Meitner audio Ma-1 Assembly instructions

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

001

Version 1.4

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

002

Safety Instructions

Prior to Installing you new Meitner Audio product please read the following

safety instructions:

• Read and follow all instructions.

• Keep these instructions.

• Do not use or install product near any sources of water, rain and/or

moisture.

• Clean using only a dry cloth.

• Install only in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

• Refer all servicing to approved service personnel.

• Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,

stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

• Do not install product outdoors or in direct sunlight.

• Leave at least 10cm or 4 inches around product to ensure proper

ventilation.

• Do not place product near strong electrical or magnetic

radiation/emmissions or near a power amplifier.

This Meitner product must be connected to a mains socket outlet with a

protective earthing connection (grounding pin).

WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO

NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO WATER OR MOISTURE.

EEC: This product has been designed and tested to comply with the limits

set out in EN55013, EN55020 and EN 60065:2009 (electrical safety).

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

003

Introduction

Welcome and congratulations on purchasing a Meitner Audio product.

We at Meitner Audio have strived to build and perfect the absolute best

product using our award winning technology and decades of experience.

We are confident that our products will bring you musical joy and enjoyment

for many years to come.

This manual provides important information regarding the use, installation

and care of your new Meitner Audio product.

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

004

Table of Contents

Safety Instructions page 02

Introduction page 03

Warranty page 05

MA-1 Stereo Digital Converter page 06

Features & Specifications page 07

Front Panel & Functions page 09

Rear Panel & Functions page 11

Connecting and Operating the MA-1 page 13

DSD Audio page 15

Infrared Remote Control page 16

Serial Remote Control (RS232) page 17

Warranty

Meitner Audio warrants the MA-1 product against defects in material and

workmanship under normal use and service for a period of time specified by

the product’s serial number from the date of first delivery to the owner. The

warranty time period is 5 years. Warranty is limited to the original owner and

is non-transferable.

Meitner Audio will pay for return shipping charges back to the owner when

the product is sent to Meitner Audio within the first 90 days after purchase

(US and Canada end-users only). Otherwise, owner will be responsible for all

shipping charges to and from Meitner Audio.

For all warranty claims, a copy of the original invoice must accompany the

product.

Opening the product or modifying it in any way by the owner, including but

not limited to cryogenic treatment, will void any warranty.

Please contact Meitner Audio ([email protected]) for RMA number and

shipping instructions before shipping any product to Meitner Audio.

Meitner Audio products are sold worldwide through authorized dealers with

restricted territories. Meitner Audio product purchased from non-authorized

dealers or from a dealer selling outside his/her authorized territory will

automatically void product warranty.

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

005

Warranty

MA-1 Stereo Digital Converter

The MA-1 is a high-performance stereo digital converter with a wide variety

of user selectable digital inputs. It has been refined from our high end and

acclaimed professional converter systems which are used worldwide in

professional studios to create some of the finest recordings.

The MA-1 provides near instantaneous digital to analog conversion from a

host of digital inputs.

The MA-1 includes digital inputs for USB, AES, TOSLINK and SPDIF.

Word lengths up to 24bit, and sample frequencies up to 192kHz are

supported on all digital inputs.

DSD streaming is also supported on the USB digital audio input.

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

006

MA-1 Stereo Digital Converter

Features & Specifications

2-Channel Digital to Analog Conversions (All Digital Inputs):

• 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz & 192kHz

• Word lengths up to 24bit

2-Channel DSD (1bit, 2.8Mhz) Digital to Analog Conversion is supported using DoP 1.0

specification via the USB digital audio input.

Available Digital Inputs:

• 1x USB

• 1x AES/EBU (XLR)

• 2x SPDIF (RCA)

• 2x TOSLINK (Optical)

Analog Outputs:

• Balanced (XLR)

Output Line Level (0dBfs signal on AES/EBU input): 4.6Vrms

Output Impedance: 300Ω

• Un-Balanced (RCA)

Output Line Level (0dBfs signal on AES/EBU input): 2.3Vrms

Output Impedance: 150Ω

Note:

1. XLR analog outputs are balanced with pin 2 hot, pin 3 cold and pin 1 ground.

2. For proper digital audio data transfer (especially at 176kHz and 192kHz) appropriate high

quality TOSLINK, SPDIF, AES and USB 2.0 cables must be used.

