PALAB DAC-M1 User manual

DAC-M1 D/A CONVERTERS
USER’S MANUAL

FCC Notice - Declaration of Conformity Information
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of
the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential
installation. This equipment uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance
with the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications.
However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause
harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and on, the
user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:
Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.
Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit di erent from that to which the receiver is connected.
Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
WARNING : Only peripherals complying with the FCC class B limits may be attached to this equipment.
Changes or modi cations made to this equipment, not expressly approved by us or parties authorized by us could void
the user’s authority to operate the equipment. This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject
to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any
interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
01

EU Declaration of Conformity
Hereby, PALAB Audio, Inc. declares that this device is in compliance with the essential requirements and other
relevant provisions of Directive 2004/108/EC.
The manufacturer of this product is PALAB Audio, Inc., No. 33, Cukengkou Rd., Ruifang Dist., New Taipei City 224, Taiwan .
The Authorized Representative for EMC and product safety is PALAB Audio, Inc., No. 33, Cukengkou Rd., Ruifang Dist.,
New Taipei City 224, Taiwan .
For any service or guarantee matters please refer to the addresses given in separate service or guarantee documents.
For customers in Europe
Disposal of Old Electrical & Electronic Equipment (Applicable in the European Union and other European
countries with separate collection systems)
This symbol on the product or on its packaging indicates that this product shall not be treated as
household waste. Instead it shall be handed over to the applicable collection point for the recycling of
electrical and electronic equipment. By ensuring this product is disposed of correctly, you will help
prevent potential negative consequences for the environment and human health, which could otherwise
be caused by inappropriate waste handling of this product. The recycling of materials will help to conserve
natural resources. For more detailed information about recycling of this product, please contact your local
Civic Oce, your household waste disposal service or the shop where you purchased the product.
02

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
There are two categories of Safety Instructions included in this manual :
Product Warnings, (i.e., what must never be done to assure avoiding those hazards that could cause bodily
injury or property damage); and
User Directions (i.e., what must always be done to assure the safe use of your device).
The Safety Instructions contained in this manual have been categorized in accordance with the seriousness of the
potential hazards through the use of Signal Words. Those Signal Words, and their intended meanings, are as follows:
DANGER : Indicates that a failure to observe the Safety Instructions could result in death or catastrophic bodily injury.
WARNING : Indicates that a failure to observe the Safety Instructions could result in serious bodily injury.
CAUTION : Indicates that a failure to observe the Safety Instructions could result in minor bodily injury or property
damage.
NOTE : Designates important information that relates to activities and/or conditions that might result in loss of data
and/or damage to your device.
Safe Use and Operation of Your Device
This equipment emits stray RF energy and will interfere with the reception of signals by airborne electronic
navigational devices or medical devices. Do not operate this equipment near any sensitive medical devices.
•
•
03

WARNING : Use only grounded AC power cords.
Always immediately disconnect the power to the equipment in the event the device emits an unusual odor or sound
or generates smoke.
WARNING : Never attempt to disassemble, repair or make any modi cation to your device. Disassembly, modi cation
or any attempt at repair could cause bodily injury or property damage, as well as damage to the device itself.
WARNING : Your device is not a toy. Never allow children to play with your device. Misuse, rough or improper handling
of your device by children could result in serious bodily injury for any of the enumerated safety warnings in this manual.
In addition, always keep all accessories and components out of the reach of small children as small parts might present
a choking hazard. Seek immediate medical attention if choking occurs or if any small part has been swallowed.
CAUTION : Never raise the sound volume level too high when using your device with earphones. An excessive sound
volume level could cause damage to your hearing.
WARNING : To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose the unit to moisture or water.
Do not allow foreign objects to get into the enclosure. If the unit is exposed to moisture, or a foreign object gets into the
enclosure, immediately disconnect the power cord from the wall. Take the unit to a quali ed service person for inspection
and necessary repairs.
Read all the instructions before connecting or operating the component.
Keep this manual so you can refer to these safety instructions.
Heed all warnings and safety information in these instructions and on the product itself. Follow all operating instructions.
04

