CHORD BLU MKII Ultimate CD Transport User Manual

User Manual for CHORD models including: BLU MKII Ultimate CD Transport, BLU MKII, Ultimate CD Transport, CD Transport, Transport

BLU MKII Manual - V.1.1

File Info : application/pdf, 28 Pages, 18.35MB

BLU-MKII-User-manual-V1.1

Chord Electronics Product Communication | English
BLU MKII Manual -

The Pumphouse, Farleigh Lane, East Farleigh, Kent, ME16 9NB. Great Britain. +44 (0) 1622 721 444 info@chordelectronics.co.uk chordelectronics.co.uk
V.1.1

Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _

Contents

0.0

1.0 Safety instructions
1.1 Introduction 1.2 Protection against liquids & heat 1.3 Dismantling & Radio
frequency interference 1.4 Connecting your equipment

2.0 Warranty

2.1 Warranty period & registering

your purchase

2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions

3.0 Getting to know BLU MKII
3.1 Getting to know BLU MKII 3.3 The top panel 3.4 The rear panel 3.5 The remote control

4.0 Setting up BLU MKII

4.1 Placement

4.2 Connecting an input to

14 15

BLU MKII & drivers 4.3 Connecting BLU MKII
to DAVE

4.4 Connecting BLU MKII

to another DAC

4.5 Sample Rate

4.6 Output sample rate settings

5.0 How to navigate the menu

6.0 Special features

5.1 Display and basic navigation

6.1 Galvanic isolation

5.2 Video mode and Dither

0.0 Contents
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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _

Safety instructions

1.0

1.1 Introduction 1.2 Protection against liquids & heat 1.3 Dismantling & Radio Frequency interference 1.4 Connecting your equipment

1.0 Safety instructions
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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _
Introduction

1.1 Introduction 1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat

1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment

1.1

BLU MKII is a highly advanced, multi-awardwinning CD transport and digital audio upscaling device. BLU MKII uses the world`s most advanced audio filtering technology to achieve an unprecedented 1,015,808 taps and can have a transformational effect on your existing digital music collection and library.
Before operation, we strongly advise you read this user manual thoroughly.
We also recommend that you store this user manual, along with your original receipt of purchase, in a safe place should you require assistance in the future.

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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _
Protection against liquids & heat

1.1 Introduction 1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat

1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment

1.2

BLU MKII is not protected against liquids of any kind. Never place containers of liquid on BLU MKII. Never allow BLU MKII to come into contact with moisture or liquids; doing so could result in electrocution or damage to the BLU MKII's internal circuitry.
Be aware that liquids, including water that has dried, can leave minerals that can affect the PCB and other components, which could eventually lead to oxidisation and short-circuiting.
If the BLU MKII comes into contact with moisture or liquids, immediately disconnect from the mains power supply, and connected equipment and contact Chord Electronics for further advice.

The BLU MKII has internal thermal protection which will shut down the unit in the event of excessive temperatures being reached. Never operate the BLU MKII near sources of heat or naked flames as this will decrease the lifespan of the internal components. It is advised that you do not operate the BLU MKII in an area of direct sunlight or on top of significant heat- producing devices.
Please be aware that it is entirely normal for the BLU MKII to become warm during use, particularly within a stacked configuration. If you are concerned about the temperatures, please switch the device off or consider a different placement.

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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _

Dismantling & radio

1.3

frequency interference

1.1 Introduction 1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat

1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment

There are no userserviceable components within the BLU MKII. Dangerous voltages/currents exist within the BLU MKII, posing a severe risk of electrocution and/or fire.
Never attempt to open, dismantle or apply internal thirdparty devices to it or insert anything other than the listed interconnects within this user manual.
If the BLU MKII develops a fault or the casework becomes damaged, immediately disconnect from the mains power supply and connected equipment, and contact Chord Electronics for further advice.

With a thick, solid aluminium chassis, the BLU MKII's casework largely protects the sensitive internal circuitry from radio frequency interference. However, for optimal performance, it is recommended that the following points are observed:
1. Consider placing the BLU MKII away from wireless routers.
2. Separate the BLU MKII from amplifiers using toroidal transformers.
3. Operate mobile phones at a distance to avoid interference.

Although the BLU MKII is largely shielded, it can generate radio frequency interference that may have an effect on radio and television reception. If this occurs, please reconsider your placement.

