Euphonix FC726 User manual

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FC726
Digital Audio Format Converter
Installation Manual
Document Revision: A
Part Number: 840-11321-01
Release Date: August 2010

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Regulatory and Safety Notices
FCC Notice
Part 15 of the Federal Communication Commission Rules and Regulations has established Radio
Frequency (RF) emission limits to provide an interference free radio frequency spectrum. Many
electronic devices produce RF energy incidental to their intended purpose.
These rules place electronic equipment into two classes, A and B, depending on the intended use.
Class A devices are those that may be expected to be installed in a business or commercial environment.
Class B devices are those that may be expected to be installed in a home or residential environment. The
FCC requires devices in both classes to be labeled with the interference likelihood and additional
operating instructions. The rating label on the equipment will show which class the product is (A or B).
Class A product will not have an FCC logo. Class B equipment will have an FCC logo. The information
statements differ on the two classes.
Class A Equipment
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device,
pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference when the equipment is operated in a commercial environment. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this
equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference, in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at personal expense.

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Modifications
The FCC requires the user to be notified that any changes or modifications made to Avid hardware that
are not expressly approved by Avid Technology may void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.
Cables
Connections to Avid hardware must be made with shielded cables with metallic RFI/EMI connector
hoods in order to maintain compliance with FCC Rules and Regulations.
PRODUCTS WITH MULTIPLE POWER INPUTS:
WARNING: Each power input is intended to be connected to a separate branch circuit. Risk of high
leakage exists if multiple inputs are connected to a single source and protective earth is not present. A
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON shall verify that each socket-outlet from which the equipment is to be
powered provides a connection to the building protective earth. If any do not provide this connection,
the QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSON shall arrange for the installation of a PROTECTIVE EARTHING
CONDUCTOR from the separate protective earthing terminal to the protective earth wire in the building.
Canadian ICES-003
Class A Equipment
This Class A digital apparatus meets all requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing Equipment
Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la classe A respecté toutes les exigences du Règlement sur le matériel
brouilleur du Canada.

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European Union Declaration of Conformity
Declaration of conformity
Konformitätserklärung
Déclaration de conformité
Declaración de Confomidad
Verklaring de overeenstemming
Dichiarazione di conformità
We/Wir/ Nous/WIJ/Noi:
Avid Technology
1925 Andover Street
Tewksbury, MA, 01876 USA
European Contact: Nearest Avid Sales and Service Office or
Avid Technology International B.V.
Sandyford Industrial Estate
Unit 38, Carmanhall Road
Dublin 18, Ireland
declare under our sole responsibility that the product,
erklären, in alleniniger Verantwortung,daß dieses Produkt,
déclarons sous notre seule responsabilité que le produit,

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declaramos, bajo nuestra sola responsabilidad, que el producto,
verklaren onder onze verantwoordelijkheid, dat het product,
dichiariamo sotto nostra unica responsabilità, che il prodotto,
Product Name(s) : Digital Audio Format Converter
Model Number(s): FC726
Product Options: This declaration covers all options for the above product(s).
to which this declaration relates is in conformity with the following standard(s) or other normative
documents.
auf das sich diese Erklärung bezieht, mit der/den folgenden Norm(en) oder Richtlinie(n)
übereinstimmt.
auquel se réfère cette déclaration est conforme à la (aux) norme(s) ou au(x) document(s)
normatif(s).
al que se refiere esta declaración es conforme a la(s) norma(s) u otro(s) documento(s)
normativo(s).
waarnaar deze verklaring verwijst, aan de volende norm(en) of richtlijn(en) beantwoordt.
a cui si riferisce questa dichiarazione è conforme alla/e seguente/i norma/o documento/i
normativo/i.
The requirements of the European Council:
Safety: Directive 2006/95/EC
EN 60065:2002 /A1:2006
EMC: Directive 2004/108/EC
EN 55103-1:1996
EN 55103-2:1996

