DCS 905 User manual
© dCS Ltd. 2004 - 2006 Price UK £17.50 / Euro 25.00
All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or
introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form, or by any means
(electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise) without the prior
written permission of dCS1. Any person who does any unauthorised act in
relation to this publication may be liable to criminal prosecution and civil claims
for damages.
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice, and
whilst it is checked for accuracy, no liabilities can be accepted for errors.
1dCS is Data Conversion Systems Ltd. Company registered in England No. 2072115.
dCS 905
Stereo Analogue to Digital Converter
User Manual
Software Release 1.0x
November 2006
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
PRODUCT FEATURES
Formats -
•DSD, and PCM from 384kS/s down to 32kS/s
•Data formats supported are: AES/EBU (XLR and BNC), Dual AES (XLR),
Quad AES (XLR), SDIF-2 (PCM and DSD), SDIF-3 (DSD), DSD packed into
4 AES links or DSD packed into 3 AES links (P3D mode)
Syncing -
•Operates in Master mode or can sync to Word Clock or AES reference, or
signal, and sync to video option available
Functions -
•Very high performance ADC, free from gain ranging
•High quality VCXO internal clocking in Master mode
•Multichannel Sync capability
•Noise shaping truncation (1st to 10th order)
•High speed or Dual AES (88.2 kS/s, 96 kS/s)
•Dual or Quad AES (176.4 kS/s and 192 kS/s)
•Quad AES (352.8kS/s and 384kS/s)
•DDC mode, PCM – can take in digital data at up to 96kS/s and noise
shape/truncate it
•DDC mode, DSD – re-packs SDIF DSD to 3-wire or 4-wire formats.
Test Generator -
•High quality (160dB) PCM signal generator. Can be noise shaped
truncated.
Ease of Use -
•Remembers last settings
•12 fixed set-ups, 6 user-defined set-ups
•Lockouts
•Software upgrade-able without opening the box
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
CONTENTS
Product Features ...............................................................................................3
Formats -3
Syncing -3
Functions -3
Test Generator -3
Ease of Use -3
Contents .............................................................................................................4
About this Manual 7
What does the coloured text mean? 7
About Sample Rates x7
Step-by-Step Guide ...........................................................................................8
Preliminaries 8
Cables x8
Powering Up x8
Loading a Default Set-up x8
Step 1 - Setting the Output Format 9
Step 2 – Setting the Connectors 9
Step 3 – Connecting the Analogue Inputs 9
Typical Applications........................................................................................10
Using a dCS 905 to output DSD 10
6 Channel PCM Set Up 11
8 Channel P3D DSD Set Up with Monitoring 12
The Software – The Menu ...............................................................................14
Using the Menu 15
Opening the Menu 15
Navigating Through the Menu 15
Closing the Menu 15
Menu Sequence 16
1. ADC Settings Menu 17
1.1 Output Mode 17
1.2 Filter Settings 17
1.3 DDC Mode 18
1.4 Noise Shaping 18
1.5 Output Word Length 18
2. Connector Settings Menu 19
2.1 Sync Source 19
2.2 Set Reference 19
2.3 DSD Format 19
3. Metering Menu 20
3.1 Peak Hold 20
3.2 Metering Type 20
3.3 Metering Speed 21
3.4 Metering Boost 21
4. Display Menu 22
4.1 Brightness Settings 22
4.2 Display Timeout 22
4.3 Lock Front Panel 22
4.4 Display Language 22
4.5 Display Off 22
4.6 Function Shortcuts 22
5. Test Menu 24
5.1 Test Tone 24
5.2 Tone Level 24
5.3 Tone Frequency 24
5.4 Test Display 25
6. Information Menu 26
6.1 Software Revision 26
6.2 dCS Contact Details 26
6.3 Unit Temperature 26
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
6.4 Unit Identification 26
6.5 Distributor Details 26
6.6 RS232 Address 26
7. Store Menu 27
7.1 Recall Settings 27
7.2 Save Settings 27
Fixed Stores 28
The Hardware – Controls and Connectors ...................................................29
Front Panel 29
Key to Front Panel 29
On/Off Button 29
F1 , F2 and F3 Buttons 29
Display Button 30
Mode Button 30
Ext Sync Button 30
Bits Button 30
Shaping Button 30
Filter Button 31
Mute Button 31
