Drawmer Masterflow DC2496 User manual

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DC2496
HIGH RESOLUTION
ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL
CONVERTER
COPYRIGHT
Thismanualiscopyrighted81999byDrawmerElectronics,Ltd.Withallrightsreserved.Undercopyrightlaws,nopartofthispublication may be
reproduced,transmitted,storedina retrieval system or translated intoanylanguageinanyformbyany means, mechanical, optical, electronic,
recording,orotherwise,withoutthewrittenpermissionofDrawmer Electronics Ltd

2
ONE YEAR LIMITED WARRANTY
DrawmerElectronics Ltd., warrants the Drawmer DC2496 high
resolutionanaloguetodigitalconvertertoconformsubstantially
tothespecificationsofthismanualforaperiodofoneyearfrom
theoriginaldateofpurchase when used in accordance with the
specificationsdetailedinthismanual.Inthecaseofavalidwar-
rantyclaim,yoursoleandexclusive remedyandDrawmer’sentire
liability under any theory of liability will be to, at Drawmer=s dis-
cretion, repair or replace the product without charge, or, if not
possible,torefundthepurchaseprice toyou.Thiswarrantyisnot
transferable.Itappliesonlytotheoriginalpurchaseroftheproduct.
For warranty service please call your local Drawmer dealer. Al-
ternativelycallDrawmer ElectronicsLtd.at+44 (0)1709 527574.
Then ship the defective product, with transportation and insur-
ance charges pre-paid, to Drawmer Electronics Ltd., Coleman
Street,Parkgate,Rotherham,S626ELUK. WritetheRA number
in large letters in a prominent position on the shipping box. En-
closeyour name,address,telephonenumber,copyoftheoriginal
salesinvoiceand adetaileddescription oftheproblem.Drawmer
willnotacceptresponsibilityforlossordamageduringtransit.
This warranty is void if the product has been damaged by mis-
use,modificationorunauthorisedrepair.
THISWARRANTYISINLIEUOFALLWARRANTIES,WHETHER
ORALORWRITTEN,EXPRESSED, IMPLIEDORSTATUTORY.
DRAWMER MAKES NO OTHER WARRANTY EITHER
EXPRESSORIMPLIED, INCLUDING,WITHOUTLIMITATION,
ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY,
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, OR NON-
INFRINGEMENT. PURCHASER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE
REMEDY UNDER THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE REPAIR OR
REPLACEMENTASSPECIFIEDHEREIN.
IN NO EVENT WILL DRAWMER ELECTRONICS LTD. BE LI-
ABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL
OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM ANY
DEFECT IN THE PRODUCT, INCLUDING LOST PROFITS,
DAMAGE TO PROPERTY, AND, TO THE EXTENT PERMIT-
TED BY LAW, DAMAGE FOR PERSONAL INJURY, EVEN IF
DRAWMER HAS BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF
SUCH DAMAGES.
Somestatesandspecificcountries do not allow the exclusionof
impliedwarrantiesor limitationsonhowlong an impliedwarranty
maylast,so theabovelimitations maynotapplyto you.Thiswar-
rantygivesyouspecificlegalrights.Youmayhaveadditionalrights
thatvaryfrom state tostate,andcountry to country.
In the interests of product development, Drawmer reserve the right to modify or improve specifica-
tions of this product at any time, without prior notice.

3
Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Contents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Safety Consideration . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Radio Frequencies Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Chapter 1 - DC2496 Hi Resolution A/D Converter
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Key Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Audio Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installation Precautions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
Installation and Connection Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Chapter 2 - DC2496 Basic Effects
Front Panel Effects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Chapter 3 - Operation
SetupSystemusing Internal Sine Wave Generator
100Hz/1kHz Setup Tone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
1kHz Setup Tone at -40dB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
100Hz Setup Tone at -6dB . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Troubleshooting - 1kHz Setup Tone .. . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . 10
96kHz24BitRecordingandReplay
96K 24 Bit A/D Input Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
96K 24 Bit A/D Input Replay from ADAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
96K 24 Bit A/D Input Replay from TDIF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
96K 24 Bit Replay from Hard Disk Recorder . . . . . . . . . . 12
Chapter 3 - Operation cont...
48kHz24BitRecordingandReplay
48K 24 Bit A/D Input Recording . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
48K 24 Bit A/D Input Replay from ADAT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
48K 24 Bit A/D Input Replay from TDIF . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
48K 24 Bit Replay from Hard Disk Recorder . . . . . . . . . . 14
Multi-TrackCopying
Copy ADAT Recording to TDIF. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Copy TDIF Recording to ADAT. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Copy TDIF/ADAT Hi- Res as Stereo Master. . . . . . . . . . . 16
Reduce 48K 24Bit Triple Tracks to 16 Bit Stereo. . . . . . . 16
Chapter 4 - Special Operation Notes
RecordHi-ResBit Splitting TrackstoADAT/TDIF.. . .... . .... 18
SpecialDigitalTapeRecorderPlaycases ..... . .... . .... . ..18
Chapter 5 - DC2496 Information
Software Upgrades . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Chapter 6 - General Information
If a fault develops . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Contacting Drawmer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Chapter 7 - DC2496 Data
Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Block Diagrams . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22
CONTENTS

4
DRAWMER DC2496
HIGH RESOLUTION ANALOGUE TO DIGITAL
CONVERTER
SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS
CAUTION-MAINSFUSE
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE REPLACE THE MAINS FUSE
ONLY WITH A FUSE THAT CONFORMS TO
EIC 127-2. 250 VOLT WORKING, TIME DELAY TYPE AND
BODY SIZE OF 20mm x 5mm.
THEMAINS INPUT FUSEMUST BE RATED AT T500mA.
CAUTION - MAINS CABLE
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CHANGE OR TAMPER
WITHTHE SUPPLIED MAINSCABLE.
CAUTION - SERVICING
DO NOT PERFORM ANY SERVICING. REFER ALL SERVICING
TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
WARNING
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
For the USA
FEDERAL COMMUNICATIONS COMMISSION RADIO FREQUENCY IN-
TERFERENCE STATEMENT
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
ina residential installation. Thisequipmentgenerates, uses and canradiate
radiofrequency energy and, ifnot installed and usedinaccordance with the
instructions,maycauseharmful interference to radio communications. How-
ever, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular
installation. If this equipment does cause interference to radio or television
reception,whichcan be determined byturningtheequipment offanon, then
the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of
thefollowingmeasures:
Re-orientorrelocatethereceivingantenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that
to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
Unauthorised changes or modification to this system can void the users=
authority to operate this equipment.
This equipment requires shielded interface cables in order to meet FCC
class B limit.
For Canada
CLASS B NOTICE
This digital apparatus does not exceed the Class B limits for radio noise
emissions set out in the Radio Interference Regulations of the Canadian
Department of Communications.
CLASSE B AVIS
Cetappareil numérique nedépassepas les limitesdela classe B auniveau
desémissionsdebruitsradioélectriquesfixésdansleRèglementdessignaux
parasites par le ministère Canadien des Communications.

