Mutec MC-7 User manual

WORD CLOCK DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER &
AUDIO CLOCK CONVERTER

MUTEC GmbH assumes no liability for any incorrect information given in this manual. Please note that
all software/hardware product names are registered trademarks of their respective owners. No part of
this manual may be reproduced, copied or converted to a machine-readable form or electronical media
without a written permission of MUTEC GmbH. We reserve the right to change or improve our products
without prior notice. © MUTEC GmbH 2009–2013
WARRANTY REGULATIONS
§1 Warranty
MUTEC GmbH warrants the flawless performance of this product to the original buyer for a period of two (2) years from the date of purchase. If any failure occurs within
the specified warranty period that is caused by defects in material and/or workmanship, MUTEC GmbH shall either repair or replace the product free of charge within 90
days. The purchaser is not entitled to claim an inspection of the device free of charge during the warranty period. If the warranty claim proves to be justified, the product
will be returned freight prepaid by MUTEC GmbH within Germany. Outside Germany, the product will be returned with the additional international freight charges payable
by the customer. Warranty claims other than those indicated above are expressly excluded.
§2 Warranty transferability
This warranty is extended exclusively to the original buyer who bought the product from a MUTEC GmbH specialized dealer or distributor, and is not transferable to anyone
who may subsequently purchase this product. No other person (retail dealer, distributor, etc.) shall be entitled to give any warranty promise on behalf of MUTEC GmbH.
§3 Waranty regulations
The return of the completed registration card, or online registration on one of the websites specified below, is a condition of warranty. Failing to register the device before
returning it for repair will void the extended warranty.
The serial number on the returned device must match the one stated on the registration card or entered during online registration. Otherwise, the device will be
returned to the sender at the sender’s expense.
Any returned device must be accompanied by a detailed error description and a copy of the original sales receipt issued by a MUTEC dealer or distributor.
The device must be returned free of shipping expenses and in the original package, if possible; otherwise, the sender has to provide comparably protective packaging.
The sender is fully responsible for any damage or loss of the product when shipping it to MUTEC GmbH.
§4 Limitation of warranty
Damages caused by the following conditions are not covered by this warranty:
Damages caused by every kind of normal wear and tear (e.g. displays, LEDs, potentiometers, faders, switches, buttons, connecting elements, printed labels, cover
glasses, cover prints, and similar parts).
Functional failure of the product caused by improper installation (please observe CMOS components handling instructions!), neglect or misuse of
the product, e.g. failure to operate the unit in compliance with the instructions given in the user or service manuals.
Damage caused by any form of external mechanical impact or modification.
Damage caused by the user’s failure to connect and operate the unit in compliance with local safety regulations.
Damage caused by force majeure (fire, explosion, flood, lightning, war, vandalism, etc.).
Consequential damages or defects in products from other manufacturers as well as any costs resulting from a loss of production.
Repairs carried out by personnel which is not authorized from MUTEC GmbH will void the warranty. Adaptations and modifications to the device made with regard to
national, technical, or safety regulations in a country or of the customer do not constitute a warranty claim and should be set with MUTEC GmbH in advance.
§5 Repairs
To obtain warranty service, the buyer must call or write to MUTEC GmbH before returning the unit. All inquiries must be accompanied by a description of the problem and
the original buyer’s invoice. Devices shipped to MUTEC GmbH for repair without prior notice will be returned to the sender at the sender’s expense. In case of a functional
failure please contact:
MUTEC Gesellschaft fuer Systementwicklung und Komponentenvertrieb mbH
Siekeweg 6/8 • 12309 Berlin • Germany • Fon 030-746880-0 • Fax [phone] • Tecsuppor[email protected] • www.MUTEC-net.com
JET and Jitter Elimination Technology are trademarks of TC Applied Technologies Ltd. The JET tech-
nology is used under sublicense from TC Applied Technologies Ltd., and is the intellectual property of
Sonopsis Ltd. Applicable patents include WO2004088845.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
General instructions
To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture, direct
sunlight or excessive heat from sources such as radiators or spotlights. No user serviceable parts are in-
side. Repair and maintenance must be carried out by qualified personnel authorized by MUTEC GmbH!
The unit has been designed for operation in a standard domestic environment. Do NOT expose the unit
and its accessories to rain, moisture, direct sunlight or excessive heat produced by such heat sources as
radiators or spotlights! The free flow of air inside and around the unit must always be ensured.
Initial operation
Prior to the initial operation of the unit, the appliance, its accessories and packaging must be
inspected for any signs of physical damage that may have occurred during transit. If the unit has
been damaged mechanically or if liquids have been spilled inside the enclosure, the appliance may
not be connected to the mains or must be disconnected from the mains immediately! If the unit is
damaged, please do NOT return it to MUTEC GmbH, but notify your dealer and the shipping com-
pany immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement may not be granted.
If the device is left in a low-temperature environment for a long time and then is moved to a room-
temperature environment, condensation may occur on the inside and the exterior. To avoid short-
circuits and flashovers, be sure to wait one or two hours before putting the device into operation.
Power supply
The device contains a self-adapting wide-range power supply supporting the majority of global stan-
dard line voltages within a range of 90…250 V, with no need for making adjustments. Make sure that
your line-voltage source provides a supply voltage within the specified range. In addition, make sure
that the device is properly grounded via the local electric installation.
Please use the enclosed power cord (see packaging) to connect the unit to the mains. Switch the
unit off before you attempt to connect it to the mains. Connect the power cord to the unit, then
to a standard 3-pin mains outlet. To draw the power cord, never pull on the cable but on the mains
plug!
The unit must be grounded during operation!
For information on the power-inlet wiring, refer to the »Wiring of connectors« section in the
appendix. Disconnect the device from the mains when not using it for an extended period!
This symbol, an exclamation mark inside a triangle,
alerts you to important operating or safety instructions
in this manual.
This symbol, a flash of lightning inside a triangle, alerts
you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage
inside the enclosure - voltage that may be sufficient to
constitute a risk of shock.
Declaration of Conformity
We herewith confirm that the product complies with the European
Commission’s standards on electromagnetic compatibility.
Interference emission: EN 50081-1, 1992
Resistance to interference: EN 50082-1, 1992
Presupposed as operation condition is that all clock outputs are con-
nected with high-quality and good shielded BNC 75 ohms cable.
!
RISK OF
ELECTRICAL SHOCK!
CAUTION
!

