SPL Director Mk2 User manual

Professional Fidelity
VOLTAiR
120V DC Audio Rail
ON
Director
V
O
L
U
M
E
Off On
TAPE MONITOR
6
0
12
VU
Mute
2
3
4
5
6
Coax
Optic
AES
USB
1
Remote
Mk
DirectorMk– User Manual
DA Converter and Preamplier
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2
Welcome
and thank you for choosing the DirectorMk.
The Director Mk is the derivative of our reference preamplifier Director. The all new high voltage digital to analog
converter now supports  bit and sample rates up to kHz as well as DSD. Besides the four digital inputs
there is a total of six analog inputs – two of which are balanced with XLR connectors.
Fans of analog tape machines or external audio processing can insert their beloved gear in the Tape Monitor loop.
VOLTAiR technology is what we also call the SPL V Rail Technology within the Professional Fidelity series. This
makes the DirectorMk an outstandig device in terms of dynamic range, signal-to-noise ratio and headroom deliver-
ing an exceptional sound experience with invincible serenity, transparency and realness.
VOLTAiR
120V DC Au dio Rail
ON
Director
V
O
L
U
M
E
Off On
TAPE MONITOR
6
0
12
VU
Mute
2
3
4
5
6
Coax
Optic
AES
USB
1
Remote
Mk
SEND
–10dB
RETURN
+10dB
Fuses:
230V AC:
T 500 mA
L 250 V
115V AC:
T 1 A
L 250 V
Voltage Selection:
1. Remove Fuse Holder
2. Exchange Fuses
3. Flip Over
4. Reinstall LR
Director Mk2
Made in Germany
Refer to
Manual
RISK OF E LECTRI C SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
~ 115V AC / ~230VAC, 50 Hz / 60Hz, P max. 45 W
USB
OPTIC
AES
COAX
3456
2LR 1
LR Tape
Monitor
B
A
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Content
Getting started 
Front view 
Rear view 
VOLTAiR – V Rail Technology 
Comparisons 
Operation 
Source Selection, Mute, Remote 
Volume 
Tape Monitor 
VU-Meter 
Attenuate the sensitivity of the VU meters 
IR Remote Control 
Volume and source can be remotely controlled using any
infrared (IR) remote control 
AMP CTL (Amplifier Control) 
Specifications 
Inputs and Outputs 
Analog inputs 
Digital inputs 
Sample rates  Bit 
Outputs 
Measurements 
Internal Voltages 
Power supply 
Dimensions (incl. feet) 
Weight 
Important Notes 
Declaration of CE Conformity 
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4
Getting started
Getting started
Read thoroughly and follow the instructions as well as the security advices of the Quickstart
which is enclosed in the scope of delivery! You can also download the Quickstart here.
By pressing the -Button you get to the table of contents.
By pressing the -Button you get to the front view of the unit.
By pressing the -Button you get to the rear view of the unit.
By pressing the -Button you get to the previous content.
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5
VOLTAiR
120V DC Audio Rail
ON
Director
V
O
L
U
M
E
Off On
TAPE MONITOR
6
0
12
VU
Mute
2
3
4
5
6
Coax
Optic
AES
USB
1
Remote
Mk
Front view
Front view
Stand-by
1
Power-LED
3
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R
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Display 5
IR Receiver 4
Volume 7
Source, Mute, Remote 6
VU Meter
2
VU Meter Switch
9
Tape Monitor Switch
8

6
SEND
–10dB
RETURN
+10dB
Fuses:
230V AC:
T 500 mA
L 250 V
115V AC:
T 1 A
L 250 V
Voltage Selection:
1. Remove Fuse Holder
2. Exchange Fuses
3. Flip Over
4. Reinstall LR
Director Mk2
Made in Germany
Refer to
Manual
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
~ 115V AC / ~230VAC, 50Hz / 60Hz, P max. 45 W
USB
OPTIC
AES
COAX
3456
2LR 1
LR Tape
Monitor
B
A
Rear view
Rear view
Mains Switch 14
Mains Voltage 13
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Learn IR-Remote-Button 15
Preamp Output 16
AMP CTL
12
Analog Audio Inputs
11
Digital Audio Inputs
10
Analog Audio Inputs
11
Tape Monitor
18
Direct Output
17

7
VOLTAiR – 120V Rail Technology
VOLTAiR – V Rail Technology
VOLTAiR is the synonym for our V Rail Technology within the Professional Fidelity series. The audio signals are
processed with an unequalled +/-V DC, which corresponds to twice that of discrete operational amplifiers and
four-times that of semiconductor operational amplifiers.
