Atlas USB Recording Interface with MDIO expansion

UK-based manufacturer Prism Sound has expanded its range of audio interfaces with Altas, an MDIO expansion capable multi-track USB audio interface. Designed for personal recording and sound production, for professional musicians, songwriters, engineers and producers as well as recording studios, post production facilities and scoring stages, Prism Sound states its ideal uses are ‘music and sound recording, mixing, multitracking, overdubbing, stem-based mastering, analogue summing and critical listening applications’.

Compatible with both 32 and 64 bit versions of Windows (Vista, 7 and 8) ASIO as well as MAC OS X 10.4.11 and later (Intel), once configured, Atlas can operate stand-alone using  ADAT, S/PDIF or AES3 I/O.

Eight analogue input channels and up to 10 digital input channels are available as inputs for audio workstation software through the host computer’s audio driver. Similarly, eight analogue outputs and up to 10 digital outputs allow for 20 different channels. There are also stereo digital inputs and outputs on a phono connector, and concurrent optical digital I/O ports that can interface to S/PDIF or ADAT data formats. This gives Atlas a maximum capability of 18 concurrent input and output channels plus stereo headphones.

For low-latency fold back or monitoring to headphones or main outputs, each output pair can optionally be driven from the built-in DSP mixer with an individual local mix of any selection of inputs through the controller applet. All analogue inputs are electronically balanced with automatic unbalanced operation. Analogue outputs are electronically balanced with ‘bootstrapping’ – level is maintained if one leg is grounded.

Atlas has four high-grade microphone pre-amps with software-controlled gain in 1dB steps, individually-switchable phantom power and 20dB pads. These combo connector inputs support both microphone and line input, with digitally-controlled mic gain in excess of 60dB. Two front panel inputs also support DI instrument connections with quarter-inch jacks. RIAA Equalization can be selected in the controller applet on channels 1 and 2 – enabling turntables to be connected for archiving or sampling applications. All analogue inputs have individually-selectable Prism Sound ‘Overkillers’ built in. The Overkiller threshold automatically follows the operating line-up level selection (+4dBu or -10dBV).
In addition to the built-in inputs and outputs, Atlas can accommodate other optional digital interfaces such as Pro Tools HDX and AES3 multichannel options through its Multichannel Digital Input and Output (MDIO) expansion slot. The MDIO expansion attempts to future-proof Atlas, by allowing further digital interface options to be developed such as Thunderbolt.

The manufacturer is keen to stress that ‘the design team has gone to great lengths to minimise noise and interference, in particular hum’. To achieve this goal, all of the analogue circuits have galvanic isolation, while the unit’s electronically balanced I/O allows it to handle common mode interference sources as well as enabling trouble-free connection to unbalanced equipment.

Atlas’ USB2 interface provides connections to your computer and outboard gear. There is a controller application for both Mac and PC platforms which opens on-screen as a separate panel alongside your existing editing software. This allows configuration of the unit and control its built-in mixer and other functions. Everything else is operated solely from the Atlas controller application.

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