DUA II

Audio Interface

User Manual

Version: DOC-1.2 (May 2001)

© 2001 Merging Technologies
ii DUA II User Manual © 2001 Merging Technologies
Table of Contents

IMPORTANT NOTICE:............................................................................................................................................IV

STATIC DANGER NOTICE: ...................................................................................................................................IV

INFORMATION FOR THE USER: .........................................................................................................................IV

CONTACTING MERGING ......................................................................................................................................IV

DUA II WARRANTY INFORMATION ................................................................................................................... V

CHAPTER 1 – INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................. 1

CHAPTER 2 – THE FRONT PANEL ........................................................................................................................ 2

SYNCHRONIZATION SELECTOR AND STATUS ............................................................................................................... 2
SAMPLE RATE SELECTOR............................................................................................................................................. 3
MONITORING SELECTOR .............................................................................................................................................. 3
MONITORING OUTPUTS................................................................................................................................................ 4
POWER SWITCH & REMOTE INDICATOR ....................................................................................................................... 4
CHAPTER 3 – THE BACK PANEL........................................................................................................................... 5
ANALOG LINE INPUTS 1-4............................................................................................................................................ 5
ANALOG LINE OUTPUTS 1-4 ........................................................................................................................................ 5
AES/EBU INPUTS 5-8 ................................................................................................................................................. 6
AES/EBU OUTPUTS 5-8 .............................................................................................................................................. 6
AES/EBU / WORD-CLOCK REFERENCE INPUT ............................................................................................................ 6
ODI (OPTICAL DIGITAL INTERFACE) ........................................................................................................................... 7
POWER CONNECTOR .................................................................................................................................................... 7
CHAPTER 4 – DIP SWITCH SETTINGS ................................................................................................................. 8

CHAPTER 5 – TYPICAL AUDIO CONNECTIONS ............................................................................................... 9

SOFTIMAGE®|DS WITH SONY DIGITAL BETACAM USERS ..................................................................................... 9
SOFTIMAGE®|DS WITH SONY ANALOG BETACAM USERS .................................................................................. 10
PYRAMIX WORKSTATION WITH SURROUND MONITORING USERS ............................................................................. 11
STAND ALONE A/D AND D/A SETUP ......................................................................................................................... 12
APPENDIX 1 – TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................ 13
ANALOG LINE INPUTS ................................................................................................................................................ 13
ANALOG LINE OUTPUTS ............................................................................................................................................ 13
AES/EBU INPUTS ..................................................................................................................................................... 13
AES/EBU OUTPUTS .................................................................................................................................................. 13
APPENDIX 2 – FLOW CHART DIAGRAMS ........................................................................................................ 14
DUA II AUDIO FLOW CHART .................................................................................................................................... 14
DUA II SYNCHRONIZATION FLOW CHART ................................................................................................................ 14
APPENDIX 3 - UPGRADING THE DUA II FIRMWARE .................................................................................... 15

APPENDIX 4 – TROUBLESHOOTING / FAQ ...................................................................................................... 15

APPENDIX 5 – GLOSSARY OF TERMS ............................................................................................................... 16

© 2001 Merging Technologies DUA II User Manual iii

IMPORTANT NOTICE:
Please read the following information very carefully before attempting any installation. Failure to comply with
the precise instructions may result in damage to your Merging hardware. Please read this entire section of the
manual carefully before installation.

STATIC DANGER NOTICE:

Please note that the DUA II Audio Interface contains delicate electronic components that can be damaged or
even destroyed when exposed to static electricity. Please take all of the necessary precautions when handling
the DUA II with the cover removed. This notice also applies when performing a Firmware Upgrade. Take all
necessary precautions not to discharge static electricity when touching any of the DUA II Internals.

INFORMATION FOR THE USER:

This device complies with part 15 of FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device
may not cause harmful interference, and (2) This device must accept any interference received, including interference
that may cause undesired operation.
This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to Part 15
of the FCC rules. These limits are designed for providing reasonable protection against harmful interference in a
residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed
and used in accordance with the instructions contained in this manual, may cause harmful interference to radio and
television communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio and television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or more of the
following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that of the receiver
• Consult the dealer or an experienced audio television technician

NOTE: Connecting this device to peripheral devices that do not comply with CLASS A requirements or using an
unshielded peripheral data cable could also result in harmful interference to radio or television reception. The user is
cautioned that any changes or modifications not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could
void the user’s authority to operate this equipment. To ensure that the use of this product does not contribute to
interference, it is necessary to use shielded I/O cables.

