Mutec MC1.2+
The MC1.2+ brings bidirectional USB, AES, coaxial and optical sources into one remarkably adaptable digital hub. Alpha Audio found its interface-to-interface conversion seamless and easy to use, making this compact converter a compelling answer for mixed hi-fi and professional digital systems. Its 24-bit/192kHz conversion keeps everyday high-resolution libraries confidently covered.
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Kinda Soggy
Sound Quality
53/100
Build Quality
56/100
Features Connectivity
76/100
Value for Money
85/100
Pros
Exceptionally flexible format conversion between USB, AES, BNC/coaxial and optical connections, including bidirectional USB.
Straightforward operation and trouble-free setup in the review system.
Supports conversion up to 24-bit/192kHz over USB and other digital interfaces.
Cons
Limited to 24-bit/192kHz; it does not suit systems requiring 32-bit, 768kHz or DSD support.
Front-panel menu operation is functional but basic.
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What Reviewers Are Saying
SOUND QUALITY PERFORMANCE 53/100
This is a digital-to-digital converter rather than a conventional DAC with analogue outputs, and the available review does not report on tonal character, musical engagement, or detail retrieval. It is described as perfectly adequate for the reviewer's conversion needs, but there is no direct listening evidence to support stronger claims about analogue sound quality.
Tonal Balance and Musicality
50/100
The available review does not discuss tonal balance, naturalness, fatigue, or musical involvement. As a digital interface converter without analogue outputs, the MC1.2+ is not assessed for an intrinsic sonic character here.
Resolution and Detail
50/100
No reviewer comments address micro-detail, transparency, separation, or low-level resolution. The review concentrates on format conversion and interface flexibility rather than comparative listening.
Digital Performance
61/100
Alpha Audio reports that conversion works up to 24-bit/192kHz, including over USB, and found the unit perfectly adequate for its intended use. There is no reported evidence of noise, jitter, glare, timing performance, or measured digital performance.
Assessments of Build Quality, Usability, and Overall Propositions.
Build Quality
56/100
The specifications list a powder-coated steel enclosure, anodised aluminium front panel, transformer-balanced AES connections, and an internal switching supply. Reviewers provide no direct assessment of construction quality, internal layout, or long-term durability.
Features Connectivity
76/100
The MC1.2+ is unusually flexible for digital format conversion, supporting bidirectional USB, AES3/11, BNC S/PDIF and AES3id, plus optical S/PDIF connections. Its stated 24-bit/192kHz ceiling is sufficient for many systems, though it lacks the analogue outputs, headphone stage, display, streaming, and higher-rate DSD facilities associated with more fully featured DACs.
Value for Money
85/100
At roughly $749–$875, the MC1.2+ is positioned as a specialist digital interface and format-conversion component rather than a complete DAC. The available review does not make a clear judgment on value relative to competing converters or DACs.
Reviews & Sources
Professional reviews and sources for this product's Watt'n Potatoes analysis.
Online Reviews & Mentions
Forum Mentions
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Specifications
- USB Interface
- 1 x USB2.0 interface, bi-directional usable
- XLR Input
- 1 x XLR input for AES3/11, 110 ohms terminated, transformer balanced
- BNC Input for S/P-DIF + AES3id
- 1 x BNC input for S/P-DIF + AES3id, 75 ohms terminated, unbalanced
- Optical Input
- 1 x Optical input for S/P-DIF, Toshiba Toslink™, EIAJ RC-5720
- XLR Output
- 1 x XLR output for AES3/11, terminated, transformer balanced, buffered
- BNC Input for S/P-DIF
- 1 x BNC input for S/P-DIF, 75 ohms terminated, unbalanced
- BNC Input for AES3id
- 1 x BNC input for AES3id, 75 ohms terminated, unbalanced
- Optical Output
- 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
- 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
- Order Information
- MC1.2+ with silver front panel, item no. 8015-113, EAN-Code: 4260342461228 MC1.2+ with black front panel, item no. 8015-114, EAN-Code: 4260342461235
Manufacturer's Description — Mutec
Bi-directional Digital to Digital Converter with USB Interface
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.
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- Aalen Hifi — in-store — Schwäbisch Gmünd, Baden-Wurtemberg, Germany (website)
- Ana Mighty Sound — online and in-store — Paris, Île-de-France, France (website)
- Analog Matters — online and in-store — Ormond Beach, Florida, United States (website)
- Audio Freak — Germany (website)
- Audio Saul Hifi Studio — in-store — Sterkrade-Nord, Nordrhein-Westfalen (website)
- B&H Photo — online and in-store — New York, New York, United States (website)
- Coherent Systems — in-store — Chalfont Saint Peter, England, United Kingdom (website)
- Hi Fi Mansion — in-store — Rivas-Vaciamadrid, Comunidad de Madrid, Spain (website)
- Kruunuradio — online and in-store — Helsinki, Uusimaa, Finland (website)
- MD Sound — online and in-store — Weyersfeld, Bayern, Germany (website)
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