Mutec MC6

Format and Sampling Rate Converter for AES3, AES3id and S/P-DIF

The MC6 converts AES3, AES3id and S/P-DIF digital audio stereo signals whereas uni- and bidirectional conversion modes are available. All signals can be processed up to 192.0 kHz. Based on latest FPGA designs, the MC6 achieves levels of performance regarding its sound and signal quality, unique flexibility, clocking features and the 4 channel sampling rate conversion engine (SRC), which are outstanding in today’s industry!

The enormous feature-set with various operation modes enables the use of the MC6 in many studio applications. Generally, incoming digital audio signals are converted unidirectionally to all three audio formats simultaneously, with or without SRC functionality. If clock rate conversion is necessary, the SRC engine can be locked to Word Clock, AES11 (separate input available) and any digital audio input in both, uni- and bidirectional operation modes.

One of the unique features of the MC6 is its capability to lock two digital audio stereo sources with different clock rates and to convert their audio formats and clock rates bidirectionally in realtime with help of the X-SRC mode. Therefore, the unit includes a 4 channel SRC engine as a standard, whereas two audiophile-optimized PLL synthesizers secure best sound quality in all operations modes.

The MC6 extracts the master clocks out of each of the two incoming digital audio stereo streams and uses these clock references to synchronize the SRCs in front of each of the format-same outputs. Thus, the two digital audio sources are held permanently in sync to each other by the MC6 without the necessity to lock any of the involved devices to an external master clock reference. This is especially useful when interconnecting two non-synchronized or non-synchronizable digital audio devices, each running on its own internal clock base.

As further special feature, the MC6 offers an internal, ultra low-jitter clock base with outstanding accuracy to which the SRCs can be locked to, if no external reference is available. Running the MC6 in this mode, its Word Clock output can be used e.g. as master clock reference to synchronize any other digital audio device in the studio.

Additionally, the MC6 can be used for upsampling of digital audio signals up to 96.0 kHz or even 192.0 kHz. This function is recommended for supplying DA converters. The upsampling process eliminates possibly existing signal jitter and improves the audiophile quality overall.

This all makes the MC6 for sure a unique and the most flexible digital audio converter currently available in the pro-audio industry!