EMC:
The DUA II complies with the following specifications:
CENELEC EN 55103-1
CENELEC EN 55103-2 (E4 Environment)

Contacting Merging
For all general or sales inquiries:

In Europe, contact our Swiss Office:

Tel: +41-21-946 0444 or Fax +41-21-946 0445

In the U.S., contact our Illinois Office:

Tel: +1-847-272-0500 or Fax: +1-847- 272-0597

All documentation inquiries, bug reports or suggestions for improvement can be directed to: [email protected]

iv DUA II User Manual © 2001 Merging Technologies

DUA II Warranty Information
This product is warranted to be free of defects in materials and workmanship for a period of one year from the date of
purchase. This Limited Warranty is extended by Merging Technologies, Inc. to the original purchaser.
In the event of a defect or failure to confirm to this Limited warranty, Merging Technologies, Inc. will repair or
replace the product without charge within sixty (60) days. In order to make a claim under this limited warranty; the
purchaser must notify Merging Technologies, Inc. or their representative in writing, of the product failure. In this
limited warranty the customer must upon Merging Technologies, Inc. request, return the product to the place of
purchase, or other local designation, for the necessary repairs to be performed. If the consumer is not satisfied with
the repair, Merging Technologies, Inc. will have the option to either attempt a further repair, or refund the purchase
price.
This warranty does not cover: (1) Products which have been subject to misuse, abuse, accident, physical damage,
neglect, exposure to fire, water or excessive changes in the climate or temperature, or operation outside maximum
rating. (2) Products on which warranty stickers or product serial numbers have been removed, altered or rendered
illegible. (3) The cost of installations, removal or reinstallation. (4) Damages caused to any other products.

© 2001 Merging Technologies DUA II User Manual v

vi DUA II User Manual © 2001 Merging Technologies
Chapter 1 – Introduction
Congratulations on your DUA II purchase. The DUA II is the smartest audio interface solution for Pyramix users,
SOFTIMAGE®|DS users and audio professionals, designed for supporting a surround monitoring system.

Features include:

• In a single unit, using industry standard audio connections:

4 CH analog line inputs,

4 CH analog line outputs,
2 CH analog line outputs + headphones connector for monitoring,
4 CH AES/EBU inputs,
4 CH AES/EBU outputs.

• The signals from the inputs are also fed to the optical lightpipes in ADAT compatible format. This allows a direct
connection to ADAT compatible multitrack devices and other devices such as digital consoles. These optical
lightpipe connectors support up to 8 channels of 24 bit digital audio on one single optical fiber with no risk at all
of line hum or any other electromagnetic interference.

• Rugged internal power supply. This unit accepts both 110 and 220 voltages for worldwide use.

• All audio connections are made using high quality balanced XLR type connectors.

• Clear and easy to use front panel controls.

• High quality 24 bit A/D and D/A using the latest generation in converter technology.

• High common mode rejection balanced input circuitry on all analog input for optimum rejection of power line
hum, RF interference, voltage drops and other externally generated noise commonly encountered with long audio
cable runs.

• All analog balanced output circuitry incorporates the advanced "Twin Servo Drive" output stage for maximum
output signal balance ratio performance, even under adverse asymmetrical loads.

• Fits into standard 1 unit 19” rack.

• Local control from the front panel (in stand-alone mode).

• Remote control from Pyramix Virtual Studio software.

• Selectable stereo monitoring of all 8 inputs and outputs.

• Very comprehensive choice of synchronization sources.

• Very low jitter and calibrated internal clock.

• Fully tested for CE compliance for guaranteed safety and stability.

© 2001 Merging Technologies DUA II User Manual 1

Chapter 2 – The Front Panel

MONITOR OUTPUTS

dua II AUDIO INTERFACE

SYNCHRONIZATION SAMPLE RATE MONITOR

REMOTE INT ODI AES WCLK 32 44.1 48 1/2 3/4 5/6 7/8
POWER LEFT RIGHT PHONES VOLUME

Synchronization Sample Rate Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring Monitoring

Selection & Status Selection & Status Selection & Status Line Output Phones Output Volume Control

Synchronization Selector and Status

SYNCHRONIZATION

INT ODI AES WCLK

The DUA II can operate in many different synchronization modes. It can synchronize to its internal clock or to a wide
range of industry standard external sources. Pressing the SYNCHRONIZATION button allows the selection of the
desired synchronization mode.

