Listen AudioConnect 4x4 User manual

Listen, Inc. 580 Harrison Ave, Suite 3W, Boston, MA 02118
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Web: www.listeninc.com
Sales: [email protected] Support: [email protected]
Listen, Inc. 580 Harrison Ave, Suite 3W, Boston, MA 02118
Tel: [phone] Fax: [phone] Web: www.listeninc.com
Sales: [email protected] Support: [email protected]
AudioConnect 4x4
User Manual
TM
Listen, Inc. 580 Harrison Ave, Suite 3W, Boston, MA 02118. Tel: [phone].
Web: www.listeninc.com Sales: [email protected] Support: [email protected]
PN: 8091 REV 052715
AUDIOCONNECT 4X4 USER MANUAL
© COPYRIGHT 2013-2015 LISTEN, INC.

Rev 052715

AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual Contents i
Contents. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .i
Limited Warranty. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . iii
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
Nomenclature used in this manual . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1
In the Box. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Power and Safety Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Operation Requirements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Driver Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Rack-Mounting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Hardware Setup in SoundCheck . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
SoundCheck Hardware Editor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
ASIO Control Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Back Panel Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
AC POWER INLET . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Cable Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Connector Pin Outs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Clock Settings and Connections . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .10
Connection Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Support . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
EMC Certifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
FCC Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
CE EMC Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
CE Safety Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Contents

ii Contents AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual
Specifications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Contact Information. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual Limited Warranty iii
Limited Warranty
LISTEN, Inc., a Massachusetts Corporation, having its principal place of business at 580 Harrison Ave,
Suite 3W, Boston, MA 02118 ("Manufacturer") warrants its AudioConnect 4x4 products (the "Products") as
follows:
1. Limited Warranty.
Manufacturer warrants that the Products sold hereunder will be free from defects in material and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from the date of purchase. If the Products do not conform to this
Limited Warranty during the warranty period (as herein above specified), Buyer shall notify Manufacturer in
writing of the claimed defects and demonstrate to Manufacturer satisfaction that said defects are covered
by this Limited Warranty. If the defects are properly reported to Manufacturer within the warranty period,
and the defects are of such type and nature as to be covered by this warranty, Manufacturer shall, at its own
expense, furnish, replacement Products or, at Manufacturer's option, replacement parts for the defective
Products. Shipping of the replacement Products or replacement parts shall be at Buyer's expense.
2. Other Limits.
THE FOREGOING IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT
NOT LIMITED TO THE IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A
PARTICULAR PURPOSE. Manufacturer does not warrant against damages or defects arising out of
improper or abnormal use of handling of the Products; against defects or damages arising from improper
installation (where installation is by persons other than Manufacturer), against defects in products or
components not manufactured by Manufacturer, or against damages resulting from such non-Manufacturer
made products or components. Manufacturer passes on to Buyer the warranty it received (if any) from the
maker thereof of such non-Manufacturer made products or components. This warranty also does not apply
to Products upon which repairs have been effected or attempted by persons other than pursuant to written
authorization by Manufacturer.
3. Exclusive Obligation.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXCLUSIVE. The sole and exclusive obligation of Manufacturer shall be to repair or
replace the defective Products in the manner and for the period provided above. Manufacturer shall not
have any other obligation with respect to the Products or any part thereof, whether based on contract, tort,
strict liability or otherwise. Under no circumstances, whether based on this Limited Warranty or otherwise,
shall Manufacturer be liable for incidental, special, or consequential damages.
4. Other Statements.
Manufacturer's employees or representatives' ORAL OR OTHER WRITTEN STATEMENTS DO NOT
CONSTITUTE WARRANTIES, shall not be relied upon by Buyer, and are not a part of the contract for sale
or this limited warranty.
5. Entire Obligation.
This Limited Warranty states the entire obligation of Manufacturer with respect to the Products. If any part of
this Limited Warranty is determined to be void or illegal, the remainder shall remain in full force and effect.

