Goldmund MIMESIS 24 User manual

USER MANUAL
Goldmund MIMESIS 24 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, home - networking and music distribution.
The guiding principle at Goldmund is to produce a precise sound with the least 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.
INTRODUCTION
The GOLDMUND MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL Preamplifier
Congratulations.
Thank you for purchasing the Goldmund Mimesis 24.
You have acquired the best multi-usage Preamplifier ever made for professional and domestic uses.
Please take some time to read this manual. It may provide you with useful information to make your pleasure
of listening to the Mimesis 24 even higher.
User manual - GOLDMUND MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER

This high quality preamplifier possesses new
technical features which are necessary for
accurate multi-channel processing of the
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
deterioration of the preamplifier.
Nevertheless, if the instructions are carried
out in full, you will notice that the use of the
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 24 is quite simple and
convenient.
IMPORTANT
PLEASE DO NOT CONNECT ANY CABLES OR
MOVE ANY PART BEFORE READING THE
FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS.
WARNING
!
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 24 Universal Preamplifier
User manual - GOLDMUND MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER

1PRELIMINARIES p 4
2SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 24
2.1 Unpacking p 5
2.2 Choice of the MIMESIS 24 location p 6
2.3 Power supply p 7
2.4 First Installation and Connections p7-9
Power Connection p 7
Computer Configurator p 8
Sources Connection p8-9
3OPERATING THE MIMESIS 24
3.1 Front panel keyboard functions p10-15
Standby function p10
Input Source Selection for the Local Zone p10
Input Source Selection for other Zones p11
Recording source Selection p11
Output volume adjustment p 12
Balance adjustment p12
Muting p12
Mode selection p12
The Setup Menu Functions p13
3.2 Remote control p 14-15
3.3 Cleaning p 15
4TECHNICAL DATA p16-17
Inputs and tape configuration p 16
Digital Outputs p 16
Remote control p 16
Front panel controls p 17
Power supply p17
Grounding p 17
Size and weight p 17
Warranty p17
SCHEMA p18-19
CONTENTS
DTS Trademark: Manufactured under license from Digital Theater
Systems, Inc. U.S. Pat. No's. 5,451,942; 5,956,674; 5,974,380;
5,978,762; 6,226,616; 6,487,535 and other U.S. and world-wide
patents issued and pending. "DTS" and "DTS Digital Surround" are
registered trademarks of Digital Theater Systems, Inc. Copyright
1996, 2003 Digital Theater Systems, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
User manual - GOLDMUND MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER

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 amateurs who demand the very best in musical
reproduction, we strongly recommend the use of top quality amplifiers with a digital input,
since most of the digital signal performance delivered by the Mimesis 24 can be deteriorated
by using lower quality amplifier or D/A converters.
The connections between the analog and digital sources and the preamplifier, as well as
between the Mimesis 24 and the power amplifiers are also 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 best systems may provide. In all typical
cases Goldmund recommends using the special Goldmund Lineal interconnect and digital
cables
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2.1
SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER
UNPACKING
You will find in the package:
❑the Preamplifier itself,
❑the power cord,
❑the remote control,
❑this owner's manual.
Unpack carefully the above-mentioned parts.
Keep the whole package for future use.
ATTENTION
IF YOU NEED TO RETURN THE MIMESIS 24 TO THE FACTORY OR TO YOUR 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 24 IN
TRANSIT. USE OF ALTERNATIVE PACKAGING IS LIKELY TO RESULT IN DAMAGE, INVALIDATING
WARRANTY COVER.

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SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER
CHOICE OF THE MIMESIS 24 LOCATION
Select a very rigid support, as required for your CD player transport.
The distance between the Mimesis 24 and the power amplifiers 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 of the signal. The
Goldmund Lineal cables have been designed to maintain this accuracy and are highly
recommended. For some high impedance output analogue sources, a short distance to the
Preamplifier is mandatory.
If you want to achieve the best possible sonic result, select a position on a shelf or on a piece
of furniture where the Preamplifier is isolated from vibrations of mechanical components,
including the CD transport itself.
You must also be careful to locate your Mimesis 24 in a very well ventilated location. When
powered on, the Mimesis 24, as all high quality electronic equipment, generates a significant
amount of heat, which has to be evacuated by natural ventilation. For the same reason, it is
perfectly normal that, after few hours of operation, your Mimesis 24gets quite hot.
2.2

