaminWells » Sun Apr 17, 2011 9:55 pm

I guess I have very little interest in a DIY project... especially where converters are concerned. But, I DID put a BLA MK2 Black Sparrow on order and I can't wait to see how it sounds. I'll post a review, albeit not exactly professional.

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