5
CHAPTER 1
DRAWMER DC2496HIGH RESOLUTION
ANALOGUETODIGITALCONVERTER
INTRODUCTION
TheDrawmer DC2496 is an extremelysophisticated,highresolution
analoguetodigitalconverter designed for use in demandingrecordingand
broadcastapplications.Both analogue (balanced XLR)anddigital(AES/
EBU,S/PDIF, ADAT 8 Channellight pipe and TDIF8 Channel) I/Ois
providedasstandard. The audio converters are24-bitandthedigitaloutput
can be either 16, 18, 20, 22 or 24-bit at sample rates of up to 96kHz. Noise
shapeddithering is included andWord Clock input andoutputis available.
NOTJUSTAN A/D CONVERTER BUT ALSO DIGITAL INTERFACEFOR
RECORDING FROM ONE UNIT TO ANOTHER - WITH A BACKUP AT
THESAMETIME!
Why 96kHz?
Digitalprocessinghasuntilnowbeenconfined to 48kHz sampling frequency.
Inordertoachievetherequired bandwidthforprofessionalaudio, averysevere
low pass filter at 23kHz is required to separate analogue signal frequencies
fromthe clockfrequencyotherwiseunpleasant aliasingwilloccur.Thisrequires
the use of a FIR digital filter which is part of the A/D and D/A converters.
Unfortunatelythesefilters cause what isknownas>timesmear=,whereshort
transients are smeared over a longer time period giving loss of HF detail. At
96kHz sample frequency, the low pass filter is less severe and at twice the
frequency, so time smear is considerably reduced.
A second important consideration is the increased audio bandwidth up to
40kHz. This allows harmonics which extend above human hearing to be
generatedand preserved. Theseharmonics,althoughnot audible themselves,
make a contribution to the sound quality.
Key Features
96k24bit A/D with 130dBdynamicrange and very lowTHD.
Simultaneouslyrecord 96k/48k 24bit stereoinputto 48K (three)or96K (six)
tracks to ADAT or TDIF 8 track digital tape recorder and stereo 48k 16bit
backup(totracks7/8)andrecordanindependant backup copy at 48/44.1 20/
16bitstoDAT(usinginternalSample Rate Convertor)
SampleRateConvertorwithbitreductionanddithertoreduce96/88.2K24bit
recordingsto 48/44.1K 16/20bit forCDmasters.
Built in 96/48K high quality D/A to monitor digital signals or record to analog
tape.
Dual time constant Stereo Limiter with variable time constants can apply up
to 18dB stereo gain to any input signal.
100dBrange 64 element stereosignalmeter with peakhold.
Selection of Noise shaped dither and bit rounding to reduce 96/48/44.1K
recordings to 22, 20, 18 or 16 bits.
Digitallycopy8trackstereoorHi-Res ADAT/TDIF recordings to or from TDIF/
ADAT.
Autoidentify Stereo or Hi-Res recordingsuponADATor TDIF replay.
Inputs from A/D ADAT optical, TDIF, AES, SPDIF, Outputs to D/A ADAT
optical, TDIF, AES, SPDIF.
Seperate Digital Word Sync from D/A TDIF, ADAT, AES, SPDIF or BNC .
Rearpanel show which socketsareactive for easy hookupusingGreen (for
input signal) and Yellow (for word clock inputs) LEDs.
Built in 100Hz, 1kHz, 10kHz and dual sine wave generator (100Hz Left Ch,
1K Right Ch) sine tone at -40dB, -20dB and variable -24db to -6dB output
levelto aid connection dificulties andtroubleshooting.
DualPLL for low jitter
Chapter 1DC2496 HI RES A/D CONVERTER

6
AUDIO CONNECTIONS
Analogue Inputs
Theinputsandoutputs to the DC2496 are electronicallybalanced andwould
normally be connected to your system via a patchbay. Should unbalanced
operation be required, simply ground pin 3 on the XLR connectors.
If earth loop hum problems are encountered, do not disconnect the mains
earth but instead, try disconnecting one end of the signal screen on the
cables connecting the DC2496 to the patchbay. If such measures are
necessary, balanced operation is recommended.
AES/EBU
Is via an XLR connector designed to be used with standard balanced
microphone cable (20 metres maximum), wired pin 1 screen, pin 2 and 3
balanced data, and the XLR shell connected to the chassis. Having many
short cables joined together is not advisable as each connector can cause
undesirable signal reflections.
The output socket fully conforms to the EMC standards; if the unit is to be
used where it may be exposed to high levels of disturbance, such as found
close to a TV or radio transmitter, it is suggested that the screen of the data
cable be connected to the chassis connection on the XLR type connector
rather than to pin 1.
Ifgroundloop problems are encountered,neverdisconnectthemainsground,
but instead, try disconnecting the signal screen on one end of each cable
connecting the outputs.
S/PDIF
Is via a high quality RCA type phono jack where the data conforms to the
SonyJPhillipsJDigital InterFace format. Because this connector only
provides an unbalanced termination, the recommended maximum length
for this cable is 3 metres, even with very high quality cable.
Word Clock
ForexternalclocksynchronisationorwhentheDC2496isprovidingtheclock
to another source, this is carried out via the 50ΩBNC connector.
ADAT
Connect via an Optical Cable (Light Pipe) with a maximum recommended
length of three metres. The cable supports 8 channels at a 24 Bit word
resolution.The Drawmer DC2496 provides seperateADATinputand output
asstandard.
TDIF
Is via a 25 pin D connector. This is a unique cross-wired cable, supplied by
Tascam. It has 8 inputs, 8 outputs all at 24 Bit word resolution as well as
TDIF word clock in and out all in the one connector. The maximum
recommendedlength is three metres.
Note: When the TDIF D plug is inserted the main BNC Word Clock out is
shiftedby 90 degreesfotTDIF use only.
INSTALLATIONPRECAUTIONS
Should a fuse blow, replace it only with the same type and value as the one
fitted.
When installing the DC2496, ensure that it is allowed sufficient ventilation
andavoidmounting it next to excessively hotpieces ofequipment ordevices
emitting a strong magnetic field such as is often the case with power
amplifiers. If the unit is to be used in a mobile situation, it is strongly
recommended that the rear of the unit is supported in the carrying rack to
avoid bending the front panel rack mounting ‘ears’.
Shouldtheunitrequirecleaning, use a damp cloth with a little liquid detergent;
do not use thinners or spirit cleaners as these may attack the finish.
Chapter 1DC2496 HI RES A/D CONVERTER

