Benchmark Media DAC3-B Digital To Analog Converter - Black
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To make system integration easy, the DAC3 B retains IR remote control (handset optional), 12 V trigger, and the programmable auto-on feature. The DAC3 B adds a control-lock feature that turns off the remote control and locks the keypad to prevent tampering and accidental changes. The optional 1/2-width rack-mount faceplate allows the mounting of two units in a single 1-RU rack space.
Performance
The DAC3 delivers outstanding musical detail and precise stereo imaging. It employs an advanced high-headroom digital filter design, and a high-sample-rate Asynchronous USB Audio interface. All inputs are fully isolated from interface jitter by Benchmark's new UltraLock3 jitter attenuation system.
Internal digital processing and conversion is 32-bits, and this processing includes 3.5 dB of headroom above 0 dBFS. This headroom prevents the DSP overloads that commonly occur in other D/A converters.
Four balanced 32-bit D/A converters are summed together to create each balanced analog output. This 4:1 summation provides a 6 dB noise reduction, and gives the DAC3 industry-leading performance.
Connectivity to Power Amplifiers
DAC3 converters are designed to directly drive power amplifiers and speakers. Benchmark converters feature adjustable low-impedance passive attenuators at the XLR outputs that can be used to optimize the interface to the power amplifier (or powered monitor). This unique Benchmark feature optimizes the gain staging between the DAC and the power amplifier. Proper gain staging cannot be overemphasised. When audio stages are properly matched, each component in the audio chain is able to operate at its optimum signal level, and the system performance is significantly improved.
Sonically-Neutral Studio Monitoring
All Benchmark converters are designed for maximum transparency. This transparency is absolutely essential in the studio monitoring chain. For this reason, DAC3 converters are ideal for critical reference-quality professional systems. Unlike many competing products, the DAC3 is not designed to add "euphonic" coloration to the audio. Instead it is designed to be as uncolored and natural as possible. Transparent sound can go beyond replicating the studio experience. Recordings that have been produced with a natural and unprocessed sound can transport you to the performance space. But, this can only happen when the entire playback chain is selected for maximum transparency.
This experience of "being there" cannot be created by systems that are designed to add "warmth" or "euphonic color" to the music.
Features
• Harmonic Compensation
• UltraLock3 Jitter Attenuation System
• High-Headroom DSP
• Multi-Mode Asynchronous USB Audio System
• Quad 32-bit balanced D/A Conversion System
• Distributed Power Regulation
Specifications
AUDIO PERFORMANCE
Fs = 44.1 to 96 kHz, 20 to 20 kHz BW, 1 kHz test tone, 0 dBFS = +24 dBu (unless noted)
SNR A-Weighted, 0 dBFS = +24 dBu: 125 dB, 128 dB relative to intersample peaks
SNR Unweighted, 0 dBFS = +24 dBu: 123 dB, 126 dB relative to intersample peaks
THD+N, 1 kHz at 0 dBFS: -113 dBFS, -113 dB, 0.00022%
THD+N, 1 kHz at -1 dBFS: -114 dBFS, -113 dB, 0.00022%
THD+N, 1 kHz at 3 dBFS: -119 dBFS, -116 dB, 0.00016%
THD+N, 20 to 20 kHz test tone at 3 dBFS: -113 dBFS, -110 dB, 0.00032%
Maximum Amplitude of Jitter Induced Sidebands (10 kHz 0 dBFS test tone, 12.75 UI sinusoidal jitter at 1 kHz): < -144 dB
Maximum Amplitude of Spurious Tones with 0 dBFS test signal: < -138 dB
Maximum Amplitude of Idle Tones: < -147 dB
Maximum Amplitude of AC line related Hum & Noise: < -133 dB
Inter-channel Differential Phase (Stereo Pair any sample rate): +/- 0.25 degrees at 20 kHz
Inter-channel Differential Phase (Between DAC3 Units Fs < 110 kHz) Any sample rate: +/- 0.25 degrees at 20 kHz
Maximum Lock Time after Fs change: 6 ms
Soft Mute Ramp Up/Down Time: 9.6 ms
Mute on Receive Error: Yes
Mute on Lock Error: Yes
Mute on Idle Channel: No
DIGITAL AUDIO INPUTS
Number of Digital Inputs (switch selected): 5 (1 USB, 2 Optical, 2 Coaxial)
Number of Channels: 2
• Input Sample Frequency Range:
28 to 210 kHz (Coaxial Inputs)
28 to 96 kHz (Optical Inputs)
44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz (USB Input)
Digital Input Impedance: 75 Ohms (Coaxial Inputs)
Minimum Digital Input Level: 250 mVpp (Coaxial Inputs)
BALANCED ANALOG OUTPUTS
Number of Balanced Analog Outputs: 2
Output Connector: Gold-Pin Neutrik male XLR
• Output Impedance:
60 Ohms (Attenuator off)
425 Ohms (Attenuator = 10 dB)
135 Ohms (Attenuator = 20 dB)
UNBALANCED ANALOG OUTPUTS
Number of Unbalanced Analog Outputs: 2
Output Connector: RCA
Output Impedance: 30 Ohms
AC POWER REQUIREMENTS
Nominal Input Operating Voltage Range (VAC RMS): 100 240V
