DDD-603
DIGITAL AES/EBU/SPDIF METER
DDD-603
MYTEK USA
OVERLOAD
COUNTER
OVER
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
IN OK
CLEAR
PK+VU
+
0
-
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
50
CALREF
SIMPLE
PHASE
POWER OFF
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
25
30
35
40
50
60
65
70
75
80
85
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
25
CALREF
22
30
ADJUST
23
35
24
40
25
50
26
60
27
65
28
70
29
75
30
80
50
85
1SEC
PEAK
HOLD
PK+VU
CAL
NONE
DIGITAL AES/EBU METER
Reference
Manual
Revision 7/96
(V.3.3 & V.1.3)
MYTEK USA
Operation: Normal peak mode:
Contents:
Operation: Normal peak mode.....................................................2
Operation: Peak + VU mode........................................................3
Operation: Calibration mode........................................................4
Operation: What you see is what you get....................................5
Setup: Connections......................................................................7
Additional features- Software versions
Warranty
.....................................................................................12
MYTEK USA
For technical support in the US call
212-388 2677
Overseas contact your dealer.
Manufactured by Mytek,
PO. Box 1023, New York, NY 10016, USA
tel. (212)-388 2677 fax. (212)-6864948
.......................................8
ACTUAL SIZE
1.425" wide
12 units fit
into 19" rack
DDD-603
MYTEK USA
OVERLOAD
COUNTER
OVER
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
50
PEAK
PK+VU
CAL
10
CALREF
ADJUST
IN OK
CLEAR
PK+VU
POWER OFF
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
25
30
35
40
50
60
5.25" high (3U), 5.50" deep
65
70
75
80
85
1SEC
HOLD
NONE
DIGITAL AES/EBU METER
+
0
-
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
50
CALREF
SIMPLE
PHASE
Overload counter counts every time the "over" l.e.d. is
lit. The counter counts up to 10. "E" reading means 10
or more. The counter can be cleared by "clear" button. It
also can have other functions- See "Software versions"
"Over" l.e.d. shows true digital overload (after 3
subsequent samples exceed max. range). It can be set to
display just the 0 dB level or overs of different sample
The L and R bargraph indicates peak value of the signal.
The meter ballistics are carefully managed by internal
software to naturally represent incoming sound.
The highest lit l.e.d. (including "over" l.e.d.) can be held
for 1 sec., memorized or immediately turned off. These
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
25
30
35
40
50
60
65
70
75
80
85
functions are controlled by switch A. Memorized
segment can be cleared by "clear" button.
The middle small bargraph has two functions controlled
by switch C. In the "phase" mode it serves as a phase
correlation meter
software)
. In the "0 VU ref" mode the bar shows 0 VU
(only in the "full" version of
reference level. -See "Calibration mode".
"In OK" l.e.d. shows presence of input AES/EBU signal
i.e. indicates proper digital connection.
Position "simple" of the switch C leaves active the L
and R bargraph only. The overload counter and the
middle bargraph are turned off. This feature facilitates
equipment operation during long hours of studio work.
Note:
No phase meter in basic
software version V1.3
(only V3.3-"full mastering")
Internet: http://www.mytekdigital.com
Mytek supplies various rackmounting hardware for the DDD-603
1
meter. Contact your dealer or Mytek for more info.
2
Operation: VU+peak mode:
Operation: Calibration mode:
The VU (integrated) level (unlike the peak level) represents the perceived
loudness of the program.
Scale is different to that of the peak mode. In order to
correspond visually to an analog VU meter scale is
linear (1 dB steps) all the way down. Last segment of 50dB functions as "signal present" indicator. Lower
DDD-603
MYTEK USA
OVERLOAD
COUNTER
OVER
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
50
PEAK
PK+VU
CAL
10
CALREF
ADJUST
IN OK
CLEAR
PK+VU
POWER OFF
+
0
-
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
50
CALREF
SIMPLE
PHASE
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
25
30
35
40
50
60
65
70
75
80
85
1SEC
HOLD
NONE
DIGITAL AES/EBU METER
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
25
30
35
40
50
60
65
70
75
80
85
segments values in VU mode are these on the inner
side of the bargraphs.
