All rights reserved. Permission to reprint or electronically reproduce any document or
graphic in whole or in part for any reason is expressly prohibited, unless prior written
consent is obtained from the DirectOut GmbH.
All trademarks and registered trademarks belong to their respective owners. It cannot
be guaranteed that all product names, products, trademarks, requisitions, regulations,
guidelines, specifications and norms are free from trade mark rights of third parties.
All entries in this document have been thoroughly checked; however no guarantee for
correctness can be given.
DirectOut GmbH cannot be held responsible for any misleading or incorrect
information provided throughout this manual.
DirectOut GmbH reserves the right to change specifications at any time without notice.
DirectOut Technologies® is a registered trademark of the DirectOut GmbH.
This manual guides you through the installation and operation of the device.
Use the Table of Contents at the beginning of the manual or Index Directory at the
end of the document to locate help on a particular topic. You can access more
information and latest news by visiting on the DirectOut website at
www.directout.eu.
Conventions
The following symbols are used to draw your attention to:
TIPS!
indicate useful hints and shortcuts.
About This Manual
NOTES!
are used for important points of clarification or cross references.
WARNINGS!
alert you when an action should always be observed.
This document relates to:
• SPLIT.CONVERTER (BNC / SC)
• SPLIT.CONVERTER optical (SC / SC)
page 5 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 6
CHAPTER 1: Overview
CHAPTER 1: Overview
Introduction
The SPLIT.CONVERTER is a combined MADI format converter and signal splitter
with four MADI ports.
With one RU height, two redundant power supplies and a straightforward source
selector it allows for instantaneous conversion or distribution of MADI signals.
Feature Summary
MADI Ports2 x SC-Socket multi/single-mode &
2 x coaxial BNC connector, 75 Ω (BNC/SC)
or
4 x SC-Socket multi/single-mode (SC/SC)
Power SupplyThis device is equipped with two wide range power
supplies (84 V to 264 V AC / 47 Hz to 63 Hz / safety
class 1)
How it works
Using the rotary input selector for each port, any output can be fed from any input.
All ports are independent from each other, allowing the SPLIT.CONVERTER to
route and convert up to four asynchronous MADI streams simultaneously.
The signal routing is bittransparent and operates without any delays. All common
sample rates and MADI formats are supported, and will pass through the unit
without modifi cation. It is therefore also possible to convert and route proprietary
data formats.
page 6 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 7
Applications
SPLIT.CONVERTER can be used to convert MADI signals in “mixed environments”
or for distribution of MADI signals.
Typical applications include:
• Switching converter units between control rooms
• Redundancy splitting/switching (manually) during recording or live sound
applications.
• Splitting signals for live events (FOH, monitoring, recording)
• Conversion between optical and coaxial connections to link devices
• Conversion between single-mode and multi-mode
• ...
Scheme
CHAPTER 1: Overview
Inputs
A
B
C
D
Outputs
A
B
C
D
page 7 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 8
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
Before Installing This Device
WARNING!
Please read and observe all of the following notes before installing
this product:
• Check the hardware device for transport damage.
• Any devices showing signs of mechanical damage or damage from the
spillage of liquids must not be connected to the mains supply, or
disconnected from the mains immediately by pulling out the power lead.
• All devices must be grounded. The device is grounded through its
IEC power connections.
• All devices must be connected to the mains using the three-cord power
leads supplied with the system. Only supply electrical interfaces with the
voltages and signals described in these instructions.
• Do not use the device at extreme temperatures. Proper operation can
only be guaranteed between temperatures of 5ºC and 45ºC and a
maximum relative humidity of 80%, non-condensing.
• The cabinet of the device will heat up. Do not place the device close
to heating sources (e.g. heaters). Observe the environmental conditions.
Defective Parts/Modules
WARNING!
This device contains no user-serviceable parts. Therefore do not open the device.
In the event of a hardware defect, please send the device to your DirectOut
representative together with a detailed description of the fault.
We would like to remind you to please check carefully whether the failure is
caused by erroneous configuration, operation or connection before sending parts
for repair.
page 8 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 9
First Aid (in case of electric shock)
WARNING!
• Do not touch the person or his/her clothing before power is turned off,
otherwise you risk sustaining an electric shock yourself.
• Separate the person as quickly as possible from the electric power source
as follows:
-Switch off the equipment.
-Unplug or disconnect the mains cable.
• Move the person away from the power source by using dry insulating
material (such as wood or plastic).
• If the person is unconscious:
-Check their pulse and reanimate if their respiration is poor.
-Lay the body down and turn it to one side. Call for a doctor immediately.
• Having sustained an electric shock, always consult a doctor.