System:

• System control via serial RS-232

• USB data port for software upgrades

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

007

Features & Specifications

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

008

Features & Specifications

Power supply:

• Power factor corrected

• Universal 90V-260V, 50/60Hz operation

• Power consumption: 50W

• CE Approved

Remote control: Infrared

Dimensions: W x D x H: 435 x 400 x 92mm

Weight: 7.43kg

 



Front Panel & Functions

1. Standby/Power-Save button:

Toggles the operation between on and power-save mode. In power save mode the

remote control and all front panel functions become inactive.

2. Locked Sample Frequency Indicators:

The appropriate sample rate indicator is lit when the unit detects valid digital audio

data at the selected digital audio input.

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

009

Front Panel & Functions

3. Digital Input Selector Buttons:

• AES: Selects AES/EBU (XLR) format PCM digital input .

• COAX 1: Selects SPDIF (RCA) format PCM audio from COAX 1 connector.

• COAX 2: Selects SPDIF (RCA) format PCM audio from COAX 2 connector.

• TOS 1: Selects SPDIF (TOSLINK) format PCM audio from TOS 1 connector.

• TOS 2: Selects SPDIF (TOSLINK) format PCM audio from TOS 2 connector.

• USB Audio: Selects USB PCM audio (computer, media player, media server).

All digital inputs support 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz and 192kHz.

All digital inputs support word lengths up to 24bit.

USB input also supports DSD streaming over USB using DoP 1.0 specification.

Please note:

1. The Meitner Audio MA-1 is a Class 2.0 USB Audio device. Class 2 audio devices are

supported natively in OSX 10.5.7 and higher, and on Linux with ALSA 1.0.23 and

higher.

2. For Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7, Class 2 USB Audio device drivers are included

with the MA-1. Please see page 14 for installation instructions.

3. Please use USB 2.0 compliant devices for maximum high resolution audio

compatibility. Using the MA-1 with a USB 1.0 and 1.1 device/interface may limit digital

audio bandwidth to 44.1/48kHz sample frequencies.

4. For proper high definition audio transfer (especially 176.4 and 192kHz sample

frequencies) using the TOSLINK interfaces please ensure that your digital source

device and optical cables support sample frequencies above 48kHz.

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

010

Front Panel & Functions

Rear Panel & Functions

1. Main Power connector

2. Main Power Switch.

3. Product VOLTAGE indicator: Indicates working voltage of the MA-1.

4. Product model and serial number indicator:

Warranty void if model/serial number indicator is not attached to unit, missing or

damaged whereby serial number cannot be seen.

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

011

Rear Panel & Functions













Rear Panel & Functions

5. Digital Inputs:

• AES/EBU: AES/EBU (XLR) PCM digital input.

• COAX 1: SPDIF (RCA) format PCM audio.

• COAX 2: SPDIF (RCA) format PCM audio.

• TOS 1: SPDIF (TOSLINK) format PCM audio.

• TOS 2: SPDIF (TOSLINK) format PCM audio.

• USB Audio: USB PCM audio from a computer, media player, server

6. Analog Line Output:

• Left and Right Balanced (XLR) Connectors

• Left and Right Un-Balanced (RCA) Connectors

• Level (Output Line Level with 0dBfs signal on AES/EBU input):

XLR outputs: 4.6Vrms (+15.45dBu)

RCA outputs: 2.3Vrms (+9.45dBu)

7. System

Remote:

• Wired RS232: RS232 communication port

Service:

• USB: Software update port.

• RESET: Used to access the backup BIOS in connection with software

upgrades via the USB port. Should not be used during normal

operation.

