Prism Sound Lyra 2

UPC/EAN #669014270894 MPN #Lyra-2

$3545.00

Financing available

5/5 (1 review) Write a review

Free shipping in Canada. Conditions

Reference Grade USB Audio Interface with ADAT/SPDIF

Lyra represents the pinnacle of compact audio interfaces. Packing Prism Sounds trusted, uncompromising AD/DA conversion into a compact chassis perfect for use in the studio or on the road.

Based on the Orpheus' audio path and clock circuitry, Lyra is ideal for those who don't require a large I/O count, but do demand the highest quality and most transparent AD/DA available.

RENOWNED AD/DA CONVERSION
Lyra cuts no corners in its design and boasts the same trusted Prism Sound convertors used on countless hit records. It's ultra-transparent characteristic means what you put into the Lyra is exactly what you get out of it.

PRISTINE PRE-AMPLIFICATION
Featuring two class-A microphone preamps, Lyra 2 guarantees superbly clean, detailed recordings that capture a performance the way it was intended.

SOFT-CLIP LIMITING (OVERKILLER)
Lyra's analogue input channels include a switchable Prism Sound 'Overkiller' circuit. This soft-clip limiter gently absorbs transients and allows signal levels to be pushed to their limits without risk.

QUALITY SUPPORT
Prism Sound's reputation for audio excellence has been matched only by its top quality after-sales support and technical advice. The longevity of a Prism Sound product is a testament to the dedicated team behind it.

SOFTWARE
Lyra's hardware front panel gives continuous visual indication of the unit's main settings and levels, but in-depth control is managed from the Lyra control panel. This runs on the host computer, and can be brought into view whenever adjustments are needed.

The upper area of the control panel shows a panel of 'Global' settings for the entire group of connected interfaces and a panel of 'Unit' settings which is assignable to each connected unit in turn, using the enclosed drop-list. These settings are concerned with general parameters such as sync source and sample rate selection, metering and buffering modes. An 'Identify' button causes all the LEDs on the selected box to light, to assist with identification in multi-unit systems. To the right, there are large buttons for loading and saving setups, and for on-line help.

Features

2 A/D Analogue Input Channels

4 D/A Analogue Line Output Channels

S/PDIF / ADAT Digital In/Out

AES3 Mode on RCA/Phono

Word-clock Sync I/O

Specifications

FRONT PANEL

Instrument Inputs : 2 x 6.3mm mono jack sockets, auto-select to analogue inputs 1 & 2 when plugged, software override

Headphone Output : 1 x 6.3mm stereo TRS Jack with illuminated volume control

Master volume : Assignable encoder / push switch with halo indication

Standby button : with standby indicator (also flashes when unit is in 'identify' mode)

INDICATION:

Level Meters : 4 x multi-segment, multi-colour bargraphs with overload indication, 2 for analogue, 2 for digital, assignable to inputs or outputs, analogue outputs switchable 1/2 or 3/4.

Input selection : Indicate mode of analogue inputs as Mic / line / inst & plus phantom power indicator for mic mode

Overkiller : For analogue inputs, lit when Overkiller limiters are acting

Digital Input : indicators for digital input unlocked and SRC (sample-rate converter) selected

Digital Output : indicator for SRC (sample-rate converter) selected

Sync : Master indicator, lit when interface is in local sync

REAR PANEL

Mic inputs : 2 x XLR sockets

Line inputs : 2 x 6.3mm TRS jack sockets (balanced or unbalanced)

Line outputs 1-4 : 4 x 6.3mm TRS jack sockets (balanced or unbalanced)

Digital inputs : 1 x RCA

1 x TOSLINK for S/PDIF or ADAT Optical input; (RCA can operate as AES3 input using XLR-RCA adapter supplied)

Digital output : 1 x RCA

1 x TOSLINK for S/PDIF or ADAT Optical output; (RCA can operate as AES3 output using XLR-RCA adapter supplied)

Wordclock : 2 x BNC sockets, output and input (75)

USB port : 1 x USB type B receptacle

Network port : 1 x RJ45 AVB ethernet port

Mains power : 3-pin 6A IEC inlet

SOFTWARE SUPPORT

Mac OS Support : OS X 10.5 or later Intel platform

Windows OS Support : Windows Vista, 7, 8 or later (32 or 64 bit)