Frequency: 50-60 Hz
• Power:
< 0.5 Watts Idle
12 Watts Typical Program
13 Watts Maximum
DIMENSIONS
Form Factor: Rack Wide, 1 RU High
Depth behind front panel: 8.5 (216 mm)
Overall depth including connectors: 9.33 (237 mm)
Width: 9.5 (249 mm)
Height: 1.725 (44.5 mm)
Weight: 3lb
Q & A
Reviews
Protect your investment with the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty
A warranty can be a very important factor when making a buying decision. Because repairs can be very expensive in terms of parts and labour costs, manufacturers usually only provide one year limited warranties that generally only cover items that malfunction due to a manufacturer’s defect. With an important purchase such as a musical
instrument or piece of studio gear, however, many people want to have the peace of mind in knowing that their investment will be protected should the product no longer be performing at 100%.
Because of this, Long & McQuade provides our customers with a FREE one-year Performance Warranty on most of our products. The Long & McQuade Performance Warranty supplements the manufacturer’s warranty to ensure that our customers receive complete “no hassle” warranty coverage within their first year.
How does the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty differ from most manufacturers' warranties?
- Performance Guarantee: Normal wear and tear is covered, so your product will be performing as well as the day you purchased it for the entire duration of the coverage. Band and Orchestral Performance Warranty does not include replacing pads or cleaning for woodwind instruments, unless deemed necessary by our repair staff. Ultrasonic cleaning for brass instruments will be provided if deemed necessary by our repair staff, but is not routinely offered under the Performance Warranty.
- Product Replacement: If your product cannot be fixed or costs too much to fix, we will replace it with the equivalent model for no additional charge. If this is not possible, a full refund will be provided.
- No Lemon Policy: Your product will be replaced should the same problem occur multiple times.
- Convenient: Easy drop off and pick up of the product at any Long & McQuade location.
- Guitar Setup: Guitars purchased at Long & McQuade come with 1 free setup, to be redeemed within 1 year for new guitars and 90 days for used guitars.
- Loaners Available: A loaner product may be given while the product is being repaired.
- Power Surge Protection: Your product is covered even if damaged from a power surge.
- Accessory Coverage: Any peripheral devices or accessories that come with your product (i.e. foot pedal, case) are also covered.
- Commercial Use Coverage: Music and recording professionals who purchase gear for “heavy-use” commercial purposes will still be covered.
Long & McQuade reserves the right to restrict the purchase of additional years of Performance Warranty. Used products come with a 3-month Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Some products (i.e. computers, software, cymbals and other items) are covered only by the manufacturer‘s warranty. Consumables (i.e. strings, reeds, drum sticks, batteries, tubes, cross faders) are excluded as they are designed to be replaced. Cosmetic Damage, Accidental Damage, or problems caused by Humidity or Temperature Issues are not covered. Speakers damaged by overpowering are generally not covered. Our coverage does not provide compensation for loss of use. As of June 2018 the Performance Warranty is no longer transferable. The warranty is only valid in Canada.
Purchasing additional years of coverage
Some manufacturers provide warranties for longer than 1 year; however, these are usually limited warranties that do not provide the same coverage as the Long & McQuade Performance Warranty. Customers interested in more complete and convenient (but not necessarily longer) coverage are still able to purchase additional years of the Performance Warranty.
If you are interested in receiving this coverage for longer than one year, you have the option of purchasing additional years of the Performance Warranty. The pricing is as follows:
- NEW products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- USED products: Starting at 4% of the current new selling price to increase the warranty from 3 months to 1 year. Starting at 4% for each additional year.
- GUITARS: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year. $45 maximum. An additional free setup is not included with additional purchased years of Performance Warranty.
- BAND and ORCHESTRAL instruments: 4% of the current new selling price to double the warranty from 1 year to 2 years. 4% for each additional year.
Great Additions
Reserve in Store
| Product | SKU | Qty |
|---|---|---|
| DAC3-B Digital To Analog Converter - Black | 702414 |
