
Instruction Manual for DAC2 HGC and DAC2 L with
2.X Firmware
Page 23
Outputs
Analog Outputs
The DAC2 has one pair of balanced XLR
outputs and two pairs of unbalanced RCA
outputs.
The DAC2 features high-current output
drivers that are capable of driving 300-Ohm
loads without an increase in distortion. They
are also well suited for driving long cables or
high-capacitance loads.
Balanced XLR Analog Line Outputs
The Left and Right balanced outputs use
Neutrik™ gold-pin male XLR jacks. The XLR
shell and pin 1 (ground) are both directly
bonded to the chassis to prevent currents in
the internal ground system. This direct
bonding also maximizes RF shielding.
The XLR outputs have passive attenuators
that allow direct connections to a wide variety
of audio devices without a loss of dynamic
range. The 10 or 20 dB pads are usually
required for direct interfacing to power
amplifiers and powered speakers. The DAC2
ships with the pads disabled (0 dB setting).
Use the 0 dB setting with the Benchmark
AHB2 power amplifier. A full description of
the output attenuators and instructions for
configuration is located in the Internal
Settings section of this manual.
Industry-Standard XLR Wiring
•
XLR pin 2 = + Audio Out
•
XLR pin 3 = - Audio Out
•
XLR pin 1 = Cable Shield
Caution:
If the balanced XLR outputs are
wired to an unbalanced input (using a special
adapter cable), pin 3 must be left floating.
Shorting pin 3 to ground will increase the
temperature of the output drivers, will
increase power consumption, and may cause
distortion.
Unbalanced RCA Analog Outputs
The Left and Right unbalanced outputs use
female RCA jacks. The ground connections
are bonded to chassis ground at the location
where analog ground is bonded to the
chassis. This minimizes the effects of ground
loops caused by AC currents in the cable
shield. The RCA output impedance is very low
(30 Ohms). This makes these outputs well
suited for driving high-capacitance loads
and/or high-capacitance cables.
Caution:
Mono summing with an RCA ‘Y’
cable is not recommended as this will cause
high amounts of distortion. Mono summing
with a ‘Y’ cable can be accomplished with the
use of a modified cable by implementing a 1k
Ohm series resistor in each leg of the ‘Y’.
Note:
The XLR pads do not have any effect
on the level of the RCA outputs.