Sample Rate Converters

z-3src 24/96 sample rate converter

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The z-3src 24-bit/96 kHz sample rate converter is the long-awaited follow-up to the z-2src

Product Description

The z-3src shares all of the same features as the z-2src but adds the ability to handle input and output sample rates up to 96 kHz at a resolution of 24 bits. Furthermore, the z-3src features an output wordwidth control, allowing the user to select 16, 20, or 24-bit output. The z-3src is based on the ground-breaking CS8420 sample rate conversion chip from Crystal Semiconductor, which gives the z-3src unprecedented measured and sonic performance in asynchronous sample rate conversion.

Product Specifications

Input sample rates: between 32 kHz and 96 kHz
Output sample rates: between 32 kHz and 96 kHz (externally referenced) and either 32 kHz, 44.1 kHz, or 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz (internally referenced)
Input and output connectors: RCA,XLR, and Optical (TOSLINK)
Sync input and output connectors: XLR AES/EBU
Input and output impedance: 75 ohms (coaxial) and 110 ohms (XLR)
Input resolution: up to 24 bits
Output resolution: 24 bits
Signal-to-noise ratio: 135 dB
Total harmonic distortion + noise: -120 dB

z-link96 mini sample rate converter

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The z-link96 mini sample rate converter is based on the same sample rate conversion technology as the z-3src.

Product Description

The z-link96 is a 24-bit 96 kHz version of the z-link. An externally-synchronizable version of the z-link96, the z-link96+ is also available.

Product Specifications

Input sample rates: between 32 kHz and 96 kHz
Output sample rates: either 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz (internally referenced)
Input and output: 75 ohm transformer-isolated BNC connector, 1 V peak-to-peak (nominal), consumer or professional channel status
Input resolution: up to 24 bits
Output resolution: 16 or 24 bits
Dynamic range: 135 dB
Total harmonic distortion + noise: -117 dB
Power Supply: 9 volts DC, 500 mA, center positive

z-link96+ mini sample rate converter

The z-link96+ mini sample rate converter is based on the same sample rate conversion technology as the z-3src.

Product Description

The z-link96+ is a 24-bit 96 kHz version of the z-link+.

Product Specifications

Input sample rates: between 32 kHz and 96 kHz
Output sample rates: between 32 kHz and 96 kHz (externally referenced) and either 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz (internally referenced)
Input and output: 75 ohm transformer-isolated BNC connector, 1 V peak-to-peak (nominal), consumer or professional channel status
Sync input and output: 75 ohm transformer-isolated BNC connector, 1 V peak-to-peak (nominal)
Input resolution: up to 24 bits
Output resolution: 16 or 24 bits
Dynamic range: 135 dB
Total harmonic distortion + noise: -117 dB
Power Supply: 9 volts DC, 500 mA, center positive

z-8src sample rate converter

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Product Description

Ever since we first produced the z-1src back in 1993, Z-Systems has been synonymous with sample rate conversion. We've been making sample rate conversion products for nearly a decade now and we pride ourselves on offering world-class sample rate converters for a reasonable price.

Our approach to sample rate conversion is simple: rather than build an expensive synchronous converter based on a custom DSP solution, we use the finest asynchronous sample rate conversion chips*. At this time, the best asynchronous converters yield results which are practically indistinguishable from the best synchronous converters. The benefit to the enduser is a much less expensive sample rate converter.

The z-8src is an eight-channel variant of our flagship z-3src. The z-8src boasts the same audio performance to the z-3src, with the only significant differences being the inclusion of eight channels' worth of identical sample rate conversion and deletion of a few features in order to house the unit in a single rack space. The benefit of using the z-8src is that all output channels get locked to a single clock reference; it's like using four z-3srcs all synchronized to the same reference.

The z-8src can accept inputs between 32 kHz and 96 kHz at up to 24 bits and can output any sample rate between 32 kHz and 96 kHz by using an external AES11 sync reference. The unit also features a Fs/2 "flywheel" where the output sample rate is generated by dividing the sync reference's sample rate in half. You can also manipulate the output channel status bit and an output wordwidth control allows you to apply TPDF dither and produce output wordwidths of 16, 20, or 24 bits.

So if you find yourself with the need to sample-rate-convert several channels' worth of audio simultaneously, the z-8src is your best choice. It offers ease of use, a convenient package, and audio quality that can't be beat at anywhere near the price. Put our expertise to the test -- you won't be disappointed.

*Although the same chip sets are available to all manufacturers, there's considerably more to designing a good sample rate converter than merely stuffing chips in a board and hoping for the best. To get the best results, an intimate knowledge of mixed-signal (hybrid analog/digital) design is critical. This is because asynchronous SRC chips are notoriously fussy about the componentry and layout surrounding them.

Product Specifications

AES/EBU inputs and outputs
24-, 20-, and 16-bit output modes
via TPDF dither
Handles input and outputs at up to
24 bits between 32 kHz and 96 kHz
Better than -115 dB THD+N
Better than 120 dB dynamic range
1 rack-unit form factor