dCS 950 / 952 Digital to Analogue Converter User Manual Software version 6.1x, 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 © 1996, 1998, 2000 dCS Ltd All rights reserved. Reproduction of this manual in any manner whatsoever, without the written permission of dCS1 is strictly forbidden. Additional copies of this manual may be obtained from dCS. Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice, and whilst it is checked for accuracy, no liabilities can be accepted for errors.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual part no: DOC0029526B1 Contact dCS on + 44 1799 531 999 (inside the UK replace + 44 with 0) Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Page 2 Document No: OS-MA-D0002-952.6B1 email to: more@dcsltd.co.uk web site: www.dcsltd.co.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 PRODUCT FEATURES Formats PCM at 32, 44.1 or 48 kS/s, 88.2 or 96kS/s (dCS 952 only). Data formats supported are: AES/EBU (XLR), SPDIF (RCA Phono), SDIF-2 (BNC) or Dual AES (dCS 952 only). Syncing Can sync to Word Clock or input signal. Sync to video option available. Functions Very high performance DAC, free from gain ranging. Test Generator - High quality audio signal generator. Ease of Use Remembers last settings.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 CONTENTS Product Features................................................................................................ 3 CONTENTS ......................................................................................................... 4 About this Manual Warranty 5 5 Using Your dCS 950 / 952 For The First Time....................................................
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 About this Manual Note that there is a fuller Contents at the end of the manual (page 54), along with an index and lists of figures and tables. References to other sections in the text have the "Section Name” page … in quotation marks and bolded. IMPORTANT! Important information is presented like this - ignoring this may cause you to damage the unit, or invalidate the warranty. The manual is designed to be helpful.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 USING YOUR dCS 950 / 952 FOR THE FIRST TIME Product Overview The dCS 950 and dCS 952 DAC (Digital to Analogue Converter) are high performance converters intended for studio and live recording applications. They are designed to produce very high standard analogue output from standard formats (for example Red Book CD or 24/96). AES3, IEC958 (SPDIF) and SDIF-2 PCM formats are all supported.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual part no: DOC0029526B1 Contact dCS on + 44 1799 531 999 (inside the UK replace + 44 with 0) Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Page 7 Document No: OS-MA-D0002-952.6B1 email to: more@dcsltd.co.uk web site: www.dcsltd.co.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Getting Started Here’s what to do: (If the unit does not behave the first time you power up – contact your dealer, or dCS.) do this: Check the appropriate mains supply for your local mains is marked on the rear panel. If it is, using the lead supplied, connect the unit to the mains - connect no other leads at this stage - and switch on.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Note that the balanced and unbalanced outputs are active simultaneously on the dCS 950 / 952 and may both be connected to external equipment simultaneously if required. Now you will need to familiarise yourself with how the front panel controls and the menu system work. do this: Read the short section on “The Software – the Menu” on page 16 so you know how the buttons and menu work.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 THE HARDWARE – CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS CLK OUT Options ON OFF V 50/60 CLK IN Remote Serial No. FUSE (2AT) Disconnect Mains Before Removing Cover CH2 See Installation Instructions Before Connecting To Supply AES/EBU CH1 SPDIF 3 PUSH CH1(L) CH2(R) MAINS SPDIF 1 AES 2 AES 1 PUSH CH2(R) SPDIF 2 Output Level CH1(L) SDIF-2 CH2(R) Monitor Output Balanced Output dCS DAC Cambridge, UK.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Remote Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 9 pin D type male If the Windows™ Remote software is in use, connecting the Remote port to a com port on a PC running the Remote Control program allows the unit to be controlled by the PC. In addition, the unit may be software upgraded without removing the lid, by downloading new software via the Remote port.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 The unit stores the last input selection at power down and re-loads it when power is restored. For example, if the previous setting was AES1, the unit will return to this mode at power up, provided the source connected to the AES1 input is valid. The unit will detect the sample rate present on AES1 and lock to it. dCS 952 can automatically select the data format. For details, see the menu option “I-For” on page 22.