CONTENT
INTRODUCTION
General Function Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
MC-7 Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
MC-7 Applications . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Peripheral MUTEC Products . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
CONTROL ELEMENTS AND TERMINALS
MC-7 Front Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
MC-7 Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
INSTALLATION
Content of the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Placing the device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Wiring the Word Clock Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Wiring the AES/EBU and S/P-DIF Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . 12
GENERAL OPERATION
Selecting Function Menus and setting Functions . . . . . . 13
Steps of Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
OPERATING THE MC-7
REFERENCE + CLK MULTIPLIERS Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
General Operation Procedure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Word Clock as Input Reference including Options . . . . . . 16
AES3/11 as Input Reference including Options . . . . . . . . 16
S/P-DIF coaxial as Input Reference including Options . . . . 17
S/P-DIF optical as Input Reference including Options . . . . 18
Multiplying Clock Rates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
STATUS . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
CLOCK IN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
APPENDIX
Pin Assignment of the Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Switching-off the Termination of the Word Clock Input . . . 22
Generatable Clock Rates, Example: 44.1kHz . . . . . . . . . 23
Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 26

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INTRODUCTION
Thank you very much for purchasing MC-7, Word Clock Distribution Ampli-
fier and Audio Clock Converter, from MUTEC!
General Function Description
The MUTEC MC-7 is an extremely flexible, high-performance 8 channel
Word Clock distribution amplifier and audio clock converter.
The MC-7 distributes and converts Word Clock, AES3/11 and S/P-DIF signals.
An incoming reference signal passes latest audiophil-optimized PLL circuits,
to be distributed and output as low-jitter, high-quality clock signal, regard-
less of the condition of the reference signal. Thereby, connected audio
devices will benefit from the MC-7’s signal regeneration abilities, which
improve their sound qualities audibly.
Furthermore, the MC-7 functions as multiplier for the clock rate of the inco-
ming reference signal. Therefore, the outputs can be individually multiplied
by x1, x2, x4, which leads to a very wide range of possible output Word
Clock rates from 32.0kHz up to 768.0kHz. This enables e.g. the contempora-
neous output of an incoming 48.0kHz reference signal with 96.0kHz, 192.0
kHz and as so-called Digidesign Super Clock. A special ‘Ref Pass’ functionality
secures the availability of an incoming digital audio signal for further use.
For live or broadcast use, a special ‘Hold’ functionality can be activated
additionally. This function guarantees interruption-free output signal
supply in cases when the external reference is of insufficient quality or lost
completely. Thus, the MC-7 is predestined to be used as centralized clock
stabilizer and distributor, where reliable signal availability is a must.
Due to its synchronisation features and connection flexibility, the MC-7 of-
fers unique possibilities to provide interconnections between digital audio
devices on a reliable and useful basis. This all makes MC-7 for sure an uni-
que and outstanding digital audio clock distributor and converter enabling
to handle every clocking issue in your studio set-up with ease!
MC-7 Features
Distributes and converts Word Clock, AES3/11 and S/PDIF
Extracts and re-generates clock signals out of digital audio signals
Improves audio quality of connected devices
Handles Word Clock rates from 32.0kHz up to 192.0kHz/768.0kHz
Supports so-called Super Clocks for older Digidesign ProTools systems
Offers 4 inputs and 11 outputs in total
Protects from reference signal dropouts
Supplies interruption-free output signals
AES11, Grade 1, internal reference clock (0.5ppm)
Easy to configure
Compact case size fits in every studio set-up
Built-in international power supply
MC-7 Applications
Stellate Word Clock distribution
Sound improvement of digital audio devices
Audiophil clock recovery and regeneration
Interconnection of consumer and professional digital audio devices
Line extension for e.g. theatre or broadcast installations
Usable within small studio set-ups up to broadcast installations.
Output expansion for MUTEC‘s iCLOCK, iCLOCKdp, iD, iDdp, MC-3,
MC-3.1 and MC-3.2.
7
Boxes which contain a triangle with
an exclamation mark inside should
be read carefully! These include
additional information which are of major
importance for the functional descriptions
in the text column.
!
The grey boxes contain supplementary
informationen for the corresponding
sections in the text columns. The content of
the individual box refers to the description
in the text column beside the box.
Register your MUTEC Product
for Warranty and Support!
We ask you to be so kind to register
your MUTEC product through our website
immediately after purchasing. This ensures
full warranty services over a period of two
years after purchasing the product. More-
over, for all registered products we offer to
our customers technical support. We also
will inform you about product updates and
new products which may of interest for you
(on voluntary base, of course).
Please regsiter your product at:
www.MUTEC-net.com
>SERVICES, >MUTEC Product Registration
!

