Lynx Hilo 2 Audio Interface Review

[milosz]

Great performance and very good features & interface. TOO EXPENSIVE.

 

[milosz]

Audio Precision software doesn't run on Mac so that is out of the question.

As to Lynx, I distinctly remember their original offerings being far more popular on Windows.

Regardless, in this day and age, proper Windows support is mandatory for any product like this. 15 years ago it would be minor share of market but not today.

Apple products are expensive and aimed at the fashion conscious. It is a closed system- expensive and built to stay that way. Mac OS machines are less than 5% of the world market. Their performance and reliability offers no advantage over PC. Top spec machines from both camps provide equal performance in any way that matters. A $500 PC will beat the snot out of any comparably-priced Mac product (if such even exists!) in terms of performance.

 

[Bacchusoo7]

Apple products are expensive and aimed at the fashion conscious. It is a closed system- expensive and built to stay that way. Mac OS machines are less than 5% of the world market. Their performance and reliability offers no advantage over PC. Top spec machines from both camps provide equal performance in any way that matters. A $500 PC will beat the snot out of any comparably-priced Mac product (if such even exists!) in terms of performance.

Now that is an outdated take. Most of the people who hold those opinions haven't actually used Macs.

Obviously, different machines for different people and use-cases. Macs, in my experience, have a significant reliability advantage over PCs. Though it has less to do with the hardware. Realistically, hardware isn't really Window's issue, Windows is. I used to sell computers (a while ago now) and at that time HP optimized windows to one of their specific machines and it was the best (overall) performing PC we had—stability, battery life (it was a laptop), performance (for equivalent hardware) was all improved over similarly-spaced PCs. In short, it performed like the Macs (which were on intel at the time) because they did what Apple does and it worked. My point being if you think the Mac is just a "fashion" item you are mistaken. There is a method and reasoning for what they do (optimizing their software for their hardware) and it has its advantages (and disadvantages). Does the Mac have its flaws and issues, of course (they've made some bone-headed decisions over the years) but it is unwise to dismiss them out-of-hand.

If you haven't looked into the Apple Silicon machines, you ought to. You might be surprised.

 

[Bacchusoo7]

Audio Precision software doesn't run on Mac so that is out of the question.

As to Lynx, I distinctly remember their original offerings being far more popular on Windows.

Regardless, in this day and age, proper Windows support is mandatory for any product like this. 15 years ago it would be minor share of market but not today.

I thought that might be the case regarding the AP software. That's shame. It seems like you're always having to mess with ASIO drivers and having issues. With the Mac a lot of that stuff is plug-and-play.

You're right Windows support should be mandatory, stuff should work. Of course, that should go for AP, too.

 

[G|force]

Some facts instead of bias:

No Mac user has ever had to update virus definitions for a Mac because there aren't any.

No Mac user has ever had to update USB audio drivers under Core Audio because there aren't any.

And finally, single core performance is what DAW's primarily rely upon, and Mac SoC single core performance- even in a base $599 Mini- is unmatched by ANY Intel or AMD drop-in socketed processor.

120GB/s of memory bandwidth for $599- Can your PC do that?

In Geekbench 6, the base Apple M4 achieved single-core scores exceeding 3,800 points, outperforming Intel’s flagship Core i9-14900KS at 3,300 points. And forget about thermal performance.

 

[SuicideSquid]

Some facts instead of bias:

No Mac user has ever had to update virus definitions for a Mac because there aren't any.

No Mac user has ever had to update USB audio drivers under Core Audio because there aren't any.

And finally, single core performance is what DAW's primarily rely upon, and Mac SoC single core performance- even in a base $599 Mini- is unmatched by ANY Intel or AMD drop-in socketed processor.

120GB/s of memory bandwidth for $599- Can your PC do that?

In Geekbench 6, the base Apple M4 achieved single-core scores exceeding 3,800 points, outperforming Intel’s flagship Core i9-14900KS at 3,300 points. And forget about thermal performance.

You need to stop drinking the Kool-Aid.

Macs get Viruses.

Macs need audio driver updates from time to time. The way the audio stack works is different (and arguably superior) to PCs, but that doesn't mean you don't need drivers, that those drivers don't often contain bugs (as someone who has used pro audio gear on both platforms they definitely do) and that you don't need to update them from time to time to address bugs.

I don't know what DAW you're using but modern DAWs are heavily multithreaded and will run your various VSTs and perform other tasks across multiple cores, and this has been the case for at least 15 years for most major DAWs.

