Antelope Audio Zodiac Plus DAC

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Zodiac+ is a high definition 192 kHz digital to analog converter created especially to suit the high demands of professional mastering engineers. The 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking technology and Antelope's Oven Clock employed in Zodiac+ DAC are the same the company uses in its pro audio equipment for clients such as Warner Brothers, Universal Audio and Sony Music.
Precise monitoring
The D/A converter provides an openness, transparency and depth that enable professionals to monitor their work with high precision. This allows them to make accurate and creative decisions while mixing. Zodiac+ DAC is equipped with de-jittered, re-clocked digital outputs, precision trim pots for balanced analog outs, and balanced & unbalanced analog inputs.
PROFESSIONAL FEATURES
Added flexibility for the professional user makes for a distinctly powerful device: AES Input, fine trimmers on the balanced Outputs, mono button, mute select (soft & full), transparent analog Inputs, BNC word clock Input, 192kHz USB.
SOURCE SWITCHING
With a number of different inputs available, you can monitor many sources such as CD, Laptop, DAW or Mixers and Keyboards. Balanced and unbalanced inputs at both +4db and -10db allow tremendous flexibility, while auto detection of connected devices means source selection is simple and convenient.
DE-JITTERED AUDIO OUTPUT
Digital Outputs on AES/EBU and S/PDIF offer all the benefits of Antelopes 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking; so external devices gain significant sonic advantages when connected to Zodiac+.
OVEN CONTROLLED CLOCK
Often overlooked, the quality of the clock is extremely important when high quality audio is desired. The clock is housed in a shielded container where the temperature is kept constant, therefore bringing significant benefits to the detail, dynamics and stereo placement of the audio.
64-BIT TECHNOLOGY
Sophisticated 64-bit algorithms allow precise control over our Acoustically Focused Clocking (AFC) and Jitter Management; two critical components to improve audio via clocking. The incoming digital signal is brought to life with this unique 64-bit technology, resulting in smooth and detailed audio whatever the method of digital connectivity.
ANTELOPE PERFORMANCE USB
Custom implementation of the USB chip leads to extreme audio performance and comprehensive support for your system. There are user selectable modes tailored to suit both Mac and PC; and with a data transfer rate of 480Mbits flawless audio is achieved with native drivers.
SMOOTH HEADPHONES
Ultra Linear, Dual Stage Headphone Amps deliver smooth sound at both high and low levels. Controlled by a dedicated volume knob.
CUTTING-EDGE DESIGN
To preserve the full bit resolution of the DAC, volume adjustment is entirely in the analog domain. Separate analog and digital power supplies eliminate digital cross-talk. This is further enhanced by keeping analog and digital circuits on separate PCBs. These gold plated boards utilize large internal ground plains, canceling noise and voltage shifts.
SOFTWARE CONTROL PANEL
Zodiac Software Control Panel allows remote control of the DAC directly from the screen of your computer. It is compatible with OS X, Windows and Linux and provides easy access to a number of additional features such as fast firmware update, peak meter, product registration and feedback form.
SPECIFICATIONS
CONNECTIONS
• 2x Headphone Outputs on 1/4 TRS
• AES/EBU Digital Input
• 2x S/PDIF Coaxial Inputs
• 2x Optical TOSLINK Inputs
• USB on mini B type connector
• Word Clock Input on BNC
• Balanced Analog Outputs on XLR
• Unbalanced Analog Outputs on RCA
• Balanced Analog Inputs on 1/4 TRS
• Unbalanced Analog Inputs on RCA
• De-jittered AES/EBU Output
• De-jittered 2x S/PDIF Outputs
In The Box
• ZODIAC+ HD Mastering 192kHz D/A converter
• Printed Documentation
• DC Power supply
• IEC Power cable
• USB cable
• Optical TOSLINK cable
Dimensions
• Width: 166 mm/6.5
• Height: 112 mm/4.4
• Depth: 193 mm/7.6
• Weight: 1.9 kg/4.19 lb
Q & A
Reviews
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.