Main Display 31
Menu Operation Buttons 31
Function Button 31
Rear Panel 32
Key to Rear Panel 32
Balanced Analogue Inputs 3 pin XLR female (2 off) 32
Input Level Adjustment Trimmers (2 off) 32
Reference In 3 pin XLR female 32
Reference Out 3 pin XLR male 32
AES1, 2, 3 & 4 Digital Outputs 3 pin XLR male (4 off) 33
SDIF/DSD CH1, CH2 Data BNC (2 off) 33
Clk In BNC 33
Clk Out BNC 33
Remote In & Out 9 pin D type male (2 off) 33
Mains Supply 3 pin IEC (CEE22) 33
Additional Information -33
Serial Number -33
dCS 905 Technical Information........................................................................34
Converter Type 34
Digital Interface Specifications 34
Sample Rates 35
Analogue Input Specifications 35
Clocking 35
Internal clock -36
Synchronising to source -36
Power requirements 36
Size and Weight 36
Operating Conditions 37
Group Delay 38
Anti Alias Filtering 39
Sample Alignment 40
AES3 (AES/EBU) Format 44
Message Handling -44
How Far will AES3 Go? -45
DSD 47
SDIF-2 48
PCM Format -48
SDIF-2 Messaging -49
DSD on SDIF-2 -50
DSD on SDIF-3 -50
P3D Behaviour 51
Mute on CRC Error -51
Bit Error Rates -51
RS-232 Remote Control Interface 52
Overall Description - 52
Physical Interface - 52
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
Timing Accuracy and Warnings - 52
Transmit Message - 53
Acknowledge Message - 53
Example : - 54
Special Commands and Protocols - 54
Command Streams -55
Example: Switching to 96k PCM -55
Example: Switching to P3D -57
General Technical Information.......................................................................62
Word Length Reduction 62
What does it look like? -64
DSD 66
DSD Overview -66
Signal to Q Noise and SACD Specs 66
DSD Full Scale - 67
DSD Mute - 67
DSD Overload Behaviour - 67
DSD Electrical and Data Structures - 67
Using your dCS 905 for the first time..............................................................72
What’s in the Box? 72
Safety Notice 72
Mains Voltage Setting 72
Positioning the Unit 72
Installing the Unit in a Rack 73
Options .............................................................................................................74
Mains Supply Voltage 74
Having Your Options Changed 74
Maintenance and Support...............................................................................76
Service & Maintenance 76
Mains Fuse 76
Replacing a Blown Fuse x76
Warranty 77
Initial Warranty 77
Extended Warranty 77
Warranty Exclusions 77
Obtaining Service 77
Updating your dCS 905 78
Software Updates 78
Hardware Updates 78
Safety and Electrical Safety 79
Cleaning the Case 79
Troubleshooting ..............................................................................................80
Error Messages 80
Troubleshooting Your System 80
The unit fails to power up -80
The unit fails to respond to the controls 80
The audio output is low or absent -80
The level trimmers on the rear panel do not change the input level 81
One output channel is low or missing 81
The Left and Right channels are swapped 81
Clicks or crackles occur on the outputs 81
The unit fails to slave to a Master Clock 81
The unit slaves to Word Clock but not AES/EBU 82
The OVER indicators will not turn off 82
External meter does not show overload, dCS 905 does. 82
The output is full scale noise -82
The display is very dim x82
If You Need More Help ....................................................................................83
Other Information 83
Indexes and Software Version Numbers.......................................................84
Software History 84
Definitions and Abbreviations 84
List of Tables 85
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
List of Figures 85
Keywords and Phrases 87
About this Manual
If you have not used a dCS 905 before, please read the section “Using your
dCS 905 for the first time” on page 72.
This manual has been arranged with the most commonly used sections placed
first:
•table of contents (page 4)
•step-by-step (page 8) and applications guides (page 10)
•detailed software and hardware information (page 14)
•technical information (page 34)
•information for first time users (page 72)
•options, maintenance and troubleshooting (page 74)
•index section (page 84)
What does the coloured text mean?