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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _

1.1 Introduction 1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat

1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment

Connecting your equipment

1.4

Before connecting the BLU MKII to any equipment, consult the manufacturer's user guide to confirm compatibility.
When connecting the BLU MKII to any equipment please make sure that all devices are off, including the BLU MKII.
Once connected, switch all equipment on starting with the source and ending with the amplification.
Initially, operate the any connected equipment on its lowest gain setting and lowest volume setting, gently increasing to a comfortable listening level.
Never operate connected equipment to the BLU MKII at excessive sound levels; permanent hearing damage and loss can occur.
The included 10 amp IEC mains lead plugs into the BLU MKII.

If the power supply is prematurely disconnected BLU MKII may still remain active for up to 15 seconds, however, this may cause damage to connected equipment.

Never disconnect the power cable during operation. Only disconnect when BLU MKII is off. If the power cable is disconnected during operation there is a risk of damage to connected equipment.

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Chord Electronics BLU MKII| Manual _
Warranty

2.0
2.1 Warranty period & registering your purchase 2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions

2.0 Warranty
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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _

Warranty period & registering

2.1

your purchase

2.1 Warranty period & registering 2.2 Making a claim & warranty

your purchase

exclusions

At point of sale, Chord Electronics Ltd. provides the BLU MKII with a comprehensive five-year warranty* which covers defects in materials and workmanship through fair wear and tear. The warranty will be void if any other PSU other than that supplied is used.
*The warranty is transferable with proof of purchase, however is not available on ex-demonstration products.

Please use the form below to record the details of your purchase in the event that these are required at a later date, we further advise that all purchases are registered with Chord Electronics at: chordelectronics. co.uk/register-product/

RETAILER: PURCHASE PRICE: UNIT COLOUR: DATE OF PURCHASE: TRANSACTION ID:

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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _

2.1 Warranty period & registering 2.2 Making a claim & warranty

your purchase

exclusions

Making a claim

2.2

& warranty exclusions

In the unlikely event of a warranty claim, you must provide Chord Electronics with the details of the claim, including your original proof of purchase and serial number in order to validate the nature of the repair.
Upon receipt, Chord Electronics will make an assessment within 30 days and provide a reasonable solution.

WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS: The warranty does not cover connected equipment or CDs, personal injury or development natural patina of the metalwork and will be null and void if the following is applied: wilful neglect; modification or tampering of the product; improper use of the product; acts of God; damage caused by a connected device; mechanical shock; fire or application of excessive heat or repair/modification by a non-
authorised third-party vendor.

All warranty repairs must be carried out by Chord Electronics or an approved service centre to guarantee the quality and safety of the repair.

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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _
Getting to know BLU MKII

3.0
3.1 Getting to know BLU MKII 3.2 The top panel 3.3 The rear panel 3.4 The remote control

3.0 Getting to know BLU MKII
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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _

3.1 Getting to know BLU MKII 3.2 The front panel

3.3 The rear panel 3.4 The remote control

Getting to know BLU MKII

3.1

The BLU MKII is a highly advanced standalone upscaler as well as a CD transport, capable of redefining sound quality from digital audio.
The following pages will allow you to familiarise yourself with BLU MKII`s inputs, outputs, capabilities and method of operation.

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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _
The top panel

3.1 Getting to know BLU MKII 3.2 The top panel

3.3 The rear panel 3.4 The remote control

3.2

The top panel of BLU MKII is the

On the far right you will find

main display that you will interact the CD tray. This is covered

with on a day-to-day basis. First,

by a convex CD lid. To access

it features a screen that displays

the CD tray gently leaver the

all the current function of the CD

knucle at the back of the device,

trasport. An in-depth explanation confidently pushing down and

of its messaging can be found on away from you. Never open

page 24.

the CD tray when playback is

initated.

The CD function buttons on the

top of the device are used to

The IR reciever is located at the

only control playback of the CD

front of the device. Please do

trasnport function of BLU MKII.

not cover this. If it is the remote

These cannot be used to control

control may not function.

playback of digital audio via the

USB.

CD player

Display screen

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CD function buttons

IR Receiver

Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _
The rear panel

3.1 Getting to know BLU MKII 3.2 The top panel

3.3 The rear panel 3.4 The remote control

3.3

The rear panel houses the device's wide-ranging connectivity inputs and outputs. The BLU MKII also features a dual-data output, which should be used for optimum performance with selected Chord Electronics' DACs.