"Over" l.e.d. shows the overload of the peak value,
exactly as in NORMAL PEAK MODE.
The "floating dot" segment represents the peak value of
the signal. If switch A is set to "none" the dot just
moves according to the actual peak value. If "1 sec." or
"hold" is selected it is held appropriately
The L and R bargraph represent the VU (integrated)
value of the signal. By definition it is always lower
than the peak value. The VU value represents the
perceived program volume.
All other functions work as in NORMAL PEAK
MODE.
This mode is used to set the A/D converter input levels or to fine adjust the levels
of a digital attenuator, digital mixer or other digital equipment.
DDD-603
MYTEK USA
The overload counter works normally.
OVERLOAD
COUNTER
"Over" l.e.d. shows the overload of the peak value,
exactly as in NORMAL PEAK MODE. The "1 sec." and
OVER
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
50
PEAK
PK+VU
CAL
CALREF
ADJUST
10
IN OK
CLEAR
PK+VU
POWER OFF
+
0
-
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
50
CALREF
SIMPLE
PHASE
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
25
30
35
40
50
60
65
70
75
80
85
1SEC
HOLD
NONE
DIGITAL AES/EBU METER
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
25
30
35
40
50
60
65
70
75
80
85
"hold" functions are disabled i.e. the position of switch
A is not important.
The "floating dot" segment represents the peak value of
the signal. The resolution of the bargraphs L and R is
increased to 0.2 dB per step versus the selected "0 VU
reference level". In this example the reference level is
set at -14 dB below full scale. The segment "14" of the
L/R bargraph means -14 dB, segment "15" means now -
14.2 dB, segment "13" is -13.8 dB and so on.
The middle bargraph shows selected 0 VU level
reference. It is selected using "0 VU adjust" trimpot.
The reference can be set in 1 dB steps between -12 dB
and -20 dB level. In other words it represents how much
headroom you have left. The choice depends on type of
music, recording method and type of the A/D converter
used. In most situations a level between -14 and -16 dB
works well. On this drawing the reference level is set at
-17 dB.
3
4
Operation: What you see is what you get!
DC offset:
Thereare two important things about the DDD-603 meter:
1. The standardoverloads shown (3 samples)are exactly theseseen later on 1630
mastering tape- you can be sure your master is CD- ready.
2. The meter is fullydigital. It is DSP based and not even one sample is ever missed or
misinterpreted-everything is shown with 0.00003%accuracy (1/2exp15 ). The
numberson the scale are rounded to the nearest integer.
In other words- you can always trust it - Whatyousee is what you get!
As you use the meter you will find it extremely useful for varietyof things- it will warn
you immediately of any strange behavior of your digital equipment and show you the
quality of your recordings:thenoise or hum and the dynamics of the music.
The operation of the DDD-603 is very easy, but the interpretation of some readings
requires little experience. We haveshown heresome examples of "strange" readings:
Noise floor:white noise or hum:
In most studio situations there willbe som enoise floor showing up at the analog input
of your digitalsystem (A/D converter). Ideally it shouldbebelow -80dB but in many
largemixing setups can be quite high- asmuchas -70 dB. If you see excessive noise
try to determine its character by turning up the volume and listening. If you hear hum,
you should look for groundloops andeliminate them . If there is too much broadband
noise try to cut unused console channels,reverb returns etc. Please try"Extended
bottom of the scale" mode.
All of A/D converters (including DAT machines etc.,) produce so called DC offset. DC
offsetis a very small DC voltage presentin the digitalaudio signal. It is inherent to
digitalsystems because they are "DC coupled", in other words have frequency response
from 0 Hz up. Ideally the DC offset is zero, but in a real life it sometimes can be very
high. Most A/D convertersproduce an offset of few LSBs which is negligible.
