Goldmund MIMESIS 16 User manual

USER MANUAL
USER MANUALUSER MANUAL
USER MANUAL
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16 & MIMESIS 16HD
Universal Preamplifiers

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 1 -
Congratulations.
Thank you for purchasing the Goldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER. You have
acquired the best multi-usage preamplifier ever made for professional and domestic uses. Please
take some time to read this manual. It will provide you with useful information to make your
pleasure of listening to the MIMESIS 16 even higher.
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16 Universal Preamplifier
Goldmund was founded in 1978 and has ever since been dedicated to the accurate reproduction of
sound and image.
At Goldmund, we strive to lead in the creation, development and manufacture of the industry’s
most advanced technologies, including audio and video systems.
The guiding principle at Goldmund is to produce a precise sound with the latest possible loss of
quality through the different stages. Goldmund will never adopt a technology before it is sufficiently
developed to satisfy the high quality standards we set. This is why Goldmund has often rejected
mainstream technologies and developed its own.

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 2 -
W A R N I N G!
W A R N I N G!W A R N I N G!
W A R N I N G!
This high quality preamplifier possesses new
technical features which are necessary for
accurate multi-channel processing of today’s
best Audio Multi-channel signals.
Only careful use can provide all the
satisfaction you are expecting.
All handling must be performed according to
the following instructions to avoid impairing the
preamplifier’s performance.
Nevertheless, in the Mimesis 16 Preamplifier,
Goldmund engineering excellence delivers
extreme performance in a simple and
convenient format that we hope you will enjoy
for many years to come.
IMPORTANT
PLEASE DO NOT CONNECT ANY CABLES
OR MOVE ANY PARTS BEFORE READING
THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS.

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 3 -
Table f C ntents
Page
1- SETTING UP HE MIMESIS 16 4
2- OPERATING THE MIMESIS 16 9
3- MAINTENANCE 12
4- TECHNICAL DATA 12
5- BACK PANEL 14

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 4 -
1 SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 16
1.1 PRELIMINARIES
Please read the following instructions very carefully. This high-precision unit will provide the
best digital signal possible to your digital-input power amplifiers thanks to its unique
technology.
For exacting technicians, musicians, and all high-fidelity music purists who demand the
very best in musical reproduction, we strongly recommend the use of top quality power
amplifiers with a digital input, since most of the digital signal performance delivered by the
Mimesis 16 preamplifier can be eroded by using lower quality amplifiers or D/A converters.
The connection between the analog and digital sources and the preamplifier as well as
between the Mimesis 16 and the power amplifiers are critical. Ultra low reflection
interconnect cables are absolutely mandatory in analog and precise impedance SPDIF
cables in digital to keep the time integrity that the preamplifier is designed to provide. In all
typical cases Goldmund recommends using the special Goldmund Lineal interconnect and
digital cables.
1.2 UNPACKING
You will find in the packaging:
- The controller itself
- The power cord
- The remote control
- This manual.
Unpack the above-mentioned parts carefully.
Keep all packaging for future use.
WARNING
IF YOU NEED TO RETURN THE MIMESIS 16 TO
THE FACTORY OR TO YOR LOCAL
REPRESENTATIVE FOR A WARRANTY REPAIR;
PLEASE NOTE THAT IT MUST BE REPACKED
IN THE ORIGINAL PACKAGING.
THIS PACKAGING HAS BEEN DESIGNED
SPECIFICALLY TO PROTECT YOUR MIMESIS
16 IN TRANSIT. USE OF ALTERNATIVE
PACKAGING IS LIKELY TO RESULT IN
DAMAGE, INVALIDATING WARRANTY COVER.

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 5 -
1 SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 16 ctd
1.3 CHOICE OF THE MIMESIS 16 LOCATION
Select a very rigid support, as required for your CD player transport.
The distance between the Mimesis 16 and the power amplifier is usually not critical since
the signal is carried in the digital domain. However, you must use coaxial links of highest
quality such as the Goldmund lineal in order to maintain the time accuracy and are highly
recommended, especially for long distances. For some high impedance output analog
sources, a short distance to the preamplifier is mandatory.
If you want to achieve the best possible sonic result, select a opposition on a shelf or on a
piece of furniture where the preamplifier is isolated from vibrations of mechanical
components, including the CD transport itself.
The Goldmund Mimesis 16 preamplifier generates a significant amount of heat. It is
necessary to allow adequate ventilation for proper cooling of the heat sinks. Avoid any
location which is not properly ventilated. Avoid stacking equipment and do not locate the
preamplifier close to equipment that is sensitive to temperature.
1.4 POWER SUPPLY
The Goldmund Mimesis 16 uses multiple power supplies developed by Goldmund to
provide totally separate voltage to each part of the digital and analog circuitry.
Your power supply has been set to operate with the mains voltage of your area. Check on
the power supply voltage switch if there is any doubt. If you move after purchasing the
preamplifier to an area using a different AC mains voltage, consult your local Goldmund
dealer for assistance. An internal switch must be set for a correct AC selection.
The power supply unit tolerates both 50 & 60 Hz mains.