Possible Synchronization modes

• INT: DUA II synchronizes and locks to its internal clock.

• ODI: (Default) DUA II synchronizes to the optical input (ADAT). If no valid sync signal is present at the optical
input (when the ODI mode is selected), the ODI LED will light on RED. Once a valid sync signal has been
detected, the ODI LED will light on GREEN. If the sample rate of the DUA II and the ADAT signal are
identical, the selected sample rate LED will light on GREEN. The DUA II is now locked and synchronized to the
incoming ADAT signal.

• AES: DUA II synchronizes to an AES/EBU signal.

There are 4 AES/EBU sync modes. You can see which mode is selected by pressing the SYNCHRONIZATION
button for more than 1 second. The mode is then displayed in GREEN on RED background on the monitor LEDs
as follow:

MON LED AES/EBU sync mode

MON 1/2 AUTO DETECT
MON 3/4 AES/EBU Ref. Input
MON 5/6 AES/EBU 5/6 Input
MON 7/8 AES/EBU 7/8 Input

While in AUTO mode, the DUA II automatically detects and switches to a valid AES/EBU sync source.
In this mode, the LED MON 1/2 is light on GREEN, indicating the AUTO mode, and the automatically selected
input is indicated on the other MON LEDS in GREEN as well.
Press the MONITOR button to change the AES/EBU sync source mode.
Press the SYNCHRONIZATION button to save changes and return to the normal operation mode.

If no valid sync signal is present at the selected AES/EBU input (when the AES mode is selected), the AES LED
will light on RED. Once a valid AES sync signal has been detected, the AES LED will light on GREEN. If the
sample rate of the DUA II and the AES signal are identical, the selected sample rate LED will light on GREEN.
The DUA II is now locked and synchronized to the incoming AES signal.

2 DUA II User Manual © 2001 Merging Technologies

• WCLK: DUA II synchronizes to a Word-Clock signal (TTL or CMOS level square wave at the sample rate
selected on the front panel). If no valid sync signal is present at the Word-Clock input (when the WCLK mode is
selected), the WCLK LED will light on RED. Once a valid sync signal has been detected, the WCLK LED will
light on GREEN. If the sample rate of the DUA II and the Word-Clock signal are identical, the selected sample
rate LED will light on GREEN. The DUA II is now locked and synchronized to the incoming Word-Clock
signal.

Sample Rate Selector

SAMPLE RATE

32 44.1 48

DUA II supports 3 sample rates: 32 KHz , 44.1 KHz and 48 KHz.

The desired sample rate is selected by pressing the SAMPLE RATE button.

The sample rate is displayed in GREEN if DUA II is in internal or locked on the selected synchronization source.
The sample rate is displayed in RED if DUA II cannot lock on the selected synchronization source.

AutoDetect SR mode

By pressing the SAMPLE RATE button for 1 second, you enable the AutoDetect mode for the sample rate selection.
In this mode, the DUA II detects automatically the sample rate of the selected synchronization source.

While scanning the different sample rates, all 3 SR LEDs are light on RED.
When DUA II has found the sample rate of the selected synchronization source and is locked on it, the detected
sample rate LED light on GREEN.

When in sync mode INT:

In Normal ADAT mode, the DUA II selects the sample rate based on the ADAT signal returning from the device
connected and locked on DUA II.
In Stand Alone mode, the DUA II selects the sample rate based on the AES/EBU signal returning from the device
connected and locked on DUA II.

Monitoring Selector

MONITOR

1/2 3/4 5/6 7/8

This section allows for the Selection of any of the 8 input or output audio signals in pairs. The desired monitoring
source is selected by pressing the MONITOR button.

The monitoring source selected is displayed in RED for inputs (RECORD), or GREEN for outputs (PLAYBACK).

© 2001 Merging Technologies DUA II User Manual 3

Monitoring Outputs

MONITOR OUTPUTS

LEFT RIGHT PHONES VOLUME

Any professional level balanced audio input can be connected to the analog line monitor outputs of the DUA II.
4 output levels are selectable from consumer level (–10 dBV) up to professional level (+4 dBu).
See chapter 4 on how to configure the Analog Outputs Level.