VOLTAiR Technology reaches outstanding technical and sonic performances. Technically especially in terms of
dynamic range and headroom and sonically especially in reproducing the finest details and delivering a totally
relaxed sounding audio experience. Music sounds absolutely natural.
SPL’s V Rail Technology is the internal audio processing voltage (+/- V DC).
It is not to be confused with the external mains voltage (e.g. V or V AC).
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8
VOLTAiR – 120V Rail Technology
Comparisons
These diagrams show how our VOLTAiR Technology compares to other circuits.
The direct relation between operating level and maximum level is fundamental for the classification: the higher
the operating level, the higher the maximum level a circuit can handle. And since virtually all essential acoustic
and musical parameters depend on this relation, a higher operating voltage also has a positive impact on the
dynamic range, distortion limit and signal-to-noise ratio.
0
20
40
60
80
100
120
Volt
30 V
120 V
+ / -  Volt + / -  Volt
Operating Voltage
120
125
130
135
140
145
dB
124,2
141,4
OPA @ V SPL- OP@ V
Dynamic Range
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9
VOLTAiR – 120V Rail Technology
Do bear in mind that dB scales do not represent linear but rather exponential increases. A dB increase corresponds
to doubling the acoustic power, +dB correspond to twice the sound pressure level, and +dB correspond to twice
the perceived loudness.
When it comes to volume, the VOLTAiR Technology exhibits a performance, in regard to maximum level and dynamic
range, that is twice that of common components and circuits given that its values are approximately dB higher.
THD measurements show a difference of more than dB compared to the TL at V — in terms of sound pres-
sure level, that corresponds to an improvement of more than %. The operating level most commonly used for
audio equipment is +/-  volts.
Max. Audio Level
OPA @ V SPL-OP@ V
0
5
10
15
20
25
30
35
dBu
21,5
33,2
TL @ V SPL- OP@ V
-115
-113
-111
-109
-107
-105
dBu
-106
-114,2
THD&N
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10
Operation
Operation
Source Selection, Mute, Remote
With the SOURCE switch () you select the source, mute the output and enable the source
selection via a remote control.
Select one of the six analog inputs  - . Select one digital input USB, AES, Coax or Optic.
In the Mute position no signal passes through to the outputs and MUTE is displayed.
The source selection can also be remotely controlled (programming see page). For remote
source selection the Source switch must be in Remote position.
When a digital source is selected, its name is displayed in the Display () for about two seconds (USB, OPTI,
COAX, AES). After that the first letter of the name appears together with the sample rate which is automatically
detected by the DirectorMk (e.g. U384, O192). See table on the next page.
ON
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 103
5
VU
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 103
5
VU
V
O
L
U
M
E
Off On
TAPE MONITOR
6
0
12
VU
VOLTAiR
120V DC Audio Rail
Director
Mute
2
3
4
5
6
Coax
Optic
AES
USB
1
Remote
Mk
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11
Operation
Table: Selected digital source displayed after two seconds
Sample rate PCM (kHz) Sample rate DSD
(n *, kHz)
Digital source .  .  .  .  .   x  x  x
USB U 44 U 48 U 88 U 96 U 176 U192 U352 U384 U706 U768 DSD1 DSD2 DSD4
Optical O 44 O 48 O 88 O 96 - - - - - -
Coax C 44 C 48 C 88 C 96 C176 C192 - - - -
AES/EBU A 44 A 48 A 88 A 96 A 176 A192 - - - -
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12
Operation
Volume
You control the volume of the PREAMP OUTPUT () with the VOLUME potentiometer ().
