DAD Thunder Core - 2 New Low Latency Interfaces Announced
DAD (Digital Audio Denmark) have used NAB 2022 to announce 2 new low latency interfaces built around their new Thunder Core technology, designed as a direct link between the well-respected DAD audio conversion, flexible routing and the latest in high-speed computers. We have the details.
At the centre of DAD’s Thunder Core are ThunderBolt 3 via USB-C ports which offer up to 256 channels with near-zero latency to connect to your Windows or macOS based computers, offering the flow of audio channels between Dante, MADI, ADAT and your computer via Thunderbolt 3.
DAD’s design intent is streamlined and efficient workflows to save you valuable production time.
Ch-Ch-Channels
Thunder|Core can run up to 256 bidirectional channels at 48 kHz, 256 channels at 88.2/96 kHz, 128 channels at 176.4/192 kHz or 64 channels at 352.8/384 kHz. The Core Audio Thunder|Core driver for Apple Mac computers supports the use of Intel as well as Silicon (M1) CPU processors all the way down the highway to a buffer size of just 32 samples.
For Windows 10 computers, although the same buffer size is supported, due to Windows OS structures, the actual minimum buffer size is 128 samples.
Near-Zero Latency
The Thunder|Core interface uses a Thunderbolt 3/PCIe connection and data transfer with 2 samples latency on the connection and a total of 9 samples in the digital interface. With up to 256 audio channels at 48 and 96 kHz, and the latency at 96kHz is 95 microseconds.
Please note that the total round-trip latency with an audio software application will depend on the buffer size set for the application. With a buffer size of 32 samples, the latency is 670 microseconds at 96 kHz.
Full and Flexible Control
Not unsurprisingly, DAD’s Thunder|Core technology uses their DADman software to control audio routing, conversion and workflows, in total, the routing matrix supports a grid of no less than 4096 x 4096 audio channels.
DAD Core 256
The DADCore 256 may not take up much space, but don’t let its small size put you off, this is one powerful little box. With loads of channels, a wide palette of digital connectivity, built-in SPQ processing, Eucon control compatibility, internal summing engine and drivers for macOS and Windows 10, it has a lot to offer.
Made For Dolby Atmos
However, there is one application that should be emphasized in particular: Core 256 has been designed to be the perfect Dante and MADI interface for Dolby Atmos RMU.
The Core 256 can be mounted in a 19” rack using the special DAD bracket, which has a shelf and mounting system for an Apple Mac Mini computer, which once again plays right into the immersive Dolby Atmos® application.
Quite simply, this mounting system provides a powerful – yet compact - audio solution, combining the computer and the Core 256 audio interface on a single sleek shelf with a Mac mini running Dolby Atmos Renderer, using either the Dolby Atmos Production Suite or Dolby Atmos Mastering Suite. For immersive audio post-production facilities, this solution offers the missing link designed to streamline and optimise the multichannel workflows.
DAD Core 256 Features
The basic I/O configuration for the DAD Core 256 interface is as follows…
2 Thunderbolt 3 Ports (each w. 15W power)
256 Bidirectional Channels at 48 & 96 kHz
ASIO / Core Audio Thunderbolt PCIe drivers
MADI/BNC-Optional 2 x SFP/BNC MADI
ADAT /Litepipe (16 Ch.)
DANTE: 256 Ch. at 48 kHz, 128 Ch. at 96kHz (IP Core)
WC I/O
SPQ: 64 Ch. with 16 Filters
Pro|Mon Support
Summing Processor 64 Output / 512 Input Busses
Internal Router: 1500 x 1500
32bit Floating Point Processing
Avid Eucon Enabled Devices via DADman
Apple Silicon M1 and Intel Compatible Software
Control via Ethernet or Thunderbolt Connection
12V DC External Power (Max 60W)
½ Rack Unit 1U Height
In addition, the mini-module slot can be mounted with an optional dual bidirectional MADI module with optical SFP or mini-coax connectors.
Control Connection for DADman
The Core Audio Thunder|Core Audio Driver
Compatible with Intel and Apple Silicon (M1) processors, as well as Big Sur macOS and forward
Core Audio Aggregates for More Applications I/O Control Connection for DADman
ASIO Thunder|Core Audio Driver Compatible with Windows 10 and forward
One Application Can Connect to the Driver
Control Connection for DADman
DAD Core 256 Functionality
The Thunder | Core products have been designed with a unique router core based on 32bit floating-point processing and a low-latency and highly reliable FPGA based matrix structure. A timestamp mechanism provides equal latency for all signals routed through the core.
In total, the Core 256 interface has a capacity of 4,096x4,096 non-blocking cross points, which provides a capacity of 1,500x1,500 cross points on the I/O and processing level.
The matrix provides fixed latency routing of all inputs to one or more outputs with a latency of only 5 audio samples and supports sample rates from 44.1 to 384 kHz.
The channel processor provides a signal detection logic for all input and output channels, PPM level measurement as well as level control.
All inputs and outputs have processing for level adjustment and in addition, the core has a summing/mixing processer with 64 output busses and 512 inputs, which can be allocated to sets of input and output signals managed by the Pro|Mon monitor control functionality in DADman.
SPQ speaker EQ management is available natively in the core with access to 1,024 filters combined into 64 channels with 16 filters, each with adjustable delay.
