First Aid (in case of electric shock) Defective Parts/Modules Updates Intended Operation Conditions of Warranty Conformity & Certificates Contact Contents Accessory Chapter 3: Installation Installing the Device CHAPTER 4: Operation Introduction Global Control Input / Sync MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 3 of 80...
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CHAPTER 5: MA2CHBOX Remote Introduction Connecting the device Overview Settings Matrix CHAPTER 6: Troubleshooting and Maintenance Troubleshooting Maintenance CHAPTER 7: Technical Data Appendix A: Wiring AES I/O, Line Out DSUB-9 (female) Index page 4 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
TI P S ! indicate useful tips and shortcuts. NOTE S! are used for important points of clarification or cross references. WA R NINGS! alert you when an action should always be observed. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 5 of 80...
Introduction Welcome to the MA2CHBOX.XL, DirectOuts two channel monitor for MADI and AES signals. The MA2CHBOX.XL can monitor any mono channel or any stereo pair of 64 audio channels from a MADI stream or the incoming AES signal. An internal routing matrix provides signal routing between all I/Os.
Matrix to route embedded MIDI data Routing Power Supply This device is equipped with one wide range power supply (84 V to 264 V AC / 47 Hz to 63 Hz / safety class 1). MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 7 of 80...
Chapter 1: Overview Applications Providing 194 input channels and 198 output channels the MA2CHBOX.XL can be used for monitoring and signal distribution. Further it can act as (de-)embedder of serial data. Typical applications include: • signal control of MADI signals within a signal chain;...
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Chapter 1: Overview MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 9 of 80...
80 %, non- condensing. • The cabinet of the device will heat up. Do not place the device close to heating sources (e.g. heaters). Observe the environmental conditions. page 10 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
Check their pulse and reanimate if their respiration is poor. Lay the body down and turn it to one side. Call for a doctor immediately. • Having sustained an electric shock, Always consult a doctor. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 11 of 80...
To access the latest documentation, please visit the DirectOut website: www.directout.eu. This guide refers to firmware version 1.5. page 12 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts Intended Operation The MA2CHBOX.XL is designed for monitoring MADI signals (AES10) or AES signals (AES3) via headphones or line output or AES. WA R NING! No compensation can be claimed for damages caused by operation of this unit other than for the intended use described above.
All claims of warranty will expire once the device has been opened or modified, or if instructions and warnings were ignored. For warranty claims please contact the dealer where your device was acquired. page 14 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
For correct recycling please dispatch the device to: IMM Elektronik GmbH, Leipziger Str. 32 09648 Mittweida Germany Only stamped parcels will be accepted! WEEE-Reg.-No. DE 93924963 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 15 of 80...
CHAPTER 2: Legal issues & facts Contents The contents of your MA2CHBOX.XL package include: • 1 x MA2CHBOX.XL • 1 x DSUB-9 to XLR adaptor • 1 x power chord • 1 x Manual To complete the delivery, download the USB serial driver and software remote application from the website.
DSUB-9 to XLR adaptor Signal Line Out L male Line Out R male AES3 input female AES3 output male Pinout DSUB-9: See „Appendix A: Wiring AES I/O, Line Out“ on page 73. page 18 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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Gigabit Fibre Channel Bandwidth from 100 Mbit/s 1.050 Gbit/s Bandwidth 155 Mbit/s 1.250 Gbit/s Laser Receiver Type Connector Wavelength TX min 1260 nm 1260 nm Wavelength TX max 1360 nm 1360 nm MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 19 of 80...
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- 5.00 dBm - 3.00 dBm (Receiver overload) Temperature (min) 0° Celsius 0° Celsius Temperature (max) 70° Celsius 70° Celsius Type of DDM/DOM internal internal Extinction Ratio 8.20 dB 9 dB page 20 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
Proper operation can only be guaranteed between temperatures of 5º C and 45º C and a maximum relative humidity of 80%, non-condensing. Ensure that the unit has sufficient air circulation for cooling. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 21 of 80...
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MADI port(s) before use. NOTE ! Retain the protective cap if the optical port is unused. This will protect against soiling which can lead to malfunction. Connect signal cable(s) for the MADI signals. page 22 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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• 1 x XLR female (AES3 input). WA R NING! Do not connect voltage sources to the analog outputs. This may cause damage at the output stages. Observe the technical specifications listed in this document. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 23 of 80...