Occasionally however you can get a strange readingof a level you can't hear. It is
probablythe DC offset. You can't hear it because it is 0 Hz. To eliminatethe offset you
should disconnect the inputs of the A/D to make sure this is the problem. Connect the
inputs back, then try resetting the A/D by turning the power off/on. Sometimes the
offsetmay originate from the console output, but most converters will compensatefor
that. Some equipment can producesmall DC offsetafter warming up because of the
termaldrift. It is a good practice to always warm digitalequipmentfor few hours and
then reset it before use. Excessive DC offset does not affect the sound quality, but can
cause edit "clicks" if the programis later digitally edited. The DC offset can be
eliminated from existing recordings by DSP filtering with a high-pass digitalfilter set
for example at 1 Hz or by using special DC-shift method available at some mastering
labs. The second method is better because it does not alter the sonic quality of the
program.
Note that the level of DC offset and noise always add together. Please try "Extended
bottom of the scale" mode.
Ideal (low) noise floor.
Maximumacceptable
noisefloor.
Low DC offset.
Maximumacceptable
DC offset.
65
Setu p: Connections:
The DDD-603 meter is capable of reading both AES/EBUand S/PDIF signals. Two
XLRconnectors on the back of the unit are wired according to AES/EBU specs and
an adaptor described below should be used for S/PDIF signals. The meter input is
high impeda nce with minimal effect on the clock jitter. We found this type of in/out
superio r to a re g ular 110 Ohm buffered in/out. In most situation s the meter can be
daisy-chained, but in jitter critical applications (such as DAC inputs) it should be
connec ted at the end of the signal chain. The D DD-603 inpu t/output is wired as
below:
Internalin/out wiring
digitalinput
2
3
1
digitalthroughput
2
3
1
Additional features
andsoftw are versions:
The D DD-603 meter is software based. Mytek manufacures two versions of the
meter: "basic" - V1.3 and "full masterin g" - V3.3. The features described previously
(except for the phase meter)
provide s extra features which can be enabled by setting the DIP switch on the back
panel of the unit. The switch works only if software version V3.3 or higher is
installed (it is disabled in the "basic" version V1.3). Version V3.3 has also a
functio n selectable at the front panel. For additional cost owners of the
meter
"basic" version can upgrade to "full" version by exc hanging the internal custom
memory chip at your dealer or Mytek.
OFF
ON
1 435 6 7
2
are "basic" features. "Full mastering" softvare V3.3
"Basic" version V1.3
Basic features, The DIP switch is
disabled.
"Full mastering"versionV3.3
no phase meter.
Oversof 3 samples or more as in1630.
phase
_
impedance
meterinput
+
high
S/PDIF adaptor
XLR
1
3
2
RCA jack
Power supply
GND
+5V (+/- 5%)
The D DD-603 meter requires regulated +5V supply with min. of 1.5A ca pacity.
Every meter is supplied with such a power adaptor. Using different power supply
may damage theunit andvoids warranty.
7
OFF
1
ON
1 43 5 6 72
OFF
2
ON
1 43 5 6 72
OFF
3
ON
1 435 6 7
2
OFF
4
ON
1 435 6 7
2
OFF
5
ON
1 43 5 6 7
2
All basic features enabled (as in V1.3) plus the phase
meter.Overs of 3 samplesor more as in 1630.
V3.3- 7 segment display shows
overloaded in last overshoot
to determine how ba d the ove rload is and to track overs.
The cou nter cannot be reset manually, it will re set itself
everytime the over occurs.
V3.3- Overload led is lit if
overloaded
when an "overload standard"other than is used.
V3.2- Overload led is lit if.2 or more samples are
overloaded
V3.3- Overload led is lit if.4 or more samples are
overloaded
meanseitherposition
. This feature as well as 4 and 5 can be used
num ber of samples
. E means 10 or more. Use it
1 or more samples are
Sony 1630
8
V3.3- - Top of the scale is
Extended Top of the scale
extended as shown below. Functions 3,4 and 5 are disabled
OFF
6
ON
14
2
3
567
(overloads of 3 or more samples as in basic version or the
1630).
This function is usefull to check the master tape before
sending it out to a CD plant. It may not be practical for
OFF
ON
7
14
2
567
3
mixing or tracking.
