HPA4BL - Receiver FOSTEX - Free user manual and instructions

USER MANUAL HPA4BL FOSTEX

D/A converter & headphone amplier HP-A4BL Thank you very much for purchasing a Fostex product. This manual provides instructions for basic use of the unit. Read this before using the unit for the rst time. Notes: If you connect the HP-A4BL to a Windows computer via USB, you must install the dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 driver which can be downloaded from the Fostex website as follows. If you use a Mac computer, you do not need to install a driver. Please use Fostex Audio Player (freeware) for audio playback, which can be found at the URL below. http://www.fostexinternational.com/ © FOSTEX COMPANY All Rights Reserved.

WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS

• CAUTION: The symbol To prevent electric shock hazard, do not connect to mains power supply while grille is removed.

• WARNING: An apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a MAINS socket outlet with a protective earthing connection.

• CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

• WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

• CAUTION: Use of any controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those herein specified may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

• WARNING: Changes or modifications to this unit not expressly approved by the party responsible for compliance could void the user’s authority to operate the equipment.

• WARNING: Do not place the unit on top of any soft, porous, or sensitive surfaces to avoid damaging the surface. Use a protective barrier between the unit and surface to protect the surface.

• WARNING: Use of this unit near fluorescent lighting may cause interference regarding use of the remote. If the unit is displaying erratic behavior move away from any fluorescent lighting, as it may be the cause.

• CAUTION: Danger of explosion if battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with the same or equivalent type.

• WARNING: Do not install this equipment in a confined space such as a book case or similar unit.

• WARNING: Mains plug is used as disconnect device and it should remain readily operable during intended use. In order to disconnect the apparatus from the mains completely, the mains plug should be disconnected from the mains socket outlet completely.

• Do not mix old and new batteries. Do not mix alkaline, standard (carbonzinc), or rechargeable (ni-cad, ni-mh, etc) batteries.

• WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. CAUTION

SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

1) Read these instructions.

2) Keep these instructions.

3) Heed all warnings.

4) Follow all instructions.

5) Do not use this apparatus near water.

6) Clean only with dry cloth.

7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the

manufacturer’s instructions.

8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves,

or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A

polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at

plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11) Only use the power cable/AC adapter/attachments/accessories specified by

12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or

table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury from tipover.

13) Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or

when unused for long periods of time.

14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

15) The apparatus shall be used in an open area.

16) Apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no

objects filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on apparatus.

17) Mains plug is used as disconnect device. It shall remain readily operable and

should not be obstructed during intended use. To completely disconnect the apparatus from supply mains, the main plug of the apparatus shall be disconnected from the mains socket outlet completely.

18) Excessive sound pressure from earphones and headphones can cause

This product, when installed as indicated in the instructions contained in this manual, meets FCC and ICES-003 requirements. Changes or modifications not expressly approved by Fostex Company for compliance could void the user’ s authority to operate the equipment. DO NOT MODIFY THIS PRODUCT.

In order to comply with FCC and ICES-003 requirements, use high quality shielded cables for connection to accessories and / or another products. If any cables are supplied with this product, they MUST be used. Follow all installation instructions. Failure to do so could void your FCC / ICES-003 authorization to use this product in the USA / Canada.

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to correct the interference by one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

4. Compliance with Part 15 of FCC Rules and Canadian ICES-003.

This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: (1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference received, including interference that many cause undesired operation. This Class B digital apparatus complies with Canadian ICES-003. Cet appareil numérique de la classe B est conforme à la norme NMB-003 du Canada. Fostex_HP-A4BL_3L.indb 2 16/03/11 14:143 Contents WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS ................................................................................. 2

Features of the HP-A4BL

• Built-in high quality DAC (PCM1792A).

• Powered by an AC adapter.

• Supports asynchronous mode controlled by a crystal oscillator.

• Supports 192 kHz/24 bit PCM playback as well as 11.2 MHz DSD native playback.

• Please use Fostex Audio Player (freeware) for audio playback.

• DSD playback on Mac is compatible up to 5.6 MHz.

• Compatible with 192 kHz/24 bit asynchronous transfer due to USB AUDIO 2.0 support.

