USB Phono Plus Project Series

Important Safety Instructions – Read First

[warning-symbol] This symbol, whenever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure – voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

[warning-symbol] This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Please read the manual.

Read instructions: Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed all warnings printed here and on the equipment. Follow the operating instructions printed in this user manual.

Do not open: There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer any service work to qualified technical personnel only.

Power sources: Connect the unit's power supply to mains power only of the type described in this user manual or marked on the power supply.

Power supply: Use the power supply with a sealed mains plug appropriate for your local mains supply as provided with the equipment. If the provided supply does not fit into your outlet, consult your service agent. Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on, stretched, or pinched by items placed upon or against it.

Grounding: Do not defeat the grounding and polarization means of the power supply.

Moisture: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose the unit to moisture or use in damp or wet conditions. Do not place containers of liquid on the unit.

Heat: Do not locate the unit close to excessive heat or direct sunlight, as this could cause a fire hazard. Locate the unit away from any equipment which produces heat, such as power supplies, power amplifiers, and heaters.

Environment: Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat, and vibration when operating and storing. Avoid tobacco ash, drink spillage, and smoke, especially that associated with smoke machines.

Handling: Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use adequate padding if you need to ship the unit. To avoid injury to yourself or damage to the equipment, take care when lifting, moving, or carrying the unit.

Servicing: Unplug power immediately if equipment is exposed to moisture, the power supply becomes damaged during a lightning storm, or if smoke odor or noise is noted. Refer servicing to qualified technical personnel only.

Installation: Install the unit in accordance with the instructions printed in the user manual.

Introduction

The USB Phono Plus Project Series is a high-quality USB audio interface with a built-in phono preamp. It acts as an interface between your computer and a wide variety of analog and digital sources. The analog inputs are switchable between Phono and Line level signals, and a Low Cut filter removes rumble and wind noise while leaving the audio pristine. The front Gain Trim control and Signal/Clip LED allow optimization of the analog-to-digital converter for a wide range of input sources. The front panel USB Monitor/headphone jack and the Optical Output on the rear panel can monitor the audio output from your computer. The USB Monitor/headphone jack also provides zero-latency monitoring of the input source for easy cueing of records and tapes. The built-in low-noise Phono Preamp circuit is highly accurate and precisely conforms to the RIAA standard. The Line Out jacks are always connected to the input preamp signal for source monitoring or to allow use as a stand-alone phono preamp.

Housed in an all-aluminum black anodized case, the USB Phono Plus Project Series can be powered by either an external power source or directly off the USB port, making remote recording a snap. An Optical TOSLINK Input and Output, as well as an S/PDIF Input, allow the USB Phono Plus Project Series to function as a digital audio-to-USB interface.

The USB Phono Plus Project Series is fully compliant with the USB 2.0 specification and uses USB adaptive mode for playback and USB asynchronous mode for recording. It utilizes the standard “USB Audio CODEC,” a driver built into most modern operating systems, including most current versions of Linux. Setup details may vary by Linux version, but the key is to look for “USB Audio CODEC” as the recording source or playback monitor output when the unit is connected. No special drivers are needed. A CD-ROM containing the user manual and Audacity recording software is included.

Key Features Include:

• USB Connectivity to Desktop and Laptop Computers
• RIAA Accurate Low Noise Phono Preamp
• Up to 45 dB of Clean Gain
• Latency Free Monitoring
• S/PDIF or Optical to USB and USB to Optical Interfaces Included
• Preamp Line Out Allows Use as a Stand-alone Phono Preamp
• Includes Audacity Recording Software
• Compact, Stackable all Aluminum Chassis
• Flexible Power from USB or External Power Supply
• Three Year Warranty

Connections

The unit features several connection types for interfacing with various audio sources and computers:

