Brax DSP 12 Channel Digital Sound Processor Optical Coaxial by Audiotec Fischer

The Brax DSP is a 12-channel digital signal processor from Audiotec Fischer, running a 192 kHz / 32 Bit signal path across three 64 Bit Sigma350 DSPs. It uses a modular 8-in / 12-out architecture accepting analogue, high-level, optical or coaxial SPDIF inputs, and is the first DSP to carry the Brax name.

Key specifications

• Channels: modular 8 in / 12 out
• Inputs: up to 4 stereo modules (RCA, high-level or optical / coaxial SPDIF), plus optical and coaxial SPDIF inputs
• Outputs: up to 6 stereo modules (RCA, or optical / coaxial SPDIF at 48 / 96 / 192 kHz)
• Processing: 3 x Sigma350 64 Bit DSPs, 3.6 billion MAC operations per second
• Sample rate: 192 kHz, frequency response 5 Hz – 80 kHz
• Converters: Asahi Kasei AK5572EN (A/D) and AK4490EQ (D/A), 32 Bit
• Signal-to-noise ratio: 122 dB digital, 116 dB analogue input (A-weighted)
• Output voltage: 2 / 4 / 8 V RMS selectable
• Dimensions: 310 x 200 x 56mm

Brax DSP: digital 12-channel signal processor with 192 kHz / 32 Bit signal path

From initial concept in 2011 to launch at the end of 2018, the Brax DSP underwent the longest and most intensive development process in Audiotec Fischer's history. It is the first DSP to carry the Brax name.

Inside the Brax DSP

Three Sigma350 fixed-point 64 Bit audio DSPs deliver 3.6 billion MAC operations per second, enabling a native 192 kHz sampling rate and an audio frequency range extending to 80 kHz. Signal conversion is handled by Asahi Kasei A/D and D/A converters. Fifty-five voltage regulators clean and stabilise supply voltages for every stage individually. A 32 Bit ACO CoProcessor supervises all operations and handles communication with the DSP PC-Tool software and the optional DIRECTOR remote control.

The modular concept lets you configure inputs and outputs as analogue, digital or a mix of both, supporting a wide range of system builds. The aluminium housing features a massive heatsink in Brax's characteristic straight-lined design, with cinch jacks milled from solid material. An eight-fold layer main PCB ensures ultra-low impedance signal and power supply transmission.

For a complete high-end system, the Brax DSP pairs well with speakers such as the Brax Graphic GL6 MK2 6.5 Inch Mid Woofers or the Brax Graphic GL1 MK2 Aluminium Dome Tweeters.

Features

• Three Sigma350 fixed-point 64 Bit audio DSPs, 3.6 billion MAC operations per second total
• Asahi Kasei "Velvet Sound" A/D and D/A converters, native 32 Bit resolution
• 192 kHz sample rate, audio bandwidth up to 80 kHz
• Benchmark signal-to-noise ratio and total harmonic distortion, close to measuring limits
• Modular 8-in / 12-out concept with exchangeable stereo analogue or digital input / output modules
• 4 stereo input modules: analogue RCA / high-level or digital optical / coaxial SPDIF
• 6 stereo output modules: analogue RCA or digital optical / coaxial SPDIF
• Digital output modules with switchable sampling rate: 48, 96 or 192 kHz
• Analogue output modules with variable filter characteristics and switchable output voltage: 2, 4 or 8 V
• Analogue output stage muting via relays with gold-plated contacts
• Additional stereo SPDIF input (optical / coaxial) plus a Link module for system extensions
• Double Brax Extension Card (BEC) slot for optional modules including Bluetooth audio streaming and high-resolution USB audio streaming
• DSP Sound Effects: Augmented Bass Processing, StageXpander, RealCenter and more
• 55 voltage regulators in the power supply; start-stop compatible
• DiSAC (Digital Signal Analog Controlled) volume control in combination with Brax MX4 PRO
• ACO Advanced 32 Bit CoProcessor for all control and communication tasks
• 10 internal memory locations for sound setups; setup switching within milliseconds
• Rock-solid aluminium housing; eight-fold layer main PCB for ultra-low impedance transmission
• Analogue audio signal transmission solely on input and output modules