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INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
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8
Peripheral MUTEC Products
Reference Clocks and Master Clocks for Synchronization:
iCLOCK + iCLOCKdp
iCLOCK and iCLOCKdp are synchronizable, high-precision clock
generators which are designed to be the reference in digital audio and
video studios as well as broadcast and television stations. For further
details please visit:
www.iCLOCK-NET.de
MC-3
The MC-3 SMART CLOCK is an universal digital audio master clock
generator. The unit provides different high-stable and Ultra low-jitter
clock signals for synchronization of various digital audio devices.
MC-3.1
The MC-3.1 SMART CLOCK SD is an universal digital audio and SD video
sync master clock generator. The unit provides different high-stable
clock signals for simultaneous synchronization of digital audio and SD
video devices.
MC-3.2
The MC-3.2 SMART CLOCK HD is an universal digital audio and SD/HD
video sync master clock generator. The unit provides different high-
stable clock signals for simultaneous synchronization of digital audio
and SD/HD video devices.
Format and Sampling Rate Converters with internal Master Clock:
MC-4
The MC-4 is a high-performance digital audio multichannel format and
sampling rate converter for ADATTM, AES3 and S/P-DIF
MC-6
The MC-6 is a high-performance digital audio dual channel format con-
verter for AES3, AES3id and S/P-DIF.
Cables for Digital Audio:
Optical cables in different lenghts from 0.5 m to 20 m for ADATTM trans-
fers.
For all peripheral products please have a look on our website:
www.MUTEC-NET.com !

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CONTROL ELEMENTS AND TERMINALS
MC-7 Front Panel
1 POWER
This red LED lights up when the unit is switched on with the rear panel
POWER switch.
2 MENU
This key selects one of the available function menus.
3 SELECT
Use this key to select a function within a specific function menu.
4 REFERENCE
This function menu allows to select all acceptable input reference signals
for distribution or conversion. Furthermore, every input reference is avail-
able with two additional options: the »HOLD« function and the »REF PASS«
function. See details in chapter OPERATING THE MC-7.
5 CLK MULTIPLIERS
This functional menu lets you determine the factor by which the basis clock
rate of the incoming reference signal is multiplied additionally. This setting
can be made individually for every Word Clock pair of outputs as well as for
the AES/EBU and S/P-DIF outputs.
6 STATUS
This menu indicates various signal statuses of the incoming reference or
digital audio signal.
7 CLOCK IN
This menu indicates the clock rate of the incoming reference signal. Audio
Clock rates between 32.0kHz and 192.0kHz can be analysed and displayed.
8 WCLK OUT 4
This pair of Word Clock outputs transfers either all standard Word Clock
rates as well as Word Clock x 256 for older Digidesign ProTools™ systems. Its
numbering is aligned to the functional menu »CLK MULTIPLIERS« on the front
panel. For adjusting these outputs see chapter OPERATING THE MC-7.
9
Refer to the OPERATIONS chapter for more
information.
4
3 2 1 5 6 7 8