• Preamp Phono/Line In: RCA-type jacks for connecting turntables, tape decks, CD players, MP3 players, or other analog stereo audio devices.
• Ground Terminal: Used to connect the separate ground wire from a turntable to reduce hum. This is unnecessary for digital output turntables.
• Preamp Line Out: RCA-type jacks that provide the analog input preamp signal for source monitoring or use as a stand-alone phono preamp.
• S/PDIF In To USB: An RCA-type digital input that overrides Opto In and analog preamp signal connections when a valid S/PDIF digital signal is present. This routes the digital signal to the computer's USB interface for S/PDIF to USB connectivity only. Note: This product does not support S/PDIF to analog or analog to S/PDIF conversion.
• OPTO In To USB / OPTO Out From USB: Connections for Optical digital audio via USB. A valid TOSLINK digital signal at the OPTO In connection overrides the analog preamp signal connection to the USB interface.
• Headphone Monitor Output: A 1/8-inch stereo unbalanced jack on the front panel, accommodating various headphone models. Maximum output level is +6dBu (1.4Vrms).
• USB To Computer: A USB 2.0 compliant connector used to connect directly to a computer's USB port. This connection also powers the unit.
• Power Connector: A rear panel connector for an optional external power source (7-12V DC or 9-12V AC, 150mA minimum). This can reduce power draw from the computer's USB port, especially useful with laptops. Either polarity of the DC tip works.

For best performance, use a high-quality shielded USB cable and connect directly to a computer USB input. Avoid shared hubs if possible, or use a powered USB 2.0 compliant hub. USB 2.0 is preferred for increased system bandwidth.

Controls

The front panel of the USB Phono Plus Project Series features several controls for managing audio input and output:

Front Panel Layout Description: The front panel displays input and output connections, along with various controls and indicators.

• Input Switch: Sets the gain and equalization for the analog preamp. Select 'Phono' for turntables and 'Line' for other audio sources.
• Filter Switch: When set to 'Low Cut', it activates a filter to remove turntable rumble and other low-frequency noise.
• Gain Trim Control: Adjusts the overall analog preamp gain.
• Signal/Clip LED Indicator: Located next to the Gain Trim control. It lights green when a signal is present and red when the signal level is near clipping. Adjust Gain Trim so the LED is green most of the time during playback, turning red only at signal peaks, to optimize dynamic range.
• Monitor Source Switch: Selects the signal sent to the Monitor Output Level control and jack.
  • Preamp: Monitors the analog preamp signal directly, offering zero-latency monitoring and cueing.
  • CPU: Monitors the digital audio signal coming back from the computer during playback.
  • Both: Provides a mix of the preamp and computer signals.
• Monitor Output Level Control: Adjusts the signal level sent to the Monitor Output jack and connected headphones.
• Power LED: A red LED that indicates when the unit is powered, either via USB or an external power source.

Installation

1. Connect your analog audio sources (turntable, tape player, CD player, etc.) to the RCA input connectors, or digital audio sources to the S/PDIF or OPTO inputs.
2. If using a turntable with a separate ground wire, attach it to the unit's ground terminal to reduce hum.
3. Select the appropriate 'LINE' or 'PHONO' input setting. Use the 'LOW CUT Filter' if turntable rumble or low-frequency noise is present.
4. Connect the USB Phono Plus Project Series to your computer's USB input using the provided USB cable.
5. USB Bus Power: The unit is powered via the USB connection. The front panel POWER LED will illuminate when USB power is present. For optimal performance, connect directly to a computer USB port or a powered USB hub.
6. Note on External Power: An external power source will automatically override USB bus power. This is useful for reducing power drain on battery-powered laptops.

Monitoring What You Record

The MONITOR SOURCE switch allows you to select what you hear:

• PREAMP: Monitors the analog audio directly from the preamp. This is ideal for auditioning and cueing sources before recording, offering no delay or latency.
• CPU: Monitors the digital audio signal returning from the computer, useful for playback and software configuration.
• BOTH: Mixes the preamp and computer signals. This is useful for hearing both your source and computer playback simultaneously.

When the MONITOR SOURCE is set to BOTH, and a "Play-Through" function (where the computer outputs recorded audio simultaneously) is active in your software or hardware, you may experience a slight delay or echo effect between the original preamp signal and the computer audio. It is often preferable to disable "Play-Through" in such cases.

Operation with a Computer

Once the USB connection is established and your computer is powered on, the unit will typically be automatically recognized and set as the computer's "Default Audio Device" (as "USB Audio CODEC").

