The DIY'rs Cookbook

[Soundsgoodtome]

johnjen Just want to make sure your dante virtual soundcard is on when you're trying the updates. I had the same issue.

Also if the update fails, it helped to reboot the pc to try again. Give it a go on the update with the DVS started.

 

[Soundsgoodtome]

Also got off the phone with Focusrite Rednet specialist and it seems the optical out won't be compatible with our spdif dacs as it outputs in multichannel adat format.

For multi-output work, you'll need the AES/EBU breakout cable which will do 4 additional outputs.

 

[johnjen]

Also got off the phone with Focusrite Rednet specialist and it seems the optical out won't be compatible with our spdif dacs as it outputs in multichannel adat format.

For multi-output work, you'll need the AES/EBU breakout cable which will do 4 additional outputs.

Well that sucks, I guess…
 
The thing is with the 2nd firmware update incomplete I can't even control the RN3 enough to switch between the AES or SPDIF outs.
 
And yes I have the DVS installed and available in Media Center.
In fact I tried it both ways, with DVS installed and before it was installed, with the same results in either case.
And I have re-booted everything multiple times as well.
 
So if the toslink adat outputs won't work for our dacs that limits us to AES and SPDIF.
Which I can confirm since my PWD indicates that it can't establish a connection to the RN3, even though the cable has red light coming out of it.
 
And I have the latest quote for an AES single channel (stereo output) breakout cable, 
$65.66 using Mogami W3080 cable and Neutrik Hi Freq rated XLR connectors.
I figure If I need to add a 2nd or even 3rd channel it will be easy to do so in the future.
 
I'll be ordering one up soon, or I might just go cheap and order up the parts and assemble it myself.
It's not exactly rocket surgery, er no, brain science, er sumpt'n like that.

 
But first I need to snag a spdif cable (since my toslink won't work) just to start using this RedNet box.
Of course I'll need to finish the firmware upgrade before anything else.
 
Work'n it…
And this just in,
Focusrite is asking for more screen shots…
 
JJ

 

[Soundsgoodtome]

So what was the outcome? Did you get it going?

 

[johnjen]

Also got off the phone with Focusrite Rednet specialist and it seems the optical out won't be compatible with our spdif dacs as it outputs in multichannel adat format.

For multi-output work, you'll need the AES/EBU breakout cable which will do 4 additional outputs.

So are there ADAT to optical SPDIF converters?
 
Hmm…  Searching, Searching, Searching…
Not finding much but a Mutec MC-4 with a (.5ppm vs .1ppm for the MC-3+) master clock…
 
I wonder if it would be worth the effort to try this vs the MC-3+
 
JJ

 

[Soundsgoodtome]

The mc-3+ usb (not just standard mc-3+) has much better reclock capabilities over the previous models. It's kind of shady that despite the similar name and idea that the usb version is just the same model with USB it's actually more like the next gen unit with much better performance. Mc3 + usb is better than stacking 2-3 mc-3+

As for adat converters, the signal will need processing and may add jitter which defeats the purpose of implementing Ethernet (just a guess).

 

[johnjen]

So what was the outcome? Did you get it going?

No not yet.  The help is based out of England and the time difference is working against me.
 
And unless this is a 'known issue' (which doesn't seem to be the case thus far) my guess is I may be sending the RN3 in for repair.
I hope not, but that would be faster than a s/w fix in any case (if that would solve this issue).
 
But it probably won't be until Monday before Focusrite contacts me next.
 
Bummer…
 
JJ

 

[johnjen]

The mc-3+ usb (not just standard mc-3+) has much better reclock capabilities over the previous models. It's kind of shady that despite the similar name and idea that the usb version is just the same model with USB it's actually more like the next gen unit with much better performance. Mc3 + usb is better than stacking 2-3 mc-3+

As for adat converters, the signal will need processing and may add jitter which defeats the purpose of implementing Ethernet (just a guess).

Reading Mutec's specs for both the 3+ and 3+USB they have the same jitter ratings (0.1ppm).
Perhaps they are getting ready to upgrade the 3+.
Curious.
 
Yeah adding more jitter due to a poor converter would be a step backwards.
 
And NOW it seems as though the RN3 is working.
Even though the 2nd firmware update hasn't been installed yet.
 
All of the front panel lights indicate data streams are working.
 
Perhaps it was my lack of proper setup or I just fussed with it long enough to nudge it to work.
 
Now all I need is a SPDIF cable to make sure.
I was hoping on using the TOSLINK cable but that went down in flames.
 
Perhaps Curbfeeler has one I can borrow…
 
JJ

 

[Soundsgoodtome]

In regards to the mutec, the wording is carefully tucked into the description on their webpage. It's a one sentence and that was all they wrote type sneaker-y, the guys over at computer audiophile found it and it was also mentioned in the aes67 thread here.

 

[Soundsgoodtome]

"The next Generation in Clocking Technology

The world-renowned 1G-Clock technology that we introduced with the popular MC-3+ Smart Clock by MUTEC has been setting new standards for the generation of nearly jitter-free clock signals. Our engineers have derived a reference clock rate for our DDS (direct digital synthesis) process through extensive lab testing, which reduces jitter and noise artifacts present in all other DDS algorithms to their absolute minimum. Building on these fundamentals, we were able to further improve clocking algorithms in the MC-3+USB based on our 1G-Clock technology. The reduction of power supply noise has been taken to yet another level by employing the latest cutting-edge components. All of these measures combined yield an additional, clearly audible improvement in transparency, spatiality, and musicality of the re-clocked audio as our distinguished beta-testers can attest."

 

[atomicbob]

@Soundsgoodtome  If the difference had been more clear, I would have opted for the MC-3+ USB instead of the MC-3+. But I didn't plan on using the USB and thought that was the only difference.
 
@johnjen  Did you ever get the firmware updates hang resolved? My D16 keeps wanting a firmware update that hangs after a few bars. Gave it 30 minutes and noticed no activity found through task manager so I've killed it every time. Device works just fine so I have this annoying update request at each startup which I cancel until the solution for successful update is learned.
 
I'm dropping out of the XMOS thread. Too much activity. I may check the AOIP thread now that I know it exists but I'm inclined to wait and hear the filtered information from you two. (edit - potentially inflammatory statements removed)

 

[jelt2359]

Followed Bob over here, because it's his comments I'm most keen on re: the comparison he's making. Bob, is this the other thread that you were referring to?

 

[atomicbob]

Followed Bob over here, because it's his comments I'm most keen on re: the comparison he's making. Bob, is this the other thread that you were referring to?

The thread to which I referred is:
http://www.head-fi.org/t/806827/audio-over-ip-the-coming-wave-the-aes67-and-avb-ethernet-protocols-usher-in-a-new-age-of-computer-audio
Same OP as the XMOS thread and contains useful information.
 
This thread was started by @johnjen, who also has a bit of listening experience and also explores / chases topics related to perceptions of sound quality.

 

[atomicbob]

 
Now all I need is a SPDIF cable to make sure.
 
JJ

You need a SPDIF cable? I have many in my lab. They are BNC to BNC Canare 75 ohm high end video cable with 75 ohm BNC to RCA adapters at each end. Let me know the length and I'll get you one. 

 

[atomicbob]

Here is a screenshot for the setup I am using to split a single zone from JRMC to two ASIO drivers for USB and EN output: