Fostex HP-A4BL Owners Manual
Owner's Manual
D/A converter & headphone amplier
8288993102
(609947)
HP-A4BL
Thank you very much for purchasing a Fostex product.
This manual provides instructions for basic use of the unit.
Read this before using the unit for the rst time.
Notes:
If you connect the HP-A4BL to a Windows computer via USB, you must install the dedicated USB
Audio Class 2.0 driver which can be downloaded from the Fostex website as follows.
If you use a Mac computer, you do not need to install a driver.
Please use Fostex Audio Player (freeware) for audio playback, which can be found at the URL below.
http://www.fostexinternational.com/
English Français Deutsch
© FOSTEX COMPANY All Rights Reserved.
Fostex_HP-A4BL_3L.indb 1 16/03/11 14:14
WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS
• CAUTION: The symbol To prevent electric shock hazard, do not connect to
mains power supply while grille is removed.
• WARNING: An apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a
MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.
• CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO
WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.
• WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this
apparatus to rain or moisture.
• CAUTION: Use of any controls or adjustments or performance of procedures
other than those herein specified may result in hazardous radiation exposure.
• WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved
by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to
operate the equipment.
• WARNING: Do not place the unit on top of any soft, porous, or sensitive
surfaces to avoid damaging the surface. Use a protective barrier between the
unit and surface to protect the surface.
• WARNING: Use of this unit near fluorescent lighting may cause interference
regarding use of the remote. If the unit is displaying erratic behavior move
away from any fluorescent lighting, as it may be the cause.
• CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only
with the same or equivalent type.
• WARNING: Do not install this equipment in a confined space such as a book
case or similar unit.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read these instructions.
2) Keep these instructions.
3) Heed all warnings.
4) Follow all instructions.
5) Do not use this apparatus near water.
6) Clean only with dry cloth.
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves,
or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A
polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding
type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or
the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not
fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete
outlet.
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11) Only use the power cable/AC adapter/attachments/accessories specified by
the manufacturer.
• WARNING: Mains plug is used as disconnect device and it should remain
readily operable during intended use. In order to disconnect the apparatus
from the mains completely, the mains plug should be disconnected from the
mains socket outlet completely.
• Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbonzinc),
or rechargeable (ni-cad, ni-mh, etc) batteries.
• WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT
EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
CAUTION
12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid
injury from tipover.
13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way,
such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15) The apparatus shall be used in an open area.
16) Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no
objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on apparatus.
17) Mains plug is used as disconnect device. It shall remain readily operable and
should not be obstructed during intended use. To completely disconnect
the apparatus from supply mains, the main plug of the apparatus shall be
disconnected from the mains socket outlet completely.
18) Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can cause
hearing loss.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC
SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK).
NO USERSERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER
SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the
product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to
constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the
literature accompanying the appliance.
FCC (U.S.A.) & ICES-003 (Canada) INFORMATION
1. IMPORTANT NOTICE
This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this
manual, meets FCC and ICES-003 requirements. Changes or modifications not
expressly approved by Fostex Company for compliance could void the user’ s
authority to operate the equipment. DO NOT MODIFY THIS PRODUCT.
2. IMPORTANT
In order to comply with FCC and ICES-003 requirements, use high quality
shielded cables for connection to accessories and / or another products. If
any cables are supplied with this product, they MUST be used. Follow all
installation instructions. Failure to do so could void your FCC / ICES-003
authorization to use this product in the USA / Canada.
3. NOTE
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 generates, uses and can radiate
radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
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 off
and on, the user is encouraged 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 different from that to
which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.
4. Compliance with Part 15 of FCC Rules and Canadian ICES-003.
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 many cause undesired operation.
This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil
numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada.
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Contents
WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ................................................................................. 2
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................ 2
FCC (U.S.A.) & ICES-003 (Canada) INFORMATION .................................................... 2
Contents...........................................................................................................................3
Introduction .................................................................................................................... 4
Features of the HP-A4BL ............................................................................................ 4
Accessories ................................................................................................................. 4
System requirements ................................................................................................. 4
Maintenance ............................................................................................................... 4
Parts names and functions ............................................................................................. 5
Setting up and connecting a computer ........................................................................ 7
Installing the USB driver (Windows only) ................................................................ 7
DSD audio playback software application ............................................................... 7
Connecting the computer ......................................................................................... 7
Computer settings ..........................................................................................................8
Windows 8/Windows 7 ............................................................................................... 8
Mac OS ........................................................................................................................ 9
English
Unit settings ..................................................................................................................10
[INPUT SEL] switch setting ...................................................................................... 10
[FILTER] switch setting ............................................................................................. 10
[GAIN] switch setting ...............................................................................................10
[OUTPUT SEL] switch setting ................................................................................... 10
Volume level setting ................................................................................................10
Specications ................................................................................................................11
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Introduction
The Fostex HP-A4BL is a high performance DA converter with a headphone amplier.