You may need to manually select "USB Audio CODEC" as the input and output device within your computer's sound settings and in your specific audio applications. Ensure these settings are made while the USBPhonoPlusPS and computer are connected and powered on.

Your computer's audio output ("Speaker") will now be set to the "USB Audio CODEC," routing playback audio to the USB Mix. You can opt to route computer output to your computer's built-in speakers instead by selecting them as the "OUTPUT" device in your system settings.

The computer will generally reconfigure these settings automatically upon subsequent reconnections of the USBPhonoPlusPS. Your recording software may also allow selection of specific inputs and outputs.

Note: The USB Phono Plus Project Series uses the standard "USB Audio CODEC" driver, which is integrated into most modern operating systems, including Linux. Setup specifics might vary, but identifying "USB Audio CODEC" is key.

Block Diagram and Signal Flow

The unit processes audio signals through a series of stages:

• Inputs: Analog signals enter via the PHONO/LINE IN (L/R) RCA jacks. Digital signals can be received via S/PDIF (RCA) or TOSLINK optical connectors.
• Analog Signal Path: Analog inputs pass through a RIAA EQUALIZER and a LOW CUT FILTER. The GAIN stage, controlled by the TRIM knob and monitored by the SIGNAL/CLIP LED, adjusts the signal level. The processed analog signal is available at the PREAMP LINE OUTPUT (L/R) jacks.
• Analog-to-Digital Conversion: The analog signal is converted to digital data by an A to D CONVERTER.
• USB Interface: The digital audio data is transmitted to the COMPUTER via the USB connection.
• Digital-to-Analog Conversion: Audio signals from the COMPUTER are received via USB, converted back to analog by a D to A CONVERTER.
• Monitoring: The D to A CONVERTER output feeds an AMP. The MONITOR SOURCE switch (PREAMP, CPU, or BOTH) and MONITOR LEVEL control determine what is sent to the MONITOR OUTPUT jack, which connects to STEREO HEADPHONES.
• Digital Output: The unit can also output digital audio via the TOSLINK OPTO OUT FROM USB connection.

Warranty Information

Limited Warranty

Applied Research and Technology (ART) warrants this product and its components to be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three years from the date of purchase for the original purchaser. ART will, at its option, repair or replace defective products or component parts free of charge upon prepaid delivery to the factory service department or an authorized service center, accompanied by proof of purchase.

Online Registration

To ensure prompt warranty repair servicing, product registration online is recommended. Visit www.artproaudio.com, select "Support," then "Product Registration," and input your information.

Exclusions

This warranty does not cover misuse, abuse, or unauthorized alterations or repairs. It is void if the serial number is altered, defaced, or removed. ART reserves the right to make design changes without obligation to apply them to previously manufactured products. ART is not liable for consequential damages, including loss of use. Some states may not allow limitations on incidental or consequential damages, so these limitations may not apply to you. This warranty grants specific rights, and you may have others that vary by state.

For units purchased outside the United States, an authorized distributor of Applied Research and Technology will provide service.

Service

If your unit requires service, please follow these steps:

1. Verify that the unit is the cause of the problem. Check power, cable connections, and cable condition. Consult your dealer for troubleshooting assistance.
2. If the ART unit is suspected to be at fault, visit www.artproaudio.com.
3. Select "Support," then "Return Authorization Request" to obtain a return authorization number (RA number).
4. When returning the unit for service, pack it in its original carton or a suitable substitute. Print the RA number clearly on the outside of the shipping box and include your return shipping address.
5. Include a note with the RA number, your contact information (including return shipping address and daytime phone number), and a description of the problem. It is recommended to attach this note to the top of the unit. Also, include a copy of your purchase receipt.

For Your Reference:

Date of purchase: ___________________

Purchased from: ___________________

Specifications

ART maintains a policy of constant product improvement. Therefore, specifications are subject to change without notice. For the latest information, visit www.artproaudio.com.

Website: www.artproaudio.com

Email: support@artproaudio.com

© 2018 Applied Research & Technology / Yorkville Sound

Model: USB Phono Plus Project Series, Part Number: 169-5004-106