FAQ

FAQ OVERVIEW

QUESTIONS

HIFI

PRO AUDIO

ANSWERS

ASIO4ALL Setup- Basic, Reaper, SonarX1, WaveLab

To use the LavryBlack AD11 and DA11 with ASIO compliant software, there is a “free” download available which can both make the WDM “devices” appear as an ASIO device and allow combining multiple devices into one “virtual” ASIO device.

This is ASIO4ALL and it is available at: asio4all.com

Following a discussion of ASIO4ALL installation and settings, there are specific recommendations for Reaper (page 4), Sonar X1 (Page 5), and WaveLab (page 7) Read More (PDF) »

Can I use balanced headphones with the DA10 or DA11?

The balanced XLR outputs of the DA10/DA11 are optimized for line level connections, which mean they need to be capable of driving fairly long cables with the associated capacitance in a stable manner. In order to do this, the design incorporates higher output impedance than the headphone output. The headphone output is optimized to drive headphones, including low impedance headphones. Either output can be used to drive headphones with the proper wiring, but the headphone output will probably give much better results with low impedance headphones compared to the XLR output.

Can the quality of digital cables affect the quality of the reproduced audio?

Digital audio signals are similar to extremely high frequencies analog signals. So they are subject to signal quality issues.

However, the signal in digital audio is encoded in such a way that there is no direct relationship between the kind of signal degradation that can be caused by analog issues and the audible effects of digital audio signal degradation.

Proper design addresses digital signal quality issues; so unless a cable has poorly made connectors or simply does not meet the requirements for digital audio, even relatively inexpensive cables will yield results comparable to expensive cables with well-designed digital audio equipment.

Do I need to “burn-in” the DA10 or DA11 before using it when I first receive it?

There is no recommended “burn-in” period for the DA10 or DA11. This is because any change that occurs will be subtle in nature.

There has been feedback from some customers who felt they heard an improvement in the sound after running the DA10 or DA11 for 2-3 days, and only a more subtle improvement over the following few days. For critical applications such as Mastering where the output of the DA10 or DA11 is recorded; we do recommend operating the unit for 2-3 days prior to critical use.

For more casual listening, the slight difference in quality does not warrant the time and effort.

How can I be sure the analog input level of my Lavry AD converter is properly calibrated?

The most important issue in choosing an “operating level” for your AD converter is preservation of the dynamic range of the analog source through the conversion process. This usually means that the absolute peak level of the analog equipment feeding the AD converter will be slightly higher than the absolute peak input level of the converter. The result will be that the loudest peaks in the music can be recorded just below digital clipping level, or “0dB” on the AD converter’s meters without the output of the device feeding it distorting.

How do I access the fuses in the DA924 to check or change them?

There are no user-serviceable fuses inside the case of the DA924. The only fuses you can change are inside the AC power input module next to where the power cord plugs into the unit.

How do I change the settings on my MAD-824? Every time I hold the switch down, it goes back to the same setting.

Please see the most current version of the LavryBlue manual available under the SUPPORT tab on our website. There is also an MAD-824 “Quickstart Guide” there as well.

In the instructions, if it says “click the switch” it means a brief momentary actuation of the switch. Instead of a brief click; if you hold the switch either up or down, the MAD-824 will exit the programming mode instead of changing a setting. If you did not change the setting prior to exciting programming mode, the setting will not change.

How do I connect with USB?

Lavry USB audio connections utilize the Operating System’s (OS) native drivers, making them Plug and Play. However, there are some settings and connection details which must be considered to achieve optimum results.  Click here for USB setup tips.

How do I install/ replace modules in my Lavry Blue 4496 Rack?

A guide for installing/replacing modules in the 4496 system can be found here:

https://lavryengineering.com/pdfs/lavry-upgrading-your-lavryblue.pdf

How do I use AD11 or DA11 with ProTools 9 or 10?

The LavryBlack AD11 and DA11 can be used for high quality two channel input and output with version of ProTools 9/10 that supports third party interfaces which are Core Audio or ASIO compliant. Here are recommendations for connection to Apple® and Windows® 7 computers Read More (PDF) »

I am using a preamp with RCA inputs to control the speaker volume when listening to the DA11. How do I determine the correct level setting to use on the DA11?