7
INSTALLATION AND CONNECTION GUIDE Chapter 1DC2496 HI RES A/D CONVERTER

8
INPUT SIGNAL shows the
selectedinputsource.Thissignal
isalsoindicatedontherearpanel
by lighting the selected signal
GreenLED.
The WORD CLOCK must be set
to the appropriate source
otherwise clicks, pops or even
loud white noise may be heard.
Whensetting up fora new signal
sourcefirstly select themode for
RECORD or PLAY (each mode
has its own set of input, Limiter,
Word Res etc. settings)
ALWAYS reduce to monitor
volumebeforechangingtheinput
signal or word clock source to
prevent damage to ears or
speakers.
InputSignal
BASICEFFECTS
Thelimiter will onlyhaveanyeffectwhen‘DIGITAL
GAIN’ is set greater than 0dB.
Thereare several attack/decaysettings:
use‘SLOW’for least intrusive signal levelingwith
up to 18dB of gain,
‘MED’to increase to perceivedvolumewith up to
+12dBof gain,
‘FAST’ for transientcapture.
Note: if more than +9dB of ‘DIGITAL GAIN’ is
applied then it is possible hear the limiter
pumping,
use‘HOLD’tonormalise the signal to exactly 0dB.
Select ‘HOLD’, play the track using +18dB of
‘DIGITAL GAIN’then rewind and thetrackwill be
readytoplay with its max peaks unlimitedat 0dB.
Re-selectthe‘HOLD’LEDtore-settheholdlevel.
The‘LIMIT’meter LED will remain lit when‘HOLD’
isselected and theinputsignal has been limited,
untilthe ‘LIMITER’ button is pressed.The‘LIMIT’
LED will also remain lit for up to 10 seconds as
the limiter releases when ‘SLOW’ and the input
signalhas been severlylimited.
Limiter
WORDRESOLUTIONdefinesthe
numberof bits per audiosample,
ie: Standard audio CD is 16bits.
This must match the recording
medium otherwise ‘Truncation’
distortion will occur. Truncation
distortioncannot beremovedafter
recording by adding dither to a
truncatedsignal.
Whenword resolution is reduced
to less bits than the original then
dithermustbeaddedto mask the
distortionthatiscausedwhenthe
bits are lost.
If the DC2496 A/D is 24bit
resolution,when reducing thisto
16bits for a DAT recording
normallybestresults are obtained
withHF dither.
WordResolution
H.Fdither generally removes the
low level distortion on low signal
levels with the least noticable
noise.
M.F dither produces the lower
distortion with a slight increase
innoise over H.F dither
DUALditherproduces the lowest
distortion but still has much less
perceivednoisethanWhitenoise
dither.
Whitenoiseisthestandarddither
addedtoprevent distortion on low
level signals when the WORD
RESOLUTION of a signal is
reduced, ie. 24bit recording
reduced to 16bits. It offers poor
performancein termsofperceived
noise.
Dither
Chapter 2DC2496 BASIC EFFECTS
CHAPTER 2

9
SAMPLERATE selects the requiredhighly accurate
internalcrystal controlled dual PLLclock signal. This
can be 44.1, 48, 88.2,96k or EXT which can use an
external Word Clock signal.
EXT WORD CLOCK selects the source for the word
clock (indicated by a yellow LED on the rear panel).
It must be within the range 30kHz to 100kHz. The
signal will be sent to the DC2496 dual PLL for clock
cleaning to reduce distortion that can be caused by
jitter on the clock signals.
TheFrontpanelyellow‘EXTWORKCLOCK’LEDwill
flash quickly if a clock is unstable or will flash slowly
if clock not connected.
Ensure the correct Sample Rate & EXT WORD
CLOCK are selected otherwise a small amount of
distortion on the signal, regular click, pops or a
repeating‘Zwang’typesound mayoccur(thisapplies
to all digital equipment).
Note:afterthe sample rate hasbeen changed,theA/
D will require an audio signal for 1 minute to settle
back to its full dynamic range.
Sample Rate / Ext Word Clock
REPLAY TRACKis only litwhen ADAT or TDIF
input signal has been selected.
The number of LEDs lit depends on the tracks
beingreplayedfrom the multitrack tape recorder:
Normal stereo signals light one LED allowing 4
pairs of stereo signals to be monitored.
When 2 LEDs are lit (only when the tape is
playing) then a Hi-Res triple track has been
detectedwhichwillbereplayedas stereo output
of 24bits at 48kHz.
When3 LEDs arelit then a96 or 88.2kHz ‘Hex’
track has been detected which will be replayed
at 96kHz from the Main digital outputs and D/A
but48KhzfromtheSampleRateConverterdigital
outputs and the Multitrack outputs.
If the replay track changes from normal 16/20
bit mode to Hi-Res mode there will be a short
burstofwhite noise for acouple ofhundredmS.
This is due to tracks 3/4 which sound like 0dB
whitenoisebeing audible while theDC2496auto
detects the Hi-Res mode.
ReplayTrack
RECORD/PLAYselects
between two sets of all
the other button
settings.
Select this before
altering any other
parameter.
Mode
GAIN of up to +18dB can
beapplied.
Be aware that digital
distortion can occur
whenever gain is applied
thereforethe Limitershould
be switched on (see
LIMITERsection).
DigitalGain
Chapter 2DC2496 BASIC EFFECTS