Do not use this unit near water.
You must allow a minimum 10 cm or 4 inches of unobstructed clearance around the unit. Do not place the unit on a bed,
sofa, rug, or similar surface that could block the ventilation openings. If the unit is placed in a bookcase or cabinet, there
must be ventilation of the cabinet to allow proper cooling. Keep the component away from radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or any other appliance that produces heat.
•
The unit must be connected to a power supply only of the type and voltage speci ed on the rear panel. Connect the
component to the power outlet only with the supplied power supply cable or an exact equivalent. Do not modify the
supplied cable.
Do not route the power cord where it will be crushed, pinched, bent, exposed to heat, or damaged in any way. Pay
particular attention to the power cord at the plug and where the cord exits the back of the unit.
The power cord should be unplugged from the wall outlet during a lightning storm or if the unit is to be left unused for
a long period of time.
Immediately stop using the component and have it inspected and/or serviced by a quali ed service agency if:
The power supply cord or plug has been damaged.
Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the unit.
The unit has been exposed to rain.
The unit shows signs of improper operation.
The unit has been dropped or damaged in any way
•
•
•
05

Quick Start Guide
1. Front Panel View
VOLUME ●MUTE
PHONES
6.3
4.4
DAC-M1 D/A CONVERTERS
◄ ►
M
P
1
2 34 5 6 7 9
1. Press to turn on or o the power
4. Press to turn on or o the menu
2. & 3. Input switch or switch menu item
5. Display
6. Standard 6.3mm (1/4") stereo headphone jack
7. 4.4mm “Pentaconn” balanced headphone jack
9. Volume adjust / mute and change item values
A. Press to mute / unmute.
B. Use to adjust the volume.
C. Use to change setting values when a menu item is shown.
A. Press to switch between inputs
B. Use to change menu items in menu mode
8
8. Standby led
06

2. Rear Panel View
OPTICAL COAXIAL
USB RCA IN
EXTENSION
IIS/DSD
L
R
XLR - R XLR - L
L
R
RCA OUT
POWER AC
DAC-M1 D/A CONVERTERS
USB : USB slot is for connecting with the B Type USB to A Type USB 2.0 version cable to PC's USB port which is able to
send digital audio up to PCM 384KHz / DSD up to 256 and MQA.
IIS/DSD : With HDMI cable to transfer IIS and DSD data from PALAB source devices. Do not connect to the HDMI output
of Set Top Box or BD / DVD player.
Coaxial : Accept up to PCM 192KHz and MQA.
Optical : Accept up to PCM 192KHz and MQA.
Extension : For Bluetooth or Wi-Fi module. (option)
Digital Inputs :
07

Analog Input :
RCA IN : Stereo analog for CD/DVD/BD players, TV and any analog source device .
Note : DAC- M1 does not guarantee that all IIS/DSD source will operate and be compatible due to wide variety of
brands and custom specs.
Analog Outputs :
1x Balanced Stereo Audio Output ( XLR MALE )
1x Stereo Audio Output ( RCA )
1x MMCX 4.4mm balanced headphone jack
1x 6.3 TRS headphone jack
IIS / DSD Pin dene
PIN14 : NC
PIN13 : NC
PIN12 : NC
PIN11 : GND
PIN10 : NC
PIN9 : LRCK + / DSD R +
PIN8 : GND
PIN15 : NC
PIN16 : NC
PIN17 : GND
PIN18 : NC
PIN19 : + 3.3V OUTPUT
PIN3 : SDATA + / DSD L+
PIN1 : SDATA - / DSD L-
PIN2 : GND
PIN4 : BCK + / DSD CLK +
PIN5 : GND
PIN6 : BCK - / DSD CLK -
PIN7 : LRCK - / DSD R -
08

