Art Project Series User manual

USB-DI
USB Digital to Analog Convertor with Isolated Outputs
Project Series
User’s Manual
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTION – READ FIRST
This symbol, whenever it appears, This symbol, wherev-
er it appears, alerts you
alerts you to the presence of uninsulated to important operat-
ing and maintenance
dangerous voltage inside the enclosure-voltage instructions in the
accompanying literature.
that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock. Please read the
manual.
Read instructions:
Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed all warnings
printed here and on the equipment. Follow the operating instructions printed in this user
manual.
Do not open:
There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer any service work to qualified technical
personnel only.
Moisture:
To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock do not expose the unit to moisture or use in
damp or wet conditions. Do not place container of liquid on unit.
Heat:
Do not locate the unit close to excessive heat or direct sunlight, as this could cause a fire
hazard. Locate the unit away from any equipment, which produces heat such as: power
supplies, power amplifiers and heaters.
Environment:
Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat, and vibration when operating and storing. Avoid
tobacco ash, drink spillage and smoke, especially that associated with smoke machines.
Handling:
Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use adequate padding if you need to
ship the unit. To avoid injury to yourself or damage to the equipment, take care when
lifting, moving, or carrying the unit.
Servicing:
Unplug power immediately if equipment is exposed to moisture, the power supply
becomes damaged during a lightning storm or if smoke odor or noise is noted. Refer
servicing to qualified technical personnel only.
Installation:
Install the unit in accordance with the instructions printed in the user manual.

Table of Contents:
TOC \O "1-3" \H \Z HYPERLINK \L "_TOC1135573" INTRODUCTION
PAGEREF _TOC1135573 \H 1
HYPERLINK \L"_TOC1135574" Key Features Include
PAGEREF _TOC1135574 \H1
HYPERLINK \L "_TOC1135575" CONTROLS and OPERATION
PAGEREF _TOC1135575 \H 3
HYPERLINK \L"_TOC1135576" FRONT PANEL
PAGEREF _TOC1135576 \H3
HYPERLINK \l "_Toc1135577" MAIN OUTPUTS FIXED/VARIABLE
PAGEREF _Toc1135577 \h 3
HYPERLINK \L"_TOC1135578" REAR PANEL
PAGEREF _TOC1135578 \H3
HYPERLINK \l "_Toc1135579" USB Connection
PAGEREF _Toc1135579 \h 3
HYPERLINK \l "_Toc1135580" LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUTS
PAGEREF _Toc1135580 \h 3
HYPERLINK \l "_Toc1135581" GROUND LIFT
PAGEREF _Toc1135581 \h 3
HYPERLINK \L "_TOC1135582" OPERATION WITH A COMPUTER
PAGEREF _TOC1135582 \H 4
HYPERLINK \L "_TOC1135583" APPLICATIONS
PAGEREF _TOC1135583 \H 4
HYPERLINK \l "_Toc1135584" Audio interfaces
PAGEREF _Toc1135584 \h 4
HYPERLINK \l "_Toc1135585" When to use the Fixed versus the variable
switch
PAGEREF _Toc1135585 \h 4

HYPERLINK \L "_TOC1135586" WARRANTY INFORMATION
PAGEREF _TOC1135586 \H 5
HYPERLINK \L"_TOC1135587" Limited Warranty
PAGEREF _TOC1135587 \H5
HYPERLINK \L"_TOC1135588" Online Registration
PAGEREF _TOC1135588 \H5
HYPERLINK \L"_TOC1135589" Exclusions
PAGEREF _TOC1135589 \H5
HYPERLINK \L "_TOC1135590" SERVICE
PAGEREF _TOC1135590 \H 6
HYPERLINK \L "_TOC1135591" SPECIFICATIONS
PAGEREF _TOC1135591 \H 7

INTRODUCTION
The USB-DI Project Series is a high quality Digital to Analog Convertor for
connecting a computer to a stereo or PA system. It takes in USB audio, converts
it to analog audio and then isolates the output using custom transformers. The
output isolation is key to removing ground loops and other system noise between
the digital and analog audio systems.
A large knob on the front panel allows quick, precise control over the output level.
A separate headphone output allows you to monitor the system. The front panel
Main Outputs switch allows you to keep the isolated outputs at a fixed level while
controlling level of the Headphones output.
The line level XLR outputs are available for connecting to all sorts of systems.
The Main outputs are always isolated but allow you to control the ground refer-
ence to reduce noise.
The USB-DI Project Series is powered by USB, drawing less than 200mA and
eliminating the need for an external power.
Key Features Include
USB Connectivity to Desktop and Laptop Computers
High Quality D to A Convertor
Sample rates from 32kHz to 48kHz
Switchable Transformer isolated outputs
Front panel Volume control
Front panel 1/8-inch Headphone Monitor output
USB powered
Compact rugged package all Aluminum chassis
Stackable chassis
Perfect for connecting computers to any Audio System
Three Year Warranty
The USB-DI Project Series has been designed with a set of isolation trans-
formers to eliminate the hum and buzz that may be caused by stray voltages and
ground loops. Depending on your application, computers, optical projectors and
many other consumer types of equipment can induce noise in your audio paths.
The USB-DI Project Series is equipped to cover these problem areas and give
you a great clean audio path.