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LED Safety Notices
Avid hardware might contain LED or Laser devices for communication use. These devices are compliant
with the requirements for Class 1 LED and Laser Products and are safe in the intended use. In normal
operation the output of these laser devices does not exceed the exposure limit of the eye and cannot
cause harm.
Standard to which conformity is declared: (IEC 60825-1)
Optical connections are located on the rear panel and are typically labeled “Optical” or “SPDIF/ADAT.”
The exact location of optical connections is identified more clearly elsewhere in the documentation for
the Avid hardware device.
Disposal of Waste Equipment by Users in the
European Union

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Rack-mount Requirements
The following rack-mount requirements are listed below:
• Elevated Operating Ambient — If installed in a closed or multi-unit rack assembly, the operating ambient
temperature of the rack environment might be greater than room ambient. Therefore, consider installing the
equipment in an environment compatible with the maximum ambient temperature (Tma) specified by the
manufacturer.
• Reduced Air Flow — Installation of the equipment in a rack should be such that the amount of air flow
required for safe operation of the equipment is not compromised. Do not block vents.
• Mechanical Loading — Mounting of the equipment in the rack should be such that a hazardous condition is
not achieved due to uneven mechanical loading.
• Circuit Overloading — Consideration should be given to the connection of the equipment to the supply
circuit and the effect that overloading of the circuits might have on overcurrent protection and supply wiring.
Appropriate consideration of equipment nameplate ratings should be used when addressing this concern.
• Reliable earthing — Reliable earthing of rack-mounted equipment should be maintained. Particular
attention should be given to supply connections other than direct connections to the branch circuit (for
example, use of power strips).

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Lithium Battery Replacement
If a battery is supplied in this Avid product it must only be replaced by qualified personnel. Contact Avid
Customer Support for assistance.
WARNING
Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace with only the same or equivalent type
recommended by the manufacturer. Dispose of used batteries according to the manufacturer’s
instructions.
ADVARSEL!
Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering. Udskiftning må kun ske med batteri af
samme fabrikat og type. Levér det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren.
ADVARSEL!
Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosjonsfare. Ved utskifting benyttes kun batteri som anbefalt av
apparatfabrikanten. Brukt batteri returneres apparatleverandøren.
VARNING
Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Använd samma batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ som
rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren. Kassera använt batteri enligt fabrikantens instruktion.
VAROITUS
Paristo voi räjähtää, jos se on virheellisesti asennettu. Vaihda paristo ainoastaan laitevalmistajan
suosittelemaan tyyppiin. Hävitä käytetty paristo valmistajan ohjeiden mukaisesti.

Euphonix FC726 Format Converter Operation Manual
v
Table of Contents
List of Figures ...................................................................................................................... vii
List of Tables ....................................................................................................................... viii
Chapter 1: Introduction and Interface..................................................................9
1.1 Basic Concepts........................................................................................10
1.1.1 Channels and Banks....................................................................10
1.1.2 Signal Flow .................................................................................10
1.1.3 Format A Inputs ..........................................................................11
1.1.4 Sample Rate Conversion.............................................................11
1.2 Front Panel..............................................................................................12
1.3 Rear Panel ...............................................................................................15
Chapter 2: Operating Instructions .......................................................................21
2.1 SDIF-2 ....................................................................................................21
2.2 TDIF........................................................................................................21
2.3 ADAT .....................................................................................................22
2.4 ProDigi....................................................................................................22
2.5 AES.........................................................................................................23
2.6 Converting Between Third-Party Formats..............................................24
2.6.1 Using Two Units (56 Bidirectional Channels) ...........................24
2.6.2 Using One Unit (24 Bidirectional Channels)..............................24
2.7 Specifications..........................................................................................25
Appendix A: Pinout and Cable Specifications ..................................................27
A.1 AES/EBU DB-25....................................................................................27
A.2 Third-Party Devices................................................................................29
A.2.1 TDIF............................................................................................30
A.2.2 SDIF............................................................................................32
A.2.3 ProDigi........................................................................................36

Euphonix FC726 Format Converter Users Manual
vii
List of Figures
1-1 FC726 front panel ..............................................................................................................12
1-2 FC726 front panel (left) .....................................................................................................12
1-3 FC726 front panel (right)...................................................................................................14
1-4 FC726 rear panel................................................................................................................15
1-5 FC726 rear panel (left).......................................................................................................15
1-6 FC726 rear panel (right) ....................................................................................................18
A-1 AES DB-25 breakout cable assembly diagram..................................................................27
A-2 DB-50-to-DB-25 TDIF cable assembly diagram...............................................................30
A-3 DB-50 MX3-to-DB-50 Male/Female SDIF cable assembly diagram ...............................32
A-4 DB-50 Male/Male-to-DB-50 Male/Female ProDigi cable assembly diagram ..................36

