SweetVinyl SC2-Plus User Guide

`

WELCOME TO

SUGARCUBE

TM

For any usage questions,

please contact:
[email protected]

Thank You for purchasing the SugarCube SC2-Plus.

Your experience of high-end audio is about to get a
lot sweeter when all your vinyl will sound like mint.

These pages provide an overview of the set-up and
control of the SC2-Plus.

`

For Instructions on SC-2 Recording – Please See Recording Quick Start User Guide

Unpacking

Your

SugarCube

Section 1

Wifi USB Adapter

This adapter connects

the SugarCube to your

WiFi network or you can

use a wired Internet

connection if available.

Please download the

SugarCube App from your

mobile device’s app store or

use a Browser to control

your SugarCube remotely.

USB

Stick

USB-stick contains the full
SugarCube Setup and User
Guide.

1.1 Unpacking Your SugarCube

AC Power Adapter,
5V, 4A DC Output

SugarCube SC2-Plus Unit

For Instructions on SC-2 Recording – Please See Recording Quick Start User Guide

1.2 SC2-Plus Front-Panel Controls

CLICK MONITOR

Push on, push off: when

the LED is lit, SugarCube is

processing audio to remove

clicks and pops (the BYPASS

LED will go out.)

CLICK REMOVE ‘IN’

When pressed and the LED is lit, the
SugarCube suppresses the music so
that you can better hear the clicks and
pops. This helps set the STRENGTH
level for particularly noisy LPs.

STRENGTH

Headphone amp operates
independently and does not
affect the level of the line
in / out audio.

BYPASS

When pressed and the LED is lit,
an internal relay has shunted the

LINE-IN directly to LINE-OUT,

bypassing all internal circuitry.

Controls the strength of the click
and pop detection and removal
process. Almost all LPs will sound
great at a setting of 5 or 6.

Note: we recommend that you do
NOT adjust STRENGTH all the
way to 10, you will rarely need
this much. Less is more.

USB3

Plug in USB stick or drive
To record & playback
Storage.

STATUS

Green when storage
pugged in and ready.
Blinks red while
recording.

RECORD

Press to start recording
Press to stop.

HEADPHONE

JACK, VOLUME, MUTE

1.3 SC2-Plus Back-Panel

LINE OUTPUT

Outputs to your line stage (pre-amp).
When the front panel BYPASS button is
pressed, the audio from LINE IN passes
directly to this LINE OUT through a
mechanical audiophile-grade relay.

WIRED LAN

If an Ethernet LAN cable is
available, connect to this port
instead of plugging in the WiFi

adapter.

Note: when power is off, an

internal relay bypasses

LINE IN to LINE OUT.

Do either of the above when controlling the SC2-Plus on
the SugarCube iOS or Android app or from your desktop.

DIGITAL OUTPUT

Toslink and SPDIF outputs
at 192K/24bit.

Connect the supplied
adapter to this port.

POWER ON/OFF

DC POWER IN

LINE INPUT

Accepts the output of your phono pre-amp.
Please do NOT directly plug your turntable
into this port unless it has a built-in phono
pre-amp with a line-level output.

USB PORT FOR WIFI ADAPTER

Use this port to link your

computer or music server to
for enhanced ADC and DAC
functionality. Detailed
instructions later in guide.

USB COMPUTER PORT

Connecting

SugarCube

to Your

Sound

System

PLEASE BE SURE ALL

EQUIPMENT IS

TURNED OFF

BEFORE ATTEMPTING

INSTALLATION

Section 2

Speakers

Phono Pre-amp Line Pre-amp

Power Amp

Line Out Aux In Line Out Line In

Phono In

AC Adaptor

5V/4A

Connecting in series between a phono pre-amp and line-stage (pre-amp).

1. Plug your SugarCube power adapter into a power source.

2. Connect the output of your phono pre-amp to the LINE IN of the SugarCube.

3. Connect the LINE OUT of the SugarCube to an appropriate line-level input of your line-stage/pre-amp.

NOTE: DO NOT CONNECT THE LINE OUT OF THE SUGARCUBE TO THE PHONO INPUT ON YOUR EQUIPMENT.

2.1 Connecting Your SugarCube

Power Amp

Line In

Connecting in series between a pre-amp, with phono input, and power amp

2.2 Connecting Your SugarCube

1. Connect the output of your pre-amp to the LINE IN of the SC2-Plus.

2. Connect the LINE OUT of the SC1-Plus to the input of your power amp.

Output

Phono

AC Adaptor

5V/4A

Pre-amp

Speakers

Integrated Amp

Aux In

Aux Out

Phono

2.3 Connecting Your SugarCube

please note:

aux in/out is sometimes

labelled

record in/out

Integrated Amp: using the ‘tape loop’

Connecting to an integrated amplifier via Aux In/Out (or Rec In/Out).

1. Connect AUX OUT (or REC OUT) of your integrated amp (or processor) to the LINE IN of the SC2-Plus.

2. Connect LINE OUT of the SC2-Plus to AUX IN (or REC IN) of your integrated amp or processor.

NOTE: DO NOT CONNECT THE LINE OUT OF THE SUGARCUBE TO THE PHONO INPUT ON YOUR EQUIPMENT.