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
page 9 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 10
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
Updates
DirectOut products are continually in development, and therefore the information
in this manual may be superseded by new releases. To access the latest
documentation, please visit the DirectOut website:
www.directout.eu.
Intended Operation
The SPLIT.CONVERTER is designed for the conversion and distribution of MADI
signals (AES10) and other signals which meet the electrical specifications of MADI.
WARNING!
No compensation can be claimed for damages caused by operation of this unit
other than for the intended use described above. Consecutive damages are also
excluded explicitly. The general terms and conditions of business of DirectOut
GmbH are applied.
Conditions of Warranty
This unit has been designed and examined carefully by the manufacturer and
complies with actual norms and directives.
Warranty is granted by DirectOut GmbH over the period of two years for all
components that are essential for proper and intended operation of the device. The
date of purchase is applied for this period.
Consumable parts (e.g. battery) are excluded from warranty claims.
WARNING!
All claims of warranty will expire once the device has been opened or modified, or
if instructions and warnings were ignored.
For warranty claims please contact the dealer where your device was acquired.
page 10 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 11
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts
Conformity & Certificates
CE
This device complies with the basic requests of applicable EU guidelines. The
appropriate procedure for approval has been carried out.
RoHS
(Restriction of the use of certain Hazardous Substances)
This device was constructed fulfilling the directive on the restriction of the use of
certain hazardous substances in electrical and electronic equipment 2002/95/EC.
WEEE
(Directive on Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment)
Due to the directive 2002/96/EC for waste disposal this device must be recycled.
For correct recycling please dispatch the device to:
DirectOut GmbH,
Leipziger Str. 32
09648 Mittweida
Germany
Only stamped parcels will be accepted!
WEEE-Reg.-No. DE 64879540
The contents of your SPLIT.CONVERTER package should include:
• 1 x SPLIT.CONVERTER (19’’, 1 RU)
• 2 x power chord
• 2 x fixing unit for power plug
• 1 x User's Manual
Two different MADI I/O confi gurations are available:
2 x SC-Socket & 2 x BNC coaxial (Version BNC / SC)
4 x SC-Socket (Version SC / SC, 'optical')
Single-Mode / Multi-Mode
The SC ports are multi-mode as default. It is possible to equip the device with
single-mode SC ports. The housing of single-mode ports is colored blue.
multi-mode single-mode
page 12 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 13
CHAPTER 3: Installation
BNC / SC Version SC / SC Version
Installing the Device
1. Open the packaging and check that the contents have been delivered
complete and undamaged.
2. Fix the device in a 19’’ frame with four screws, or place it on a non-slip
horizontal surface.
WARNING!
Avoid damage from condensation by waiting for the device to adapt to the
environmental temperature. Proper operation can only be guaranteed between
temperatures of 5ºC and 45ºC and a maximum relative humidity of 80%, noncondensing.
Ensure that the unit has suffi cient air circulation for cooling.
CHAPTER 3: Installation
3. Remove the protective cap from the optical MADI port(s) before use.
BNC / SC Version SC / SC Version
(Version BNC / SC)
(Version SC / SC)
NOTE
Retain the protective cap if the optical port is unused. This will protect against
soiling which can lead to malfunction.
page 13 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 14
CHAPTER 3: Installation
4. Connect the signal cables for the MADI signals to the device.
5. Using the power cord provided connect the PSU to a matching power supply.
WARNING
This device must be connected to the mains using the three-cord power leads
supplied with the system. Only supply the voltages and signals indicated (84 V –
264 V).
NOTE
This device may operate with only one power supply. To provide power supply
redundancy, it is recommended to connect both PSU1 and PSU 2 to independent
power supplies with separate fuses.
6. Turn on the power switch and check the status of PSUs on the front panel:
TIP
Keep any packaging in order to protect the device should it need to be dispatched
for service.
page 14 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 15
CHAPTER 3: Installation
This page is left blank intentionally.
page 15 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 16
CHAPTER 4: Operation
CHAPTER 4: Operation
Global Control
The control on the right of the front panel indicates the power supply. Power
switches are on the back panel:
PSU 1 & PSU 2 (rear)2 Switches
Enable / disable power supply.
PSU 1 & PSU 2 (rear)C13 socket
Connect the power supply here (84 - 264 V AC).
PSU 1 & PSU 2 (front)2 LEDs (green): indicate the status of both
power supply units
LED OFF=Power supply inactive
LED ON=Power supply active
NOTE
The green LEDs (PSU 1 & PSU 2) indicate that a working power supply is
connected to the power supply unit. Note that an unlit LED does not guarantee
that the device is free of voltage. To ensure that the device is completely
disconnected from mains voltage, the power chords must be disconnected.
page 16 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 17
Connecting MADI
The MADI ports are used for transmission of 64 audio channels (AES10).
