Benchmark Media DAC1 USB 2 Channel Rackmount D to A Converter description:
The Benchmark Media DAC-1 USB 2 channel rackmount D to A converter with USB, Black colour. A reference-quality, 2-channel 192-kHz 24-bit digital-to-analog audio converter.
The Benchmark Media DAC-1 USB includes a very unique USB input with bit-transparent native 96/24 capability, a programmable mute function, programmable headphone gain range, an automatic standby/resume feature, and a high-current output stage designed to drive long cables or low-impedance loads, such as high-end power-amplifiers. The DAC1 USB looks sounds and measures the same as the DAC1 with added benefits of convenience, flexibility, and performance. The DAC1 USB is designed for maximum transparency and is well suited for critical playback in studio control rooms, mastering rooms, and high-end audiophile applications. Benchmark's Advanced USB Audio interface makes the DAC1 an ideal primary output device for digital audio workstations, desktop audio editing applications, computer-based media playback, home media servers, and computer-based radio broadcast systems. The rugged and compact rack-mount option makes the DAC1 USB an excellent choice for location recording, broadcast facilities, and mobile trucks. There are four digital input connectors (coaxial, balanced XLR, optical, and USB). The coaxial, XLR, and optical digital inputs all accept professional (AES) and consumer (SPDIF) data formats at sample rates up to 192 kHz. The USB input is compatible with Windows Vista/XP/2000 and Mac OS X, and does not require driver installation or system configuration. Unlike all previous driverless USB audio interfaces, Benchmark's Advanced USB Audio technology supports sample rates up to 96 kHz and word lengths up to 24-bits. The DAC1 USB is a true plug-and-play solution, and is designed to begin playback immediately after the unit is connected to a USB port for the first time. The Benchmark UltraLock system is nearly 100% jitter immune. The D/A conversion clock is totally isolated from the input digital audio clock in a topology that outperforms two-stage PLL designs.
Two 1/4 inch headphone jacks are driven by the HPA2 - Benchmark's signature high-current, 0-Ohm headphone amplifier. The HPA2 is capable of delivering the full performance of the DAC1 USB into the difficult loading presented by headphones. The HPA2 maintains less than 0.0003% THD+N under full load. The DAC1 USB is designed to interface directly to power amps and powered studio monitors in order to provide the cleanest and shortest path from the digital source to the monitor output. This often results in a substantial improvement in sound quality. 10, 20, and 30 dB pads are provided for interfacing directly to monitors and amplifiers that often have too much input sensitivity to handle high-level (+29 dBu) signal levels. The DAC1 USB features new high-current output drivers that are capable of driving 300-Ohm loads without an increase in distortion. They are also well suited for driving long cables or high-capacitance loads. The internal power supply supports all international voltages and has generous margins for over and under voltage conditions. It has excellent immunity to noise on the AC line and no external AC filtering is required.
The main features of the Benchmark Media DAC-1 USB include:
- A reference-quality, 2-channel 192-kHz 24-bit digital-to-analog audio converter
- USB, XLR balanced, BNC coaxial, and TOSLINK optical digital inputs
- Compatible with Windows Vista/XP/2000 and Mac OS X without driver installation
- Elected low-impedance 10, 20, or 30 db pads on balanced outputs
- Jumper-selected low-impedance 10, 20, or 30 dB pads on balanced outputs
- -10 dBV unbalanced RCA analog outputs, +13.5 dBu maximum output level
- Two HPA2 high-current, 0-Ohm, high-output 1/4 inch headphone outputs
- HPA2 gain jumpers to match gain to headphone sensitivity
- Front-panel volume control for headphone outputs
- Front-panel volume control of all analog outputs (in "Variable" mode)
- Rear-panel "Variable/Calibrated" mode switch enables volume control of analog outputs
- Rear-panel "Variable/Calibrated" mode switch includes a mute position
- In "Calibrated" mode, levels are set by 10-turn trimmers (20 dB Range, 2 dB/turn)
- XLR outputs are preset to +4dBu at 0 dBFS in "Calibrated" mode (20-dB Pad enabled)"
- RCA outputs are preset to +2 Vrms (8.2 dBu) at 0 dBFS in "Calibrated" mode"
- Headphone jack 1 mutes XLR and RCA outputs (feature may be disabled)
- Benchmark's phase-accurate UltraLock technology for total jitter immunity
- Status LED's - display input selection and error conditions
- Automatic "Standby Mode" - activated after 15 seconds of loss of digital input signal
- Instant wake-up from "Standby Mode" - no loss of audio
- THD+N = -107 dB, 0.00045% @ -3 dBFS input, -105 dB, 0.00056% @ 0 dBFS input
- Automatic de-emphasis in response to consumer pre-emphasis bit (44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz)
- Reliable and consistent performance under adverse operating conditions
- 115 V, 230 V, 50-60 Hz international power supply with very wide operating range
- Low radiation toroidal power transformer significantly reduces hum and line related interference
- Low power consumption (8 Watts typical program, 16 Watts peak)
- Meets FCC Class B and CE emissions requirements
Benchmark Media DAC1 USB 2 Channel Rackmount D to A Converter (code 42537)
A reference-quality, 2-channel 192-kHz 24-bit digital-to-analog audio converter.
£740.42 (ex vat)