The Fostex AC2496 is a high-quality 8-channel analogue-to-digital converter designed to meet the demands of professional recording studios and live recording environments. Originally developed as an ideal companion for the Fostex D2424 and Fostex D1624 digital multitrack recorders, the Fostex AC2496 significantly extends the number of available analogue inputs, allowing seamless simultaneous recording of multiple analogue sources. With the optional Model 5045 AD card installed, it expands the D2424’s capacity to a full 24-track simultaneous recording from analogue sources.
The Fostex AC2496 provides pristine audio conversion using the same 24-bit delta-sigma A/D converters (AK5393) found in Fostex’s acclaimed D-Series recorders. It offers selectable sample rates up to 96kHz and four digital output formats, including 24-bit/44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, and 96kHz. Optical digital outputs can be switched between adat and S/P DIF formats, ensuring flexible connectivity with a wide range of digital recording and processing equipment.
Each of the eight analogue inputs accommodates both balanced (+4dBu) and unbalanced (-10dBV) signals via TRS phone jacks. Reference input levels are easily adjustable to -12dB, -18dB, or -20dB to suit different signal sources and maintain optimal headroom and signal integrity.
Synchronisation is made simple with the inclusion of WORD IN/OUT connectors, enabling the Fostex AC2496 to lock to an external word clock or provide clocking for other digital devices in the system. The front panel controls make selecting input levels, digital formats, and sync modes intuitive and straightforward, reducing setup time in demanding sessions.
For further versatility, the Fostex AC2496 can be fitted with two optional expansion cards. The Fostex Model 5045 adds an additional eight channels of analogue input, bringing the total to 16. Meanwhile, the Fostex Model 8355 AES/EBU card allows conversion of the eight analogue inputs to AES/EBU digital signals, supporting 24-bit/96kHz output, which is not possible over adat.
The Fostex AC2496 was highly regarded for its exceptional sound quality, reliability, and ease of integration into both hardware multitrack setups and PC-based digital audio workstations. Its robust feature set made it a staple choice for engineers requiring expandable analogue-to-digital conversion in professional audio environments.
Features
- High-quality 8-channel A/D conversion: Converts analogue signals to digital with 24-bit resolution and up to 96kHz sampling rate.
- Flexible digital output formats: Supports 24-bit/44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz (S/P DIF), and 96kHz (S/P DIF). Adat output is limited to 44.1kHz and 48kHz.
- Selectable optical digital output: Switchable between adat and S/P DIF formats for versatile connectivity.
- Balanced/unbalanced input compatibility: Each of the 8 analogue inputs accepts both balanced (+4dBu) and unbalanced (-10dBV) signals via TRS connectors.
- Selectable input reference levels: Choose from -12dB, -18dB, or -20dB reference levels to match connected equipment.
- Word clock sync capability: WORD IN/OUT connectors allow for synchronisation with external digital systems via BNC connectors.
- Optional expandability:
- Model 5045 AD card: Expands the Fostex AC2496 to 16 analogue inputs.
- Model 8355 AES/EBU card: Converts analogue signals to AES/EBU digital output, enabling 24-bit/96kHz transmission not available over adat.
- High-performance A/D converters: Utilises AK5393 24-bit delta-sigma converters with 128x oversampling, the same as those in Fostex D-Series recorders.
- Easy-to-use front panel controls: Intuitive layout for setting digital format, word clock sync, and reference input levels.
- Ideal for live and studio recording: Perfect for expanding the analogue input capacity of Fostex D2424/D1624 recorders or PC-based digital recording systems.
- Rugged 1U rackmount design: Compact and durable for professional studio and live sound environments.