10
OPERATION
COMMENTS INPUT
SIGNAL
OPERATION
FRONT PANEL
LIMITER WORD
RESOLUTION DITHER SAMPLE RATE EXTENDED
WORKCLOCK REPLAY
TRACK MODE DIGITAL
GAIN
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
100Hz and 1kHz Setup Tone at
48kHz sample rate to All Outputs
A 100Hz tone at -20dB will be sent to all left
channels outputs.
A 1kHz tone at -26dB will be sent to all right
channel outputs. all these leds are
off while setup
tone is generated
not
active as required as required as required as required not active as required not active
1kHz Setup Tone at -40dB
to All Outputs
A 1kHz tone at -40dB will be sent to all
outputs.
100Hz Setup Tone at -6dB
to All Outputs
Troubleshooting - 1kHz Setup
Tone will not be sent to any Outputs
AES external clock is selected but no AES
input is connected to the unit
Note the flashing AES / SPDIF Ext word
clock led.
Use the internal sine wave generator to confirm output signals and to identify
left/right channels. A 100Hz, 1kHz or 10kHz internally generated sine wave at -40dB, -20dB or -
26dB to -6dB variable will be sent to all outputs.
When the input signal button is pressed the setup tone stops.
Sine wave
ouptut level = -6dB
externalword
clock AES/SPDIF (led flashing) not active
A 100Hz tone at -6dB will be sent to all
outputs.
Use the Gain control to set the output level
from -26dB to -6dB.
Setup System using Internal Sine Wave Generator
COMMENTS
FRONT PANEL
SETUPTONE
ON
ON
LEVEL
dBu
-40 -20Gain 100 1K 10K
FREQ
Hz
ON
ON
LEVEL
dBu
-40 -20Gain 100 1K 10K
FREQ
Hz
ON
ON
LEVEL
dBu
-40 -20Gain 100 1K 10K
FREQ
Hz
ON
ON
LEVEL
dBu
-40 -20Gain 100 1K 10K
FREQ
Hz
all these leds are
off while setup
tone is generated
not
active as required as required as required as required not active as required not active
all these leds are
off while setup
tone is generated
not
active as required as required as required as required not active as required
all these leds are
off while setup
tone is generated
not
active as required as required not active as required
Chapter 3OPERATION
CHAPTER 3

11
REAR PANEL - BOTTOM ROW
WORD
CLOCK SPDIF SPDIF/AES
TOGGLE AES ADAT TDIF-1 WORD
CLOCK SPDIF AESADAT
REAR PANEL - TOP ROW
WORD
CLOCK SPDIF SPDIF/AES
TOGGLE AES SAMPLE
RATE WORD RES LEFT MAX LEVEL RIGHT LEFT MAX LEVEL RIGHT
AUX DIGITAL OUTPUTS ANALOGUE OUTPUTS ANALOGUE INPUTSMAIN DIGITAL OUTPUTS DIGITAL I/O DIGITAL INPUTS
16 Bit
16 Bit
20 Bit
16 Bit
20 Bit
16 Bit
20 Bit
20 Bit
word clock
output Not connected AES sine wave output sine outputon
all 8
tracks
sine wave will be output
on all 8 tracks Not active Not active Not active Not active word clock
output
not
used AES sine wave
input
48K sine wave
output +21dBu max output
signal
level
sine wave
output Not Active Not Active Not Active
word
clock
input
sine
wave
ouptut
SPDIF Not
used Not Acitive
to Tascam
word clock
in
Not
connected AES Not active Not active Not active SPDIF Not used 48K +21dBu max output
signal
level
Not
Acitive Not Acitive Not Acitive
no
output no output AES no output no output no output Not active Not active Not active Ext clock source is
not
connected
word
clock
output
Not
active SPDIF Not active 48K no output +21dBu max output
signal
level
no
output Not Acitive Not Acitive? Not Acitive
word clock
output Not connected AES sine wave output sine outputon
all 8
tracks
sine wave will be output
on all 8 tracks Not active Not active Not active word clock
output
48K sine wave
output +21dBu max output
signal
level
sine wave
output Not Active Not Active
sine
wave
ouptut
sine wave
output sine outputon
all 8
tracks
sine wave will be output
on all 8 tracks Not active word clock
output
sine wave
output sine wave output
16Bit
16Bit
16Bit
16Bit
Chapter 3OPERATION

12
OPERATION
COMMENTS INPUT
SIGNAL
OPERATION
FRONT PANEL
LIMITER WORD
RESOLUTION DITHER SAMPLE RATE EXTENDED
WORKCLOCK REPLAY
TRACK MODE DIGITAL
GAIN
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
96K 24Bit Recording and Replay
96K 24 Bit A/D Input Recording
Recorda stereosignalas hex(6)tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6 onan
ADAT orTascam 16/20Bit digitalmulti-track tape
recorder- and7,8stereo pairas48K backupifrequired.
ADAT machinesmust be setto EXTClock.
Tascammachines mustbe setto WORD clock.
anda BNClead from DC2496main wordclock to
Tascam Word Clock in.
XLR balanced
inputs. Use as required 24 bit bit splitting mode
torecord
6 tracks
HighFrequency
Noise shaped
dither
96K internal
sample rate none none SELECTTHIS RECORD
LEDFIRST
0 dB
If gain is applied
limiter
must be used
96K 24 Bit A/D Input
Replay from ADAT
Replay hex (6) tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6,
or 7,8 48K stereo pair.
ADAT must be set to INT Clock. Light Pipe ADAT
optical in Use as required 24 bit stereomode High Frequency Noise shaped
dither
96K or 88.2K lit
whenhex
trackrecording is
replayed
ADAT external
optical input word
clock
Lit when hex track
recording is
replayed
SELECTTHIS
PLAY
LEDFIRST
6 dB
of gain with limit
use as required
96K 24 Bit A/D Input Replay
from TDIF i.e. DA-88
Replay hex (6) tracks 1,2,3,4,5,6,
or 7,8 48K stereo pair.
Tascam machines must be set to INT clock.
96K 24 Bit Replay from Hard Disk
recorder or other AES Digital Input
Monitor on D/A whilst recording to mini-disc,
ADAT and TDIF similtaneously
(All recording devices must use
external word clock)
96K 24Bit A/D conversion with monitor speakers recording and replaying, 8 Track
digital tape recorders, DAT and 24Bit 96K hard disk recorder, also recording 44.1K 16 Bit to
Mini-disc, all simultaneously.
Ensure that the A/D input signal does not light
the overload leds - analogue clipping will occur.
Reducethemixeroutput level as required. Apply
DC2496 digital gain with limiter to allow more A/
D input headroom whilst preserving 0dBFS
digital level.
If the peak noise level from the mixing desk is
above -100dB then the bottom leds of the meter
will remain lit.
If the mixer has a -10dBu output level then the
analogueinputswitchshould be pressed (+4dBu
max input signal level).
To ensure a 0dBFS digital signal level add a few
dB’s of digital gain and set the limiter to fast.
If digital gain is applied with the limiter off then
unpleasant digital distortion can occur on peaks.
When the DC2496 is running at 96K or 88.2K
and the main digital output is connected to a
48K digital input no signal will be received!
The A/D noise floor is 6dB higher at 96/88.2K
that at 48/44.1K.
When recording hex (6) tracks, tracks 7 and 8
will only monitor at 16Bit resolution from the
Sample Rate Converter (upper) digital outputs.
When the TDIF plug is inserted into the rear of
the DC2496 the main digital output word clock
BNC socket will be at 44.1K when recording at
88.2K and 48K when recording at 96K - and only
suitable for TDIF word sync input.
Always reduce monitor volume when selecting
different word clocks or sample rates.
ADAT and TDIF recordings will always be at
44.1/48K when recording 88.2/96K A/D or digital
input signals.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
10)
11)
TDIFdigital
inputfron
25 pin D plug
Use as
required 24 bit stereomode High Frequency Noise shaped
dither
96K or 88.2K lit
whenhex
trackrecording is
replayed
TDIFexternal
25 pin D plug
word clock
Lit when hex track
recording is
replayed
SELECTTHIS
PLAY
LEDFIRST
6 dB
of gain with limit
use as required
AES(XLR)
digital input Use as required 24 bit stereomode High Frequency Noise shaped
dither
96K or 88.2K lit
depending on
replay sample
rate
AES(XLR)
word clock Not Active SELECTTHIS PLAY
LEDFIRST
6 dB
of gain with limit
use as required
Chapter 3OPERATION

