The Mutec MC-6 is a highly versatile digital audio converter designed to handle AES3, AES3id, and S/PDIF stereo signals, supporting both unidirectional and bidirectional conversion. It processes all signals at sample rates up to 192.0 kHz, offering exceptional audio quality and system flexibility thanks to its advanced FPGA-based design. Central to its performance is a four-channel sampling rate conversion engine (SRC), alongside comprehensive clocking options and low-jitter architecture, making it a standout choice in modern studio environments.
In its standard mode of operation, the Mutec MC-6 converts incoming digital signals simultaneously to all three output formats, with or without activating the SRC. When sample rate conversion is required, the internal SRC can lock to a range of reference sources including Word Clock, AES11 (via a dedicated input), or any incoming digital audio signal. These options are available in both unidirectional and bidirectional conversion modes.
A defining feature of the Mutec MC-6 is its X-SRC mode, which enables real-time bidirectional conversion between two asynchronous digital stereo sources. This mode uses independent master clocks extracted from each input stream to synchronise the SRCs feeding the respective outputs. As a result, the Mutec MC-6 can maintain phase coherence between two sources that are not synchronised to any external clock, particularly valuable when connecting gear that cannot be externally locked.
For systems without an external clock, the Mutec MC-6 offers an internal ultra-low jitter reference clock of exceptional accuracy. In this configuration, the SRCs can operate independently using the internal reference, while the Mutec MC-6’s Word Clock output serves as a master clock source for the rest of the studio setup.
The unit also supports upsampling of digital audio to 96.0 kHz or 192.0 kHz. This not only matches the requirements of high-end digital-to-analogue converters but also reduces incoming jitter, improving overall sound fidelity.
With its unique combination of format conversion, SRC flexibility, clocking precision and bidirectional operation, the Mutec MC-6 stands out as one of the most capable and adaptable digital audio converters available in professional audio today.
Features
- AES/EBU, AES/EBUid and S/P-DIF interfaces working in one box
- Format and sampling rate conversions up to 192.0 kHz
- Signal improvement through audiophile-optimized PLL synthesizers
- Extremely flexible synchronization options
- Separate AES11 reference clock input for e.g. broadcast use
- Converts standalone and bidirectionally with different sampling rates: X-SRC
- 4 channel sampling rate conversion engine (SRC) for bidirectional conversions
- Continuous clock signal supply in absence of the reference audio or clock signal
- Runs standalone in all SRC operation modes without needing an external master clock reference
- AES11, Grade 1, internal reference clock (0.5 ppm)
- Word Clock output useable as master clock reference
- Easy configurable
- User settings will be stored in FLASH memory after switching-off
- Rack space saving 1/2 19” case allowing for mounting two devices side by side in one rack unit
- Built-in international power supply
- This product incorporates JetPLL™ clocking technologies, used under licence from Sonopsis. JetPLL™ designs are covered by Sonopsis copyright and/or multiple patents. The JetPLL™ word and logo are trademarks of Sonopsis. Further information can be found at www.JetPLL.info.
