dCS 974 User Manual

Manual for Software Version 1.0x

dCS Ltd

May 2001

PRODUCT OVERVIEW

The dCS 974 DDC (Digital to Digital Converter) is a high performance real time sample rate and format converter, developed from our highly successful dCS 972. It is designed for studio applications where source material is available in one format, but outputs are required in other digital formats in real time. For example, archives might be made for storage in 24/192 or 24/176.4 formats, and then used to produce output in SACD, DVD, CD and other multimedia formats. AES3, SPDIF, SDIF-2 and DSD formats are all supported, and multiple units may be synchronised for stable multi-channel operation.

The unit is mains powered and is housed in a 2U (3.5”) high 19” rack mounting case. It may be controlled either from its front panel, or from a software based remote control running on a PC. Frequently used Setups may be stored and recalled later. The last setting is automatically stored on power down, so that fixed installations may be set up at leisure, installed and then left alone. Unauthorised alterations to settings may be prevented by a “panel lock out” feature.

Numerous monitoring functions are provided – both for the audio signal and for messaging attached to it. The unit has bit activity and level meters, and message manipulation. CRC, parity and invalid errors may be monitored and reported, so that “right first time” transfer to disc plants may easily be achieved.

The unit is highly software based, and more functions and features are added from time to time. Software updates from dCS are free!2

Formats

•DSD at 2.822MS/s (see page 71)

•PCM from 192 kS/s down to 11.025 kS/s (see page 43)

•PCM data formats supported are: AES/EBU (XLR), Dual (2 wire) AES3 (XLR), Quad (4 wire) AES3 (XLR), SPDIF (Phono, Toslink and BNC) and SDIF-2 (see page 70)

•DSD data formats supported are SDIF-2 (BNC), SDIF-3 (BNC) and DSD Quad (4 wire - XLR)

Functions

•Sample Rate and Format Conversion (page 34)

•Multi-channel Sync capability (page 42)

•Bit for bit multiplex/de-multiplex mode (page 39)

•PCM to DSD, DSD to PCM

•DC Removal for DSD

•Multiple filters on many major sample rate conversions (page 45)

•Dither – 3 types (see page 47)

•Noise shaping – 10 different options on all major PCM sample rates (page 47).

•Output Level control with “Maximise” (page 48)

•Balance control (page 48).

•Digital Silence out with digital silence in (page 50)

Syncing

Comprehensive - can sync to Wordclock or AES reference, or signal, and sync to video option available.

2free if we email them, and you download from a PC COM port. Low cost if you ask us for EPROMs or other media - we charge for media and handling.

Manual part no: DOC1241121A1

Page 3

Document No: OS-MA-A0124-112.1A1

Contact dCS on + 44 1799 531 999

email to: more@dcsltd.co.uk

(inside the UK replace + 44 with 0)

web site: www.dcsltd.co.uk