The unit receives a digital audio signal from the USB connector or the optical digital
connector, and converts it to an analog signal, which is fed from the analog line output
connectors as well as the headphones output connectors. The unit can play back PCM audio
as well as DSD audio natively. You can enjoy up to 24 bit/192 kHz PCM source as well as up
to 11.2 MHz DSD source in excellent quality.
Features of the HP-A4BL
• Built-in high quality DAC (PCM1792A).
• Powered by an AC adapter.
• Supports asynchronous mode controlled by a crystal oscillator.
• Supports 192 kHz/24 bit PCM playback as well as 11.2 MHz DSD native playback.
* Please use Fostex Audio Player (freeware) for audio playback.
* DSD playback on Mac is compatible up to 5.6 MHz.
• Compatible with 192 kHz/24 bit asynchronous transfer due to USB AUDIO 2.0 support.
• Supports balanced headphones.
• Equipped with a microSD (SDHC) card drive, which can be used for future upgrades.
* Note that the unit cannot play back audio data on a microSD card.
Accessories
The following are supplied with the HP-A4BL.
After purchasing the unit, check all accessories are included in the package. You should attach the four
rubber feet on the bottom of the unit by yourself.
• USB cable (1 m) × 1
• AC adapter × 1
• Rubber feet × 4
• Owner’s manual (this manual) × 1
System requirements
Computers connected to the unit must meet the following conditions.
• OS: Windows 7, Windows 8 or Mac OS X V10.6
* See the product page of the Fostex website noted on the cover page for later OS versions.
• USB: Supports USB 2.0
Maintenance
If the unit becomes dirty, wipe it with a soft dry cloth or a soft cloth dipped in water with neutral
detergent. Do not use volatile chemicals such as benzine or thinner. Otherwise, the panel may be
damaged.
Caution
✐
For your safety, disconnect the AC adapter before cleaning.
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Parts names and functions
Front panel
[PHONES BALANCED] terminal (XLR-4pin)
Connect balanced stereo headphones. The
signal outputs are as below.
Rch HOT(3)
Lch COLD(2)
[PHONES UNBALANCED] terminal (normal
stereo jack)
Connect stereo headphones. Set the [OUTPUT
SEL] switch on the front panel to the unpressed
([PHONES] position) to activate.
The [PHONES] terminal will prioritize
[UNBALANCED].
[POWER] indicator
Lit in green when the power is supplied. Lit in
red in standby mode.
Input indicators (44.1 k, 48 k, 88.2 k,
96k/2.8 M, 176.4 k/5.6 M, 192 k/11.2 M)
Lit in red according to the input audio source.
When no signal is input or when a signal with
an unsupported audio format is input, the 44.1
kHz indicator blinks (unlocked).
Notes
✐
Immediately after the power is supplied to the
unit, no input indicator is illuminated.
Rch COLD(4)
Lch HOT(1)
[POWER] switch/volume knob
Adjusts the analog output level ([PHONES]
terminal and [OUTPUT] terminal). Supply power
by turning the knob to the right until it makes a
clicking sound.
[INPUT SEL] switch
Selects the digital input source between the
[USB] terminal and [DIGITAL IN] terminal.
[FILTER] switch
Selects the digital lter characteristics of the
DAC.
[GAIN] switch
Selects the gain of the headphone output
amplier.
Caution
✐
Turn the volume knob all the way to the left
before you operate the switch.
[OUTPUT SEL] switch
Selects the analog output destination between
the [PHONES] terminal and [OUTPUT] terminal.
* See page 10 for setting - .
English
[DSD] indicator
Lit in red when the unit plays back DSD audio.
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Back panel
[OUTPUT] (L, R) terminals (RCA pin jack)
Connect to an amplier, etc.
