Grace Design M905

Reference monitor controller – (includes remote) silver finish

Description

NEW FIRMWARE SUPPORTS DIGITAL SPEAKER CONTROL VIA AES AND S/PDIF OUTPUTS

This is our second-generation stereo monitor controller, engineered from the ground up to provide unrivaled sonic purity with a comprehensive and powerful feature set.

The Grace Design m905 represents a new benchmark for audio playback quality. DAC performance is on par with the finest esoteric mastering equipment available. Our redesigned s-Lock™ PLL ensures ultra-low jitter clock regeneration. An asynchronous USB class 2 interface allows the m905 to act as the master clock of the computer’s USB audio buss, effectively eliminating interface-induced jitter for computer audio playback. And finally, meticulous analog circuitry measures outstanding numbers in dynamic range, distortion, and noise performance, ensuring bracingly open, detailed, and musical playback of any input source.

All main audio and power supply circuitry is housed in a 2U rack mount mainframe, while system control is managed by a sleek, ergonomic remote control unit. This new RCU is a combination of dedicated hardware and a color graphical LCD display. All primary monitoring features are accessed via hardware switches and a rotary encoder, while all system information is presented by the graphic LCD and illuminated switches. This hybrid design allows for the solid feel and function of traditional hardware with the added power and functionality of a graphical user interface.

Now supported is DSD 128x (5.6448MHz) via DoP v1.1 (DSD over PCM frames). DSD audio can be sourced from the AES3, S/PDIF, or USB digital inputs. While still a niche playback format, DSD has held its ground over the years, and now more and more content is available via download. And playback is now supported by a number of players. DSD sounds stunningly natural, especially rendered through the rest of the playback circuitry of the m905. So If you’re the type to seek out this kind of fidelity, the m905 is a great way to enjoy it.

The GUI is designed so that any engineer unfamiliar with the m905 can use the system immediately and confidently. Then with a minimal time investment, advanced functions can be accessed and controlled with ease. Additional features include: naming individual inputs and speaker outputs, calibrating level offsets of any input and output, setting preset levels, and much more. The setup menus only ever drill down one level, so the main operating screen is always one button away. And when returning to any previously visited setup menu, its previous edit status is remembered, keeping redundant navigation and editing to a minimum.

The m905 offers the ability to transfer up to 10 channels of digital audio (8-channels of ADAT and two of AES3, or S/PDIF or TOSLINK) over USB to a computer, making the m905 capable of operating as a standalone USB audio interface. This is an advanced feature as there are clock issues to be aware of, but it works and is documented in the owner’s manual.

With stunning sonic performance and timeless design, the m905 is a mark of genuine progress in the pursuit of high-quality audio production. Intuitive, reliable, and beautiful, it is the perfect studio centerpiece – a home base for your ears, eyes, and hands.

M905 ANALOG OPTION (ANALOG INPUTS ONLY)

The m905 Analog is now available without the built-in DAC. This system is offered for users who already have an investment in DACs, whether stand-alone or built into their interface. System configuration is exactly the same, with all the same great monitoring features, except no digital inputs and the second pair of balanced analog inputs. The m905 Analog brings this world-class performance into the reach of almost any engineer or recording studio. Also, users can always upgrade their m905 Analog to the Digital version at any time. NOTE: the analog-only version includes a simplified remote cable that does not carry a headphone signal to the RCU. To enable the headphone output on the RCU, ask your dealer to upgrade to the premium remote cable.

PHONO PREAMP OPTION

The m905 phono module is a high-performance RIAA preamplifier. This option is available on new and existing units, the latter requires the unit to be returned to our factory to be upgraded. If you are an overseas customer, please contact your Grace Design distributor for details.

It can be optimized for a wide range of phono cartridges via a number of internal jumper settings. To access these jumpers, remove the top cover of the m905 and refer to the Jumper Location diagrams in chapter 18 of the Owner’s Manual.