If you are reading a colour print or a soft copy of this manual, you will notice that
some types of text are in colour:
•Brown text in bold is a reference to another section or page. Sometimes, if
you are reading a soft copy of the manual, page numbers are hyperlinks –
click on them and you will go there.
•Blue text, White text on black or Red text outlined is used for controls
and connectors, to distinguish between alternative functions.
•Pink text is a menu page or setting.
•Green text in bold shows what appears on the display.
•Purple text in bold is used for indicators.
IMPORTANT! Important information is presented like this - ignoring this may cause you to
damage the unit, or invalidate the warranty.
The manual is designed to be helpful. If there are points you feel we could cover
better, or that we have missed out - please tell us.
About Sample Rates x
All references to sample rates in this manual use the unit kS/s (kilo Samples per
second) rather than the technically incorrect kHz.
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
This section guides you through setting up the unit for basic operation. You may
find this useful if you have not used the dCS 905 for a while.
Preliminaries
The Menu Guide sheet details the menu structure. For more information, see
the Menu section, starting on page 14.
Cables x
Connect up with cables designed for digital audio:
•for AES/EBU interfaces use 110Ωscreened, twisted pair cables fitted with
one male XLR connector and one female XLR connector.
•for DSD/SDIF or Word Clock interfaces, use 75Ωcoax cables fitted with
BNC plugs.
For analogue inputs, use screened, twisted pair cables fitted with one male XLR
connector and one female XLR connector.
Powering Up x
Connect power to the unit. If there is a power switch next to the power inlet on
the rear panel, ensure it is set to on. Press the On/Off button and wait for
about 20 seconds while the unit configures itself. The display will show dCS905
Analogue to Digital Converter, followed by Please wait … . When the unit
has booted up, either the meter display or status display will appear.
Loading a Default Set-up x
The following routine sets the unit to a defined state – you will not have to do
this every time you power up as the unit remembers the last set-up before
power-down.
To open the menu, press the Menu button. Press the ↑
↑↑
↑button then the OK
button twice to open the Recall Settings menu. Press ↓
↓↓
↓then OK to open the
Fixed Stores menu, then press the OK button to load Store A. The display will
prompt you to press one of the F buttons to confirm the action. Wait a few
seconds for the settings to be loaded, then hold down the Cancel button for few
seconds to exit the menu.
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
Step 1 - Setting the Output Format
do this: On the front panel, press the Menu button and select ADC Settings, 1.1 Output
Mode. Use the Up & Down buttons to move the highlight to the required format,
then press OK.To exit the menu, hold down the Cancel button or wait for
timeout.
do this: Alternatively, use the Format button.
The most common format is PCM. The interfaces available are:
•single-wire AES (one of the 4 AES inputs)
•dual-wire AES (on AES1 / 2 and AES 3 / 4)
•quad-wire AES (on AES 1 - 4)
•SDIF-2 (on DSD/SDIF CH1, CH2 and CLK OUT).
Do not set to DSD or DSD (P3D) unless your recorder or workstation is
equipped with DSD features.
IMPORTANT! DSD signals might damage your speakers when applied to standard PCM
equipment! To PCM units, DSD is just very loud, wide band noise.
The DSD interfaces available are:
•Quad-wire DSD (2 channels of DSD data packed into four 16 bit /44.1kS/s
AES/EBU interfaces – AES 1 - 4)
•P3D (2 channels of DSD data packed into three 24 bit / 44.1ks/s AES/EBU
interfaces - AES 1 – 3)
•DSD SDIF-2 or SDIF-3 (on DSD/SDIF CH1, CH2 and CLK OUT).
Select the 1.2 Filter settings menu and choose the filter you prefer.
Select the 1.5 Word Length menu and set the required PCM word length. If you
choose less than 24 bits, set the 1.4 Noise Shaping menu to a suitable setting.
If in doubt, 9th order gives good results down to 16 bits.
