MSB Technology ADD-1 User manual

MSB
TECHNOLOGY
MSB TECHNOLOGY
Owners Manual
ADD - 1
Analog to Digital Converter
Audio Director
MSB TECHNOLOGY CORPORATION
14251 Pescadero Road La Honda, CA 94020
Email: [email protected]
[phone] Fax: [phone]

TABLE OFCONTENTS
Foreword............................................... 1
Why use an A/D converter? ................... 2
Copy Protection ................................... 2
Operation............................................... 3
Autoswitching explained
Line Level Inputs
Phono Inputs
Manual control (External Interface)
The Front Of The ADD-1....................... 5
The Back Of The ADD-1....................... 6
Specifications........................................ 7
Troubleshooting .................................... 8
Service and Warranty.............................. 8
Other MSB Products ............................. 9
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FOREWORD
The MSB Audio Director and Digitizer (ADD) is optimized in every way
for the very highest quality digital to analog conversion, and comprises the
latest 96k/24-bit A/D technology. The eight line-level analog inputs are
selected automatically on a priority basis. The highest priority input that is
active will be converted to digital and sent to the outputs. The phono input
is selected from the front panel for minimum cross talk and degradation.
Differential analog architecture is used with high-quality, high-speed op-
erational amplifiers for excellent noise rejection. DC servos carefully regu-
late any signal offset. Sampling frequency can also be selected from the
front panel, allowing optimum recording on a range of media.
The CrystalCS5396 is one of the finest professional A/D chips avail-
able. It uses a 7th order tri-level delta-sigma modulator followed by digital
filtering and decimation, for an unbelievable 120 dB signal-to-noise ratio.
24-bit resolution means that the ADD provides 256 times more resolution
than a 16 bit A/D.
Just as a transport sets the jitter performance for the entire playback sys-
tem, the A/D clock jitter during sampling defines the ultimate performance
of the recording. We generate each clock frequency with separate high
accuracy oscillators. The Crystal 96K digital output transmitter formats
both consumer and professional AES/EBU digital outputs, driven by low
skew, low impedance differential drivers. Coaxial, optical and balanced
XLR connectors are provided for your convenience.
The MSB ADD is upgradable for future digital formats. As copy protec-
tion and a plethora of new audio formats are being proposed, the MSB
ADD offers seamless upgradability with an upgrade header that allows a
new decoding card to be developed for each new format when it emerges.
The MSB Virtual surround processor can also be installed in this upgrade
slot. This will allow Prologic encoded audio to be digitally transformed into
virtual 3D surround. The virtual 3D encoded audio can then be played
back on any DAC and 2-channel setup, providing a “virtual surround” en-
vironment and a expanded soundstage of even normal stereo V3D en-
coded music.
TROUBLESHOOTING
Symptom Solution
No LEDs Light Check power supply connection
Check voltage of power supply (120V-240V)
No Digital Output Digital output is present if optical output shows
red light
No lock from DAC Check Digital connections
Check operation of DAC or processor with
another source
Confirm lock on receiver
Check sample frequency capability of receiver
(44.1 kHz should always work)
No sound Check input source is active
Check proper input is selected
Check sample frequency capability of receiver
(44.1 kHz should always work)
Level too Low Input level is too low. Increase input gain.
Output is distorted Input level is too high. Reduce input gain.
Check input level specifications for each input
type.
Warranty
All MSB products carry a one year warranty. No returns accepted with out a
Return Authorization Number (RMA). Upon receipt, MSB will repair or replace
any defective product. All product shipped FOB La Honda. Shipping damage is
the responsibility of the consignee.
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WHY USE AN A/D CONVERTER?
The greatest benefit derived from using a high quality A/D Converter is
improvement of sound quality when used in conjunction with a digital audio
system. Two primary groups of digital applications benefit: the digital re-
corders and Digital Signal Processing Systems (DSPs). DSP based sys-
tems are surround sound processors which perform the surround sound
calculations in a digital format. All analog audio sources are converted to
digital audio, then processed. Following the processing, the digital audio is
converted back to analog audio outputs. Two conversions have occurred,
Analog to Digital (A/D) and Digital to Analog (D/A). Both conversions
are very important to maintaining high quality sound. Popular press has
focused more on the D/A side but in reality, the A/D side is more critical.
