Crane Song Interstellar Quantum (NAMM 2022)

02 Jun 2022 by Lyubomir Dobrev |

4,5 / 5,0 | Approximate reading time: 2 Minutes

· Source: Crane Song

Previous Next

American manufacturer Crane Song announced the Interstellar Quantum AD Converter – a stereo analog-to-digital converter with proprietary Quantum clocking technology and DSP harmonic distortion. The unit, priced EUR 3450.53 (incl. VAT), is available for pre-order now from Crane Song dealers such as our affiliate partner Thomann *. More information is available below…

Crane Song Interstellar Quantum AD Converter

The Interstellar Quantum is a Stereo AD Converter using Crane Song’s Quantum clocking tech, sub Pico imaging, USB connection, and on-board DSP tonal saturation. The Quantum clocking achieves ‘sub-picosecond jitter rejection’ which translates into superior imaging, depth, and detail.

My limited personal understanding is that clocking done well makes an audible difference. With modern digital audio equipment, you’d generally struggle to find fault with clocking specifically, unless you have very fine hearing. But when it comes to decking out a professional recording space, hi-end clocking is one aspect where you can squeeze out the last few drops of performance potential.

Also available on the Interstellar are 3x DSP harmonic saturation controls. They offer a choice between Triode tube, Pentode tube, and Tape saturation to introduce analog flavor. 16-bit dithering is also provided.

The unit’s rear panel has several input and output options – AES (XLR), S/PDIF (RCA), Optical (TosLink), Word Clock (BNC) and USB. The Interstellar connects to computers as a dual-channel, output-only interface with fidelity up to 32-bit/192kHz. Also present are the On-The-Go Conversion and Monitor control options from other Crane Song units like the Solaris.

Finally, the Digital Source Switcher lets you flip quickly between connected digital sources (say DAW on USB, one AES device, another one on S/PDIF, and a fourth unit on Optical).