13
REAR PANEL - BOTTOM ROW
WORD
CLOCK SPDIF SPDIF/AES
TOGGLE AES ADAT TDIF-1 WORD
CLOCK SPDIF AESADAT
REAR PANEL - TOP ROW
WORD
CLOCK SPDIF SPDIF/AES
TOGGLE AES SAMPLE
RATE WORD RES LEFT MAX LEVEL RIGHT LEFT MAX LEVEL RIGHT
AUX DIGITAL OUTPUTS ANALOGUE OUTPUTS ANALOGUE INPUTSMAIN DIGITAL OUTPUTS DIGITAL I/O DIGITAL INPUTS
16 Bit
16 Bit
20 Bit
16 Bit
20 Bit
16 Bit
20 Bit
20 Bit
to Tascam
word clock
in
Not
connected AES toHard Disk
Recorder
toADAT
Recorder to Tascam Recorder Not active Not active Not active Not active Not used to Mini-disc
recorder
SPDIF Not
used 44.1K 16Bit to Monitor
Amplifier
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
to
Monitor
Amplifier
from
Monitor
Desk output
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
from
Monitor
Desk output
to Tascam
word clock
in
Not
connected AES toHard Disk
Recorder
toADAT
Recorder toTascam TDIF digital I/O
CopyADATrecordingto
Tascam
Optical
light pipe
fromADAT
digital out
Not
active Not active Not active Not used to Mini-disc
recorder
SPDIF Not
used 44.1K 16Bit to Monitor
Amplifier
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
to
Monitor
Amplifier
Not
Acitive Not Acitive Not Acitive
to Tascam
word clock
in
Not
connected AES toHard Disk
Recorder
copy to
ADAT
digital
input
25 pin D plug from
Tascam digital I/O Not active Not active Not active Not active Not used to Mini-disc
recorder
SPDIF Not
used 44.1K 16Bit to Monitor
Amplifier
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
to
Monitor
Amplifier
Not
Acitive Not Acitive Not Acitive
to Tascam
word clock
in
Not
connected AES toHard Disk
Recorder
copy to
ADAT as
hex tracks
at 48K
to Tascam TDIF digital I/O
Copy hard disk recording
to Tascam as hex tracks
at 48K
Not
active Not active Not active Diital input fromhard
disk recorder
Not
used to Mini-disc
recorder
SPDIF Not
used 44.1K 16Bit to Monitor
Amplifier
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
to
Monitor
Amplifier
Not
Acitive Not Acitive Not Acitive
Chapter 3OPERATION