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

012

Rear Panel & Functions

Connecting & Operating the MA-1

Please see next page with regards to installing the MA-1’s USB Audio drivers.

1. Connect the included power cable to the MA-1 power connector than to a free power

receptacle.

2. Connect the appropriate digital source connections up to the MA-1's digital inputs

using the appropriate high quality digital audio and USB cables.

3. Connect the appropriate analog outputs of the MA-1 to your pre-amp or integrated

amplifier.

4. Turn on the MA-1 using the main power switch and select a digital input by pressing

one of the digital input selector buttons.

5. Once the MA-1 receives a valid digital audio stream from the digital source, the

detected frequency LED will light up signifying that the MA-1 has started its

conversion process.

6. Please see example above. The USB Audio input is selected hence the USB Audio

LED is lit. Once the MA-1 detects a valid digital audio stream the appropriate sample

frequency LED will be lit. In this case the MA-1 has a detected a valid 96kHz digital

audio stream.

7. When valid DSD data is detected both the 176.4 and 192 LEDs will be lit.

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

013

Connecting & Operating the MA-1

8. Once locked to a sample frequency the MA-1 will start its conversion process and you

will almost instantaneously be able to listen to music.

9. The MA-1 remembers the last digital input it was switched too prior to being switched

off.

USB Audio Input:

1. First, use only well-sheilded certified USB 2.0* cables to connect the MA-1’s USB

Audio input to any USB digital audio source component (computer, laptop, media

server etc.)

2. The MA-1’s USB Audio interface uses the B-type USB connector similar to connectors

used on printers. Please see image below:

3. Select the USB Audio input using front panel input selector buttons.

4. For MAC OSX systems, no driver is needed. OSX has the appropriate USB driver

already installed.

5. For Windows XP, Vista (32 or 64bit) and Windows 7 (32 or 64bit) systems install the

provided USB driver located on the software CD in folder named “Meitner MA-1 USB

Audio Driver” and run the “setup.exe” file. Read and follow the installation instructions.

6. Kernal, ASIO and WASAPI (Vista and Windows 7) drivers will be installed.

*Not using proper cables will cause audio issues between digital source and DAC.

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

014

Connecting & Operating the MA-1

7. For Windows Media Player playback; in Windows Control Panel set the default sound

playback to the MA-1 USB Audio device (XMOS XS1-L1 Audio).

8. In general for most audio applications you will be able to select the MA-1 USB Audio

device (XMOS XS1-L1 Audio) from within the application and choose the appropriate

driver Kernal, ASIO or WASAPI.

DSD Audio

1. The MA-1 currently supports DSD audio streaming and conversion over USB using

DoP 1.0 specification.

2. Please make sure that your MA-1 has the latest installed software and drivers. If unsure

please email support@meitner.com with your MA-1 serial number and our engineers

will be able to tell you if you need to update your unit.

3. Currently there are many different media players that support DSD audio file playback.

Some of them that have been fully tested in-house eg. JRiver for Windows, and

Audivarna and Pure Music for OSX.

4. Every media player will have specific software installation instructions and setup

procedures for enabling DSD streaming. Please consult the specific software manual.

5. Some software manufacturers have also provided quickstart and software setup

guides for download and online. If available Meitner Audio will post links to this on the

MA-1 support website.

6. When setup correctly DSD data detected by the MA-1 will cause both the 176.4 and

192 LEDs to light up.

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

015

Connecting & Operating the MA-1

Infrared Remote Control

Included with the MA-1 is an infrared remote control. You can use the infrared remote control

to select or toggle between the various digital inputs available on the MA-1.

Please see remote guide provided to the right:

AES : Selects the AES/EBU input via AES/EBU XLR connector.

USB : Selects the USB Audio input via USB Audio interface.

COAX 1 : Selects the COAXIAL 1 SPDIF input via COAX 1 RCA connector.

COAX 2 : Selects the COAXIAL 2 SPDIF input via COAX 2 RCA connector.

