uDAC Harmony Analog Conversion Circuit
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Specifications
- Model: Laiv Audio
- LED Display: Up to five characters
- Input Sources: USB, I2S, OPTICAL, COAXIAL
- Impulse Response: NOS, OS
- Remote Control: FN1, FN2 function keys
- Display Brightness Levels: Low, Medium, High
- Display Delay Settings: 5s, 10s, 20s, Never
Product Usage Instructions
1. Getting Started
1.1 Introduction
Welcome to the Laiv Audio experience. Our product offers an
intuitive LED Running Text Display with user-friendly navigation
for easy access to settings.
1.2 Safety Instructions
Ensure to follow all safety instructions provided in the user
manual to prevent any accidents or damage to the product.
1.3 Quick Start
Refer to the Quick Start guide in the manual to set up your Laiv
Audio quickly and efficiently.
2. The Front Panel
The front panel of the device houses the LED Display and
function keys for easy control.
3. Selecting Input Sources
You can choose from various input sources including USB, I2S,
OPTICAL, and COAXIAL for audio input.
Access the Settings Menu to customize your audio preferences and
settings.
5. NOS/OS and Phase Mode
Adjust the NOS/OS and Phase Mode settings according to your
audio requirements for optimal performance.
6. Remote Control
Utilize the remote control with function keys to quickly switch
between different settings without navigating through the menu.
7. Display Brightness and Delay Setting
Customize the display brightness and delay settings to suit your
viewing preferences and conserve energy effectively.
FAQ
Q: I am using OS mode, but why is my DSD input not being
oversampled?
A: NOS/OS mode does not affect DSD input, so your DSD input will
not be oversampled in this mode.
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V.1.01
HARMONY µDAC | Manual
V1.0
Laiv Audio
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www.laiv.audio
info@laiv.audio
HARMONY µDAC | Manual
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HARMONY µDAC | Manual
TABLE OF
CONTENTS
1. Getting Started ……………………………………….. 4 1.1. Introduction ………………………………………..4 1.2. Safety Instructions ……………………………… 5 1.3. Quick Start ……………………………………….. 6
2. Basics About The µDAC …………………………….. 7 2.1. The Front Panel …………………………………. 7 2.2. The LED Display ………………………………… 8 2.3. The Rear Panel …………………………………. 9
3. Settings For The µDAC ……………………………..10 3.1. Selecting Input Sources ………………………10 3.2. Settings Menu ………………………………….12 3.3. NOS/OS and Phase Mode ………………….13 3.4. Remote Control ………………………………..15 3.5. Display Brightness and Delay Setting …… 16 3.6. I2S Mode …………………………………………18 3.7. I2S Clock ………………………………………… 19 3.8. I2S DSD L/R Swap ……………………………. 19 3.9. “About” In The Settings ……………………..20 3.10. Factory Reset ………………………………… 20
4. Technical Specifications …………………………… 21 5. Warranty and Contact Information …………….. 24
5.1. Warranty Terms ………………………………..24 5.2. Contact Information ………………………… 25
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HARMONY µDAC | Manual
1. Getting Started
1.1. Introduction
Thank you for joining the Laiv community–a warm welcome to you! We’re absolutely thrilled to have you with us on this journey, where we’re dedicated to turning your dreams into reality. It’s truly an honor to support your pursuit of premium sound quality with our products. Welcome aboard! Allow us to introduce our new µDAC, thoughtfully crafted with a sleek and compact design to fulfill every audiophile’s desire and dream. Drawing on our expertise in the audio industry, we’ve seamlessly combined the best features to create the µDAC that redefines design, performance, and usability. Welcome aboard–we’re excited to share this audio adventure with you!
