The Hilo Reference AD/DA Converter System from Lynx Studio Technology was designed with the future in mind. Already recognized as a premier converter for its audio quality, Hilo’s open-ended operating system and touch screen control allow the addition of features, capabilities and an evolution of utility over the life of the product. The latest firmware release, Version 5, is set for release November 16, 2012.

Beyond Hilo’s pristine audio quality is an upgradeable platform that truly differentiates it from other converters. The touch screen interface allows Lynx to add features, expand versatility, and update functions as no other converter on the market can. This new firmware feature set includes several new capabilities to expand Hilo’s functionality. It also saves Hilo owners the cost of buying outboard equipment, such as a test tone generator, by adding this feature to Hilo’s audio tool box.

Hilo Firmware Version 5 new features include:

This allows Hilo to play DSD audio files received via USB, AES-3 or S/PDIF. Hilo supports the recently adopted DoP V1.1 standard which is a method for transferring DSD audio over PCM frames. Playback of DSD using this method is provided by a growing number of software vendors including Channel D, Merging Technologies, JRiver and Audirvana.

For use in system testing and calibration, Hilo’s new Test Tone provides a 1 kHz audio signal which can be sent to any output. The tone level can be controlled in 0.5 dB increments from a new dedicated screen. For reference, the same screen also shows the input levels coming into Hilo.

New Solo Function

The new button, added to the Output Mix Routing Page, allows any input to be “Soloed” for instant reference to the content and quality of its program material.

New Screen Dim Function

Users can not only set the brightness level of Hilo’s screen, but also allow the screen to dim or turn off after a set period of time. The LCD screen comes back on when it is touched or the rotary knob is engaged.

Saved Scenes can be Named

A new QWERTY keyboard function has been added that allows the 6 Scene memories to be named. Up to 13 characters can be used for each Scene memory.

ADAT Upgraded

ADAT is now supported on the optical input. Auto-detection circuitry on this input will switch between S/PDIF and ADAT modes and alter the user interface accordingly. Eight channels of ADAT input and output can be utilized via the optical ports at 48 kHz. At 96 kHz four channel I/O is supported.

Analog Meter Upgrade

Now you can calibrate the Analog meters to set the 0 dB level. The update rate and response time have been dramatically improved to provide an increase in accuracy and fluidity.

Stereo / Mono Feature Improved

There are now four mode selections for each stereo input pair.

Stereo (default)

Sum (left and right channels summed to mono with a 3dB reduction in each individual channels volume)

Left (left channel to Left and Right at the same level)

Right (right channel to Left and Right at the same level).

Monitor and Headphone Level Indicators Improved

When changing the level of the headphone or monitor output, a horizontal bar with dB level is shown on the screen. Now the bar for the Monitor output is a different color than the Headphone’s bar, for easier recognition as to which level is being controlled.

Any Hilo owner can get this free upgrade by downloading the new Firmware from the Lynx Website. Available November 13, 2012.

Firmware updater for Mac OSX click here.

Firmware updater for Windows click here.