Mutec Format changer advanced User manual

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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  Fon 030-746880-0  Fax 030-746880-99  [email protected]

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 notice. © MUTEC GmbH 2002

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 company immediately, other-

wise 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 unit has been designed for operation in a standard household environment. Before you attempt

to operate the unit, please make sure that your local voltage matches the voltage required by the unit!

In addition, make sure that the device is properly grounded via the local electric installation!

Continent Mains voltage + Frequency Mains fuse

Europe 220V - 230V, 50Hz 230V

USA, Canada, Japan 115V, 60Hz 115V

Australia 240V, 50Hz 230V

The fuse holder can be found on the rear of the unit, just below the compartment marked »230 V (115

V)«. Use the fuse holder to adjust the required mains voltage. Ex factory, the unit is normally equipped

with a 230-V mains fuse. If the unit needs to be adjusted to 115 V, the fuse must be replaced as de-

scribed in the appendix section »Replacing the mains fuse«.

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 stand-

ard 3-pin mains outlet. To draw the power cord, never pull on the cable but on the mains plug! 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!

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.

This symbol, an exclamation mark inside a triangle,

alerts you to important operating or safety instructions

in this manual.

!

RISK OF

ELECTRICAL SHOCK!

CAUTION

!

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.

CONTENT

INTRODUCTION

General Function Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Functions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

Applications. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7

CONTROL ELEMENTS

SMART CLOCK Front Panel. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8

SMART CLOCK Rear Panel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9

INSTALLATION

Content of the Box . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Placing the Device . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10

Wiring the Word Clock and Video Interfaces . . . . . . . . . 10

Wiring the AES/EBU and S/PDIF Interfaces . . . . . . . . . . 11

OPERATION

Functional Areas + Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Operating the FORMAT CHANGER advanced . . . . . . . . . 12

Parameters in the AUDIO INPUT Area. . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Parameters in the SYNC SOURCE Area . . . . . . . . . . . . 13

Parameters in the OUPUT FREQ (-UENCY) Area. . . . . . . . 14

Parameters in the SCMS Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14

STATUS Area + Frequency Analyses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15

APPENDIX

Pin Assignment of the Connectors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Ground-lift Word Clock Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17

Replacing the Mains Fuse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Technical Data . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

Schematic Diagram . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19

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INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing the digital audio format and sampling rate

converter FORMAT CHANGER advanced from MUTEC GmbH.

General function description

The FORMAT CHANGER advanced from our SMART DIGITALs Series helps

you interconnect digital audio devices with different transmission formats,

sampling rates and connecting elements. The standard version is equipped

with S/PDIF (optical and coaxial) and AES/EBU interfaces.

The format-only conversion involves not only the necessary electrical

conversion but also a format conversion of the signals, in compliance with

the specifications standardized by the Audio Engineering Society (AES) and

the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC). The signal from the

selected input is converted in its format and simultaneously sent to all three

output interfaces.

In sampling rate conversion mode the FORMAT CHANGER advanced can be

Word Clock or Word Clock x 256 (so-called Super Clock) synchronized exter-

nally as well as through an audio signal provided at any one of the freely

selectable audio inputs. If no external sync signal is available, the unit can be

set to internal synchronization mode with six different reference frequencies.

Basically, all operating modes allow you to process signals with a sampling

rate ranging from 32 kHz to 108 kHz and a word length of up to 24 bits

(linear, input and output). When synchronized externally, the FORMAT

CHANGER advanced offers a varispeed function for the frequency range

mentioned above.

In addition to the real-time sampling rate display of incoming audio or

clock signals, various operating statuses can be controlled visually by means

of status LEDs. SCMS copy bits can be placed or filtered manually. Addition-

ally, the status of incoming SCMS copy bits (original or 1st generation) is

signaled by LEDs.

In all operating modes, constant jitter, level and edge compensation is

applied to all outgoing signals.

Features

Conversion of the two standardized 2-channel digital audio formats

S/PDIF (optical and coaxial) and AES/EBU.

Simultaneous format conversion on all three outputs with one audio

input selected as the signal source.