14
OPERATION
COMMENTS INPUT
SIGNAL
OPERATION
FRONT PANEL
LIMITER WORD
RESOLUTION DITHER SAMPLE RATE EXTENDED
WORKCLOCK REPLAY
TRACK MODE DIGITAL
GAIN
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
48K 24Bit Recording and Replay
48K 24 Bit A/D Input Recording
Recorda stereosignal ontriple(3) trackseither as
tracks1,2,3 or4,5,6or both onan ADATorTascam 16/
20Bitdigital multi-tracktaperecorder -and7,8 stereo
pairas abackupif required.
ADAT machinesmust be setto EXTClock.
Tascam machinesmust beset to WORDclock, anda
BNClead fromDC2496 mainwordclock toTascam
Word Clock in.
XLR balanced
inputs. Use as required 24 bit bit splitting mode
torecord
6 tracks
HighFrequency
Noise shaped
dither
48K internal
sample rate none none SELECTTHIS RECORD
LEDFIRST
0 dB
If gain is applied
limiter
must be used
48K 24 Bit A/D Input
Replay from ADAT
Replaytriple (3)tracks1,2,3 or4,5,6,
ortracks 7,8stereopair.
ADATmustbe setto INT Clock.
Therewill bea short burstof whitenoiseat 0dBif a
replaytrack changesfromnormal 16/20Bitmode to
High-Resmode whilstreplaying.
Light Pipe ADAT
optical in Use as required 24 bit stereomode High Frequency Noise shaped
dither
96K or 88.2K lit
whenhex
trackrecording is
replayed
ADAT external
optical input word
clock
Lit when hex track
recording is
replayed
SELECTTHIS
PLAY
LEDFIRST
6 dB
of gain with limit
use as required
48K 24 Bit A/D Input Replay
from TDIF i.e. DA-88
48K 24Bit A/D conversion with monitor speakers recording and replaying, 8 Track
digital tape recorders, DAT and 24Bit 48K hard disk recorder, also recording 44.1K 16 Bit to
Mini-disc, all simultaneously.
Ensure that the A/D input signal does not light
the overload leds - analogue clipping will occur.
Reducethemixeroutput level as required. Apply
DC2496 digital gain with limiter to allow more A/
D input headroom whilst preserving 0dBFS
digital level.
If the peak noise level from the mixing desk is
above -100dB then the bottom leds of the meter
will remain lit.
If the mixer has a -10dBu output level then the
analogueinputswitchshould be pressed (+4dBu
max input signal level).
To ensure a 0dBFS digital signal level add a few
dB’s of digital gain and set the limiter to fast.
If digital gain is applied with the limiter off then
unpleasant digital distortion can occur on peaks.
When recording triple (3) tracks, tracks 7 and 8
will only monitor at 16Bit resolution from the
Sample Rate Converter (upper) digital outputs.
When the TDIF plug is inserted into the rear of
the DC2496 the main digital output word clock
BNC is only suitable for TDIF word sync input.
When monitoring using the Slave Digital Output
white noise bursts at 0dB may be heard when
changing sample rate.
Always reduce monitor volume when selecting
different word clocks or sample rates.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
7)
8)
9)
TDIFdigital
inputfron
25 pin D plug
Use as
required 24 bit stereomode High Frequency Noise shaped
dither
96K or 88.2K lit
whenhex
trackrecording is
replayed
TDIFexternal
25 pin D plug
word clock
Lit when hex track
recording is
replayed
SELECTTHIS
PLAY
LEDFIRST
6 dB
of gain with limit
use as required
AES(XLR)
digital input Use as required 24 bit stereomode High Frequency Noise shaped
dither
96K or 88.2K lit
depending on
replay sample
rate
AES(XLR)
word clock Not Active SELECTTHIS PLAY
LEDFIRST
6 dB
of gain with limit
use as required
Replaytriple (3)tracks1,2,3 or4,5,6,
ortracks 7,8stereopair.
Tascammust beset toINT Clock.
Therewill bea short burstof whitenoiseat 0dBif a
replaytrack changesfromnormal 16/20Bitmode to
High-Resmode whilstreplaying.
48K 24 Bit Replay from Hard Disk
recorder or other AES Digital Input
Monitor on D/A whilst recording to mini-disc,
ADAT and TDIF similtaneously
(All recording devices must use
external word clock)
Chapter 3OPERATION

15
REAR PANEL - BOTTOM ROW
WORD
CLOCK SPDIF SPDIF/AES
TOGGLE AES ADAT TDIF-1 WORD
CLOCK SPDIF AESADAT
REAR PANEL - TOP ROW
WORD
CLOCK SPDIF SPDIF/AES
TOGGLE AES SAMPLE
RATE WORD RES LEFT MAX LEVEL RIGHT LEFT MAX LEVEL RIGHT
AUX DIGITAL OUTPUTS ANALOGUE OUTPUTS ANALOGUE INPUTSMAIN DIGITAL OUTPUTS DIGITAL I/O DIGITAL INPUTS
16 Bit
16 Bit
20 Bit
16 Bit
20 Bit
16 Bit
20 Bit
20 Bit
to Tascam
word clock
in
Not
connected AES toHard Disk
Recorder
toADAT
Recorder to Tascam Recorder Not active Not active Not active Not active Not used to Mini-disc
recorder
SPDIF Not
used 44.1K to Monitor
Amplifier
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
to
Monitor
Amplifier
from
Monitor
Desk output
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
from
Monitor
Desk output
to Tascam
word clock
in
Not
connected AES toHard Disk
Recorder
toADAT
Recorder toTascam TDIF digital I/O
CopyADATrecordingto
Tascam
Optical
light pipe
fromADAT
digital out
Not
active Not active Not active Not used to Mini-disc
recorder
SPDIF Not
used 44.1K to Monitor
Amplifier
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
to
Monitor
Amplifier
Not
Acitive Not Acitive Not Acitive
to Tascam
word clock
in
Not
connected AES toHard Disk
Recorder
copy to
ADAT
digital
input
25 pin D plug from
Tascam digital I/O Not active Not active Not active Not active Not used to Mini-disc
recorder
SPDIF Not
used 44.1K to Monitor
Amplifier
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
to
Monitor
Amplifier
Not
Acitive Not Acitive Not Acitive
to Tascam
word clock
in
Not
connected AES toHard Disk
Recorder
Not
active Not active Not active Diital input fromhard
disk recorder
Not
used to Mini-disc
recorder
SPDIF Not
used 44.1K to Monitor
Amplifier
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
to
Monitor
Amplifier
Not
Acitive Not Acitive Not Acitive
16Bit
16Bit
16Bit
16Bit
copy to
ADAT as
triple
tracks 48K
to Tascam TDIF digital I/O
Copy hard disk recording
to Tascam as triple tracks
at 48K
Chapter 3OPERATION