DRIVERS: If you intend to use BLU MKII to upscale digital audio via USB the device is driverless with Mac OS X and Linux operating systems. Use with Windows operating systems does, however, require a driver.

When installing any cable, you must make sure that they securly click into place, especially optical.

These can be found on the product page at: chordelectronics.co.uk/ product/blu-mk-2/

Hindge of the CD player

USB input

Dual data BNC BNC input

Power switch

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Sample rate switch

BNC output

10a IEC AC Inlet Dual data AES output

Dither/Tap-lenth switch

WARNING: Do not use any other power supply other than that supplied. Doing so will invalidate your warranty.

Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _
The remote control

3.1 Getting to know BLU MKII 3.2 The top panel

3.3 The rear panel 3.4 The remote control

3.4

A comprehensive remote control is supplied with BLU MKII. It can control BLU MKII as well as other devices within the range. You will notice that the top section of the remote control is dedicated to the operation of BLU MKII and DAVE, our flagship digital to analogue converter. The buttons below the playback controls are reserved to control the Choral series preamplifier, Prima.
The supplied remote control connects to BLU MKII using infrared. If the infra-red reciever on the front of BLU MKII is covered the remote control will not function. Please avoid placing objects in front of either device.
NOTE: The volume buttons shown on the BLU MKII remote will only control the volume on the Choral series preamplifier, Prima. They will not control the volume of DAVE. To see how to change the inputs of DAVE using this remote control please refer to the DAVE user manual.

Standby 1-9 numberic buttons
Shuffle tracks Shuffle tracks
CD Controls

SHUF

TIME

LEVEL SETUP

BYPASS TONE

MUTE BAL-

OP1 ZONE

OP2 DIM

OP1+2 LOCK BAL+

ESC

VOL+

HIFI

LINE-

LINE+

VOL-

REP

LINE1 DISC1

LINE4 RAD

TP-01 DISC

TP-04 RAD

LINE2 DISC2 LINE3
VID

LINE5 TAPE2 MAIN BUS A

TP-02 DISC2 TP-03
VID

TP-05 TAPE1 TAPE BUS B

Display time
Prima Volume control DAVE control buttons Prima Volume control
Input contol

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NOTE: Please only insert AAA batteries into the IR remote control and observe the correct orientation as indicated within the remote control. Failure to do so could result in non-operation or battery leakage.

Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _
Setting up BLU MKII

4.0
4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting an input to BLU MKII 4.3 Connecting BLU MKII to DAVE 4.4 Connecting BLU MKII to another DAC 4.5 Sample rate 4.6 Output sample rate settings

4.0 Setting up BLU MKII
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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _
Placement

4.1

4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting an input to
BLU MKII 4.3 Connecting BLU MKII
to DAVE

4.4 Connecting BLU MKII to another DAC
4.5 Sample rate 4.6 Output sample rate settings

Whilst the BLU MKII operates normally within a stack of Chord Electronics Emsable stands along with units such as the DAVE and Etude, it is recommended that you allow the device to breathe. Allocating 10cm of space around it to convection-cool during operation is advised. If possible, do not place the unit(s) inside a cabinet.
As the infra-red remote control requires a direct line of sight to the viewing portal, please avoid placing objects in front of either device.

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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _

Connecting an input to BLU

4.2

MKII & drivers

4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting an input to
BLU MKII 4.3 Connecting BLU MKII
to DAVE

4.4 Connecting BLU MKII to another DAC
4.5 Sample rate 4.6 Output sample rate settings

BLU MKII is not just an upscaling CD transport, it can also upscale digital audio via USB or BNC.
In order for this to occour you must now connect the digital output of your source to a digital input of BLU MKII. The two available inputs are highlighted below.
It is not possible to select between inputs. If you wish to use two sources you must make sure that they are both not operating at the same time. Alternatively, do not connect them at the same time.

BNC Input

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USB Input

Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _
Connecting BLU MK II to DAVE

4.3

4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting an input to
BLU MKII 4.3 Connecting BLU MKII
to DAVE

4.4 Connecting BLU MKII to another DAC
4.5 Sample rate 4.6 Output sample rate settings

Using the supplied BNC cables, it is simple to connect the BLU MKII to the DAVE:
1) Turn the BLU MKII and DAVE off, along with any connected equipment
2) Locate the Dual BNC outputs on the rear of BLU MKII and plug both BNC cables into the sockets.
3) Locate a single pair of the BNC inputs on DAVE, either the right pair (1 and 2) or the left pair (3 and 4), and plug the BNC cables in. You must pay careful

attention to make sure that you are connecting them in the same order. For example; top to top and bottom to bottom
4) Turn both BLU MKII and DAVE on, but not any other connected equipment.
4) If you have connected your dual data BNC`s to BNC 1 or 2 on DAVE, use the buttons on DAVE to navigate forward within the menu and select BNC 1. Pause here for a few seconds until D BNC1 is displayed.
or

