Active
16 Channel Digital to Analog Converter D/A - DAC16
Benchmark audio converters have earned indelible trust and respect in critical audio environments. Benchmark's DAC1 family of converters have become the best selling 2-channel pro-audio D-to-A converters, and are very popular in mastering rooms. In keeping with this tradition, the DAC16 brings true mastering-quality conversion to multi-track environments.
ADC16
Music is a Beautiful thing...especially with the Benchmark ADC16
16 Channel 24-bit 192kHz A/D Audio Converter
Benchmark’s philosophy is very clear: digital converters should preserve all of the glorious nuances of the source so that the listener can simply engage with the music. Benchmark’s converters are world-renowned for fulfilling this mandate.
Benchmark’s ADC16 is, yet again, another successful actualization of this philosophy. With the ADC16, Benchmark’s storied sonic purity can span across an entire multi-track recording session. This 16-channel A/D converter conquers the digital demons that plague so many converters on the market.
The ADC16 delivers the industry’s ‘Benchmark’ for performance in a package that is simultaneously full-featured, functionally flexible, intuitive, aesthetically alluring, and surprisingly affordable.
The ADC16 has a slot for an optional Firewire card. With a Firewire connection to the computer, the ADC16 can operate as the sole interface to native DAW’s, including Pro Tools 9, without the need for any other hardware. Moreover, The ADC16 is completely compatible with the digital I/O interfaces of the Avid/Digidesign interfaces and other interfaces with AES, coaxial, and/or optical inputs.
The ADAT mode of the optical outputs makes the ADC16 a perfect companion for older Pro Tools LE interfaces, as well as other digital interfaces with ADAT and coaxial inputs, as it can fulfill the entire digital-input capability of the interface with state-of-the-art A/D performance.
This type of flexibility means the ADC16 can work perfectly with DAW setups from the past and the future.
The ADC16 features 16-channels of transformerless balanced analog inputs. The analog front-end continues Benchmark’s tradition of exceptionally pristine, award-winning analog circuitry – a 27 year legacy.
Each channel of analog input has a gain control (via a trim-pot) that has a 20 dB range. At 0 dB of gain, it can accept 28 dBu at the input without clipping. At max-gain, an 8 dB input-signal will drive the converters to full-scale.
The ADC16 features very fl exible I/O routing solutions. The control panel allows the user to dictate the source (A/D or DAW) for each of the AES, coaxial, and optical digital outputs. This is very useful when the ADC16 is used in a studio with an analog console. The digital audio from the A/D chips can be sent directly to the digital outputs to a multichannel D/A to feed the console – completely bypassing the DAW. This reduces latency and DAW artifacts in real-time monitoring.
The eight optical outputs on the ADC16 can be operated in SPDIF or ADAT mode at sample-rates up to 192 kHz (ADAT has SMUX2 and SMUX4 functionality).
The performance of the ADC16 never varies – another core philosophy of Benchmark products.
Benchmark’s new UltraLockDDS™ clock system utilizes the latest low-jitter clock technology developed for high-frequency RF communications systems. The master oscillator is a low phase-noise, temperature-compensated, fixed-frequency crystal oscillator with a +/- 2 PPM frequency accuracy. This oscillator drives a 500 MHz Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) system that generates a 3072 x WC system clock. This high-frequency clock is divided by 6 and distributed directly to the A/D converters using a high-speed PECL clock distribution chip. Each of the 8 converters are driven directly from a dedicated, matched-impedance transmission line.
Jitter attenuation is achieved with digital filters in a custom FPGA that controls the DDS system. All jitter-induced distortion artifacts are well below audibility under all operating conditions. Jitter-induced distortion is always at least 135 dB below the level of the music. The jitter-performance of UltralLockDDS™ meets or exceeds the performance of Benchmark’s UltraLock™ system, but does not use asynchronous sample rate conversion (ASRC). The elimination of the ASRC processing significantly reduces system latency and provides the most direct path from the A/D to the digital interface.
Benchmark’s UltraLockDDS™ system is frequency agile. It can lock to any sample rate between 28 kHz and 200 kHz, and it can do so in a few milliseconds. Special pull-up and pull-down sample rates for film to video transfers are no problem. Best of all, jitter is always attenuated to levels that are well below audibility. Jitter performance is identical in all modes of operation.
The ADC16 features 9-segment meters for each channel. These meters are single-sample accurate, so that even the shortest peaks are registered. The meters can be set to display in 6 dB increments (48 dB range) or 1 dB increments (20 dB range). In both cases, the meters can be put in ‘peak-hold’ mode, which will hold the highest-valued sample until the ‘peak-hold’ mode is reset.
PRE 420
4-Channel Mic-Pre/Mixer
A remarkable four-channel microphone preamplifier with an integrated stereo mix bus and stereo/mono solo bus in a sleek, 1RU chassis. The PRE420is designed for maximum transparency, wide bandwidth, low-noise, low-distortion, and superior RF immunity. It is well suited for the most demanding applications in studios and live venues.
Even high-end preamplifiers can mask subtle details because of intermodulation distortion, a symptom of RF interference and non-linear performance at ultra-sonic frequencies. This non-linearity causes inter-modulation distortion (IMD) components that fold down to audible frequencies.
Unlike harmonic distortion (THD), IMD produces distortion tones that are very un-natural and non-musical. IMD also masks and alters the subtle details of delicate high-frequency transients such as those produced by bells. Benchmark MPS series preamps have always had outstanding high-frequency performance as well as freedom from IMD. The PRE420 takes the Benchmark design one step further, and achieves the lowest IMD that we have ever measured in any microphone preamplifier - the innovative circuitry provides ultra-low distortion over a 500kHz bandwidth while maintaining RF-immunity in the most demanding environments.
MirrorPan's™ innovative mirrored-circuitry, from which the name is derived, eliminates the non-linear distortion caused by potentiometer wiper-current. The result is excellent channel seperation and remarkably accurate imaging. The center-detent position is factory calibrated for precise center-placement.
An elegant and completely unique feature set compliments the uncompromised sonic integrity of the PRE420.
A solo section allows monitoring of any channel or combination of channels (with switchable stereo/mono) via control room XLR outputs and the integrated HPA2™ - Benchmark's signature high-current, 0-Ohm headphone amplifier. The PRE420's main mix bus XLR outputs are monitored via a dual, variable intensity signal level meter and peak-warning indicator*.
Each of the four channels has an independent direct XLR output, a variable intensity signal level meter and peak-warning indicator*, and MirrorPan™ control. Each channel features a precisely matched 41-position first-stage gain control factory preset to a maximium gain of 60dB (internally adjustable up to 70dB for special applications).
The PRE420 is the next evolution of Benchmark's legendary MPS-420 microphone preamplifier. We have improved the performance while adding meters, a mix bus, a solo bus,and an internal power supply. The added features do not compromise the performance of the classic Benchmark design. In all respects, the PRE420 meets or exceeds the performance of the MPS series preamps.
The entire signal path of the PRE420 has a generously wide bandwidth: 500 kHz. This creates a significant demand for exceptional RF filtering and shielding – a demand Benchmark fulfills.
All signal paths in the PRE420 are aggressively protected from RF. For example, the multi-layer printed circuit board uses a special construction technique that creates a 3-dimensional shield surrounding all signal traces. Benchmark's innovative shielding and filtering techniques have given Benchmark mic-preamps a proven track record for exceptional performance in difficult, RF-intensive locations.
This RF-immunity is coupled with ultra-low distortion performance at high-frequencies, beyond that of most mic-preamps, giving your audio remarkable realism. With an amazingly low THD+N of 0.00024% (see specs), we encourage you to compare the PRE420's performance specifications and sonic performance with any other mic-preamp.
Each of the PRE420's four microphone inputs includes switches for +48V Phantom power, a 20dB pad, and a 40Hz high-pass filter.
The PRE420 achieves outstanding performance over a wide range of input levels. Gain is controlled by matched 41-detent pots and is adjustable over a range of 22dB to 60dB (without pad), or 2dB to 40dB (with pad enabled). The mix bus can provide an additional gain of up to 6 dB.
The PRE420 has a total of 8 XLR-type analog outputs: four direct outputs, two control room outputs, and two stereo outputs. All outputs feature low-distortion, high-current drivers that easily handle long cables and other less-than-ideal loads.
The PRE420 features an astonishingly low-noise stereo mix bus driven by Benchmark's proprietary MirrorPan™ circuitry to achieve precise, distortion-free, constant-power panning. The mix bus allows pristine direct-to-stereo recording from up to 4 microphones. The balanced stereo outputs are equipped with meters and a master level control.
The convenient flexibility of these unique features in no way compromises the pristine audio path. The PRE420's RF-immune, wide-bandwidth circuitry faithfully delivers stunningly high resolution to all direct, stereo, control room, and headphone outputs.
A rugged 1 RU enclosure includes an internal power supply that supports all international voltages and has generous margins for over-voltage and under-voltage conditions. It features a core-banded toroidal transformer in a shielded enclosure.
• Ultra-low noise/distortion: (THD+N @ 22dB Gain 10Hz-20kHz = 0.00027%)
• RF-immune, wide bandwidth (500kHz)
• Stereo mix bus & isolated stereo/mono solo bus
• MirrorPan™ - Benchmark's proprietary zero-distortion, constant-power panning technology
• 4 direct XLR outputs, 2 control room XLR outputs, & 2 stereo XLR outputs
• HPA2™ - Benchmark's signature high-current, 0-Ohm headphone amplifier with convenient, switchable mute control room output on headphone insertion.
• Adjustable peak warning indicator & variable intensity signal level meter on each channel & mix bus
• Independently switchable +48V phantom power, 40Hz switchable high-pass filter, & -20dB pad.
DAC1 USB
2 Channel 192-kHz 24-bit D/A Audio Converter
The DAC1 USB (USB DAC) is a reference-quality, 2-channel 192-kHz 24-bit digital-to-analog audio converter featuring Benchmark's Advanced USB Audio™ technology, UltraLock™ clock system, and HPA2™ headphone amplifier.
The DAC1 USB is a mastering-quality, 2-channel 192-kHz 24-bit digital-to-analog audio converter. For more then 10 years, engineers and audiophiles have come to rely on Benchmark for critical digital audio conversion. They consistently find themselves engaged in the music in a way that is rarely achieved with digital converters.
Benchmark has achieved unprecedented sonic purity in their converters through intelligent engineering, eliminating digital distortion artifacts, and maintaining a pristine analog delivery path. The DAC1 USB continues this tradition of excellence.
The pristine audio path of the award-winning Classic DAC1 has made it the 'Benchmark' of standalone D-to-A converters. The DAC1 USB preserves the exact topology of the audio path of the Classic DAC1, while adding some of the most frequently requested features.
The DAC1 and DAC1 USB both include Benchmark's jitter-immune UltraLock™ clock system and Benchmark's 0-ohm HPA2™ headphone amplifier. The DAC1 USB features Benchmarks AdvancedUSB technology to ensure bit-transparent, high-resolution playback directly from your computer. The DAC1 USB also includes a programmable mute function that automatically mutes the main outputs upon insertion of a headphone plug. Other features that are exclusive to the DAC1 USB include a programmable headphone gain range, an automatic 'Standby' feature, and a high-current output stage designed to drive even the most difficult loads.
Digital interconnect cables, electro-magnetic interference, and many other variables introduce jitter into the digital audio. Jitter presents a major problem to most D-to-A converters. Jitter is a type of clock error that, if not properly addressed, can cause the D-to-A to misfire. The result of these misfires is a non-musical, digital distortion.
Many modern (and expensive) converters suffer from severe jitter-induced distortion. Jitter is NOT a problem for the DAC1 and DAC1 USB, which achieve jitter immunity by utilizing the proprietary UltraLock™ clock-recovery system.
With the UltraLock™ clock-recovery system, the digital-to-analog conversion-clock in the DAC1 and DAC1 USB is totally isolated from the clock of the digital audio input. This clock-recovery topology outperforms even the most well-designed two-stage PLL designs. Using state-of-the-art Audio Precision testing equipment, no jitter-induced artifacts can be detected with the DAC1 or the DAC1 USB. Any signal that can be decoded by the USB or AES/EBU receivers will be reproduced without the addition of any measurable jitter artifacts. The bottom line is this: Benchmark converters will consistently and faithfully deliver truthful audio with no jitter-induced artifacts, no matter what variables are present.
The USB interface of the DAC1 USB features Benchmark's unique AdvancedUSB technology. This USB interface is completely bit-transparent. In other words, every sample of digital audio is transferred from the computer to the DAC1 USB without modification. The DAC1 USB is natively compatible with Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000 and Mac OS X. As a native device, there are no drivers or other invasive software required to install or configure. The DAC1 USB is a true plug-and-play DAC USB, and is designed to begin playback immediately after the unit is connected to a USB port for the first time.
Unlike previous native USB audio interfaces, Benchmark's AdvancedUSB Audio technology supports 24-bit audio at sample-rates up to 96 kHz. It is very important to have a 24-bit USB path, even for 16-bit playback, because certain computer-related functions can increase 16-bit audio to 24 bits. If a 16-bit USB DAC is used, 8 bits of every digital audio sample would be truncated. Truncating digital audio causes severe, non-musical digital distortion. Benchmark's AdvancedUSB interface ensures a full 24-bit digital audio path to avoid truncation distortion.
The DAC1 and DAC1 USB feature the HPA2™ - Benchmark's signature high-current, 0-Ohm headphone amplifier. The HPA2™ is arguably the ultimate reference headphone amplifier. It will deliver the full rated performance of the DAC1 and DAC1 USB to the headphones. The HPA2™ maintains less than 0.0003% THD+N under full load. The DAC1 and the DAC1 USB both have two 1/4" headphone jacks on the front panel. The performance of the HPA2™ remains consistent even when two headphones are being driven simultaneously.
DAC1 HDR
Stereo Pre-Amplifier
with Remote Control / DAC / Headphone Amp / USB
The DAC1 HDR is an all-in-one reference-quality stereo pre-amplifier. This stereo pre-amp brings together all the best features and performance of the award-winning DAC1 family with the convenience of an intelligent remote control solution. The DAC1 HDR combines some of Benchmark's finest engineering accomplishments into one device: the DAC1 digital-to-analog audio converter with UltraLock™ clock system, AdvancedUSB™ computer audio playback (USB DAC) interface, and the legendary HPA2™ headphone amplifier. The unique remote control solution of the DAC1 HDR is built around Benchmark's new HDR-VC™ (high dynamic range volume control).
Benchmark's product designs have achieved unprecedented sonic purity due to an uncompromising engineering philosophy: eliminate digital distortion artifacts, establish a pristine analog path, and maintain sonic integrity regardless of external factors. The DAC1 HDR continues this tradition of excellence.
