Ever since we first produced the z-1src back in 1993, Z-Systems has been synonymous with sample rate conversion. We've been making sample rate conversion products for nearly a decade now and we pride ourselves on offering world-class sample rate converters for a reasonable price.

Our approach to sample rate conversion is simple: rather than build an expensive synchronous converter based on a custom DSP solution, we use the finest asynchronous sample rate conversion chips*. At this time, the best asynchronous converters yield results which are practically indistinguishable from the best synchronous converters. The benefit to the enduser is a much less expensive sample rate converter.

The z-8src is an eight-channel variant of our flagship z-3src. The z-8src boasts the same audio performance to the z-3src, with the only significant differences being the inclusion of eight channels' worth of identical sample rate conversion and deletion of a few features in order to house the unit in a single rack space. The benefit of using the z-8src is that all output channels get locked to a single clock reference; it's like using four z-3srcs all synchronized to the same reference.

The z-8src can accept inputs between 32 kHz and 96 kHz at up to 24 bits and can output any sample rate between 32 kHz and 96 kHz by using an external AES11 sync reference. The unit also features a Fs/2 "flywheel" where the output sample rate is generated by dividing the sync reference's sample rate in half. You can also manipulate the output channel status bit and an output wordwidth control allows you to apply TPDF dither and produce output wordwidths of 16, 20, or 24 bits.

So if you find yourself with the need to sample-rate-convert several channels' worth of audio simultaneously, the z-8src is your best choice. It offers ease of use, a convenient package, and audio quality that can't be beat at anywhere near the price. Put our expertise to the test -- you won't be disappointed.

*Although the same chip sets are available to all manufacturers, there's considerably more to designing a good sample rate converter than merely stuffing chips in a board and hoping for the best. To get the best results, an intimate knowledge of mixed-signal (hybrid analog/digital) design is critical. This is because asynchronous SRC chips are notoriously fussy about the componentry and layout surrounding them.