Step 1: TURN OFF THE INTEGRATED AMP

Step 2: Wait a minute or two

Step 3: locate the preamp-power amp jumpers

Step 4: DOUBLE-CHECK THAT THE AMP IS OFF

Step 5: Remove the jumpers

Step 6: Put the jumpers away in a safe place

Step 7: NEXT PAGE...

Integrated Amp: connecting between the preamp and power amp

2.4 Connecting Your SugarCube

Integrated Amp: connecting between the preamp and power amp, cont.

1. Connect OUTPUT (this is the pre-amp) of your integrated amp to the LINE IN of the SugarCube.

2. Connect LINE OUT of the SugarCube to PWR AMP (power amp input) of your integrated amp.

3. ALWAYS TURN ON THE SUGARCUBE FIRST THEN THE AMP AND TURN OFF THE AMP FIRST

THEN THE SUGARCUBE.

4. If the integrated amp has a headphone output, it will likely have its own amplifier and may not be in
the loop with the SugarCube. If that is the case, you will not hear the SugarCube in the headphones.

5. The SugarCube draws only about 11 watts, you can leave it on full time if you wish.

6. Not all integrated amps have a line out / power amp in or an Aux Out / In. If this is the case, you

may need an external phono pre-amp.

Connecting to an integrated amplifier between the pre-amp and power-amp.

2.5 Connecting Your SugarCube

12v DC Adapter

Phono Pre-Amp

Integrated Amp

12v DC Adapter

2.6 Connecting Your SugarCube

Integrated Amp WITHOUT an AUX OUT/IN (or REC OUT/IN, etc.)

Many contemporary integrated amplifiers no longer have what was known as

a ‘tape loop’ (back in the day of the cassette and reel-to-reel tape). Also,
most modern home theatre processors that do have what are called ‘effects

loops’ will not send audio from its phono input through the loop. In these

cases, there is not a way to connect to SugarCube directly to these devices
while using its built-in phono stage.

The solution is to add a phono stage (pre-amp) between your turntable and
the SugarCube. Then connect the Line Out of the SugarCube to any available
input on the integrated amp (except for the phono input, of course.)

Speakers

Integrated Amp

Aux In

Aux Out

Phono

Connecting turntables with built-in phono pre-amps

2.7 Connecting Your SugarCube

1. Connect the turntable with a built-in phono pre-amp to LINE IN.

2. Be sure the turntable is set to LINE not PHONO.

3. Connect the LINE OUT of the SugarCube to any line-level input of
your line stage, pre-amp, or integrated amp.

NOTE: SORRY TO BE A BROKEN RECORD, SO TO SPEAK, BUT DO NOT CONNECT THE
LINE OUT OF THE SUGARCUBE TO THE PHONO INPUT ON YOUR EQUIPMENT.

Directly connecting the line-level output from your turntable.

For turntables with a built-in
phono pre-amp, be sure to set
the PHONO/LINE switch to

LINE before plugging into the

SugarCube.

When you power up your SugarCube, it will take about

three minutes to complete its startup procedures.

During this time, the display will light up but remain
blank. We apologize for the wait but we have some
seriously sophisticated software loading and it simply
takes additional time. When you hear the results of
our efforts, you will agree that it was worth the wait.

2.8 Starting Up Your SugarCube

Please note:

(1) SugarCube just powered on (2) SugarCube is ready to go

(please expect about three

minutes to ready.)

(3) Hold the ‘Bypass’ button for a

few seconds to see LAN address
(and WiFi SSID if using wireless.)

Networking

the

SugarCube

Part 1: Ethernet and WiFi
Part 2: Chrome Browsers
Part 3: Apple iOS

Part 4: Android

Section 3

3.1 Using Ethernet or WiFi with SugarCube

`

While setting up the connection between the SugarCube and the mobile or web browser

SugarCube app, you will be prompted to enter a Pair Code, please just use the code 1111.
(Note: you can push in and release the ‘Strength’ knob to obtain a unique pairing code
but there is no need for this extra step, it remains to support legacy systems.)

3.1.1 Pairing your SugarCube

- OR -

NOTES:

• THE SUGARCUBE SC2-PLUS BASIC OPERATIONS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL BY MEANS OF THE

FRONT PANEL CONTROLS WITHOUT THE NEED TO CONNECT TO A NETWORK.

• SOFTWARE UPDATES ARE AUTOMATIC AND PROVIDED WHEN THE SUGARCUBE IS CONNECTED
TO A WIFI OR ETHERNET NETWORK.

If you would like to use the iOS or Android app or web browser to control your SugarCube SC2-Plus,

please connect either the WiFi adapter supplied with your SugarCube or plug into a wired connection.

3.1.2 Connecting Your SugarCube to a LAN or WiFi

3.1.3 Connecting Your SugarCube via Wired Ethernet

• When connecting via wired Ethernet you need only open the iOS or Android App or follow a few

steps to establish a browser connection.

NOTES:

• THE SUGARCUBE SC2-PLUS BASIC OPERATIONS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL BY MEANS OF THE
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS WITHOUT THE NEED TO CONNECT TO A NETWORK.

• SOFTWARE UPDATES ARE AUTOMATIC AND PROVIDED WHEN THE SUGARCUBE IS CONNECTED
TO A WIFI OR ETHERNET NETWORK.

3.1.4 Connecting Your SugarCube via WiFi

• If using the WiFi adapter you will either use the iOS or Android App to setup WiFi, or use Ethernet

and a browser to configure the WiFi parameters.

