Prism Sound Atlas
UPC/EAN #669014270863
MPN #Atlas
Reference Grade Expandable USB multi-track audio interface
Signal path
Atlas provides Prism Sound's renowned performance, sound quality and state-of-the-art clock technology in a dedicated unit compatible with both Windows (Vista, 7 and 8, 32 and 64 bit, ASIO as well as MAC OS X 10.4.11 and later (Intel). Once configured with a computer, Atlas can also operate stand-alone using its ADAT, S/PDIF or AES3 I/O.
Eight analogue input channels and up to 10 digital input channels are available as inputs for your audio workstation software through the host computer's audio driver. Similarly, eight analogue output channels, up to 10 digital output channels and stereo headphone outputs can play 20 different channels. For low-latency foldback or monitoring to headphones or main outputs, each output pair (1-2, 3-4 etc or the headphone output) can optionally be driven from the built-in DSP mixer with an individual local mix of any selection of inputs through the controller applet. All analogue inputs are electronically balanced with automatic unbalanced operation. Analogue outputs are electronically balanced with 'bootstrapping', i.e. level is maintained if one leg is grounded.
Multichannel Digital Input and Output (MDIO) expansion
As well as the built-in inputs and outputs Atlas can accommodate other optional digital interfaces such as Pro Tools | HDX and AES3 multichannel options through its MDIO expansion slot. This flexibility makes Atlas perfectly suitable for the home, native or project studio as well as larger multitracking facilities by seamless, reliable integration with the industry standard platforms. The MDIO expansion means Atlas is future-proof allowing further digital interface options to be developed and available such as Thunderbolt (to be confirmed).
No-compromise, full Prism Sound audio quality
Atlas makes no compromises on audio quality. It is the result of years of research and development into digital audio conversion and extensive dialogue with Prism Sound's customers.
Atlas draws on Prism Sound's years of experience in developing digital audio products, including its range of audio test equipment, adopted by a wide variety of clients across the audio industry from pro-audio to consumer electronics. This experience means that Atlas is well-behaved both as a computer peripheral and an audio processor.
Reliability is vitally important in professional recording. Prism Sound has always made extensive use of precise software calibration techniques in its converters - pots and tweaks are always unreliable, so there are none.
The design team has gone to great lengths to minimise noise and interference, in particular hum. All of the analogue circuits have galvanic isolation, while the unit's electronically balanced I/O allows it to handle common mode interference sources as well as enabling trouble-free connection to unbalanced equipment.
It is often said that THD+N figures do not always correlate well with the perception of sound quality and this is true - partly because the traditional measures of THD+N or SINAD expressed as RMS figures are rather a broad measure. With this in mind, we have taken great care to make sure that not only is the Atlas noise and distortion spectrum beyond reproach, but the RMS distortion result measures up to the state of the art.
Standards compliant USB interface
Prism Sound has taken on board the increasing importance of native processing power for professional users and the fact that software products for standard PC and Mac platforms have been greatly enhanced in recent years. Atlas uses a USB2 interface. This is a UAC2 (USB Audio Class 2) interface supported natively in Mac, iPad, Linux and Android, and in Windows via a driver.
Atlas is easy to connect to your computer and to your outboard gear. For both Mac and PC platforms, there is a controller application to configure the unit and control its built-in mixer and other functions. Aside from the monitor and headphone level controls, everything else is operated solely from the Atlas controller application. The controller software opens on-screen as a separate panel alongside your existing editing software.
Flexible Inputs and Outputs
Atlas Our customers told us that many professional users wanted a highly integrated solution with instrument and microphone inputs, and line outputs that could be used for stereo or multi-channel monitoring and/or foldback to performers. Atlas offers eight analogue recording channels, eight monitoring outputs, stereo digital input and output on a phono connector plus concurrent optical digital I/O ports that can interface to S/PDIF or ADAT data formats, giving Atlas a maximum capability of 18 concurrent input and output channels plus stereo headphones.
Atlas's eight analogue inputs support various capabilities. Atlas has eight high-grade microphone pre-amps with software-controlled gain in 1dB steps, individually-switchable phantom power, 20dB pads - and very low noise and distortion. These combo connector inputs support both microphone and line input, with digitally-controlled mic gain in excess of 60dB. Two front panel inputs also support direct injection (DI) instrument connections with quarter-inch jacks. RIAA Equalization can be selected in the controller applet on channels 1 & 2 so that turntables can be connected for archiving or sampling applications. By selecting the input type (Mic or DI) , low- or high-impedance cartridges can be loaded with suitable termination impedances. All analogue inputs have individually-selectable Prism Sound "Overkillers" built in, just as on the higher-priced ADA-8XR, to catch those fast transients. The Overkiller threshold automatically follows the operating line-up level selection (+4dBu or -10dBV). Overkillers are ideal for percussive sounds, particularly drums, where headroom can be a problem.
The co-axial digital I/O port can be switched in the Atlas controller applet between S/PDIF and AES3 formats. This control changes the operating voltage and the Channel Status format and is complemented by two in-line adaptor leads that provide external XLR connections for AES3 devices. Other connections include wordclock sync I/O.