In the vast majority of cases; the setting of “46” will match the output level of the DA11 or DA10 to the input of RCA input preamps or integrated amplifiers

One simple but effective way to determine a good working level is to match the acoustic level when switching between the DA11 and another source by adjusting the DA11 volume control so the average acoustic level is the same for both inputs. This level may be lower than “46.”

Please refer to the DA11 or DA10 manual for more detailed information.

I have a “known good” analog source feeding the inputs of the LavryBlue MAD-824, but I don’t see anything on the meters and there is silence when I monitor the digital output. Is there a setting that I need to change?

Even if you do not intend to use the 4496 in this manner; the first thing to try is to operate the MAD on internal clock by setting the MSYNC switch to “Int” (the top position of the three position switch). You can always change the setting back to external operation once you determine the MAD is working properly. The MAD will not un-mute unless the MSYNC is on internal clock or the MSYNC “Lock” lamp is illuminated.

Is it OK to use Lavry equipment with the third prong of the AC cord not connected to ground?

When using Lavry equipment, it is very important for safe operation that the third prong the AC cord always be connected to a good AC ground.

The only exception to this grounding requirement is when the case of Lavry equipment is opened for any reason. You should always disconnect the AC power cord before you open any Lavry equipment, and keep it disconnected until the cover is back in place.

Is my product's software the current software revision? Can I upgrade my software?

You can find this information on the following page:

http://www.lavryengineering.com/current-revisions/

My computer interface has an optical connection that can be used for ADAT or SPDIF. Can I use this connection to add more channels of Lavry conversion to the channels I already have connected with the SPDIF/RCA connection?

Probably not. This is because most interfaces with an optical port that can be used for ADAT or SPDIF typically “share” the same software channels with the RCA connection when configured to SPDIF. This means the optical input must be selected instead of the RCA; not in addition to it. The RCA and optical outputs would probably output the same signal. No addition channels are available for connection to external gear as a result.

Polarity, Balanced and Unbalanced Operation

Audio XLR connectors are typically used for “Balanced” connections. This means audio signals are present on both Pin 2 and Pin 3 of the XLR connector Read More (PDF) »

What do I need to know about connecting lavry units to other gear?

Lavry Gold and Blue products utilize XLR connectors Read More (PDF) »

What does the >PiC< do?

The >PiC< ™ is a new patent pending concept.  Read More (PDF) »

Why don’t I get any sound when I try to play a CD with the DA10 (or DA11) connected to the digital output of my multi-format DVD player?

Digital outputs on many multi-format DVD players can output more than one “format” of signal. There is the stereo PCM format, which the DA10 or DA11 can accept, and the surround multi-channel format primarily used for DVD applications, which it cannot accept.

In many cases, the multi-format players automatically change to stereo PCM format when a CD is inserted. But some models do not. The setting for the digital audio output should be “stereo,” and may also include “PCM,” “IEC,” or “SPDIF.”

Why is the AD10 optical connection not working with my computer?

The issue is not likely to be the optical output of the AD10. It is more likely that the interface is not set to receive a stereo (SPDIF) optical input.

Many computer interfaces are equipped with optical inputs and outputs that can be used for either the ADAT multi-channel format or the “SPDIF” stereo format. The signals are not compatible because the digital information in the two formats is quite different.

Will Lavry equipment operate on AC power other than 60Hertz 115VAC?

Most Lavry equipment is equipped with a wide-range power supply that will operate on AC power with voltage in the range of 90-264 Volts at frequencies between 47 and 63 Hertz. There are no settings to change; the power supply automatically adjusts itself to the AC voltage that is supplied within the rated range.

The exceptions to this are the DA924 and DA2002, which have voltage selectors that must be set to the appropriate voltage range (115 or 230 VAC) prior to applying power to the units. The voltage setting is visible on a small red legend with white lettering. They will operate on 50 or 60 Hertz.