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SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER
POWER SUPPLY
The Goldmund Mimesis 24 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, you can change the voltage by
yourself or consult your local Goldmund dealer for assistance.
The power supply unit tolerates both 50 & 60 Hz mains.
FIRST INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS
POWER CONNECTION
Plug the ACpower 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.
The unit has a standby position that can be activated by pressing the front panel key marked
“CTRL” first, then without releasing it, the “MUTE” key. A repetition of the same operation
brings the unit back to normal functioning.
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.
When turned ON by the back panel power switch, the unit performs a self test run by its
internal software, then a software routine successively tests the modules inside the machine.
If any abnormal functioning is detected, it is displayed on the front panel.
2.3
2.4

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SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER
FIRST INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS
COMPUTER CONFIGURATOR
The Mimesis 24 is so versatile that the configurations in which it can be used are limitless.
In order to set the unit to work in your own configuration, a Windows configurator is
available on our web site. The installer or dealer who is setting up the machine must
download this program in any Windows compatible machine and run it to describe the
environment in which the machine will be used. A serial cable (null-modem type) linking the
computer with the Mimesis 24will be used to download the resulting configuration into the
Mimesis 24. The Configuration software is provided with a small "Readme" file which
explains its functions.
SOURCES CONNECTION
Connect the analogue sources or tape machines to the back panel analog inputs and the
digital sources to the digital inputs of the Goldmund Mimesis 24, 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. The 2 tape outputs are separated.
The 2 first analog inputs (IN1 and IN2) are for 6 channel units like SACD players or DVD
Audio players.
Start connecting your favorite 2-channel analog sources from IN3 up to IN7.
Analog inputs have a level adjustment inside the machine, channel per channel. When the
machine cover is removed, this adjustment is accessible on the right side of the Printed
Boards by a combination of 2 switches per analog input channel.
For each one there are 3 possible levels:
(switch positioning is drawn on the right side of the Printed Board)
Left Switch Right Switch
Input level max: 1. 16V peak-peak left right
2. 7.5V peak-peak left left
3. 1.5V peak peak right any
In most cases, we recommend position 2.
In very high level DVD outputs you may have to switch to level 1.
Level 3 is only for very low level sources like some phono preamplifiers.
2.4

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2.4
SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER
FIRST INSTALLATION AND CONNECTIONS
SOURCES CONNECTION (contd.)
If you use analog tape machines, their analog output can be connected to any of the
available inputs. The Menu Functions of the Mimesis 24 will allow you to dedicate any input
to a tape machine and automatically avoid the input-output loop accordingly.
The analog tape outputs are connected in parallel, except when the connected tape machine
is in monitoring.
You can use a maximum of 2 analog tape machines with all possible copy functions. You can
connect more units for listening purpose but they won’t be able to record simultaneously.
Digital inputs are also numbered from IN1 to IN7. Digital tape machines may be connected
to one or more specific output zones as defined in the Computer Configurator.
When all input sources and tape machines are connected, connect the local zone digital
output RCA jacks to the digital-input power amplifiers, using high quality digital cables like
the Goldmund Lineal. For use in multi-channel systems, up to 5 first RCA outputs are
selected depending on the zone configuration established in the Computer Configurator
(see its readme file for more details).
The Db9 connector available on the power supply module on the back panel of the Mimesis
24 is used to link the Mimesis 24 to an external computer or control unit in order to control
all the functions of the Preamplifier.
They can be also needed to link the Mimesis 24 to a computer for program changes, and
initial configuration loading.

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3.1
OPERATING THE MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER
FRONT PANEL KEYBOARD FUNCTIONS
-Standby function:
The Standby position can be activated by pressing the front panel key marked “CTRL” first,
then without releasing it, the “MUTE” key.
Arepetition of the same operation brings back the unit to normal functioning.
When the machine is in standby the front panel Led controls are off except the red “SBY”
Led, but the circuitry remains connected as long as the power supply switch is not turned
off.
In Standby, all local zone outputs are muted.
-Input Source Selection for the Local Zone:
The back panel inputs are selected by pressing the front panel keys marked from “CH1” to
“CH7”.
When only one of these keys is pressed and you were listening to a analog source, the
corresponding source is selected and transmitted to the unit for the corresponding zone.
The corresponding green Led indicates this selection.
Toactivate one of the 7 digital inputs, click twice on the channel you want to listen to.
After you have selected one of the digital inputs, the Mimesis 24 will be in the “digital input”
mode and the next channel you will click once will again select a digital input.
If you want to select an analog input you will have once again to click twice on the needed
channel key to return in the analog mode.
When a digital input has been selected, the corresponding key will light in green as soon as
the digital source has locked to the source frequency.

