Lynx has been known for industry-leading conversion since the company’s inception in 1998. For decades, Lynx has provided the link between professional audio equipment and computers for digital recording, mixing, and mastering. We’ll be looking at the Lynx Hilo in this review: a premium standalone converter/interface built on famed Lynx Aurora sonics.
What Is an AD/DA Converter & What Does It Do?
At its simplest, an AD/DA converter takes incoming analog signals — such as those from a microphone/preamp — and converts them into digital signals to be read by a computer or other digital device. It then takes those now digital signals and converts them back to analog for out-loud playback over speakers or headphones.
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Converters can be standalone devices, or they can be part of audio equipment like interfaces as an all-in-one solution for connecting analog equipment to a computer for any and all audio needs.
When Would You Use a Converter?
Converters like the Lynx Hilo are useful in a variety of situations. How you’d use them partly depends on the discipline. For example, for studio recording purposes, converters simply give you more analog channels which you can connect to the digital I/O on an interface. You can hook up multiple instruments and the analog outputs of mic preamps to the converter.
As for the Lynx Hilo specifically, its combination of conversion and interfacing is useful for mastering with an analog chain; mixing with multiple pairs of monitors; recording on-location sound; recording vocals and/or overdubs; hi-fi listening for audiophiles; and even for archival purposes.
Lynx Hilo Review: How Does It Stack Up?
Build & Interface
Lynx build quality is second to none. Every component is amongst the best in its class or beyond. Lynx consistently offers the lowest noise, lowest distortion, and expansive stereo image you’d expect from a high-end listening device. The Hilo’s made to last, not only in terms of physical build quality. The quality of every individual internal component is near future-proof.
Speaking of the Hilo’s physical interface, everything can be controlled by a multipurpose 480 x 272 LCD touchscreen. Users can configure their entire setup from this screen with precise control and visual feedback.
As an audio interface, the Hilo comes with a swappable LSlot card. This allows users to swap their direct computer connectivity any time they need. Currently, the Hilo supports USB, Thunderbolt 3, and Dante LSlot connections.
Key Features
In a sentence, the Hilo is a 2-in/6-out (analog), AD/DA converter with digital expansion up to 32×32. It also features a high-end headphone amplifier for driving virtually any set of professional or audiophile headphones. Hilo becomes the hub of a professional-level audio system. With it, you can expect pristine conversion and advanced monitoring capabilities. The fact that it’s digital I/O is so flexible means you can also connect to recorders and processors.
Audio Quality
Audio quality is about as good as it gets. It supports every sample rate up to 192kHz, but it’s the unique Lynx circuitry that provides the real magic the brand is known for. Expect clean, transparent monitoring with extremely low noise and coloration — what you hear it what you get.
Who Is the Lynx Hilo Built For?
The Hilo is a professional-grade device for audio systems. It excels for critical listening tasks like mixing, mastering, and even audiophile purposes for pure enjoyment. That said, Hilo can double as a field recorder, a studio recorder, and a whole lot more. Nothing is really quite like it; the Lynx Hilo partially an interface, partially a top-notch converter, and partially a monitor controller.
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If best-of-the-best is on the menu for your needs, the Hilo should definitely be a consideration.
The Lynx Hilo Offers Unbeatable Sonic Performance & Routing Capabilities
Like the Lynx Aurora before it, the Hilo builds on renowned Lynx conversion and sound quality for a truly unparalleled listening experience. Paired with enough analog I/O and extremely flexible digital I/O, the Hilo earns the rare distinction of being a truly unique device. The touchscreen makes navigation and programming intuitive, and lifelong, free firmware updates continuously improve an already impressive piece of kit.