The monitor outputs are also available on a stereo ¼ inch Jack connector with the volume control for a headphone.
Note: The volume control only impacts on the headphone monitoring, not on the XLR line outputs.

Power Switch & Remote indicator

REMOTE
POWER

The POWER switch toggles the power source on and off.

The REMOTE LED type indicator indicates whether the DUA II unit is in remote or local control.

It displays also an error status:

- If the LED is not lit, the DUA II is ready in local control mode.

- If the LED is lit on GREEN, the DUA II is ready in remote control. In this mode, the DUA II front panel controls
are being controlled via a software application (such as the Merging Pyramix Workstation).

- If the LED is lit on RED, the DUA II is not ready. The LED lights on RED at power-up for less than 1 second.
If the LED still light on RED ~1 second after power up, it means that DUA II is not working properly.

4 DUA II User Manual © 2001 Merging Technologies

Chapter 3 – The Back Panel

LINE INPUTS LINE OUTPUTS AES/EBU INPUTS AES/EBU OUTPUTS AES-WCK Merging Technologies S/N :
Le Verney
CH 1604 Puidoux
Switzerland

ODI

CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 CH 5/6 CH 7/8 CH 5/6 CH 7/8 REF IN IN OUT 100-250 VAC / 50-60 Hz

Analog line Analog line AES-EBU AES-EBU AES-EBU/WCLK ADAT Power

Inputs 1-4 Outputs 1-4 Inputs 1-4 Outputs 1-4 Reference Input ODI I/O Supply

Analog Line Inputs 1-4

LINE INPUTS

CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4

Any professional level balanced audio outputs sources can be connected to the analog line inputs of the DUA II.
4 input levels are selectable from consumer level (–10 dBV) up to professional level (+4 dBu).
See chapter 4 on how to select the Analog Inputs Level.
The analog line inputs 1-4 are routed to the ADAT output channels 1-4.

Analog Line Outputs 1-4

LINE OUTPUTS

CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4

Any professional level balanced audio input sources can be connected to the analog line outputs of the DUA II.
4 output levels are selectable from consumer level (–10 dBV) up to professional level (+4 dBu).
See chapter 4 on how to select the Analog Outputs Level.
The analog line outputs 1-4 can be configured to output the ADAT input channels 1-4 or 5-8.
See chapter 4 on how to configure the Analog Outputs Routing.

© 2001 Merging Technologies DUA II User Manual 5

AES/EBU Inputs 5-8

AES/EBU INPUTS

CH 5/6 CH 7/8

Any professional level balanced digital AES/EBU audio output sources at 32, 44.1 or 48 KHz can be connected to the
AES/EBU inputs of the DUA II.
The AES/EBU inputs 5-8 are routed to the ADAT output channels 5-8.

AES/EBU Outputs 5-8

AES/EBU OUTPUTS

CH 5/6 CH 7/8

Any professional level balanced digital AES/EBU audio inputs at 32, 44.1 or 48 KHz can be connected to the
AES/EBU outputs of the DUA II.
The AES/EBU outputs 5-8 can be configured to output the ADAT input channels 1-4 or 5-8.
See Chapter 4 on how to configure the Digital Outputs Routing.

AES/EBU / Word-Clock Reference Input

AES-WCK

REF IN

This XLR type connector has two functions. It can accept an AES/EBU sync reference or any Word-Clock signals.
When the DUA II is set to AES synchronization mode, it will resolve the DUA II clock to the AES/EBU sync signal
present here. When DUA II is set to Word-Clock synchronization mode, it will sync the DUA II clock to the Word-
Clock signal present here.

6 DUA II User Manual © 2001 Merging Technologies

ODI (Optical Digital Interface)

ODI

IN OUT

ODI IN
This EIAJ optical connector receives channels 1-8 of any ADAT compatible output.

ODI OUT
This EIAJ optical connector transmits channels 1-8 to any ADAT compatible input.

Power Connector

100-250 VAC / 50-60 Hz

DUA II uses universal power supply that accepts AC from 100 to 250 volts. It is designed for being connected to an
outlet that includes three pins (center pin to ground). The ground connection is an important safety feature designed
for keeping potentially dangerous voltages away from the chassis. Never defeat the ground safety feature.