Ground terminal : Chassis ground.
AC Inlet : Connect the supplied mains lead to the AC IN (115V or 230 V) terminal on the rear of the DAC.
Others :
AC Voltage Selector : Make sure that the AC voltage selector switch at the bottom of the unit is switched to the
appropriate voltage for your country. All PALAB products are shipped with the switch set
to 230V AC in order to prevent accidental damage.
230
XLR MALE Pin dene
CASE
1
3
2
Pin 1 : Ground
Pin 2 : Positive (+)
Pin 3 : Negative (-)
09

3. Remote Control
ON / STBY DISPLAY
MENU MUTE
VOL ▲VOL ▼
SOURCE ►◄ SOURCE
ITEM ▲ITEM ▼
DAC-M1
• ON / STBY :Press to put the unit into standby mode or turn it on.
• DISPLAY : Display Input signal sampling frequency.
• ITEM : Press button to show the item that you want to set.
• MENU : Press to enter setting mode or return to the previous screen.
• SOURCE : Select the playback source or change the setting value in menu mode.
• MUTE : Mute / Unmute audio.
• VOL : Increase / Decrease volume
Battery Replacement:
To change the battery, please remove the 4 screws and the bottom cover
to reveal the battery casing.
▲▼
◄►
▲▼
10

Turn on the DAC-M1 display will rst show DAC-M1.
4. Start Up
Next, the usage status when the power was last turned o will be displayed. For example, the input is USB and the
volume is 88.
5. Display sample rate
Press the display button to display the locked sample rate, For example
PCM sample rate
DSD sample rate
MQA original sample rate
DAC-M1
USB VOL 88
PCM 44.1K or PCM 352.8K
DSD 64 or DSD 256
MQA 44.1K or MQA352.8K
MQA Studio original sample rate
MQA STUDIO 352.8KHz
11

6. Setup menu
Sample rate adjustment
SRC : OFF
Digital lter selection
DF : LIN FAST
Output setting
OUTPUT : L - R
DOP decode
DOP : DISABLE
Volume control mode
VOL ADJ : INDI
Display brightness
DIMM : BRIGHT
Pressing the MENU button will display the set value when you left the menu last time, For example
12

7. Menu structure
The menu items appear in the following order
SRC : OFF
DF : LIN FAST
OUTPUT : L - R
DOP : DISABLE
VOL ADJ : INDE
DIMM : BRIGHT
Sample rate
SRC : OFF
SRC : PCM 44K
SRC : PCM 48K
SRC : PCM 88K
SRC : PCM 96K
SRC : PCM 176K
SRC : PCM 192K
SRC : PCM 352K
SRC : PCM 384K
SRC : DSD 64
SRC : DSD 128
SRC : DSD256
Digital lter
DF : LIN FAST
DF : MIN FAST
DF : MIN SLOW
DF : APODIZING
DF : CORRECTED
DF : BRICK WALL
DF : LIN SLOW
Output setting
OUTPUT : L - R
OUTPUT : R - L
OUTPUT : L - L
OUTPUT : R - R
DOP Decoder
DOP : DISABLE
DOP : ENABLE
Volume control mode
VOL ADJ : INDi
VOL ADJ : LINK
Display brightness
DIMM : BRIGHT
DIMM : HALF
DIMM : DARK
13

7-1. Sample rate conversion
Use to activate the up or down conversion circuit when receiving PCM or DSD signals.
SRC : OFF ( default )
The original input signal is sent directly to the D/A converter without conversion.
SRC : PCM xxK or SRC : DSD xx
The input source is converted to PCM or DSD digital format, and then sent to the D/A converter.
7-2. PCM digital lter
The Digital Filter function primarily changes characteristics outside the audible frequency, They cannot aect
changes within the audible frequency, You can choose the following digital lter.
DF : LIN FAST ( Linear phase fast roll-o lter ) ( default)
DF : MIN FAST ( Minimum phase fast roll-o lter )
DF : MIN SLOW ( Minimum phase slow roll-o lter )
DF : APODIZING ( Apodizing fast roll-o lter )
DF : CORRECTED ( Corrected minimum phase fast roll-o lter )
DF : BRICK WALL ( Brick wall lter )
DF : LIN SLOW ( Linear phase slow roll-o lter )
7-3. Analog output
You can choose to have the left and right channel outputs swapped or work in single channel mode.
OUTPUT : L - R ( default )
OUTPUT : R - L
OUTPUT : L - L
OUTPUT : R - R
14