Two different MADI I/O confi gurations are available:
Version BNC / SC
CHAPTER 4: Operation
Version SC / SC
PORT A
OUT
PORT A
IN
PORT B
OUT
PORT B
IN
PORT C
OUT
PORT C
IN
PORT D
OUT
PORT D
IN
SC socket (optical)
MADI output (64 ch), connect for MADI output signal here
SC socket (optical)
MADI input (64 ch), connect MADI input signal here
SC socket (optical)
MADI output (64 ch), connect for MADI output signal here
SC socket (optical)
MADI input (64 ch), connect MADI input signal here
BNC socket (coaxial), 75 Ω orSC socket (optical)
MADI output (64 ch), connect for MADI output signal here
BNC socket (coaxial), 75 Ω orSC socket (optical)
MADI input (64 ch), connect MADI input signal here
BNC socket (coaxial), 75 Ω orSC socket (optical)
MADI output (64 ch), connect for MADI output signal here
BNC socket (coaxial), 75 Ω orSC socket (optical)
MADI input (64 ch), connect MADI input signal here
NOTE
SC Ports may be equipped with multi-mode or single-mode modules. Mixed
combinations offer the comfortable conversion between multi-mode and singlemode I/Os. See „Examples“ on page 19.
page 17 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 18
CHAPTER 4: Operation
Signal Routing
All four MADI input signals are fed to a routing matrix where they can be
distributed to any output. This allows the SPLIT.CONVERTER to convert and
distribute MADI signals:
PORT A
(ABCD)
PORT B
(ABCD)
PORT C
(ABCD)
PORT D
(ABCD)
Encoder
Turn the rotary control to the desired position to
select the desired input source for output A.
Encoder
Turn the rotary control to the desired position to
select the desired input source for output B.
Encoder
Turn the rotary control to the desired position to
select the desired input source for output C.
Encoder
Turn the rotary control to the desired position to
select the desired input source for output D.
NOTE
• The ports are independent from each other, the MADI signals are not required
to be in sync to each other.
• The routing is bit transparent and works without delay, even proprietary
adaptions of MADI will pass through the unit in their native state.
• All common sample rates (up to 192 kHz) and MADI formats (48k/96k frame,
56/64 channels) are supported.
page 18 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 19
Examples
Format conversion of four MADI signals (coaxial < > optical)
Signal C Signal D Signal A Signal B
Signal distribution of one MADI signal (4 x optical, '1:4')
CHAPTER 4: Operation
Signal A Signal A Signal A Signal A
Format conversion of four MADI signals (single mode <> multi-mode)
Signal C Signal D Signal A Signal B
page 19 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 20
CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting and Maintenance
CHAPTER 5: Troubleshooting and Maintenance
Troubleshooting
To identify a possible defect with the device please consult the following table.
If the fault cannot be resolved using these instructions, please contact your local
DirectOut representative or visit support.directout.eu.
IssuePossible reasonSolution
Device doesn’t
work.
Optical port does
not work.
No signal at the
output port.
No signal at the
output port.
MADI signal at the
input is not stable.
Power supply is
broken.
Optic is dirty.Use an air supply to carefully remove any
Connections (input /
output) are mixed up.
Signal cable defective.Exchange the signal cable.
Signal source is
defective
or
bad signal condition
(Jitter > 1 ns) - e.g.
due to exceeded
length or bad
screening attenuation
of signal cable.
Check that the power supply switch
is on, that the device is connected to
the power supply and that the socket
is working. Defective fuses must be
exchanged by qualified service personal
only.
dust.
Never use objects for cleaning.
Check the connections and change the
cables if necessary.
Check the routing matrix.
Change the source
or
use appropriate cables (75 Ω, screening
attenuation better than 85 dB.)
Output port does
not transmit the
desired signal.
Wrong input selected.Change the input using the rotary control
on the front panel.
Maintenance
To clean the device, use a soft, dry cloth. To protect the surface, avoid using
cleaning agents.
NOTE
The device should be disconnected from the power supply during the cleaning
process.
page 20 of 24SPLIT.CONVERTER Manual - Version 2.0
Page 21
CHAPTER 6: Technical Data
Dimensions
• Width 19’’ (483 mm)
• Height 1 RU (44.5 mm)
• Depth 10’’ (254 mm)
Weight
• about 3.4 kg
Power Consumption
• 25 W
Power Supply
• 84 V - 264 V AC / 47 Hz - 63 Hz / Safety class 1
Fuses
• Fuse 250 V - 2 A (slow-blow) – 2 fuses per power supply