V3.3- : Bottom of the scale
Extended bottom of the scale
is extended as shown below. Functions 3,4 and 5 are
disabled (overloads are of 4 or more samples- (we had to do
it this way)). This function is designed to allow the user to
check any potential problem in the digital audio signal such
as noise floor or DC offset.
DDD-603
MYTEK USA
OVERLOAD
COUNTER
OVER
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
50
PEAK
PK+VU
CAL
10
CALREF
ADJUST
IN OK
CLEAR
PK+VU
POWER OFF
+
0
-
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
50
CALREF
SIMPLE
PHASE
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
25
30
35
40
50
60
65
70
75
80
85
1SEC
HOLD
NONE
DIGITAL AES/EBU METER
These are "Extended Top" values in dB's
below the full scale.
DDD-603
MYTEK USA
OVERLOAD
COUNTER
The middle bargraph shows -3dB level
OVER
0.05
0.1
0.2
0.3
0.4
0.5
0.6
0.7
0.8
0.9
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
25
30
35
40
50
60
65
70
75
80
85
1.0
1.2
1.4
1.6
1.8
2.0
2.2
2.4
2.6
2.8
10
14
20
30
40
60
70
80
85
3
4
6
and cannot be adjusted unless in
calibration mode.
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
20
25
30
35
40
50
60
65
70
75
80
85
1SEC
HOLD
NONE
DIGITAL AES/EBU METER
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
50
PEAK
PK+VU
CAL
CALREF
ADJUST
OVER
0.5
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
IN OK
CLEAR
PK+VU
POWER OFF
+
0
-
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
50
CALREF
SIMPLE
PHASE
OVER
0.5
1
2
3
6
10
14
20
30
40
50
11
55
60
12
61
13
62
14
63
15
64
16
65
17
66
18
67
19
68
20
69
25
70
30
71
35
72
40
73
50
74
60
76
65
78
70
80
75
84
80
90
85
These are "Extended Bottom" values in
dB's below the full scale.
The middle bargraph shows -60dB level
and cannot be adjusted unless in
calibration mode.
910
V3.3- OVER light as 0 dB
OFF
6
ON
1 43 5 6 72
always triggered when ONE or more samples are over
(=7FFF). The counter however is still triggered depending
on how you set the switches 5 and 6. This mode allows you
to push the program level up a bit because now meter
recognizes the difference between over and 0 dB. Now you
can use the counter as an overload indicator and over led as
a 0 dB level indicator.
- In this mode the Over light is
This digital meter is warranted by Mytek to the originalpurchaser, against defects in
workmanship and materials used in manufacture for a period of one year, from the date
of shipment.
Faultsdue to purchaser misuse, unauthorized modifications or accidents are not
coveredby this warranty.
No other warranty is expressed or implied.
Any faultyunit should be sent, shippingprepaid, to the manufacturer. the serialnumber
of the unit should accompanyany request for service.
This digital meter ser#___________________________was sold to:
_____________________________________________________________________
on_______________________________
authorized signature________________________
Warranty
11
For technical support in the US call:
212-388 2677
or email: techsupport@ mytekdigital.com
Overseas contact your dealer.
THIS PRODUCT WAS MADE BY MYTEK A COMPANY SPECIALIZING IN
HIGH END STUDIO EQUIPMENT. OTHER MYTEK PRODUCTS INCLUDE
AD2021 AND D-DAC20 20 BIT CONVERTERS, WORKSTATION 20 BIT
AD/DA INTERFACE, 8X20 SERIES 20 BIT CONVERTERS FOR ADAT AND
TASCAM, THE PRIVATE Q MULTICHANNEL HEADPH ONE SYSTEM, A
SONY-SSL-LYNX TRANSPORT INTERFACE, THE DIGIPOT- DIGITAL
MOTORIZED OPTICAL POTENTIOMETER AND OTHER PRODUCTS. PLEASE
CALL MYTEK AT 212-388 2677, FAX TO: 212-686 4948 OR WRITE TO: PO
12
Loading...