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CONTROL ELEMENTS
CONTROL ELEMENTS
CONTROL ELEMENTS
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1 WCLK OUT 1–3
These 3 pairs of Word Clock outputs transfer either all standard Word Clock
rates as well as so-called »Super Clock« rates (Word Clock x 256) for older
Digidesign ProTools™ systems. Their numbering is aligned to the functional
menu »CLK MULTIPLIERS« on the front panel. The individual BNC connectors of
an output pair are marked as A and B. This allows, for example, for a simple
documentation of the connected devices. For adjusting these outputs see
chapter OPERATING THE MC-7.
2 S/P-DIF OUT 6
These two S/P-DIF outputs, available as optical (»OP«) and coaxial (»CO«)
interfaces, transmit an optical S/P-DIF and an unbalanced electrical S/P-DIF
digital audio or blank frame signal in compliance with the IEC 60958 stand-
ard. Their numbering is aligned to the corresponding functional menu on the
front panel. For adjusting these outputs see chapter OPERATING THE MC-7.
3 AES3/11 OUT 5
This AES/EBU output transmits a transformer-balanced electrical AES3 or
AES11 signal. Its numbering is aligned to the corresponding functional
menu on the front panel. For adjusting this output see chapter OPERATING
THE MC-7.
4 AES3/11 IN
This AES/EBU input can receive a balanced digital AES3 or AES11 signal in
compliance with AES3 –1992 (R1997) or AES11–1997/2003. The input imped-
ance is 110 Ω (XLR connector, female). For selecting this input see chapter
OPERATING THE MC-7.
5 S/P-DIF IN
These two S/P-DIF inputs, available as optical (»OP«) and coaxial (»CO«)
interfaces, receive an optical S/P-DIF and an unbalanced electrical S/P-DIF dig-
ital audio or blank frame signal in compliance with the IEC 60958 standard.
For selecting one of these inputs see chapter OPERATING THE MC-7.
6 WCLK IN
This input can receive a Word Clock or so-called »Super Clock« (Word
Clock x 256) signal. The impedance of the connector is 75 Ω (BNC connectors,
female). For selecting this input see chapter OPERATING THE MC-7.
7 MAINS IN, Power Switch + Power Inlet
This is the main switch for switching the device on and off. Be sure to
make all connections (especially the supplied power cable) properly before
turning on the switch. Heed the SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS at the beginning of
this manual.
Connect the supplied power cable here. Make sure that the power switch
is turned off before connecting the power cable to this inlet and to the
power outlet. Line voltages within the range of 90…260V with a frequen-
cies between 47...440Hz can be applied. The internal power supply will
automatically make all necessary adjustments.
MC-7 Rear Panel
For detailed specifications on all terminals,
refer to the »Pin Assignment of the
Connectors« and »Technical Data« in the
chapter »APPENDIX«.
1 2 3 4 7 5 6

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11
INSTALLATION
Content of the Box
The unit was packed carefully. Nevertheless we recommend to check the
content directly after opening the package:
1 x MC-7
1 x Power cable
4 x Rubber feet
1 x Manual
Placing the Device
The unit should be set up as closely as possible to the devices to which it
will be connected, so as to avoid excessive cable lengths. Use the 4 rubber
feets enclosed with the appliance and stick them symmetrically on the
bottom side of the unit to protect the enclosure and supporting surface
from being damaged.
The device can be mounted into a standard 19“ rack and will require 1 unit.
In this case, the rubber feet cannot be attached. Install the device so that
one unit of rack space is left free both above and below the device to allow
for sufficient ventilation! The mounting depth including the terminals is
160 mm/6.7“. Another 60 mm/2.4“ should be added for the required cables.
Additional slide-in rails on the rack inside are recommended for safe instal-
lation. This will also avoid long-term mechanical deformation of the housing.
Wiring the Word Clock interfaces
To allow for the synchronization of signals, the interfaces of all devices
involved must be properly connected to each other, so as to ensure a logical
signal flow. Always be sure to connect the Word Clock output of the MC-7
to the corresponding input of the device you wish to synchronize. Cable
lengths should be kept as short as possible to minimize signal losses and/or
interferences!
For the transmission of Word Clock signals electrical, unsymmetrical cables
with a resistance of 75 Ω and BNC connectors on both ends are used. Typi-
cally, such cables are marked »RG-59U, RG59B/U«.
Additionally, you should make sure that the Word Clock inputs to be con-
nected to the MC-7’s outputs have a 75 Ω terminating resistor! Most Word
Clock inputs allow for enabling/disabling the termination with a so-called
»termination-switch«, which may be located on the outside or inside of the
device.
For devices which have no termination of the Word Clock input, e.g. RME
Hammerfall with Word Clock i/o, Alesis BRC or M-Audio ProFire Light-
bridge, you can use an additional BNC-T piece to terminate the input. Plug
the T piece with its center connector into the input of the receiving device.
Then, connect the cable coming from the MC-7’s Word Clock output to one
of the lateral connectors, and the other connector of the BNC-T piece to a
75 Ω resistor forming the BNC termination.
Basically, you should avoid »looping through« Word Clock leads by means
of passive BNC-T pieces to preserve the signal quality, as level drops will be
the result. If there is no other way to wire your set-up, please make sure
that all Word Clock inputs (except for the last device in the chain) have
their terminations disabled! In a serial Word Clock chain only the last clock
input should have a termination! Never connect more than three devices in
series to one output!
Before installing the unit the section
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS located
at the beginning of this manual
should be read carefully.
!
The condition of the packaging material
and the device should be checked carefully
additionally. If there are any damages please
refer to SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS, Initial
Operation, and WARRANTY REGULATIONS.
Never expose the device and
accessories to rain, moisture,
direct sunlight, or excessive heat
produced by radiators, heaters, or spot
lights! Sufficient air circulation in the
environment of the device must be ensured!
!
MUTEC offers optical cables of various
lengths that have been specifically tested for
the transmission of S/P-DIF signals. Ask your
local dealer for those cables!
It is imperative that the lengths
of all cables connected are largely
the same, as this is the only way to
ensure that all devices will be synchronized
in phase (exception: cable tolerances).
Please make sure that the cable used has a
resistance of 75
Ω, in compliance with the
specifications! If a cable with a different
resistance is used, a dramatic deterioration
of the signal quality can be the result! In
this case, the perfect synchronization of all
devices involved could be impaired.
We recommend using high-grade cables with
a good shielding. A length of max. 10 meters
(approx. 30 feets) should not be exceeded!
!