If you have connected your dual data BNC`s to BNC 3 or 4 on DAVE, use the buttons on DAVE to navigate forward within the menu and select BNC 3. Pause here for a few seconds until D BNC3 is displayed.
5) You can now turn on any additional connected equipment and commence playback.

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OR
*DAVE will only display Dual BNC when BLU MK IIis transmitting a 768kHz or 705.6kHz signal. Therefore BLU MK II must be set to maximum upsampling which is denoted by the white button colour.

Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _
Connecting BLU MK II to another DAC

4.4

4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting an input to
BLU MKII 4.3 Connecting BLU MKII
to DAVE

4.4 Connecting BLU MKII to another DAC
4.5 Sample rate 4.6 Output sample rate settings

Although the BLU MK II is optimised for use with Chord Electronics' DACs to take advantage of the full 768kHz upscaling, BLU MKII can be connected to any third-party DAC to increase performance. However, it should be noted that only a maximum of 384kHz upsampling can be achieved.
To make a connection to a thirdparty DAC you must only the highlighed BNC output. Dualdata BNC`s or the BNC input cannot be used. To do this follow these simple instructions;

1) Turn the BLU MKII and your third-party device off, along with any connected equipment
2) Locate the Dual BNC output on the rear of BLU MKII, highlighted below, and connect a BNC cable into the socket
3) Locate the BNC input on your third-party device and connect the other end of the cable to it
4) Turn on both BLU MKII and your third-party device and select the appropriate input

5) Turn on any additional equipment and commence playback
NOTE: It is possible to use the digital AES outputs on BLU to connect it to another DAC. However, on their own, each AES output can only offer a maximum sample rate of 96kHz. Because of this BNC is recomended over an AES (XLR) connection.

It is recommended that you choose the highest resolution output of the BLU MKii for best performance. The graph below illustrates the highest possible sample rate for each connection:
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Output

Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _
Sample rate

4.5

4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting an input to
BLU MKII 4.3 Connecting BLU MKII
to DAVE

4.4 Connecting BLU MKII to another DAC
4.5 Sample rate 4.6 Output sample rate settings

BLU MKII allows you to select the best sample rate for your system.
To select a sample rate first locate the switch next to the USB input. Then you must move its position according to the sample rate that you wish to engage, as shown below.
For most uses, including that with DAVE, we recomend the maximum possible level of upsampling. This is denoted by the switch being in a downwards position and must be achieved via dual data BNC.
POSITION - UP: Upsampling minimum eg. signal now 88.2 kHz
POSITION - MID: Upsampling medium eg. signal now 176k.4 kHz
POSITION DOWN: Upsampling maximum eg. signal now 705.6 kHz

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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _

Output sample rate settings

4.6

4.1 Placement 4.2 Connecting an input to
BLU MKII 4.3 Connecting BLU MKII
to DAVE

4.4 Connecting BLU MKII to another DAC
4.5 Sample rate 4.6 Output sample rate settings

Please use the table shown below to determine your optimum sample rate settings when using the BLU MKII output.

The maximum output sample rate will depend entirely on your source input sample rate, this will be limited to 44.1 kHz input during CD playback.