The remote control solution of the DAC1 HDR has an intelligent implementation of dimming and muting. The 'Dim' (quiet) and 'Soft-Mute' settings of the remote control can be easily adjusted independent of the normal volume setting. The DAC1 HDR remembers and recalls your specified 'Dim' setting. This feature is ideal for HDTV users, as it allows you to set your preferred 'Dim' level for commercials, etc. The 'Soft-Mute' function fades down the volume to the 'Dim' level before muting and smoothly raises the volume to the normal level after unmuting. With a generous offering of inputs and outputs, the DAC1 HDR serves as the heart of expansive media and entertainment systems, optimizing the signal path from the various sources to the amplifier. The DAC1 HDR will enhance the audio performance of your digital television, digital cable box, DVD/CD player, computer, music/media server, satellite radio, and any other device with a digital audio output. Also, the HDR-VC™ will control the pristine path for an analog source, such as a phono stage, FM tuner, iPod, VCR, tape deck, etc.
All digital inputs on the DAC1 HDR (including the USB) feature Benchmark's jitter-immune UltraLock™ clock system. The USB interface operates with Benchmark's AdvancedUSB™ native 24-bit, 96-kHz USB technology. The DAC1 HDR features a high-current output stage designed to drive even the most difficult loads. Other features include selectable headphone gain ranges and an auto-mute function for muting the main outputs when headphones are being used.
HDR-VC™ High Dynamic Range Volume ControlThe DAC1 HDR features Benchmark's HDR-VC™ (High Dynamic Range Volume Control). The HDR-VC™ is achieved with a custom-built motorized Alps potentiometer. The DAC1 HDR's motor-driven volume control maintains the dynamic range of the converter and audio output. In contrast, digital volume controls reduce dynamic range, and analog volume IC's introduce distortion and noise.
The acclaimed DAC1 D-to-A conversion systemRecording studios, mastering engineers and audiophiles have grown to rely on Benchmark for critical digital audio conversion for more than 10 years. The superior performance of the award-winning DAC1 has made it the 'Benchmark' of D-to-A converters. With the DAC1 HDR, this built-in state-of-the-art converter will improve the sonic performance of your digital audio sources, including your computer.
Jitter-Immune UltraLock™ Clock SystemBenchmark's proprietary UltraLock clock system achieves an unprecedented immunity to jitter. Many modern (and expensive) converters suffer from significant jitter-induced distortion, generating non-musical sideband tones and digital distortion. Benchmark's highly-regarded UltraLock™ clock system ensures that jitter is never a problem, even under extreme conditions.
Even in the presence of extremely high input jitter, no jitter-induced artifacts can be detected on the outputs of the DAC1 HDR (using state-of-the-art testing equipment by Audio Precision). UltraLock™ will block more then 12.5 UI of jitter (@ 1 kHz). The UltraLock™ clock system easily outperforms even the best-designed two-stage PLL designs.
The bottom line is this: Benchmark converters will consistently and faithfully deliver truthful audio without jitter-induced artifacts, no matter what variables are present.
AdvancedUSB™ Audio TechnologyThe USB interface of the DAC1 HDR operates with Benchmark's unique AdvancedUSB™ technology. Unlike many USB-equipped D/A converters, Benchmark's AdvancedUSB™technology supports 24-bit audio at sample rates up to 96 kHz without the installation of any drivers or other special software. Benchmark's UltraLock™ clock system isolates the converter from the high levels of jitter that are found on USB interfaces. The DAC1 HDR achieves transparent, audiophile-quality playback through a true plug-and-play solution.
Audio streamed via USB is subject to significant amounts of jitter. The AdvancedUSB™ interface utilizes the UltraLock™ clock system. Consequently, the performance of the USB input is equal to the performance of the other inputs, regardless of the jitter present.
The DAC1 HDR is natively compatible with Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000 and Mac OS X. As a native device, there are no drivers or other software required to install or configure.
HPA2™ Headphone AmplifierThe DAC1 HDR includes the HPA2™ - Benchmark's signature high-current, 0-Ohm headphone amplifier. The HPA2™ is the ultimate reference headphone amplifier. It will deliver the full rated performance of the DAC1 to the headphones. The HPA2™ maintains less than 0.0003% THD+N under a full load from two sets of headphones. The DAC1 HDR has two 1/4" headphone jacks on the front panel.
