DAC1-MK2

Much detail and thought was spent on the digital input as well as the analogue output stage. Both have in common the purest possible approach in audio design, aspiring for nothing less than excellence. This is coupled with an ergonomic design that gives the user immediate access to all necessary functions, while keeping an uncluttered and thus easy-to-use front panel. This combination makes a truly professional D/A converter catering for the highest expectations.

INPUTS:

There are three digital inputs on XLR connectors, and one on Toslink (optical). The accepted sampling frequencies are 44.1, 48, 88.2. 96, 176.4 and 192kHz. AES/EBU signals on a single connector are used. Each XLR input is actively routed to a corresponding XLR digital output, allowing monitoring at multiple stages in a digital studio setup.

SYNCHRONIZATION:

Several signal reclocking schemes are combined for extremely high jitter attenuation, making the DAC1-MK2 virtually immune to jitter over a very wide bandwidth.

CONVERTERS:

The correlation technique (using two converters per channel) which was already successfully employed in the ADC1 gives the DAC1-MK2 an edge over other D/A converters with equal wordlength and sampling rate specifications, resulting in improved SNR and THD.

OUTPUTS:

The discrete Class A outputs have a virtually zero Ohm output impedance, but still can drive large loads without stability problems. Output levels can be set between -infinity and +27dBu. The outputs are symmetrical, but do not have any sound degrading servo mechanisms built in. For asymmetrical operation only one leg of the XLR connector (plus ground) is used.

REMOTE:

By hooking up an analog potentiometer or fader to the remote connector, the output level can be remote controlled. This level control happens in the digital domain. The input source selection can also be remote controlled.

FRONTPANEL ELEMENTS:

• Four switches for input selection

• Six LEDs for sampling frequency display (44.1 / 48 / 88.2 / 96 / 176.4 / 192)

• Three LEDs for input wordlength display (1..16, 17..20, 21..24 bits)

• One Emphasis LED

• Two 25 turn trim potentiometers for fine trimming the output level

BACKPANEL ELEMENTS:

• Three digital inputs on XLR

• One digital input on Toslink

• Three digital outputs on XLR, buffered from XLR inputs

• Two analog outputs (channel 1,2) on XLR

• Output level range switch (high / low) Remote connector with the following signals:

• Power supply to external faders

• Tapers from two external faders

• four input selection switches

• four LEDs for input selection switches

POWER:

Mains voltage: 115 V or 230 V with voltage selector

Fuse rating: 500 mA slow blow

Power consumption: 80 VA max.

SIZE:

Depth: 30 cm

Width: 43,3 cm (19")

Height: 4,4 cm (1HU)

AES/EBU INPUT:

Sampling frequencies: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz

Maximum sampling frequency deviation: ±80 ppm

Maximum input word-length: 24 Bits

Channel Status Data: Input accepts professional or consumer format

Connector: Three XLR female (110 ), one TOSLINK (optical)

AES/EBU OUTPUT:

Three XLR male connectors with buffered versions of the corresponding XLR input. One of the outputs can be switched such that it reflects the currently selected input to the DAC.

:

ANALOG OUTPUT DAC1-MK2:

Two XLR male connectors, pin 1 ground, pin 2 hot, pin 3 cold

Symmetrical

No servo circuit

Not earth free

Short circuit proof

DC coupled

Class A

Output impedance: 0.2

Output level: continuously variable between dBu and +27 dBu including a 12 dB high/low switch

:

WIRED REMOTE CONTROL CONNECTOR:

15 pin DSUB connector pinout:

01 Ground

02 Ground

03 Key #2 (switch to ground, selects input #2)

04 Key #4 (switch to ground, selects input #4)

05 LED #1 (anode of LED for key #1, cathode at ground)

06 LED #3 (anode of LED for key #3, cathode at ground)

07 Ground

08 +5 V supply for external fader (connect fader between +5 V and ground)

09 Not connected

10 Key #1 (switch to ground, selects input #1)

11 Key #3 (switch to ground, selects input #3)

12 LED #2 (anode of LED for key #2, cathode at ground)

13 LED #4 (anode of LED for key #4, cathode at ground)

14 Fader channel 1 taper

15 Fader channel 2 taper

OPTIONS:

Firewire/Thunderbolt interface

USB interface with DSD to PCM conversion capability

ST glass fiber input

IR remote control for volume control (DAC1-MK3 only)

Wired remote control for volume control and inout source selection

MEASUREMENTS DAC1-MK2:

Measurements taken at the following conditions (unless otherwise noticed): +27 dBu output level, 0 dBFS input level, 44.1 kHz sampling frequency (fs), 22 kHz measurement bandwidth.

Frequency Response:

Fs = 44.1 kHz, DC...20 kHz: ±0.05 dB

Fs = 48 kHz, DC...20 kHz: ±0.05 dB

Fs = 88.2 kHz, DC...40 kHz: ±0.5 dB

Fs = 96 kHz, DC...40 kHz: ±0.5 dB

Dynamic Range:

115 dB unweighted

118 dB A-weighted

THD+N at 1kHz:

At 3 dBFS input: 104 dB

At 0 dBFS input: 105 dB

SNR at 40 dBFS input:

114 dB unweighted, relative to full scale output

117 dB A-weighted, relative to full scale output

Linearity:

From 0 dBFS to 100 dBFS input level: less than ±1 dB deviation from ideal

From 100 dBFS to 130 dBFS input level: less than ±1.5 dB deviation from ideal

Crosstalk:

Less than 130 dB, DC...20 kHz