Outputs an analog audio signal after the DA
converter.
Set the [OUTPUT SEL] switch on the front panel
to the pressed ([RCA] position) to activate.
[DIGITAL IN] terminal (optical)
Connect to digital audio source devices such as
a CD player.
Inputs PCM digital audio.
Notes
✐
DSD signals cannot be input.
[DIGITAL OUT] terminal (optical)
Connect digital audio devices.
Outputs PCM digital audio received from the
[USB] terminal or [DIGITAL IN] terminal in
S/PDIF format.
No signal is output when the unit receives DSD
audio.
[USB] terminal
Connect to a computer using the supplied USB
cable for USB audio source input.
Notes
✐
• Set the audio output appropriately to input
USB audio.
• Please download and use Fostex Audio Player
(freeware) for audio playback, which can be
found at the URL noted on the cover page.
[microSD] slot
Set the microSD card for updating the software
version of the unit. Compatible microSD cards
are SDHC with a volume of 32 GB or less.
Notes
✐
• The software upgrade le is available from the
web site noted on the cover page.
Download and read the Update Notes and
Manual Supplement.
• Audio data on a microSD is not playable.
[AUTO STANDBY MODE] switch
If AUTO STANDBY MODE is on, the auto
standby function is activated when the 44.1
kHz indicator blinks (unlocked) for about 20
minutes, and power consumption is reduced to
below 0.5 W.
If AUTO STANDBY MODE is o, auto standby
mode is not activated.
Caution
✐
To power on from standby mode, power on
again using the [POWER] switch/volume knob
on the front panel. Conditions for unlocking
may dier depending on the computer.
[DC IN] terminal
Connect to an outlet using the supplied AC
adapter.
Caution
✐
Do not use any AC adapter other than that
supplied with the product.
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Setting up and connecting a computer
When using the unit to output the computer sound, set up the computer as below.
Installing the USB driver
(Windows only)
Before you connect the unit via USB to a Windows
computer, the dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 driver
must be installed to the computer.
You can download the driver software from the
Fostex website noted on the cover page.
* When you connect the unit via USB to a Mac OS
computer, you do not need to install a driver.
DSD audio playback
software application
To play back DSD audio, an appropriate DSD audio
playback software application must be installed on
your computer. Please download and use Fostex
Audio Player (freeware) for DSD audio playback,
which can be found at the URL noted on the cover
page. The unit supports both ASIO and DoP.
Notes
✐
• If an audio playback software application
sends illegal data to the unit, audio may not
be played back.
• With some audio playback software
applications, the beginning of a song may
be muted when you switch between DSD
and PCM.
• Before you operate an audio playback
software application, it is recommended to
turn down the HP-A4BL audio output volume.
• It is recommended that tracks in the playlist
of an audio playback software application
have the same sampling rate.
Connecting the computer
While connecting to an outlet using the supplied
AC adapter, turn the [POWER] switch to the right
until it makes a clicking sound. Power is supplied
and the [POWER] indicator lights in green.
When connecting to the computer using the
supplied USB cable, the computer recognizes the
unit.
Notes
✐
The unit works in asynchronous mode
and processes audio data using the high
performance crystal clock.
(Connecting)
Headphones
HP-A4BL (front panel)
Audio amplier AV amplier
HP-A4BL (back panel)
English
AC
CD player
Computer
adapter
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Computer settings
Set the sound output destination of the computer to HP-A4BL to listen to the sound of the
computer. Adjusting sound output settings of the computer may improve the sound.
See the manual of the computer or the online help for more information.
Notes
✐
• When you reboot your computer or reconnect the unit, check that the sound output destination is
correctly set.
• Adjust the sound output level of the computer according to your usage environment.
Windows 8/Windows 7
Sound output destination setting
1) Select “Hardware and Sound” from the
Control Panel.
2) Select “Sound” to open the “Sound”
window.
3) Select the “Playback” tab.
4) Select “FOSTEX USB Audio HP-A4BL” and
click the “Set Default” button, followed by
the “OK” button.
Advanced settings
Clicking the “Property” button on the “Sound”
window opens the window where you can
select the sampling rate, etc.
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Mac OS
Sound output destination setting
1) Select “System preferences” from the
Apple drop-down menu.
2) Select “Sound” to open the “Sound”
window and select the “Output” tab at
the top of the window.