TOS 1 : Selects the TOSLINK 1 SPDIF input via TOS 1 optical connector.

TOS 2 : Selects the TOSLINK 2 SPDIF input via TOS 2 optical connector.

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

016

Infrared Remote Control

ma 1 dac

meitner

AES USB

COAX

TOS

Serial Remote Control (RS232)

The MA-1 is equipped with a 9-pin RS232 port for system remote control via a serial cable

(not provided by Meitner Audio). Please use a standard RS232 cable. Do not use a null

model cable, as this will not work. RS232 communication port settings:

• 19,200 baud

• 8 bits

• 1 stop bit

• no flow control

• no parity bit

Commands to the MA-1

All commands sent to the DAC2 consist of 3 ASCII characters (all lowercase) followed by a

carraige return or <CR>. Repeating a <CR> will repeat the last command sent. Received

commands are not stored in a stack. They need to be sent in intervals of at least 50ms to

allow enough time for the MA-1 to execute a command before receiving the next one.

Command Function

aes<CR> Selects AES input

to1<CR> Selects TOS 1 input

to2<CR> Selects TOS 2 input

co1<CR> Selects COAX 1 input

co2<CR> Selects COAX 2 input

usb<CR> Selects USB Audio input

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

017

Serial Remote Control (RS232)

Status bytes sent from MA-1

The MA-1 sends back 2 Bytes terminated with a <CR> whenever any status changes.

Byte 0 is input select byte and Byte 1 is sampling frequency and multiplier select.

Byte 0 bit 7 1 (Not Used)

bit 6 1 (Not Used)

bit 5 Status of USB Audio input (0 when selected)

bit 4 Status of TOS 1 input (0 when selected)

bit 3 Status of TOS 2 input (0 when selected)

bit 2 Status of COAX 1 input (0 when selected)

bit 1 Status of COAX 2 input (0 when selected)

bit 0 Status of AES input (0 when selected)

Byte 1 bit 7 1 (Not Used)

bit 6 1 (Not Used)

bit 5 1 (Not Used)

bit 4 4x sampling frequency (0 when selected)

bit 3 2x sampling frequency (0 when selected)

bit 2 1x sampling frequency (0 when selected)

bit 1 48khz sampling frequency (0 when selected)

bit 0 44.1khz sampling frequency (0 when selected)

Eg. USB input selected, and 176.4kHz sampling frequency:

Byte 0 = 11011111 (USB Audio input)

Byte 1 = 11101110 (176.4kHz sampling rate, 4x multiplier and 44.1kHz base)

MA-1 Stereo D/A Converter Manual

018

Serial Remote Control (RS232)

This manual suits for next models

Table of contents

Other Meitner Audio Media Converter manuals

Meitner Audio

Meitner Audio MA3 User manual

Popular Media Converter manuals by other brands

Axis

Axis D1110 installation guide

UTAS

UTAS LMC100A user manual

Baumer

Baumer HOG 11 Mounting and operating instructions

VOLKTEK

VOLKTEK NWT-707 user manual

TR-Electronic

TR-Electronic COV-65 user manual

Wintop

Wintop 10/100M user manual

Motrona

Motrona ES001 operating manual

Cross Technologies

Cross Technologies 2416-x02 instruction manual

exaSound

exaSound e68 owner's manual

Baumer

Baumer MAGRES BMMS M75 manual

Barco

Barco Event Master E2 Lite user guide

Vdwall

Vdwall LVP909 Series user manual

Cosel

Cosel TUHS Series Applications manual

KTI

KTI KC-201-W3-S3 installation guide

AJA

AJA ADA4 Mini-Converter Installation & operation guide

pumpa

pumpa E-LINE DRIVE-01 Translation of the original instruction manual

ATEN

ATEN Interface Converter IC-485S user manual

Safe Fleet

Safe Fleet GPS Series Quick installation guide

Meitner Audio MA-1 Assembly instructions

Popular Media Converter manuals by other brands