16
OPERATION
COMMENTS INPUT
SIGNAL
OPERATION
FRONT PANEL
LIMITER WORD
RESOLUTION DITHER SAMPLE RATE EXTENDED
WORKCLOCK REPLAY
TRACK MODE DIGITAL
GAIN
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
EXT>
SPDIF
AES
TDIF
A/D
ADAT
HOLD
FAST
MED
OFF
SLOW
16 BIT
18 BIT
20 BIT
24 BIT
22 BIT
OFF
WHITE
DUAL
H.F.
M.F.
44.1K
48K
96K
88.2K
7,8
5,6
1,2
3,4
PLAY
RECORD
0+18
+6
+3
+9
+12
+15
AES/SPDIF
BNC
TDIF
ADAT
Multi-Track Copy
Copy ADAT Recording to TDIF
Make a digital copy of normal stereo tracks
or hi-res 48K triple or 96K hex tracks.
Set ADAT to INT Clock.
Set TDIF to WORD Clock and Digital Input. ADAT optical
input only effects D/A and main digital
outputs.
only effects D/A
and main digital
outputs.
only effects D/A
and main digital
outputs.
ADAT optical
word clock effects D/A, main digital outputs
and aux digital
outputs.
SELECTTHIS
RECORD
LEDFIRST
only effects D/A and
main digital outputs
Copy TDIF to ADAT
Make a digital copy of normal stereo tracks
or hi-res 48K triple or 96K hex tracks.
Set TDIF to WORD Clock.
Set ADAT to DIG Clock and Digital Input. TDIF 25pin D
plug input only effects D/A and main digital
outputs.
only effects D/A
and main digital
outputs.
only effects D/A
and main digital
outputs.
TDIFexternal 25
pin D plug
word sync
effects D/A, main
digital outputs
and aux digital
outputs.
SELECTTHIS
RECORD
LEDFIRST
only effects D/A and
main digital outputs
Copy TDIF or ADAT Hi-Res Recording
to tracks 7,8 as stereo master
Reduce 48K 24Bit triple tracks to
16 Bit stereo.
Replay a ADAT or TDIF triple track reduced
to 16 Bit stereo.
Digitally copy ADAT to TDIF or TDIF to ADAT 44.1/48K or 88.2/96K recordings.
Also reduce 48K 24Bit triple tracks to 48K 16 Bit stereo with optimum dither, without using
sample rate conversion.
When the TDIF plug is inserted into the rear of
the DC2496 the main digital output word clock
BNC is only suitable for TDIF word sync input.
If digital gain is applied with the limiter off then
unpleasant digital distortion can occur on peaks.
When monitoring using the Slave Digital Output
white noise bursts at 0dB may be heard when
changing sample rate.
Always reduce monitor volume when selecting
different word clocks or sample rates.
Triple and Hex Tracks (tracks 1 to 6) can be
digitally copied in the same way as normal
stereo recording.
Tracks 7 & 8 will be a stereo processed signal
with gain limit and dither.
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
TDIFdigital
inputfron
25 pin D plug
Use as
required 24 bit stereomode High Frequency Noise shaped
dither
TDIFexternal
25 pin D plug
word clock
Two leds will light
for triple track
replay- three for
hex
SELECTTHIS
PLAY
LEDFIRST
3 dB
of gain with limit
use as required
SelectTDIF or
ADAT input as
required
Use as
required 16 Bit HighFrequency Noise shaped
dither
Select EXT
44.1/48K Led will
light depending
onrecording
Select as
required Two leds will light for triple track
replay is detected
SELECTTHIS
PLAY
LEDFIRST
3 dB
of gain with limit
use as required
Reduce a hex or triple track 96/48K 24 Bit
recording to 48K 16 Bit with optimum noise
shaped dither on tracks 7,8 slave and main
outputs. Select EXT
44.1/48K Led will
light depending
onrecording
Select EXT
44.1/48K Led will
light depending
onrecording
Select EXT
44.1/48K Led will
light depending
onrecording
Chapter 3OPERATION

17
REAR PANEL - BOTTOM ROW
WORD
CLOCK SPDIF SPDIF/AES
TOGGLE AES ADAT TDIF-1 WORD
CLOCK SPDIF AESADAT
REAR PANEL - TOP ROW
WORD
CLOCK SPDIF SPDIF/AES
TOGGLE AES SAMPLE
RATE WORD RES LEFT MAX LEVEL RIGHT LEFT MAX LEVEL RIGHT
AUX DIGITAL OUTPUTS ANALOGUE OUTPUTS ANALOGUE INPUTSMAIN DIGITAL OUTPUTS DIGITAL I/O DIGITAL INPUTS
16 Bit
16 Bit
20 Bit
16 Bit
20 Bit
16 Bit
20 Bit
20 Bit
to Tascam
word clock
in
Not
connected AES use if
required
not
active to Tascam Recorder ADAT optical
input &
word clock
Not
active Not active Not active Not used to Mini-disc
recorder
SPDIF Not
used 44.1K to Monitor
Amplifier
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
to
Monitor
Amplifier
Not
Active Not Active Not Active
to Tascam
word clock
in
Not
connected AES use if
required
Optical
light pipe
toADAT
digital in
toTascam TDIF
digital I/O Not active Not active Not active Not active Not used to Mini-disc
recorder
SPDIF Not
used 44.1K to Monitor
Amplifier
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
to
Monitor
Amplifier
Not
Acitive Not Acitive Not Acitive
to Tascam
word clock
in
Not
connected AES use if
required
copy to
ADAT
digital
input
25pinDplugfrom
TascamdigitalI/O light pipe fromADAT
digital
output
Not
active Not active Not active Not used to Mini-disc
recorder
SPDIF Not
used to Monitor
Amplifier
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
to
Monitor
Amplifier
Not
Acitive Not Acitive Not Acitive
to Tascam
word clock
in
Not
connected AES use if
required
copy to
ADAT
digital
input
25 pin D plug
Tascam digital I/O light pipe fromADAT
digital
output
Not
active Not active Not active Not used to Mini-disc
recorder
SPDIF 44.1K
16Bit
16Bit
16Bit
16Bit
—to
Monitor
Amplifier
+21dBu
max output
signal
level
to
Monitor
Amplifier
Not
Acitive Not Acitive Not Acitive
Chapter 3OPERATION

