Mutec MC 1.2+

Interconnect and Improve

The MC1.2+ combines comprehensive digital audio format conversion features with a sound quality-improving performance via USB. Thus, MUTEC's DDC provides an enhanced listening experience when playing audio files from a computer or streamer, it maintains a high quality during recording or mastering and is an essential tool when digital audio components have to interact seamlessly. The MUTEC MC1.2+ is suited for the audiophile enthusiast as well as professional music producers and mixing engineers.

In professional recording studios or sophisticated home recording setups, the MC1.2+ solves a key problem. Due to the increasing number of devices with different digital interfaces, a conversion of the audio formats becomes necessary to allow the devices to communicate with each other. This is where MUTEC's digital to digital converter comes in handy by converting audio streams between the established formats USB, AES3, AES3id, S/P-DIF. To do this, it provides a comprehensive number of required input and output interface ports. The converting can be done in both directions at the same time. For the first time, a bi-directional conversion via the USB connection to the computer is possible with the MC1.2+.

Audio streams received at the USB interface are always converted to all PCM audio outputs simultaneously. This allows the connection of several receiving devices to one computer. If one of the PCM audio inputs is selected, the incoming signal is not only distributed to all digital audio outputs, but also converted into a USB audio stream and sent to the computer. Both signal paths may be used simultaneously - if the sampling rates are identical. This enables an easy connection of effect processors to your computer or the use of recording-equipment, where a monitoring of recorded signals is possible through the computer during recording.

Standard-compliant conversion

The format conversion process does not only the necessary electrical conversion but also a real format conversion of the reference signals in compliance with the specifications standardized by the Audio Engineering Society (AES) and the International Electrotechnical Commission (IEC).


Versatile use cases

By converting the format via the MC1.2+, a high quality DAC without USB interface can be easily included into a USB-based audio system. In the same way, the MUTEC DDC makes it possible to use the BNC interface, which is the best choice in terms of electrical and shielding quality.


Sound improvement through USB signal regeneration

In addition to converting audio formats, the MC1.2+ fulfils another role. It`s newly developed asynchronous USB interface with low-noise audio clock oscillators improves the audio stream through signal regeneration and isolation of the USB power supply. The noise previously added by the power supply via the USB interface can no longer impair the digital signal processing. This leads to a significant reduction of digital phase noise and jitter. Both the producer in the studio and the music lover at home do benefit from this enhancement of sound quality.

Three ways to power supply

The MC1.2+ offers three types of power source. It can be powered directly though the USB port, which qualifies the MUTEC DDC for all kinds of mobile operations. For stationary use, the high-quality internal power supply unit ensures a clean power feed. Finally, the MC1.2+ has a separate DC input for potential tuning measures via an advanced external power supply. A display on the front of the unit shows the current selection. The proven operating concept which several rows of clearly grouped LED chains ensure that the user always finds the desired function and is informed about the status of operation.

Rock solid appearance

The MUTEC digital to digital converter exudes a dignified value, not least due to the special vibration-damping rubber feet and a stable and shielding sheet steel housing. The aluminium front panel is available in black or silver. This way, the unit integrates in harmony with a hifi system or studio rack. Optionally available rack brackets can be mounted on the sides of the unit. For rack mounting, the cabinet feet may be unscrewed. Manufacture in Germany ensures a consistently high quality.

The MC1.2+ easily converts PCM audiostreams through its USB, AES/EBU (XLR), AES3/EBUid (BNC) and S/P-DIF (Toslink/BNC, RCA via adapter) interface ports. This process can be performed simultaneously - also via USB - in both directions: In and Out. Such an exceptional flexibility proves to be extremely useful in a professional recording studio, broadcast studio or as part of a sound reinforcement system. There, thanks to the MC1.2+, versatile and lossless signal transfers between audio interfaces, digital mixers and effects processors in real-time become possible. In addition, this DDC from MUTEC improves the sound quality of the USB connection by isolating the USB power supply and then regenerating the signal. This feature makes the MC1.2+ also very appealing for audiophile listeners.

• Bi-directional signal conversions up to 192 kHz between all digital PCM audio interfaces: USB, AES/EBU, AES/EBUid, S/P-DIF (BNC, RCA via adapter, Toslink)
• Custom-designed asynchronous USB interface with very low latency
• Improves the sound quality of the USB audio stream by isolating the USB power supply and then regenerating the signal
• Low noise audio clock oscillators ensures audiophile sound quality
• USB-Bus-powered for mobile operation
• Internal international power supply
• DC-Input for external power supply
• Status display of the selected power supply
• Individual lock indicators for USB and digital audio input
• SCMS status bit analysis for the S/P-DIF inputs
• Input clock rate display, separately for USB and digital audio inputs
• USB Audio Class 2.0 driver for Windows supports ASIO, MME, DirectSound, WASAPI, Kernel Streaming, PCM 16-bit/24-bit at all clock rates between 44.1 kHz and 192 kHz
• Converts to all output formats simultaneously while the original signal remains accessible
• Converts AES3 and S/P-DIF signals to Dolby devices with AES3id interfaces
• Digital audio signal refreshing in long-distance applications
• Works with MacOS, Windows, Linux
• Available with silver or black aluminium front panel
• Optional mounting set for 19" racks (1U)
• Developed and manufactured in Germany

Interfaces

• 1 x USB2.0 interface, bi-directional usable
• 1 x XLR input for AES3/11, 110 ohms terminated, transformer balanced
• 1 x BNC input for S/P-DIF + AES3id, 75 ohms terminated, unbalanced
• 1 x Optical input for S/P-DIF, Toshiba Toslink™, EIAJ RC-5720
• 1 x XLR output for AES3/11, terminated, transformer balanced, buffered
• 1 x BNC input for S/P-DIF, 75 ohms terminated, unbalanced
• 1 x BNC input for AES3id, 75 ohms terminated, unbalanced
• 1 x Optical output for S/P-DIF, Toshiba Toslink™, EIAJ RC-5720
  
  

Power Supply

• USB interface
• DC input, 9 V, JEITA RC-5320A JSBP5
• Internal switching power supply, input Voltage: 90 V - 260 V (automatic adjustment), 47 Hz - 440 Hz, power consumption: max. 10 W
  

Mechanical Details

• Cover size/material/color: 196 x 42 x 156 mm without connectors (W x H x D), 1 mm steel sheet, black powder-coated
• Front panel size/material/surface: 198 x 44 x 4 mm (W x H x D), aluminium, anodized, silver or black color
• Weight: 1155 g