7-4. DOP ( DSD over PCM ) decod
DOP : DISABLE ( default )
DOP : ENABLE
Enable this feature when you want to use Coaxial or Optical to receive DOP signals, When the DOP decoder is enabled,
the MQA decoding function will be turned o at the same time.
7-5. Volume control mode
The volume can be adjusted individually for each input, or all inputs can be adjusted together.
VOL ADJ : INDI ( Individually ) ( default )
VOL ADJ : LINK
DIMM : BRIGHT ( default )
DIMM : HALF
DIMM : DARK
7-6. Display brightness
Three-level display brightness adjustment.
Note : MQA signal cannot be decoded after DOP is enabled
15

VOLUME ●MUTE
PHONES
6.3
4.4
DAC-M1 D/A CONVERTERS
◄ ►
M
P
8. Connections ( Front Panel )
LEFT RIGHT GND L+ L- R+ R- GND
Wiring illustration
Standard 6.3mm stereo plugs JEIT standard RC-8141C
If headphones are connected, sound will
stop being output from the rear panel
connectors.
16

OPTICAL COAXIAL
USB RCA IN
EXTENSION
IIS/DSD
L
R
XLR - R XLR - L
L
R
RCA OUT
POWER AC
DAC-M1 D/A CONVERTERS
Computer CD Player CD Player CD Transport
OPTICAL DIGITAL OUTPUT COAXIAL DIGITAL OUTPUT IIS/DSD DIGITAL OUTPUT
USB 2.0 or USB 3.0
High speed USB 2.0 cable
Optical cable
Coaxial cable
HDMI cable
9. Connections ( Rear Panel )
17

OPTICAL COAXIAL
USB RCA IN
EXTENSION
IIS/DSD
L
R
XLR - R XLR - L
L
R
RCA OUT
POWER AC
DAC-M1 D/A CONVERTERS
Bluetooth or
WiFi Module
( Option ) CD Player
LINE OUTPUT
RCA Audio Cables
STEREO AMPLIFIER
XLR AUDIO INPUT
STEREO AMPLIFIER
RCA AUDIO INPUT
RCA Audio Cables
XLR Audio Cables
TO MAINS
18

10. Windows Driver install
10-1. System requirements
Please connect the DAC-M1 to the computer before installing the Windows driver.
10-3. Driver install
2. Open the driver folder and click setup.exe the driver will installer. connect the unit along with the source device.
Win 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10 ( 32/64-bit )
10-2. Windows Installation Process
3. Follow the onscreen directions. Please allow 3 ~ 5 minutes for the installer to complete. On older computers, it may
take longer.
Note : During the setup the hardware device must be connect to your PC source device and when the message
appear to ask for disconnect and reconnect, follow the instruction and when nish doing so click on “OK”. The source
device should recognize the PALAB USB device and a message will show on the bottom.
1. Open the Control Panel from START and double click on the Control Panel then select Add or Remove Programs.
2. Select PALAB USB USBAudio Driver and click Remove.
3. Click Yes to conrm the removal.
11. Uninstall Windows Driver
12. Mac Installation Process
There is no installation require for Mac system however, a simple setting is require in order to allow the USB HD
Audio to be active.
1. Please visit www.palabaudio.com and download the latest driver.
19
Table of contents
Other PALAB Media Converter manuals
Popular Media Converter manuals by other brands

Contemporary Research
Contemporary Research QMOD-HDMI 1.5 product manual

Transition Networks
Transition Networks E-CX-TBT-04 user guide

R&M
R&M ControlMaster Edge Quick installation guide

Kramer
Kramer KDS-EN3 user manual

BARIX
BARIX INSTREAMER ICE Quick install guide

HEIDENHAIN
HEIDENHAIN RON 785 Mounting instructions