NOTES:

• THE SUGARCUBE SC2-PLUS BASIC OPERATIONS ARE FULLY FUNCTIONAL BY MEANS OF THE
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS WITHOUT THE NEED TO CONNECT TO A NETWORK.

• SOFTWARE UPDATES ARE AUTOMATIC AND PROVIDED WHEN THE SUGARCUBE IS CONNECTED

TO A WIFI OR ETHERNET NETWORK.

3.2 Using a Browser with SugarCube

`

3.2.1 Controlling the SugarCube from a Web Browser

Press in and hold ‘BYPASS’ for 3 to 5 seconds

Your SugarCube will then enter a display
mode where it will show you its IP
address, among other information.

Plug in an Ethernet Cable

1

3

You will use an address
that looks like this
example. It usually will
start with 192 or with 10.

2

Finding the IP address of your SugarCube

3.2.2 Controlling the SugarCube from a Web Browser

(1) Type the SugarCube’s IP address into the

address bar then add a colon ‘:’ and ‘1111’.

PLEASE NOTE: the ‘1111’ is a fixed port number

and NOT the serial number of your SugarCube.

(2) Press ‘Enter’ and the SugarCube

webpage will appear in the browser.

http://192.168.1.16:5123

Entering the IP address with addition information into the browser

Important Note: the SugarCube

web interface is compatible with

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, &

Apple Safari web browsers. We

cannot guarantee compatibility with

any other brand.

sugarcube.local:5123

Or, if you have a relatively modern

LAN, you can try:

3.2.3 Controlling the SugarCube from a Web Browser

(2) Then, enter the four-digit pairing

code displayed on the SugarCube

display and click on ‘Pair’.

1

2

NOTE: Entering “1111” as a pairing code will be accepted

on recent versions of the SugarCube software

(1) You will see a screen

appearing in your browser
to accept a pairing code.

3.2.4 Controlling the SugarCube from a Web Browser

The SugarCube user interface will appear in the browser.

Important Note: the SugarCube

web interface is compatible with

Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, &

Apple Safari web browsers. We

cannot guarantee compatibility with

any other brand.

3.2.5 Controlling the SugarCube from a Web Browser

(1) If wired Ethernet is not

available in your sound room, then
take the SugarCube to your router
just for these WiFi setup steps.

(2) You need both Ethernet and the

WiFi stick plugged into the SugarCube.

(3) Find your WiFi name on

the list of SSIDs.

Setting up WiFi (in place of wired Ethernet), 1 of 4

3.2.6 Controlling the SugarCube from a Web Browser

(4) Please select your network by clicking

on the ‘Use’ button next to your SSID.

(5) Next, enter the password for your

WiFi then click on ‘Connect.’

<your wifi>

<your wifi>

<your wifi>

<password>

Setting up WiFi (in place of wired Ethernet), 2 of 4

disconnected

wire: 192.168.1.15

StayOffMyLawn

WiFi:

3.2.7 Controlling the SugarCube from a Web Browser

(6) The system will indicate that

it is connecting to your WiFi.

Setting up WiFi (in place of wired Ethernet), 3 of 4

<your wifi>

<your wifi>

<password>

(7) Once connected, you will now see both your new WiFi address (w) and

your currently wired Ethernet IP address (e). Remember, you are currently
communicating with the SugarCube via the wired IP address.

WiFi IP address

Wired IP address

WiFi SSID

3.2.8 Controlling the SugarCube from a Web Browser

(9) So, when you disconnect the wire, your browser

will no longer communicate. You will have to change
the IP address in your browser, in this example, to

the WiFi address ending in ‘.118’. (Once the wire is

disconnected, the front panel display will show only
the WiFi IP address.)

(11) Please note, if your SugarCube cannot connect

to your WiFi, contact [email protected] with

the details of your system (WiFi make and model

and the serial number of your SugarCube.)

Setting up WiFi (in place of wired Ethernet), 4 of 4

(10) Usually, you need only to change the last group of

numbers and press ‘Enter’, and you should reconnect

(sometimes you may have to re-enter the entire address).

http://192.168.1.118:5123

http://192.168.1.118:5123

3.3 Using iOS App with SugarCube

`

3.3.1 Connecting App with SugarCube on Wired Ethernet

(1) App is loading (2) App is searching for

SugarCubes on the LAN

(3) App has found a

SugarCube and will now
initiate a connection.

Apple iOS

3.3.2 Connecting App with SugarCube on Wired Ethernet

(4) The app needs you to enter a

pairing code, press the knob on
the front panel.

(5) App needs you to enter

the pair code ‘1111’ or what is

displayed on the front panel
display then touch ‘PAIR’.

(6) App is linked to

SugarCube and ready
for use.

Apple iOS

For pairing, enter:

1 1 1 1

as a pairing code
(you may still get a code

from your SugarCube,
if you wish).

1111

192.168.1.nnn

3.3.3 Connecting App with SugarCube Using IP Address

(1) If, for any reason,

you wish to manually
connect to your SugarCube
touch the menu
button in the lower
right of the screen.

(2) Select ‘Configure

Manual IP’.

(3) You will then see a

window to enter the IP
address of the SugarCube.
This address can be seen
by pressing and holding

‘Bypass’ for a few seconds.

(4) Enter the IP address

as displayed on the front
panel display.