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 De-Emphasis Menu Up The De-Emphasis button is also triple function – on its own, it sets the DeEmphasis characteristic. If the “Panel” option, page 23. is set to Volume, it functions as the Volume up button. With the other menu buttons, it is the menu Up button. De-Emphasis is available for 32, 44.1 and 48kHz sample rates only.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd xxx b xxx d xxx . xxx Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 The sample rate, in kS/s (32, 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96). Slaved to the BNC Word Clock In. Temporary display during locking – the unit has detected the base reference sample rate and is attempting to lock to it. Temporary display during locking – the unit is lining up word clock out to word clock in.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 THE SOFTWARE – THE MENU Overview The dCS 950 / 952 has many other functions that either need to be accessed only occasionally, or are informative in nature. These functions can be accessed either by the Remote software, running on a PC and connected to the unit by an RS-232 link - or (in most cases) by the Menu via the front panel.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 The Menu Sequence To access the Function Menu, hold down the Menu Step button and press the Menu Set (Mute) button. (The Menu Step button corresponds to the selected input - LED bright or flashing.) To step through the Menu items, press the Menu Step button repeatedly. To select an item or one of its options, press the Menu Set (Mute) button.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Menu Items Issue Displays the software issue when Set is pressed. DSD DSD mode is available on the dCS 954 only. This feature is permanently set to Off. Test Runs a display self test routine. When successfully completed, the unit displays Pass and returns to normal operation. Otherwise an error message Err.xy is displayed – please refer to “Error Codes and Messages” on page 48 for more specific information.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Sixth field D.xxxx Cd Enc dAt S---7-Seg Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Channel destination (alphanumeric), or ... CD source, or ... 2-channel encoder / decoder, or ... DAT machine, or ... Unknown source. - Disables the main 7 segment LED display. When set to Off, the Sample Rate display turns off 5 seconds after the last button press.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Ref In Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 This feature is available on the dCS 954 only. Tone - This accesses a Tone Generator, whose level and frequency can be adjusted. Pressing Set enters a submenu, which accesses the following functions: Level Freq On/Off Up The output level in dB0. It can be changed in 0.1dB steps using the Up and Down buttons. Press Set to accept the change. The rate of change accelerates if the button is held down.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Figure 5 – In-phase Sys waveform Referring to Figure 5, if the triangular sections point up, that channel is in phase. A triangular section pointing up with a rectangular block on its left side indicates left channel. A rectangular block on the right indicates right channel. Figure 6 shows the waveforms with both channels inverted.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd I-For Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Sets the AES multi-wire Input Format. As dCS 950 does not feature multi-wire interfaces, it has 2 options which are essentially the same: Auto US[1] The message flags on the selected input are checked and the format is automatically set to Single AES. User-selected Single AES mode.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd BNC Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 This controls the operation of the SDIF-2 button. Input RefCl BNC O Configures the BNC input connectors as a data input. Press the SDIF-2 button to select it. Configures the BNC Word Clock In connector as a reference clock input. Press the SDIF-2 button to sync the unit to an external SDIF-2 Word clock while taking data from the AES or SPDIF inputs.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 TYPICAL APPLICATIONS Using a Master Clock to Sync a dCS 950 or 952 dCS 992 AES 2 AES 3 AES 4 1 AES/EBU Outputs Wordclock Outputs AES 1 2 7 8 3 4 9 5 10 6 11 In External Sync 12 Mains Fuse (2AT) On Off Loop Remote Out Word Clock to source AES data from source L L R CH2 CLK IN CLK OUT Remote Serial No.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Upsampling a CD player AES REF DIGITAL OUT WORDCLOCK IN L PUSH Hand Crafted by The Red Hot CD Player Co. R 16bit / 44.1kS/s dCS 992 AES 3 AES 4 1 Wordclock Outputs AES 2 AES/EBU Outputs more@dcsltd.co.uk AES 1 2 7 3 8 4 9 10 5 6 11 In External Sync 12 Mains Fuse (2AT) On Off Loop Remote Out 44.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Replaying 24/96 from a Nagra-D recorder OUTPUTS CH4 CH3 CH2 CH1 NAGRA D DIG3+4 DIG1+2 Dual AES at 88.2 or 96kS/s L R L CLK IN CLK OUT Remote Serial No.