Crane Song Interstellar

INTERSTELLAR is a stereo ADC using Crane Song's Quantum, sub Pico second clocking technology. Included in Interstellar is dsp emulation for Triode and Pentode tubes, Tape emulation, dithering to 24 or 16 bits and word clock outputs. The Word Clock outputs allow Interstellar to function as a master clock

When used as an USB interface, there is a SPDIF output that can be used to connect to a DAC. Making Interstellar a USB bi directional interface. In the USB mode the computer will set the sample rate and thus the sample rate of the Word Clock outputs. The AES, SPDIF and Optical outputs are active and can be used at the same time as the USB connection. The level of the dsp functions is set by front panel controls

When the USB connection is not in use, The clock rate is set by the front panel controls

SAMPLE RATE SWITCH:

The clock rate can be set from 44.1KHz to 192KHz When using the USB interface the sample rate is set buy the daw Whenever the sample rate is changed, the convertor is re-calibrated. This will keep the convertor working as accurately as possible.

TRIODE:

The triode function creates a triode tube like harmonic structure. The process contains strong, but not strictly, even order harmonics. This affects the bottom end of your signal by fattening it up and it should be noted that even order harmonics are difficult to hear. The harmonic structure changes with signal level and the amount of process being applied, just like it does in a tube in the analog world.

PENTODE:

The pentode function creates mostly third harmonic information but contains some higher order odd harmonics depending on the signal level and the amount of processing. It is very much like driving a pentode into overload. The pentode process makes things sound brighter and brings out detail. You can also hear this as a compression effect. The pentode process affects the triode processing stage as both processes are in series.

TAPE:

The tape function emulates magnetic recording tape. Tape distortions consist of odd harmonics, starting with the third and fifth. As you increase the level on the tape process the harmonic content increases and higher odd harmonics are added. A tape recorder also contains record and reproduce equalizers that modify the harmonic content. The result is a sound that fattens up the bottom and midrange of a recording. As you increase the process there can be loss of higher content with respect to low frequencies if driven far enough. The high frequencies start compressing sooner then the low frequencies. This is a result of the compression function and eq curves in the process. The compression also squashes peaks and results in a higher average level. The tape process sits in series after the triode and pentode processes and thus modifies them

ANALOG INPUT:

: Transformerless balanced stereo input on XLR-fm connector. The default calibration is +20 dBu = Digital zero

GAIN ADJUST TRIMS:

: On the back panel. The analog input range for 0 dbfs is adjustable form +16 to +26 dBu

WORD CLOCK OUTPUTS:

: 8 BNC connectors are a TTL level square wave that can be used to provide sync to other equipment. The WC outputs will be at the selected sample

INTERNAL SAMPLE RATE:

: 44.1KHz to 192KHz determined by front panel switch or the USB daw setting

S/PDIF OUTPUT:

: Unbalanced digital output 75 ohms RCA connector

AES OUTPUT:

: Balanced digital output 110 ohms XLR connector

OPTICAL OUT:

: Toslink format, stereo

POWER:

: 25 watts at 115 or 230 volts, 50 or 60 Hz

FUSE SIZE:

: MDL .3A for 115 volts; MDL .25A for 230 volts

PILOT LAMP:

: #7335 lamp

SHIPPING WEIGHT:

: 15lbs (6.7kg)

DEPTH BEHIND PANEL:

: 10 inches (25.4cm) plus user input/output connectors