• Supports balanced headphones.

• Equipped with a microSD (SDHC) card drive, which can be used for future upgrades.

• Note that the unit cannot play back audio data on a microSD card.

Accessories The following are supplied with the HP-A4BL. After purchasing the unit, check all accessories are included in the package. You should attach the four rubber feet on the bottom of the unit by yourself.

System requirements Computers connected to the unit must meet the following conditions.

• OS: Windows 7, Windows 8 or Mac OS X V10.6

• See the product page of the Fostex website noted on the cover page for later OS versions.

• USB: Supports USB 2.0

Maintenance If the unit becomes dirty, wipe it with a soft dry cloth or a soft cloth dipped in water with neutral detergent. Do not use volatile chemicals such as benzine or thinner. Otherwise, the panel may be damaged.

Caution For your safety, disconnect the AC adapter before cleaning. Fostex_HP-A4BL_3L.indb 4 16/03/11 14:145 Parts names and functions Front panel [PHONES BALANCED] terminal (XLR-4pin) Connect balanced stereo headphones. The signal outputs are as below. Rch COLD(4)Lch HOT(1)Rch HOT(3)Lch COLD(2) [PHONES UNBALANCED] terminal (normal stereo jack) Connect stereo headphones. Set the [OUTPUT SEL] switch on the front panel to the unpressed ([PHONES] position) to activate. The [PHONES] terminal will prioritize [UNBALANCED]. [POWER] indicator Lit in green when the power is supplied. Lit in red in standby mode. Input indicators (44.1 k, 48 k, 88.2 k, 96k/2.8 M, 176.4 k/5.6 M, 192 k/11.2 M) Lit in red according to the input audio source. When no signal is input or when a signal with an unsupported audio format is input, the 44.1 kHz indicator blinks (unlocked).

Notes Immediately after the power is supplied to the unit, no input indicator is illuminated. [DSD] indicator Lit in red when the unit plays back DSD audio. [POWER] switch/volume knob Adjusts the analog output level ([PHONES] terminal and [OUTPUT] terminal). Supply power by turning the knob to the right until it makes a clicking sound. [INPUT SEL] switch Selects the digital input source between the [USB] terminal and [DIGITAL IN] terminal. [FILTER] switch Selects the digital lter characteristics of the DAC. [GAIN] switch Selects the gain of the headphone output amplier.

Caution Turn the volume knob all the way to the left before you operate the switch. [OUTPUT SEL] switch Selects the analog output destination between the [PHONES] terminal and [OUTPUT] terminal.

• See page 10 for setting

English Fostex_HP-A4BL_3L.indb 5 16/03/11 14:146 Back panel [OUTPUT] (L, R) terminals (RCA pin jack) Connect to an amplier, etc. Outputs an analog audio signal after the DA converter. Set the [OUTPUT SEL] switch on the front panel to the pressed ([RCA] position) to activate. [DIGITAL IN] terminal (optical) Connect to digital audio source devices such as a CD player. Inputs PCM digital audio.

Notes DSD signals cannot be input. [DIGITAL OUT] terminal (optical) Connect digital audio devices. Outputs PCM digital audio received from the [USB] terminal or [DIGITAL IN] terminal in S/PDIF format. No signal is output when the unit receives DSD audio. [USB] terminal Connect to a computer using the supplied USB cable for USB audio source input.

• Set the audio output appropriately to input USB audio.

• Please download and use Fostex Audio Player (freeware) for audio playback, which can be found at the URL noted on the cover page. [microSD] slot Set the microSD card for updating the software version of the unit. Compatible microSD cards are SDHC with a volume of 32 GB or less.

• The software upgrade le is available from the web site noted on the cover page. Download and read the Update Notes and Manual Supplement.

• Audio data on a microSD is not playable. [AUTO STANDBY MODE] switch If AUTO STANDBY MODE is on, the auto standby function is activated when the 44.1 kHz indicator blinks (unlocked) for about 20 minutes, and power consumption is reduced to below 0.5 W. If AUTO STANDBY MODE is o, auto standby mode is not activated.