Step 2 – Setting the Connectors
do this: On the front panel, press the Menu button and select Connectors.
do this: If you want to use the 905’s internal clock, use the Ext Sync button to set
Internal or select 2.1 Sync Source > Internal.
do this: If you use an external Word Clock source, use the Ext Sync button to set
Slave: W-Clk or select 2.1 Sync Source > Slave: W-Clk.
do this: If you use an external AES Reference source, use the Ext Sync button to set
Slave: AES or select 2.1 Sync Source > Slave: AES.
do this: If you have selected DSD output format, select 2.3 DSD format and choose the
required mapping.
Step 3 – Connecting the Analogue Inputs
do this: Connect two screened XLR cables from your analogue source to the balanced
inputs.
do this: If necessary, you can adjust the balanced input full scale levels using the two
Sensitivity trimmers mounted on the rear panel. Use a small flat-bladed
screwdriver or trim tool. Take care to keep the two channels balanced in level.
Make sure the input level does not exceed the full-scale indication on the front
panel meters.
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
TYPICAL APPLICATIONS
Using a dCS 905 to output DSD
PUSH
Analogue
CH1(L) CH2(R)
Sensitivity
CH1(L)
CH2(R)
Digital I/O
Reference In Reference Out AES1 AES2 AES3 AES4
CH1 CH2
In Out
SDIF / DSD
75R
Clk
Mains fuse T 500mA
Remote
Loop
Out
PUSH PUSH
Disconnectmains
before removingcover
V ~ 50 - 60Hz
In
~
CH1
CH2
Analogue source
CH1
CH2
WCLK
SDIF
DSD
out
AES 4
AES 3
AES 2
AES 1
DSD4 or
P3D out
dCS 905
Figure 1 – DSD output configuration
Ensure the 2.1 Sync Source menu is set to Internal and the 1.3 DDC Mode
menu is set to Off.
The 905 features 3 DSD formats:
P3D Set the 1.1 Output Mode menu to DSD (P3D) and take
the output from AES 1-3. This allows 2 channels of DSD
data to be packed into 6 tracks of 24 bit / 44.1kS/s data.
AES 4 carries the same data in 16 bit / 44.1kS/s PCM
format for metering.
DSD4 Set the 1.1 Output Mode menu to DSD and take the
output from AES 1-4. This allows 2 channels of DSD data
to be packed into 8 tracks of 16 bit / 44.1kS/s data.
SDIF Set the 1.1 Output Mode menu to either DSD or DSD
(P3D) and take the output from the SDIF interface. Set
the 2.3 DSD Format menu to either SDIF-2 or SDIF-3 as
required.
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
6 Channel PCM Set Up
PUSH
Analogue
CH1(L) CH2(R)
Sensitivity
CH1(L)
CH2(R)
Digital I/O
Reference In Reference Out AES1 AES2 AES3 AES4
CH1 CH2
In Out
SDIF / DSD
75R
Clk
Mains fuse T 500mA
Remote
Loop
Out
PUSH PUSH
Disconnectmains
before removingcover
V ~ 50 - 60Hz
In
~
CH5
CH6
Analogue source
AES 2
AES 1
24/96 Dual AES
Channels 5 & 6
dCS 905
PUSH
Analogue
CH1(L) CH2(R)
Sensitivity
CH1(L)
CH2(R)
Digital I/O
Reference In Reference Out AES1 AES2 AES3 AES4
CH1 CH2
In Out
SDIF / DSD
75R
Clk
Mains fuse T 500mA
Remote
Loop
Out
PUSH PUSH
Disconnectmains
before removingcover
V ~ 50 - 60Hz
In
~
AES 2
AES 1 24/96 Dual AES
Channels 3 & 4
dCS 905
PUSH
Analogue
CH1(L) CH2(R)
Sensitivity
CH1(L)
CH2(R)
Digital I/O
Reference In Reference Out AES1 AES2 AES3 AES4
CH1 CH2
In Out
SDIF / DSD
75R
Clk
Mains fuse T 500mA
Remote
Loop
Out
PUSH PUSH
Disconnectmains
before removingcover
V ~ 50 - 60Hz
In
~
AES 2
AES 1
24/96 Dual AES
Channels 1 & 2
dCS 905
Master
Slave
Slave
CH3
CH4
Analogue source
CH1
CH2
Analogue source
Figure 2 – 6 channel set up without a Master Clock
Set all three units to the same 1.5 Output Word Length and 1.1 Output
Mode – 24 bits, 96kS/s 2-wire in this case. Ensure 1.3 DDC Mode is set to
Off.