Real-time sampling rate conversion, independent of the incoming sam-

pling rate and with six selectable frequencies available (32 kHz  96 kHz).

External synchronization based on Word Clock, Word Clock x 256

(so-called Super Clock) or the clock frequency of a digital audio signal

present at any one of the freely selectable audio inputs.

Interface conversion: OPTO  CINCH  XLR.

Varispeed-compatible with frequencies from 32 kHz through 108 kHz.

Hard-bypass of sampling rate converter allows format-only conversion.

Real-time frequency analysis and indication of the sampling rate of incom-

ing audio signals or of clock signals used for external synchronization.

Placing/filtering of SCMS copy bits, incl. status display.

Jitter, level and edge compensation applied to all outgoing signals.

Last function selected is retained after power-down.

Applications

Realtime format and sampling rate conversion

Integration of non-synchronizable devices into digital studio

environments

Jitter reducing and signal stabilization

Clock extraction

Variation of SCMS copy bits

Signal distribution

7

Boxes which contain a triangle

with an exclamation mark in the

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.

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CONTROL ELEMENTS

FORMAT CHANGER advanced Front Panel

1 POWER

This red LED lights up when the unit is switched on with the rear-panel

POWER switch (on condition that the adjusted voltage matches your local

voltage).

2 DATA

Use this key to select a function from a specific functional area.

3 SELECT

This key selects one of three functional areas available.

4 AUDIO INPUT

This is the first functional area. Here, you can select one of the three audio

inputs whose audio signal will be processed. Use option #4 in this area to

mute all outputs (TEST MUTE).

5 SYNC SOURCE

This is the second functional area, which allows you to determine the active

status of the sampling rate converter and/or its clock source. You can select

an internal or external clock, or hard-BYPASS the sampling rate converter

to allow for the conversion of signal formats only.

6 OUTPUT FREQ(UENCY)

The third functional area controls the output sampling rate applied to the

output copy of the incoming audio signal. This functional area is available

exclusively in INTERNAL SYNC mode.

7 STATUS

This is no real functional area but indicates various device statuses by means

of status LEDs.

8 AUDIO + SYNC INPUT FREQ(UENCY)

Here, the display reads in real time either the sampling rate of the signal

present on the selected audio input or the frequency of the external clock

signal.

9 SCMS

This area allows you to monitor the status of the incoming audio signal

with regard to any SCMS copy bits it may contain.

10 SCMS

Use this key to manually remove SCMS copy bits from the incoming S/PDIF

audio signal or add such data to the outgoing S/PDIF audio signal.

Refer to the OPERATIONS chapter for more

information.

9

8

910

1

64

3

2

5

7

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FORMAT CHANGER advanced Rear Panel

1 AES/EBU IN + OUT

These interfaces receive/transmit balanced digital AES/EBU audio signals

based on the specifications of the standard AES 3-1992. The input/output

impedance is 110 Ω (XLR connector, male + female).

2 S/PDIF COAX IN + OUT

These inputs/outputs receive/transmit unbalanced digital S/PDIF audio

signals (coaxial) based on the electrical specifications of the standard IEC

60958. The input/output impedance is 75 Ω. (cinch connectors).

3 S/PDIF OPT IN + OUT

These inputs/outputs receive/transmit digital S/PDIF audio signals (optical)

in accordance with the specifications of the standard IEC 60958 (Toshiba

Toslink connector, EIAJ standard).

4 WC / SC IN + OUT (Word Clock + Word Clock x 256, so-called Super Clock)

This input receives a Word Clock or Word Clock x 256 signal (automatic dif-

ferentiation) for the synchronization of the FORMAT CHANGER advanced.

The incoming clock signal is processed electrically and immediately sent to

the WC/SC output for the synchronization of connected devices. If no exter-

nal clock signal is applied, the WC/SC output provides the sampling rate of

the incoming digital audio signal as the Word Clock frequency. The input/

output impedance is 75 Ω, the input impedance can be disabled internally.

5 230 V (115 V)

This compartment houses the mains fuses, which must be inserted in ac-

cordance with the local voltage used for operating the unit! See also the

safety instructions, in particular, the chapter OPERATION, and the section

»Replacing the Mains Fuse« in the appendix.