SAMPLE FREQUENCY OP SR POSITIONS 44.1 - 48 kHz POSITION - UP POSITION - MID POSITION - DOWN

DUAL BNC/USB INPUT 44.1 kHz (CD) 176.4 kHz 352.8 kHz 705.6 kHz

SINGLE BNC 44.1 kHz (CD) 88.2 kHz 176.4 kHz 352.8 kHz

Key Improvement No improvement Not supported

OPTICAL

DUAL BNC/USB INPUT

44.1 kHz (CD) 48 kHz

88.2 kHz

192 kHz

176.4 kHz

384 kHz

176.4 kHz

768 kHz

SINGLE BNC 48 kHz 96 kHz 192 kHz 384 kHz

OPTICAL 48 kHz 96 kHz 192 kHz 192 kHz

88.2 - 96 kHz

POSITION - UP POSITION - MID POSITION - DOWN

88.2 kHz 176.4 kHz 352.8 kHz 705.6 kHz

88.2 kHz 88.2 kHz 176.4 kHz 352.8 kHz

88.2 kHz 88.2 kHz 176.4 kHz 176.4 kHz

96 kHz 192 kHz 384 kHz 768 kHz

96 kHz 96 kHz 192 kHz 384 kHz

96 kHz 96 kHz 192 kHz 192 kHz

176.4 - 192 kHz

POSITION - UP POSITION - MID POSITION - DOWN

176.4 kHz 176.4 kHz 352.8 kHz 705.6 kHz

176.4 kHz 176.4 kHz 176.4 kHz 352.8 kHz

176.4 kHz

192 kHz 192 kHz 384 kHz 768 kHz

192 kHz 192 kHz 192 kHz 384 kHz

192 kHz 192 kHz 192 kHz 192 kHz

352.8 - 384 kHz

POSITION - UP POSITION - MID POSITION - DOWN

352.8 kHz 352.8 kHz 352.8 kHz 705.6 kHz

352.8 kHz 352.8 kHz 352.8 kHz 352.8 kHz

352.8 kHz N/A N/A N/A

384 kHz 384 kHz 384 kHz 768 kHz

384 kHz 384 kHz 384 kHz 384 kHz

384 kHz N/A N/A N/A

705.6 - 768 kHz

POSITION - UP POSITION - MID POSITION - DOWN

705.6 kHz 705.6 kHz 705.6 kHz 705.6 kHz

705.6 kHz N/A N/A N/A

768 kHz 768 kHz 768 kHz 768 kHz

768 kHz N/A N/A N/A

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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _

How to navigate the menu

5.0

5.1 Display and basic navigation 5.2 Video mode

5.0 How to navigate the menu
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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _

5.1 Basic navigation 5.2 Video mode

Display and basic navigation

5.1

If you do not wish to use the included remote control to control the functions of BLU MKII, many of the basic functions can be accessed from the top panel including; play, pause, stop and fast forward. These functions can only control the CD transport functionality and not playback via the USB or BNC inputs.
Additionally, if you wish to reference the current play state of the CD transport or to confirm that dual data mode is active for any of the dual BNC connections, BLU MKII has a screen that can display this information. Please reference the below chart to learn about BLU MKII`s diaplay.

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1 Track no. 2 Play status

3 Minutes

4 Seconds

5 Dual data indicator

Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _

5.1 Basic navigation 5.2 Video mode

Video mode and dither

5.2

The BLU MKII is a highly flexible standalone upscaler that is not only designed to be used with music, but with video, too. You can playback video via a computer/laptop/server or a Bluray player to get the best audio quality from video soundtracks.
When you are playing back video, via USB or BNC, you may notice that there is now a delay between the action on screen and the resulting audio. This is due to the fact that BLU MKII has enormous processing capabilities, which can introduce an undesired latency.
To solve this, BLU MKII comes equipped with a `Video mode';
Video filter off: This will resolve the full 1-million tap upsampling performance for all music and audio playback. It is not recomended for video playback.
Video filter on: The tap-length is moderately reduced* to allow for a latency reduction. This mode is recommended for video but not music playback.

It should be noted that it is not possible to engage video mode during CD playback and therefore the same switch will perform a different action. In this respect you can choose to add dither, a form of noise added to audio to increase the acuracy of digital audio, or not add dither. Please reference the graph below to learn the switch options.
The switch to modify both video mode and dither is located next to the BNC sockets:
During USB or Coax use:
POSITION - UP: Video mode off 1million taps
POSITION DOWN: Video mode on 666,666 taps
During CD playback:
POSITION - UP: Dither off 1million taps POSITION DOWN: 16-bit dither on 1million taps

*Video mode reduces the tap count to 666,666, taps for low latency (104mS) playback. Not advisable for general audio playback.

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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _
Special features

6.0 6.1 Galvanic isolation

6.0 Special features
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Chord Electronics BLU MKII | Manual _
Galvanic isolation

6.1 Galvanic Isolation
6.1

BLU MKII features a Class 2 Type-B USB input with galvanic isolation.
Galvanic isolation allows for greater sonic performance because the power rails of the input are totally isolated from the data lines.
No special attention or cables are required to allow the BLU MK II to function in this mode. However, the usual USB +5V rail will need to be present.

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References

Adobe PDF Library 17.0 Adobe InDesign 18.2 (Windows)