The top unit provides the master clock for the system – set the 2.1 Sync
Source menu to Internal and the 2.2 Set Reference menu to Output.
For the middle unit, set the Sync Source menu to Slave: AES and the Set
Reference menu to Loop Through.
For the bottom unit, set the Sync Source menu to Slave: AES and the Set
Reference menu to Loop Terminated.
Alternatively, Word Clock may be used as the syncing method by looping the
Word Clock from the top unit, through the middle unit to the bottom unit. For the
middle and bottom units, set the Sync Source to Slave: W-Clk.
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
8 Channel P3D DSD Set Up with Monitoring
PUSH
Analogue
CH1(L) CH2(R)
Sensitivity
CH1(L)
CH2(R) Digital I/O
Reference In Reference Out AES1 AE S2 AES3 AES4
CH1 CH2
In Out
SDIF / DSD
75R
Clk
Mains fuse T 500mA
Remote
Loop
Out
PUSH PUSH
Disconnect mains
before removing cover
V ~ 50 - 60Hz
In
~
CH7
CH8
Analogue source
PCM meter feed
for CH 7 & 8
AES 1
AES 2
AES 3
dCS 905
P3D out
CH 7 & 8
PUSH
Analogue
CH1(L) CH2(R)
Sensitivity
CH1(L)
CH2(R) Digital I/O
Reference In Reference Out AES1 AE S2 AES3 AES4
CH1 CH2
In Out
SDIF / DSD
75R
Clk
Mains fuse T 500mA
Remote
Loop
Out
PUSH PUSH
Disconnect mains
before removing cover
V ~ 50 - 60Hz
In
~
CH5
CH6
Analogue source
PCM meter feed
for CH 5 & 6
AES 1
AES 2
AES 3
dCS 905
P3D out
CH 5 & 5
dCS 995
PUSH
Analogue
CH1(L) CH2(R)
Sensitivity
CH1(L)
CH2(R) Digital I/O
Reference In Reference Out AES1 AE S2 AES3 AES4
CH1 CH2
In Out
SDIF / DSD
75R
Clk
Mains fuse T 500mA
Remote
Loop
Out
PUSH PUSH
Disconnect mains
before removing cover
V ~ 50 - 60Hz
In
~
CH3
CH4
Analogue source
PCM meter feed
for CH 3 & 4
AES 1
AES 2
AES 3
dCS 905
P3D out
CH 3 & 4
PUSH
Analogue
CH1(L) CH2(R)
Sensitivity
CH1(L)
CH2(R) Digital I/O
Reference In Reference Out AES1 AE S2 AES3 AES4
CH1 CH2
In Out
SDIF / DSD
75R
Clk
Mains fuse T 500mA
Remote
Loop
Out
PUSH PUSH
Disconnect mains
before removing cover
V ~ 50 - 60Hz
In
~
CH1
CH2
Analogue source
PCM meter feed
for CH 1 & 2
AES 1
AES 2
AES 3
dCS 905
P3D out
CH 1 & 2
AES 1 AES 2 AES 3 AES 4
AES/EBU Outputs
Wordclock Outputs
123 4 5 6
78910 11 12
External
Sync Remote
In
Loop
Out
more@dcsltd.co.uk
Video
Sync
Sync Inputs
Mains fuse T 500mA
Disconnect mains
befo re removin g cover
V ~ 50 - 60Hz
~
Figure 3 – 8 channel P3D DSD set up with a Master Clock
Four dCS 905s and a dCS 995 can be set up as shown above to give 8 channel
DSD with additional 16 bit / 44.1kS/s PCM outputs for level monitoring on PCM
equipment.
Set the 995‘s outputs to 44.1kHz.
Set all four 905’s Output Mode menu to DSD (P3D), DDC menu to Off, Sync
Source menu to Slave: W-Clk.
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
THE SOFTWARE – THE MENU
Press the "Menu" button to open the menu, use the arrow buttons to move around the menu tree.
