All Alpha-Link models feature 24 channels of SSL-grade analogue I/O, an Expansion Bus port, and a stereo headphone output.
Alpha-Link MADI SX convert MADI & AES/EBU
Alpha-Link MADI AX convert MADI & ADAT
Alpha-Link AX convert ADAT only. It was discontinued in 2012.
The 24 analogue inputs and outputs are available via six 25 pin sub D connectors wired according to the Tascam DB25 I/O specification. Each connector provides eight inputs or outputs.
ADAT ports provide 8 channels of bidirectional 24 bit digital connection between the Alpha Link and any other ADAT compatible device. The ADAT ports use Toslink™connectors. There are three ports giving a total of 24 channels of digital I/O.
AES/EBU inputs and outputs are connected via three 25 pin sub D connectors wired according to the DB25 AES digital I/O specification. Each connector provides four stereo inputs and outputs (eight input channels and eight output channels) giving a total of 24 channels of I/O.
The MADI uses multimode fibre SC connectors. The MADI interface supports both the “legacy pattern” and “96 kHz frame pattern” when operating at double speed (96 kHz). MADI can give up to 64 channels of digital audio I/O at 48kHz or 32 channels at 96kHz.
The Expansion Bus port can be used to connect the Alpha Link to a SSL Soundscape Mixpander PCI audio card. It provides a high speed bidirectional 64 channel connection between the Alpha Link and the SSL Soundscape Mixpander.
The headphone output is a female stereo jack connector. It provides a stereo signal derived from the analogue output channels 23 and 24. The signal level is fixed, you can control it in your source or DAW.
All the audio connectors are located on the rear panel of the unit, except for the headphone output on the front.