NTP-DAD Core 256-DL Thunderbolt 3 and Dante Audio Interface with MADI SFP/DADlink Module

DADlink

DADlink is a proprietary audio and data format that establishes a superfast highway between DADlink-compatible units such as AX64, AX Center, Core 256, AX32, and more. Depending on the sample rate, you can transfer up to 128 bidirectional channels between units at zero latency.

Sample rates from 44.1 to 384 kHz are supported, and the dynamic range is a staggering 237 dB, ensuring fast and reliable transfers at the highest audio quality imaginable. In fact, DADlink is not only the fastest connection from DAD to DAD units, but other products by NTP Technology are compatible with the DADlink format too. Supported devices include:

• AX64
• AX Center
• Core 256
• AX32
• Penta 720
• Penta 721s Series

MADI Module

This version of the Core 256 supplements onboard MADI BNC I/O with extra MADI SFP I/O. Utilizing the same SFP connectors as the DADlink connection, this hot-swappable Ethernet format allows for an additional 128 channels of MADI audio, for a total of 192 channels of MADI.

Tiny Dolby Atmos Hero

There is one Core256 application that should be emphasized in particular: Core256 is an ideal Dante and MADI interface for Dolby Atmos TM RMU. The size and shape of Core 256 fits nicely for sharing a 1 RU rack shelf with a Mac Mini running Dolby Atmos Renderer, Dolby Atmos Production Suite, or Dolby Atmos Mastering Suite. For immersive audio postproduction facilities, this solution will represent the missing link that seamlessly streamlines and optimizes multichannel workflows.

Versatile Digital Bridge

Core256 is ready to take on a wealth of other tasks in the postproduction studio and installed-audio spheres. With Dante, MADI, and ADAT ports onboard, and versatile DADman routing control, it is also a stellar D/D converter that can grab any digital audio channel, convert it if needed, and route it anywhere.

DAW Interfacing

Another application where the Core256 excels is as a dedicated audio interface for your DAW. Whether you run Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Nuendo, Cubase, Ableton Live, Digital Performer, or any other DAW, Core256 can be your low-latency entrance. With the ADAT, MADI, and Dante connectivity, you can easily add analog preamps or insert points to the mix.

Optional 19" Mounting Bracket

Core256 can be mounted in a 19" rack using the special DAD bracket (sold separately). The bracket has a shelf and mounting system for a separately available Apple Mac Mini computer. This mount provides a powerful audio solution with the computer and the Core256 audio interface

Control

The Thunder | Core Audio interface is controlled via DADman software. DADman can connect to the Thunder | Core interface either via Ethernet or via a communication channel in the Thunderbolt connection.

More units can be daisy-chained via the Thunderbolt connection, and each unit will appear in DADman. Using control over Ethernet, the two RJ45 connectors act as a switch for connection to more units. And the Dante / AES67 audio is passed onto the two RJ45 connectors.

Thunder | Core

The DAD Thunder | Core Technology provides a Thunderbolt 3 connection with near-zero latency for interfacing between audio applications on MacOS or Windows computers and the Thunder | Core audio hardware. The interface provides a fast Thunderbolt 3/PCIe connection and a data transfer with two-sample latency on the connection and a total of nine-sample latency in the digital interface total, including EQ and summing processing in the unit. The channel capacity is up  to 256 audio channels at 48 and 96 kHz, and the latency at 96 kHz is 95 ms.

• Two Thunderbolt 3 ports with a 15W power source each
• 256 bidirectional channels at 44.1 / 48 kHz
• 256 channels at 88.2 / 96 kHz
• 128 channels at 176.4 / 192 kHz
• 64 channels at 352.8 / 384 kHz
• Control connection for DADman

Functionality

The Thunder | Core products have been designed with a unique router core based on 32-bit floating-point processing, low latency, and a highly reliable FPGA-based matrix structure, with a time stamp mechanism providing equal latency for all signals routed through the core. The Core256 has a total capacity of 4096 x 4096 nonblocking cross points, which provides a capacity of 1500 x 1500 cross points on the I/O and processing level.

• The matrix provides fixed latency routing of all inputs to one or more outputs, with a latency of 7 audio samples, and supports sample rates from 44.1 to 384 kHz.
• The channel processor provides signal detection logic, PPM level measurement, and level control for all input and output channels.
• All inputs and outputs have processing for level adjustment and the core has an additional summing/mixing processer with 64 output buses and 512 inputs, which can be allocated to sets of input and output signals managed by the Pro|Mon monitor control functionality in DADman.
• SPQ speaker EQ management is available native in the core with 1024 filters, combined into 64 channels with 16 filters, each with adjustable delay.

Key Specs

General

Connectivity

Digital Audio

Compatibility

Power

Physical

Packaging Info