Press the "OK" button to select a menu or setting. Use the "Cancel" button to return to the previous menu level.
1.1 Output Mode 1.2 Filter Settings 1.3 DDC Mode 1.4 Noise
Shaping
1.5 Output Word
Length
32…96kS/s Single / Filter 1 Off Off 16 Bits
88.2…192kS/s Dual / Filter 2 On 1st Order 17 Bits
176…384kS/s Quad / …. (Internal Sync only) … …
DSD / DSD (P3D) Filter n 10th Order 23 Bits
Automatic 24 Bits
2.1 Sync Source 2.2 Set
Reference 2.3 DSD Format
Internal Loop Through SDIF 2
Slave: W-Clk Loop Terminated SDIF 3
Slave: AES Output
3.1 Peak Hold 3.2 Metering
Type
3.3 Metering
Speed
3.4 Metering
Boost
Always Hold Meter Both Fast No Boost
Never Hold Absolute Values Slow 20dB Boost
Reset Bars
History
Average
4.1 Brightness
Settings
4.2 Display
Timeout
4.3 Lock Front
Panel
4.4 Display
Language 4.5 Display Off 4.6 Function
Shortcuts
01 …. 10 …. 15 15 Seconds Unlocked English Display On Function 1
30 Seconds Locked Display Off Function 2
1 Minute Function 3
3 Minutes
No Timeout
5.1 Test Tone 5.2 Tone Level 5.3 Tone
Frequency 5.4 Test Display
Off 0.0 dB 1Hz
On …. ….
(PCM only) -18.0 dB 1kHz
…. ….
-120.0 dB Fs/2
6.1 Software
Revision
6.2 dCS Contact
Details
6.3 Unit
Temperature
6.4 Unit
Identification
6.5 Distributor
Details
6.6 RS232
Address
Front Panel v01.00 905-?-?-?-?-?-? 00 …. 10
Main Board v01.00
7.1 Recall
Settings 7.2 Save Settings
7.1.1 User Stores: 1 …. 6
1 …. 6
7.1.2 Fixed Stores:
A …. L
MENU
1. ADC
Settings
2. Connector
Settings
4. Display
Menu
3. Metering
Menu
5. Test Menu
6. Information
Menu
7. Store Menu
Figure 4 – Menu flow chart
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
Using the Menu
The menu gives the user access to a wide range of additional features. It also
allows new features and performance enhancements to be added at a later date
by software upgrades.
Opening the Menu
The Menu is controlled by the four Menu Operation buttons:
•the Menu / OK button opens the menu and selects pages or options.
•the ↑
↑↑
↑and ↓
↓↓
↓buttons page backwards and forwards through the menu.
•the Cancel button navigates back towards the top level menu.
You cannot go directly to any particular page, but must enter at the top of the
menu and then navigate through the menus until you reach the page you want.
Navigating Through the Menu
The menu is arranged as a series of levels, each with an index number.
do this: Press the Menu button, the screen displays the Menu 1 logo.
do this: Press the ↓
↓↓
↓button to scroll down to the second page of the top level menu and
displays the Menu 2 logo.
do this: Press the OK button to select this and the menu will indent to the second level,
displaying a list of menu pages.
The selected menu page is highlighted (2.1 Sync Source). The numbering
(2.1) indicates a second level menu page.
do this: Use the ↑
↑↑
↑and ↓
↓↓
↓buttons to scroll round the list.
do this: Scroll back to highlight menu page 2.1 and press the OK button, the 3 options
on this menu page are displayed.
The arrow symbol in the top left corner indicates that you have reached the
bottom level and the list is of items you can select, rather than another page.
The *indicates the currently selected item.
do this: Use the ↓
↓↓
↓button to move the highlight to Slave: AES and press the OK button.
The *moves to this option and the unit will attempt to lock to the AES
Reference Input, if a source is connected to it.
Menu options that are not available (usually due to other settings, particularly
DSD modes) disappear from the list. When the happens, the menu numbering
may jump from (for example) 1.3 to 1.5.