The DIRECT OUTPUT () level is fixed to  dBfs and can be used to connect a headphone
amplifier.
The VOLUME potentiometer is motorized and can be remotely controlled (seepage).
ON
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 103
5
VU
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 103
5
VU
V
O
L
U
M
E
Off On
TAPE MONITOR
6
0
12
VU
VOLTAiR
120V DC Audio Rail
Director
Mute
2
3
4
5
6
Coax
Optic
AES
USB
1
Remote
Mk
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13
Operation
Tape Monitor
You can insert tape machines or external audio processing devices like an equalizer or vitalizer
in the Tape Monitor loop.
Insert a tape machine and listen back (tape monitoring) while recording from a vinyl record or
insert beloved equalizers or other processing devices to tune sound.
Connect the SEND () output of the Director Mk to the input of your external device.
Connect the RETURN () input of the Director Mk to the output of your external device.
If the send level from the Director Mk is too high for your external device engage
the level calibration switch beside the tape send and tape return sockets to lower
the send level by  dB. The return level will be increased by  dB to eliminate a
level difference.
If no external device is connected set the TAPE MONITOR switch to Off.
Otherwise the audio signal is interrupted.
ON
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 103
5
VU
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 103
5
VU
V
O
L
U
M
E
Off On
TAPE MONITOR
6
0
12
VU
VOLTAiR
120V DC Audio Rail
Director
Mute
2
3
4
5
6
Coax
Optic
AES
USB
1
Remote
Mk
SEND
–10dB
RETURN
+10dB
LR
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
USB
OPTIC
AES
COAX
3456
2LR 1
LR
Tape
Monitor
B
A
~ 115V AC / ~230VAC, 50 Hz / 60Hz, P max. 45 W
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14
Operation
VU Meter
The VU meters () display the input levels for the selected source. The meter
indicates levels from - dB to + dB.
 dB corresponds to + dBu.
The ballistics of the VU meters guarantee an optimal visual perception. The time calibration of the VU meters com-
plies with the requirements of the BBC. The rise time up to  dB is about  ms.
Attenuate the sensitivity of the VU meters
With the VU switch () you can lower the sensitivity by  or  dB so that the meters go up to
+ dB intput level if the switch is set to “+”.
ON
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 103
5
VU
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 103
5
VU
V
O
L
U
M
E
Off On
TAPE MONITOR
6
0
12
VU
VOLTAiR
120V DC Audio Rail
Director
Mute
2
3
4
5
6
Coax
Optic
AES
USB
1
Remote
Mk
ON
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 103
5
VU
20
0
%
–+
30 50 70 100
10 75 3 103
5
VU
V
O
L
U
M
E
Off On
TAPE MONITOR
6
0
12
VU
VOLTAiR
120V DC Audio Rail
Director
Mute
2
3
4
5
6
Coax
Optic
AES
USB
1
Remote
Mk
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15
Operation
IR Remote Control
Volume and source can be remotely controlled using any infrared (IR) remote control
The special feature is that the DirectorMk learns your remote and not the other way around. You do not need a
universal remote control. Take, for example, the remote control of your CD player. Out of the many buttons there
are four you hardly use if at all and that do not directly trigger a function on the CD player.
Programming of the Director Mk to your remote control is easy and takes just four steps – one for each
function: increase the volume, lower the volume, select next source, select previous source.
• Press the LEARN IR-REMOTE button () on the rear of the unit until you note the actuation
point. The display shows / to indicate the first programming step.
• Step 1/4: Point your remote control towards the IR receiver () and push the button you
wish to use to increase the volume.
The display shows now / to indicate the next programming step.
• Step 2/4: Push the button you wish to use to lower the volume.