Never operate the DUA II with ungrounded outlets. Plugging the DUA II into an ungrounded outlet, or
defeating the ground pin, can create a potentially hazardous condition. Merging Technologies cannot be held
responsible for problems caused to DUA II or any associated equipment with improper AC connections.

© 2001 Merging Technologies DUA II User Manual 7

Chapter 4 – DIP Switch Settings
The DUA II contains a DIP switch which provides some extended configuration capabilities.
The DIP switch is accessible on the right side of the DUA II (looking from the front panel).

SW 1-2 Full Scale Analog Inputs Level

OFF-OFF + 6 dBu ( note 1 )

OFF-ON + 12 dBu
ON-OFF + 18 dBu ( note 2 )
ON-ON + 24 dBu

SW 3-4 Full Scale Analog Outputs Level

OFF–OFF + 6 dBu ( note 1 )

OFF–ON + 12 dBu
ON-OFF + 18 dBu ( note 2 )
ON-ON + 24 dBu

SW 5 Analog Outputs Routing

OFF Analog Outputs on CH 1-4

ON Analog Outputs on CH 5-8

SW 6 Digital Outputs Routing

OFF AES/EBU Outputs on CH 1-4

ON AES/EBU Outputs on CH 5-8

SW 7 ADAT Mode

OFF Normal ADAT mode (note 3)

ON Stand Alone Mode (note 4)

SW 8 Crystals Calibration

OFF Normal mode

ON Crystals Calibration mode

Default Factory settings are in bold.

Note 1: correspond to a -10 dBV nominal level, with headroom of 14 dB.

Note 2: correspond to a +4 dBu nominal level, with headroom of 14 dB.

Note 3: Normal ADAT mode is the default: The audio flow in this mode is represented in Appendix 2.

Note 4: Stand-Alone mode: This mode should be selected when no ADAT compatible device is used, such
as A/D-to-AES/EBU and AES/EBU-to-D/A configuration.
In this mode, the ODI output is internally looped to the ODI input.
It is however possible to lock to an ADAT signal connected to the ODI input, but its audio content
will be ignored. The ADAT formatted signal is present at the ODI output, as in the Normal mode.

8 DUA II User Manual © 2001 Merging Technologies

Chapter 5 – Typical Audio Connections
This section will display some typical audio connection scenarios for DUA II.

SOFTIMAGE®|DS 3.0 with SONY Digital BetaCam Users

This example is based on Digital Studio users who are using the DUA II in conjunction with the Merging Mykerinos
boards and a Digital Betacam video deck.

SONY
Digital Betacam
Video Ref. Video Deck
Black Burst
Generator
AES-EBU AES-EBU Audio
INPUTS OUPUTS Monitoring

SOFTIMAGE|DS VIDEO / TC AES-EBU AES-EBU ANALOG ANALOG

Bracket OUTPUTS INPUTS OUTPUTS INPUTS
Computer

MYKERINOS
Card
MERGING DUA II
ADAT Monitor
ODI I/O Audio Interface Outputs

Audio
Monitoring/
Headphones

This example uses the following:

• Digital BetaCam outputs are routed through AES/EBU inputs of DUA II to DS input channels 1-4 (ADAT).
• DS output channels 1-4 (ADAT) are routed through AES/EBU outputs of DUA II to the Digital BetaCam inputs.
• DS output channels 1-4 (ADAT) are routed through analog outputs to the monitoring system.
(Alternate monitoring is provided by the front panel monitoring selection of DUA II).
• The Mykerinos card (via VIDEO/TC bracket) and the Video Deck are connected to the Video Ref. generator.
Note that each device should be connected to the video generator with its own cable.
Using the Loop-Through to connect the different devices is not recommended.
• The DUA II is set to ODI sync mode and AutoDetec SR mode.
• The DIP switch 1-8 must be set to: X – X – X – X – OFF – OFF – OFF – OFF.

© 2001 Merging Technologies DUA II User Manual 9

SOFTIMAGE®|DS 3.0 with SONY Analog BetaCam Users

This example is based on Digital Studio users who are using the DUA II in conjunction with the Merging Mykerinos
boards and an Analog BetaCam video deck.