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HARMONY µDAC | Manual
1.2. Safety Instructions
We’re thrilled to have you as part of our family, and your safety is our utmost priority. Before you dive into using your new µDAC, let’s go over some essential safety tips to ensure everything goes smoothly: 1) Get to Know Your µDAC: Take a moment to flip through the user manual. It’s packed with handy information about how to use your µDAC safely and effectively. 2) Stay Dry and Grounded: Keep your µDAC away from water sources and damp areas. Remember, electricity and water don’t mix well! And always use grounded outlets to avoid any shocking situations. 3) Keep it Cool: Your µDAC needs space to stay cool. Make sure there’s plenty of airflow around it. Avoid placing your µDAC in direct sunlight or near heat sources like radiators or stoves. Extreme heat can damage delicate components and shorten the lifespan of your µDAC. 4) Keep it Clean, Keep it Safe: Regular cleaning is key to keeping your µDAC happy. But remember, gentle is the name of the game–no harsh chemicals or scrubbing, please! 5) Hands Off the Repairs: If your µDAC starts acting up, don’t go all DIY hero on it. Leave the fixes to the pros. They’ve got the skills and know-how to get things back in working order safely. 6) Keep it Kid-Safe: Little ones are curious creatures, so make sure to keep cords and plugs out of their reach. And always supervise their interactions with µDAC to avoid any unplanned experiments! 7) Power Down for Peace of Mind: When you’re done using your µDAC, hit the off switch. It’s a simple step that can prevent any unwanted surprises while you’re away. 8) Trust Your Instincts: If something seems off–smoke, sparks, strange noises–don’t ignore it! Shut off the power and reach out to us or a professional for help ASAP. 9) Safety First, Always: Remember, your safety comes above all else. Take your time, follow these tips, and enjoy using your µDAC with confidence! If you ever have any questions or concerns about using your µDAC safely, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
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1.3. Quick Start
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2. Basics About The µDAC
2.1. The Front Panel
All the information and controls can be accessed using the front panel of the µDAC. The controls on the front panel are similar to those of the IR remote control, providing a seamless experience for controlling the device.
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2.2. The LED Display
HARMONY µDAC | Manual
Experience the intuitive LED Running Text Display, showcasing up to five characters. Its user-friendly interface ensures seamless navigation and quick access to settings, offering unmatched convenience.
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2.3. The Rear Panel
HARMONY µDAC | Manual
The rear panel of the µDAC features distinct sections for input and output. Positioned on the far right is the DC Power inlet, providing power to the device. Moving towards the center, you will find the array of digital inputs, including USB, OPT (optical), COAX (coaxial), and I2S, offering versatile connectivity options to suit various audio sources. Finally, on the left side, are the balanced XLR analog output, allowing you to seamlessly connect the µDAC to your amplifiers or other audio equipment for exceptional sound reproduction.
Q: I need RCA output, but the Harmony µDAC only has XLR output. What should I do? A: Easy! Just use a high-quality XLR-to-RCA cable or adapter, and it will support RCA connections.
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HARMONY µDAC | Manual
3. Settings For The µDAC
3.1. Selecting Input Sources
The µDAC offers four distinct inputs, each catering to different connectivity needs. Whether it’s USB, optical, coaxial, or I2S, you have the flexibility to choose the input that suits your setup best. To switch between inputs, simply turn the dial located on the right front side of the µDAC. The display will indicate the currently selected input; continuing to turn allows you to navigate to other options as needed. Once the desired input is displayed, press the Enter button to confirm the selection and return to the main page for uninterrupted audio enjoyment.
USB Input
I2S Input
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OPTICAL Input
COAXIAL Input
HARMONY µDAC | Manual If the selected input source is not available, the display will show `No Signal’. You need to select the correct input source to enjoy the music with the Harmony µDAC.
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3.2. Settings Menu
Our settings menu serves as the central hub for configuring all aspects of your µDAC experience. Easily accessible via the menu button on the front panel or through the convenience of the remote control, this intuitive interface puts control at your fingertips. Whether adjusting audio preferences, fine-tuning connectivity options, or customizing display settings, our settings menu provides seamless navigation and effortless customization to tailor your audio experience to perfection.
