Bricasti Design MC1 User manual

MC1 Dual Mono D/A Converter
User Guide
V1.00 8/2019

Conformity
EMC / EMI
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant
to part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful
interference in residential installations.
Canadian Customers
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003.
Cet appareil numerous de la classe B est conforme a la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
Certificate Of Conformity
Bricasti Design, 2 Shaker Rd Shirley MA, USA, hereby declares
on its own responsibility the following products:
MC1 –Dual Channel A/D Converter
-that is covered by this certificate and marked with the CE-label
conforms to the following standards:
EN 60065 Safety requirements for mains operated electronic
and related apparatus for household and general
use
EN 55103-1 Product family standard for audio, video,
audiovisual and entertainment lighting control
apparatus for professional use. Part 1: Emission
EN 55103-2 Product family standard for audio, video,
audiovisual and entertainment lighting control
apparatus for professional use. Part 2: Immunity
With reference to the regulations in the following directives:
73/23/EEC, 89/336/EEC
January 2019
Brian S Zolner
President
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Introduction
This edition of the MC1 user guide covers the theory of design and setup and use. In the future you can
always find the latest version available at our web site www.bricasti.com.
Congratulations on the purchase of your new MC1 Dual Mono Digital to Analog Converter. We at Bricasti
Design have set out to design the world’s best digital processors and to offer the finest products made for
the professional and consumer audio markets.
Product Overview
The MC1digtal to analog converter is a dual mono design; there are 2 completely isolated channels, a left
and right, each with its own dedicated linear power supply, D/A converter, DDS clocking, and analog
circuitry. This design insures that analog cross talk is virtually non existent, that the necessary power
requirements for each channel are well met and isolated from each other and the digital processing is
isolated, having its own power supply. With our twin DAC design, the dynamic range for each channel is
optimized by using the stereo ADI 1955 D/A converter in a mono configuration, plus clocking is for each
channel done directly at each DAC with a technique called DDS (direct digital synthesis) which takes clock
induced jitter to immeasurable levels.
Build Quality
The MC1 is robustly constructed of milled and CNC machined aluminum sections. There is no typical bent
metal chassis and top cover found on most products. All sections of the construction, the front and rear
panels, the sides and even the bottom and top plates start out as solid blocks of aluminum which are
precision machined to shape, with exact tolerances for a perfect fit. These parts are then anodized and the
text and markings are laser etched for a clean and enduring look.
The Sound
The intention of the MC1 is to provide a state of the art, Digital to Analog converter, utilizing the best
designs and materials that can be found today. The D/A converter is a very critical part of the digital audio
chain, after all you have to convert it to analog to hear it, and we feel this should be a true as possible in its
reconstruction of the original signal. The sound of the MC1 is intended to be transparent and revealing,
and fully dynamic. This in part is made possible by the lowering the jitter to extremely low levels,
providing a pure digital signal chain with sample rate converters, superior digital filter design, coupled to a
fast transparent analog signal path with a discreet analog output section and plenty of good clean linear
power for optimum analog performance.
Many hours of listening were done to tune the MC1 to an exacting sound, with all types of music, and with
extensive testing done in the studio and in the home. We hope you find the MC1 to be pleasing and
enjoyable to hear and use in the home, or as a precision tool for high level reference monitoring for the
professional.
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Unpacking and Inspection
After unpacking the MC1 save all packing materials in the event you ever need to ship the unit.
Thoroughly inspect the MC1 and packing materials for any signs of damage in shipment. Report any
damage to the carrier at once.
Precautions
The Bricasti Design MC1 is a rugged device with extensive electrical protection. However, reasonable
precautions applicable to any piece of audio equipment should be observed.
Always use the correct AC line voltage as set by the manufacturer. Refer to the power requirements
section of the manual and adhere to any power indications on the rear or bottom of the chassis . Using
the incorrect AC line voltage can cause damage to your MC1, so please check this carefully before
applying power.
Do not install the MC1 in an unventilated rack or directly above any heat-producing equipment like
power amps, tube preamps etc. Maximum ambient operating temperature is 40 C. Exceeding the
maximum ambient temperature may cause the MC1 to enter thermal shutdown and stop processing
sound as a safety precaution, and may cause damage to the internal processors and components.
Care should be taken when connecting the MC1 to a computer via the USB. The MC1s USB
subsection receives its power from the computer and it is advisable that you power the computer off
before changing USB cables to prevent possible damage from inrush current from the computers 5V
supply to the MC1s USB section.
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose the MC1 to rain or moisture.
Notices
In the interest of continued product development, Bricasti Design reserves the right to make improvements
to this manual and the product it describes at any time and without notice.
Copyright 2011
Bricasti Design LTD
123 Fells Ave
Medford MA 01255 USA
781 306 0420
bricasti.com
All Rights Reserved
This publication is protected by copyright and all rights are reserved.
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Important Safety Instructions:
Notice!
Read these instructions.
Keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings.
Follow these instructions.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Clean only with dry cloth.
Do not block ventilation openings; install
in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such
as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers, pre amps)
that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the
polarized or grounded type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one
wider than the other. A grounding type
plug has two blades and a third grounding
prong. The wide blade and prong are for
your safety. If the provided plug does not
fit in your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
Protect power cord from being walked on
or pinched.
Use only attachments/accessories
specified by the manufacturer.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning
storms or when unused for long periods of
time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service
personnel. Service is required when the
apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as by being dropped, exposed to rain,
liquid being spilled on it, or otherwise
does not operate normally.
Service
There are no user serviceable parts inside.
All service must be performed by
qualified personnel.
Warning!
To reduce the risk of fire or electrical
shock do not expose this equipment to
dripping or splashing water and ensure
that no objects such as vases are placed on
the equipment.
This apparatus must be earthed.
This equipment requires the correct AC
line voltage as set by the manufacture
and is not auto sensing or scaling.
Use a three-wire grounding-type line cord
like the one supplied with this product.
Be aware that different operating voltages
require the use of different types of line
cords and attachment plugs.
Check the voltage in your area and use the
correct type. See table below:
Voltage Line plug standard
110-125V UL817 and CSA C22.2 no 42
220-230V CEE 7 page VII, SR section 107-
2-D1/IEC 83 pg C4
240V BS 1363 of 1984
Specification for 13A fused
plugs and switched and
unswitched outlet plugs
This equipment should be installed near
the socket outlet and disconnection of the
device should be easily accessible.
To completely disconnect from AC mains,
disconnect the power supply cord from
the AC receptacle.
Do not install in a confined space.
Do not open the unit -risk of electrical
shock inside.
Caution
You are cautioned that any change or
modification not expressly approved in
this manual could void your authority to
operate this equipment.
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Design Overview
There are 4 basic sections to the MC1, the digital input section, and the left and right analog sections, and the front
panel:
Digital Input Section:
This is located in the center of the unit, provides 5 transformer isolated digital inputs, are selectable from
the front panel, and has its own linear power supply. This means that the digital processing section is
isolated from the analog sections, providing excellent low noise performance and eliminates digital noise
from entering the analog chain via the power supplies and ground plane. This section features an Analog
Devices Sharc DSP that is used to run the front panel and general operations of the MC1, to control and
synchronize the DDS clocking on each channel, and to provide a selection of our own over sampled anti-
aliasing filters.
Analog Output Sections, Left and Right:
These are identical and are laid out as mirror images of each other to fit with the over all symmetrical
industrial design of the MC1. Both are independently powered by their own linear power supply insuring
clean double regulated low ripple power and isolation from any digital switching noise from the digital
supply.
Each section has its own Analog Devices 1955 DAC, coupled with a dedicated DDS clocking circuit
located millimeters away from the DAC, assuring extremely low jitter and minimal trace length for the
clock signal. As both boards have their own clock, precise clock synchronization of the left and right
boards is handled by the Sharc DSP on the main digital processing board.
The next stage, at the analog out of the converter for the gain and filter sections there is a fully differential
analog design with fast high slew rate analog operational amps. This is followed by 2 transistor designed
output buffer sections, balanced and unbalanced, each separately buffered and isolated. The balanced
output level as shipped is set with a fixed resistor at +16.3 dbm or 5V RMS. For custom level matching, an
internal the jumper on the board can be moved to engage a precision adjustable potentiometer. This
adjustment is set from the rear panel screw near the XLR connector. When the potentiometer feature is
engaged the level is adjustable from +8 to +23 dbm and can be referenced to a fraction of a db to match any
setup.. The unbalanced is set to typical levels of 2V RMS (+8dbm) by precision resistor values on the
board.
Typical circuit boards in most products are made from FR4 fiber glass. But, the MC1s analog boards are
made from a ceramic substrate used in RF applications. This material has excellent very high frequency
impedance characteristics, and was chosen for use in the MC1 to yield an open and clear sound and to
allow its very high slew rate audio circuit design to perform at optimal levels.
Trigger In:
On the rear panel the MC1 has a stereo connector (Tip/Ring/Sleeve) for triggering the MC1 into standby
mode from an external device like a preamp and for optional external remote control with the MC1 remote.
Sleeve is connected to chassis ground, Tip/Ring is the input +/-. The MC1 will go into standby when it has
a positive 5V or 12V DC voltage between tip/ring.
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Front Panel Overview
The left side of the front panel has 6 input selection keys that are labeled for their use, the right side has 2
filter select keys, sample rate status LEDs, a stand-by switch that will set the MC1 in to low power mode
and mute the outputs, and AC power switch for full power on/off.
Rear Panel Overview
Looking at the rear you will find on the left and right side the analog output sections, each with its own
balanced and unbalanced outputs.. In the center input section are the 5 digital audio inputs, AES, SPDIF 1
and 2, Toslink, and USB. There is a small jack below the circuit breaker and this is for a trigger input to
remotely place the MC1 in standby from a pre amp or other system controller.
Setup and Operation
AC power and the MC1
The AC power is connected at the rear of the MC1; power on/off switch is on the front panel. This filtered
inlet helps provide clean AC power to the MC1’s power supplies and as well will prevent any digital noise
from the MC1s digital processing section from going back out the AC inlet to contaminate the mains. Take
note that because the MC1 utilizes linear power supplies care should be taken to use only the power range
indicated on the unit, other wise damage can occur to the power supplies and other circuits in the MC1.
Please note and adhere to any voltage indications on the outer box, rear panel or chassis all of which will
indicate how the MC1 is set at manufacture.
.
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Quick Connecting the MC1 and power up
When you first power up the MC1 it will come up selected to the AES input or the last used input. To change inputs
simply press one of the buttons on the front panel. The MC1 is meant for professional use and has a very simple
user interface with direct function keys and no menus or display necessary.
Operating the MC1
Input select
When the MC1 first powers on, it will default to the last input selected. An LED below the button will
illuminate to show which one is selected. This will show what input is selected and valid lock and the
sample rate will be shown on the with the sample rate LEDs in the right section of the front panel:
#1 AES Selects the XLR connector
#2 SPDIF Selects the RCA connector
#3 SPDIF 2 Selects the BNC connector
#3 EIAJ Selects the Toslink connector
#4 USB Selects the USB connector .
#6 Network Selects the network option ( optional )
Sample Rate Status
There are a 2 columns of 3 LEDs on the right section of the front panel. For PCM this will range from
44.1k to 384K and DSD64 to DSD 256 by illuminating the corresponding LEDs.
The left column is for the base rates of 44.1k, 48k and DSD64. The right column is for the multiplier of the
base rates. For example for 44.1 the 44.1k LED will illuminate, for 88.2k the 44.1 and the 2x LEDs will
illuminate. For 96k rate the base rate of 48k will illuminate and the 2x LED will illuminate. This is a
simple way to show all rates to the user up to 384k.
Filter
There are 2 filers to choose from, one Linear and one Minimum phase type. Simply press the button to
change and select the desired type.
Standby
Pressing the standby key places the MC1 in a low current state. For full power off use the main power
switch. The standby mode is implemented in the MC1 so that it can be triggered on from an external
trigger and remotely powered up out of the low level state.
USB Features
On the rear panel you will find the USB 2 type interface and it is based on the latest generation of asynchronous
design and supports sample rates up to 384k/24 bit. For superior noise performance the interface is electrically
isolated from the host computer, eliminating any grounding or power induced noise issues that could be transmitted
to the MC1 from the computer. No driver is needed for Macs or Linux but for PC use a driver is necessary and the
latest version for Win 8 support can be acquired from our web site in downloads section.
Note that it is advisable that you power your computer off when changing USB cables or you risk possible damage
to the MC1s USB subsection. Do not hot plug the USB with the MC1.
DSD playback and the MC1
DSD playback with the MC1 is quite simple, it is done with DoP and as such can be read with any input, but in most
common is the USB as there are few disk players that play out DSD as DoP via the AES or SPDIF The current
version supports both DSD 64, one bit at 64 times 44.1k sample rate, and DSD 128 or double that rate. DSD 64 is
the SACD standard and 99% of all content is released an mastered at this rate.
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Specs and Performance
Audio Performance
The typical audio performance spec of the MC1 is outstanding; Total Harmonic Distortion is an impressive
0.0006% at all frequencies.
Filter Description
There are 2 types of oversampling, anti-aliasing, reconstruction filters in the MC1 menu they are called out as
Minimum and Linear. They are 0 - 20kHz bandwidth, Stop-band at Nyquist frequency with low ripple and high
attenuation filters one with a linear phase construction and one with a minimum phase construction. Below are 2
examples of the filter response for frequency, attenuation and ripple.
48khz Passband Stopband Passband ripple Stopband attenuation delay
20kHz 24kHz .001dB 111dB .73ms
44.1khz Passband Stopband Passband ripple Stopband attenuation delay
20kHz 22.05kHz .001dB 110dB 1.43ms
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Technical Specifications
Digital Inputs
Connectors: XLR: AES/EBU 24 bit Single Wire
BNC: SPDIF
RCA: SPDIF
USB: USB 2
Sample Rates AES, SPDIF: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192khz
DSD 64 as DoP
Sample Rates USB: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192khz
352.8kHz, 384kHz, DSD 64fs 128Fs as DoP
Jitter: 8 psec @ 48k / 6psec @ 96k
Balanced Analog Outputs
Connectors: XLR balanced (pin 2 hot)
Impedance: 40 ohm
Output Level Range: Adjustable +8 dbm to +22 dbm, or fixed at +16.3 dbm
D/A Conversion: 24 bit delta sigma 8x oversampling
Frequency Response @44.1k: 10 hz- 20 kHz +0dB, -.2 dB
Dynamic Range: >120dB A-Weighted
THD+N @ 1k: .0006% @ 0dbfs / .0004% @-30dbfs
Unbalanced Analog Outputs
Connectors: RCA
Impedance: 40 ohm
Output level: +8 dbm (2V RMS)
D/A Conversion: 24 bit delta sigma 8x oversampling
Frequency Response @ 44.1k: 10 hz- 20 kHz -.2 dB
Dynamic Range: >120dB A-Weighted
THD+N @ 1k: .0006% @ 0dbfs / .0004% @-30dbfs
General Specifications
EMC
Complies with: EN 55103-1 and EN 55103-2 FCC part 15, Class B
RoHS
Complies with: EU RoHS Directive 2002/95/EC
Safety
Certified to: IEC 60065, EN 55103-2
Environment
Operating Temperature: 32 F to 105 F (0 C to 40 C)
Storage Temperature: -22 f to 167 F (-30 C to 70 C
General
Finish: Anodized Aluminum
Dimensions: 17” x 12“ x 2.5”
Weight: 12 lbs
Shipping Weight: 15 lbs
Shipping Dimensions: 22”x 17”x 7”
Mains Voltage: 100, 120, 220, 240 VAC, 50 Hz – 60 Hz
Trigger In: TRS connector for 12V external trigger.
Power consumption: 28 Watts (6W standby
Warranty parts and labor: 2 years
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Copyright 09/2019- Bricasti Design Ltd.-123 Fells Ave,- Medford MA 01255 USA