A/D Converters

A/D converters translate analogue audio signals into digital data, forming the foundation of modern recording systems. As studios transitioned from tape-based workflows to digital production, the quality of analogue to digital conversion became critical to preserving fidelity, dynamic range and transient accuracy.

This archive includes dedicated A/D converter units and integrated systems used in professional studio environments. From early digital conversion hardware of the 1980s and 1990s to later high-resolution designs, these devices shaped the precision and clarity of digital recording workflows.

Made In Japan

Released in 1977 /

Sony PCM-1 Digital Audio Processor

The Sony PCM-1, launched in September 1977, was Sony’s first consumer PCM processor, setting the standard for digital audio devices despite its high price of 480,000 yen and limited sales of around 300 units worldwide.

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Made In Japan

Released in 1978 /

Sony PCM-1600 Digital Audio Processor

The Sony PCM-1600 was the first commercially available professional 16-bit digital audio processor for two channel mastering with the first machines delivered in April of 1978.

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Made In Japan

Released in 1980 /

Sony PCM-10 Digital Audio Processor

The Sony PCM-10 Digital Audio Processor is a rather elusive piece of audio technology with very little information available.

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Made In Japan

Released in 1980 /

Sony PCM-100 Digital Audio Processor

The Sony PCM-100 Digital Audio Converter is a rather elusive piece of audio technology.

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Made In Japan

Released in 1981 /

Sony PCM-1610 Digital Audio Processor

The genuine advantage of the Sony PCM-1610 digital audio processor is its enormous potential to deliver drastically improved sound. Whereas analogue recorders are saddled with performance limitations of one form or another, unlimited quality improvement is possible using digital technology.

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Made In Japan

Released in 1981 /

Sony PCM-F1 Digital Audio Processor

The Sony PCM-F1 is a groundbreaking digital audio processor that delivers superior sound quality, versatility, and portability, setting new standards in the digital recording industry.

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Made In Japan

Released in 1982 /

JVC VP-900 Digital Audio Processor

The JVC VP-900 Digital Audio Processor was a 16-bit, 44.1kHz two-channel PCM processor forming the core of JVC’s Digital Audio Mastering System. Featuring JVC’s BP bi-parity error correction, advanced CRC protection and compatibility with ¾ inch and ½ inch VCR transports, it was designed for Compact Disc premastering, broadcast and synchronised audio/video applications.

Made In Japan

Released in 1985 /

Sony PCM-1630 Audio Processor

The Sony PCM-1630 was used for mastering audio CDs in the mid 1980s and onwards, by most of the major record labels around the world. It was an essential part of early digital audio disc production and was responsible for hundreds of classic albums being put to CD.

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Made In U.K.

Released in 1989 /

dCS 900 Analogue to Digital Converter

In the world of professional audio, the introduction of the dCS 900 in 1989 marked a significant milestone. Digital audio was still in its relative infancy, and the demand for high-quality analogue-to-digital conversion was growing. The dCS 900 came as a response to this need, setting a new standard for digital audio converters with its innovative technology and precision.

Made In U.K.

Released in 1992 /

Prism Sound AD-124 A/D Converter

The Prism Sound AD-124 is a professional 24/20/16-bit analogue-to-digital converter combining high dynamic range, advanced noise-shaping and flexible digital interfacing. Its design aimed to deliver transparent conversion and to preserve resolution through final mastering formats, making it a long-standing choice in professional studios and mastering environments.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1993 /

Lexicon 20/20 AD A/D Converter

Lexicon 20/20 AD is a high resolution analogue to digital converter offering flexible two channel 20 bit or four channel 18 bit operation, advanced digital compression, and comprehensive synchronisation and output options, making it a powerful capture and control solution for professional recording and mastering environments.

Made In U.S.A.

Released in 1995 /

Apogee AD-1000 Reference Standard A/D Converter

The Apogee AD-1000 is a 20-bit portable A/D converter featuring UV22 encoding, ultra-low jitter clocking, ADAT optical output, and premium mic preamps, providing reference-quality conversion for both studio and mobile recording.