MUTEC Introduces MC1.2+ Bi-directional Digital to Digital Converter with USB Interface

MUTEC GmbH, the Berlin-based manufacturer of professional audio technology for studio and high-end applications, announced the launch of the MC1.2+ bi-directional real‑time converter and signal transfer between computers and/or digital audio hardware. The MC1.2+ improves the sound quality performance via USB and features multiple interface ports including AES/EBU and S/P‑DIF. It supports three types of power supply: USB‑powered allowing mobile operation, mains voltage (internal), and DC via external PSU. "We have constantly received requests for the original MC1.2 interface, which had been an important part of our portfolio for many years but was discontinued in 2018. So we decided to produce a new version, in which we were able to optimize performance at key points. We are therefore confident that the all-new MC1.2+, with its combination of audio quality and connection flexibility, will be successful in a highly competitive market," explains Christian Peters, MUTEC's CEO.

In its foundation, the MC1.2+ easily converts PCM audio streams through its USB, AES/EBU, AES3/EBUid and S/P-DIF interface ports. This process can be performed simultaneously in both directions, including via USB, which is an industry-first. This flexibility proves to be extremely useful in a professional recording studio, broadcast studio or as part of a sound reinforcement system, allowing lossless signal transfers between audio interfaces, digital mixers and effects processors in real-time.
 
In addition, this digital to digital format converter from MUTEC uses low-noise audio clock oscillators to improve the USB audio stream by regenerating the signal and isolating the USB power supply. Removing the noise previously added by the power supply via the USB interface, leads to a significant reduction of digital phase noise and jitter. The three  power supply options (internal, external, bus-powered) also expand the number of options for different applications, pleasing both audio enthusiasts and professionals.
  "The MC1.2+ guarantees an enhanced listening experience when playing back audio files via computer or streamer, ensures best sound quality during recording or mastering and proves to be a practical helper in the interaction of digital audio components. It is suitable for audiophile enthusiasts at home as well as professional music producers and mixing engineers," adds the company.

In professional recording studios or sophisticated home recording setups, due to the increasing number of devices with different digital interfaces, a conversion of the audio formats becomes necessary. This is where MUTEC's digital to digital converter comes in handy by converting audio streams between the established formats USB, AES3, AES3id, and S/P‑DIF (SCMS status bit analysis for the S/P‑DIF inputs). And not only the MC1.2+ provides these input and output interface ports, the conversion can be done in both directions at the same time via the USB connection.

Audio streams received at the USB interface are always converted to all PCM audio outputs simultaneously. This allows the connection of several receiving devices to one computer. If one of the PCM audio inputs is selected, the incoming signal is not only distributed to all digital audio outputs, but also converted into a USB audio stream and sent to the computer. Both signal paths may be used simultaneously - if the sampling rates are identical. This enables an easy connection of effect processors to a computer or the use of recording‑equipment, where a monitoring of recorded signals is possible through the computer during recording.

In addition to converting audio formats, the MC1.2+ fulfills another role. Its newly developed asynchronous USB interface with low‑noise audio clock oscillators improves the audio stream through signal regeneration and isolation of the USB power supply. The noise previously added by the power supply via the USB interface can no longer impair the digital signal processing. This leads to a significant reduction of digital phase noise and jitter. Both the producer in the studio and the music lover at home do benefit from this enhancement of sound quality. The MUTEC MC1.2+ is an USB Audio Class 2.0 device that works with macOS, Windows, or Linux, supporting ASIO, MME, DirectSound, WASAPI, Kernel Streaming, and PCM up to 24-bit/192kHz.

Developed and manufactured in Germany, the MUTEC MC1.2+ converter uses a shielded steel housing and vibration-damping feet, being available in black or silver front panels. Optional rack brackets can be mounted on the sides of the unit. Recommended retail price in Germany is EUR €749,00 (including VAT), and will become available from authorized dealers during the third quarter of 2024.
www.mutec-net.com