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CH C1 User Manual

Digital to analog controller
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C1 Digital to Analog Controller
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  • Page 1 C1 Digital to Analog Controller User Manual...
  • Page 3 Dear Client, We are honored that you have chosen the CH C1 Digital to Analog Controller. Our team has put all his efforts into designing and manufacturing this top quality versatile and future-proof product and is proud to present it to you. We hope your C1 will bring you uncountable hours of emotion from your musical collection.
  • Page 5 FCC-Notice Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.

  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    1.1.5 Volume control capability..........................10 1.2 Mechanical construction............................. 11 1.3 Modular architecture and slot-in boards........................11 1.3.1 Digital inputs and CH Link: DIGITAL_IN board....................12 1.3.2 USB Audio inputs: USB_IN board option......................12 1.3.3 Analog inputs: ANALOG_IN board option......................12 1.3.4 External clock synchronization: SYNC_IO board option..................
  • Page 7 4.5.1 General clocking considerations......................... 45 4.5.2 Without SYNC_IO board............................ 45 4.5.3 C1 D/A controller (with SYNC_IO board) + D1 SACD/CD drive (with SYNC_IO board)..........46 4.5.4 3x C1 D/A controllers + multichannel D1 drive (all with SYNC_IO board)............47 4.5.5 C1 D/A controller + Computer (USB audio)......................49 4.5.6 C1 D/A controller + Computer (Ethernet audio streaming)..................

  • Page 8: Technical Highlights

    Optional boards allow to extend the functionality of the base version of the C1 D/A controller. By adding extra DIGITAL_IN boards (a total of up to three input boards can be plugged in the unit), the C1 can be connected to even more standard digital sources.

  • Page 9: Digital To Analog Conversion

    +/-2.5 us accuracy. When combined with matching CH D1 SACD/CD drive and optional synchronization boards (or a computer source), the C1 can even be configured as the clock master, having the source (either CH D1 or computer) clock- enslaved.

  • Page 10: D/A Conversion Stage

    1.1.5 Volume control capability The C1 can be used as a pure DAC (digital to analog converter) together with an analog preamplifier. But it can also be used as a controller, directly feeding power amplifiers. In that case, it allows volume control in the range of -95.5 dB to +24.0 dB (with 0.5dB steps), with full muting capability when volume is turned lower than -95.5 dB.

  • Page 11: Mechanical Construction

    1.2 Mechanical construction The C1 D/A controller is assembled from high-quality aluminum and steel elements with no visible screws on the front, top and side panels. The front panel, base, side panels and top cover are machined from aluminum. The power supply is isolated from the audio section in its own compartment to avoid any contamination of the audio circuits by noise radiated from the supply.

  • Page 12: Digital Inputs And Ch Link: Digital_In Board

    Therefore no jitter is imported from the computer world. Moreover, all noisy digital devices on this board (such as the DSP) are powered by the USB port (i.e. by the computer), and are galvanic isolated from the rest of the C1. The USB input can be configured (in C1's menu) as audio class 1.0 (no driver required, Fs limited to 96kHz) or as audio class 2.0 (a...

  • Page 13: Ethernet Streaming: Network Board Option

    Two 75 Ohm Wordclock outputs completes the input/output capabilities of the SYNC_IO board. When C1 is matched with a D1, both equipped with a SYNC_IO board, the optimal configuration is to set the C1 as the clock master (C1 clock source: INTERNAL), and D1 as the clock slave (D1 clock source: SYNCHRO BNC 75). In that case, connect one of C1's BNC clock out to D1's clock in configured as a 75 Ohm input with a 75 Ohm BNC-terminated cable.

  • Page 14: Before Use

    Do not install your C1 D/A controller near water • Always handle with care. The C1 D/A controller is quite heavy, so have someone help you when moving it around • Do not expose the unit to any kind of liquid •...

  • Page 15: User Manual

    2.5 Transport and packaging The C1 D/A controller must always be stored in its original packaging for transportation. Doing so will ensure optimal level of protection of your unit. Therefore, keep all the packaging material in a dry and clean place for future use.

  • Page 16: Cleaning

    2.7 Maintenance and service The C1 D/A controller contains no user serviceable parts. Do not try to open, modify or repair your C1 by yourself. This will void any warranty. Your C1 D/A controller must be checked by a qualified technician in any of the following cases: The unit is not functioning properly •...

  • Page 17: Installation

    3.1 Unpacking Unpack the C1 D/A controller and store the packaging for future transportation. Be careful when lifting the C1 as the unit is heavy (over 20kg). Get someone to help you if necessary. When unpacking and installing the C1, take care not to damage the high quality surface treatments.

