RDL HR-ADC1 – Broadcast Analog to Digital Audio Converter

What is the RDL HR-ADC1?

The RDL HR-ADC1 is a broadcast-quality analog to digital audio converter that turns balanced or unbalanced stereo audio into AES/EBU, S/PDIF or AES-3ID digital audio at up to 24 bits and 192 kHz. RDL specifies distortion of 0.0006%, residual noise below -135 dB and frequency response flat to ±0.05 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz. External sync inputs, peak and average metering with peak store, and front-panel rate and bit-depth selection make it a complete A/D converter for broadcast and production facilities.

How does it work?

The HR-ADC1 accepts balanced +4 dBu or unbalanced -10 dBV stereo audio through rear-panel XLR or RCA jacks or a detachable terminal block. Front-panel LEFT and RIGHT controls trim the input gain to set the desired average level for conversion. The digital output format is chosen with a rear-panel switch and appears on the matching transformer-isolated XLR (AES/EBU), RCA (S/PDIF) or BNC (AES-3ID) jack. An external AES/EBU, AES-3ID or S/PDIF sync source can be connected on the rear panel; when valid sync is present the EXTERNAL SYNC LOCK LED lights and the SYNC button locks conversion to it. Without external sync, the converter runs at the sample rate selected with the front-panel RATE button (44.1 kHz to 192 kHz) and the bit depth selected with the BITS button (16, 20 or 24 bits). The meter can show peak or VU average response with a 0 dB reference of -14, -16, -18 or -20 dBFS, and peaks from -10 dBFS to 0 dBFS display separately with flash, 1/3-second hold, 2/3-second hold or store modes. Programming selections are saved automatically after five seconds and retained when the unit is re-powered. The HR-ADC1 runs on 24 Vdc at 300 mA through the terminal block or dc jack; RDL recommends the PS-24AS (USA) or RDL PS-24AX (international) supply, which is not included. It pairs with the RDL HR-DAC1 D/A converter for the return path and mounts in a rack with the HR-RA2 Half-Rack adapter or HR-HRA1 rack mount.

What are the key features?

• Broadcast-grade A/D conversion — THD+N of 0.0006% and residual noise below -135 dB preserve source quality.
• Up to 24-bit/192 kHz — Selectable 16, 20 or 24 bits and sample rates from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz.
• Three digital output formats — Switch-selectable AES/EBU, S/PDIF or AES-3ID on XLR, RCA or BNC jacks.
• Flexible analog inputs — Balanced XLR or terminal block and unbalanced RCA stereo inputs.
• External sync — Locks to an external AES/EBU, S/PDIF or AES-3ID reference with a lock indicator.
• Programmable metering — Peak or average ballistics with selectable 0 dB reference and peak hold or store.
• Front-panel gain trim — Left and right controls set the average level for conversion.
• Transformer-isolated AES/EBU — The AES/EBU output and sync input are transformer isolated.
• Settings memory — Programming is stored automatically and retained through power cycles.

Where is it typically used?

• Broadcast studio
• House of worship
• Auditorium
• Training room

Technical Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions