SPL 3 DAC Headphone Amplifier Monitoring Controller User Guide

SPL 3 DAC Headphone Amplifier Monitoring Controller

Product Information

The Phonitor DAC is a versatile device that functions as a headphone amplifier, monitoring controller, and DAC (Digital-to-Analog Converter). It is equipped with 120V technology, ensuring high-quality audio performance. For more information, visit spl.audio.

Product Usage Instructions

Getting started:

• Read the safety instructions starting on page 11 of the user manual.
• Ensure that the mains voltage of the Phonitor 3 DAC matches the voltage of your region.
• Check that the fuse has the correct value for the selected voltage (refer to specifications on page 8).
• Make sure the power switch on the back of the Phonitor 3 DAC is in the off position (O).
• Connect the supplied power cord to the power connector of the Phonitor 3 DAC and to a power outlet.
• If the supplied power cord does not match your mains socket outlet, contact your dealer.
• Switch off all devices that will be connected to the Phonitor 3 DAC.
• Connect the outputs of your analog sources to the analog inputs of the Phonitor 3 DAC using appropriate audio cables (XLR). Note that audio cables are not included.
• Connect the outputs of your digital sources (e.g., Mac or PC, CD player) to the digital inputs of the Phonitor 3 DAC using appropriate digital audio cables (USB, S/PDIF coaxial, S/PDIF optical, AES/EBU).
• Connect audio cables between the Phonitor 3 DAC and amplifiers or active monitors using XLR connections. Note that audio cables are not included.
• Connect headphones to the headphone outputs of the Phonitor 3 DAC.
• Warning: Never connect a mono jack to the stereo headphone jack. Ensure that the plug is fully inserted to avoid a short circuit that could damage the amplifiers.

Power on:

• Switch on the power switch on the rear panel of the Phonitor 3 DAC (I).
• The VU meters will light up.

Power off:

• Switch off the power switch on the rear panel of the Phonitor 3 DAC (O).
• The VU meters will no longer light up.

Source selection:

Use the Source switch to select an analog or digital input source.

Phonitor Matrix settings:

• The Phonitor Matrix creates a speaker-like listening experience on headphones by mixing the left and right signals, each delayed (interaural time difference) and attenuated (interaural level difference) to the corresponding opposite side.
• With the Matrix switch you can activate the Phonitor Matrix with the Center function (All) or without (Cr/A). In the Off position, the Phonitor Matrix is deactivated.

Crossfeed:

Adjust the interaural level difference using the Crossfeed switch. This level difference simulates the influence of different room sizes and their reflection and absorption characteristics. The interaural level difference is frequency-corrected to account for non-linear sound reflection and absorption by the head. With the Crossfeed switch you can adjust the interaural level difference. The level difference is comparable to the influence of different room sizes and their reflection and absorption characteristics. The interaural level difference is frequency-cor-rected because the sound is reflected and absorbed by the head in a non-linear fashion.

Angle:

Adjust the interaural time difference using the Angle switch. This time difference is related to the placement of the speakers. The interaural time difference is frequency-corrected to account for non-linear sound reflection and absorption by the head. With the Angle switch you adjust the interaural time difference which is related to the placement of the speakers. The inter- aural time difference is frequency-corrected because the sound is reflected and absorbed by the head in a non-linear fashion.

Center:

• When the Matrix switch is set to All, you can control the intensity of the center signal using the Center switch.
• If the stereo width is narrowed through changes in Crossfeed and Angle to match your loudspeaker setup, the phantom center may sound too intense while mixing on headphones.
• To counteract this, you can lower the center signals in the mix.
• Note that when listening to the mix on loudspeakers, the phantom center may appear quieter.
• You normally would counteract by lowering the center signals in the mix. However, listening to that mix on loudspea-kers the phantom center appears to quiet.
• Attenuating the center allows the center signal to be adjusted back to the appropriate ratio of volume in relation to the stereo signal when mixing on headphones, so that the phantom center gains the correct volume in relation to the stereo signal during speaker playback.

Mono/Stereo

• By using the Stereo switch you can switch the audio signal to Stereo, Stereo with Laterality control and Mono. In Monomode, both stereo channels are summed.
• The mono signal maintains the same loudness, because both stereo channels are each reduced by 6 dB.

Solo

• With the Solo switch you can monitor the left or right channel of the stereo signal individually. In Off position you hear the stereo signal. Set the Solo switch in position L to hear only the left channel and in position R to hear only the right channel.
• With Solo activated you hear the selected channel only on the respective side – this is called “Solo-in-Place”. However, if you like to hear the selected channel on both sides set the stereo switch to mono. This allows you to immediately detect, for example, whether the mid and high frequencies are similar.

Phase Ø

• With the phase inversion switch the phase the of the left or right channel can be inverted (180°).
• TIP: By using the mono/stereo and L/R phase inversion switch in combination, it is also possible to only monitor the center or side signal (M/S). When the switch is set to “Mono” and phase inversion is active for L (or R), only the side signal is played back. If the phase inversion is switched off, the mono signal corresponding to the “M” signal is played back.

Laterality

• Laterality refers to the deviation of sound perception to either side of the ears. With the Laterality control you can compen-sate perceived volume differences between channels that may be due to a hearing impairment. This control differs from conventional balance controls. If one channel is attenuated, the other one is increased at the same time.
• This means that, e.g. when hard left, the level of the left channel increases by 2.25 dB while the right channel is attenuated by 2.25 dB. This control has a narrower range than conventional balance controls. Its resolution is very fine, which means it can be peciseley adjusted.

Set the Stereo switch to Laterality to control the laterality.

L/R Swap
This function inverts the stereo image. Left becomes right and right becomes left.
This is especially important and extremely time-saving, when you are monitoring samples in video dubbing that should match a scene with direction of movement. If the direction is not correct, you usually have to load the sample into the DAW to switch channels. before you can judge whether the sample matches the image. With the L/R Swap function, this is no longer necessary. You can now adjust the direction of movement on the Phonitor 3 DAC while pre-listening the sample library.

Output selection

• The Output switch allows you to route the selected source signal to the desired output – headphones or speakers (XLR audio outputs on the rear panel).
• In the center position (Mute), no signal reaches the outputs.
• The VU meters light up red.

VU Meters
The VU meters display the input levels for the selected source. The meter indicates levels from -20 dB to +5 dB.
0 dB corresponds to +4 dBu.
The ballistics of the VU meters guarantee an optimal visual perception. The time calibration of the VU meters complies with the requirements of the BBC.
The rise time up to 0 dB is about 300 ms.

VU Cal
With the VU Cal switch you can lower the sensitivity of the VU meters by 6 dB or 12 dB. This way the display range can be adapted to higher input levels.

DIP switch

With the DIP switches on the rear of the device, the following basic settings can be chosen:

• DIP switch 1: ON = Headphone output is increased by +12 dB.

• DIP switch 2: ON = Preamp Out with Phonitor Matrix
  The Phonitor Matrix is activated for the XLR outputs Preamp Out.

• DIP switch 3: ON = Preamp Out becomes Direct Out (without volume control)
  The selected input signal is fed to the XLR output without chan-ging the volume or other parameters (except phase inversion).

• DIP switch 4 : ON = Direct Out with Phonitor Matrix
  The Phonitor Matrix is activated for the Direct Out XLR outputs.

Specifications

Analog inputs & outputs; XLR (balanced)

• Maximaler Ein- und Ausgangspegel 32.5 dBu
• Input impedance (XLR) 22 kΩ
• Output impedance (XLR) 75 kΩ
• Common mode rejection (1 kHz) -82 dB
• Frequency range 10 Hz – 100 kHz
• THD + N (0 dBu, 1 kHz) 0.0009 %
• Noise (A-weighted) -102 dBu
• Crosstalk (1 kHz) -95 dB
• Dynamic range 134.5 dB

Digital inputs: DAC768 (optional)

• AES/EBU (XLR), PCM sample rate: 44,1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz
• Coaxial SPDIF (Cinch), PCM sample rate: 44,1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192 kHz
• Optic SPDIF (Toslink F06), PCM sample rate: 44,1/48/88.2/96/mit Glasfaser < 1m: 176.4/192 kHz
• USB (B), PCM sample rate: 44,1/48/88.2/96/176.4/192/352.8/384/705.6/768 kHz
• USB (B), DSD over PCM (DoP), sample rate: 2.8 (DSD64), 5.6 (DSD128), 11.2 (DSD256) MHz
• 0 dBfs calibrated to 15 dBu

Standard Headphones Output, 6.35 mm (1/4″) TRS Jack

• Wiring Spitze = links, Ring = rechts, Schaft = GND
• Source impedance 0.18 Ω
• Damping factor (40 Ω) 180
• Frequency range 10 Hz – 100 kHz
• Crosstalk (1 kHz) -91 dB
• THD + N (1 kHz, 0 dBu) 0.0003 %
• Noise (A-weighted) -102 dBu
• Output power (1 kHz, 1% THD, 250 Ω) 2 x 5 W
• Output power (1 kHz, 1% THD, 32 Ω) 2 x 1 W
• Dynamic range 134.5 dB

Internal Linear Power Supply with Shielded Toroidal Transformer

• Operating voltage for analog audio +/- 60 V
• Operating voltage for relays and LEDs + 12 V

Mains Power Supply

• Mains voltage (selectable, see fuse chamber) 230 V AC / 50; 115 V AC / 60 Hz
• Fuse for 230 V T 0.5 A
• Fuse for 115 V T 1 A
• Power consumption max. 40 VA

Dimensions & Weight

• W x H x D (width x height incl. feet x depth)
  • 278 x 100 x 300 mm
  • 11 x 4 x 11.78 inch
• Unit weight
  • 4.15 kg
  • 9.15 lbs
• Shipping weight (incl. packaging)
  • 5.5 kg
  • 11.9 lbs

Reference: 0 dBu = 0.775V. All specifications are subject to change without notice.

Security Advices

Before starting up the device:

• Read thoroughly and follow the security advices.
• Read thoroughly and follow the Quickstart.
• Observe all warning instructions on the device.
• Please keep the user manual as well as the security advices in a safe place for future reference.

Warning

• Always follow the security advices listed below to avoid serious injuries or even deadly accidents due to electric shocks, short circuit, fire or other dangers. The following are examples of such risks and do not represent an exhaustive list:

• Power supply/Power cord

  • Do not place the power cord near heat sources such as heaters or radiators and do not excessively bend or otherwise damage the cord, do not place heavy objects on it, or place it in a position where anyone could walk on, trip over, or roll anything over it.
  • Only use the voltage indicated on the device.
  • Only use the supplied power cord/plug.
  • If you intend to use the device in an area other than in the one you purchased it, the included power cord may not be compatible. In this case please contact your dealer.
  • Be sure to connect the device to an appropriate mains socket outlet with a protective grounding connection. Improper grounding can cause electrical shock.

• Do not open
  This device contains no user-serviceable parts. Do not open the device or attempt to disassemble the internal parts or modify them in any way. If it should appear to be malfunctioning, turn off the power immediately, unplug the power cord from the mains socket outlet and have it inspected by a qualified professional.

• Water warning

  • Do not expose the device to rain, or use it near water or in damp or wet conditions, or place anything on it (such as vases, bottles or glasses) containing liquids which might spill into any openings. If any liquid such as water seeps into the device, turn off the power immedi-ately and unplug the power cord from the mains socket outlet. Then have the device inspected by a qualified professional.
  • Never insert or remove an electric plug with wet hands.

• Fire warning

  • Do not put burning items, such as candles, on the unit. A burning item may fall over and cause a fire.

• Lightning

  • Before thunderstorms or other severe weather, discon-nect the device from the mains socket outlet; do not do this during a storm in order to avoid life threatening lightning strikes. Similarly, disconnect all the power connections of other devices, antenna and phone/network cables which may be interconnected so that no damage results from such secondary connections.

• If you notice any abnormality
  When one of the following problems occur, immediately turn off the power switch and disconnect the electric plug from the mains socket outlet. Then have the device inspected by a qualified professional.

  • The power cord or plug gets frayed or damaged.
  • The device emits unusual smells or smoke.
  • An object has fallen into the unit.
  • There is a sudden loss of sound during the use of the the device.

Caution

• Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of physical injury to you or others, or damage to the device or other property. These precautions include, but are not limited to, the following:
• Power supply/Power cord
  • When removing the electric plug from the device or an mains socket outlet, always pull on the plug itself and not the cord. Pulling the cord may damage it.
  • Unplug the device from the mains socket outlet when the device is not used for a while.
• Location
  • Do not place the device in an unstable position where it might accidentally fall over.
  • Do not block the vents. This device has ventilation holes to prevent the internal temperature from rising too high. In particular, do not place the device on its side or upside down. Inadequate ventilation can result in overheating, possibly causing damage to the device or even fire.
  • Do not place the device in a location where it may come into contact with corrosive gases or salty air. This may result in malfunction.
  • Before moving the device, remove all connected cables. When setting up the device, make sure that the mains socket outlet you are using is easily accessible. If some trouble or malfunction occurs, immediately turn off the power switch and disconnect the plug from the mains socket outlet. Even when the power switch is turned off, electricity is still
  • flowing to the product at a minimum rate. When you are not using the device for a long time, make sure to unplug the power cord from the wall mains socket outlet.
• Connections
  • Before connecting the device to other devices, power down all devices. Before power on or off the devices, set all volume levels to minimum.
  • Only use appropriate cables to connect the device with other devices. Make sure that the cables you use are intact and comply with the electrical specifications of the connection. Other connections can lead to health risks and damage the equipment.
• Handling
  • Operate the controls and switches only as described in the manual. Incorrect adjustments outside safe para-meters can lead to damage. Never use excessive force on the switches or controls.
  • Do not insert your fingers or hands in any gaps or open-ings of the device.
  • Avoid inserting or dropping foreign objects (paper, plastic, metal, etc.) into any gaps or openings of the device. If this happens, power down immediately and unplug the power cord from the mains socket outlet. Then have the device inspected by a qualified profes-sional.
  • Do not expose the device to excessive dust or vibrations or extreme cold or heat (such as direct sunlight, near a heater or in a car during the day) to prevent the possi-bility of causing damage to the housing, the internal components or unstable operation.
  • If the ambient temperature of the device suddenly changes, condensation can occur (if for example the device is relocated or is affected by a heater or air condi-tioning).
  • Using the device while condensation is present may result in malfunction. Do not power on the device for a few hours until the condensation is gone. Only then it is safe to power on.
• Cleaning
  • Disconnect the device from your mains socket outlet before cleaning.
  • Do not use any solvents, as these can damage the chassis finish. Use a dry cloth, if necessary, with an acid-free cleaning oil.

Disclaimer

• Windows® is a registered trademark of Microsoft® Corporation in the United States and other countries. Apple, Mac and Macintosh are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.
• The company names and product names in this manual are the trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
• SPL and the SPL Logo are registered trademarks of SPL electronics GmbH.
• SPL cannot be held responsible for damage caused by improper use or modification of the device or data that is lost or destroyed.

Notes on Environmental Protection

At the end of its operating life, this product must not be disposed with regular household waste but must be returned to a collection point for the recycling of electrical and elec-tronic equipment.

The wheelie bin symbol on the product, user manual and packaging indicates that.
For proper treatment, recovery and recycling of old products, please take them to applicable collection points in accordance with your national legislation and the Directives 2012/19/EU.
The materials can be reused in accordance with their markings. Through reuse, recycling of raw materials, or other forms of recycling of old products, you are making an important contribution to the protection of our envi-ronment.
Your local administrative office can advise you of the responsible waste disposal point.
This directive only applies to countries inside the EU. If you wish to discard devices outside the EU, please contact your local authorities or dealer and ask for the correct method of disposal.
WEEE-Reg-No.: 973 349 88

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