Dangerous Music CONVERT-AD+ Stereo Digital Converter

From Manufacturer

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Dangerous Music CONVERT-AD+ Feature Overview

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Dangerous CONVERT-AD+ | Video Manual

00:32

André Bowman Previews the New Dangerous Music CONVERT-AD+

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Dangerous CONVERT-AD+ | In the Studio with Miles Walker

Aiming to push the limits of previous iterations in this series, Dangerous Music’s CONVERT-AD+ is an analog-to-digital converter suitable for use in mixing and mastering situations. The unit brings the musical transparency for which Dangerous is famous then goes further by adding useful features and tonal-coloring possibilities. For instance, it offers two sets of XLR inputs that allow you to switch between sources, allowing you to audition different mastering chains or test your master against a reference. Zoomable meters are also on hand, letting you focus on the upper 10 dB of the scale. Another useful—albeit sneaky—inclusion is Dangerous’s proprietary Clip Guard technology, which is explained in depth in the features section.

For coloring the sound, Dangerous has included two features, the first being switchable Hammond Transformers to give the sound more analog heft, the second being a custom-tuned Emphasis control that imparts compression, second-order harmonics, and low-end, midrange, and treble frequencies in pleasant proportions. The transformers are switchable on/off, while the Emphasis control is blendable.

On the analog side, the CONVERT-AD+ provides two sets of XLR inputs, while the digital connections include AES/EBU, ADAT Optical, SPDIF Optical and Coaxial, and USB connection. BNC jacks are offered to clock the device to other units, or to allow you to use the Convert-AD+ as a master clock.

Switchable Dual Inputs

With the push of a button, you can switch between any two balanced line input sources. You can use this feature to compare different mastering chains, to test your mix against a reference, to switch between recording and mixing mode, and more.

Proprietary Clip Guard Technology

Designed for those who like to push their A/Ds beyond 0 dBFS (commonly called clipping the converters), Dangerous has provided proprietary Clip Guard technology, which turns off the red light LED at your DAW of choice. Red indicates clipping on most meters, but on the AD+, the over indicator turns from green to yellow. Thus, your destination source, such as a CD pressing plant or iTunes, will not reject your master, since these red-light overs will not appear. This is not a limiter. If you can hear clipping and engage clip guard, it will sound identical. It simply disables the clip LED in your DAW or destination device, allowing you to clip to your heart's content.

Zoomable Metering

In most circumstances, the dynamics of a mix or master reside in the zone between the average and the peak levels. With the AD+'s meter-zooming technology, you can zoom in on just the top 10 dB of dynamic activity, allowing you a fine-grained look at what that matters most when mixing and mastering.

Switchable Transformers

It's no secret that a pair of transformers at the end of a mixing or mastering chain can give your final prints added vibe and weight. With the CONVERT-AD+, a push of a button gives you a pair of Hammond transformers wired in series.

Emphasis Control

When the transformers are switched in, Emphasis instantiates a proprietary EQ/compression combination that adds color to your mixing, mastering, and tracking work. Simply dial in the right amount, or none at all. In most cases, you'll notice a stronger low end footprint and a gentle saturation on the midrange and the highs. The more you play with it, the more you'll learn how the Emphasis control can improve your music.

Jitter Elimination Technology

JET is a patented clocking technology that Dangerous Music employs in order to reduce jitter to the point where it isn't a factor impacting the sound of the converters. Whenever zeros and ones are flying by at incredible speeds, a solid clock and balanced data-stream management system is of the utmost importance in providing an articulate, musical, and three-dimensional experience. You can use the CONVERT-AD+ as your studio's master clock.

Other Key Features at a Glance

Selectable Calibration Level cycles through three calibration levels for compatibility with other devices
Custom-crafted digital meter with Normal and Peak Hold modes provides precise visual feedback
Word Clock with three Modes: Internal, External, and Master
USB connection for Mac/Windows
Comprehensive I/O with two switchable stereo input paths, dual AES outputs, an optical ADAT output, an optical S/PDIF output, and a coaxial S/PDIF output

Dangerous Music CONVERT-AD+ Stereo Digital Converter

Dangerous Music CONVERT-AD+ Overview

From Manufacturer