CONNECTIONS
The 1/8-inch MONITOR HEADPHONES is stereo TRS jack. It can accommodate
a wide variety of headphone models. Maximum output level is 150mW.
The USB port is USB 2.0 compliant and should be used to connect directly to
one of the USB connections on your computer. This connection also powers the
USB circuitry inside the USB-DI Project Series. To your computer this connec-
tion looks like a “USB Audio DAC” and your computer then controls the sample
rate.
Since the USB connection will be carrying high quality digital audio to and from
your computer as well as bus powering the USB interface, we suggest that you
use a high quality shielded USB cable for best performance. Ideally you should
connect directly to one of the USB ports on your computer. Connecting through a
shared hub can reduce power and bandwidth that is available for each USB
device and should be avoided when possible. Though the USB-DI Project
Series is compatible with USB 1.1 and 2.0 interfaces, USB 2.0 is preferred for
the cabling and computer connection as it allows for more system bandwidth.
The XLR LEFT and RIGHT analog Outputs can be connected to a variety of line
level input products a few examples would be a mixers, receivers, or powered
speakers.
NOTE: Before connecting the USB-DI box XLR OUTPUTS, make sure all audio levels are
turned down or the system is not powered on. This helps to prevent any popping issues
that would damage more sensitive equipment. It also helps to be in Variable output mode
with the volume control fully CCW before powering up if connected to an audio system.

CONTROLS and OPERATION
FRONT PANEL
MAIN OUTPUTS FIXED/VARIABLE
Using the FIXED switch position. When the MAIN OUTPUTS switch of the USB-
DI is set to FIXED (switch is engaged) the switch will light Blue. The outputs are
fixed and will not vary with the LEVEL pot. The LEVEL pot will only adjust the
signal level of the MONITOR HEADPHONES. The output of the USB-DI will
default to 650mV RMS (-1.5dBu) max output.
Using the VARIABLE switch position. When the MAIN OUTPUTS switch of the of
the UDB-DI is set to VARIABLE (switch is released) the switch will light Red.
This function allows you to control the LEFT and Right OUTPUTS and the
MONITOR HEADPHONES by varying the LEVEL pot from Min to Max.
NOTE: The LED function also doubles as a power indicator. The lit LED shows that there is
a valid power connection thru the USB cable. If this LED is not lit the unit is not powered.
REAR PANEL
USB Connection
Connect the USB cable to the appropriate computer (digital USB) device and
then to the USB connector on the USB-DI Project Series.
Once the USB connection is made and your computer is on, the unit will auto-
matically connect and try to set your computer “Default Audio Device” to be “USB
Audio DAC”. Usually the computer will do this automatically whenever a USB
device is first connected, but it is sometimes necessary to make the selection
manually. The same settings may need to be made in your particular audio
application as well (Check your application instructions). These settings should
be made while the USB-DI Project Series and computer are connected.
LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUTS
Connect the line level XLR OUTPUT jacks to all sorts of systems using analog
inputs.
GROUND LIFT

Ground Lift switch eliminates grounding loop hum. The switch adds another level
of hum protection. It lifts pin-1 on the XLR jacks. Computers sometimes are a
source for noise issues in audio setups.
OPERATION WITH A COMPUTER
Once the USB connection is made and your computer is on, your computer will
power the USB interfaces circuitry over the USB bus and the unit will automati-
cally connect and try to set your computer “Default Audio Device” to be “USB
Audio DAC”. Usually the computer will do this automatically whenever a USB
device is first connected, but it is sometimes necessary to make the selection
manually. The same settings may need to be made in your particular audio
application as well (Check your application instructions). These settings should
be made while the USB-DI Project Series and computer are connected and
powered on.
Your computer audio output “Speaker” is now set to be the “USB Audio DAC” and
playback audio is routed to the USB-DI Project Series. This must be done
while the USB-DI Project Series is connected to the computer and powered
on. After the above settings are made, your computer will automatically reconfig-
ure itself back to these settings every time the USB-DI Project Series is
reconnected to the computer. Your recording software may also select which
inputs or outputs are being used.
NOTE: The USB-DI Project Series interface uses the standard “USB Audio
DAC”. This driver is built into most modern operating systems, including most
current versions of Linux. Since some details of how the audio interface is set
vary with different versions of Linux, the setup is beyond the scope of this docu-
ment. The main key in setup is to look for “USB Audio DAC” as the recording
source or playback monitor output while the USB-DI Project Series is connect-
ed.
APPLICATIONS
Audio interfaces
Audio sources from computers, Audio projectors and any other USB audio
source to an analog audio interface, receivers, mixers and powered speakers.
When to use the Fixed versus the Variable switch
Monitoring the source signal. A separate headphone output allows you to moni-
tor the input signal, in the FIXED mode. This will allow you to vary the output
signal for the headphones without changing the gain out the Main outputs.