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 6 -
1 SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 16 ctd
1.5 FIRST INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS
POWER CONNECTION
Plug the AC power cord to the power supply and into a wall socket.
The preamplifier is and remains on power as soon as the power switch located on the back
panel is turned on. For best sonic results, Goldmund recommends to leave the unit
powered on permanently.
When the machine is in standby mode, the front panel Led controls are off except the red
STBY Led, but the circuitry remains connected as long as the power supply switch is not
turned off. The Standby is controlled by the remote.
SOURCES CONNECTION
Connect the analog sources or tape machines to the back panel analog inputs and the
digital sources to the digital inputs of the Goldmund Mimesis 16, using the RCA input
connectors for analog sources and the choice of RCA for SPDIF, XLR for AES-EBU or
optical for the digital sources.
The inputs are numbered on the back panel.
Digital inputs are numbered from 1 to 8. Digital input 3 and 4 offer two different connector
standards. Only one must be used per input, both work equally well.
Digital input 7 and 8 are reserved for HDMI connection available on the Mimesis 16HD
only.

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 7 -
1 SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 16 ctd
1.5 FIRST INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS
The Input 6 (USB) is used to link the Mimesis 16 to an external computer in order to play music
(PCM 48kHz maximum). The Input CTRL (USB) is used to update the Mimesis 16 software with
the Goldmund Universal Configurator. All drivers needed are included in the configuration file
provided in the Configurator.
Note: If the display indicates “CF” & “--”, as shown on the picture bellow, it means that the
Mimesis 16 does not have a configuration loaded. Please contact your authorized Goldmund
retailer to assist you to set up your unit.
To play audio files from a computer to a Mimesis 16:
1- Connect the USB cable from the computer to the Mimesis 16 and power them both ON.
2- Select the audio input 6 on the Mimesis 16 to listen to USB audio.
When all input sources are connected, connect the digital output RCA jacks to the digital input
of the active speaker or to the digital input of your amplifier, using high quality digital cables
such as the digital “Goldmund Lineal™” cable.
Once the complete audio system has been connected, the power cords may be plugged
and the various devices power supplies turned on .

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 8 -
1 SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 16 ctd
1.5 FIRST INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS ctd
Analog inputs are numbered from 9 to 14. The Analog input 12, 13 and 14 are switchable
for three separates 2-channel or one 6-channel input to connect SACD players or DVD
audio players.
If used with 6 channels, the connection must be made as follows:
Input 12L = Front Left
Input 12R = Front Right
Input 13L = Rear Left
Input 13R = Rear Right
Input 14L = Center
Input 14R = Subwoofer
Analog inputs have a common level adjustment inside the preamplifier (small blue switch
with 5 levers). Contact your local distributor to help you adjust the switch to the best
adapted input level.
Input level max:
All Switches OFF = 1.4 Vpp / 0.5 Vrms
Swicth 3 ON only = 8.5 Vpp / 3 Vrms (default setting)
Swicth 4 ON only = 15.6 Vpp / 5.5 Vrms
Swicth 5 ON only = 22.6 Vpp / 8 Vrms
On Digital outputs, the signals are depending on the configuration loaded in the
Preamplifier.
When delivered from factory, the standard configuration is as follows:
Output 1 = Front Left (or left channel in Stereo)
Output 2 = Front Right (or right channel in Stereo)
Output 3 = Rear Left
Output 4 = Rear Right
Output 5 = Center
Output 6 = Subwoofer
Output 7 = Subwoofer
Output 8 = Subwoofer

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 9 -
2 OPERATING THE MIMESIS 16
2.1 FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS
INPUT SOURCE SELECTION
The back panel inputs are selected by turning the knob on the left of the front panel.
The first 8 positions are for digital inputs, the next 6 for analog inputs.
When a digital input has been selected, the format 2.0 or 5.1 will be displayed on the front
panel only when the digital source has been locked to the source frequency.
OUTPUT VOLUME ADJUSTMENT
The level control may be adjusted manually or by remote control. It acts for all channels
simultaneously if the unit is playing a multi-channel source.
THE LED DISPLAY SHOWS DIFFERENT KIND OF INFORMATION
- The coding existing on the present audio input source (DTS, Dolby)
- The number of input source channels
- The G2 (2channels) or G6 (5.1channels) output format
- The balance setting during audio balance adjustment