Caution To power on from standby mode, power on again using the [POWER] switch/volume knob on the front panel. Conditions for unlocking may dier depending on the computer. [DC IN] terminal Connect to an outlet using the supplied AC adapter.

Caution Do not use any AC adapter other than that supplied with the product. Fostex_HP-A4BL_3L.indb 6 16/03/11 14:147 Setting up and connecting a computer When using the unit to output the computer sound, set up the computer as below.

Installing the USB driver (Windows only) Before you connect the unit via USB to a Windows computer, the dedicated USB Audio Class 2.0 driver must be installed to the computer. You can download the driver software from the Fostex website noted on the cover page.

• When you connect the unit via USB to a Mac OS computer, you do not need to install a driver.

DSD audio playback software application To play back DSD audio, an appropriate DSD audio playback software application must be installed on your computer. Please download and use Fostex Audio Player (freeware) for DSD audio playback, which can be found at the URL noted on the cover page. The unit supports both ASIO and DoP.

• If an audio playback software application sends illegal data to the unit, audio may not be played back.• With some audio playback software applications, the beginning of a song may be muted when you switch between DSD and PCM.• Before you operate an audio playback software application, it is recommended to turn down the HP-A4BL audio output volume.• It is recommended that tracks in the playlist of an audio playback software application have the same sampling rate.

Connecting the computer While connecting to an outlet using the supplied AC adapter, turn the [POWER] switch to the right until it makes a clicking sound. Power is supplied and the [POWER] indicator lights in green. When connecting to the computer using the supplied USB cable, the computer recognizes the unit.

Notes The unit works in asynchronous mode and processes audio data using the high performance crystal clock. (Connecting) HeadphonesHP-A4BL (front panel)Audio amplier AV amplierCD playerComputer adapterHP-A4BL (back panel) English Fostex_HP-A4BL_3L.indb 7 16/03/11 14:148 Computer settings Set the sound output destination of the computer to HP-A4BL to listen to the sound of the computer. Adjusting sound output settings of the computer may improve the sound. See the manual of the computer or the online help for more information.

• When you reboot your computer or reconnect the unit, check that the sound output destination is correctly set.• Adjust the sound output level of the computer according to your usage environment.

Windows 8/Windows 7 Sound output destination setting

1) Select “Hardware and Sound” from the

2) Select “Sound” to open the “Sound”

4) Select “FOSTEX USB Audio HP-A4BL” and

click the “Set Default” button, followed by the “OK” button. Advanced settings Clicking the “Property” button on the “Sound” window opens the window where you can select the sampling rate, etc. Fostex_HP-A4BL_3L.indb 8 16/03/11 14:149

1) Select “System preferences” from the

Apple drop-down menu.

2) Select “Sound” to open the “Sound”

window and select the “Output” tab at the top of the window.

3) Select “FOSTEX USB AUDIO HP-A4” in the

list box. Advanced settings The “Audio MIDI setting” utility in the “Utility” folder in the “Application” folder allows you to select the sampling rate and bit rate. English Fostex_HP-A4BL_3L.indb 9 16/03/11 14:1410 Unit settings

[INPUT SEL] switch setting This switch selects the audio input source. At the pressed ([USB] position), the unit plays back a USB audio signal from a USB-connected computer. At the unpressed ([OPTICAL] position), the unit plays back a signal from the [DIGITAL IN] terminal.

Notes The unit cannot input signals from the [USB] and [DIGITAL IN] terminals simultaneously.

[FILTER] switch setting This switch selects the digital lter characteristics of the DAC.

• With a PCM audio source At the [1] position, a slow roll-o digital lter is applied. At the [2] position, a sharp roll-o digital lter is applied.

• With a DSD audio source At the [1] position, a digital lter with high cut- o frequency is applied. At the [2] position, a digital lter with low cut-o frequency is applied.

[GAIN] switch setting This switch selects the gain of the headphone output amplier. At the [HI] position, the gain is 10 dB higher than the gain at the [LO] position.

Caution Turn the volume control knob all the way to the left before you operate the switch.

[OUTPUT SEL] switch setting This switch selects the analog output destination between the [PHONES] and [OUTPUT] terminals.

