I N T E R V I E W : KLAUS JANKUHN T E S T B E R I C H T : LYNX HILO T E S T B E R I C H T: MUTEC MC-3+ FACHZEITSCHRIFT FÜR PROFESSIONELLE AUDIOTECHNIK 2013 36. JAHRGANG · NR.
F R I T Z F E Y, P H O T O S : F R I E D E M A N N K O O T Z MUTEC MC-3+ SMART CLOCK Probably everyone knows that a clock signal is the A and O and by principle an inherent sound quality-determining factor for an intended operation of digital PCM systems which are applied to all rules of the theory. Nevertheless, there is much controversy about whether and how an external or internal clock can contribute to or improve the quality of an A/D and/or a D/A converter system, an aspect that is brought to bear.
For a very long time, the Berlin-based digital specialist Mutec has dedicated itself with its products to the production, conversion or distribution of digital audio and clock signals. Until today Mutec thereby avoided to foreground acoustical factors and rather delivered more technically ‘clean work’ at the current state of technology. This is fully intended as a compliment.
review exist for externally supplied clock references (WCLK or 10 MHz). The capture range covers 25 to 200 kHz, 10 MHz and both Super Clock frequencies. Finally, one can also use the MC-3+ as a ‘format converter’ for digital audio and clock signals. Among the possibilities are AES3/ AES11/S/P-DIF, WCLK/AES11 and 10M/ WCLK/AES11, each in any combination and direction. Operation To understand the menu structure, we take a look at the front panel.
to the factory setting. To this end, you keep the ‘Menu’ button pressed during the power up. Installation and Wiring It should be understood that for a functioning synchronization bond, all involved devices have to be connected carefully and with the shortest possible cable runs. For the transmission of Word Clock signals, unbalanced BNC cables with an impedance of 75 ohms are required. I found the hint in the manual that these cables are normally referred to as RG-59U or RG59B/U.
review figured out a very simple, clearly manageable, autarchic setup that consists of an AES signal as a source, an (due to reasons of fairness) unspecified D/A converter, and a Mutec MC-3+ Smart Clock.
Optimize the sound quality of your studio with our new MC-3+ Smart Clock. Extensive beta tests by experienced studio professionals show that particularly the re-clocking of an audio signal by means of the integrated innovative 1G-Clock technology clearly elaborates subtle signal details. The results are a significantly more accurate representation of individual instruments and an impressive, authentic spaciousness which add a clear transparency to your productions.