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PSU to a matching power supply: WAR NING This device must be connected to the mains using the three-cord power leads supplied with the system. Only supply the voltages and signals indicated (84 V – 264 V). page 24 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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Link: http://www.directout.eu/upload/dokumente/ dotec_release_map.pdf NOT E To update the firmware an installed USB serial driver (Windows) and the Update Tool are necessary. The software and the installation instructions are available at www.directout.eu. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 25 of 80...
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• follow the installation instructions in the ‘Installation Guide for USB Control’ T IP Keep any packaging in order to protect the device should it need to be dispatched for service. page 26 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
Note that an unlit display does not guarantee that the device is free of voltage. To ensure that the device is completely disconnected from mains voltage, the power chord(s) must be disconnected. page 28 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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* Mute is available for the outputs Headphones, Line Out and AES. It is applied only to outputs that are set to ‘Encoder’ (‘E’) in the menu - see section ‘Level Settings’ on page 40. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 29 of 80...
The device is clocked according the setting specified in the menu. See S <x> (MENU) on page 38. NOTE Auto Sync - if only signal is connected, it will be used as clock source ignoring the sync setting. page 30 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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LED OFF = no signal LED flashing = signal present, asynchronous (LOCK) LED ON = signal present, synchronous (SYNC) If no input detects a valid signal, all four LEDs will pulse. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 31 of 80...
(or channel) selection. NOTE Firmware 1.3 (Q4/2014) introduces a default setting for either channel or volume selection in idle mode - see „Idle Mode“ on page 34. page 32 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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The signal can be varied within a range Number of -96 dBFS to 0 dBFS in steps of 1 dB. An additional boost up to 9 dB can be applied. Blinking numbers indicate: Mute active. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 33 of 80...
• switch off / on device • push encoder knob during firmware display • the selection is indicated by the right decimal point idle channel idle volume This setting is also available in the software remote. page 34 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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CHAPTER 4: Operation MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 35 of 80...
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<x> Selected audio input for SFP output. Values: o = SC input / b = BNC input / c = SFP input / A = AES input* / M = matrix page 36 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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• channel mode for the output signal • frame format for the output signal @ 2 FS • bit-transparent processing of AES input signal • configuration of serial embedder routing • routing of MIDI over MADI data MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 37 of 80...
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48k Frame signal is detected. Override is indicated by blinking display of 1 FS or 4 FS. ** If only one input is locked the setting is ignored and this input is used as clock source. page 38 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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The three horizontal bars of the segment display mark the values -30 dBFS, -18 dBFS and -6 dBFS. The decimal point indicates a signal different from digital zero. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 39 of 80...
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Values: F = fixed, output level fixed E = encoder, output level variable (follows the volume setting) * If the value is set to ‘E’ (= Encoder) the output will mute if the encoder is pressed twice. page 40 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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CHAPTER 4: Operation MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 41 of 80...
1 = mono E = Encoder C <x> A <x> 2 = stereo F = fixed Monitor Mode AES level 0 = level display off d <x> 1 = level display on Display MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 43 of 80...
2 x XLR connector (male) Line Out Requires connected DSUB-9 adaptor at the rear panel. 1 x XLR connector (male) AES Out Requires connected DSUB-9 adaptor at the rear panel. page 44 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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DSUB-9 to XLR adaptor Signal Line Out L male Line Out R male AES3 input female AES3 output male Pinout DSUB-9: See „Appendix A: Wiring AES I/O, Line Out“ on page 73. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 45 of 80...
AES I/O Connect delivered DSUB-9 adaptor LINE OUT here for XLR connection of AES I/O and Line Out. * empty cage, module not included in delivery See „Accessory“ on page 18. page 46 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
An integral USB port is used for firmware updates and remote control. USB 2.0 socket (Type B) Connect here for firmware updates and remote control. NOTE For USB control please read the guide “Installation USB control” . See: www.directout.eu MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 47 of 80...
• Firmware version 1.5 or higher NOTE The driver and installation instructions are available at www.directout.eu. All settings are stored inside the device. Presets can be stored and recalled for quick configuration changes. page 48 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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Click to access the settings of the device, the serial embedder and the MADI output format. Click MATRIX to access the routing matrix for individual assembling of the audio signal routing. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 49 of 80...
MADI link. To connect the device via USB: • Go to ‘Command’ and ‘Select Serial COM port’ • Click Connect or use the connect button page 50 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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See „Settings“ on page 55 for information about the serial embedder matrix. NOTE In case of a communication loss via MADI link you may reset the serial embedder matrix to regain access via the local USB port. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 51 of 80...