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Six Channel Set Up dCS 992 1 2 7 8 3 4 9 5 10 6 11 In External Sync 12 Loop Out Mains Fuse (2AT) On Off V 50-60Hz AES 4 Remote Disconnect mains before removing cover AES 3 Wordclock Outputs AES 2 AES/EBU Outputs more@dcsltd.co.uk AES 1 Word Clock to surround sound decoder Ch1 Ch2 CLK OUT Options OFF V 50/60 CLK IN Remote Serial No.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 A / B Comparisons dCS 992 AES 3 AES 4 Wordclock Outputs AES 2 AES/EBU Outputs more@dcsltd.co.uk AES 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 In External Sync Mains Loop Out Fuse (2AT) On Off Remote 44.1kS/s Word Clock WORDCLOCK IN DIGITAL OUT L Hand Crafted by The Red Hot CD Player Co. R A/B switch 16bit / 44.1kS/s WORDCLOCK IN DIGITAL OUT L Hand Crafted by The Red Hot CD Player Co.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual part no: DOC0029526B1 Contact dCS on + 44 1799 531 999 (inside the UK replace + 44 with 0) Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Page 29 Document No: OS-MA-D0002-952.6B1 email to: more@dcsltd.co.uk web site: www.dcsltd.co.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 dCS 950 / 952 TECHNICAL INFORMATION Anti Image Filtering The dCS 950 / 952 offer a choice of 4 anti-image filters on all sample rates. These filters affect the ultrasonic part of the spectrum - 20 kHz upwards. The unit is a DAC, with an output data rate set by the interface standard used.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Clocking The sample clock quality significantly determines the performance of a DAC. The highest quality clocks that are available are crystals, so we use these. The dCS 950 / 952 uses one of two on-board voltage controlled crystal oscillators (VCXOs) as a clock source – one for 48 kS/s related outputs and one for 44.1 kS/s related outputs.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Sample Alignment When Word Clock In is used as a sync source, In and Out are related as below. The lower waveform is the output, the upper one is the input. The misalignment is less than about 40ns. The scope shots below were taken with the unit sync’d to Word Clock In. Figure 12 – Word Clock In to Word Clock Out, 96 kS/s Figure 13 – Word Clock in to Word Clock Out, 44.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Digital Interface Specifications Input Balanced, differential 110 1 ~ 10 24 > 20 XLR3 female Pin 1 Ground or shield Pin 2 +Signal Pin 3 -Signal Table 4 – AES/EBU input specifications AES/EBU (AES3) Type Impedance Sensitivity Maximum Wordlength Damage level Connector Connections Input Single ended, ground referred Impedance 75 Sensitivity 0.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Frequency Response The overall frequency response is determined by the sample rate, the digital filter and the analogue filter. All filters must cut-off before Fs/2 is reached, with a margin to allow for sufficient attenuation to be reached to effectively eliminate Nyquist images. At a sample rate of 44.1kS/s, a flat 20kHz pass band must be maintained with at least 80dB of attenuation above Fs/2 (22.05kHz).
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 AES3 (AES/EBU) Format Message Handling - The AES/EBU interface accepts a data structure that conforms to the dCS version of AES3-1992. This contains 28 bits of Manchester encoded data, and a 4 bit near-Manchester encoded preamble in a subframe, and subframes are further assembled in a block and frame structure.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Figure 15 – AES3 format at 48 kS/s over 16 metres Figure 16 – AES3 format at 48 kS/s over 94 metres Manual part no: DOC0029526B1 Contact dCS on + 44 1799 531 999 (inside the UK replace + 44 with 0) Page 37 Document No: OS-MA-D0002-952.6B1 email to: more@dcsltd.co.uk web site: www.dcsltd.co.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Figure 17 – AES3 format at 96 kS/s over 16 metres Figure 18 – AES3 format at 96 kS/s over 94 metres Manual part no: DOC0029526B1 Contact dCS on + 44 1799 531 999 (inside the UK replace + 44 with 0) Page 38 Document No: OS-MA-D0002-952.6B1 email to: more@dcsltd.co.uk web site: www.dcsltd.co.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 SDIF-2 The SDIF-2 interface is a 4 wire NRZ interface - so the DC level on each signal line may not be constant. It contains 20 bits of audio data and has a block structure of 256 stereo samples, rather than the 192 of AES/EBU. There are 8 bits of message per channel per sample - with a further 3 bits being used for an "illegal code" based sync code.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Figure 20 – SDIF-2 format at 44.1 kS/s SDIF-2 Messaging - The SDIF-2 message details are defined in the table following. DESCRIPTION Undefined Emphasis No emphasis Emphasis (15µsec, 50µsec) Dubbing Prohibit Dubbing allowed Dubbing inhibited Block Code Start of block Not start of block Definition 0000 0xxx xxxx x00x xxxx x01x xxxx xxx0 xxxx xxx1 xxxx xxxx 1... xxxx xxxx 0...