Euphonix FC726 Format Converter Users Manual
viii
List of Tables
1-1 Digital audio formats supported by the FC726................................................................. 9
A-1 AES/EBU DB-25 connector pinout................................................................................ 28
A-2 Common DB-50 connector pinout and usage with third party devices.......................... 29
A-3 FC726 TDIF cable wiring specification ......................................................................... 31
A-4 FC726 SDIF cable wiring specification.......................................................................... 33
A-4 FC726 SDIF cable wiring specification continued......................................................... 34
A-4 FC726 SDIF cable wiring specification continued......................................................... 35
A-5 FC726 ProDigi cable wiring specification...................................................................... 37
A-5 FC726 ProDigi cable wiring specification continued..................................................... 38

Euphonix FC726 Format Converter Users Manual
9
Chapter 1: Introduction and Interface
The Euphonix FC726 is a compact, 2U, digital-audio format converter that translates
back and forth between MADI (Multichannel Audio Digital Interface) and the digital
audio formats listed in Table 1-1. AES/EBU outputs are always available, regardless of
the formats being translated. The FC726 performs the highest quality sample-rate
conversion (SRC) on all channels that require it.
The FC726 sets a new standard for format conversion devices with the following features:
• Can apply different format conversion and/or SRC to each bank of eight channels.
• Automatically applies SRC when necessary but can be manually disabled.
• Performs format conversion and SRC on more channels (56) than other devices.
• Each of the 56 channels is bidirectional.
• Supports 24-bit audio at a 96 kHz sample rate.
• Maintains compatibility with older devices by offering 16- or 20-bit dithering and
supporting 96 kHz legacy standards.
Table 1-1 Digital audio formats supported by the FC726
Company/
Organization Format Name Equipment Using Format Transmission Medium
Audio Engineers
Society
MADI Euphonix R-1, S-5, Sony 3348, many
large format digital consoles BNC cable
AES/EBU (AES-3)
Sony PCM-800, most DAT machines
and stereo D/A devices, sound cards,
effects processors
Two balanced XLR
cables
Tascam TDIF-1 (Teac Digital
Interface Format)
Tascam DA-88, DA-98, small format
digital consoles and workstations 25-pin cable
Mitsubishi ProDigi Otari and Mitsubishi digital multitracks Two 50-pin cables
Sony SDIF-2 Sony 3324 and 3348 Two 50-pin cables
Alesis ADAT Optical Alesis ADAT (type I and II), many small
format digital consoles and workstations
Two fiber optic
cables

Euphonix FC726 Format Converter Users Manual Introduction and Interface
10
The utility and power of the FC726 is exhibited by transferring digital audio between
incompatible devices:
• Mixdown on a Euphonix System 5 digital console at 24-bit 96 kHz with source
material from a ProDigi or Sony tape machine at 48 kHz (automatic SRC).
• Mixdown on a Euphonix System 5 digital console from a audio workstation.
• Transfer tracks from a Tascam DA-88, Sony 3348, or Alesis ADAT to a Euphonix R-1.
The audio remains entirely in the digital domain so it suffers no degradation due to D/A
and A/D conversion.
1.1 Basic Concepts
1.1.1 Channels and Banks
The FC726 can convert 56 digital audio channels in two directions simultaneously (si-
multaneous bidirectional conversion) with any of the supported devices. The 56 channels
are divided into seven banks, each with eight channels. Each bank may be connected to
a different third-party device running at a different sample rate (i.e., Tascam DA-88 on
channels 1–8, ADAT on 9–16, and AES/EBU on 40–48).
1.1.2 Signal Flow
Since 56 channels can be converted bidirectionally, signal routing can become confusing.
These simple rules should help clarify the signal flow:
• Audio arriving at the MADI B Input is sent out the Format A Output.
• Audio arriving at the Format A connectors is sent out the MADI B Output.
• The AES outputs always mirror the Format A Output.

