Installation Guide Core 256
Doc no. AXCNTR-8001-A-4
Rev. date 201123
Page 5 of 16
General description.
Congratulations, and thank you for choosing the Thunder|Core-enabled Core 256 Digital Audio Interface. Core
256 is an extremely capable multi-channel audio converter and digital audio interface, which is ideal in your
sound studio or live music application as a versatile audio interface to your Digital Audio Workstation of
computer-based effects processor.
Core 256 has built-in Thunderbolt 3 interface w. 256 bidirectional channels for connection to a computer and can
also provide 15W power on each port for powering peripherical devices. Digital I/O is provided for 256 channels
of Dante™, 64 channels of MADI, 16 channels of ADAT and 4 channels of S/PDIF. Sample rates are supported
from 44.1 to 348 kHz and a resolution of 28-bit floating point. As options a 128-channel mini MADI I/O module
can be installed supporting MADI or 256 channels DADLink.
The DAD routing engine provides a 848x848 matrix where all inputs and outputs can be patched in any
combination. In addition, a 512x64 channel summing processor and a 1024 filter SPQ equalizer is also available.
As an option a mini MADI I/O module can be installed providing 128 channel MADI or 256 channels DADlink.
Note. The Core 256 is operated via the DADman control software. The control is handled via the
Thunderbolt connection or Ethernet if Thunderbolt is not connected to the unit.
Below is a diagram of the overall functionality.
Figure 1, Block diagram of the unit
Before you start
Place your Core 256 on a hard and dry surface or mount it into the DAD 1U 19” rack bracket which can also hold
a Mac Mini computer. Connect the external power supply to the 12V power connector.
In order to meet the EMC requirements of directives EN 55032 and FCC 47 CFR part 15, and in order to obtain
the highest performance of the Core 256, you must use good quality and correctly shielded cables for all external
connections when installing Core 256. For the power connection, a normal unshielded power cable with a proper
protective earth conductor can be used.
Make sure that your sound system is at a safe volume level.