Apple iOS

3.3.4 Connecting App with SugarCube Using IP Address

(5) The app need you to press

the knob on the front panel.

(6) App needs you to enter

the pair code displayed on
the front panel display then

touch ‘PAIR’.

(7) App is linked to

SugarCube and ready
for use.

Apple iOS & Android

1111

For pairing, enter:

1 1 1 1

as a pairing code
(you may still get a code

from your SugarCube,
if you wish).

3.3.5 Setting up iOS device to control SugarCube with WiFi

1. iPhone, iPad, Touch.

2. Network with WiFi your Apple device can communicate with and that can be connected

to your SugarCube with WiFi or wired Ethernet.

3. From the Apple App Store, you will be able to download the ‘SugarCube’ app to your
Apple mobile device. (Look for: SugarCube by SweetVinyl.)

4. The WiFi dongle supplied with your SugarCube.

Apple iOS

3.3.6 Connecting App with SugarCube on WiFi

(1) Launch the SugarCube app

(2) App is loading

(3) App is searching for

SugarCubes already setup
on the LAN if any. For the
first time user, nothing will
be found, of course.

Apple iOS

3.3.7 Connecting App with SugarCube on WiFi

(4) No SugarCube is found

so the app offers the option
to run WiFi setup.

Apple iOS

(6) The instructions direct the

user to press the ‘Home’ key to
get back to the ‘Home’ screen
and then launch ‘Setup’.

(5) The user is instructed to

press and hold the front panel

knob for 5 seconds to put the

SugarCube into ‘WiFi Setup Mode’

which will be displayed on the
front panel.

3.3.8 Connecting App with SugarCube on WiFi

(7) When in ‘Settings’, select

‘WiFi’

(8) Select ‘SugarCube_nnnn’,

(whatever number appears

after ‘SugarCube_’ is your
device’s serial number)

(9) With the

‘SugarCube_nnnn’ selected,
your SugarCube is now
temporarily acting as an access

point.

Hapi Apelusr

55th Street

55th Street

(NOTE: ‘No Internet Connection’

is normal)

Apple iOS

3.3.9 Connecting App with SugarCube on WiFi

(11) Select the WiFi network

that you wish to use

(10) Relaunch the SugarCube

app

(12) Enter the WiFi password

for your network

55th Street

secretagentman

55th Street

55th Street

Apple iOS

3.3.10 Connecting App with SugarCube on WiFi

(14) The app will then

display the SugarCube(s)
found on your network. Select
the appropriate device.

(13) The app will now complete

the connection to your WiFi
network and also do a little
housekeeping.

#5072 My SugarCube

192.168.1.6:5123

Connect

55th Street

Apple iOS

3.3.11 Connecting App with SugarCube on WiFi

(16) You will then see the

‘Control’ screen and you are

done, congratulations!

Apple iOS

(15) When asked to ‘Pair’, enter ‘1111’

(or you can press the front panel knob
of the SugarCube and read the code

from the display.

1111

3.4 Using Android App with SugarCube

`

3.4.1 Connecting App with SugarCube on Wired Ethernet

(1) App is loading (2) App is searching for

SugarCubes on the LAN

(3) App has found a

SugarCube and will now
initiate a connection.

Android

3.4.2 Connecting App with SugarCube on Wired Ethernet

Android

(4) The app needs you to enter a

pairing code, press the knob on
the front panel.

(5) App needs you to enter

the pair code ‘1111’ or what is

displayed on the front panel
display then touch ‘PAIR’.

(6) App is linked to

SugarCube and ready
for use.

For pairing, enter:

1 1 1 1

as a pairing code
(you may still get a code

from your SugarCube,
if you with).

1111

192.168.1.nnn

3.4.3 Connecting App with SugarCube Using IP Address

(1) If, for any reason,

you wish to manually
connect to your SugarCube
touch the menu
button in the lower
right of the screen.

(2) Select ‘Configure

Manual IP’.

(3) You will then see a

window to enter the IP
address of the SugarCube.
This address can be seen
by pressing and holding

‘Bypass’ for a few seconds.

(4) Enter the IP address

as displayed on the front
panel display.

Android

3.4.4 Connecting App with SugarCube Using IP Address

Android

(5) The app need you to press

the knob on the front panel.

(6) App needs you to enter

the pair code displayed on
the front panel display then

touch ‘PAIR’.

(7) App is linked to

SugarCube and ready
for use.

1111

For pairing, enter:

1 1 1 1

as a pairing code
(you may still get a code

from your SugarCube,
if you wish).

3.4.5 Setting up Android to control SugarCube with WiFi

You will need:

1. An Android phone or tablet.

2. To connect with WiFi on your Android device on the same network that you
plan to use with your SugarCube with WiFi or wired Ethernet.

3. Download the Android App from the Google Play Store.

(Look for: SugarCube by SweetVinyl.)

4. To plug in the WiFi dongle supplied with your SugarCube or a wired Ethernet

cable from a port on your router.

Android

3.4.6 Connecting App with SugarCube on WiFi

(1) App is loading

(2) App is searching for

SugarCubes on the LAN

(3) No SugarCube is found

so the app offers the option
to run WiFi setup.

(4) User taps ‘WiFi Setup’

to start the process.

Android

3.4.7 Connecting App with SugarCube on WiFi

(5) Next, press and hold

the pairing button (on the

rear panel) for 5 seconds
as instructed.

