M2TECH JOPLIN 384KHZ/32BIT ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER USER MANUAL --- PRELIMINARY --REV.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz Warning! Changes or modifications not authorized by the manufacturer can invalidate the compliance to CE regulations and cause the unit to be no more suitable to use.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz Dear customer, thank you for purchasing JOPLIN. What you have is a first-rate analog-to-digital converter with many unique features conceived to obtain the best audio performance out of an analog source. Even if sending music to a PC or a Mac is nowadays quite simple, much harder is to obtain the best sonic performance while doing it, due to intrinsic limits in digital audio interfaces in computers.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz INDEX 1. Unpacking and placing the unit........................................................................................6 2. Front Panel ......................................................................................................................7 3. Back Panel.......................................................................................................................8 4.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 9.2.10. NAB ................................................................................................................35 9.2.11. Oiseau-Lyre (OYLR) .......................................................................................35 9.2.12. Pacific Jazz (PACJ) ........................................................................................35 9.2.13. Philips ...............................
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 1. Unpacking and placing the unit Place the carton box on a table and open it by removing or cutting the adhesive tape. Extract the foam upper cover. You should find the following items: • • • • one Joplin ADC; one wall adapter; one A-B USB cable; a remote control. Should one or more items be missing, please contact your dealer or local distributor.
M2Tech JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 www.m2tech.biz 2. Front Panel 4 1 3 2 Figure 1 1) Standby/Exit button. This button has two function. When in standby, the unit is silent and the display is off. Standby ends when this button is pressed. When the unit is operative and the menu is not being accessed, press this button to put the unit in standby. When accessing the menu, press this button to exit the menu without changing the selected option.
M2Tech JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 www.m2tech.biz 3. Back Panel AES/EBU OUT RIGHT IN LEFT IN M2TECH S/PDIF OUT JOPLIN 384k HZ 32BIT ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER TOSLINK OUT S/PDIF IN USB 2.0 GND S/N: 4 12 5 DC IN 15V DC MADE IN ITALY 6 7 8 9 10 11 Figure 2 4) Right channel analog input. Connect to right channel of the analog source output. RCA female connector. 5) Left channel analog input.
M2Tech JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 www.m2tech.biz 4. Remote Control M2TECH MENU/ESC 2 > 1 3 OK > 4 > > 1) Standby. Push this button to put the unit in standby and to activate it. 4) Menu/Esc. Push this button to access the menu and to exit the menu without changing the current item. 4) Menu navigation arrows. When accessing the menu, push arrow up and arrow down to scroll through the various menu items.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 5. Connecting and powering the unit ADVICE: all connections to other equipment in the system must be done when all equipment are off. Failing to comply to this advice may expose the Joplin to the risk of damages. ADVICE: Windows users must install the driver prior to connecting the Joplin to the PC (please refer to section 6). Please refer to section 3, “Back Panel Description”. Connect the “B” plug of a 2.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 6. Driver installation The Joplin is USB 2.0 Audio compliant. This means that no driver is needed with Apple computers, nor with Linux-based PC’s. The latter will need ALSA to operate the Joplin. Windows is presently not compatible with USB 2.0 Audio, so no native support is available. In this case, M2Tech provides a driver which needs to be installed prior to access the Joplin via USB. 6.1.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz Figure 5 In Windows 7, the installation wizard will ask for authorization to start installation. Accept. Then, the wizard will check for system features. At a certain point, it will ask you to connect the Joplin in one of the USB ports (Figure 6).
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz Follow the indications and plug the device in one port, then click on “Next”. You’ll be asked to choose the installation directory (Figure 7). After choosing it, click on “Install”. Figure 7 The installation process continues showing the progress (Figure 8).
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz At the end of the installation process, the wizard notify the completion (Figure 9). Click on “Finish” to complete the installation. Figure 9 To ensure that installation has correctly completed, the Device Manager should be checked. The Joplin will be listed under “Audio, Video and Games Controllers” (Figure 10 on next page).
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 6.3. USB Control Panel A control panel is installed together with the driver, which can be used to optimize Joplin’s USB port performance (Figure 11). More details on the Control Panel’s features in the application note App002.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 6.4. Uninstalling the driver Sometimes it is necessary to uninstall the driver to roll back to a previous version. Uninstall is a quite simple procedure. Go to the control panel and launch the “Application Installation” utility (Figure 12). Look for the Joplin driver item in the list. Double-click on it to launch uninstalling.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz Figure 13 At this point, the wizard will show up the installation progress (Figure 14), up to the end.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz After the uninstalling of all files related to the driver is complete, the “Next” button will be enabled. Click on it. The final message will appear (Figure 15). Click on “Finish” to complete uninstalling. Figure 15 6.5. True plug’n’play operation with Mac Mac computers with OSX 10.6.4 and later have a native support for audio devices compliant with USB 2.0 Audio class.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 7. Configuring the computer to use the Joplin 7.1. Configuring a PC with Windows XP A PC with Windows XP can use the Joplin in two different ways: Direct Sound (DS) and ASIO. The former is suitable for recorders which can’t operate in ASIO mode, while the latter can be chosen (for better performance) with players which can operate in ASIO mode.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz Then, select the “Voice” Tab (Figure 17). Again, select “M2Tech Audio 2.0 Input” in the drop-down menu of the Record area. Click on OK button. Figure 17 From now on, unless the Joplin is disconnected or settings are changed again, Joplin is the audio peripheral all audio programs will use when operating in direct sound mode for recording. 7.1.2.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz get the same performance of KS with applications which can’t operate in KS mode, at the cost of higher CPU load. More or less the same can be said about ASIO 7.2.1. Configuring for Direct Sound with Windows Vista or Windows 7 Open control Panel and select Hardware and Sounds. Under Audio, click on Manage Audio Devices. The following windows will appear.