SONY
Analog Betacam
Video Ref. Video Deck
Black Burst
Generator
ANALOG ANALOG
INPUTS OUTPUTS

SOFTIMAGE|DS VIDEO / TC AES-EBU AES-EBU ANALOG ANALOG

Bracket OUTPUTS INPUTS OUTPUTS INPUTS
Computer

MYKERINOS
Card
MERGING DUA II
ADAT Monitor
ODI I/O Audio Interface Outputs

Audio
Monitoring/
Headphones

This example uses the following:

• Analog BetaCam outputs are routed through analog inputs of DUA II to DS input channels 1-4 (ADAT).
• DS output channels 1-4 (ADAT) are routed through analog outputs of DUA II to the Analog BetaCam inputs.
• The monitoring is provided by the front panel monitoring selection of DUA II.
• The Mykerinos card (via VIDEO/TC bracket) and the Video Deck are connected to the Video Ref. generator.
Note that each device should be connected to the video generator with its own cable.
Using the Loop-Through to connect the different devices is not recommended.
• The DUA II is set to ODI sync mode and AutoDetec SR mode.
• The DIP switch 1-8 must be set to: X – X – X – X – OFF – OFF – OFF – OFF.

10 DUA II User Manual © 2001 Merging Technologies

Merging®|Pyramix 3.0 Workstation with Surround Monitoring Users

This example is based on a typical Pyramix analog/digital audio studio with both types of devices and a surround
monitoring system.

DAT/ CD S R C L Mixer /
Effect Player W Mic. Preamp.

MERGING Pyramix 3.0 AES-EBU AES-EBU ANALOG ANALOG

OUTPUTS INPUTS OUTPUTS INPUTS
Computer

MYKERINOS
Card
MERGING DUA II
ADAT Monitor
ODI I/O Audio Interface Outputs

S S
L R

This example uses the following:

• Mic.Preamp./Mixer outputs are routed through analog inputs of DUA II to Pyramix input channels 1-4 (ADAT)
• DAT/Effect/CD-Player outputs are routed through AES/EBU inputs of DUA II to Pyramix input channels 5-8
(ADAT)
• Pyramix output channels 1-4 (ADAT) are routed through analog outputs of DUA II to the monitoring system.
(In this example: CH1 = Left / CH2 = Center / CH3 = Right / CH4 = Subwoofer)
• Pyramix output channels 5-6 (ADAT) are routed through monitor outputs of DUA II to the monitoring system.
(In this example: Left = Surround Left / Right = Surround Right)
• Pyramix output channels 7-8 (ADAT) are routed through AES/EBU outputs of DUA II to the DAT/Effect.
(In this example: It may be a simple Stereo Mix to be recorded on DAT, or a send for external effect)
• The DAT/Effect must be synchronized to its AES/EBU input.
• The DUA II is set to ODI sync mode, AutoDetec SR mode and OUT5/6 monitoring.
• The DIP switch 1-8 must be set to: X – X – X – X – OFF – ON – OFF – OFF.

© 2001 Merging Technologies DUA II User Manual 11

Stand Alone A/D and D/A Setup

This example is based on a stand-alone audio converter application.

This configuration allows having 4 ANALOG-to-AES/EBU and 4 AES/EBU-to-ANALOG converters.

4 Channels 4 Channels 4 Channels 4 Channels

Digital OUT Digital IN Analog OUT Analog IN

AES-EBU AES-EBU ANALOG ANALOG

OUTPUTS INPUTS OUTPUTS INPUTS

MERGING DUA II
ADAT Monitor
ODI I/O Audio Interface Outputs

Audio
Monitoring/
Headphones

This example uses the following:

• Analog line inputs 1-4 are internally routed to AES/EBU outputs 5-8.
• AES/EBU inputs 5-8 are internally routed to analog line outputs.
• The monitoring is provided by the front panel monitor selection of DUA II.
• The DIP switch 1-8 must be set to: X – X – X – X – ON – OFF – ON – OFF.

12 DUA II User Manual © 2001 Merging Technologies

Appendix 1 – Technical Specifications
Parameter Conditions Value Unit
Dimensions 19" 1U height W = 485 mm
D = 250
H =43
Weight 1 Kg
Power Consumption 10 VA
Internal Sampling Frequency Accuracy 25° Celsius +/- 5 PPM
Internal Sampling Frequency Accuracy 0° to 50° Celsius +/- 25 PPM
Internal Sampling Frequency Jitter Measured on ODI output <2 ns p-p