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I N S TALLAT I O N
I N S TALLAT I O N
I N S TALLAT I O N
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Wiring the AES/EBU and S/P-DIF Interfaces
Connect the AES/EBU interfaces with the help of balanced electrical cables
equipped with XLR connectors on both ends. The specifications stipulate a
specific cable resistance of 110 Ω (ask your retailer for a confirmation of this
value when purchasing the cables).
Connect the coaxial S/P-DIF interface with the help of unbalanced electri-
cal cables equipped with cinch connectors on both ends. The specifications
stipulate a specific cable resistance of 75 Ω (ask your retailer for a confirma-
tion of this value when purchasing the cables).
Connect the optical S/P-DIF interface with the help of Toshiba TOSLINK™
compliant optical fiber cables. Here, you can use both plastic and glass
fiber-based cables. When using plastic fiber cables, lengths of 10 meters
should not be exceeded, so as to ensure the reliable transmission of signals.
Glass fiber cables can transfer data reliably even over greater distances.
Especially when working with high
AES/EBU clock rates well shielded
clock lines are imperative to avoid
increased radiation! Standard cables are nor-
mally useable for clock rates up to 50.0kHz.
Special shielded cable material should be
used for transfer of higher clock rates.
!
MUTEC offers optical cables of various
lengths that have been specifically tested
for the transmission of S/P-DIF and ADAT™
signals (retailers and distributors only)!
Since some manufacturers offer optimized
cables for the transmission of digital S/P-DIF
and AES/EBU audio signals, it will be a good
idea to ask your retailer for specific cables.

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GENERAL OPERATION
Selecting Function Menus and setting Functions
The device is fully operated using the two toggle switches at the front
panel.
1 Switching the MENU key toggles between different basic function menus.
2 Switching the SELECT key activtes individual functions within one
function menu.
Steps of Operation
1 First press on MENU or SELECT key enables the last selected function
within the last selected function menu. The corresponding LED is
beginning to flash.
2 Every press on SELECT key will select a new function within a menu. The
LED of every selected function will flash accordingly and the
corresponding function is vailable at once.
3 When the needed function is selected, do not press the switches again!
After a period of approx. 4 seconds the LED in front of the selected
function will stop flashing.
The STATUS area is not accessible by using the MENU and SELECT switches,
because it only informs about different conditions of incoming signals.
Function Areas + Functions
Menus
Functions
For safety reasons, be sure to read
the SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS and
INSTALLATION chapters before first
powering-up!
We also recommend reading the CONTROL
ELEMENTS AND TERMINALS chapter for
information on how to connect MC-7!
!
All user-specific function settings
are available furthermore when
power is restored.
!
2. SELECT
selects individual
functions within
one function area.
1. MENU
selects individual
function menus.
MENU + SELECT operation

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OPERATING THE MC-7
REFERENCE + CLK MULTIPLIERS Menus
These both menus are offering access to the whole functionality of your
MC-7.
The »REFERENCE« menu contains of two LED raws. With help of the
first, left LED raw you select the input reference for distribution or signal
conversion. The second LED raw within this menu signalizes special
functionalities which can be added to the distribution or conversion
process. Therefore both menus act together in different combinations.
The »CLK MULTIPLIERS« menus allow for adding clock rate multipliers
individually to the 4 Word Clock output pairs as well as to the AES3/11 and
S/P-DIF outputs. Their numberings are aligned to the output numbers.
The menus »STATUS« and »CLOCK IN« are for control of the MC-7‘s
operation status only. They are not accessable for adjustments.
General Operation Procedure
The MC-7 menu is strictly organized aligned to generally usual handling
procedures when inserting such a box into your studio set-up. So, you can
split up all of the necessary adjustments in tow simple steps, which leads to
the following three questions for the basic operation of your MC-7:
1) Which is my reference signal to be distributed → REFERENCE?
2) Do I need increased output clock rates? → CLK MULTIPLIERS?
After these general decisions are made, your MC-7 is configured for optimal
operation in your set-up! Due to the fact that the system monitors for
useful function combinations, maloperation is not possible.
So, let‘s have a look to the individual functions on the next pages.
15
S/P-DIF op = S/P-DIF coaxial
AES3/11 = AES3 or AES11
WCLK = Word Clock or so-called Super Clock
S/P-DIF co = S/P-DIF optical
REFERENCE
x 256 = x
256 of the reference signal‘s base clock rate
x 2 = x 2 of the reference signal‘s base clock rate
x 1 = x 1 of the reference signal‘s base clock rate
x 4 = x
4 of the reference signal‘s base clock rate
CLK MULTIPLIERS
1 6 5 4 3 2