I personally strongly prefer the flexibility of the PC platform. I don't like being locked into a single vendor's ecosystem, being extremely limited in the kinds of upgrades and modifications I can make to my system, and I enjoy playing games, so Mac isn't really an option for me. But in terms of base functionality for professional recording applications, it's mostly a wash. PC does some things better, Mac does some things better, but in most cases it really just comes down to personal preference (and budget).

 

[G|force]

Some snips from the article you referenced:

-Mac malware and viruses are very rarely found “in the wild”.

-Apple has its own built-in anti-malware tool.

-While it’s safe to say that Macs are safer than Windows machines...Apple’s own M-series chips that it has been using in Macs since November 2020 are considered more secure than Intel processors.

I use Logic Pro which uses AU plugs. They and the host are not nearly as reliant on multi threaded processing as on single core processing.

 

[Itachi1701]

I`ve used this device for a couple of days and sent it back to sweetwater (it had a few small scratches so I think they tried to send me the "open box" item instead of new) and I was dissapointed. I wasn`t able to install Hilo Remote app on my PC for some reason but no regrets as it looks like the app from 2000 but the device itself looks even older like something from 90s. The sound was clean with low distortion but on the brighter side and the top end was more dominant than the low end with slightly recessed mids. The best impression of Lynx Hilo 2 is my almost $4000 being refunded. Doesn`t worth the money!

 

[lowal]

For those interested, here are the internals of the device. Apparently, the main changes are in:

1. Line In and Line Out chain. The DAC and ADC have been replaced with ES9039Q2M and ES9842PRO (according to the datasheets, these chips provide a set of filters that can now be selected in the device settings). The circuit uses OPA1611A and OPA1612A op-amps, along with the ES9311q power supply chip for the DAC and ADC. Changing the filters in the settings affects only the Line Out and Line In signals.
2. The FPGA has been upgraded from SPARTAN-6 to ARTIX-7, which means firmware updates for the new version will definitely be more interesting. Native DSD support may also appear, since the chips used in the line inputs and outputs are capable of it.
3. The clock generation section has been redesigned.

In the other parts of the circuit—such as the headphone and Monitor outputs—everything looks the same as in the Hilo 1: CS4398 DAC chips, PGA4331UA volume controller, and the same OPA161XA op-amps. Accordingly, the sound on these outputs is most likely unchanged compared to the Hilo 1, and if you want to hear a difference, you’ll need to use the Line Out.

 

[lowal]

The price of the DAC is undoubtedly high, but the set of options it offers is truly unique if we’re talking about a single device rather than several separate ones.

1. A high-quality DAC and ADC with the ability to adjust output and input levels for proper matching with other equipment using an analog relay-based method.
2. Two additional dedicated DACs for monitoring, each with its own analog volume control.
3. A decent headphone amplifier.
4. Flexible signal routing, allowing you to send audio from almost any interface to any other, with sample rate conversion available for digital interfaces.
5. The ability to configure settings directly from the screen, independently of any PC application—so the device can operate fully without being connected to a computer at all.
6. Multiple PC connection options: USB, TB3, and Dante.
7. A large touchscreen display that makes it convenient to control the device and monitor the signal passing through it (spectrum analyzer, etc.).
8. An integrated power supply.
9. Relatively compact dimensions considering all of the above.

 

[Roland301]

Audio Precision software doesn't run on Mac so that is out of the question.

As to Lynx, I distinctly remember their original offerings being far more popular on Windows.

Regardless, in this day and age, proper Windows support is mandatory for any product like this. 15 years ago it would be minor share of market but not today.

Actually AP did release a Mac version somewhat recently - I am curious to see how it handles USB audio devices as that has been a very large pain point in the software so far.
That said, it is kind of ridiculous that Audio Precision has not implemented WASAPI exclusive mode support on Windows yet. I'm sure people have been asking for it for years...

FWIW, these do have an ASIO driver. It's just not 32 bit. So, AP's garbaggio 32 bit only software strikes again.

Interesting - doesn't it require 64-bit operating system? I guess maybe the ASIO part is still not up to date...

 

[Buckness808]

Lynx makes amazing hardware but ime the drivers for high polyphony count projects (ie a lot of kontakt instruments) has caused me more crashes than my *coughs* “German reputational interface company with rock solid drivers” however people I know with the Aurora and Hilo have usually use the phrases “rock solid”. Horses for courses I suppose

 

[Mike-48]

Regarding Windows drivers: I don't know why @amirm had a problem. I owned an original Hilo from 2013 to 2019. I used it with Windows via a USB connection and Lynx's ASIO drivers.They surely worked then. They should work fine now.