In the FIXED mode the signal gain will not vary and can be adjusted from the
preamp section or mixer that the USB-DI has been connected to.
In the VARIABLE mode you will be able to adjust the output signal to the preamp
or mixer from the USB-DI.

WARRANTY INFORMATION
Limited Warranty
Applied Research and Technology will provide warranty and service for this unit
in accordance with the following warrants:
Applied Research and Technology (A R T) warrants to the original purchaser that
this product and the components thereof will be free from defects in workmanship
and materials for a period of three years from the date of purchase. Applied
Research and Technology will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option,
defective product or component parts upon prepaid delivery to the factory service
department or authorized service center, accompanied by proof of purchase date
in the form of a valid sales receipt.
Online Registration
We recommend that you register your product online to insure prompt warranty
repair servicing on any repair issues. Please go to www.artproaudio.com. Select
“Support”, then "Product Registration". Then input your information here.
Exclusions
This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as
a result of unauthorized alterations or repairs. This warranty is void if the serial
number is altered, defaced, or removed.
A R T reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or
improvements upon this product without any obligation to install the same on
products previously manufactured.
A R T shall not be liable for any consequential damages, including without limita-
tion damages resulting from loss of use. Some states do not allow limitations of
incidental or consequential damages, so the above limitation or exclusion may
not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific rights and you may have other
rights, which vary from state to state.
For units purchased outside the United States, an authorized distributor of Ap-
plied Research and
Technology will provide service.

SERVICE
The following information is provided in the unlikely event that your unit requires
service.
Be sure that the unit is the cause of the problem. Check to make sure the unit
has power, all cables are connected correctly, and the cables themselves are in
working condition. You may want to consult with your dealer for assistance in
troubleshooting or testing your particular configuration.
If you believe that the ART unit is at fault, go to www.artproaudio.com.
Select “Support”, then “Return Authorization Request” to request a return autho-
rization number.
If you are returning the unit for service, pack the unit in its original carton or a
reasonable substitute. The original packaging may not be suitable as a shipping
carton, so consider putting the packaged unit in another box for shipping. Print
the RA number clearly on the outside of the shipping box. Print your return
shipping address on the outside of the box.
Include, with your unit, a note with the RA number and your contact information,
including a return shipping address (we cannot ship to a P.O. box) and a daytime
phone number, and a description of the problem, preferably attached to the top of
the unit. Also include a copy of your purchase receipt.
Fill in the following information for your reference:
Date of purchase ___________________
Purchased from ___________________
Serial number ___________________

SPECIFICATIONS
Input Connections: USB 2.0
Output Connections: Balanced XLR and 1/8-inch Headphone output
Max XLR output level: +7.5dBu. Balanced line, Variable output mode.
-1.5dBu Balanced Line, Fixed output mode
Headphone output: 150mW / channel max. @16 Ohms load.
Frequency Response: 20 Hz to 20 kHz +/- 1dB
THD: <0.020% [typical]
Dynamic Range: 96dB “A” wtd. typ.
Supported Sample rates: 32kHz, 44.1kHz, 48kHz
Chassis Type: All aluminum black anodized with integral
rubber sides
Power Requirements: USB bus powered, 500mA Max
Dimensions(HWD): 1.87-inch x 4.61-inch x 4.27-inch
47.5mm x 117mm x 108mm
Weight: 1.89 lbs. (0.86 kg) with packaging
Note: 0 dBu = 0.775Vrms
ART maintains a policy of constant product improvement.
Therefore, specifications are subject to change without notice.
Go to HYPERLINK http://www.artproaudio.com www.artproaudio.com for the latest
information and support on the USB-DI Project Series.

www.artproaudio.com
E-mail: [email protected]
©2019 Applied Research & Technology/ Yorkville Sound
USB - DI Project Series
UDI-5004-101

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