Poor quality conversion at this stage results in poor quality digital data and
poor quality surround computations. Even perfect D/A conversion cannot
get back the lost data.
The recording situation is similar, but A/D conversion is even more impor-
tant. The reference clocking for D/A conversion on the playback of any
digital recording is derived from the playback device, not the D/A con-
verter. Each playback device depends on the quality of the original clock
used to produce the recording. Most digital media like CD was conceived
with studio mastering being the only source of software, so much of the
quality and cost of the process was intended to be accomplished in the
studio. Inexpensive consumer level recorders can seriously compromise
the quality of a recording through poor quality A/D conversion. The MSB
A/D converter supplies a stable accurate digital source for recording. The
quality is already locked in, as the conversion timing is complete. The
actual CD recording process is not really affected by the quality of the
recorder, short of gross data loss. With the PAD, the recorder can then be
chosen for convenient editing and operation, not sound quality.
COPY PROTECTION SCHEMES
Because copy protection information is encoded in the digital outputs of
many devices, they can not be successfully recorded to a digital media.
The best possible legal solution is to convert the digital source into analog of
the highest possible quality, and then convert it back to digital, again with
the highest quality. Connecting the MSB LINK DAC to the digital output
of the source allows even 24 bit / 96K sources to be accurately converted
to analog. The ADD A/D converter is then attached to the analog outputs
of
SPECIFICATIONS
Resolution 24 bit
Signal to Noise Ratio
Line Level Inputs 120 dB
Phono Input 100 dB
Dynamic Range 115 dB
Total Harmonic Distortion 0.0006%
THD + N 102dB
Channel Separation 110 dB
Interchannel Phase Deviation 0.0001 degrees
Sampling Rate 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96 kHz
Passband ripple +/- .005 dB
Stopband ripple >117 dB
Digital Outputs Coaxial, Optical and Balanced
Analog Inputs Phono MM, 2.5 mV/ 47 kOhm
8 Line Level, 2V P-P full scale
Weight 18 lb.
Dimensions 17” x 14” x 1.75”
Rack mountable
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2

the LINK and a very high quality digital stream is created, with no copy
protection. Although the quality is not as good as the original, it is far better
that if the analog outputs of the source were connected to the analog inputs
of the recorder.
OPERATION
The Audio Director operates automatically in most cases. The digital audio
format that is selected in the default mode is 48KHz sampling rate and 24
Bits of resolution. The Audio Director always outputs 24 bits of resolution.
If your processor or recorder is not capable of using all 24 bits, then the
additional bits above your recorders capability are concatenated. Later
when you upgrade your processor, these bits may be able to be used to your
benefit. The highest sampling rate should be used that can be accommo-
dated by your processor. The default 48KHz sampling rate is the highest
accommodated by the vast majority of processors. A higher rate can be
selected on the front panel.
AUTO SWITCHING
The autoswitching in all MSB products works the same way, with subtle
differences. In all cases, when a higher priority signal is detected, the out-
put is switched to the higher priority source. This switching occurs very
rapidly. When the higher priority source is switched off, the next highest
source is selected. With digital audio and video, this switching is fast, but
with audio switching no source is considered off until it is quiet for at least 6
seconds. In this way a signal will not be lost during a quiet spot in a movie.
The setup concept is to attach your inputs with the most commonly used
inputs such as DSS or Cable attached to the lowest priority input. This
source can be left on all the time. Occationally used sources such as LD or
DVD are set at a higher priiority. When you want to watch a movie, put in
the disc and play. Its higher priority interupts the background DSS source.
When the movie is done, the system automatically goes back to the lower
priority source.
LINE LEVEL INPUTS
These inputs are designed to accept standard 2V Peak-to-Peak input sig-
nal. This is the THX approved output level and should be found on all
sources. Most sources can be connected directly to this input with no vol-
ume control required. Specialty and high-end products many times provide
a higher level output, specifically designed for use with passive volume
BEHIND THE ADD-1
1 2 3 4 5 6 7
1) Phono Input - use only with a MM cartridge type phono source. Phono
sources with MC Cartridges need to be used with an external phono preamp
connected to the Line Level Input. A ground screw is included.