  • Page 18: Adjustment Shaft Covers

    When the spikes are fully retracted, the C1 sits on elastomer rings to protect the base. If the base on which the C1 is located is fragile or should not be scratched, please make sure to use the optional CH support discs to protect the base.

  • Page 19: Connections

    3.3 Connections This section provides information about how to connect your C1 D/A controller to your system. As the C1 is a modular design with different optional boards, the description applies to the example configuration presented below. If your options do not match the example or you don't feel secure with the connections to be applied to your configuration, please contact your authorized dealer for assistance.

  • Page 20: Control Board

    3.3.1 CONTROL board The CONTROL board is factory installed into the C1. It provides a USB port for software updates and an Ethernet port for controlling the unit over a network. Following drawing shows the layout of the back panel of the CONTROL board:...

  • Page 21: Usb Port

    3.3.1.1 USB port The USB port on the CONTROL board is dedicated to the firmware update of the C1 unit. Do not use it for any other purpose. For more information on unit firmware update, please refer to the corresponding section of this manual.

  • Page 22: Standard Digital Inputs

    3.3.4 USB_IN boards Optional USB_IN board provides connectivity to a USB port of a computer. Audio is sent from the computer to the C1 at a rate that is synchronous to the C1's precision internal Masterclock. Following drawing shows the layout of the USB_IN board connector:...

  • Page 23: Microsoft Windows Configuration (Xp, Vista, 7 And 8)

    3.3.4.1 Microsoft Windows configuration (XP , Vista, 7 and 8) The C1 USB Audio input should not be the MS Windows default audio output device. In addition, Windows should be configured to allow applications to get exclusive access to the C1 USB Audio input. Below is a list of recommended media players, drivers and related configurations to be used with the C1 USB audio input.

  • Page 24: Sync_Io Board

    CH products, such as the D1 SACD/CD unit. The board provides one clock input and two clock output on BNC connectors. Each VCXO digital PLL (one is based on a 22.5792 MHz Masterclock and the other one on a 24.576 MHz Masterclock) of the C1 is capable of frequency and phase locking.

  • Page 25: Bnc Clock Outputs

    Two 75 Ohm output clock connectors are also provided on the SYNC_IO board. Use one of these connectors to synchronize an external device to your C1. Output clock is either a buffered version of input clock (if C1 is synchronized to it input clock), or current audio Wordclock (if C1 is clocked by its internal high precision oscillator).

  • Page 26: Operation

    Operation The C1 D/A controller is operated either from the front panel or from the IR remote control. Feedback to the user is provided by a high-definition AMOLED display with customizable colors. Setup operations are exclusively handled from the front panel.
  • Page 27 External Left: Rotate external ring to the left [E>>] External Right: Rotate external ring to the right [NP] Normal Push: push and release central knob [LP] Long Push: push central knob and maintain for 2s before release User Action Codes Rev 1.9 C1 User Manual...

  • Page 28: Operating Modes

    (2) Mute indication. If the 7 symbol is present, the output is muted (3) Analog output level. Only displayed when C1 is used as a preamplifier. When C1 is used as a pure DAC (selectable through C1's menu), output level is set to 0 dB and not mentioned in this display area.

  • Page 29: Shortcuts

    4.2.2 Shortcuts The C1 D/A controller is configured by a set of menus as described in the next sections. To allow quick access to the most frequently used configuration menu items, the C1 offers the concept of Shortcuts. Shortcuts are fully programmable and the user may choose any configuration parameter as a Shortcut.
  • Page 30 (6) Arrow indicating External Rotate Left [<<E] if applies. The item below indicates the next parameter value (down direction) The last Shortcut (SETUP) is always the same and cannot be removed or altered. It gives access the Menu mode to access the detailed setup of the unit. C1 User Manual Rev 1.9...

  • Page 31: Menu Mode

    4.2.3 Menu mode The Menu mode allows for Configuration and Setup of the C1 D/A controller through a set of menus. Menu mode is entered from the last Shortcut item (see above). From Normal mode, enter the Shortcut mode by applying a Normal Push [NP]. By successive Normal Pushes [NP], step to the last Shortcut item (DETAILED SETUP) and apply an External Rotate Right [E>>] to enter the Menu...
  • Page 32 Following illustration shows the elements of a the C1 SETUP Menu page, the entry point to the C1 menu structure. C1 SETUP AUDIO SETTING > Mute DISPLAY SETTING Phase polarity SHORTCUTS Clock source FACTORY SETTING Active input FACTORYSETTING INSTALLED OPTIONS...
  • Page 33 (1) Menu title. C1 SETUP >> AUDIO SETTING shows that the parent menu is C1 SETUP. By applying External Rotate Left [<<E], the unit returns to the parent menu. (2) A Parameter Value of '...' indicates that the menu items gives access to one or more further sub-menu(s). Further sub-menus have the same structure as this example.

