AD122-96 MX
Operations Manual
MX PREFACE
The MX is our 5
th
generation gold series analog to digital converter.
The MX provides the same 127dB dynamic range (without A weighing) as the MkIII model, and
consistently clean performance over the entire audio frequency range. High quality clocking
circuitry provides extremely low jitter with both internal clocking and external lock. Precise
matching of the two channels throughout the dynamic range preserves subtle details in the stereo
image without degrading spatial location or detail of the lowest level signals.
The MX is a redesign of the MKIII, with the additional feature of increased ability to handle
clipping of the audio signal without apparent loss of signal quality. In the quest to achieve the
elevated levels common in pop music; Mastering engineers as well as Mix engineers can utilize
clipping as a means of dynamic range control without the down-side of attack and release times
associated with compressors and limiters. Although the MkIII model already had a reputation for
“clean clipping,” the MX model extends the useful range of clipping to even higher levels.
The MX model retains the Lavry exclusive Soft Saturation modes which increase the level below
the saturation threshold by a selectable 3 or 6db. Audio signals above the threshold are processed
by an emulation of analog tape saturation without artifacts associated with attack and release
times. In combination with the improved handling of clipping level signals, the AD122-96MX
offers more options for hotter recording levels than other converters.
Because the difference between the MkIII and MX models did not require changes to the
converter’s software, the MX model will display “Ver 2.1e” ©2000 dB tech, AD122-96MkII” in
the initialization screen of the LCD display.