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 10 -
2OPERATING THE MIMESIS 16 ctd
2.2 REMOTE CONTROL
Your Mimesis 16 has built-in remote control for volume, balance and input selection.
MUTING
The mute circuit is controlled using the remote. To mute or un-mute the Mimesis 16 with the
remote, press the “MUTE/STBY” key briefly.
STANDBY
To put the Mimesis 16 in Standby mode, press the “MUTE/STBY” key continuously until the
Mimesis 16 goes to Standby, indicated by the Standby Led on the front panel.
OUTPUT VOLUME ADJUSTMENT
The VOL+ and VOL- are adjusting the global volume.
BALANCE ADJUSTMENTS
To activate the balance control, first, press the “BAL” key on the remote control. Then,
adjust the balance.
Note: Adjustment can be done when the Led on the “BAL” key is lit.
The 4 balance keys (diamond configuration) are controlling the right/left and front/rear
balance directly, maintaining a constant global volume.
The gain of the center or the subwoofer can be adjusted by pressing first the “BAL” key,
then press “center” or “sub” key and then the “VOL +” or “VOL -“.
Each balance or gain change displayed on the front panel of the Mimesis 16 corresponds
to a step of 0.4dB. The value 50 corresponds to the central balance. The led “Bal” on the
front panel of the Mimesis 16 stays lit if balance has been modified.
Note: After the last key pressed for balance adjustment, a timer of 10 seconds is activated.
At the end of this 10 sec the balance mode is automatically exit and the Mimesis 16 return
to his normal state.

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 11 -
2 OPERATING THE MIMESIS 16 ctd
2.2 REMOTE CONTROL ctd
During the balance adjustment you can activate a pink noise. To activate the pink noise,
press on the “BAL” key and then on the “PINK NOISE” key. A Pink noise will be generated
on each digital audio output. If you press again on the “PINK NOISE” key, the pink noise
will be generated to only one output. Each time you press on the “PINK NOISE” key, the
pink noise will change of output as described below:
All outputs ⇒Front-Left ⇒Center ⇒Front-Right ⇒Rear-Right ⇒Rear-Left ⇒Subwoofer
⇒All outputs ⇒…
Note: After the last key pressed for pink noise, a timer of 20 seconds is activated. At the
end of 20 sec the pink noise is automatically cancelled.
INPUT SOURCE SELECTION
The 1 to 14 keys are selecting the source to listen. Digital inputs are numbered from 1 to 8.
Analog Inputs are numbered from 9 to 14.
OUTPUT AUDIO FORMAT SELECTION
Depending on the capabilities of the sources you have selected to listen, several audio
formats may be accessible for the output.
Each time you press on the “FORMAT” key, you change the audio format of the outputs to
one of bellow if permissible:
- G2 (2.0-channel)
- G6 (5.1-channel)
- Direct
The format selected is shown on the front panel by Led.
Note:
The Direct format allows to send the input
selected to the “Direct Out” cinch without
attenuation. Only the digital input 1 to 6 and the
analog (2-channel) input can be sent to the
Direct output. When the format “Direct” is
activated, the standards outputs of the
Mimesis16 are muted.

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 12 -
3 MAINTENANCE
To clean your Mimesis 16 use only a soft, clean, dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid using
domestic cleaning products.
There are no user serviceable parts inside the Mimesis 16. Unauthorized servicing or
alteration invalidates the manufacturer’s warranty.
All enquires relating to product servicing and operation should be referred to the local
authorized retailer supplying and supporting your Goldmund equipment.
4 TECHNICAL DATA
INPUTS
•6 digital inputs (8 for the Mimesis 16HD):
- In1 RCA spdif
- In2 Toslink optical
- In3 RCA spdif / XLR aes-ebu
- In4 Toslink optical / RCA spdif
- In5 RCA spdif
- In6 USB AUDIO (up to 48kHz pcm stereo only)
- In7 HDMI input (Mimesis 16HD only)
- In8 HDMI input (Mimesis 16HD only)
-
Any inputs from 1 to 5, and 7-8 can receive multi-channel encoded signal and audio
signal up to 96kHz.
•6 analog inputs:
- In9 to In11 RCA 2-channel
- In12 to In14 RCA 2-channel if rear switch up
- In12 RCA 6-channel if rear switch down
Warning!
Always turn the power off before
cleaning your preamplifier.

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 13 -
4 TECHNICAL DATA ctd
DIGITAL OUTPUT
- 8 Digital RCA SPDIF outputs with 2 channels for each.
- 1 HDMI output to connect a video display or a processor (on the Mimesis 16HD only).
- Front panel and remote-control adjustable level control with more than 65dB range and
0.05dB accuracy in the 0 to -34dB range.
REMOTE CONTROL
- RC5 Standard remote system compatible with standard programmable remote control
transmitter (codes available on request)
- Volume and balanced control
- Selection of the source
- Remote muting and standby
- Balance and Pink noise
- Output Format selection
FRONT PANEL CONTROL
- 2 knobs for input selection and volume control
- 2 character numeric displays for input selection
- 2 character numeric displays for volume
- Direct Led format, balance and function display
POWER SUPPLY
- Nominal line voltage: 100V or 115V or 230 V.
- Input voltage range: +/- 10 %.
- Maximum power consumption: 50 W.
SIZE AND WEIGHT
- 44.0 cm (17.5") W x 38 cm (15.") D x 9 cm (3.5") H.
- Total Weight: 15 Kg (33 lb)
WARRANTY
- 3 years parts and labor.

User manual – G ldmund MIMESIS 16 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER - 14 -
5 BACK PANEL
RevC