I liked it a lot, and sold it when I stopped making amateur recordings.

 

[xema]

For those interested, here are the internals of the device. Apparently, the main changes are in:

1. Line In and Line Out chain. The DAC and ADC have been replaced with ES9039Q2M and ES9842PRO (according to the datasheets, these chips provide a set of filters that can now be selected in the device settings). The circuit uses OPA1611A and OPA1612A op-amps, along with the ES9311q power supply chip for the DAC and ADC. Changing the filters in the settings affects only the Line Out and Line In signals.
2. The FPGA has been upgraded from SPARTAN-6 to ARTIX-7, which means firmware updates for the new version will definitely be more interesting. Native DSD support may also appear, since the chips used in the line inputs and outputs are capable of it.
3. The clock generation section has been redesigned.

In the other parts of the circuit—such as the headphone and Monitor outputs—everything looks the same as in the Hilo 1: CS4398 DAC chips, PGA4331UA volume controller, and the same OPA161XA op-amps. Accordingly, the sound on these outputs is most likely unchanged compared to the Hilo 1, and if you want to hear a difference, you’ll need to use the Line Out.

Hi lowal, are all 3 op amps are 1611/1612? Did you noticed are there a 1632 or some other OPA amps

 

[AndrewMontreal]

Hi there. This is my first post here. I am a new user of the Hilo 2. I am using it in tandem with the Aurora n for productions. In that context, l just connect via AES. But today I wanted to use it with my MacBook M5Pro running Tahoe. No go. I can't get the driver to run. The security system never asks me to "allow" so the driver is waiting. Any solutions? No previous drivers. It's basically a new computer. The only POSSIBLE conflict is the presence of another driver from Steinberg.

 

[Mike-48]

Hi there. This is my first post here. I am a new user of the Hilo 2. I am using it in tandem with the Aurora n for productions. In that context, l just connect via AES. But today I wanted to use it with my MacBook M5Pro running Tahoe. No go. I can't get the driver to run. The security system never asks me to "allow" so the driver is waiting. Any solutions? No previous drivers. It's basically a new computer. The only POSSIBLE conflict is the presence of another driver from Steinberg.

In my experience, Lynx has good customer service. I suggest you call them -- you can't be the first person trying to use the Hilo 2 with a MacBook.

 

[AndrewMontreal]

In my experience, Lynx has good customer service. I suggest you call them -- you can't be the first person trying to use the Hilo 2 with a MacBook.

Agreed. I have done so and I await the advice from Paul.

I did discover that using the V1 driver did work but it is still odd that the one made for my new system didn’t.

 

[Mike-48]

Agreed. I have done so and I await the advice from Paul.

I did discover that using the V1 driver did work but it is still odd that the one made for my new system didn’t.

It is disappointing to hear about your trouble. I owned an original Hilo for a few years, and I did have problems with the Windows drivers in some configurations. I wrote that off to the old PC I was using with the Hilo. I hope Lynx isn't having systematic issues with USB drivers.

 

[AudioScienceGuineaPig]

Nice review,

When I see the price of the new Hilo2 I can't help but be taken aback for minute. I believe I paid about $2400 for the Hilo1 back in the days that I still own.

After further consideration of the price, I guess an extra $1100 or so in today's money doesn't seem too far off base considering that they did upgrade the AD/DA section and a few other bits.

I've not had any issues worth mentioning with the Windows ASIO drivers found on the Lynx website in the past (or today running Win11) while using the Hilo1 USB version that I own. Actually, I've just resurrected the Hilo1 again from the dead since purchasing a pair of Genelec monitors so I could use its AES Output to feed the monitors via that interface instead of the Analog Inputs.

The Hilo just keeps proving its worth year after year and is way easier to use than the Merging HAPI that I own. I recently spent 3 long days of headaches, heartburn and cursing trying to reconfigure/re-use the HAPI just so I could send AES Out to my Genelecs. Each time I need to breakdown the HAPI and reconfigure it (years later) for a new use case the same drama and learning process occurs. I eventually had to tuck my tail between my legs and give up on it. I decided to dust off the Hilo 1 again and had things working in 30mins flat...Heh

Long story short, the Lynx Hilo is hard to beat as an all-in-one, fairly simple to use, small form factor audio interface that fits on your desk.

 

[dfuller]

Merging HAPI

We used to run a Horus at my day job - unreliable is the word.