Analog Line Inputs

Parameter Conditions Value Unit
Resolution 24 Bits
Max. Sample Rate 48 KHz
Min. FS Input Level +6 dBu
Max. FS Input Level +24 dBu
Dynamic Range A-weighted 106 dB(A)
Unweighted 103 dB
THD+N 1 kHz @ -1 dBFS = 17 dBu -98 dB
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz ± 0.1 dB
Input Impedance Differential >20 KOhms
Common Mode Rejection >40 dB
Interchannel Isolation (Crosstalk) 1kHz >100 dB

Analog Line Outputs

Parameter Conditions Value Unit
Resolution 24 Bits
Max. Sample Rate 48 KHz
Min. FS Output Level +6 dBu
Max. FS Output Level +24 dBu
Dynamic Range A-weighted 103 dB(A)
Unweighted 100 dB
THD+N 1 kHz @ -1 dBFS = 17 dBu -94 dB
Frequency Response 20Hz-20kHz ± 0.1 dB
Output Impedance Differential <50 Ohms
Output Balance Ratio >40 dB
Interchannel Isolation (Crosstalk) 1kHz >100 dB

AES/EBU Inputs
Parameter Conditions Value Unit
Resolution 24 Bit
Max. Sample Rate 48 KHz
Input Impedance Differential 110 Ohms

AES/EBU Outputs
Parameter Conditions Value Unit
Resolution 24 Bit
Max. Sample Rate 48 KHz
Output Impedance Differential 110 Ohms

Note: All specifications subject to change without notice.

© 2001 Merging Technologies DUA II User Manual 13

Appendix 2 – Flow Chart Diagrams

DUA II Synchronization Flow Chart

ADAT Calibrated
ODI IN Frequency
Generator

ADAT INT VCO VCO

AES-EBU
IN 5/6 Sync ODI PLL DIVIDER
Extractor @512
@ 512FS
FS @512 FS
AES-EBU
AES-EBU AUTO AES-EBU WCLK
IN 7/8 SELECT Sync
Extractor
DUA II
AES-EBU WCLK

MCLK
Central Time Base

256 FS

LRCLK
64 FS
REF. IN Sync
/WLCK Extractor

DUA II Audio Flow Chart

AES-EBU AES-EBU ANALOG ANALOG ANALOG ANALOG

IN 7/8 IN 5/6 IN 4 IN 3 IN 2 IN 1

1 3 5 7 2 4 6 8 ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT

CH 8 CH 7 CH 6 CH 5 CH 4 CH 3 CH 2 CH 1 ODI OUT

MONITOR I
LEFT O

MONITOR I
RIGHT O

ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT ADAT

CH 1 CH 2 CH 3 CH 4 CH 5 CH 6 CH 7 CH 8 ODI IN
1 3 5 7 2 4 6 8

1/5 2/6 3/7 4/8 1/5 2/6 3/7 4/8

ANALOG ANALOG ANALOG ANALOG AES-EBU AES-EBU

OUT 1 OUT 2 OUT 3 OUT 4 OUT 5/6 OUT 7/8

14 DUA II User Manual © 2001 Merging Technologies

Appendix 3 – Upgrading the DUA II Firmware
All registered DUA II users will be contacted by Merging in the event of a DUA II firmware upgrade. This upgrade
can be performed easily in the field. If you are unsure on how to perform this procedure, please contact Merging.

• Disconnect the power supply cable,

• Remove the top cover,
• Locate the Flash ROM chip (It is labeled with a sticker “V 1.0”. This number may be different to reflect the
firmware version currently installed in your DUA II unit),
• Using a small screwdriver, remove carefully the Flash ROM chip from its socket,
• Take the new Flash ROM chip and plug it in the socket (by hand), in place of the old one,
• Take care to ensure that the new Flash ROM chip is inserted in the same orientation as the previous chip,
• Replace the top cover.

Appendix 4 – Troubleshooting / FAQ

Monitor LED is constantly blinking:

This problem happens when the DUA II has detected the selected sync source as active but cannot lock to it.
In this situation, all inputs and outputs are muted.
The most common occurrence for this situation to happen is whenever the DUA II and the equipment to which it is
connected are both set to slave to each other. This is a pretty common user setup problem. Care should be taken in
any digital audio studio to always set one (and only one) unit as the master while programming all other units to slave
to this “master” clock.

Note that while detecting the sample rate of the selected sync source, when set in AutoDetect SR mode, the DUA II
mutes also all its inputs and outputs and so the monitor LED is blinking.