Atlas can also operate in a stand-alone mode using its ADAT or co-axial digital I/O connections. Once set up using the Atlas controller applet, the unit can be disconnected from the host computer and used independently. Atlas will retain its settings when powered down so even if it is switched off, Atlas can be re-powered and stand-alone operation can continue with the automatically-stored settings.
SOFTWARE
Atlas' front panel gives continuous visual indication of the unit's main settings and levels, but in-depth control is managed from the Atlas Controller applet. This runs on the DAW computer, and can be popped up whenever adjustments are needed.
Features
UNSURPASSED CLOCKING AND JITTER REJECTION
Prism Sounds history in developing test and measurement equipment for the audio industry has allowed our engineers to get a much deeper understanding of digital clocking and its associated issues.
DIGITAL MIXER WITH FLEXIBLE MONITORING
Atlas has a powerful built-in digital mixer that can be configured to provide a multitude of ultra low latency feeds, Including foldback to performers, stereo and surround outputs.
MIC PREAMPS
The Atlas boasts 8 ultra-clean, low-noise microphone preamps that perfectly compliment its transparent A/D conversion (with software controllable phantom power, -20dB pad and Overkiller limiter switches on each channel.)
FUTURE PROOF CONNECTIVITY
With a standard USB connection Atlas can connect to the widest range of computers today and for the foreseeable future. Add to this the option of ProTools HDX and Dante modules for the most flexible and professional solution.
MDIO
MULTI-CHANNEL I/O EXPANSION
Atlas & Titan support Prism Sound's MDIO expansion cards, which provide alternative "host" connections. The "host" is usually a computer and the Atlas or Titan interface provides a means of connection between the host and the external analogue and digital audio I/O ports.
The MDIO expansion slot provides an alternative host connection. It does not necessarily disable the USB port, but in the case of the Pro Tools interface MDIO-PTHDX, the USB port is switched off when the Pro Tools interface is to be used.
The DANTE module allows multiple Titan or Atlas units to be connected directly to a DANTE equipped network.
Specifications
FRONT PANEL
Instrument Inputs : 2 x 6.3mm mono jack sockets, auto-select to analogue inputs 1 & 2 when pluggedHeadphone Outputs : 2 x 6.3mm stereo TRS Jacks, each with illuminated volume controlMaster volume : Assignable encoder / push switch with halo indicationStandby button : with standby indicator (also flashes when unit is in 'identify' mode)
INDICATION:
Level Meters : 10 x multi-segment bargraphs with overload indication, 8 for analogue, 2 for digital, assignable to inputs or outputsInput selection : Indicate mode of analogue inputs 1-8 as Mic / line / inst with phantom power indication for mic modeOverkiller : For every analogue input, lit when Overkiller limiters are actingDigital Input : indicators for digital input unlocked and SRC (sample-rate converter) selectedDigital Output : indicator for SRC (sample-rate converter) selectedSync : Master indicator, lit when interface is providing system sync
REAR PANEL
Mic / Line inputs : 8 x combo connectors with XLR sockets for mic input and 6.3mm TRS jack sockets for line input (balanced or unbalanced)Line outputs : 8 x 6.3mm TRS jack sockets (balanced or unbalanced)Digital inputs : 1 x RCA1 x TOSLINK for S/PDIF or ADAT Optical input; (RCA can operate as AES3 input using XLR-RCA adapter supplied)Digital output : 1 x RCA1 x TOSLINK for S/PDIF or ADAT Optical output; (RCA can operate as AES3 output using XLR-RCA adapter supplied)MIDI I/O : 2 x 5 Pin DIN sockets (in and out)Wordclock : 2 x BNC sockets, output and input (75R)USB port : 1 x USB 2 portEthernet port : For future expansion / AVBMDIO card already installedMains power : 3-pin 6A IEC inlet
SOFTWARE SUPPORT
Mac OS Support : OS X 10.4 or later, Intel platformWindows OS Support : Windows Vista, 7 or 8, 32 or 64 bitMac audio driver : Core Audio deviceWindows audio driver : ASIO deviceControl Panel applet : Graphical user interface for control of single or multiple Atlas units under Mac OS X or Windows.
SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES:
Printed manual x 1Software CD x 1IEC mains lead x 119 Rackmount ears x 2 (pair)Allen key (for rack ears) x 1USB lead x 1XLR-F to RCA-M adaptor (S/PDIF/AES3) x 1XLR-M to RCA-M adaptor (S/PDIF/AES3) x 1
Write a review about the Prism Sound Atlas
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5.0
Frank Dumas
Montreal, Qc
July 29, 2019
Stellar quality
Just changed my AD/DA soundcard with this wonderful product. I had no doubt about the quality of the products offered by Prims Sound but ... I was terribly impressed.
First thing first, it's a plug and play tool. Super vesatile but for me it's my mastering killing machine...
Read moreso I've a pretty simple and standard configuration for the in and outs. The software is super easy to use and the card... stable like no others.
Buy this!!!
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