(6) After this, your SugarCube

will be configured as an

access point and display its
SSID (e.g. SugarCube_110)
In this screen the app has now
connected to it automatically.

(7) Next, the SugarCube

will find your available WiFi

connections. This could
take a minute but if nothing
shows, please press the
refresh (upper right).

(8) When you see your

network, select the desired
connection.

Android

3.4.8 Connecting App with SugarCube on WiFi

(10) The app has connected

successfully with the
SugarCube and will now
jump to the main screen.

(11) The connection process

is complete and you are
ready to go.

WiFi Setup Successful

(9) Next, enter the password

for your WiFi network.

secretagentman

55th Street

55th Street

55th Street

Android

Controlling

SugarCube

via a browser

or app

Chrome, Edge, or Safari

browser &

iOS or Android app

Section 4

4.1 Home Page and Repair Control

(1) Click on ‘Repair’ (2) Click and Pop and Bypass functions

available mirror the front panel controls. A change
here is reflected on the front panel and a change

on the front panel changes the above.

Repair

4.2 Repair Control Functions

Controlling Click and Pop Removal

Adjust the slider to listen

to the result of setting ‘Strength’.

The Click and Pop removal
function has been engaged.

Monitor the clicks and pops that are being
removed from the audio passing through the
SugarCube.

A setting of ‘3’ or ‘4’ is all you need
for all but the most damaged LPs

EQ Disabled

EQ Disabled

4.3 Noise Reduction Functions

Controlling Noise Reduction

‘Noise Reduction’(NR)

process samples noise at

the lead-in to the record

(for a few seconds)

Note: Record

Equalization is off (in

this example) and

cannot be started once

NR is engaged.

Click on ‘Start’ to initialize

‘Noise Reduction’

EQ Disabled

4.4 Noise Reduction Functions

Controlling Noise Reduction

NR can be dis-engaged any time

by clicking here.

NOTE: NR can be engaged

or dis-engaged any time.

While NR stays running it

maintains the noise

fingerprint initially sampled.

Clicking on ‘Running’ stops

the NR process but you can

leave it running indefinitely, it

won’t have an effect until you

select Reduce Noise again.

4.5 Equalization (EQ) Compensation

Controlling Playback EQ Curves

When NR is not running,

an EQ curve can be

chosen.

Clicking on EQ will

enable it for the next

time NR is started.

EQ Enabled

EQ Disabled

EQ Disabled

4.6 Equalization (EQ) Compensation

Controlling Playback EQ Curves

The chosen EQ curve

will now be applied the

next time NR is started.

While NR is running, EQ

cannot be changed.

4.7 Equalization (EQ) Compensation

Controlling Playback EQ Curves

With NR not running, even

though EQ is Enabled, it is

not applied to the audio

until NR is running again.

4.8 Settings and Display Functions

(1) Click on ‘Settings’

(2) Display choices include: Routing Mode to show audio

routing information on the display; Show System Info such as

IP Address, and Software Version (which can be obtained

from the front panel by pressings and holding the ‘Bypass’

button for about five seconds), and Splash Screen which is
basically the model name.

Settings

4.9 Controlling the SugarCube via WiFi

(1) Click on ‘Wifi Setup’

(2) When the Wifi dongle is in the rear

USB port available networks will appear
and you can select the SSID and enter
your password.

4.10 Setting the Line-Input Level Setting

(1) Click on ‘Line In Level.’

PLEASE NOTE: unless you see a ‘Clipping Warning’ or ‘Clipping Alarm’ appear while

playing music through your SugarCube, you do NOT need to change the audio setup.

Clipping

Warning

Input level is reduced by -18dB but

added back on output

Input level is reduced by -12 dB but

added back on output.

Input level is reduced by -6dB

but added back on output. You

now have 6 dB more headroom
for listening or recording.

This is the normal mode for the SC-

Plus series. No need to attenuate the

input, however, if the ‘Clipping’ alert is
seen during use, go down to ‘-6dB’.

IMPORTANT NOTE: The output of the SugarCube will always equal the input. Changes

in settings here will result in NO change in volume on your system.

NOTE: if this appears on startup or when,
for example, you drop the needle on an
LP, just touch it and it will go away.

4.10a Note on Clipping Warning and Clipping Alarm

Clipping

Warning

IMPORTANT NOTE: The output of the SugarCube will always equal the input. Changes

in settings here will result in NO change in volume on your system.

When music is playing and this message

appears on any page of the interface, it
means the audio is just about to clip but
has not yet.

However, it is recommended that you

lower the Line In Level one step (6dB
reduction) to be safe from clipping..

Clipping

Alarm

When music is playing and this message
appears on any page of the interface, it
means the audio has clipped and the Line
In Level should be lowered one step.

Touching or clicking on either message will
clear the message until another related

audio event should trigger it again.

Also, if you do not manually clear the
messages, they will disappear after 20
minutes.

4.11 Choosing an External DAC Output

(1) Click on ‘Int/Ext DAC.’

(2) When a USB DAC is inserted in one

of the rear USB ports, it will appear here
and can be selected instead of the
internal DAC.

Selecting an external DAC plugged into the SugarCube

4.12 Support Menu & User Guide

(1) Click on ‘Support’

(2) The current User Guides for your

model is available for download and/or

viewing in the browser here.

Support

4.13 Checking for Updates

(1) Click on ‘Support.’