  • Page 34: Configuration

    4.3 Configuration Configuration of your C1 D/A controller is accomplished by setting parameters in the Menu mode (see previous section for how to access Menu mode and how to navigate menu items). Following diagram shows the complete menu structure (terminal items not show).

  • Page 35: C1 Configuration Menu Items

    NETWORK: Provides information about the network setup and enables its configuration • 4.3.1 C1 configuration menu items 4.3.1.1 AUDIO SETTING The C1 SETUP >> AUDIO SETTING menu allows configuration of the audio related Parameters of the unit. Accessible Parameters are: C1 SETUP >> AUDIO SETTING - MUTE:...
  • Page 36 Synchro BNC (Hi-Z) SRC adds an asynchronous sample rate converter stage that allows the C1 to lock even on S/PDIF sources that do not comply with AES requirements. Internal Clock is the the default choice for computer sources (USB audio and Ethernet streaming) where C1 is the clock master.
  • Page 37 When C1 is configured as D/A Converter, its output D/A Converter Connected to preamp volume is not attenuated (0dB). This setting should only be selected if C1 is used with an external preamplifier (or integrated amplifier) MAX START VOL -50 dB to -20 dB by 10...

  • Page 38: Display Setting

    4.3.1.2 DISPLAY SETTING The C1 SETUP >> DISPLAY SETTING menu allows configuration of the display related Parameters of the unit. Accessible Parameters are: - DISPLAY TYPE: Allows to chose what to display - LED ON/OFF: Selects if the LED is turned on when the display is off...
  • Page 39 Edit custom color Value. Sub- menus allow to individually configure Red, Green and Blue components (RGB) of the custom color. Any string INPUT RENAMING None Used to rename any input in the C1 Details of DISPLAY SETTING menu Parameters Rev 1.9 C1 User Manual...

  • Page 40: Shortcuts

    4.3.1.3 SHORTCUTS The C1 SETUP >> SHORTCUTS menu allows configuration of the Shortcuts. Accessible Parameters are: - SHORTCUT1: Defines action for Shortcut #1 - SHORTCUT2: Defines action for Shortcut #2 - SHORTCUT3: Defines action for Shortcut #3 - SHORTCUT4: Defines action for Shortcut #4...

  • Page 41: Factory Setting

    4.3.1.4 FACTORY SETTING The C1 SETUP >> FACTORY SETTING menu allows to get information about current C1 firmware version, to update the C1 firmware, to reset the unit to default configuration (or subset of setting), and to calibrate the DAC stage.

  • Page 42: Installed Options

    CALIBRATE Start calibration C1 should be warmed-up Launch automated calibration left and right channel DAC stage. It takes about 40s per channel to complete. For optimal performances, please make sure the C1 is warmed-up (i.e. turned on for more than an hour) before running calibration.

  • Page 43: Network

    4.3.1.6 NETWORK The C1 SETUP >> NETWORK menu allows knowledge and customization of the network related Parameters of the unit. Accessible Parameters are: - STATUS: Listing of all CH products detected (product type, IP and MAC addresses - CONFIGURE: Defines if the C1 should interact with the network as the...

  • Page 44: Remote Control

    4.4 Remote control 4.4.1 Remote control operation The C1 controller is delivered with an IR remote to control the unit's basic operations. The provided remote control is not intended to be used to configure the unit. C1 D/A Controller remote control...

  • Page 45: Changing The Remote Control Batteries

    Many audio sources can be connected to the C1. Depending on their type, and your C1 options, different clocking scheme can be used. Some are simply not working at all (no sound will come out of your C1, e.g. because at least one unit doesn't lock its internal clock to the configured clock source), some others will work for some time before muting (e.g.

  • Page 46: C1 D/A Controller (With Sync_Io Board) + D1 Sacd/Cd Drive (With Sync_Io Board)

    When both the C1 and the D1 are equipped with a SYNC_IO board, optimum performance are obtained when the C1 DAC is the clock master, and the D1 drive is the clock slave. Audio stream goes from the D1 to the C1, but clock goes the other way. Schematic...

  • Page 47: C1 D/A Controllers + Multichannel D1 Drive (All With Sync_Io Board)

    4.5.4 3x C1 D/A controllers + multichannel D1 drive (all with SYNC_IO board) In this 4-unit multichannel setup (D1 with all 6 channels digital out + 3 C1 DAC pairs), when all units are equipped with SYNC_IO boards, we still recommend that the C1 processing the main channels is the clock master. The D1 is slaved to this C1's clock, and generates a synchronization signal for the two other C1s (Ls/Rs and C/Sub ones).
  • Page 48 Multichannel D1 - C1 connection when SYNC_IO equipped In such case: D1 clock source: SYNCHRO BNC 75 Ohm • L/R channels C1 clock source (for this input): INTERNAL • Ls/Rs channels C1 clock source (for this input): SYNCHRO BNC 75 Ohm • C1 User Manual Rev 1.9...