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OPERATION
OPERATION
OPERATION
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16
This setting is the factory default and allows to input a Word Clock reference
signal between 32.0kHz and 192.0kHz. Its clock rate will be displayed in the
status menu »CLOCK
IN«. The Word Clock reference signal will be internally
regenerated and distributed phase-aligned to all eight Word Clock outputs.
Simultaneously, the input signal will be converted into AES11 and S/P-DIF
and output at the corresponding outputs. So, with one Word Clock reference
signal you can synchronize various devices by Word Clock, AES11, S/P-DIF
coaxial and S/P-DIF optical at the same time.
Differences between AES3 and AES11
Both standards, published by the Audio
Engineering Society (AES), are based on the
same interface, commonly called as AES/EBU
interface which uses XLR connectors.
The AES3 standard carries both, the digital
audio data and the reference clock informa-
tion. The AES11, also know as ‚blank frame
signal‘, does not carry any digital audio
data, but only the reference clock informati-
on for synchronization.
Word Clock as Input Reference including Options
A special function can be added when pressing the SELECT key for a second
time. This activates the »HOLD« function which leads to a fail-safe output
of all outgoing signals. Interruptions within the input reference signal or
even its total loss will not affect the continuous availability of all outgoing
signals.
AES3/11 as Input Reference including Options
S/P-DIF op
AES3/11
WCLK
S/P-DIF co
REFERENCE
REF PASS
HOLD
x 256
x 2
x 1
x 4
CLK MULTIPLIERS
1 65432
S/P-DIF op
AES3/11
WCLK
S/P-DIF co
REFERENCE
REF PASS
HOLD
x 256
x 2
x 1
x 4
CLK MULTIPLIERS
1 65432
S/P-DIF op
AES3/11
WCLK
S/P-DIF co
REFERENCE
REF PASS
HOLD
x 256
x 2
x 1
x 4
CLK MULTIPLIERS
1 65432
This setting allows to input an AES3 digital audio signal or an AES11 re-
ference clock signal between 32.0kHz and 192.0kHz. Its clock rate will be
displayed in the status menu »CLOCK IN«. The AES3/11 input signal will be
regenerated and converted into Word Clock and S/P-DIF and transfered to
the corresponding outputs simultaneously.
If an AES3 digital audio signal is feed in, it will be standardly output as AES11
reference clock signal. Similarly, the digital audio data will be not transfered
to the S/P-DIF outputs, but only the clock reference data for synchronization
purposes.
S/P-DIF op
AES3/11
WCLK
S/P-DIF co
REFERENCE
REF PASS
HOLD
x 256
x 2
x 1
x 4
CLK MULTIPLIERS
1 65432
There are two further function options available when feeding in an AES3 or
AES11 signal: »HOLD« + »REF PASS«.
Locking so-called
»Super Clocks«
Your MC-7 is able to lock to so-
called »Super Clock« (SCLK) reference
signals. These clock signals are used
preferably for older digidesign ProTools™
MX systems. Specified are only two clock
rates, 11.2896MHz + 12.288MHz which are
the x256 multiples of the Word Clock rates
44.1kHz and 48.0kHz.
When locking to one of these Super Clocks,
the rate will be inverted displayed in the
»REF CLOCK IN« menu. Due to this, the LED
in front of the corresponding base clock
rate, that means Word Clock rate, does not
light while all other LEDs light (see exam-
ples below).
!
CLOCK IN
88.2
48.0
44.1
32.0
192.0
96.0
176.4
Super Clock of
44.1kHz Word
Clock
Super Clock of
48.0kHz Word
Clock
CLOCK IN
88.2
48.0
44.1
32.0
192.0
96.0
176.4

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OPERATION
OPERATION
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88 17
When pressing the SELECT key for a further time, you can activate the
»HOLD« function which leads to a fail-safe output of all outgoing signals.
S/P-DIF op
AES3/11
WCLK
S/P-DIF co
REFERENCE
REF PASS
HOLD
x 256
x 2
x 1
x 4
CLK MULTIPLIERS
1 65432
When pressing the SELECT key again, you can activate the »REF PASS« func-
tion. This special function regenerates and transfers an AES3 input signal
to the format-same output. In this case, the AES3/11 output transmits the
original AES3 input signal incl. all digital audio data for further use within
your studio set-up, while the other outputs supplying phase-aligned clock
reference signals.
S/P-DIF coaxial as Input Reference including Options
S/P-DIF op
AES3/11
WCLK
S/P-DIF co
REFERENCE
REF PASS
HOLD
x 256
x 2
x 1
x 4
CLK MULTIPLIERS
1 65432
This setting allows to input a S/P-DIF digital audio or blank frame signal
between 32.0kHz and 192.0kHz at the coaxial input. Its clock rate will be
displayed in the status menu »CLOCK
IN«. The S/P-DIF input signal will be
regenerated and converted into Word Clock, AES11 and S/P-DIF optical and
transfered to the corresponding outputs simultaneously.
A S/P-DIF digital audio input signal will be standardly output as S/P-DIF blank
frame signal for synchronization purposes at the coaxial and optical outputs.
Similarly, the digital audio data will be not transfered to the AES3/11 output,
but only the clock reference data.
S/P-DIF op
AES3/11
WCLK
S/P-DIF co
REFERENCE
REF PASS
HOLD
x 256
x 2
x 1
x 4
CLK MULTIPLIERS
1 65432
There are also two further function options available when feeding in an
S/P-DIF coaxial signal: »HOLD« + »REF PASS«.
When pressing the SELECT key for a further time, you can activate the
»HOLD« function which leads to a fail-safe output of all outgoing signals.
S/P-DIF op
AES3/11
WCLK
S/P-DIF co
REFERENCE
REF PASS
HOLD
x 256
x 2
x 1
x 4
CLK MULTIPLIERS
1 65432
When pressing the SELECT key again, you can activate the »REF PASS« func-
tion. This special function regenerates and transfers a S/P-DIF coaxial input
signal to the format-same output. In this case, the S/P-DIF output signal
AES3 + REF PASS
When feeding in an AES3 digital
audio reference signal and using
the REF PASS functionality, the digital audio
signal will be only available at the format-
same AES3 output. There will be no digital
audio format conversion to the S/P-DIF
outputs! The S/P-DIF outputs transmit blank
frame signals only. *
While processing the AES3 signal, the PLL
synthesizer circuit extracts the clock out of
the AES3 signal, is re-generating it and is
supplying it to all WCLK outputs. The WCLK
output pairs can be multiplied individually
by using the CLK Multipliers as mentioned at
page 19.
*) If you need to convert the AES3 format
into S/P-DIF, please use the MUTEC MC-1 or
MC-1.1. These converters are especially made
for AES3 to S/P-DIF, and vice versa, digital
audio format conversion.
!
S/P-DIF coaxial + REF PASS
When feeding in a S/P-DIF coaxial
digital audio reference signal and
using the REF PASS functionality, the digital
audio signal will be only available at the
format-same S/P-DIF coaxial/optical outputs.
There will be no digital audio format con-
version to the AES3/11 output! The AES3/11
output transmits the AES11 blank frame
signal only. *
While processing the S/P-DIF signal, the PLL
synthesizer circuit extracts the clock out of
the S/P-DIF signal, is re-generating it and is
supplying it to all WCLK outputs. The WCLK
output pairs can be multiplied individually
by using the CLK Multipliers as mentioned at
page 19.
*) If you need to convert the S/P-DIF format
into AES3, please use the MUTEC MC-1 or
MC-1.1. These converters are especially made
for AES3 to S/P-DIF, and vice versa, digital
audio format conversion.
!