6 POWER switch

Mains power switch. Be sure to connect the unit properly to the mains by

using the enclosed power cord and select the country-specific mains volt-

age by inserting a mains fuse of the correct type and rating (5) before you

attempt to operate the unit. Please read the safety instructions.

7 Mains connector

Use this receptacle to connect the enclosed power cord. Be sure to set

the POWER switch to OFF and insert a mains fuse of the correct type and

rating, before you connect the power cord to the unit and/or wall outlet.

The section »Pin Assignment of the Connectors« in the appendix provides

you with information on how to wire the various connecting elements.

Refer to the OPERATIONS chapter for more

information.

For detailed specifications on all terminals,

refer to the PIN ASSIGNMENT OF THE

CONNECTORS and TECHNICAL DATA sections

in the appendix.

10

7

532 6

4

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INSTALLATION

Content of the Box

The unit was packed carefully. Nevertheless we recommend to check the

content directly after opening the package:

1 x FORMAT CHANGER advanced

1 x Power cable

4 x Rubber feets

1 x Manual

1 x Registration card

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. When the unit is installed in a rack, the rubber feets

should not be used to save space!

For 19 rack installation MUTEC offers an optional set of rack ears

(MW-01/19 order no. 8020-005). Install the device so that one unit of rack

space is left free above the device to allow for sufficient ventilation! The

mounting depth including the terminals is 180 mm/7.07.

Another 150 mm/5.9 should be added for the required cables.

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!

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 logi-

cal signal flow. Always be sure to connect the Word Clock output of the

FORMAT CHANGER advanced to the corresponding input of the devices 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 FORMAT CHANGER advanceds output have a 75 Ω termi-

nating 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 or Alesis BRC, you can use an additional

BNC-T piece to terminate the input. Plug the T piece with its center connec-

tor into the input of the receiving device. Then, connect the cable coming

from the FORMAT CHANGER advanced 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!

Additionally the condition of the

packaging material and the device

should be checked carefully. If there

are any damages please refer to SAFETY

INSTRUCTIONS, Initial Operation, and

WARRANTY REGULATIONS.

!

Before installing the unit finally

the section SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

located at the beginning of this

manual should be read.

!

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 for your clock signal

leads, in particular, if you need to transmit

Word Clock x 256 (so-called Super Clock)

signals over greater distances. In any case, a

length of max. 10 meters (approx. 30 feets)

should never be exceeded!

11

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Wiring the AES/EBU and S/PDIF 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/PDIF 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/PDIF 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.

MUTEC offers optical cables of various

lengths that have been specifically tested

for the transmission of S/PDIF and ADAT

signals (retailers and distributors only)!

Since some manufacturers offer optimized

cables for the transmission of digital S/PDIF

and AES/EBU audio signals, it will be a good

idea to ask your retailer for specific cables.

12

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OPERATION

Functional Areas + Parameters

Your FORMAT CHANGER advanced provides four functional areas:

AUDIO INPUT

SYNC SOURCE

OUTPUT FREQUENCY

SCMS

Each of these functional areas comprises a variety of different parameters.

As an example, the illustration in the margin shows the functions included

in the functional area SYNC SOURCE.

After initial power-up of the unit the following parameters are preset in

the four functional areas (LEDs light up permanently):

Functional area AUDIO INPUT

Default parameter: S/PDIF OPT

Functional area SYNC SOURCE

Default parameter: BYPASS

Functional area OUTPUT FREQUENCY

Default parameter: 44,100 Hz

Functional area SCMS

Default parameter: SCMS not placed

Operating the FORMAT CHANGER advanced

After initial power-up of the unit, the LEDs of the functions selected (see

above) in the three functional areas light up permanently. Press the DATA

or SELECT key to edit one of the preset functions. Subsequently, the LED of

the preset function in the first functional area starts flashing, which signals

that you can now select another function or functional area.

SELECT key

The SELECT key is used to select one of the three functional areas. After

selection of a different functional area, the LED of the last function

selected in this area starts flashing. When you quit a functional area by

pressing the SELECT key again, the LED of the last function selected lights

up permanently.