Closing the Menu
There are two ways to close the menu and return to normal operation. The
easiest way is to wait 15 seconds for the unit to time-out and revert to the
standard display. Alternatively, hold down the Cancel button for a few seconds
to return to the status or meter display.
If the unit times out before the operation in hand has been completed, simply re-
enter the menu, page forward (or backward) and continue where you left off. If
you find the 15 second time-out difficult to use, you can extend it or disable it by
changing the Display Timeout setting in the Display menu.
do this: For practice, open the menu again and set the Sync Source page to Internal.
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
Menu Sequence
Use the flow chart (Figure 4) or the Menu Guide sheet to guide you through
the menu more quickly. When you are more familiar with the menu, you will find
it more convenient to perform all the operations in one go before finally closing
the menu.
The following sections detail the top level menu, then each second level menu
in turn.
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
1. ADC Settings
1. ADC Settings1. ADC Settings
1. ADC Settings Menu
1.1 Output Mode 1.2 Filter Settings 1.3 DDC Mode 1.4 Noise
Shaping
1.5 Output Word
Length
32…96kS/s Single / Filter 1 Off Off 16 Bits
88.2…192kS/s Dual / Filter 2 On 1st Order 17 Bits
176…384kS/s Quad / …. (Internal Sync only) … …
DSD / DSD (P3D) Filter n 10th Order 23 Bits
Automatic 24 Bits
1. ADC
Settings
Figure 5 – ADC settings menu
1.1 Output Mode
1.1 Output Mode1.1 Output Mode
1.1 Output Mode
Sets the sample rate and format of the output data. The options are:
32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96kS/s Single
Outputs linear PCM data in single-wire format on the
AES 1 - 4 outputs or SDIF-2 on the DSD/SDIF interface.
88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192kS/s Dual
Outputs linear PCM data in two-wire format on the AES 1
& 2 outputs and the AES 3 & 4 outputs.
176.4, 192, 352.8 or 384kS/s Quad
Outputs linear PCM data in four-wire format on the AES
1 - 4 outputs.
DSD Outputs DSD data on the AES 1 - 4 Quad-wire output
(AES packed DSD) and the DSD/SDIF interface (BNC
packed DSD).
DSD (P3D mode) Outputs DSD data on the AES 1 - 3 Triple-wire output
(AES packed DSD) or the DSD/SDIF interface (BNC
packed DSD). In this mode, the AES 4 output carries a
16 bit / 44.1kS/s PCM feed for metering.
1.2 Filter Settings
1.2 Filter Settings1.2 Filter Settings
1.2 Filter Settings
Selects an optional anti-alias filter.
For PCM mode, these offer different trade-offs between aliasing performance
and energy smear.
Filter 1 Symmetrical filter, with the time response before a
transition the mirror image of the time response after.
Offers the sharpest cut-off, minimum aliasing but longest
energy smear.
Filter 2 Symmetrical filter with more relaxed cut-off, more aliasing
and lower energy smear.
Filter 3 Symmetrical filter, more relaxed than Filter 2.
Filter 4 Symmetrical filter with very relaxed cut-off, poor aliasing
but shortest energy smear.
For DSD mode, there are four filters but these progressively reduce the out-of-
band noise level. If your system gives undesirable effects with Filter 1, try
Filter 2 then Filter 3.
Filter 1 Widest bandwidth but highest out-of band noise level.
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
Filter 2 Slightly lower bandwidth, less noise.
Filter 3 Lower bandwidth and less noise than Filter 2.
Filter 4 Minimum noise with 20kHz bandwidth, intended for
metering applications.
1.3 DDC Mode
1.3 DDC Mode1.3 DDC Mode
1.3 DDC Mode
When DDC Mode is set to On, the unit behaves as a digital format converter
instead of an ADC.
A 32 – 96kS/s PCM data stream on the Reference In connector is processed
(with truncation and noise shaping if applied). The conversion depends on the
Output Mode:
Single-wire AES Data is copied to AES1 - 4 and SDIF-2 outputs with no
conversion.
Dual-wire AES 88.2 or 96kS/s data is converted to single speed dual-
wire AES, output on AES1 & 2and AES 3 & 4.
If the Output Mode is DSD, the DSD/SDIF outputs are changed to INPUTS.