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18
includes all digital audio data for further use within your studio set-up,
while the other outputs supplying phase-aligned clock reference signals.
S/P-DIF optical as Input Reference including Options
S/P-DIF op
AES3/11
WCLK
S/P-DIF co
REFERENCE
REF PASS
HOLD
x 256
x 2
x 1
x 4
CLK MULTIPLIERS
1 65432
This setting allows to input a S/P-DIF digital audio signal between 32.0kHz
and 192.0kHz at the optical input. Its clock rate will be displayed in the status
menu »CLOCK
IN«. The S/P-DIF input signal will be regenerated and converted
into Word Clock, AES11 and S/P-DIF coaxial and transfered to the correspon-
ding outputs simultaneously.
A S/P-DIF digital audio input signal will be standardly output as S/P-DIF blank
frame signal for synchronization purposes at the optical and coaxial outputs.
Similarly, the digital audio data will be not transfered to the AES3/11 output,
but only the clock reference data.
S/P-DIF op
AES3/11
WCLK
S/P-DIF co
REFERENCE
REF PASS
HOLD
x 256
x 2
x 1
x 4
CLK MULTIPLIERS
1 65432
There are also two further function options available when feeding in an
S/P-DIF optical signal: »HOLD« + »REF PASS«.
When pressing the SELECT key for a further time, you can activate the
»HOLD « function which leads to a fail-safe output of all outgoing signals.
S/P-DIF op
AES3/11
WCLK
S/P-DIF co
REFERENCE
REF PASS
HOLD
x 256
x 2
x 1
x 4
CLK MULTIPLIERS
1 65432
When pressing the SELECT key again, you can activate the »REF PASS« func-
tion. This special function regenerates and transfers a S/P-DIF optical input
signal to the format-same output. In this case, the S/P-DIF output signal in-
cludes all digital audio data for further use within your studio set-up, while
the other outputs supplying phase-aligned clock reference signals.
S/P-DIF optical + REF PASS
When feeding in a S/P-DIF optical
digital audio reference signal and
using the REF PASS functionality, the digital
audio signal will be only available at the
format-same S/P-DIF coaxial/optical outputs.
There will be no digital audio format con-
version to the AES3/11 output! The AES3/11
output transmits the AES11 blank frame
signal only. *
While processing the S/P-DIF signal, the PLL
synthesizer circuit extracts the clock out of
the S/P-DIF signal, is re-generating it and is
supplying it to all WCLK outputs. The WCLK
output pairs can be multiplied individually
by using the CLK Multipliers as mentioned at
page 19.
*) If you need to convert the S/P-DIF format
into AES3, please use the MUTEC MC-1 or
MC-1.1. These converters are especially made
for AES3 to S/P-DIF, and vice versa, digital
audio format conversion.
!