18
CHAPTER 4
HELPFULL HINTS
Recording Hi-Resolution ‘Bit splitting’ tracks on a
Digital Tape Recorder (ADAT or TDIF)
When recording Triple (48k) or Hex (96k) Hi-Resolution tracks to tape the
SRC (upper) AES & SPDIF digital outputs will monitor tracks 7/8 @ 20 or
16bit resolution depending on the rear panel push switch.
When TDIF ‘D’ plug is inserted the DC2496 BNC Word Clock output will be
phase shifted by 90 degrees at a rated 44.1k @ 88.2k and 48k @ 96khz.
This is the clock for TDIF Word Sync.
When using A/D, ADAT or TDIF as the input signal and SAMPLE RATE is
set to EXT with AES/SPDIF then the DC2496 will get its EXT word clock
from the AES digital input (XLR socket), not the SPDIF digital input socket.
The main (lower) SPDIF and AES output sockets both support 88.1 and
96K 24bit signals if selected on the front panel. The EXT SPDIF word clock
input is only available when SPDIF input signal is also selected.
The Sample Rate Converted AES & SPDIF output sockets are rounded to
16/20bits and HF dither added regardless of front panel settings according
to the rear panel switch.
The ‘Setup tone’ frequency will only be accurate to a few percent of its
correct value when an EXT clock source is used.
The Rear panel ‘Green audio signals OK’ LEDs are lit when the PLL is
locked and signals are output.
ADAT and TDIF track outputs will always be at 44.12/48Khz even if A/D or
Digital input is at 88.2 or 96K
There are two Hi-Resolution recording modes:
Triple (3) track 24bit 44.1 or 48Khz on either or both tracks 123 or 456, or,
Hex (6) track 24bit 88.2 or 96Khz on tracks 123456.
Both triple and hex track modes also have a stereo backup 16bit 44.1 or
48k recording on tracks 7/8
When recording a 48/44.1K Hi-Res triple track it is prefferable to use tracks
4,5,6.
If tracks 123 only are recorded then there noise will be heard when
monitoring tracks 5,6. This is correct and is the ‘Remainder’ track of the Hi-
Res signal.
If track triple 4,5,6 is recorded or both sets of Triple tracks then this noise
will not be heard.
Special Digital Tape Recorder (ADAT or TDIF) Play
cases:
When replaying a normal ADAT or TDIF recording, all 8 tracks will be
directly copied to the 8 TDIF and ADAT output tracks.
Limiter, Gain, Word resolution, dither etc will not modify the 8 track signals.
The Main digital output will have Gain, Limit etc. and will monitor the
selected replay track LEDs.
The 48/44.1Khz SRC digital output will exactly monitor the selected replay
track LEDs (without Gain, Limiter etc).
When replaying a Hi resolution triple or hex track recording (made when
both 24 and 16 bit WORD RESOLUTION LEDs are lit) the Sample Rate
Convertor digital AES/SPDIF, the Main AES/SPDIF digital output and TDIF
and ADAt track outputs 7/8 will replay the stereo signal from the tracks
shown by the REPLAY TRACK LEDs. Gain, limiter, Bit rounding & dither can
all be applied.
The TDIF and ADAT output tracks 1 thru 6 will be an exact bit copy of the
triple or hex track Hi-res recording.
For best results when reducing a 96K 24bit recording to 44.1 @ 16 bits
leave the front panel LED set to 24bits and reduce the signal to 16bits @
44.1Khz on the SRC rear panel grey push switches.
The DC2496 cannot record or play normal stereo signals @ 96k to ADAT or
TDIF. You must select the WORD RESOLUTION as 2 LED (16 and 24) bit
spliting mode and Sample Rate as 44.1/48K.
Up to 4 x DC2496 can be used to simultanious record 48K 24bit signals (if
the recorder alows) to TDIF using a special splitter lead. The Word Clock
must be EXT TDIF on the DC2496’s with the TDIF machine providing the
Word Clock. This cannot be done using ADAT light pipe
Several DC2496 units can be synchronised to sample accuracy (better
than 0.2uS) by setting the master unit SAMPLE RATE to Internal clock 96/
88.2/48/44.1 FS then setting the other units as EXT BNC word clock
slaves.
Chapter 4SPECIAL OPERATION NOTES

19
CHAPTER 5
DC2496 INFORMATION
SOFTWARE UPGRADES
Periodically there may be additions to the DC2496 software that will be
madeavailable.
Inorder to carry outasoftwareupgrade to the DC2496thefollowing parts
willberequired:
486or better PCcomputerrunning Win95 orlate.
Cable - RS232 9 pin to RS232 9 pin. Connected to Com 1 on the
P.C. and into the RS232 port on the rear of the DC2496.
DRAWMER‘MasterflowDC2496upgrade’software-availablefree
fromour web site.
The‘MasterflowUpgrade’ programme can be obtained bytwomethods:
1Contactyour main dealer to receivethe upgradeon2xfloppy disks.
2Downloadthe new version of software fromthe internet.
Website address www.drawmer.co.uk
To Install the software onto the PC
1Press START
Select RUN
Choose setup.exe
2Downloadthe latest software
upgradee.g.:’DC2496 1v02.UPG’
from the ‘drawmer.co.uk’ website.
TechnicalNotes:
When the software is installed a directory
calledc:\drawmerwill have been created.
upgrade.exe is the programme to execute.
Oncethe software hasbeen obtained theunitcan be upgraded.This is
achievedbythefollowingmethod:
Plug the RS232 cable into the Com 1 port on your PC.
Connect the other end of the RS232 into the RS232 slot on the rear
oftheDC2496.
ClickSTART.
SelectPROGRAMMES.
Click on the Upgrade icon.
Wait a few seconds until the DC2496 unit has been recognised.
Theinstalled software will becomparedand if required the unitwill
beupgraded. (This will takeapproximately2 minutes)
AScreen message will indicatethe softwareversionnumber.
Oncethe software has beenupgraded,the latest ‘Features’ notes
will be displayed and also the ‘Reset factory patches’ button.
Click the ‘Reset Factory Patches’ button to
overwriteall factory patches withtheones
containedin the latest software
Click‘EXIT’toleavetheupgradeprogramme.
Note:
Oncethe DRAWMER unit hasbeenrecognised
a‘ForceUpgrade’ button will appear.
Click this button to select a particular software
versionnumber to sendto the unit.
Chapter 5DC2496 INFORMATION

20
CHAPTER 6
GENERAL INFORMATION
IF A FAULT DEVELOPS
For warranty service please call Drawmer Electronics Ltd. or their nearest
authorised service facility, giving full details of the difficulty.
A list of all main dealers can be found on the Drawmer webpages.
On receipt of this information, service or shipping instructions will be
forwarded to you.
No equipment should be returned under the warranty without prior consent
from Drawmer or their authorised representative.
For service claims under the warranty agreement a service Returns
Authorisation (RA) number will be issued.
Write this RA number in large letters in a prominent position on the shipping
box. Enclose your name, address, telephone number, copy of the original
sales invoice and a detailed description of the problem.
Authorised returns should be prepaid and must be insured.
All Drawmer products are packaged in specially designed containers for
protection. If the unit is to be returned, the original container must be used.
If this container is not available, then the equipment should be packaged in
substantial shock-proof material, capable of withstanding the handling for
the transit.
CONTACTING DRAWMER
Drawmer Electronics Ltd., will be pleased to answer all application
questions to enhance your usage of this equipment. Please address
correspondenceto:
Drawmer (Technical Help line)
Coleman Street
Parkgate
Rotherham
S62 6EL
UK
Alternatively contact us by E-mail on :
[e-mail]
Furtherinformationonall Drawmer dealers, Authorised service departments
and other contact information can be obtained from our web pages on:
http://www.drawmer.co.uk
Chapter 6GENERAL INFORMATION