M-Audio ProFire 2626 + Black Lion Audio Modification

M-Audio Profire 2626 Mod

The M-Audio Profire 2626 is an 8 channel AD/DA converter with firewire connectivity. Conversion is based around AKM's AK4620B codec, a low-cost version of the chip found in the SSL Alphalink and Focusrite Liquid 56. It's capable of 24 bit 192kHz sampling rate, and has a claimed on-chip S/N+D performance of -100dB (A/D) and 97dB (D/A). While the TCAT Dice 2 chipset offers excellent jitter performance (Black Lion Audio measured around 3 picoseconds of jitter at the converter using a delta sigma average), other aspects of the circuitry need help. In BLA's opinion, the existing converter architecture makes it difficult to stack multiple tracks without the need to utilize corrective EQ.

Analog path is handled by JRC's 4580 opamp, variations of which are found in many pro-sumer audio designs. The behavior of the NJM opamps, while they may look good on paper, offers less than desirable performance in terms of slew behavior, sonic detail, and space. Clocking architecture is based on a single asynchronous HC49 crystal in a Pierce Gate configuration. What's especially appealing is how much the sonic character can be improved.

BLA's modification to the Profire 2626 consists of replacing input and output opamps with the same circuitry that they utilize in their highly acclaimed Signature Series Modification. They also install additional power decoupling on the the analog rails that feed these opamps. This prevents noise from the power supply from reaching the analog signal and makes the op amps run smoother. The converters are also configured in the same manner as the Signature 002 and 003.

Of all the modifications BLA offers in this price range (Ensemble, Profire 2626, Mbox3 Pro, Fireface UFX Basic & FF800), they believe the Profire 2626 mod is the best.