The display shows now / to indicate the next programming step.
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION
USB
AES
OPTICAL
COAX
L
R
L
R
L
12
ANALOG < SOURCES > DIGITAL
1 ON: RCA Direct Out
2 ON: XLR Direct Out 5 ON: Ref +15dB 6 ON: Ref +18dB
3 ON: Zero flag auto-mute enabled
4 ON: RCA In -10dBV to 0dBuON BOTTOM SIDE:
DIP SWITCHES
Made in
Germany
OUT OUT R OUT L
R
B
A
Voltage Selection: 1. Remove Fuse Holder
2. Exchange Fuses 3. Flip Over 4. Reinstall
~115 V AC/~230 V AC, 50 Hz/60 Hz, P max. 45 W
Fuses: 230 V: T 500mA L 250V, 115 V: T 1 A L 250V
AMP CTL
IR
PGM
IR
PGM
SOURCE
VOLUME
Refer to
Manual
VOLTAiR
120V DC Audio Rail
ON
Director
V
O
L
U
M
E
Off On
TAPE MONITOR
6
0
12
VU
Mute
2
3
4
5
6
Coax
Optic
AES
USB
1
Remote
Mk
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16
Operation
• Step 3/4: Push the button you wish to use to switch to the next source.
The display shows now / to indicate the next programming step.
• Step 4/4: Push the button you wish to use to switch to the next source.
Learn mode ends automatically.
Please note: direct insolation of strong light (e.g. sun light, halogen lamps, neon tubes, fluorescent tubes, terrar-
ium and aquarium lights as well as big flat screens) may lead to misoperation of the remote control functions.
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17
AMP CTL (Amplier Control)
AMP CTL (Amplier Control)
If you own SPL Performer power amplifiers or other amplifiers using V trigger inputs you can
connect the AMPCTL () outputs of the Director Mk with mono mini jack cables to the AMP CTL
of the ampsto trigger on and standby.
Up to two amplifiers can be triggered together.
SEND
–10dB
RETURN
+10dB
LR
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
R
L
USB
OPTIC
AES
COAX
3456
2LR 1
LR Tape
Monitor
B
A
~ 115V AC / ~230VAC, 50Hz / 60Hz, P max. 45 W
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Specications
Specications
Inputs and Outputs
Analog inputs
•  analog stereo inputs
•  x XLR, balanced ( kOhm)
•  x RCA, unbalanced ( kOhm)
• Max. input level: +, dBu
Digital inputs
•  digital inputs
• AES/EBU (XLR), balanced
• Coaxial SPDIF (RCA)
• Optical TOSLINK (F)
• USB (B)
•  dBFS =  dBu
• Converter Chip AK-Velvet Sound
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Specications
Sample rates  Bit
• Encoded PCM (kHz): .,  , ., , ., , ., , ., 
• DSD: DSD (DSD), DSD (DSD), DSD (DSD)
Outputs
•  analog stereo outputs
• Neutrik XLR, balanced, Pin  = (+)
• RCA, unbalanced (Direct Out)
• Impedance:  ohms (balanced)
• max. output level , dBu
Measurements
• Frequency range (analog):  Hz (-. dB),  kHz (-. dB)
• Crosstalk at  kHz: - dB (analog); - dB (digital)
• THD: . % (analog  dBu); . % (digital - dBfs)
• Noise (A-weighted): -. dB (analog); -. dB (digital)
• Dynamic range:  dB (analog); . dB (digital)
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Specications
Internal Voltages
• Analog: +/-  V
• Digital: +  V und + . V
Power supply
• Mains voltage (switchable):  V AC /  Hz or  V AC /  Hz
• Fuses:  V: T  mA;  V: T  A
• Power consumption: max.  VA
• Standby power consumption: . W
Dimensions (incl. feet)
•  mm W x  mm H x  mm D
• . in W x . in H x  in D
Weight
• . kg; . lbs (unit only)
• . kg; . lbs (shipping)
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