Sonic Frontiers Ultra Jitter Bug Owners manual

The Sonic Frontiers UltraJitterbug enhances the performance
of virtually any high end digital-to-analog processor.

In response to the increasing understanding of
word-clock jitter as a major barrier to the improved
sonic performance of digital audio, Sonic Frontiers
introduces a product that verifiably and significantly
reduces jitter. The UltraJitterbug is a digital reclocker
that reduces and rejects jitter from a digital source
such as a CD player or DAT machine, and supplies
a “clean” signal to a digital-to-analog processor.

The UltraJitterbug has three digital inputs - AES/EBU
via XLR and S/PDIF via RCA coax and Toslink plastic
fibre optic - which feed the new UltraAnalog AES21
AES/EBU ultra-low jitter input receiver. The AES21
receives the digital input data, decodes it and attenu­ates the jitter that is present on the incoming digital
data stream.

Many special measures were taken to reduce cont­aminating noise and to prevent crosstalk. The
inputs and outputs are isolated by their own cus­tom, wide bandwidth, low capacitance pulse
transformer. These transformers prevent any com­mon mode noise in the digital signal from being
coupled into the sensitive internal circuitry of the
UltraJitterbug and the DAC. They also prevent the
formation of a low frequency (ground loop) con­nection with the UltraJitterbug which could signifi­cantly increase 60Hz “hum”, as well as couple the

data that is desired to be passed without limiting
the bandwidth (“droop”).

Further, the inputs are multiplexed relays which provide
low impedance paths for the selected signals to pass
through and high isolation between the selected input
and the other unused inputs. Careful trace routing and
guarding insure that the PC layout does not contribute
to crosstalk. Separate ground planes are used for each
circuit section to keep the noise of one section from
contaminating another.

The power supply is a full linear regulated design with
four separate linear regulators. The digital and analog
power supplies are provided with separate regulators
and the output driver has its own regulator to insure that
the output is as free from unwanted noise as possible.
The design of the power supply is conservative to
insure that the temperature of the regulators remains
low under all operating conditions thereby providing
a very long operating life.

The UltraJitterbug is built under strict quality control
utilizing the highest calibre of parts available. With
its proven performance in the improvement of a dig­ital signal through jitter rejection, the UltraJitterbug is
a truly affordable upgrade to your existing digital-to­analog processor.

T H E S O N I C F R O N T I E R S U L T R A J I T T E R B U G

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Jitter Rejection Begins at 1 kHz, at a rate of 6 dB per octave
(attenuation)

Intrinsic Jitter Less than 40 ps (picoseconds) output

Dimensions 9.5” Wide x 7” Deep x 2” High (24 cm x 17.8 cm x 5 cm)

2790 Brighton Road, Oakville, Ontario, Canada L6H 5T4 Tel: [phone] - Fax: [phone]

A B C

D E F G H I

OPERATION, CONNECTIONS AND CONTROL FUNCTIONS

A- Digital Source Select Switch - This three-position toggle selects the desired input path,

(Toslink - plastic fibre optical, AES/EBU - XLR connector, or RCA - coax connector).

B- Source Indicator LED - One of the three LEDs will light to indicate the selected source of input.
C- Locked/Unlocked LED - This LED will light when the UltraJitterbug is locked to an incoming

data stream. When the LED is off the UltraJitterbug is not locked and the outputs are muted.

D- IEC Socket - The detachable power cord connects here. When the UltraJitterbug is plugged in

to a power source the unit is on.

E- Optical - Toslink Input - This is the input socket for a S/PDIF - Toslink - plastic fiber optic

connection to the digital source.

F- AES/EBU Input - This is the input socket for an AES/EBU - XLR connection to the digital source.

The AES/EBU cables impedance should be 110 ohms.

G- Coaxial Input - This is the input socket for a coaxial - S/PDIF - RCA connection to the digital

source. The coaxial - S/PDIF - RCA cables impedance should be 75 ohms.

H- Coaxial Output - This is the output socket for a coaxial - S/PDIF - RCA connection to the

digital-to-analog processor.The coaxial - S/PDIF - RCA cables impedance should be 75 ohms.

I- AES/EBU Output - This is the output socket for an AES/EBU - XLR connection to the digital-

to-analog processor. The AES/EBU cables impedance should be 110 ohms.
Note: For best performance, connect only one output at a time. Any number of inputs may be

connected at one time.
The UltraJitterbug is factory set for the correct operating AC voltage for the area in which it is sold.

If a different operating voltage is required, please contact an authorized Sonic Frontiers dealer,
distributor or the factory directly.

CONNECTIONS
TO THE
ULTRAJITTERBUG

LIMITED FIVE YEAR WARRANTY

Sonic Frontiers, Inc. warrants to the purchaser that each
UltraJitterbug is free of manufacturing defects for a period
of five (5) years from the date of purchase. To receive this
warranty, the original purchaser must mail to Sonic
Frontiers, within thirty (30) days from date of purchase, the
enclosed Warranty Registration Card completed. Sonic
Frontiers, Inc. will then validate the warranty to the original
purchaser. This warranty is subject to the following condi­tions and limitations:

1

. Warranty applies only to the original purchaser.

2 . This warranty is void and inapplicable if the product

has been handled other than in accordance with the
instructions in this Owner’s Manual, abused or misused,
damaged by accident or neglect or in being transported,
or the defect is due to the product being tampered with,
modified or repaired by anyone other than Sonic Frontiers,
Inc. or an authorized Sonic Frontiers’ repair depot.

3 . Warranty does not cover normal maintenance.
4 . Sonic Frontiers, Inc. shall not be responsible in any

way for consequential or indirect damages or liabilities
resulting from the use and operation of the product cov­ered herein or resulting from any breach of this warranty
or any implied warranty relating to said product.

During this period, Sonic Frontiers, Inc. will repair or
replace any defective components free of charge. A Return
Authorization (RA) Number is required before any product
is returned to our factory for any reason. This number must
be visible on the exterior of the shipping container(s) for
Sonic Frontiers to accept the return.
Units shipped to us without a Return Authorization Number
or without a visible RA Number on the exterior of the
shipping container(s) will be returned to the sender,
freight collect.
Units to be repaired by Sonic Frontiers, Inc. must be sent
shipping and insurance prepaid by the original purchaser
in the original packing material. A returned product should
be accompanied by a written description of the defect.
Repaired units will be returned by Sonic Frontiers, Inc. ship­ping and insurance prepaid.
All other warranties or conditions either written or
are void.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1 . Water and Moisture - This product should not be used
near water. Do not expose this product to rain or moisture
to prevent fire or shock hazard.
2 . Heat - This product should be situated away from heat
sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliances which produce heat.
3 . Power Sources - This product should be connected to
an AC power source of the same rated voltage. The origi­nal shipping containers will stipulate the AC voltage this
unit can operate on.
4 . Cleaning - A regular dusting with a soft,
non-abrasive cloth will generally keep the finish of the
faceplate and chassis looking like new. At no time
should you allow any liquid to come in contact with
the UltrJitterbug; it may run into the electronic circuitry
and cause damage which will not be covered
under your warranty.
5 . Servicing - Do not open this product. No user service­able parts inside. Refer servicing to an authorized service
t e c h n i c i a n .
6 . Non-Use Periods - The power cord of this product
should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for
an extended period of time.

DISCLAIMER OF LIABILITY

Under no circumstances does Sonic Frontiers, Inc. assume
liability or responsibility for injury or damages sustained in
the use or operation of this equipment or for damages to
any other equipment connected to it.
Sonic Frontiers, Inc. reserves the right to make design
changes or improvements without the obligation to revise
prior versions. All specifications are subject to change
without notice.

Note:

We recommend that you retain all of the packing materi­al and shipping boxes for your UltraJitterbug. They are
custom designed to prevent shipping damage from occur­ring. Sonic Frontiers, Inc. will accept no responsibility
for any damage occurring to an UltraJitterbug that is
shipped in packing material other than the original
Sonic Frontiers packing material.