(2) Current SugarCube software version is displayed

and udpates can be checked. If updates are waiting
can be updated here. Also shows last update and if
an update is coming.

Support

4.14 Register and Email Info

(2) ‘Contact Us’ will taker you to a screen

where you can follow instructions to send an
email to [email protected].

(1) Click on ‘Register’ and you can enter your

information.

Connecting a

Computer to

your

SugarCube

with USB

MacOS, Windows,

or Music Server

Section 5

5.1 Connecting a Computer over USB

The SC2-Plus can be connected to a computer via the USB-B port. Plug one end into the USB port on

the computer and the other to the USB-B port on the SugarCube. When connected, the computer will
be able to control the ADC and DAC functions on the SugarCube. The computer can record the output
of the ADC with any software available for recording or play digital files directly through the SugarCube.

Typical

USB2 Cable

5.1.1 Audio Routing Menu to enter External Mode

To efficiently work with an the SC2-Plus and a computer connected over USB you will want to open
the Routing Menu page. The next pages show how the SugarCube, and an external computer,
work together to provide the enhanced functionality.

Routing

Select the Routing Menu

to manage the analog and

digital signal paths.

5.1.2 Audio Routing Menu — External Mode

L

R

VU on

Monitor

Step 1 - enter

External mode that

allows your computer

to use the ADC and

DAC at any sample

rate.

In External mode, the SC2-Plus acts like any other studio-quality ADC/DAC pair and will function at any standard sample

rate and bit depth from 192k down to 44.1k and at 16/24/32 bit sample sizes.

Note: Please press again the button of the current mode of operation if the external device loses lock with the

SugarCube (you will certainly know due to obvious digital noise.) This resets the internal timing and restores the audio.

5.1.3 Configuring Windows to control the SugarCube

After connecting your Windows PC,
the SugarCube should configure itself.

Drivers are built-in and you should be able

to see and configure the SugarCube as a
device under Sounds by right clicking on
the speaker Icon in the System Tray (right
end of the Task Bar.)

1

A Window like this will open:

3

2

5.1.4 Configuring Windows to control the SugarCube

As a Playback device you

will be able to configure the
SugarCube DAC as a

Speaker – by selecting the
SC_Plus you can then

select Properties and then
the Advanced tab to select

the sample rate and bit

depth. You will want to set
this to 24-bit, 192,000 Hz
if you want the SugarCube
functions to work with the
external source.

As a Recording device the
SugarCube ADC will show up
as a Microphone by

selecting the SC_Plus you can

than select Properties and
then the Advanced tab and
select the sample rate and bit
depth. You will want to set
this to 24-bit, 192,000 Hz if
you want the SugarCube

functions to work with the

external device.

4

5

5.1.5 Configuring MacOS to control the SugarCube

After connecting your MacOS computer, the SugarCube should configure itself.

Drivers are built-in and you should be able to see and configure the

SugarCube as a device using the “Audio Midi Setup” app by searching for

this or by going to the "Utilities" folder in "Applications"

A Window like this will open and you

will want to further select the “Audio

Setup” section:

1

2

3

5.1.6 Configuring MacOS to control the SugarCube

As an Output device you

will be able to configure the

SugarCube DAC – by

selecting the SC_Plus you
can the sample rate and bit­depth. You will want to set
this to 24-bit, 192.0 kHz if

you want the SugarCube

functions to work with a
MacOS app.

As an Input device the

SugarCube ADC will appear

and by selecting the SC_Plus
you can select the sample rate
and bitdepth. You will want to
set this to 192,000 Hz if you
want the SugarCube functions
to work with a MacOS app.

Also, note bit-depth is usually

fixed to whatever is the output
but if at 16bit, you will need to
reset it to 24bit.

4

5

Routing

5.2 Audio Routing Menu

To efficiently work with an the SC2-Plus and a computer connected over USB you will want to open
the Routing Menu page. The next pages show how the SugarCube, and an external computer,
work together to provide the enhanced functionality.

Select the Routing Menu

to manage the analog and

digital signal paths.

5.3 Audio Routing Menu — Control Layout

L

R

VU off

Monitor

Analog Routing

Modes

Digital Routing

Modes

External computer or music

server connects to

SugarCube via USB2.

The SC2-Plus appears as a
combination ADC/DAC to
the computer

Line-In level setting

controls the level of input

audio to the ADC

Line-Out level setting

controls the level of

audio gain after the
DAC

VU Meter shows level
of input as applied to
the ADC

Level of audio sent to
browser as a
convenience monitor
of input signal

5.4 Audio Routing Menu — Bypass Mode

In Bypass mode, Line In connects to Line Out via a mechanical relay; this can be selected on this menu or
on the front panel. When in Bypass no signal is processed by the SugarCube nor by a connected computer.

L

R

VU off

When Bypass is

selected, Line-In

connects directly to

Line-Out thru an

audiophile-grade

mechanical relay.

Bridging SugarCube

Repair

Record

Repair

Playback

ExternalBypass

Line-In connects directly to Line-Out.

Line-In

Line-Out

5.5 Logical Flow — Bypass Mode

In Bypass mode Line-In is connected to Line-Out via a mechanical relay, this can be selected on the menu
or on the front panel. When in Bypass, no signal is processed by the SugarCube or a connected computer.