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3.1
OPERATING THE MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER
FRONT PANEL KEYBOARD FUNCTIONS
-Input Source Selection for other Zones:
The zone selection is made by turning the left knob.
The selected zone appears on the first 2 digits of the display.
Browse the existing zones (Zone creation is made in the configurator program during the
initial machine installation).
When you have reached the zone you want to change the input for, select it by pressing the
“MODE” key and then select the input using the 7 channel keys, as for the local zone.
The back panel inputs are selected by pressing the front panel keys marked from “CH1” to
“CH7”.
When only one of these keys is pressed and you were listening to an analog source, the
corresponding source is selected and transmitted to the unit for the corresponding zone. The
corresponding green Led indicates this selection.
To activate one of the 7 digital inputs, click twice on the channel you want to listen to.
After you have selected one of the digital inputs, the Mimesis 24 will be in the “digital input”
mode and the next channel you will click once will again select a digital input. If you want
to select an analog input you will have once again to click twice on the needed channel key
to return in the analog mode.
When a digital input has been selected, the corresponding key will light in green as soon as
the digital source has locked to the source frequency.
-Recording Source Selection:
Any source can be selected to be recorded independently from the source which is played
(it can be the same or a different one).
To select the source that will be recorded, first use the left knob to browse to select one of
the recording zones set up in the computer configurator. From factory, the zone 17 is set to
the analog tape machine and zones 13, 14, 15 and 16 for the digital recording machines.
When you reach the zone corresponding to the machine you want to record to, select it by
pressing once the “MODE” key, then select the source to record on this recording machine
by pressing one of the channel keys.

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3.1
OPERATING THE MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER
FRONT PANEL KEYBOARD FUNCTIONS
-Output Volume Adjustment:
The level control may be adjusted by hand or by remote control. It acts only on the Local
zone and for all channels simultaneously if the unit is playing a multi-channel source.
-Balance Adjustments:
Toadjust the various speaker balances in multi-channel or stereo, press the “BAL” key and
turn the left knob to select which balance to adjust. In stereo only the right-Left balance can
be adjusted, so the left button has no action.
Adjust the selected balance using the right knob.
-Muting:
To mute the preamplifier output, press the “MUTE” key. The same operation repeated brings
back the preamplifier to normal operation.
-Mode selection:
Depending on the capabilities of the source you have selected to listen in the local Zone,
several modes may be accessible.
Astereo source will allow different playback modes than a DVD, for example.
To see the zone selection, press the “MODE” key.
Then, the left knob allows you to browse the possible modes existing for the source you have
selected.
When you reach the mode you want to select, press the “MODE” key to select it.
The playback will be changed accordingly.

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3.1
OPERATING THE MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER
FRONT PANEL KEYBOARD FUNCTIONS
-The Setup Menu Functions:
Your Mimesis 24 may be personalized thanks to the Menu Functions.
Your personal choice for each Menu Function is kept in machine memory even if the
machine is disconnected from power.
To enter the Menu Function selection,
Press “CTRL” and, without releasing it, press the “MODE” key. You are entering the Menu
mode.
Press the “MODE” key until you reach the Menu Function you want to modify.
The existing Menu Functions are:
•Display Brightness: to adjust the display brightness
(100%, 80%, 53%, 40%, 27%, 20%, 13%)
•Display Time: To select the display as permanent or only temporary
with the temporary time adjustable (5s, 10s, 15s, 20s, 25s, 30s)
To leave the Menu function selection
-If you have made any modification, pressing again the “CTRL”key and the “MODE” key will
make you immediately return to normal operation.
-If you have not made any modification you may also return immediately to normal
operation by pressing first the “MODE” key then the “CTRL”key and the “MODE” key.
-If you leave the Preamplifier unattended for 10 seconds, it will also automatically return to
normal operation.
Note: If, after modifying one function, you press again the
“CTRL” key and the “MODE” key, you will immediately quit
the Menu Functions.