DATA key

The DATA key is used to select a function from a specific functional area.

Use the upper key to select the functions above the current position, and

the lower key to select the functions below that position. Once a function

has been selected, its LED starts flashing.

If you press neither the DATA nor SELECT key for about 4 seconds, the LED

of the last function selected lights up permanently. To select a function

you must re-initiate SELECT mode now by pressing the SELECT key again.

Subsequently, the LED of the last function selected starts flashing. Press the

SELECT key again to select a new functional area, or the DATA key to select

a new function.

Parameters in functional area

Functional area

Parameters inclu-

ded in functional

area

When you select a new function, the

FORMAT CHANGER advanced remains in

the current functional mode, until the LED

of the new function selected has stopped

flashing. No further confirmation (ENTER

command, etc.) is required.

13

Functional areas

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Parameters in the AUDIO INPUT Area

S/PDIF OPT, S/PDIF COAX, AES/EBU

This functional area includes the three input formats mentioned above

for the digital audio signal to be received. The input interfaces avail-

able are listed in the section »CONTROL ELEMENTS, FORMAT CHANGER

advanced Rear Panel«

When you select an input connected to a feeding device, the FORMAT

CHANGER advanced initiates the simultaneous signal transfer to all three

output formats, which involves the electrical conversion between the two S/

PDIF interfaces as well as the format conversion from S/PDIF to AES/EBU, and

vice versa. At the same time, the sampling rate contained in the audio signal

is extracted and sent to the WC/SC output as a Word Clock signal, so that you

can synchronize the devices connected to this output to the incoming audio

signal.

The incoming audio signals quality is monitored by the system. Whenever

a usable signal is applied to the selected input, the red status LED AUDIO IN

in the STATUS area lights up.

If the audio signal contains emphasis information, the red status LED

EMPHASIS in the STATUS area lights up. In this case, the FORMAT CHANGER

advanced does not process the data status to maintain signal transparency

on the output sid further confirmation (ENTER command, etc.) is required.

The transfer of digital audio signals from the selected input to all three

outputs also ensures that the input signal can be used for further process-

ing on the output based on the same format. Since the output signal is

processed electrically in this case, the FORMAT CHANGER advanced can

also be used to refresh the incoming signal.

TEST MUTE

This function mutes all outputs of the FORMAT CHANGER advanced, which

includes not only the digital audio outputs but also the WC/SC output. Use

the function to configure your equipment set-up, so as to identify possible

problems caused by interconnected signals or interference.

Parameters in the SYNC SOURCE Area

BYPASS

In BYPASS mode the FORMAT CHANGER advanced works exclusively as

a format converter, bypassing the sampling rate converter in the signal

path.

S/PDIF OPT, S/PDIF COAX, AES/EBU

These parameters refer to the three digital audio inputs whose signals

are used as clock frequencies for the external synchronization of the

FORMAT CHANGER advanced. The unit processes digital audio signals

or S/PDIF and/or AES/EBU blank-frame signals, which also involves the

sampling rate converter!

When you select one of the three audio inputs as the clock source in the

SYNC SOURCE area, the FORMAT CHANGER advanced is synchronized to

the sampling rate included in the audio or blank-frame signal applied here.

In parallel to that, the sampling rate is sent as a Word Clock signal to the

WC/SC output for the synchronization of other devices. Now, the digital

audio input signal selected for processing in the AUDIO INPUT area is sent

to all three audio outputs; it has the same sampling rate as the audio or

blank-frame signal used for synchronization and is totally independent of

the original sampling rate!

WC/SC

Use this parameter to activate the WC/SC input on the rear of the FORMAT

CHANGER advanced and to synchronize the unit with an incoming clock

signal received at this input. You can feed in both Word Clock and Word

Clock x 256 (so-called Super Clock) signals, the input stage distinguishes

automatically between the two variants. In this mode, the digital audio

signal selected in the AUDIO INPUT area is synchronized with the sampling

rate of the incoming Word Clock or Word Clock x 256 signal, converted in

its format and sent to all three audio outputs - irrespective of its original

sampling rate!