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3.3. NOS/OS and Phase Mode
The µDAC is a versatile audio solution designed to elevate your listening experience. With Harmony µDAC, you not only have the flexibility to choose between Non-oversampling and oversampling modes but also the freedom to select the phase mode, whether positive or negative. Navigate to the `NOS/OS’ from the menu and select the preferred sampling mode.
Whether you prefer the purity of Non-oversampling or the enhanced dynamics of oversampling, Harmony µDAC empowers you to customize your listening experience. Simply select your preferred mode and immerse yourself in the world of versatile sound.
NOS Response 1
OS Response 1
Q: I am using OS mode, but why is my DSD input is not being oversampled? A: NOS/OS has no effect on DSD, so your DSD input is not being oversampled.
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NOS Impulse Response
OS Impulse Response
1. Fs: Sine wave 1kHz, Sampling Rate 44.1kHz
The phase mode selection allows you to further customize your audio output, ensuring that every aspect of your listening experience meets your unique preferences. Whether you’re seeking enhanced clarity or a warmer sound signature, Harmony µDAC puts the power of choice in your hands.
Access the ‘PHASE’ menu and choose your preferred mode.
Harmony µDAC puts you in control, letting you tailor your listening experience to perfection. Select your perfect phase mode–Positive or Negative–and immerse yourself in pure, dynamic sound..
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HARMONY µDAC | Manual
3.4. Remote Control
The remote control for our µDAC offers convenient customization options to enhance your user experience. This streamlined approach ensures that frequently used functions are just a button press away, saving you time and effort. Go to the `REMOTE’ menu and select the control selection that best suits your preference.
With two function keys, FN1 and FN2, you can assign one of three settings to each key: NOS/OS Mode, Phase Mode, and the I2S mode, allowing for quick access without navigating through the settings menu.
Users can customize their device by selecting one of two distinct shapes: triangle or square. This unique identification system ensures that no two devices share the same shape, preventing any conflicts or miscommunication between multiple devices. By assigning a unique shape to each device, the remote control can accurately distinguish and control the intended device without interference. This enhances the overall user experience by eliminating accidental commands and ensuring seamless operation in multi-device environments.
Q: Is there a remote controller provided with the µDAC? A: No, the µDAC does not come with a remote controller. However, it is compatible with the Harmony RCX remote controller for convenient operation. Q: I don’t like the triangle. Can I use the square shape for my µDAC instead? A: Yes, you can change the shape of your µDAC to square, but be sure you also change the shape on your remote control too; otherwise it will not work.
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3.5. Display Brightness and Delay Setting
The display brightness and delay settings feature provide you with full control over your viewing experience. With the display brightness setting, you can adjust the brightness of the display to your preference, ensuring optimal visibility in any lighting condition. Navigate to the `DISPLAY’ from the menu and select the preferred display mode.
Access to the `BRT’ setting to customize the display brightness according to your preference. You can choose from three levels: Low, Medium, or High, allowing you to optimize visibility based on your environment. A lower brightness setting helps reduce eye strain in dimly lit spaces, while a higher setting ensures better readability in brighter conditions.
Additionally, our delay function allows the display to automatically dim and turn off after a period of inactivity, conserving energy and minimizing distractions. The delay dim function reduces the brightness to LOW after the selected time period. Navigate to the `DELAY’ from the `DISPLAY’ menu and select the delay setting.
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HARMONY µDAC | Manual You can personalize the `DIM’ display settings to suit your needs by selecting from four options: 5 seconds, 10 seconds, 20 seconds, or Never. When set to 5s, 10s, or 20s, the display will automatically dim after the chosen duration of inactivity, helping to conserve power and reduce screen glare. If you prefer the display to remain fully lit at all times, you can select `Never’, ensuring continuous visibility. This flexibility allows you to optimize your viewing experience based on your environment and usage preferences.
You can adjust the `OFF’ display settings to automatically turn off the screen after 5 seconds, 10 seconds, or 20 seconds of inactivity, helping to conserve power and reduce distractions. If you prefer the display to remain on at all times, you can select `Never’, ensuring continuous visibility. This customization allows you to tailor the screen behavior to your specific needs, whether for power efficiency or uninterrupted display.