Mac audio driver : Core Audio device

Windows audio driver : ASIO device, WDM coming soon

Linux audio driver : Lyra is a UAC2 class compliant device - no driver needed on recent distros

Control Panel applet : Graphical user interface for control of Lyra unit under Mac OS X or Windows

SUPPLIED ACCESSORIES:

CD with software and manuals x 1

IEC mains lead x 1

USB Lead type A to B x 1

XLR-F to RCA-M adaptor (S/PDIF/AES3) (Lyra 2 only) x 1

XLR-M to RCA-M adaptor (S/PDIF/AES3) (Lyra 2 only) x 1

Reviews

Write a review

5.0

DaveShivat

Toronto

October 27, 2024

Why I'll Never Look Back: The Lyra 2 Experience

After a year of using the Prism Sound Lyra 2, I can confidently say that this audio interface has exceeded my expectations in terms of accuracy, detail, and transparency. Having previously owned the Apollo Twin MkII and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, I was searching for an upgrade that could offer superior AD/DA conversion and high-quality preamps, and the Lyra 2 has delivered in spades.

Audio Quality and Performance:
One of the standout features of the Lyra 2 is its exceptional audio fidelity. Read more

With a dynamic range of 113 dB and ultra-low noise performance, the interface provides an astonishing level of detail that truly brings out the nuances in recordings. Whether I'm capturing vocals or instruments, the accuracy and clarity are noticeably superior compared to my previous interfaces. The conversion quality is particularly impressive; the AD/DA converters allow for transparent audio playback that has transformed my monitoring and mixing experience.
The mic preamps are a particular highlight. Prism Sound is known for their high-quality circuitry, and the Lyra 2 is no exception. The preamps are incredibly clean, providing a transparent amplification that retains the character of the sound source. This has allowed me to achieve recordings that feel lifelike and present, something I struggled to attain with my previous audio interfaces. The ability to dial in just the right amount of gain without introducing unwanted coloration has been a game changer in my workflow.

Software Integration:
The software integration of the Lyra 2 is seamless and user-friendly. It comes with Prism Sound's intuitive control software, which makes adjusting settings and monitoring levels a breeze (I wish It had physical knobs for gain control). The low-latency performance is impressive, enabling real-time monitoring without any noticeable delay, which is crucial for both recording and mixing. Additionally, it supports various digital audio workstation (DAW) environments, ensuring that it fits well into my existing setup.

Portability:
Another major advantage of the Lyra 2 is its compact and portable design. Weighing in at just under 2 kg, it's easy to transport without sacrificing performance. This portability has allowed me to take it on location for recording sessions, ensuring that I have high-quality audio gear no matter where I am. The robust build quality gives me confidence that it can withstand the rigors of travel, making it a perfect companion for both studio and mobile setups.

Headphone Monitoring Experience:
Switching to the Lyra 2 has significantly improved my headphone monitoring experience. On my first listening session with my well-known headphones, I was so astonished by the clarity and detail that I had to remove them just to make sure they were indeed the same pair! For the first time, I felt I was listening to my music in a truly real and transparent way. The headphone output is powerful and clear, with a wide stereo image and precise spatial representation. This clarity has enhanced my mixing and producing capabilities, allowing me to make more informed decisions about EQ, compression, and overall balance. I've found myself hearing details in my mixes that I previously overlooked, leading to a noticeable improvement in my production quality.

Purchase Experience:
My purchase experience with Studio Economik was smooth and very efficient. The sales support was exceptionally attentive and responsive, guiding me through the process and ensuring I had all the information I needed. Their customer service made the decision to invest in the Lyra 2 even more rewarding, and I felt confident in my choice thanks to their expertise.

Conclusion:
Overall, my year with the Prism Sound Lyra 2 has been nothing short of transformative. The superior audio quality, outstanding mic preamps, effortless software integration, and portability have elevated my recording and mixing practices to new heights. If you're looking for an audio interface that truly excels in its class, the Lyra 2 is in a league of its own, making my previous interfaces feel like a distant memory. This is a piece of gear that I can wholeheartedly recommend to anyone serious about audio production.

View more products from Prism Sound