  • Page 49: C1 D/A Controller + Computer (Usb Audio)

    When a C1 equipped with a USB_IN board is used together with a computer for audio files playback, a single link is in place between them: a type A (computer side) to type B (C1 side) USB 2.0 cable. But this single link enabled data to flow from the computer to the C1, while the C1 give the pace of the data transfer, thus being clock master.

  • Page 50: Returning To Factory Defaults

    Ethernet RJ45 cable Router Audio Clock Ethernet RJ45 cable C1 D/A Controller, 1x DIGITAL_IN + 1x Ethernet NETWORK board C1 connection to home network In such case: C1 clock source (for this input): INTERNAL • 4.6 Returning to Factory defaults The unit can be reset to Factory default settings by using the RESET ALL SETTING item of the FACTORY SETTING menu.

  • Page 51: Firmware Update

    5.1 Introduction The C1 D/A Controller is built around multiple programmable circuits. This approach allow the unit to be updated to support new features. It includes a host micro-controller, a display controller, several FPGAs (Field Programmable Gate Arrays) and DSPs (Digital Signal Processors).

  • Page 52: Updating The Firmware (Firmware Update Procedure)

    Software Update procedure: 1. Connect the USB stick to the A-shaped USB port of the CONTROL board at the rear of your C1 unit. 2. Turn the unit on if it is in standby or powered-off. Navigate to the C1_SETUP>>FACTORY_SETTING menu and select the UPDATE_FIRMWARE item.
  • Page 53 If the Emergency Software Update procedure fails, try to download the latest software images from www.ch-precision.com rerun the Emergency Software Update procedure (don't forget to prepare the software update files and USB stick accordingly). If failure persists, contact your authorized dealer. Rev 1.9 C1 User Manual...

  • Page 54: Troubleshooting

    Remote control does not work Check if the unit is connected to the AC wall outlet and powered-on Check if distance is not too far to the C1 unit. Get closer and try again. C1's Standby LED should briefly illuminate...
  • Page 55 Restore factory setting and start your setup again Firmware update fails Try Emergency Software Update procedure If it fails, download the latest C1 firmware from www.ch-precision.com, prepare a software update image on a FAT32 formatted USB stick and run the Emergency Software Update procedure again USB flash drive for firmware Please try another brand of USB flash drive (e.g.

  • Page 56: Specifications

    Temperature: +5C to +35C, humidity: 5% to 85% (no condensation) Dimensions (L x D x H) 440mm x 440mm x 120mm (main body) Weight 25kg Analog output stage Balanced outputs XLR connectors Single-ended outputs RCA connectors BNC connectors Output level 5.4Vrms (balanced) 2.7Vrms (unbalanced) C1 User Manual Rev 1.9...
  • Page 57 PCM 16-24 bits / 44.1-192 kHz USB Audio inputs (USB_IN board, one connector per board) USB Audio Class 1.0 (A-type plug) Asynchronous playback (C1 master, computer slave) PCM 16-24 bits / 44.1-96 kHz USB Audio Class 2.0 (A-type plug) Asynchronous playback (C1 master, computer slave) PCM 16-24 bits / 44.1,-192 kHz...

  • Page 58: Dimensions

    Design and Specifications are subject to change without notice Weight and dimensions are approximate Illustrations are informative only and may differ from actual production models Casing design by Mana Ishoni 7.2 Dimensions C1 D/A Controller dimensions C1 User Manual Rev 1.9...

  • Page 59: Factory Settings

    7.3 Factory settings Following table lists the factory settings of your C1 D/A Controller: SETTING Value AUDIO SETTING MUTE Unmuted PHASE POLARITY In phase CLOCK SOURCE CH-LINK: Audio In AES-EBU: Audio In COAXIAL: Audio In OPTICAL: Audio In USB: Internal...
  • Page 60 COLOR ANALOG Blue CUSTOM COLOR ANALOG VFD like INPUT RENAMING CH-LINK 1 / 2 / 3 AES EBU 1 / 2 / 3 COAXIAL 1 / 2 / 3 OPTICAL 1 / 2 / 3 USB 1 / 2 STREAMING...
  • Page 61 Rev 1.9 C1 User Manual...
  • Page 62 CH Precision Sàrl ZI Le Trési 6D CH-1028 Preverenges SWITZERLAND www.ch-precision.com info@ch-precision.com Made in Switzerland C1 User Manual Rev 1.9...

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