
Instruction Manual for DAC2 HGC and DAC2 L with
2.X Firmware
Page 15
Auto-On Function
The DAC2 can be programmed to
automatically turn on whenever AC power is
applied. This function allows automation using
switched AC outlets. When AUTO-ON is
enabled, the DAC2 cannot be turned off
without removing AC power.
The AUTO-ON function is programmed by
pressing and holding the POWER button on
the front panel for three seconds. It is the
only function that cannot be programmed
from the remote control. This limitation
prevents accidental access to this special
feature.
Enabling AUTO-ON
Starting with the DAC2 off, press and hold
the POWER button for 3 seconds.
If AUTO-ON has been successfully enabled,
the POWER button will now function as a
MUTE button. The OFF button on the remote
will also function as a MUTE button when
AUTO-ON is enabled.
Disabling AUTO-ON
Starting with the DAC2 on, press and hold
the POWER button for 3 seconds. At the end
of 3 seconds the DAC2 will power down if the
AUTO-ON mode has been successfully
disabled.
Bi-directional 12V Trigger
Benchmark has reinvented the 12 volt trigger
by adding bidirectional signaling. The trigger
connection on the DAC2 can be used as an
input, an output, or both. It is compatible
with any common 12 volt trigger input or
output. The 12V TRIGGER I/O can be used
to turn other audio components on when the
DAC2 turns on. The DAC2 can also turn on
and off in response to other connected
components. The Benchmark bi-directional
12V Trigger is compatible with virtually all
trigger systems.
The 12V TRIGGER I/O can be connected to
the trigger input or output ports on a
preamplifier, power amplifier, or both.
The DAC2 can send a 12 Volt DC trigger
signal to start other components in the
system, or it can wake up in response to an
externally generated trigger signal. The DAC2
automatically configures its trigger I/O port
as an input (slave) or output (master).
Trigger Output (DAC2 is Master)
When the DAC2 is turned on using the
POWER button (on the front panel), or the
ON button (on the remote), the DAC2
configures itself as a trigger master and will
drive the 12V TRIGGER I/O to 12 volts DC
and hold it there while the DAC2 is on. The
trigger output signal generated by the DAC2
is delayed so that the DAC2 can stabilize
before downstream devices (such as power
amplifiers) turn on. When powering down, the
DAC2 will mute before allowing the trigger
line to drop low. The DAC2 keeps the internal
power supplies running for 10 seconds after
dropping the trigger. This delay gives other
triggered components ample time to mute
and shut down.
If the AUTO-ON function is enabled, the
DAC2 will automatically turn on when AC
power is applied, configure itself as a trigger
master, and ignore any external signaling on
the 12V TRIGGER I/O line. In AUTO-ON
mode, the DAC2 will always drive the 12V
TRIGGER I/O line to 12 V (after a short
start-up delay).
Trigger Input - (DAC2 is Slave)
If the DAC2 is off and an external device
pulls the trigger I/O to 12 volts, the DAC2
will configure itself as a trigger slave and will
follow the actions of the trigger input. The
DAC2 will then turn off when the external
device stops sending the 12 V trigger.
Typical Trigger Applications
In most systems, the 12V TRIGGER will be
used to connect the DAC2 to one other