Burl Audio BAD 4 M

Announcing the BAD4M, a mastering grade, 4-channel ADC daughter card for the B80 and B16 MOTHERSHIP with stepped attenuators and switchable input transformers. Specifically designed for mixing and mastering, the BAD4M uses the latest BURL NextGen analog technology for superior fidelity and clarity.

The BAD4M is the result of over 25 years of R&D experience in pro audio digital and analog design. Following on the success of the B2 BOMBER ADC and the BAD8 for the MOTHERSHIP, the BAD4M utilizes BURL Audio’s NextGen Analog technology with the same BX1 transformer coupled circuit path as the BAD8 (no op-amps) and a transformerless analog front end using BOPA14. The BAD4M allows you to switch between the BAD8 style analog front end and the newly developed, BOPA14 based, transformerless analog front end.

The new BOPA14 with BURL NextGen Analog is the result of hundreds of hours of listening tests. It boasts stunning clarity and definition and raises the bar of excellence in pro audio analog electronics fidelity. The BOPA14 is an all discrete, class-A op-amp with a minimal number of transistors. This new analog design will blow your mind with tighter bass and higher definition throughout the audio spectrum.

For years, engineers have taken their fully digital projects and run them through a 2-track analog tape machine to make them sound “less digital”. The BDA4M with the BX5 output transformer routed to a BAD4M with the BX1 input transformer does something very similar, but better. Using a BDA4M to BAD4M signal path will give you better performance than tape in that there is higher dynamic range, more headroom, and better frequency response with no tape hiss.

The BAD4M transformerless analog front end is perfect for situations where you want a pure capture of a mix or mastering chain where the signal is already warm and peak limited. The BOPA14 ensures a truly clear, faithful capture of the source material.

On the digital side, the BAD4M employs a couple of new features; a switchable ADC filter and AVID delay matching. Switching the ADC filter allows you to change the tone from the classic BURL sound to a more aggressive tone with a more forward mid-range. The AVID delay matching allows you to perfectly match the input delay of an AVID IO which is crucial for hardware inserts.

If you already own a B80 MOTHERSHIP or if you are buying a new B16 or B80 MOTHERSHIP, the BAD4M is awesome by itself or as a compliment to the mix and master DAC daughter card, the BDA4M. A B16 with a BAD4M and BDA4M is the ultimate 4 input, 4 output mastering solution. Adding even just one BAD4M to your MOTHERSHIP will be a big step up. The BAD4M is truly BURLY.