M2Tech JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 www.m2tech.biz 7.2.3. Configuring for ASIO with Windows Vista or Windows 7 As it happens with Kernel Streaming, ASIO cannot be directly accessed. ASIO must be selected in the specific recorder you choose to use. 7.2.4. Configuring for WASAPI with Windows Vista or Windows 7 As it happens with Kernel Streaming, WASAPI cannot be directly accessed. WASAPI must be selected in the specific recorder you choose to use. 7.3.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 8. Configuring the Joplin The Joplin is a very versatile unit, with plenty of features to tailor its behaviour to the source being used and the music program being played back. To configure all the features and parameters, a menu can be accessed from both the front panel controls and the remote. The menu has a simple one-level structure in which all the parameters are accessed sequentially.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz When the desired parameter is displayed, its value can be changed using the arrow left and arrow right buttons (Figure 3, 3). To confirm the new value for the current parameter, press the OK button (Figure 3, 4). To exit the menu without changing the displayed parameter value, press the Menu/Exit button once again (Figure 3, 2).
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 8.3.3. Sampling frequency The Joplin can operate at the following sampling frequencies: 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz, 352.8kHz and 384kHz. The higher the sampling frequency, the larger the files produced when recording the data out of the ADC, but also the higher the sound quality. Thus, the choice of the sampling frequency is a trade-off between disk usage and quality.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 8.3.5. Equalization curve The Joplin has been conceived to be used with a wide variety of different sources: tuners, recorders, turntables. Some of these sources require an equalization to enjoy their sound. The Joplin is provided with a wealth of equalization curves to satisfy even the most requiring vinyl collector or reel-to-reel tapes enthusiast.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz Figure 20 8.3.9. MPX filter Stereo is obtained in FM broadcast by carrying the difference (L-R) information modulated on a 38kHz carrier, while the sum information (L+R, that is the mono sound) is placed in the channel’s baseband.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.
M2Tech JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 www.m2tech.biz 9. Notes on equalization 9.1. Why equalization is needed for records? When cutting a record, two problems must be faced: the dynamic of the media, which is related to the groove width and depth, thus to the record diameter and thickness, and the surface noise.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz The curve has three parameters: 1. the turnover frequency, that is the frequency below which the low frequencies start to be attenuated during the recording and amplified during the playback (500Hz for RIAA); 2. the roll-off, that is the value of the high frequency amplification at 10kHz during recording and attenuation during playback (16dB for RIAA); 3.
M2Tech JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 www.m2tech.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz See how low frequencies are excessively exalted due to the different turnover frequency (50Hz for RIAA, 100Hz for FFRR), while high frequencies are attenuated more than required due to the different roll-off (13.7dB for RIAA, 10.5dB for FFRR). The sound of this setup would be much heavier and darker than intended by the recording engineer, with booming low frequencies and muffled highs.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 9.2.3. Angel (ANG) Angel was a record label incorporated by EMI who produced great records. 9.2.4. Audiophile (AUDP) Audiophile is known amongst record collectors for her great recordings, on both 78rpm and microgroove LP. Acoustic Sounds proposed the reissue of some Audiophile recordings on coloured heavy weight vinyl some 15 years ago. The label was mainly devoted to jazz and blues. 9.2.5.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 9.2.10. NAB NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) was founded by commercial radio companies to address many aspects of their activity. Amongst these, the technical issue related to broadcasting. NAB proposed a phono curve to be used for the records which were made at the time especially for broadcasting, with live and rare recordings of famous artists.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz on. Not only: her English branch, Columbia England, developed her own curve for 78rpm’s cut in Great Britain. 9.2.17. Decca FFRR 78rpm (DEC) This is the equalization curve for 78rpm used by Decca, from which the LP FFRR was later developed. 9.2.18. MGM 78rpm (MGM7) Before cutting LP’s, MGM produced 78rpm’s, which were cut using MGM proprietary curve for 78rpm. 9.2.19.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz The Joplin is provided with 4 curves for tapes, 2 for NAB and 2 for CCIR/IEC. 9.3.1. CCIR/IEC for 9.5cm/s and 19cm/s (3¾ ips and 7½ ips) and CCIR/IEC for 38cm/s (15 ips) (IEC1 and IEC3) CCIR (Comité Consultatif International pour la Radio) was an European Committee similar to NAB. They proposed an equalization for reel-to-reel tape recorders which was adopted by most European manufacturers.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 9.6. Recording programs When acquiring on a computer with the Joplin, a suitable program of application needs to be used. Several different programs of packages are available for Windows, Mac and Linux, some of them are freeware, others need to be purchased.
JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 M2Tech www.m2tech.biz 10. Using a power supply different from the standard one The Joplin comes with a 15V/1A wall adapter. This unit has been tested to comply with the Joplin’s power and supply quality requirements and allows for very high performance. Nevertheless, a better (and more expensive) unit could squeeze the last degree of performance from the Joplin.
M2Tech JOPLIN 384kHz/32bit ANALOG-TO-DIGITAL CONVERTER REVISION PRB – SEPTEMBER 2012 www.m2tech.biz 12. Technical Specifications Sampling frequencies: ...................... 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192, 352.8*, 384kHz* Resolution:........................................ 16 to 32 bits** USB: ................................................. 2.0 high speed (USB 2.0 Audio compliant) Clock precision: ................................ +/-10ppm 0 to 60°C, 2ppm typical @ 25°C Analog input sensitivity: .......