Both delay dim and delay off can be used simultaneously, with the delay off setting taking precedence over the delay dim function. With the combination of both settings, you can reduce the brightness of the display before turning off the display completely.
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3.6. I2S Mode
Our innovative I2S system offers eight distinct modes, led by our signature Laiv Audio Mode. Designed in-house for optimal performance, it ensures seamless I2S connectivity between Laiv products. With intelligent autoconfiguration, your devices automatically sync to the best mode, eliminating manual setup. Enjoy effortless compatibility and enhanced functionality, exclusive to Laiv. Navigate to the `I2S’ from the menu and select the preferred I2S mode.
Access the `MODE’ to adjust the I2S mode.
Laiv Audio
Mod 1
Mod 2 Mod 3
Mod 4
Mod 5 Mod 6
Mod 7
Pin 1 SDOUT- SDOUT+ SDOUT- SDOUT+ SDOUT- SDOUT+ SDOUT- SDOUT+
Pin 3 SDOUT+ SDOUT- SDOUT+ SDOUT- SDOUT+ SDOUT- SDOUT+ SDOUT-
Pin 4
BCK+
BCK+
BCK-
BCK-
BCK+ BCK+
BCK-
BCK-
Pin 6
BCK-
BCK-
BCK+
BCK+
BCK-
BCK-
BCK+
BCK+
Pin 7
LRCK- LRCK- LRCK- LRCK- LRCK+ LRCK+ LRCK+ LRCK+
Pin 9 LRCK+ LRCK+ LRCK+ LRCK+ LRCK- LRCK- LRCK- LRCK-
Please lower the volume of your system to the lowest audible level before selecting the I2S mode to prevent damage to your loudspeakers.
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Q: I have tried all the I2S modes, but none of them are working well with my system. What can I do? A: Unfortunately, there are no industrial standards for I2S connectivity, so it’s possible that none of the modes are compatible with your system.
HARMONY µDAC | Manual
3.7. I2S Clock
Introducing our I2S clock capability, offering you with remarkable flexibility in your I2S setup. This feature enables you to select between the local µDAC clock or the I2S clock when utilizing the I2S input. The µDAC meticulously verifies the compatibility of the I2S clock, only permitting you to opt for the I2S clock if it meets compatibility standard. Access the `CLOCK’ to adjust the I2S clock.
If you select the I2S clock as your preferred clock, in instances where the I2S clock becomes unstable or incompatible, the µDAC seamlessly reverts to utilizing the local clock. When the I2S clock stabilizes and becomes compatible again, the µDAC seamlessly reverts back to utilizing the I2S clock. Moreover, when users switch to other digital inputs, the µDAC seamlessly transitions back to using the local clock. This intelligent system ensures optimal performance and reliability throughout various audio configurations.
3.8. I2S DSD L/R Swap
DSD signals over I²S are not standardized across different manufacturers. As a result, DSD channels may be unintentionally swapped due to variations in internal wiring configurations. This feature allows you to correct such discrepancies by inverting the DSD data lines, ensuring proper left/right channel alignment. Access the `DSD L/R SWAP’ to do the adjustment.
Select Standard if no adjustment is needed for DSD channel alignment. Choose Swap if inversion is required to correctly realign the left and right channels. Always verify using a DSD audio track with distinct left and right channel information.
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HARMONY µDAC | Manual
3.9. “About” In The Settings
The “About” settings provide essential information about the firmware version installed. By accessing this menu, users can quickly ascertain the current firmware version installed on their device, ensuring they are up to date with the latest enhancements and features.
3.10. Factory Reset
The factory reset function provides users with a convenient way to restore their µDAC to its original factory settings, effectively wiping any custom configurations or adjustments made since its initial setup. This feature can be particularly useful in troubleshooting scenarios or when users wish to revert to the device’s default settings for any reason. By initiating a factory reset, users can ensure that their µDAC returns to a standardized state, eliminating any potential issues caused by misconfigurations or unwanted changes. This streamlined process simplifies maintenance and troubleshooting, enabling users to quickly resolve any issues and restore optimal performance to their audio setup with ease.