5.6 Audio Routing Menu — Bridging Mode

Bridging mode passes

Line-In to the Analog-to-

Digital Converter (ADC)
which passes its digital
output signal to the

attached computer over

USB, output only.

The ADC operates at

192k/24bits by default
but the external computer
can change to any
standard sample rate and
bit depth.

There is no audible affect
as Line-In passes directly
to Line-Out.

VU on

Line-In connects directly to Line-Out and

SugarCube bridges the signal (with high impedance.)

Line-In Line-Out

5.7 Logical Flow — Analog Bridging Mode

In Bridging Mode, Line-In is connected to Line-Out as in Bypass mode, in addition the signal is
passed to the attached computer via the SugarCube’s ADC.

<any>

<any>

Bit Depth

The connected

workstation can

record audio

digitized by the

SugarCube while in

bridging mode

Sample

Rate

Bridging SugarCube

Repair

Record

Repair

Playback

ExternalBypass

5.8 Audio Routing Menu — SugarCube Mode

In SugarCube mode, audio is processed by the SugarCube as standard on all Sugar Cubes.
In addition, the Un-Repaired Digital signal is passed to the attached computer via the ADC.

VU on

External device is

disabled

Audio Passes from

Line-In through the

ADC then into the

SugarCube then into

the DAC to Line-Out

5.9 Audio Routing Menu — SugarCube Mode

In SugarCube mode, audio is processed by the SugarCube as standard on all Sugar Cubes.
In addition, the Un-Repaired Digital signal is passed to the attached computer via the ADC.

Click on the

SugarCube icon to

engage/dis-engage

repair functions

Not

available in

SugarCube

mode,

select

‘External’ to

activate.

VU on

5.9.1 Audio Routing Menu — SugarCube Mode

VU on

Click on the

SugarCube icon to

engage/dis-engage

repair functions

Same as clicking on

the front panel ‘In’

button

SugarCube

Repair

SugarCube

DAC

+0dB

-6dB

-12dB

-18dB

Level

Line In

Line Out

+18dB

+12dB

+6dB

+0dB

Level

SugarCube

ADC

Normal SugarCube operations without a digital signal from ADC to

the workstation

5.10 Logical Flow — SugarCube Mode

In SugarCube mode, Line-In is processed by the SugarCube where audio is repaired and sent to Line Out as
standard on all SugarCubes.

Bridging SugarCube

Repair

Record

Repair

Playback

ExternalBypass

5.11 Audio Routing — Repair Record Mode

VU on

If the connected

computer operates at

192k/24bit, the system

will be able to utilize

SugarCube repair

functions

‘Repair Record’ inserts

the SugarCube repair

processing after the

ADC to repair audio

before outputting to the

external device

Note: Please press again the button of any mode of operation (even though it is already selected) if the external device loses lock with

the SugarCube (you will certainly know due to obvious digital noise.) This resets the internal timing and restores the audio.

SugarCube

DAC

192k

24bit

Sample Rate

Bit Depth

SugarCube

ADC

SugarCube

Repair

SugarCube repairs audio before sending out to workstation.

Workstation directly drives the DAC.

5.12 Logical Flow — Repair Record Mode

+0dB

-6dB

-12dB

-18dB

Level

Line In

+18dB

+12dB

+6dB

+0dB

Level

Line Out

Bridging SugarCube

Repair

Record

Repair

Playback

ExternalBypass

5.13 Audio Routing — Repair Playback Mode

L

R

VU on

Monitor

If the connected computer

plays a digital recording at

192k/24bit, the system will

be able to engage

SugarCube repair functions

‘Repair Playback’ inserts

the SugarCube repair

processing before the DAC

to fix incoming digital audio

from the external device

The Repair Playback mode is particularly useful allowing you to play any digital file from your library to

remove clicks & pops and/or remove tape hiss from previous recordings from any source from the past.

SugarCube

Repair

SugarCube

DAC

192k

24bit

Sample Rate

Bit Depth

SugarCube

ADC

Digitized audio goes directly to workstation. Workstation

output feeds SugarCube for repair before DAC.

5.14 Logical Flow — Repair Playback Mode

+0dB

-6dB

-12dB

-18dB

Level

Line In

+18dB

+12dB

+6dB

+0dB

Level

Line Out

Repair Playback is our recommended mode for operation. All of your files will be recorded “in the raw”

with no SugarCube processing applied. Then, on playback, you can adjust click & pop removal as well as
apply noise reduction (if needed) on a recording-by-recording basis or use no processing at all if desired.

Bridging SugarCube

Repair

Record

Repair

Playback

ExternalBypass

5.15 Audio Routing Menu — External Mode

L

R

VU on

Monitor

External mode allows

an external device to

use the ADC and DAC

at any sample rate.

In External mode, the SC1-Plus acts like any other studio-quality ADC/DAC pair and will function at any standard sample
rate and bit depth from 192k down to 44.1k and at 16/24/32 bit sample sizes.

Note: Please press again the button of the current mode of operation if the external device loses lock with the

SugarCube (you will certainly know due to obvious digital noise.) This resets the internal timing and restores the audio.

5.16 Audio Routing Menu — External Mode

L

R

VU on

Monitor

Output Level can be

changed during

playback to any of the

four available levels.

However, when locked,

input level will change

in the opposite

direction.