Monitor LED is constantly blinking when I select an output channel (GREEN):

This problem may happen when the signal present at the ODI input is not synchronous with the DUA II clock, or has
too much jitter.
In this situation, all outputs are muted.
The most common occurrence for this situation to happen is whenever the DUA II and the equipment to which it is
connected are both set to slave to each other. This is a pretty common user setup problem. Care should be taken in
any digital audio studio to always set one (and only one) unit as the master while programming all other units to slave
to this “master” clock.

Why does the sync LED light in RED when locking to incoming AES signals?

When set to AES sync mode with the AES LED light on RED, it indicates that no valid AES/EBU signal has been
detected. It may be that there is no signal at all, or that this signal is not at the same sample rate than the DUA II.

Once a valid AES/EBU signal has been detected, the AES LED light on GREEN.
The LOCK LED should light on GREEN, to indicate that the DUA II is locked to the incoming signal.
If the LOCK LED still light on RED, this may be that the incoming signal sample rate is out of the DUA II crystal’s
range, or that this signal has too much jitter.

What would be a typical use of the AES/EBU reference input on the back of DUA II ?

Some studios are using an AES/EBU reference signal as a house-sync, instead of a Word-Clock or a video reference.

© 2001 Merging Technologies DUA II User Manual 15

When using the DUA II as a stand-alone unit, how do you route audio through the unit?
Can you do it without patching the ADAT INs and OUTs together?

When using the DUA II as a stand-alone unit, the DIP Switch 7 should be set to enable the STAND ALONE mode.
This way all inputs are routed internally one-to-one to the outputs. There is no need for an ADAT external loop.

In a manner to use the DUA II as a stand alone 4 CH A/D and 4 CH D/A converter, you will also need to set DIP
Switch 5 and clear the DIP Switch 6. With this configuration, DUA II routes signals as follow:

- Analog line signals on inputs 1 and 2 are converted to a digital AES/EBU signal on output 5/6,
- Analog line signals on inputs 3 and 4 are converted to a digital AES/EBU signal on output 7/8,
- Digital AES/EBU signal on input 5/6 is converted to two analog line signals on outputs 1 and 2,
- Digital AES/EBU signal on input 7/8 is converted to two analog line signals on outputs 3 and 4,

What is the best setup (again, stand-alone-no computer) for measuring and testing the audio coming out AES
and Analog?

The configuration described above should be a pretty good example of how to setup DUA II for a stand-alone A/D
and D/A quality measurement. This setup allows both a A/D path and a D/A path to be measured, using for example
an Audio Precision equipment which can generate test tones in AES/EBU format, while analyzing the returned
analog line signals or the opposite as well (generating analog line signals and analyzing returned digital AES/EBU
signals)

I want to place the DUA II in a machine room, what is the maximum cable length I can use for the Optical
cables?

When using Mykerinos and the DUA II for example, we have tested optical runs of up to 10 meters, using standard
APF (All Plastic Fiber) cables without problems. The official maximum length recommended by Alesis (the makers
of ADAT) is 6 meters.
Beyond 10 meters (and up to 1000 meters), the setup requires the addition of two Merging Onouris LDS (Long
Distance System) converters.
Contact Merging if you would like to run optical cables longer than 10 meters.

Can you solve the optical cable distance by simply substituting glass optical cables for the plastic cables?

This is not a recommended practice. If you need length, only switching to glass optical cable is not enough.
You will need to change the optical ‘driver’ and ‘receiver’ as well.

Merging provides the whole system, composed of two glass optical cables and one Onouris LDS at each end.
This system allows a bi-directional link of up to 1000 meters.

Appendix 5 – Glossary of Terms

Here are some common audio terms used in this document.

ADAT
This is a multichannel optical digital interface. It is a proprietary standard, which is used in the family of Alesis
ADAT digital multitrack recorders. The ADAT data stream contains 8-channels of digital audio data through a single
fiber optic cable. ADAT is a registered trademark, property of Alesis Corp.

AES/EBU
AES/EBU is a serial transmission format standardized for professional digital audio signals A specification using
time division multiplex for data, and balanced line drivers to transmit two channels of digital audio data on a single
twisted-pair cable using 3-pin (XLR) connectors.

WCLK
WCLK (or Word-Clock) is a TTL-compatible square wave signal at a specific sample rate such as 48 kHz.

16 DUA II User Manual © 2001 Merging Technologies