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3.2
OPERATING THE MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER
REMOTE CONTROL
Your Mimesis 24 has built-in remote-control for volume, balance and input selection.
The Mute circuit can also be controlled using the remote. To mute or de-mute the Mimesis
24 with the remote, press the "MUTE/STBY" key briefly.
To put the Mimesis 24 in Standby mode, press the "MUTE/STBY" key continuously until the
Mimesis 24 goes to Standby, indicated by the Standby Led on the front panel.
The remote control is used for controlling only the local zone.
The SCREEN and LIGHT keys will be used in future applications.
The VOL+ and VOL- are adjusting the global volume of the local zone.
The 4 balance keys (diamond configuration) are controlling the right/left and front/rear
balance directly,maintaining a constant global volume.
The 1 to 7 keys are selecting the source to listen.
MODE key: selection of a mode for adjustment of the format and menu functions.
CALIB key: Lights the leds selecting the remote red-inscribed functions, to adjust the level of
center and Subwoofer channels when in multi-channel operation. To deactivate, press the
CALIB key again.
TEST: activates the pink noise.
In the Test mode:
•Use the balance RIGHT and LEFT keys of the "diamond" to select one channel at a time.
The balance front and rear keys are used for adjusting the selected speaker level.
• The IN4 key makes all speakers play the pink noise together.
• The IN1 key returns the pink noise only to the selected speaker.
• The IN3 key stops the pink noise from all speakers.
• The IN2 key is a toggle switch for the pink noise on the selected speaker.
The corresponding keys of the Mimesis 24 front panel provide the same functions.

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3.2
OPERATING THE MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER
REMOTE CONTROL(contd.)
In the TEST mode, Leds of the front panel indicate the speaker selection:
In Multi-channel mode, this is the meaning of the Leds:
•MODE and BALANCE (ENTER) on: indicates a Front selection
•CTRL and MUTE on: indicates a Rear selection
•IN2 on: means a left speaker (either front or rear)
• IN6 on: means a right speaker (either front or rear)
•IN4 on: Front or Rear Center
•IN3+IN4+IN5+MODE+BALANCE(ENTER)+CTRL+MUTE: Subwoofer
In 2-Channel mode:
•IN2 led on: Left channel
•IN6 led on: Right channel
The Mimesis 24 can be controlled by any RC5 coded remote-control emitter. The codes are
available upon request.
Most of the programmable transmitter units available have the capabilities to drive the
Mimesis 24 as a standard digital preamplifier, for all the specified functions.
CLEANING
Always disconnect the power cord from the wall socket before cleaning your Preamplifier.
To clean the external metal of the Preamplifier, always use a clean, soft, damp cloth. Dampen
with water or a mild detergent solution. Avoid abrasive or harsh cleansers (eg. products
containing sodium carbonate).
The identification plates are gold plated. Simply clean them with a soft cloth, without any
chemical solution.
3.3

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INPUTS AND TAPE CONFIGURATION
• 2 analog 6-channel inputs.
• 5 analog 2-channel inputs.
• 7 digital inputs (3 x RCA, 2 x XLR, 1 x Toslink optical, 1 x ATT optical). Any one can be
selected to receive multi-channel encoded signal by the software configurator.
• 2 analog tape loops with tape inputs using any input channel. Separate recording loop
allowing to select a source for listening independently from the source recorded. 2
analog stereo tape outputs in parallel.
DIGITAL OUTPUTS
• 16 Digital RCA SPDIF outputs with 2 channels for each.
• Front panel and remote-control adjustable level control with more than 102 dB range and
0.2dB accuracy in the 0->-50dB range.
REMOTE CONTROL
•RC5 Standard remote system compatible with standard programmable remote control
transmitter (codes available on request).
•Volume and balance control.
•Selection of the source and the recorded source.
•Remote Muting.
TECHNICAL DATA

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FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
•11 keys for all machine functions including the menu controls.
•Individual control by Leds of the input selected for listening.
•24 characters alphanumeric display with adjustable brightness and disable function
to display the status of the machine.
•Separate Led display of Standby (red).
POWER SUPPLY
• Power transformers molded in a decoupled mechanical block with separate
Mechanical Grounding transmission through the 2 left feet.
• 4 separate transformers.
• 6 separately regulated power supplies.
• Nominal ACline voltage : 117 V or 234 V.
• Input voltage range : +/- 15%.
• Maximum power consumption : 55 W.
GROUNDING
•Separated ground and earth connections to control ground loops.
SIZE AND WEIGHT
•44 cm W x 43 cm D x 10.7 cm H.
• 20 kg.
WARRANTY
• 3 years parts and labor.
TECHNICAL DATA
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GOLDMUND MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER Front Panel
SCHEMA

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GOLDMUND MIMESIS 24 UNIVERSAL PREAMPLIFIER Back Panel
SCHEMA