Burl Audio B22-Orca-ALPS

The Burl Audio B22 Orca (Alps Version) is a mastering grade control room monitor daughter card engineered for the B80 and B16 Mothership modular chassis. Converting a single chassis slot into a full monitor controller and high-headroom D/A converter section, the standard B22 Orca pairs Burl Audio’s Next Gen Class-A BOPA14 discrete op-amps with a premium, Alps audiophile potentiometer. Designed for mixing engineers and studio owners who prefer continuous, fine-grain volume adjustment, it delivers un compromised 3D stereo imaging, extended low-end punch, and transparent analog conversion directly inside your Mothership frame.

Channels 1 and 2 feature switchable BX5 nickel/iron-core output transformers for feeding mix/mastering chains, print setups, or external analog processors. Channels 3 and 4 feed the main monitoring circuit, driving two selectable stereo speaker outputs and a high-power headphone amplifier.

The Alps version utilises a continuous audiophile grade pot for smooth level adjustments without step increments. For precise DSP alignment, onboard hardware jumpers allow toggling between Short Delay and Long Delay DAC reconstruction filters, alongside automatic hardware Avid delay compensation for sample-accurate phase alignment across Pro Tools sessions.

Key Features

• 4-Channel Mastering-Grade D/A Converter: Dedicated split-DAC design for mix/outboard loops (Ch 1–2) and primary monitoring (Ch 3–4).

• Continuous Alps Volume Attenuator: Audiophile-grade Alps potentiometer provides smooth, continuous volume taper and natural analog feel.

• Class-A Discrete Signal Path: Direct-coupled, zero-capacitor topology powered by Burl NextGen BOPA14 / BOPA11 op-amps.

• Switchable BX5 Output Transformers: Engaging BX5 transformers on Channels 1–2 adds classic analog saturation, harmonic glue, and deep bass punch.

• Dual Speaker & Headphone Outputs: Supports switching between two stereo speaker pairs and drives a dedicated high-headroom headphone output.

• External Meter Output: Dedicated stereo line-level output pair to drive external hardware VU or LED metering systems.

• Pro Tools & Filter Controls: Built-in Avid delay matching and selectable DAC filter modes (Short/Long Delay).

Technical Specifications

• Form Factor: Single-Slot Daughter Card (B80 and B16 Mothership Compatible)

• Channel Count: 4 DAC Channels (Ch 1–2 Mix Out, Ch 3–4 Monitor Section)

• Analog Circuitry: All Discrete Class-A NextGen BOPA14 / BOPA11 Op-Amps

• Attenuator Type: Continuous Alps Audiophile Potentiometer

• Transformers: Proprietary Burl Audio BX5 Nickel/Iron Transformers (Switchable on Ch 1–2)

• Dynamic Range: $115\text{ dB}$

• THD+N: $-96\text{ dB}$ (Full scale output $=+22\text{ dBu}$)

• Frequency Response:

  • $10\text{ Hz}-22\text{ kHz}(\pm 0.1\text{ dB}@48\text{ kHz})$

  • $10\text{ Hz}-30\text{ kHz}(\pm 0.1\text{ dB}@96\text{ kHz})$

  • $10\text{ Hz}-30\text{ kHz}(\pm 0.1\text{ dB}@192\text{ kHz})$

• Analog I/O: 1x DB25 Female (TASCAM Pinout — 8 Channels assigned for outputs/monitors/meters)

• Origin: Made in the USA