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ANHANG
ANHANG
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19
With help of the clock multipliers (»CLK MULTIPLIERS«) you can add a clock
rate multiplication factor to each pair of clock outputs. This is possible in
any state of operation of your MC-7. The numbering of the multipliers is
aligned to the output numbers. Select the prefered output with the MENU
key and choose the needed multiplication factor by pressing the SELECT key
accordingly. The factory default is set to x 1.
The above mentioned front panel view shows the following adjustments as
example:
Word Clock output pair no. 1 is set to x
1
Word Clock output pair no. 2 is set to x 2
Word Clock output pair no. 3 is set to x 256
Word Clock output pair no. 4 is set to x 4
AES3/11 output no. 5 is set to x 4
S/P-DIF outputs nos. 6 are set to x 2
»CLK MULTIPLIERs« 1 – 4
For every Word Clock output pair, nos. 1 – 4, are 4 multipliers available:
x 1, x 2, x 4, x 256
The multiplication functions »x 1, x 2, x 4« multiply all available basis clocks
up to the highest possible Word Clock rate of 768.0kHz (192.0kHz basis clock
x 4).
The function »x 256« refers only to the basis clocks of 44.1kHz and 48.0kHz
of every incoming reference clock signal to output the so-called Super Clock
rates, necessary for older digidesign ProTools™ MX systems. If a reference
signal with a different clock rate, like e.g. 96,0kHz or 176.4kHz, comes in,
the system identifies the included base clock rate and sets the multiplier
accordingly to output only 44.1kHz
x 256 or 48.0kHz x 256. The factory
default is set at x 1.
»CLK MULTIPLIER« 5
For the AES3/11 output no. 5 are 3 multipliers available:
x 1, x 2, x 4
Due to the maximum possible AES3/11 clock frequency of 192.0kHz, the
functions of these multipliers are depending on the basis clock rate of the
incoming reference signal. The factory default is set at x 1.
Example 1
The incoming basis clock runs at 32.0kHz, 44.1kHz or 48.0kHz:
x 1: AES3/11 output runs at 32.0kHz, 44.1kHz or 48.0kHz
x 2: AES3/11 output runs at 64.0kHz, 88.2kHz or 96.0kHz
x 4: AES3/11 output runs at 128.0kHz, 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz
Example 2
The incoming basis clock runs at 88.2kHz or 96.0kHz:
x 1: AES3/11 output runs at 88.2kHz or 96.0kHz
x 2: AES3/11 output runs at 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz
x 4: AES3/11 output runs at 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz
Example 3
The incoming basis clock runs at 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz:
x 1: AES3/11 output runs at 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz
x 2: AES3/11 output runs at 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz
x 4: AES3/11 output runs at 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz
Multiplying Clock Rates
S/P-DIF op
AES3/11
WCLK
S/P-DIF co
REFERENCE
REF PASS
HOLD
x 256
x 2
x 1
x 4
CLK MULTIPLIERS
1 65432
Generatable Clock Rates
For a better understanding of the efficiency
of the MC-7‘s clock multiplier, please refer
to the tables »Generatable Clock Rates« on
pages 23-25. There you can see which clock
rates and clock signals the MC-7 is able to
convert and to output simultaneously.

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20
»CLK MULTIPLIER« 6
Both S/P-DIF outputs, optical and coaxial, transmit same clock rate settings.
For the S/P-DIF output pair no. 6 are 3 multiply functions available:
x 1, x 2, x 4
Due to the maximum possible S/P-DIF clock frequency of 192.0kHz, the
functions of these multipliers are depending on the basis clock rate of the
incoming reference signal. The factory default is set at x 1.
Example 1
The incoming basis clock runs at 32.0kHz, 44.1kHz or 48.0kHz:
x 1: S/PDIF outputs run at 32.0kHz, 44.1kHz or 48.0kHz
x 2: S/PDIF outputs run at 64.0kHz, 88.2kHz or 96.0kHz
x 4: S/PDIF outputs run at 128.0kHz, 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz
Example 2
The incoming basis clock runs at 88.2kHz or 96.0kHz:
x 1: S/PDIF outputs run at 88.2kHz or 96.0kHz
x 2: S/PDIF outputs run at 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz
x 4: S/PDIF outputs run at 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz
Example 3
The incoming basis clock runs at 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz:
x 1: S/PDIF outputs run at 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz
x 2: S/PDIF outputs run at 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz
x 4: S/PDIF outputs run at 176.4kHz or 192.0kHz
STATUS
This area displays different system conditions of your MC-7. There is no
access for changing settings.
»LOCK«
This blue LED lights when the internal PLL circuit has detected the incoming
clock reference signal as valid. If the reference signal is unstable or lost, the
»LOCK« LED does not light.
»HOLD«
This red LED lights when the external reference clock signal is interrupted
or lost and the HOLD functionality is selected in the REFERENCE menu.
During this, all output signals are available continuously.
»AUDIO«
This red LED lights when a valid AES3 or S/P-DIF optical or coaxial digital
audio reference signal is detected at the corresponding input.
CLOCK IN
This area displays the clock rate of the incoming reference clock signal. The
following basis reference clock rates are supported and will be analyzed:
32.0kHz 44.1kHz 48.0kHz 88.2kHz 96.0kHz
176.4kHz 192.0kHz
Word Clock Rates
These indications are only available if
the internal PLL circuit is locked stably
to the external reference signal and the
corresponding blue LOCK LED lights
permanently.
Regarding the display of incoming Super Clock rates, please refer to page
16 under „Locking so-called »Super Clocks«“.
CLOCK IN
STATUS