iv Limited Warranty AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual
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AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual Introduction 1
Introduction
AudioConnect 4x4TM is a high precision audio interface offering 4 channels of analog input and output as
well as 4 channels of digital I/O. This audio interface offers a high signal to noise ratio and a wide frequency
response, making it suitable for the most demanding measurement applications. It supports sample rates
up to 192kHz.
It is specifically designed for simple operation and error-free use in audio and electroacoustic test and
measurement. It is supplied fully calibrated, and offers only digital and analog audio in and out channels,
USB control, and a power indicator - all other typical audio interface controls not required for audio test
applications are eliminated. The 24-bit AES3 digital I/O allows all 4 digital in/out channels to be transmitted
via a DB25 balanced cable set.
It is ruggedly constructed for use in production environments and is rack-mountable. Firmware updates may
be loaded via a computer and USB connection, ensuring future compatibility with new operating systems.
Features
z4 channels of Analog-to-Digital and Digital-to-Analog conversion (on DB25 connectors)
z4 channels of AES/EBU digital I/O on a DB25 connector
zAllows 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192kHz sample rates
zRugged rack-mountable construction
zFirmware update via USB connection to computer
z2 analog DB25 cable sets included
Nomenclature used in this manual
The following typographic conventions are used in this manual:
zText in quotation marks indicates a parameter selection value or menu option (i.e. “EXT”).
zPhrases, such as: Start > Programs > Listen, Inc. use the greater than symbol (“>”) to indicate
multiple menu options or mouse selections within a software control context.

2 Introduction AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual
In the Box
The following items are included in your AudioConnect 4x4 carton:
zAC Power Cord
zUSB Cable
zAudioConnect 4x4 Driver Disk (Drivers can also be found at www.listeninc.com)
zAudioConnect 4x4 User’s Manual
z2) 4 channel, 1/4” TRS to dB25 audio cables
If any items are missing or damaged, please contact Listen, Inc.: [e-mail].
Power and Safety Information
To prevent fire or shock hazard, do not expose this equipment to rain or moisture. Do not block any of the
ventilation openings. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the grounding-type plug. A grounding type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The third prong is provided for your safety. If the provided plug
does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet. Protect the power
cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at the plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point
where they connect to the AudioConnect 4x4. Unplug this device during lightning storms or when unused
for long periods of time.
Please note that the AudioConnect 4x4 comes factory-configured for a specific voltage range, and cannot
be changed in the field. The acceptable voltage range of the AudioConnect 4x4 is printed on the label
affixed to the top cover of the AudioConnect 4x4 just above the AC power inlet. Failure to connect the
AudioConnect 4x4 to an AC power source that conforms to the requirements printed on the label may
damage the AudioConnect 4x4 and require it to be returned to the factory for non-warranty repair.

AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual Installation 3
Installation
Operation Requirements
The AudioConnect 4x4 was designed to operate seamlessly with industry-standard components.
Input/Output
The AudioConnect 4x4’s analog I/O can be used with balanced or unbalanced line level devices operating
at a nominal trim level of +4dBu. The analog outputs are capable of delivering +20 dBu signal levels, it is
important to verify that connected equipment is capable of handling these signal levels to prevent clipping
or possible damage.
The AudioConnect 4x4 supports AES/EBU for the digital inputs and outputs, and can be used with any
AES/EBU device that supports standard sample rates between 44.1kHz and 192 kHz.
Please refer to Cable Connections on page 8 for more information about available cable sets.
Driver Installation
Use the driver CD supplied with the unit or download the latest driver and firmware from our website:
www.listeninc.com.
Refer to our Hardware Compatibility List for installation and operation issues related to operating systems
and computer components. Available at www.listeninc.com.
1. The driver should be installed prior to connecting the AudioConnect 4x4 to the computer. Insert the
Installation CD into your computer’s disk drive.
2. Locate the AudioConnect Driver folder on the CD. Double-click the AudioConnect 4x4 Driver
Setup v###.exe file
3. Follow the prompts, accepting the default location for the driver files.
4. Power on the AudioConnect 4x4.
5. You will be prompted to disconnect and reconnect your devices. At this point connect the
appropriate USB cable between the AudioConnect 4x4 and the USB port on your computer. Make
sure that the AudioConnect 4x4 is powered on. Click “Next>”.
6. You may receive a warning that the driver has not been digitally signed by Microsoft. It is safe to
disregard this warning and select “Continue Anyway.”
Once the driver is installed you can open SoundCheck and proceed to Hardware Setup in SoundCheck
on page 5.
Rack-Mounting
The AudioConnect 4x4 is able be mounted in standard studio equipment racks. Please note that high
performance, high resolution AD and DA converters generate substantial heat.
For optimal performance and product longevity, it is necessary to leave an empty rack space above and
below the AudioConnect 4x4.