Advanced settings
The “Audio MIDI setting” utility in the “Utility”
folder in the “Application” folder allows you to
select the sampling rate and bit rate.
English
3) Select “FOSTEX USB AUDIO HP-A4” in the
list box.
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Unit settings
[INPUT SEL] switch setting
This switch selects the audio input source.
At the pressed ([USB] position), the unit plays
back a USB audio signal from a USB-connected
computer.
At the unpressed ([OPTICAL] position), the unit
plays back a signal from the [DIGITAL IN] terminal.
Notes
✐
The unit cannot input signals from the [USB]
and [DIGITAL IN] terminals simultaneously.
[FILTER] switch setting
This switch selects the digital lter characteristics
of the DAC.
• With a PCM audio source
At the [1] position, a slow roll-o digital lter is
applied.
At the [2] position, a sharp roll-o digital lter is
applied.
• With a DSD audio source
At the [1] position, a digital lter with high cuto frequency is applied.
At the [2] position, a digital lter with low cut-o
frequency is applied.
[GAIN] switch setting
This switch selects the gain of the headphone
output amplier.
At the [HI] position, the gain is 10 dB higher than
the gain at the [LO] position.
Caution
✐
Turn the volume control knob all the way to
the left before you operate the switch.
[OUTPUT SEL] switch setting
This switch selects the analog output destination
between the [PHONES] and [OUTPUT] terminals.
• To monitor audio from headphones
connected to the [PHONES] terminal, set it to
the [PHONES] position.
• To monitor audio from an amplier/speaker
system connected to the [OUTPUT] terminals,
set it to [RCA] position.
Notes
✐
You cannot output the signal from both
the [PHONES] and [OUTPUT] terminals
simultaneously.
Volume level setting
You can adjust the analog output level of the
[PHONES] and [OUTPUT] terminals using the
volume control knob.
Notes
✐
• Adjust the sound output level on the computer
according to your usage environment.
• The volume control knob does not aect the
output level of the [DIGITAL OUT] terminal.
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Specications
Input
[USB] terminal
Interface USB 2.0 high speed
Supported sampling
frequency
Supported quantization bit
width
[DIGITAL IN] terminal
Connector type TOSLINK optical
Format S/PDIF
Supported sampling
frequency
Supported quantization bit
width
Output
[PHONES BALANCED] terminal
Connector type XLR 4-pin
Maximum output 300 mW or more (32 ohms load)
Applicable load impedance 16 ohms to 600 ohms
THD 0.04% or less (at 1 kHz, 32 ohm load, 100 mW output)
Frequency response 20 Hz to 80 kHz, +/− 3 dB (32 ohm load, 100 mW output)
[PHONES UNBALANCED] terminal
Connector type Φ6.3 mm stereo jack
Maximum output 150 mW or more (32 ohms load)
Applicable load impedance 16 ohms to 600 ohms
THD 0.04% or less (at 1 kHz, 32 ohm load, 100 mW output)
Frequency response 20 Hz to 80 kHz, +/− 3 dB (32 ohm load, 100 mW output)
[OUTPUT] (L, R) terminals (analog output terminal)
Connector type RCA pin jack
Nominal output level 2 Vrms (0 dBFS)
Applicable load impedance 10 k ohms or more
THD 0.01% or less (at 1 kHz)
Frequency response 20 Hz to 80 kHz, +/− 3 dB (at nominal level)
[DIGITAL OUT] terminal
Connector type TOSLINK optical
Format S/PDIF
Supported sampling
frequency
Supported quantization bit
width
General
[microSD] card slot
Format FAT32
Usable card microSD card (SDHC), 32 GB maximum
Supplied accessories USB cable (1 m) × 1, AC adapter × 1, rubber feet × 4, Owner’s manual (this manual) × 1
Power requirements DC 12 V (supplied from the AC adapter)
Power consumption 4.2 W
External dimensions 150 mm (W ) × 34 mm (H, excluding rubber feet) × 157 mm (D, including protrusions)
Weight Approx. 630 g
* Specications and appearance are subject to change without notice for product improvement.
* Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.
* Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
* DSD is a trademark.
* All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
PCM: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
DSD: 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz (* Up to 5.6 MHz on Mac)
16 bit, 24 bit
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
16 bit, 24 bit
44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
16 bit, 24 bit
English
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