M-AUDIO Super DAC User Manual
Table of Contents
Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2
Features . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Panel Description . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Installation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
Typical Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Typical Setup Figure 1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
Typical Setup Figure 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Typical Setup Figure 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
Typical Setup Figure 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Operation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Troubleshooting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Lifetime Limited Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for choosing the SUPER DAC 2496. The Super DAC is a
professional external digital-to-analog (D/A) audio converter, conveniently
packaged in a "half-rack" chassis. The SUPER DAC supports multiple digital
audio formats, all bit widths from 16 to 24, and all sampling rates from 22kHz
to 100kHz while outputting to balanced (XLR) or unbalanced (1⁄4") analog
outs.
Connect the SUPER DAC 2496 to the digital outputs of computer digital I/O
cards, digital mixers, DAT decks, MiniDiscs, DVDs or CD players. Your analog
sound will receive an instant upgrade to professional, audiophile quality.
This manual assumes that you have a basic understanding of D/A conversion
and digital audio. If after reading this manual you need additional technical
support, or if you have comments or suggestions, we invite you to contact us
by any of the following methods:
For additional help, technical support is available on our website at
www.m-audio.com, where you can fill out our technical support form.
Alternatively, you can email us at support@m-audio.com, or contact us by
phone at: (626) 633-9055. Technical support is available by telephone from
7am - 7pm PST.
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FEATURES
• High-performance stereo D/A converter in a standard half-rack
package.
• D/A converter: 24-bit, 96kHz, 128x oversampling.
• Dynamic Range: 115 dB (A-weighted).
• Supports 16-, 18-, 20- and 24-bit data widths.
• Supports sample rates from 22kHz to over 100kHz.
• Front panel Format button selects between three rear inputs: TOSLINK
optical, S/PDIF on RCA, or AES/EBU on XLR.
• Audio outputs: balanced on XLR, unbalanced on 1⁄4” (Tip-Sleeve)
connectors. Both outputs are always active.
• Nominal output levels: +4dBu balanced, -10dBV unbalanced.
• Peak output levels: +20dBu balanced, +6dBV unbalanced.
• Sample rate automatically locks to that of incoming digital data.
• Front panel LEDs indicate current digital input selection.
• "D/A Valid" LED indicates valid incoming digital data.
➊
➋
➌
➍
PANEL DESCRIPTION
Front Panel
1. Data Valid LED: This LED indicates valid incoming digital data at the
currently selected digital input (TOSLINK optical, S/PDIF or
AES/EBU). This LED lights whenever the Super DAC recognizes and
is locked to that data.
2. Format Button: This pushbutton selects which digital input (TOSLINK
optical, S/PDIF or AES/EBU) is the input source to the D/A. Pressing
this button cycles through the three options.
Format LEDs: These LEDs indicate which digital input has been
3.
selected by the Format button: TOSLINK optical, S/PDIF or AES/EBU.
4.
Power Switch: When this button is pressed in (and the power adapter
is properly plugged in), power is applied to the unit. When the switch
is in the out position, power is switched off.
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➀ ➁ ➂ ➃ ➄
Back Panel
1. 9V AC Jack: This jack provides connection to the Super DAC’s external
"wall wart" power supply. The Super DAC uses a 9 Volt AC, 500 mA
(or more) power supply.
Analog Out Left: The XLR (3 conductor) male connector outputs a
2.
balanced, +4 dB (professional) level signal. The 1⁄4” jacks output an
unbalanced, -10 dB (semi-pro or consumer) line-level signal. Both
signals are output simultaneously.
Analog Out Right: These XLR and 1⁄4” connectors output the right
3.
side of the stereo signal in the same fashion as the Analog Out Left
connectors.
4. Digital In: Three digital inputs are present. AES/EBU is accepted at
the single male XLR connector, S/PDIF at the RCA jack, and optical
S/PDIF at the TOSLINK connector.
AES/EBU GND lift: This switch is used to lift the digital ground
5.
connection between the Super DAC and another AES/EBU device.
Typically the AES/EBU cable is connected to ground at the source end,
not the Super DAC end -- this prevents potential system ground loops;
therefore the factory default position is with ground lifted, with the
switch set to the left. Depending on the grounding configuration of
the connected device, sometimes you may get better performance by
not lifting the ground. The switch set to the right is the grounded
setting, with a diagram of the signal being sent to ground.
INSTALLATION
Along with this manual, your SUPER DAC 2496 contains a "wall wart" power
adapter with the specific voltage requirements needed to power the unit.
Using a different power adapter with different ratings could damage the unit
and void your warranty.
Plug the appropriate end of the power adapter into the Super DAC’s power
jack and the other end into a wall socket or power strip. Check to make sure
that the Super DAC and any other devices that you ar
turned off until all connections ar
Now take the digital outputs of your sound "source" and plug them into the
e made.
4
e about to connect ar
e
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