If you wish to route the incoming clock signals to other equipment as

well, you need to lift the ground of the WC/SC input before. Please follow

the instructions given in the appendix, section »Ground-lift«.

Parameters in AUDIO INPUT area

If the incoming audio signal is interrupted

or the system detects an increase in the

error rate, the status LED ERROR MUTE in

the STATUS area lights up, while the AUDIO

IN LED goes out. At the same time, all audio

outputs and the WC/SC output are muted to

protect your monitor speakers or head-

phones from damage caused by erratic level

fluctuations.

Parameters in SYNC SOURCE area

The selection of one of the three audio

inputs as a clock source in the SYNC

SOURCE area is independent of the audio

input selected as the audio signal source in

the AUDIO INPUT area.

A Word Clock signal present at the WC/SC

input is routed in parallel to the WC/SC

output for the synchronization of other

equipment. For reasons determined by the

system any Super Clock signal applied here

will also be output as a Word Clock signal!

14

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Please note that this function may

not be used for unauthorized copy-

ing of any kind of data material!

!

INTERN SYNC

This function activates the clock oscillator built into the FORMAT CHANGER

advanced. In this mode, any clock signal applied to the inputs mentioned

above will be ignored. Independently of the incoming audio signals sam-

pling rate, you can now determine the exact sampling rate of the outgoing

audio signals. For this purpose, you need to select the function and then

switch over to the functional area OUTPUT FREQ (see below).

Parameters in the OUTPUT FREQ (-UENCY) Area

This functional area will be active only if the function INTERN SYNC in the

SYNC SOURCE area has been selected before. Independently of the incom-

ing audio signals sampling rate, you can now adjust one of the six output

sampling rates available. Since these rates are coupled to the internal high-

precision clock oscillator, they are generated with constant accuracy, even if

there are fluctuations in the audio signals sampling rate. The rate adjusted

here is simultaneously sent to the WC/SC output as a Word Clock signal for

the synchronization of equipment connected there.

The clock rates generated by the internal clock oscillator of your FORMAT

CHANGER advanced feature a temperature-compensated stability of +/- 10

ppm, which corresponds to the specifications of AES 11, Grade 2 (!). Thus

you can use the FORMAT CHANGER advanced even in smaller set-ups as

a master clock for the synchronization of other equipment. If one clock

output is not enough for your specific application, please consider using

our DISTRIBUTOR ws for the distribution of clock signals (see enclosed

brochure).

Parameters in the SCMS Area

In this functional area you can manually place SCMS copy bits and monitor

their status.

As is generally known, SCMS copy bits are exclusively defined in S/PDIF data

streams to prevent multiple copies of the digital audio material. As a result,

copy bits can only be placed into or removed from outgoing S/PDIF signals.

The AES/EBU specifications have no additional bits defined in the audio

material that prevent unauthorized copying.

Before you place SCMS copy bits, you should check the incoming audio

signal for existing SCMS data. For this purpose, the FORMAT CHANGER

advanced has two red status LEDs marked ORIG and 1st, which indicate

the current SCMS status of the incoming audio signal. This function works

independently of the general operating mode of the unit.

The SCMS copy bit system distinguishes originals (the bits placed to

represent the original version of the audio material) from 1st generation

copies (the bits placed to represent the first copy of the original). Conse-

quently, any audio material marked as 1st generation material cannot be

copied any longer via S/PDIF interfaces.

When working in a recording studio environment, you will usually need to

be able to easily exchange digital audio material between different devices,

which is why the FORMAT CHANGER advanced always erases copy informa-

tion contained in the channel status block of the outgoing audio signal,

which also includes SCMS copy bits. If you wish to protect your audio mate-

rial from unauthorized copying via S/PDIF interfaces, simply press the SCMS

key, so that the SET LED (green) lights up signaling that the outgoing audio

signal will be marked as 1st generation material.

Since the FORMAT CHANGER advanced

stores all settings even after power-down,

you should press the SET key again upon

completion of an SCMS-coded recording,

in order to disable this function and allow

for the free exchange of audio material

between the various devices in the studio.

