Table of Contents Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Panel Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 Typical Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
INTRODUCTION Thank you for choosing the SUPER DAC 2496. The Super DAC is a professional external digital-to-analog (D/A) audio converter, conveniently packaged in a "half-rack" chassis. The SUPER DAC supports multiple digital audio formats, all bit widths from 16 to 24, and all sampling rates from 22kHz to 100kHz while outputting to balanced (XLR) or unbalanced (1⁄4") analog outs.
FEATURES • • • • • • • • • • • • High-performance stereo D/A converter in a standard half-rack package. D/A converter: 24-bit, 96kHz, 128x oversampling. Dynamic Range: 115 dB (A-weighted). Supports 16-, 18-, 20- and 24-bit data widths. Supports sample rates from 22kHz to over 100kHz. Front panel Format button selects between three rear inputs: TOSLINK optical, S/PDIF on RCA, or AES/EBU on XLR. Audio outputs: balanced on XLR, unbalanced on 1⁄4” (Tip-Sleeve) connectors. Both outputs are always active.
➀ ➁ ➂ ➃ ➄ Back Panel 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 9V AC Jack: This jack provides connection to the Super DAC’s external "wall wart" power supply. The Super DAC uses a 9 Volt AC, 500 mA (or more) power supply. Analog Out Left: The XLR (3 conductor) male connector outputs a balanced, +4 dB (professional) level signal. The 1⁄4” jacks output an unbalanced, -10 dB (semi-pro or consumer) line-level signal. Both signals are output simultaneously.
digital inputs of your SUPER DAC 2496. Take the analog outputs of the Super DAC and plug them into the analog inputs of your "target" device. For more information or suggestions for use, see the next section, "Typical Setup." NOTE: For best results, use good quality digital cable. Digital AES/EBU cable should be purchased in a professional audio store and has 110-ohm characteristic impedance. Good quality 75-ohm video cable will work for coaxial S/PDIF.
Now let’s go a little deeper. What if you have a few different pieces of digital audio gear? Let’s say you have a pro DAT machine with AES/EBU digital out, a computer sound card with S/PDIF. Your CD Player actually has a TOSLINK optical out, and you think you could improve its sound quality by replacing its built-in D/A converters with something more "high end." The solution is to hook all three to the Super DAC’s inputs, and use the front panel Format button as a convenient source selector.
Typical Setup Fig. 3 … or an analog mixdown deck with balanced ins, and a sound system that accepts _ inch or RCA jacks. You could use this setup to "A/B" the mix deck with the source. Typical Setup Fig.
OPERATION The SUPER DAC 2496 is compatible with 24-bit, 20-bit, 18-bit, and 16-bit data. The more bits per data word, the better the dynamic range. Better dynamic range translates into higher audio quality. The term "sampling rate" means the number of times that digital audio takes a "picture" of the analog signal. The more times per second you take a picture of the analog signal, the more accurate the digital representation is. Therefore, higher sample rates equate to better audio quality.
TROUBLESHOOTING Symptom: When power is applied, there are no LED's lit on the Super DAC's front panel. Solution: Make sure the correct power supply is properly plugged into the unit and also into a live wall source or power strip. Also make sure the unit’s Power button is pushed (and latched) in. Symptom: When the digital audio source changes sample rates, or I select a different digital input using the Format button, the audio is muted for a short period of time.
SPECIFICATIONS: D/A CONVERTER: Dynamic Range: 115.5 dB (A-weighted) THD+N @ 0dBFS: -100 dB (A-weighted) SNR (idle channel noise): 117 dB (A-weighted) Frequency response: 20Hz-20kHz, -0.1, -0.18 dB Balanced Outputs: +4 dBu nominal, +20 dBu peak Unbalanced Outputs: -10 dBV nominal, +6 dBV peak PHYSICAL SPECS: Size: 8.5”W X 1.7”H X 4.5”D. Power Supply: 9 volt AC, 500 mA or larger.
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