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Power Consumption The dCS 950 / 952 has a linear power supply, and so power consumption changes as the mains voltage changes. The internal regulation is comparatively efficient for a linear supply, so these changes are kept to a minimum. Consumption is independent of mains voltage selector switch setting.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Size, Weight and Operating Conditions Size and Weight - The dCS 950 / 952 dimensions correspond to a standard 2U 19" rack mount case. Four heavy duty feet, fitted to the base, extend the overall height to slightly greater than 2U. Dimensions Width Height, without feet Height, with feet Depth Weight note (i) note (ii) note (iii) Operating Conditions 430 mm 44 mm 52 mm 390 mm 6.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual part no: DOC0029526B1 Contact dCS on + 44 1799 531 999 (inside the UK replace + 44 with 0) Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Page 43 Document No: OS-MA-D0002-952.6B1 email to: more@dcsltd.co.uk web site: www.dcsltd.co.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 OPTIONS Mains Voltage We ship with the mains wired according to the destination. The voltage option should be specified when the unit is ordered, by specifying the country of use. It can be updated later by your dealer, if necessary. Video Frequency VCXOs We can fit additional video frequency VCXOs (enabling frequencies such as 44.056kS/s and 47.952kS/s). These are best fitted at dCS, to allow full checking.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual part no: DOC0029526B1 Contact dCS on + 44 1799 531 999 (inside the UK replace + 44 with 0) Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Page 45 Document No: OS-MA-D0002-952.6B1 email to: more@dcsltd.co.uk web site: www.dcsltd.co.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 MAINTENANCE AND SUPPORT Hardware Service & Maintenance - dCS audio products are designed not to need regular maintenance, and contain no user serviceable parts: • • • • • there are no moving parts, there are no short life or wear-out parts used, the units have no holes through which liquids or contamination can normally enter, no dust deposits build up to degrade performance.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Software Installing New Software The operating software can be downloaded via the RS-232 link from a PC comm. port, using the Windows Remote software running on the PC. To use this, follow the installation instructions on the floppy discs the remote software is supplied on. Then, run the remote programme, with whatever units you want connected.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 TROUBLESHOOTING Error Codes and Messages The error codes reported by dCS 950 / 952 provide an effective means to diagnose the majority of problems that may be encountered in use - including problems with the overall system the unit operates in, internal device warnings and internal device failures. Please note that through damage or component failure, the unit self check may fail to operate.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 System Messages and Error Codes Some other messages may be displayed that give indications of errors from other sources (outside the unit): Display Description n.Aud The data has been flagged by an AES3 message as Non Audio (perhaps a CD ROM). This message may also be displayed briefly when the sample rate is changed. Hot The unit is overheating, and performance may suffer.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 The unit fails to respond to the controls • • • While locking to a source or changing some settings (e.g. Filter), the microcontroller inside the unit is busy and will not respond to new commands for a few seconds. Short mains supply drop-outs may cause the microcontroller to lock up. Switch off the unit, wait 10 seconds then switch on again. If this does not clear the fault, please contact your dealer.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Clicks or crackles occur on the outputs • • - Check that all cables are of a suitable type, connected correctly and not damaged. In any multi-wire mode, a broken wire may not prevent the unit locking but will corrupt the data. This can be caused by slaving some, but not all, of the system components to a Master Clock.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 dCS SUPPORT I wish .... If you wish your unit did something it does not, or that this manual told you something it does not, or that we made something we currently do not - tell us. If we can fix it with software, or a manual reprint, and we do so - we will update your unit free of charge. If we do decide to make the thing, we will discuss with you how you would like it to operate.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 INDEXES AND SOFTWARE VERSION NUMBERS This manual is for software versions 6.10 and 6.2x. v6.2x is functionally identical to v6.10, it has been harmonised with dCS 954. v6.2x versions differ only in a few minor bug fixes. Definitions of Units dB A relative level in decibels. The context should state the reference level. dB0 Level in decibels, referred to a full scale sine wave in a sampled system. So, 0 dB0 is full scale.
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Full Contents Product Features................................................................................................ 3 Formats Syncing Functions Test Generator Ease of Use - 3 3 3 3 3 CONTENTS ......................................................................................................... 4 About this Manual Warranty 5 5 Using Your dCS 950 / 952 For The First Time......................................
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Flip Loc End - 23 23 23 Typical Applications ........................................................................................ 24 Using a Master Clock to Sync a dCS 950 or 952 Upsampling a CD player Replaying 24/96 from a Nagra-D recorder Six Channel Set Up A / B Comparisons 24 25 26 27 28 dCS 950 / 952 Technical Information................................................................
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Indexes and Software Version Numbers ....................................................... 53 Definitions of Units Full Contents Tables Figures Keywords and Phrases 53 54 56 56 57 Tables Table 1 - Phase LEDs and Channel Phasing.................................................... 13 Table 2 - Emphasis Indication, low sample rates..............................................
dCS 950 / 952 User Manual dCS Ltd Manual for Software Version 6.2x nd 22 May 2000 Keywords and Phrases A N AES .................. 3, 10, 14, 18, 19, 22, 23, 33, 36, 50 AES1 button ......................................................... 12 AES2 button ......................................................... 12 analogue outputs .................................. 8, 13, 19, 20 Non Audio....................................................... 19, 49 O output level ......................................