Parameters in OUPUT FREQ (-UENCY) area

Parameters in SCMS area

15

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STATUS Area + Frequency Analysis

This functional area provides you with information on various operating

statuses of your FORMAT CHANGER advanced.

AUDIO IN

This LED lights up as soon as a usable digital audio signal is present at the

audio input selected.

EMPHASIS

If the audio input signal contains emphasis information, the status LED

EMPHASIS lights up. In this case, the FORMAT CHANGER advanced does not

process the data status to maintain signal transparency on the output side.

EXTERN SYNC

This LED lights up whenever a usable Word Clock, Word Clock x 256 or

digital audio signal is present at the clock input selected in the SYNC

SOURCE area.

ERROR MUTE

Whenever a signal in one of the functional areas is interrupted or the

incoming signal suffers from an increased error rate, the FORMAT

CHANGER advanced mutes all of its outputs (ERROR MUTE LED lights up),

so as to protect your monitoring speakers or headphones from damage

caused by erratic level fluctuations.

AUDIO/SYNC INPUT FREQ(UENCY)

Depending on the operating mode selected, this display shows in real time

the sampling rate of either the audio signal from the selected audio input,

or of the incoming clock signal.

When the BYPASS function in the SYNC SOURCE area is on, the display

reads the sampling rates of the incoming audio signal. In this mode, the

FORMAT CHANGER advanced does not display the rate of clock signals,

even if they are present, because it works exclusively as a format converter.

If the WC/SC input or one of the audio inputs is selected as a clock input

in this area, the applied clock signal is displayed, because in this mode the

sampling rate converter is enabled and the incoming audio signals rate is

adapted to the clock signal.

Parameters in STATUS area

16

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17

APPENDIX

Pin Assignment of the Connectors

MAINS

3

2

1

3

2

1 Live, phase (brown; USA: black)

2 Protective earth (green/yellow; USA: green)

3 Neutral (blue; USA: white)

AES/EBU XLR-Output AES/EBU XLR-Output

CINCH: OUPUT BNC-OUTPUT

1 Audio signal 1 Signal

2 Audio ground 2 Ground

2

1

2

1 Audio ground

2 a conductor (hot / +)

3 b conductor (cold / -)

2

3

1

1 Audio ground

2 a conductor (hot / +)

3 b conductor (cold / -)

Ground-lift of Word Clock Input

Place the unit, front panel towards you, on a table and remove the steel-

plate cover after unscrewing the six screws holding it. Locate the BNC jacks

on the rear of the unit (see WC/SC) and follow them all the way inside the

enclosure. Locate the DIP switch next to the BNC connectors (standard posi-

tion: »ON«). Carefully set the switch to position »OFF« to lift the ground of

the Word/Super Clock input.

CAUTION! Disconnect the unit from

the mains before opening!

Remount the steel-plate cover

thoroughly before you attempt to

operate the unit!

!

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18

Replacing the Mains Fuse

Disconnect the power cord from

both the wall outlet and the unit

before you attempt to replace the

mains fuse!

Make sure that the fuse holder is inserted

completely down to the bottom of its socket

and that the compartment is fully closed!

!

Use a small, flat-blade screwdriver to open the compartment that houses

the fuse holder. Carefully pull out the fuse holder from its socket. Turn it

by 180° and re-insert it into its socket. After closing the compartment, the

second mains voltage marker must be visible through the window in the

compartment cover.

Technical Data

S/PDIF OPTICAL INPUT

Interfaces 1 x Toshiba ToslinkTM, EIAJ RC-5720

Format IEC 60958

Resolution 16  24 bits

Lock range 32.0 kHz to 108.0 kHz

S/PDIF COAXIAL INPUT

Interface 1 x Coaxial (Cinch/RCA female), unbalanced, input impedance 75 Ω, 200 mV 7 V

Format IEC 60958

Resolution 16  24 bits

Lock range 32.0 kHz to 108.0 kHz

AES/EBU INPUT

Interface 1 x XLR female, transformer balanced, input impedance 110 Ω, 200 mV  7.0 V