DAD Core 256 Price And Availability
Availability is unclear at the time of writing but we understand that the list price of the DAD Core 256 will be $2,995.
DAD AX64
The DAD ax64 is the new big brother of the DAD range of units which has been designed to be a versatile and modular multi-format audio interface with 8 slots for the well-respected audio I/O cards from the AX32 and Penta product family.
Up to 8 analogue cards can be installed, providing 64 analogue input or output audio channels with loads of channels, a wide palette of digital connectivity, built-in SPQ processing, Eucon control compatibility, internal summing engine and drivers for macOS and Windows 10, it is a pristine digital audio interface by any measure and is suited for just about any application.
In short, AX64 has been designed to be the ultimate modular multi-format interface, ready to take on a wealth of tasks in the Post Production, Studio, Live Music and Installed Audio spheres.
DAD AX64 Features
The basic I/O configuration for the AX64 multi-format interface is:
2 Thunderbolt 3 Ports (each w. 15W power)
256 Bidirectional Channels at 48 & 96 kHz
ASIO / Core Audio Thunderbolt PCIe Drivers
MADI/BNC-Optional 2 x SFP/BNC MADI
ADAT /Litepipe (16 Ch.)
DANTE: 256 Ch. at 48 kHz, 128 Ch. at 96kHz (IP Core)
WC I/O • SPQ: 64 Ch. with 16 Filters
Pro|Mon Support
Summing Processor 64 Output / 512 Input Busses
Internal Router: 4096 x 4096
32bit Floating Point Processing
8 Slots for Any Available Expansion Cards
Avid Eucon Enabled Devices via DADman
Apple Silicon M1 and Intel Compatible Software
Control via Ethernet or Thunderbolt Connection
Dual 110/240V AC Power Connection as Option
DAD Card Options
You can install up to 8 optional I/O and/or processing cards in an AX64. These are the cards currently available for the DAD AX32 and Penta products. These cards are fully interchangeable between all the DA products - including the new AX64. However, please note that future cards developed for the AX64 will not be backwards compatible with the older units. These are the currently available Expansion Cards…
8 Analogue Inputs (Line Signal)
8 Analogue Inputs (Mic Preamps)
8 Analogue Outputs (Line Signal)
Dante Card (128 Ch.)
Dual MADI Card (2 x 64 Ch.)
AES Card (16 Ch.)
SPQ Speaker EQ Processing
Dual MADI Module (2 x 64 Ch.)
Differences Between AX32 and AX64 Architecture
DAD tell us that the AX64 has some differences in architecture and capability compared to the AX32 so it is not a one-to-one replacement.
For example, the SPQ is on-board on the AX64 whereas it is an option card in the AX32. The AX64 SPQ supports 64 channels whereas the AX32 SPQ card supports 128 channels. The same goes for AES vs. ADAT, Dante channel count, etc.
However, we understand that the new version of DADman will have an improved import functionality for the monitor profiles so it should not be too difficult to migrate from AX32 to AX64.
Please note the ThunderCore products have a ThunderBolt 3 interface, NOT a USB-C and it will not be possible to connect multiple computers to the Thunderbolt interface of the AX64.
Control Connection for DADman
The Core Audio Thunder|Core Audio Driver
Compatible with Intel and Apple Silicon (M1) processors, as well as Big Sur macOS and forward
Core Audio Aggregates for More Applications I/O Control Connection for DADman
ASIO Thunder|Core Audio Driver Compatible with Windows 10 and forward
One Application Can Connect to the Driver
Control Connection for DADman
DAD AX64 Functionality
The Thunder | Core products have been designed with a unique router core based on 32bit floating-point processing and a low-latency and highly reliable FPGA based matrix structure. A timestamp mechanism provides equal latency for all signals routed through the core.
In total, AX64 has a capacity of 4,096x4,096 non-blocking cross points, which provides a capacity of 1,500x1,500 cross points on the I/O and processing level.
The matrix provides fixed latency routing of all inputs to one or more outputs with a latency of only 5 audio samples and supports sample rates from 44.1 to 384 kHz.
The channel processor provides a signal detection logic for all input and output channels, PPM level measurement as well as level control.
All inputs and outputs have processing for level adjustment and in addition, the core has a summing/mixing processor with 64 output busses and 512 inputs, which can be allocated to sets of input and output signals managed by the Pro|Mon monitor control functionality in DADman.
SPQ speaker EQ management is available natively in the core with access to 1,024 filters combined into 64 channels with 16 filters, each with adjustable delay.
DAD AX64 Price And Availability
Availability is unclear at the time of writing but we understand that the list price of the DAD AX64 will be $4,995.
What About Pro Tools Users? All Change With Pro Tools 2022.4
Because neither of these new units from DAD has a DigiLink port, until the release of Pro Tools 2022.4, Pro Tools users without HDX hardware were limited to 64 channels of I/O without HDX or HD Native hardware, which meant, to get more than 64 channels of I/O Pro Tools users needed a DigiLink equipped interface to act as a bridge from the HD hardware to the Core 256 or AX64 via MADI or Dante.
But with the release of Pro Tools 2022.4, the lifting of the 64 channels of I/O limit for Native users to 256 channels of I/O with Pro Tools Flex makes these units even more appealing for Pro Tools users.