Euphonix FC726 Format Converter Users Manual Introduction and Interface
11
1.1.3 Format A Inputs
Three connectors can be used by third-party inputs: the common DB-50 connectors, the
MADI A Inputs, and the DB-25 AES connectors. The appropriate signal is chosen
according to the following rules:
• If the MADI switch is ON, the MADI input is used for all 56 channels.
• If the MADI switch is OFF, either the common DB-50 or AES signals are used in
eight-channel banks.
If only one connector is in use, that format is selected.
If both are connected, the common DB-50 signal takes precedence.
Format A Adapters
To create a compact 2U device with maximum flexibility, the FC726 uses a common
DB-50 connector for all third-party formats. An adapter is required to convert from the
DB-50 connector to the company’s own connector. The adapter is not intended to be
the connecting cable; it simply adapts the common DB-50 connector so it behaves like
the rear panel of the third-party device. These adapters are available separately from
Euphonix. In most cases, another cable is required to connect the adapter to the third-
party device. See Appendix A: Pinout and Cable Specifications for detailed informa-
tion.
1.1.4 Sample Rate Conversion
Digital audio devices have previously been required to use the same sample rate to op-
erate correctly together. The FC726 removes this limitation by allowing many sample
rates simultaneously. For example, by using the common DB-50 connectors, each
eight-channel bank can operate at its own sample rate. Furthermore, the FC726 detects
different sample rates and automatically activates SRC.
Although the FC726’s SRC is the highest quality available, some users may still
require an unaltered, bit-for-bit copy of the data. In this case, connected devices can
be slaved to the same sample clock, which disables SRC automatically (you can
also disable SRC manually).

Euphonix FC726 Format Converter Users Manual Introduction and Interface
12
1.2 Front Panel
The FC726’s front panel is shown in Figure 1-1. Enlarged sections of the front panel
are shown in Figure 1-2 and Figure 1-3; the numbers in the figures correspond to the
numbered items below describing that feature.
Figure 1-1 FC726 front panel
Figure 1-2 FC726 front panel (left)
44 4 4 4
1
2333333

Euphonix FC726 Format Converter Users Manual Introduction and Interface
13
1. MADI Switch
This three-position switch selects whether MADI is used for the Format A Input
and the characteristics of the MADI signal.
ON-STD: Selects the standard MADI settings used by Euphonix (sample rate =
frame rate).
OFF: Selects the common DB-50 connectors and ignores the Format A MADI
inputs. Use this setting with SDIF, TDIF, ProDigi, ADAT, or AES devices.
ON-ALT: Selects MADI running at sample rate = 96 kHz, frame rate = 48 kHz.
2. SRC ENABLE Button
This button lights when the FC726 detects different sample rates on the A and B
formats and SRC is being used. Press the button when lit to turn off SRC. The
button flashes if SRC is needed but has been disabled by the user. Press the button
again to reset the FC726’s automatic SRC detection circuitry.
When a device first locks to the FC726, the button may occasionally light to indicate
SRC is necessary when it is not. Press the button twice to reset the FC726’s auto-
matic SRC detection circuitry. SRC is not needed if the button does not light.
3. FORMAT A Input Indicator LEDs
Each eight-channel bank has seven LEDs to indicate the format attached to the
Format A Input; only one of these LEDs can be lit at a time. The LED lights dimly
yellow if an adapter is attached but the FC726 has not locked; the LED lights
bright yellow when the FC726 locks to the device.
The bottom SRC LED functions independently of the first seven. It lights red if
the FC726 has detected that SRC is required on that bank; it flashes red if SRC is
required but has been disabled by the user.
4. OUTPUT BIT DEPTH Select Switch
For each eight-channel bank, this switch sets the bit depth for the signal output to
the Format A device. When set to 24, all 24 bits are transferred from the MADI
input to the Format A output device without dithering. When set to 20 or 16, the
signal is dithered to the selected number of bits before being output to the Format
A device.
NOTE: This switch affects the Format A output only; it has no effect on the Format B
MADI audio output.

