With the Marian Seraph AD2 MWX you get a sound card with 2 analog and AES/EBU inputs/outputs up to 192 kHz at 24 Bit as well as WordClock input/output. This PCIe card is particularly suitable for professional use in recording studios and DAWs, where signal quality has the highest priority for analog inputs over the number of input channels and where an independent clock is important. With its high-quality 32-bit digital-to-analog converters, levels of up to +24 dBu and 140 dB dynamic range, it leaves nothing to be desired. If the signal channels are not sufficient, the AD2 MWX can also be extended with other Marian boards via SyncBus. The MWX version of the AD2 differs from the basic version by an additional WordClock output, with which sample rates can also be synchronized in master mode. The Multi-Client Driver Suite ensures very short access times in different software environments without different drivers causing a data jam at the signal processor.
The Seraph AD2 MWX delivers an absolute innovation with its digital-to-analog converters, which combine the analogue and digital worlds in exceptional quality. Convert 24-bit analog to digital or even 32-bit digital to analog signals. Switchable input SRCs with 140 dB dynamic range and customer-specific signal levels up to +24dBu get the most out of your sensitive analog signal.
The digital signal processor on which the sound system is based rightly bears the sonorous name "BEAST". With 44 latency-free channels, 7 mix sums and 176 IIR filters (four per channel), it is a mature digital mixer for your DAW, eliminating the need for a separate mixer. The creation of sub mixes with pre- and post switches is no problem here. The fully parametric EQs can be assigned to individual sub-mixes. So you can easily apply an EQ to the grand total, but exclude the headphone mix and the like. The fully parametric EQs are based on analog models, so each channel has one low shelf, two peak and one high shelf EQ. The DSP's flexible routing lets you redirect any signal to any output or back to the input, including signals from other application software. In addition, one stereo and three mono aux channels are available - the aux sums can be switched as pre/post and are designed for headphone mixes and effect loading. Various monitor functions complete the digital mixer package for absolutely latency-free mixing.
Only in the MWX version of the AD2 you get an extension module with built-in WorldClock output with coaxial BNC interface and 2 MIDI I/Os in addition to the basic module with WordClock input. These allow you to synchronize the sample rates of other devices with the Seraph AD2 MWX, either as clock generator (master) or as clock receiver (slave). This allows devices outside the product Marian line to be aligned with the interface, whereas the version of the AD2 without WordClock output must be limited to the application with Marian devices.
Thanks to the WordClock signals, experimental circuits are also possible, which only work with an independent clock. The clearly arranged clock software allows you to keep track of all clock signals. Sample rates, lock Status and any sync errors can be read out at each clock signal. The WordClock / Superclock module is connected to the PCIe card inside the case and requires an additional slot bracket, but no additional PCI interface on the motherboard. The expansion module also comes with a MIDI Sub-D interface - the adapter cable is included.
The driver software of the Seraph M2 series guarantees very short latency times for you, no matter in which driver software the plug-in card is used. Without an appropriate multi-client suite as in the case of digital signal processors, they often Marian lock when two signals simultaneously control the same interface of the processor. This often results in unnecessary latency times or error messages. But thanks to several driver interfaces of the driver suite you are not exposed to any additional waiting times.
The product manual is written in an understandable way and offers even laymen a good insight into the operation of the module. Ergonomic user interfaces of the software also ensure frustration-free use. And even in the event of a failed update, the built-in fail-safe technology saves your skin by automatically resetting the firmware to the latest functional status.
With the Leipziger manufacturer Marian not only the design, but also the production of the module is completely in German hands and was not outsourced to Asia. Where large service providers abroad often produce on mass and accept product defects, you can call Marian a product tested for quality your own. Their products Marian therefore come with a 5-year warranty.
- 2 analog inputs/outputs (balanced)
- 1 AES/EBU input/output
- 1 word clock / superclock input/output (BNC)
- 2x MIDI inputs/outputs (via D-sub adapter cable or via MADI)
- 24 bit AD, 32 bit DA converter
- switchable input SRCs with 140 dB dynamic
range - BEAST DSP with latency-free 44 channel mixer, 176 EQs, 52 bit mixing engine, 7 mix sums and extensive mix, monitor and routing options.
- Fail-Safe firmware update technology (automatic firmware recovery in case of failure)
- Multi-Card support
- TDM SyncBus compatible
Scope of delivery
- Marian Seraph AD2 MWX PCIe
plug-in card - 4 XLR for analog I/O to Sub-D adapter
cable - 2 XLR for AES/EBU I/O to Sub-D adapter cable
- MIDI / WordClock extender module with connection
cable - adapter cable for MIDI inputs/outputs
- CD with driver
software - Quickstart guide (complete manual as PDF on the manufacturer's side)
demands
operating system:
- Windows™ 64 Bit: Windows™ XP/Vista/7/8/10, Windows™ Server 2003/2008/2008.R2/2012,
- Windows™ 32 Bit: Windows™ XP/Vista/7/8/10, Windows™ Server 2003/2008
- Apple Mac OS X (10.4 - 10.7)
Hardware:
- Free PCIe slot (PCIe 1x) & second, free slot bracket for MIDI/WordClock module (no second PCIe slot required) -
- Intel or AMD processor with 2.0 GHz; 512MB RAM (depending on audio application higher hardware may be required)