Format AES/EBU 3  1992 + AES/EBU 11  1997

Resolution 16  24 bits

Lock range 32.0 kHz to 108.0 kHz

S/PDIF OPTICAL OUTPUT

Interface 1 x Toshiba ToslinkTM, EIAJ RC-5720

Format IEC 60958

Resolution 24 bits

Transmitted audio clock rates Every clock rate from 32.0 kHz to 108.0 kHz

S/PDIF COAXIAL OUTPUT

Interface 1 x Coaxial (Cinch/RCA female), unbalanced, 0.5 Vpp @ 75 Ω, output impedance 75 Ω,

buffered

Format IEC 60958

Resolution 24 bits

Transmitted audio clock rates Every clock rate from 32.0 kHz to 108.0 kHz

AES/EBU OUTPUT

Interface 1 x XLR male, transformer balanced, 3,5 Vpp @ 110 Ω, output impedance 110 Ω, buffered

Format AES/EBU 3  1992

Resolution 24 bits

Transmitted audio clock rates Every clock rate from 32.0 kHz to 108.0 kHz

WORD CLOCK INPUT

Interface 1 x BNC, 200 mV-7 V, unbalanced, input impedance 75 Ω + 1MΩ, switchable

Lock range 32.0 kHz to 108.0 kHz; 8.0 MHz to 13.0MHz, automatic selection

WORD CLOCK OUTPUT

Interface 1 x BNC, 3,5 V, unbalanced, input impedance 75 Ω, buffered

Transmitted audio clock rates Every clock rate from 32.0 kHz to 108.0 kHz + 8.0 MHz to 13.0MHz

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19

INTERNAL REFERENCE OSCILLATOR SPECIFICATIONS

Oscillator type TCXO, temprature com pensated crystal oscillator, burned-in and pre-aged

Clock accuracy (shipped) < ± 10.0 ppm, aligned to AES 11, grade 2

Generatable clock rates 32.0 kHz, 44.1 kHz, 48.0 kHz, 64.0 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96.0 kHz

Operating temperature - 10°C to + 60°C

SIGNAL PROCESSING

Format conversion S/PDIF (optical) ↔ S/PDIF (coaxial) electrical conversion

S/PDIF (optical & coaxial) ↔ AES/EBU digital format conversion

Samplerate conversion ratio 1 : 3 to 3 : 1

Dynamic range 128 dB

External synchronisation Word Clock + Word Clock x 256; All digital audio inputs (clock extraction)

Fully varispeed compatible

SCMS copy bit Detection original + 1. generation; setting + removing

POWER SUPPLY

Type Internal power supply

Input voltage 115 V/230 V (switchable), 50-60 Hz

Power consumption max. 12 W, removable power cord (IEC320/C13 aligned)

SYSTEM UNIT COVER

Cover size / material / color 196 mm x 42 mm x 156 mm (W x H x D); aluminium sheet; black

Front panel size / material 198 mm x 44 mm x 2 mm (W x H x D), 7.8; aluminium anodized

Weight ~ 1550 g

Schematic Diagram

OPTO IN

COAX IN

AES IN

MUX

RX

I2SO

RX

I2SO

TX

I2SI

3

Clk

1

SDO

MUX

3

Clk

MUX

1

SDI

MUX

3

Clk

1

SDO

MUX

3

Clk

MUX

SDI

TX

I2SI

Cs8427

Cs8420

OSZ

Teiler1

Teiler2

PLL

SC/WC DETECT

Bidirekt.

SC/WC IN

OPTO OUT

COAX OUT

AES OUT

SYNC

SRC

SC/WC OUT

SC/WC

Ctrl.

Cs8420 Ctrl.

Ctrl.

EXTSync.

MCU

LEDS

23 St.

TASTER

4 St.

4

10 MUX 8:4

CPLDMuxCtrl.

8420 Ctrl/Data

EXTsync.

FREQUENZ

DETECTION

7 Segment

EEPROM

1

2

CPUClk

Teiler 3

Logik in

CPLD

XC 95144XL

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Mutec FORMAT CHANGER advanced User manual

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