• To monitor audio from headphones connected to the [PHONES] terminal, set it to the [PHONES] position.

• To monitor audio from an amplier/speaker system connected to the [OUTPUT] terminals, set it to [RCA] position.

Notes You cannot output the signal from both the [PHONES] and [OUTPUT] terminals simultaneously.

Volume level setting You can adjust the analog output level of the [PHONES] and [OUTPUT] terminals using the volume control knob.

• Adjust the sound output level on the computer according to your usage environment.

• The volume control knob does not aect the output level of the [DIGITAL OUT] terminal. Fostex_HP-A4BL_3L.indb 10 16/03/11 14:1411 Specications Input [USB] terminal Interface USB 2.0 high speed Supported sampling frequency PCM: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz DSD: 2.8 MHz, 5.6 MHz, 11.2 MHz (* Up to 5.6 MHz on Mac) Supported quantization bit width 16 bit, 24 bit [DIGITAL IN] terminal Connector type TOSLINK optical Format S/PDIF Supported sampling frequency

44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz

Supported quantization bit width 16 bit, 24 bit Output [PHONES BALANCED] terminal Connector type XLR 4-pin Maximum output 300 mW or more (32 ohms load) Applicable load impedance 16 ohms to 600 ohms THD 0.04% or less (at 1 kHz, 32 ohm load, 100 mW output) Frequency response 20 Hz to 80 kHz, +/− 3 dB (32 ohm load, 100 mW output) [PHONES UNBALANCED] terminal Connector type Φ6.3 mm stereo jack Maximum output 150 mW or more (32 ohms load) Applicable load impedance 16 ohms to 600 ohms THD 0.04% or less (at 1 kHz, 32 ohm load, 100 mW output) Frequency response 20 Hz to 80 kHz, +/− 3 dB (32 ohm load, 100 mW output) [OUTPUT] (L, R) terminals (analog output terminal) Connector type RCA pin jack Nominal output level 2 Vrms (0 dBFS) Applicable load impedance 10 k ohms or more THD 0.01% or less (at 1 kHz) Frequency response 20 Hz to 80 kHz, +/− 3 dB (at nominal level) [DIGITAL OUT] terminal Connector type TOSLINK optical Format S/PDIF Supported sampling frequency

44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz

Supported quantization bit width 16 bit, 24 bit General [microSD] card slot Format FAT32 Usable card microSD card (SDHC), 32 GB maximum Supplied accessories USB cable (1 m) × 1, AC adapter × 1, rubber feet × 4, Owner’s manual (this manual) × 1 Power requirements DC 12 V (supplied from the AC adapter) Power consumption 4.2 W External dimensions 150 mm (W) × 34 mm (H, excluding rubber feet) × 157 mm (D, including protrusions) Weight Approx. 630 g

• Specications and appearance are subject to change without notice for product improvement.

• Windows is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and other countries.

• Mac is a trademark of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries.

• All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. English Fostex_HP-A4BL_3L.indb 11 16/03/11 14:14FOSTEX CO. 1-1-109, Tsutsujigaoka, Akishima City, Tokyo, 196-8550, Japan Declaration of EC Directive This equipment is compatible with the EMC Directive (2004/108/EC) - Directive on approximation of member nation’s ordinance concerning the electromagnetic compatibility and with the Low Voltage Directive (2006/95/EC) - Directive on approximation of member nation’s ordinance concerning electric equipment designed to be used within the specified voltage range. This equipment is also compatible with the Ecodesign Directive (2009/125/EC) - Directive on approximation of member nation’s ordinance concerning the ecodesign requirement for energy-using products and with EU RoHS 2 Directive (2011/65/EU) - Directive on approximation of member nation’s ordinance concerning the restriction of the use of certain hazardous substances in electric equipment. The Affect of Immunity on This Equipment The affect of the European Specification EN61000-6-1 (coexistence of electromagnetic waves - common immunity specification) on this equipment are as shown below. In the electrical fast transient/burst requirements, surge, conducted disturbances by radio-frequency fields, power frequency magnetic field, radiate electromagnetic field requirements and static electricity discharging environment, this could be affected by generation of noise in some cases.