The Lynx Aurora(n)’s modular architecture doesn’t just offer a flexible connection to a computer; it can be configured to include digital or line-level I/O and for the company’s LM-PRE4 mic preamp card as well. Added to that, multitrack MicroSD recording/playback offers backup recording and so much more. In the second of two articles covering the Aurora(n), Luke Goddard plugs in some mics and presses record.

Introduction

Last time, I covered the unit’s integration with Pro Tools which you can read about here. For the user who doesn’t need racks of mic pres, the ability to plug a handful of mics straight into the unit seems like a good idea. Luckily, Lynx has developed the LM-PRE4 four-channel card that lets you do just that. MicroSD card recording seals the deal for anyone who likes the idea of a rolling back up once you're plugged up and ready to go... 

LM-PRE4 Card

Why does having onboard mic pres make a lot of sense? Simply put, the shorter the path between the pre and converter, the better. Not only does the four-channel mic/line/Hi-Z  LM-PRE4 card tick that box, but it also goes one further by having the conversion itself on the card with two self-contained shielded two-channel converters arrays per card. Up to eight channels of mic pres, two LM-PRE4 cards, can be configured along with up to an additional 16 channels of line IO per Aurora chassis – click here for for what configurations are possible

Added to this, the line-level path has been designed to perform identically to those found on the AIO8E line-level DB25 card so you can mix and match input assignments with confidence. The LM-PRE4 has its own A/D, which is the same used on the 8ch analog I/O card, and doesn’t use up any of the existing A/D as other interfaces do when adding a pre card.

Each channel has the usual input conditioning available, as well as 68.6dB of transformerless clean gain in 1dB increments with a noise figure of -129dBu EIN to prove it. In short, the unit has been designed as a high-quality addition to Aurora(n) with performance to match.

MicroSD Recorder/Player

Being able to roll back up recordings in the studio will perhaps be the preferred use for most users, but with the LM-PRE4 card installed, you essentially have an extremely high-quality multichannel live recorder with playback for virtual soundchecks. Whether used in the studio or standalone, the module always records 24 bit fixed point files. Things like track record enable and session management can be done either in the Ncontrol app or on the unit’s front panel for true computerless operation in the field. It’s worth noting that NControl only works when using TB3, USB, or Dante connections.  When using the Pro Tools LT-HD-2 card, all routing is performed through Pro Tools

Final Thoughts

The Lynx Aurora(n) has everything I would look for in a centrepiece studio device; that is great ergonomics, future-proof design, and unquestionable quality. Incredibly, with an RRP of around £500, the LM-PRE4 card works out at around £125 per channel, and Pro Tools HDX users also get to join the party once the Aurora(n) is loaded with the LT-HD2 Digilink card. 

Anyone looking for a modular multichannel interface with onboard standalone recording has a very short list of options, but the good news is that the Aurora(n) could just be the box that does it all and does it very well indeed. 

You can also read James Richmond's full review of the Aurora(n), or head over to the Lynx website for more info.