Euphonix FC726 Format Converter Users Manual Introduction and Interface
14
Figure 1-3 FC726 front panel (right)
5. FORMAT B Sample Rate LEDs
These LEDs indicate the Format B sample rate. If the rate is not 44.1, 48, or 96 kHz
(±3%), the CUSTOM LED lights. Since the FC726 supports SRC, Format A may
operate at several sample rates that are not indicated by individual LEDs.
6. FORMAT B Sync Source LEDs
These LEDs shows Format B’s sync source. The blue button below the AUTO
LED manually toggles the sync source sequentially from AUTO to AES,
WORD, MADI, and FORMAT A. When set to AUTO, the FC726 accepts the
first sync signal detected with the following priority: AES, WORD, MADI, and
FORMAT A. For example, if MADI and Format A sync are both present, the
selected source will be MADI because it is higher in the priority list.
7. Power Switch
This switch turns power to the FC726 on or off.
65
7

Euphonix FC726 Format Converter Users Manual Introduction and Interface
15
1.3 Rear Panel
The FC726’s rear panel is shown in Figure 1-4. Enlarged sections of the rear panel
are shown in Figure 1-5 and Figure 1-6; the numbers in the figures correspond to the
numbered items below describing that feature.
Figure 1-4 FC726 rear panel
Figure 1-5 FC726 rear panel (left)
1. AC Power Input
Connect the power cable shipped with the FC726 to its AC input and an AC mains
power source.
2. Format A Common DB-50 Connectors
Seven common DB-50 connectors connect third-party devices to the FC726.
Each connector provides eight bidirectional audio channels. You must use the
appropriate adapters for each format to connect the third-party devices. See For-
mat A Adapters on page 11.
FC726
EUPHONIX, INC.
PALO ALTO
MADE IN THE U.S.A.
AES 49-56 AES 41-48 AES 33-40 AES 25-32 AES 17-24 AES
9
SERVICE
IN
IN
AES
SYNC
MADI A
IN
CH 49-56 CH 41-48 CH 33-40 CH 25-32
CH 17-24 CH 9-16 CH 1-8
SDIF-2 SYNC
or
SLAVE CLK
OUT
FORMAT A
OUT
VAC FUSE
100-240 1.0-0.5A 2.5A
50/60Hz SLOW
CURRENT
FMT A FMT B
AES STEREO
AES MONO
FMT A AES/FMT B/FMT A
SLAVE CLK
1
2 222
222
333333
4
5
6
8
9
7

Euphonix FC726 Format Converter Users Manual Introduction and Interface
16
3. Format A AES Connectors
Seven DB-25 connectors connect AES devices to the FC726. Each connector pro-
vides eight bidirectional channels (four AES pairs). To connect to the third-party de-
vices, use the DB-25-to-XLR breakout cable available from Euphonix.
NOTE: Do not use DB-25-to-XLR breakout cables made by other companies because
the pin numbering may be incompatible! See Appendix A: Pinout and Cable
Specifications for specific cable information.
4. Format A MADI IN and MADI OUT
The Format A MADI In and MADI Out BNC connectors interface with non-Eu-
phonix MADI devices. At 48 kHz, MADI A provides 24-bit audio on 56 chan-
nels. At 96 kHz, only 28 24-bit audio channels (1–28) are available.
NOTE: Unlike MADI B, which has a second set of I/O connectors, MADI A provides
only 28 channels at 96 kHz.
5. Service DB-9 Jack
This jack connects to a PC’s serial port to upgrade the FC726 firmware.
CAUTION: Do not connect anything to the Service DB-9 jack unless instructed to do
so by Euphonix technical support.
6. DIP Switches
These eight DIP switches (numbered 1–8 from left to right) set various modes on
the FC726. Switches 3–5 and 7 are not currently implemented.
Switch #1 Bidirectional mode
Flip this switch when converting between third-party formats using one FC726
(see page 24).
Switch #2 MADI MERGE
When set to MADI MERGE (down), Format B MADI Input 1 channels 1–24 are
merged with Format B MADI Input 2 channels 1–28 and Format B MADI Input
1 channels 25–28 to form a single 56-channel input stream. Format B MADI Out-
put 1 sends channels 1–56 and Format B MADI Output 2 sends channels 25–56
followed by 1–24 from the third-party inputs.