DA11

Product Description

The LavryBlack DA11 is a stereo digital to analog converter that accepts stereo digital audio via XLR, RCA, optical, and USB and outputs line level analog audio. There is also a built-in headphone amplifier and front panel 1/4" headphone jack. A stepped analog Volume control adjusts both the main line output and the headphone output level.

For more information on the LavryBlack DA11 click here

For general information see digital to analog converter.

Features

• Ultra low jitter mode to minimize source degradation
• Patent pending >PiC< Playback Image Control™
• Accepts input sample rates between 30kHz and 200kHz
• Potentiometer-free digitally controlled analog volume circuitry
• High power discrete headphone output
• XLR, USB, RCA (Coaxial) and Optical (Toslink) digital inputs
• Infrared remote control with user supplied universal remote control
• Power On/Off muting protection on Main and Headphone outputs
• Balanced or unbalanced outputs with Polarity Inversion
• Included XLR to RCA adapters for easy connection to RCA inputs

Applications

• Hi-Fi
• Tracking
• Mixing
• Overdubs
• Mastering
• Broadcast
• Live/Location Sound
• Post Production

Connections

1.) Line outputs The DA11 has XLR line outputs for balanced or unbalanced connection. XLR to RCA adapters are included for connection to equipment with RCA inputs.

The XLR outputs can be configured for balanced or unbalanced connection using the front panel settings for "pin 2" and "pin 3;" which refer to the pin numbers of the XLR output connectors. The standard wiring for XLR to RCA adapters or adapter cables is to connect Pin 3 to Pin 1 ("ground") and pin 2 carries the signal. Thus, the correct front panel setting for both the included adapters and standard adapter cables is "Pin 2 on, Pin 3 Off." Please see page 1 of the eDA11 manual for setting instructions, and the Operation section of the manual for more details.

The XLR output is Pin 2 "+" and Pin 3 "-" for normal signal polarity. Thus, for balanced or unbalanced connections, the "hot" signal polarity is "normal" or "non-inverted" when the front panel "invert" setting is "off." Changing the invert setting to "On' will result in inverted signal polarity for balanced or unbalanced connections and in the headphone output signal.

2.) Headphone output

The front panel headphone output is driven by a discrete high-powered headphone amplifier that is capable of driving even low impedance HiFi headphones with ease. High efficiency headphones or "earbuds" designed for use with portable audio gear are not recommended for use with the DA11 as the headphone drivers could easily be damaged by the high power of the headphone amplifier. Please exercise care when to reduce the Volume of the DA11 prior to connection of headphones.

3.) Digital inputs The digital inputs consist of (1) female XLR,(1) RCA socket, (1) "Toslink" optical input, and (1) USB connector.

The status of the digital input is displayed by the DA11 in Setting mode. If the input is "locked" to a valid signal; the front panel Volume display will display 44, 48, 88.2, or 96 to indicate the samepl frequency of the input. If it is not locked due to no connection or an invalid signal; "--" is displayed. If you have any problem when setting up the DA11 or using a different input, please check the Volume display in Setting mode to see if the DA11 is locked to a valid input signal.

The input format for the XLR, RCA, and optical connections is AES or S-PDIF (IEC 60958 type II) stereo digital audio.

• Please note that the outputs of many multi-disc players can carry multi-channel formats as well as stereo. In most cases; the player will switch to "stereo" mode automatically when a CD is inserted; bu tin cases where it does not or a different format disc is inserted, it may be necessary to set the players output to stereo format manually.
• The optical connection is similar to ADAT lightpipe format. Many digital audio interfaces used in recording allow the optical I/O to be set to either format, and may default to "ADAT." If the DA11 does not indicate "lock" in setting mode; please check to be certain the digital audio interface is set properly.

The USB output utilizes the native OS drivers for both windows and Apple operating systems. There are a number of options in both Windows OS and Apple OS that allow bypassing of the mixer/level control and output sample frequency (SF) settings. However; unless one of these options is used, it is necessary to manually set the output sample frequency in the Windows SOUND control panel or Apple Audio MIDI Setup dialog to insure the DA11 is receiving the signal at the same SF as the file being played without sample frequency conversion being introduced automatically by the OS audio software. Please see the DA11 manual for more details.

Operating tips

When using the USB input, use advanced drivers such as Windows WASAPI to simplify operation and provide the best sound quality by bypassing the kernel mixer. The USB input is not recommended for professional applications.

Links

(link to manual)