4 Installation AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual
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AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual Hardware Setup in SoundCheck 5
Hardware Setup in SoundCheck
SoundCheck Hardware Editor
zDriver - ASIO
zDevice Name - ASIO
AudioConnect 4x4
zSelect Ch - Analog 1-4 or
Digital 1-4
Digital Channels are routed to
the AES I/O channels 1-4
(see Figure 3-1)
zLatency - 5145 (this depends
on the sample rate selected,
44.1kHz, as well as USB
Streaming and ASIO buffer
values) See ASIO Control
Panel below.
The Hardware Editor in Figure 3-1 shows the general settings for the Input and Output Vp values as well as
the Latency when using an ASIO buffer of 2048 and USB Streaming set to Safe.
ASIO buffer and USB Streaming mode are set in the ASIO Control Panel which is launched separately.
In the SoundCheck Hardware Editor, while in Tab View, click on the ASIO Control Panel button.
ASIO Control Panel
Buffer Settings
The default settings are:
zUSB Streaming Mode - Safe
zASIO Buffer Size - 2048 samples
The default ASIO buffer allows 4 simultaneous
channels of acquisition in SoundCheck at sample rates
up to 192kHz. The number of channels can be
dependent on computer performance. Low
performance computers may not support high sample
rate, multichannel acquisition. Please refer to the
Hardware Compatibility List on our website for more information on computer selection issues.
http://www.listeninc.com/us/support/download_drivers.html
Figure 3-1: Hardware Editor Table

6 Hardware Setup in SoundCheck AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual
Some computers may require that you lower the ASIO buffer size due to performance issues.
Note: When you change the ASIO buffer size, USB Streaming mode or Sample Rate, you will need to
change the Latency value in the Hardware Editor. Set the Hardware Latency to 0 (zero) and run
the Self Test sequence from the Calibration folder in SoundCheck. This will give you the new
Latency value. Enter this value in the Latency fields of the Hardware Editor. All channels,
analog or digital, must have the same latency value.
Status
zConfirms the connected device and serial
number
zShows the Current Sample Rate
The sample rate of AudioConnect 4x4 will automatically
update to the rate set in the SoundCheck Hardware
Editor (see Figure 3-1).
Info
Device Info
zManufacturer
zProduct Name
zVID/PID
z*Revision: Firmware rev number
z*Serial No
Driver Info
z*Version Number
z*Release Build Number
* indicates required when requesting service

AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual Operation 7
Operation
Front Panel
POWER
zGreen LED indicator shows when power is on
zTo completely power down the AudioConnect 4x4, it must be unplugged from the AC power source
Back Panel Connections
AudioConnect 4x4 has been designed for maximum flexibility to integrate smoothly into today’s engineering
environment. Following is a guide to the physical connectors on the AudioConnect 4x4 back panel.
ANALOG IN (1-4)
25-pin D-Sub connector provides access to Analog Inputs 1-4.
Please refer to Cable Connections on page 8 for more information about compatible cable sets.
ANALOG OUT (1-4)
25-pin D-Sub connector provides access to Analog Outputs 1-4
AES I/O 1-4 (PORT A)
25-pin D-Sub connector provides access to AES/EBU Digital Inputs and Outputs 1-4. Please refer to Cable
Connections on page 8 for more information about compatible cable sets.
LSLOT USB EXPANSION PORT
Port for installation of LSlot USB card which is used to connect AudioConnect 4x4 to the SoundCheck
computer USB port.
WORD CLOCK IN and WORD CLOCK OUT BNC connectors
WORD CLOCK OUT - Allows external devices to synchronize to the AudioConnect 4x4 sample clock
generator. AudioConnect 4x4 will pass clock out this port. It is set as clock master.
WORD CLOCK IN - Not used. AudioConnect 4x4 is always set as Master.
Figure 4-1: Back Panel

8 Operation AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual
AC POWER INLET
For connection of AC power to the AudioConnect 4x4. Please note that the AudioConnect 4x4 comes
factory-configured for a specific voltage range, and cannot be changed in the field. Available voltages are:
115, 230 and 100 VAC. The acceptable voltage range of the AudioConnect 4x4 is printed on the label
affixed to the top cover of the AudioConnect 4x4 just above the AC power inlet. Failure to connect the
AudioConnect 4x4 to an AC power source that conforms to the requirements printed on the label may
damage the AudioConnect 4x4 and require it to be returned to the factory for non-warranty repair.
Cable Connections
Compatible cables for the AudioConnect 4x4 analog and digital I/O ports are available directly through
Listen, Inc. The 25-pin D-Sub connectors on AudioConnect 4x4 conform to industry-standard pin
configurations, so that off-the shelf cable solutions are available from third party suppliers should custom
lengths or connector types be required.
Cable PN AC 4x4
Port
Connectors Connectors Length Use
501-4051-01-01 Analog I/O DB25 1/4” TRS Male X 4 9.9’
(3M)
4-Channels Balanced
Analog In/Out
CBL-DIGY85 Digital I/O DB25 XLR Male X 4,
XLR Female X 4
16.4’
(5M)
8-Channels AES/EBU
In/Out (only channels
1_thru_4 available)

AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual Operation 9
Connector Pin Outs
Analog
For third-party cable solutions, Analog cables should conform to the Tascam DA-88 Analog I/O pinout:
Unused Pins: 1 thru 6 and 13 thru 19
Digital
For third-party cable solutions, Digital cables should adhere to the Yamaha MY8AE96 YGDAI Digital I/O
pinout:
GND: 10, 12, 13, 22, 23, 24, 25 (Any of these can be used as ground.)
Unused Pins: 3, 4, 7 to 9, 11, 16, 17, 20 to 22
Note: Only Digital channels 1 - 4 are available.
Signal Analog Channels
1234
Pin
Hot 241021 7
Cold 12 23 9 20
GND251122 8
Signal
Digital Input
Channels
Digital Output
Channels
1-2 3-4 1-2 3-4
Pin Hot 1 2 5 6
Cold 14 15 18 19

10 Operation AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual
Clock Settings and Connections
In any system with more than one digital device, there can be only one master clock providing
synchronization to all connected devices. AudioConnect 4x4 is set to be clock master, thereby slaving all
other devices to the AudioConnect 4x4. It is important that only a single device act as clock master, to
prevent the occurrence of audible digital errors.
Only one clock source can be used at a time for both the analog and digital I/O.
AudioConnect 4x4 as Clock Master
This allows AudioConnect 4x4 to generate a sample clock from its internal low-jitter crystal oscillator. In this
state, the analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog converters in the AudioConnect 4x4 will derive clock from
the internal clock generator, as will any external devices connected to the AudioConnect 4x4’s digital
outputs or word clock output.
When using the internal clock it is necessary to choose the appropriate sample rate. AudioConnect 4x4
supports sample rates of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 and 192 kHz.
External devices can slave to the AudioConnect 4x4 clock via the DIGITAL outputs or WORD CLOCK
output
The WORD CLOCK out provides a 75-ohm TTL level signal at a frequency that tracks the sample clock rate
of the AudioConnect 4x4. Connect this output to the word clock input of an external device using a 75-ohm
cable with BNC connectors. Consult the documentation for the slave device to determine how to set it to
receive sample clock from its digital input or word clock input.

AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual Connection Diagram 11
Connection Diagram
The figure below shows only one of the many possible configurations using AudioConnect 4x4.
AES/EBU <> SPDIF
Bi-directional Converter
HOSA CDL-313 (Coax),
ODL-312 (Optical) or similar
SPDIF
SoundCheck
Computer
AC 4x4
Out 1 to
Signal In
AC
4x4
In 1
AC 4x4 In 3
AC 4x4 In 4
To Word
Clock in of
Digital Audio
Device
AC
4x4
In 2
AC 4x4
Out 1 to
Signal In
USB
SC Amp 1
SC Amp 2
Impedance
Out 1
Impedance
Out 2
SCM 3 Mic SCM 3 Mic
SoundConnect 2

12 Connection Diagram AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual
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AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual Troubleshooting 13
Troubleshooting
Unit will not turn on:
Check the following:
zIs the AC Power Cord securely connected to the AC port on the AudioConnect 4x4, and is it
securely connected to a valid, grounded AC Outlet?
zCheck the label by the AC adapter on the back of the AudioConnect 4x4 to insure that you are
using the correct version for your electrical system. The AudioConnect 4x4 is available in 100V,
115V and 230V configurations.
Clicking, popping or crackling noises in your audio:
Check clock master settings. In any digital audio configuration, there can be one, and only one master
clock, or else you will likely experience audible clock errors. All other digital audio devices must be
configured as slaves to the designated master clock. AudioConnect 4x4 should be used as the master clock
in your digital audio system.
Audio plays back at a faster or slower rate than expected:
This is usually the result of mismatched clock rates and/or multiple clock masters. For example, if you are
playing back audio recorded at 44.1 kHz, but you have set the clock for 48 kHz, the audio will play back
faster and at a higher pitch than expected. Make certain you have set only one device as clock master, and
that the selected sample rate matches the audio source.
No audio to analog outputs:
Check the following elements.
zInsure that the Cable connected to the appropriate analog output port is the cable supplied by
Listen, Inc. or adheres to the Tascam DA-88 Analog I/O pin configuration.
zVerify that your monitoring equipment is turned on and the levels are turned up to a safe listening
level.
No audio to digital outputs:
Check the following elements.
zInsure that the Cable connected to the appropriate digital I/O port is the cable supplied by Listen,
Inc. or adheres to the Yamaha MY8AE96 YGDAI Digital I/O pin-out configuration.
zVerify that your digital signal destination is configured to receive signals from its AES/EBU input,
and that the levels are turned up to a safe listening level.

14 Troubleshooting AudioConnect 4x4TM Manual
Support
We are devoted to making your experience with the AudioConnect 4x4 trouble-free and productive. If the
troubleshooting and operational sections of this manual did not help resolve your questions, several
support options are available to you:
Listen, Inc. Website Support Resources
Logging on to http://www.Listeninc.com/ will provide several options for resolving your support issues:
Driver and Firmware Downloads
A library of current firmware and driver files are available for download and installation from our website:
www.listeninc.com
Check back regularly to insure that your AudioConnect 4x4 is up-to-date.
Telephone Support
Telephone support is available by calling [phone] from 9AM to 5PM EST, Monday through Friday,
excluding United States Holidays.
Return Policy
If you have a unit that you suspect is defective or is malfunctioning contact Listen, Inc. technical support via
one of the means described above for diagnosis. If the technician determines that the unit is faulty, they will
issue an RMA number so you can send the unit in for repair. Units received without a valid RMA number will
be refused. All RMA numbers are valid for 30 days from the date of issue.