Connect a DSD data stream to CH1 & CH2 and a 44.1kHz word clock to Clk In.
The conversion again depends on the Output Mode:
DSD 4-wire DSD appears on the AES 1 – 4 outputs.
DSD (P3D Mode) 3-wire DSD appears on the AES 1 – 3 outputs.
IMPORTANT! Disconnect any cables from AES Reference Out before using DDC mode.
Reference In is directly connected to Reference Out .
1.4 Noise Shaping
1.4 Noise Shaping1.4 Noise Shaping
1.4 Noise Shaping
This duplicates the action of the Shaping button (see page 30).
1.5 Output Word Length
1.5 Output Word Length1.5 Output Word Length
1.5 Output Word Length
This duplicates the action of the Bits button (see page 30).
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
2. Connector Settings
2. Connector Settings2. Connector Settings
2. Connector Settings Menu
MenuMenu
Menu
2.1 Sync Source 2.2 Set
Reference 2.3 DSD Format
Internal Loop Through SDIF 2
Slave: W -Clk Loop Terminated SDIF 3
Slave: AES Output
2. Connector
Settings
Figure 6 – Connector settings menu
2.1 Sync Source
2.1 Sync Source2.1 Sync Source
2.1 Sync Source
This menu duplicates the action of the Ext Sync button, it selects an External
Sync source, if one is connected and active. The options are:
Internal The unit runs in Master mode.
Slave: AES The unit is locked to the reference connected to the AES
Reference In connector.
Slave: W-Clk The unit is locked to the reference connected to the Clk
In connector.
If an external reference is not connected and active, it disappears from the list.
IMPORTANT! Ensure the DDC Mode menu is set to Off when using the Reference In
connector.
2.2 Set Reference
2.2 Set Reference2.2 Set Reference
2.2 Set Reference
Sets the behaviour of the AES reference loop. There are three options:
Loop Through Use this setting if the unit is in the middle of an AES
reference daisy chain. The Reference In connector
presents a high impedance to the reference source to
avoid loading problems.
Loop Terminated Use this setting if the unit is at the end of a reference
daisy daisy-chain, or if it is the only unit connected to the
reference source. The Reference In connector presents
a 110Ωload to the reference source to correctly
terminate it.
Output The Reference Out connector carries a copy of the data
stream on the AES 1 output. Do not connect anything to
Reference In when in this mode.
2.3 DSD Format
2.3 DSD Format2.3 DSD Format
2.3 DSD Format
This menu sets the format of the SDIF/DSD interface to either SDIF-2 or SDIF-3.
dCS 905 User Manual Manual for Software Issue 1.0x
dCS Ltd November 2006
English version web-site: www.dcsltd.co.uk
3. Metering
3. Metering3. Metering
3. Metering Menu
MenuMenu
Menu
3.1 Peak Hold 3.2 Metering
Type
3.3 Metering
Speed
3.4 Metering
Boost
Always Hold Meter Both Fast No Boost
Never Hold Absolute Values Slow 20dB Boost
Reset Bars
History
Average
3. Metering
Menu
Figure 7 – Metering menu
3.1 Peak Hold
3.1 Peak Hold3.1 Peak Hold
3.1 Peak Hold
The peak hold feature adds a pair of dotted lines to the right of the bar meters.
The peak hold lines track the largest peak registered. To turn peak hold on,
select Always Hold. To turn off peak hold, select Never Hold.
The peak hold reading can be reset at any time, either by selecting Reset or by
setting one of the Function Shortcuts to RelPk and pressing that F button
(see page 22).
3.2 Metering Type
3.2 Metering Type3.2 Metering Type
3.2 Metering Type
Sets the style of meter display. The options are:
Meter Both Displays both average and peak responding bargraph
meters. The order of the bars is left peak (top), left
average, right average, right peak (bottom).
Absolute Values Displays the absolute signal levels as two numbers in
dB0, left / right. This mode is intended to be used when
calibrating with tone, not for monitoring music.
Bars Displays peak responding bar-graph meters, left channel
at the top. The attack is instant, the decay is set by the
Metering Speed menu. The response is that of a peak
program level meter.
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