5.16.1 Audio Routing Menu — External-Mode Levels

L

R

VU on

Monitor

Other than in SugarCube

Only mode, you can

unlock input and output

level controls by clicking on

the chain icon.

When unlocked, Input

Level and Output

Level can be set

independently.

External
Modes

5.17 Audio Routing — External Device Not Set to 192k/24bit

L

R

VU on

Monitor

In External mode, it is fine to operate at any sample rate and bit-depth below 192k/24bit, but
SugarCube repair functions do not operate below 192k/24bit.

These repair modes are not

available below 192k/24bit

The SugarCube will operate
as an excellent ADC/DAC at
any sample rate or bit-depth
just no repair functions are
available below 192k/24bit.

SugarCube

DAC

<any>

<any>

Sample Rate

Bit Depth

SugarCube

ADC

SugarCube repair functions are out of the loop.

Workstation uses ADC & DAC directly

5.18 Logical Flow — External Mode

+0dB

-6dB

-12dB

-18dB

Level

Line In

+18dB

+12dB

+6dB

+0dB

Level

Line Out

In External mode, the SugarCube will operate at any sample rate and bit depth from 192k/24bit down to

44.1/16bit, just like any other studio-quality ADC/DAC pair.

Bridging SugarCube

Repair

Record

Repair

Playback

ExternalBypass

Technical

Specs

SugarCube SC2-Plus Mechanical:

FRONT VIEW

.700"

.984"

1.184"

.4 50"

3.430"

3.430"

SIDE VIEW

12.250"

13.934"

14.060"

Technical Specifications

• Line In maximum level = +22.7 dBu

(approx. 10.6V rms or 30V p-p)

• Line Out level always equals Line In level when locked

• THD+N = 0.0031% (A-weighted)

• Frequency Response = 25Hz to 60kHz +/-0.1dB

• Frequency Response = 15Hz to 75kHz -3dB

• DC in = 5 volts, center-pin positive

• Average Power Dissipation = 11 watts

• Internal cache capacity for recordings = 10

• Internal SugarCube processing operations at 192k/32bits

• External drive formats: NTSC, exFAT, FAT32

Support

Thank you for purchasing this SugarCube product.

Please contact customer support at: [email protected]

Trademarks

SweetVinyl™ and SugarCube™ are trademarks of SweetVinyl Inc.
Any non-SweetVinyl trademarks are used for reference purposes only.

Compliance

For the current EU Declaration of conformity, visit:

http://support.sweetvinyl.com/regulatory

For regulatory compliance information in North America, visit:
http://support.sweetvinyl.com/regulatory

SweetVinyl, Inc.

57 E. Evelyn Ave

Mountain View, CA 94041

June 2021

General Info

FAQ

Some common questions

& answers about using

the SC-Plus series

Basic connectivity

• Q: Line-In level setting, why so many choices?

• A: You can select four steps each 6dB apart to accommodate low- to high-level output

equipment. Whatever level you select for input is mirror the opposite way for output (i.e.--

choosing -6dB line in results in +6dB applied to line out so line in always equals line out.)

• Q: What is bridging?

• A: This is an analog routing mode where line in goes directly to line out through the

bypass relay just like in Bypass mode but is tapped at a high impedance (about 100k ohms)
and passed through the internal analog-to-digital converter and then sent out to whatever is
attached to the SC2-Plus digital interface. The attached computer can operate at any sample

rate or bit depth in this mode.

• Q: How do I connect through tape loops?

• A: Tape Out goes to the SugarCube Line In and the SugarCube Line Out goes to Tape

In. Sometimes the tape loop is labeled Aux or Rec but is the same thing.

• Q: How do I connecting an external computer?

• A: The SC1-Plus appears as a standard ADC/DAC to a connected PC, Mac, or music

server. No special drivers are needed.

• Q: My computer only goes to 48k, how to I fix that?

• A: You can always use the SC2-Plus as an ADC/DAC at 48k but you cannot then use the

SugarCube internal functions. You will need to disconnect the computer when you wish to
use the SugarCube with your turntable.

Repair modes

• Q: when I use the noise reduction, do I have to start at the lead in groove or can I play any
track on the record?

– A: This is a yes and no answer: for the first time you play any record using noise reduction (NR),

you must start the noise reduction process then drop the needle on the lead in groove.

– A: Then, if you do not stop the process (that is leave it running), if you are playing, for example, a

box set of records from the same album or a double album, the “fingerprint of the noise that the
SugarCube created stays in memory and, as long as you don’t turn off the SugarCube, you can

drop the needle anywhere or play other side without having to drop the needle in the lead in
groove. The NR process will continue to work perfectly.

– A: Furthermore, you can extend the above concept if you have LPs from the same label and era

(example: late-1950’s Blue Note), the noise “fingerprint” that the SugarCube picked up on the first
side of the first LP will work for all other LPs of your Blue Note collection when you use NR.

– A: However, if you play an LP from say, EMI, that label used a different vinyl plastic formula in

making their LPs so their (EMI’s) noise “fingerprint” will be quite different and will require stopping

the NR process and re-starting then drop the needle once again in the lead in groove.

– A: Finally, you could use NR and only one time drop the needle for a “fingerprint” then never do it

again, NR will still work but it will be far from optimal and there will be a drop in volume.

– A: Bottom line: NR is a very powerful tool that can do an amazing job of lowering noise in

recordings. It is well worth your time to start and stop NR when the LP is different.