2) Line Level Inputs - used with most common sources with RCA
connectors. Inputs autodetect and autoswitch in priority order. As viewed
above, the highest priority input is on the left, the lowest priority on the right.
This means that a source to the left will always interupt a source to the right
A newly activated source to the right will not interupt an existing source to
the left.
3) AES/EBU Digital Output - This is the best output format, compatible
with the highest quality and professional products.
4) Coaxial Digital Output -This is the most common output format and is
preferred over optical except where very long runs or very noisy environ-
ments are concerned.
5) Optical Digital Output - The optical format is also common on many
consumer products.
6) Power Connector - Must be connected to the desktop supply included
with the PAD. For
critical applications,
use the P1000
Power Base, sold
separately.
7) External Inter-
face - Allows
manual control over
all switching.
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controls (with no gain). The higher level of these sources should be attenu-
ated, ideally with a passive volume control (a high quality resistor to ground).
Measurements are normally made with a test disc and oscilloscope, but if
the output level and impedance is known, the amount of attenuation can be
calculated. Finally, most recorders provide a level meter, and the appropri-
ate level can be set by watching the level using representative music.
PHONO INPUT
The Phono Input can only accommodate the type MM cartridge with 2.5
mV/ 47k Ohm. This is the most common type input found on most proces-
sors and receivers. Correct phono connection should also include a ground
connection between the chassis ground of the phono player and the dedi-
cated phono ground screw on the back of the PAD. For true high quality
recordings, a separate preamp should be used on the line level input.
MANUAL CONTROL
A DB-15 connector is provided on the back of this product. It can be used
for two functions. It provides an output signal reporting what inputs are
active and an input function allowing manual override of the selected source.
Each source has a dedicated pin that is either Low or High (Ground or
+5V). A low output indicates that the source is not active. A high output
indicates an active source. The highest priority source High is the source
selected.
The unit may be manually controlled by forcing each source line either Low
or High. This can be accomplished with either logic or relay closures. A
Ground and +5V pins are supplied for convenience. Key functions and
power on/off are also accomplished with dedicated pins. The function of
each pin is described in the table below. *NOTE. When selecting an input
high, you must force all other inputs low (ground).
PIN # MODE FUNCTION
1 High (+5V) Input 8 Output
2 High Input 7 Output
3 High Input 6 Output
4 High Input 5 Output
5 High Input 4 Output
6 High Input 3 Output
7 High Input 2 Output
8 High Input 1 Output
9 High Phono Input Output
10 High Power On
12 and 15 Ground
14 +5V
1) Power Button and Indicator LED - The ADD defaults to the power
on position. In actual practice, the ADD is always powered on. The power
button actually activates the front display and calibrates the A/D. Allow
the ADD to warm up for at least 15 minutes when first applying line level
power. Once warm, the ADD can be used immediately after the power
button is pressed. We reccomend always leaving the ADD on.
2) Clipping Indicator Light - This light indicates that an analog source
has exceeded the input level specifications. Setting the levels too low, to
avoid this possibility reduces the resolution of the output signal so care should
be taken to run the levels as high as possible without clipping.
3) Sample Frequency Button and Indicator Light - The ADD defaults
to a 48 kHz sampling rate. This is the rate commonly output by DVD, DSS
and many new digital sources. The 44.1 rate is the CD standard. The 96K
rate is common in studios and is used for DAD discs. Select the highest
sampling rate the system will allow.
4) Virtual 3D Option On/Off Button - When the virtual 3D option is
installed, this buttion turns it on and off. When no option is installed, the
button has no effect.
5) Line Level Input Selector and Indicator Light - This default setting
activates all the line level inputs with automatic switching. Only the phono
input is not automatically detected.
6) Phono Input Selector and Indicator Light - Selects only the phono
input
1 2 3 4 5 6
FRONT OF THE ADD-1
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