Signal Converter AJA ADA4

The AJA ADA4 is a compact, professional 4-channel signal converter engineered for flexible audio workflows. Housed in a durable grey and stainless steel enclosure and measuring 147 mm × 25 mm × 79 mm, the ADA4 supports multiple conversion modes: four-channel analog-to-digital (A/D), four-channel digital-to-analog (D/A), mixed 2-channel A/D plus 2-channel D/A, or operation as an AES synchronizer. It accepts AES11, wordclock or video sync/color black reference inputs and provides automatic reference input and synchronization with full-time low-jitter AES11 reference output. Audio levels are adjustable via dipswitch control, and sample rate conversion between 48 kHz and 96 kHz is supported.

Advantages

The ADA4 offers simultaneous A/D and D/A operation or dedicated AES synchronization in one compact unit, reducing rack space and simplifying signal routing. It provides up to four channels of balanced analog to AES/EBU conversion and up to four channels of AES/EBU to balanced analog conversion, delivering consistent audio performance. Built-in sample rate conversion and flexible reference input options ensure compatibility across studio and broadcast systems. The unit is supplied with an XLR breakout cable and allows precise level control through dipswitch settings.

Suitable for

• Broadcast studios requiring stable synchronization and format conversion
• Live sound applications that need compact multi-channel A/D and D/A conversion
• Post-production facilities integrating analog and AES/EBU digital audio chains
• Systems that require sample rate conversion between 48 kHz and 96 kHz

Key specifications

• Channels: configurable as 4× A/D, 4× D/A, 2× A/D + 2× D/A, or AES synchronizer
• Reference inputs: AES11, wordclock, or video sync / color black reference
• Reference output: full-time low-jitter AES11
• Audio connections: balanced analog I/O and AES/EBU digital I/O (via supplied XLR breakout cable)
• Sample rate conversion: supported between 48 kHz and 96 kHz
• Audio level control: dipswitch-configurable
• Power: 5–18 VDC via external supply
• Dimensions: 147 mm (W) × 25 mm (H) × 79 mm (D)
• Construction: grey and stainless steel chassis

How to use

Install the ADA4 in your equipment rack or place it on a flat surface, connect the supplied XLR breakout cable to the unit and to your analog and AES/EBU devices as required. Select the desired operating mode (A/D, D/A, mixed or AES synchronizer) using the device configuration options, then connect an appropriate reference source—AES11, wordclock, or video sync/color black. Power the unit with an external 5–18 VDC supply. Adjust audio input and output levels via the dipswitch controls and verify synchronization using the AES11 reference output. For systems running at different sampling rates, enable sample rate conversion as needed to match downstream equipment.

Usage recommendations

For reliable performance, use high-quality balanced XLR cables for analog connections and properly terminated AES/EBU cabling for digital links. Ensure the reference source is stable and matches the timing requirements of your system; when integrating with video systems, use tri-level sync or color black reference for precise alignment. Configure dipswitch audio level settings while monitoring levels on your main console to avoid clipping or level mismatch. When long cable runs are involved, verify clocking and jitter performance at the receiving end.