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HARMONY µDAC | Manual
4. Technical Specifications
Finish 1
Size and Weight 2
Black Anodized Aluminium
Silver Anodized Aluminium
Width: 168 mm
Depth: 98 mm (Included
connectors)
Height: 50 mm (Included
Spike 10mm)
Weight: 0.7kg
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Display
HARMONY µDAC | Manual
25×7 dot-matrix LED with running text display
Chip
Intel® Altera® Cyclone® FPGA
Clock
Accusilicon AS318-B Ultra-Low Phase Noise FEMTO Oscillator
Digital Inputs
1 x USB 1 x Optical 1 x Coaxial 1 x I2S
Analog Outputs
1 x XLR, maximum at 4 Vrms, approx. 82
Supported Formats USB – PCM: 44.1kHz – 768kHz | DSD: DSD64 – DSD256 (Input dependent)
Optical – PCM: 44.1kHz – 192kHz | DSD: DSD64 via DoP only
Coaxial – PCM: 44.1kHz – 192kHz | DSD: DSD64 via DoP only
I2S – PCM: 44.1kHz – 768kHz | DSD: DSD64 – DSD256
Frequency Response
20Hz 20kHz, within ± 0.25 dB 3
THD+N Crosstalk Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR) Dynamic Range
0.006 % 3 -120 dB 3 125 dB 3 110 dB 3
Features
Sleek and Compact design NOS / OS Mode Positive / negative phase
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Display brightness, delay dim, and delay off 8 x I2S Mode with Laiv product auto-configured I2S clock supported Galvanic isolation for enhanced signal purity Laiv Harmony R-2R ladder network architecture Discrete Class A output buffer
HARMONY µDAC | Manual
Controls
Remote control Front panel
Power
15VDC/2A DC 5.5/2.5 mm female
In the Box
Welcome card with Quick Start guide Harmony µDAC Power adapter with interchangeable plugs
1. Colours vary by configuration and manufacturing process. 2. Size and weight vary by configuration and manufacturing process. 3. The specification was evaluated using an Audio Precision APx Analyzer under PCM192kHz with 1kHz, A-weighted, SPDIF input, and balanced XLR output conditions.
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5. Warranty and Contact Information
HARMONY µDAC | Manual
5.1. Warranty Terms
Warranty Period: 24 months from the date of purchase.
What’s Covered: Defects in materials and workmanship.
What We’ll Do: Repair your product if it has any defects during the warranty period.
How to Get Service:
Register the warranty of your product within 3 months of the date of purchase at https://www.laiv.audio/warranty-registration
To obtain warranty service, the customer must contact the Company’s customer service department at info@laiv.audio.
Proof of purchase, such as the original purchase receipt and warranty card, may be required. The customer may be responsible for shipping the defective Product to the Company’s designated
service center.
What’s Not Covered:
Import duties or taxes whenever applicable. Damage resulting from misuse, abuse, or unauthorized modifications or repairs. Normal wear and tear. Consumable parts, such as batteries, unless otherwise stated
Limitation of Liability: Our responsibility limited to repairing or replacing the parts.
Refer to the QR or https://www.laiv.audio/terms-and-conditions#warranty for the complete warranty terms.
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HARMONY µDAC | Manual
5.2. Contact Information
For any inquiries or support related to this product, please don’t hesitate to contact our Customer Support Team:
Email Website
: support@laiv.audio : https://www.laiv.audio/contact
We’re here to assist you with any questions or concerns you may have regarding the product.
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Documents / Resources
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Laiv Audio uDAC Harmony Analog Conversion Circuit [pdf] User Manual LAIV HARMONY UDAC, uDAC Harmony Analog Conversion Circuit, uDAC, Harmony Analog Conversion Circuit, Analog Conversion Circuit, Conversion Circuit, Circuit |