DAC1 Overview
DAC1 - An Award Winning Classic
2 Channel 192-kHz 24-bit D/A Audio Converter
The DAC1 is a reference-quality, 2-channel 192-kHz 24-bit audio digital-to-analog converter featuring Benchmark’s UltraLock™ technology. The DAC1 is designed for maximum transparency and is well suited for critical playback in studio control rooms and in mastering rooms. A compact and rugged enclosure makes the DAC1 an excellent choice for location recording, broadcast facilities, and mobile trucks. The internal power supply supports all international voltages and has generous margins for over and under voltage conditions. Two ¼” headphone jacks are driven with Benchmark’s new HPA2™ headphone amplifier. The HPA2™ is a high-current amplifier that is capable of driving a wide variety of headphone loads while achieving less than 0.0003% distortion under load. The gain control sets the output level of the headphone jacks. It can also be used to control the output level of the balanced XLR and unbalanced RCA analog outputs. A rear-panel switch selects Variable or Calibrated output levels.
MPA 1
2-Channel Mic-Pre
The MPA1 is a 2-channel microphone preamplifier designed and manufactured by Benchmark Media Systems, Inc. The MPA1 is meticulously designed to Benchmark standards of transparency, ultra-low distortion, and ultra-low noise performance - making the MPA1 a perfect choice for stereo pairs, ribbon mics, and any other application where purity is the goal.
Pristine Input StageThe input stage of the MPA1 is designed with high-voltage headroom (+29 dBu) and single-stage gain control to maximize signal-to-noise ratio. The MPA1 maintains superb noise performance across the entire gain range (74 dB) by utilizing precision-matched, low-noise, transistor quad-arrays. A servo-controlled circuit minimizes DC-offset and maximizes headroom.
Complete Low Frequency ResponseThe MPA1 exhibits exceptional low-frequency performance with a clever dual-capacitor AC-coupling design. This dual-capacitor design defeats the limitations of single-capacitor AC-coupling designs, achieving an exceptionally low corner-frequency with excellent subsonic phase-accuracy.
Innovative Stepped-Resistor Gain ControlThe gain control of the MPA1 is completely unique. The gain is controlled via a 38-position, switched resistor ladder, set up in a continuously rotating orientation via relay control. This gain control circuit offers 2 dB per step, 0-74 dB of gain without attenuation, and inter-channel gain precision of +/- 0.03 dB. A make-beforebreak scheme creates a silent switching circuit.
Elegant Phantom Power ProtectionThe transistor stage is protected from phantom power surges with an ultra-fast, multi-stage protection circuit. This circuit utilizes the high-speed capabilities of low-capacitance Schotky diodes and the high-current capabilities of TVS diodes to absorb the phantom power surges caused by shorts and plugging/unplugging microphones with +48V on. This circuit is pre-biased so that it is isolated from the circuit in normal operation and activated when a surge occurs.
DAC1 PRE
DAC1 PRE - Listen and the Music will Engage You
Stereo Pre-Amplifier / DAC / Headphone Amp
The DAC1 PRE is a reference-quality stereo pre-amplifier, headphone amplifier, and computer audio playback device (USB DAC), incorporating the 24-bit, 192-kHz DAC1 digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) system. With the DAC1 PRE, the music engages the listener breath-taking realism.
The DAC1 PRE is the culmination of years of high-precision analog and digital audio circuit design. Benchmark has achieved unprecedented sonic purity in their audio systems through an intelligent engineering philosophy - establish a pristine analog delivery path and eliminate digital distortion artifacts. The DAC1 PRE continues this tradition of excellence.