Pulldown menu to select scaling RANGE factor. SAMPLE Display of the base rate of the RATE device clock. For information about the parameters please refer to „CHAPTER 4: Operation“ on page 27 . page 52 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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Pulldown menu to select signal source for analog line output. Phones Pulldown menu to select signal source for headphones output. For information about the parameters please refer to „CHAPTER 4: Operation“ on page 27 . MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 53 of 80...
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Arrow keys to increase (UP) or decrease (DOWN) numeric selection. STEREO Checkbox to toggle between MODE stereo or mono mode. For information about the parameters please refer to „CHAPTER 4: Operation“ on page 27 . page 54 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
Pulldown menu to set the AES3 Levels output to a fixed level or to follow the encoder setting. * This setting may interfere with a connection method using the MADI link. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 55 of 80...
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Remote In / off In case of a communication loss via MADI link you may reset the serial embedder matrix to regain ac- cess via the local USB port - see page 51. page 56 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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USB UART Pulldown menu to select signal source of outgoing control data at the USB port. Values: SC / BNC / SFP / USB / Remote In Scheme Remote In BNC SFP MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 57 of 80...
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The MIDI matrix allows to distribute or route the embedded MIDI data between the three MADI I/Os. However, it does not embed an external MIDI signal into a MADI stream or deembed from an incoming MADI stream. page 58 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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MADI signals stick with the routed audio signal. Exception: Transparent Mode (AES) active is used - see page 55. Serial over MADI: user bit audio channel 1 to 9 MIDI over MADI: user bit audio channel 56 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 59 of 80...
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Checkbox to toggle the frame BNC Out format of the MADI output SFP Out signal between 48k Frame and 96k Frame 96k Frame.* * 96k Frame is available at 2 FS operation only. page 60 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
The routing matrix offers access to single channel level of each I/O. To use the adjusted routing select ‚Matrix‘ as audio source in the overview. Inputs are arranged vertically, outputs horizontally. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 61 of 80...
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= SC port BNC 33..64 channel 1 to 32 SFP 1..32 SC 33..64 = SC port SFP 33..64 channel 33 to 64 AES/LINE AES/LINE = AES3 port & LineOut & Phones channel 1/2 page 62 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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- output is set on the selected input page. crosspoint - output is set on a non- selected input page. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 63 of 80...
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Stores all settings in one file (.mbx). Load Restores all device settings Settings... except the routing matrix. Load Restores the setting of the routing Matrix... matrix only. Load all... Restores all settings including routing matrix. page 64 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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CHAPTER 5: MA2CHBOX Remote MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 65 of 80...
Never use objects for cleaning. No signal at Connections Check the connections the output (input / output) and change the cables if port. are mixed up. necessary. Check the routing matrix. page 66 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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Clicks in the Input source is Check the status of input LED audio signal. not in sync with and check clock setting of the clock master of connected device. the box. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 67 of 80...
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56 ch mode check the input signal. used. Display is No signal is Check input signal black. present and level meter during idle switch off level meter mode is enabled. (see page 42). page 68 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
To clean the device, use a soft, dry cloth. To protect the surface, avoid using cleaning agents. NOTE The device should be disconnected from the power supply during the cleaning process. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 69 of 80...
• Multi-Mode 62.5/125 or 50/125 MADI Port BNC coaxial • 2 x BNC socket (input / output) • Impedance: 75 Ω • 0.3 V up to 0.6 V (peak to peak) page 70 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
• for embedding / de-embedding of serial data, firmware updates and remote control • Serial UART (universal asynchronous receiver/ transmitter) • virtual COM-Port for Windows XP , Vista, 7 , 8, 10 page 72 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
Line Out L - Line Out R - AES RX - AES TX - Line Out L+ Line Out R+ NOTE ! The pinout does not comply with the adaptor delivered with MA2CHBOX.XT. MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 73 of 80...
Scaling Factor ....27 Environmental conditions 21, 70 Serial Embedder Routing ... 56 Reset ......51 SFP Modules ...... 19 Firmware ......25 Support ......66 First Aid ......11 Sync ........30 page 74 of 80 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2...
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Index Technical data ....70 Troubleshooting ....66 Updates ......12 USB control ....... 47 Warranty ......14 MA2CHBOX.XL Manual - Version 1.2 page 75 of 80...
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