With six stereo inputs and four stereo analog outputs, the DAC1 PRE anchors expansive media systems and provides a pristine audio path from source to amplifier. The six stereo inputs include an analog input, a USB computer input, an optical input, and three coaxial digital inputs. The output section includes stereo XLR balanced, RCA unbalanced, and two headphone jacks driven by Benchmark's HPA2 ™ 0-ohm headphone amplifier.
The acclaimed DAC1 D-to-A conversion systemEngineers and audiophiles have grown to rely on Benchmark for critical digital audio conversion for more then 10 years. They are consistently finding themselves engaged in the music when using Benchmark digital analog converters - engaged in a way that is rarely achieved with digital converters.
The superior performance of the award-winning DAC1 has made it the 'Benchmark' of D-to-A converters. The DAC1 PRE gracefully merges the DAC1 conversion system with elegant analog circuitry, Benchmark's HPA2™ 0-ohm headphone amplifier, and essential features and functions.
Jitter-Immune UltraLock™ Clock SystemBenchmark’s proprietary UltraLock™ clock system achieves an unprecedented immunity to jitter. Many modern (and expensive) converters suffer from significant jitter-induced distortion. If jitter is not effectively addressed, a converter will generate non-musical sideband tones and digital distortion. Benchmark’s highly-regarded UltraLock™ clock system ensures that jitter is never a problem, even under extreme conditions.
Even in the presence of extremely high input jitter, no jitter-induced artifacts can be detected on the outputs of the DAC1 PRE (using state-of-the-art testing equipment by Audio Precision). UltraLock™ will block more then 12.5 UI of jitter (@ 1 kHz). With the UltraLock ™ clock system, the D/A conversion-clock in the DAC1 PRE is totally isolated from the clock of the digital audio source. The UltraLock ™ clock system easily outperforms most well-designed two-stage PLL designs.
The bottom line is this: Benchmark converters will consistently and faithfully deliver truthful audio without jitter-induced artifacts, no matter what variables are present.
AdvancedUSB™ Audio TechnologyThe USB interface of the DAC1 PRE operates with Benchmark’s unique AdvancedUSB™ technology. Unlike many USB equipped D/A converters, Benchmark's AdvancedUSB™ technology supports 24-bit audio at sample rates up to 96 kHz without the installation of any drivers or other special software. Benchmark’s UltraLock™ clock system isolates the converter from the high levels of jitter that are found on USB interfaces. AdvancedUSB™ responds automatically to sample-rate changes to bypass the operating system’s sample-rate conversion. The DAC1 PRE achieves transparent, audiophile-quality playback through a true plug-and-play USB DAC.
It is very important to have a 24-bit USB path, even for 16-bit playback, because digital volume controls and other DSP function s can increase 16-bit audio to 24 bits. If a 16-bit USB DAC is used, up to 8 bits of each digital audio sample will be truncated resulting in significant, non-musical digital distortion at audible levels.
Audio streamed via USB is subject to significant amounts of jitter. The AdvancedUSB™ interface utilizes the UltraLock™ clock system. Consequently, the performance of the USB input is equal to the performance of the other inputs, regardless of the jitter present. The DAC1 PRE is natively compatible with Windows 7/Vista/XP/2000 and Mac OS X. As a native device, there are no drivers or other software required to install or configure.
HPA2™ Headphone AmplifierThe DAC1 PRE includes the HPA2™ - Benchmark's signature high-current, 0-Ohm headphone amplifier. The HPA2™ is arguably the ultimate reference headphone amplifier. It will deliver the full rated performance of the DAC1 to the headphones. The HPA2™ maintains less than 0.0003% THD+N under a full load from two sets of headphones. The DAC1 PRE has two 1/4" headphone jacks on the front panel.
Mic-Pre PS2000M Power Supply
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The PS2000 has been designed as: a replacement for the PS-10B used with the MPS-400 and 420 microphone preamplifier systems. In addition, it is an external power supply for the MicroFrame™ system when using MP-1 Microphone preamplifiers.  Copyright © Benchmark Media Systems
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