INFRARED WIRELESS REMOTE OPTION

Also now available is the m905 IR Remote Option, which is available on new or existing units (Digital and Analog). This feature allows wireless infrared remote control of a select set of monitoring controls via a legacy Grace Design Remote (discontinued), a standard Apple Remote, or with iOS and Android via the Logitec® Harmony Remote.

Features

  • Analog inputs – unbalanced (standard or the optional RIAA phono input), balanced (2nd pair balanced available on m905 Analog), CUE, talkback mic
  • Digital inputs – 2x AES3 (Single or dual-wire), 1 S/PDIF, 1 TOSLINK, ADAT (selectable in 4 pairs, or 2 pairs in S/MUX), USB, DSD128 (5.6448MHz)
  • Audio circuitry designed for completely transparent and musical playback performance
  • Asynchronous Class 2 USB playback supports up to 24 bit/192kHz
  • Mastering quality DAC circuitry with configurable de-emphasis filtering
  • s-lock dual-stage Phase Lock Loop for ultra low jitter clock regeneration
  • Hybrid RCU with hardware switches, large level encoder, and graphical LCD
  • LCD display shows input, level, output, SPL, and DAC status plus a full calibration menu
  • RCU includes a built-in microphone for talkback and an onboard SPL meter
  • SPL meter features include level, peak, fast and slow modes, A & C weighting
  • Precision .5 dB step level control for speakers and headphones
  • Reference headphone amplifier circuitry, with outputs on both the RCU and ACU
  • Dedicated mono, dim, mute, and sub mute switches
  • Digital loop thru outputs that can be configured to pass incoming digital signals or as a digital speaker output when monitoring digital PCM sources
  • Mono mode can be set to L+R summed, L only in both channels, or R only in both channels L solo, R solo, L-R and sub solo modes are available
  • 3 available stereo speaker outputs, with two assignable mono sub outputs (or single stereo sub output)
  • Multi-mode SUB/ DAC/ METER out
  • SUB out mode for stereo or multiple mono subwoofer outputs
  • DAC out mode for a fixed DAC output fed by the selected digital input
  • METER out mode fed by the selected input signal (digital or analog), configurable with a fixed level or to follow the monitor level
  • The detachable RCU tilt base

Specifications

analog i/o

THD+N AT MAXIMUM VOLUME, 1KHZ, 22HZ-22KHZ BW
+20dBu out <0.0008%
+10dBu out <0.0008%
0dBu out <0.002%
INTERMODULATION DISTORTION SMTPE/DIN 4:1 50HZ, 7KHZ
@+20dBu out <0.002%
@ 0dBu out <0.0015%
FREQUENCY RESPONSE
Balanced Inputs +/-3dB 3Hz to 1.25MHz
Unbalanced Input +/-3dB 3Hz to 275kHz
DYNAMIC RANGE
20-22kHz bandwidth 118 dB
20-22kHz bandwidth and A-weighting filter 121 dB
OUTPUT NOISE
20-22kHz bandwidth, at -20dB gain -99 dBu
20-22kHz bandwidth and A-weighting filter, at -20dB Gain -102 dBu
PHASE DEVIATION
20Hz to 20kHz <10 degrees
10Hz to 100kHz <19 degrees
CROSSTALK ANY CHANNEL
100Hz <104dB
1kHz <100dB
20kHz <79dB
BALANCED INPUT CMRR
60Hz <90dB
1kHz <85dB
10kHz <70dB
GAIN RANGE
-104dB to +13dB
CHANNEL TRACKING ACCURACY
Any channel +/-0.1dB
MAXIMUM OUTPUT LEVEL
+26dBu
MAXIMUM INPUT LEVEL
Balanced Inputs +29dBu
Unbalanced Inputs +21dBu
IMPEDANCES
Balanced Inputs 88k Ohms
Unbalanced Inputs 53k Ohms
Balanced Outputs 300 Ohms
Minimum load impedance 300 Ohms
EXTERNAL TALKBACK MIC PREAMP GAIN
+7dB to +70dB in 1dB steps
OPTIONAL PHONO PREAMP MODULE
40DB
Gain @1kHz 40dB
Noise 22Hz-22kHz -90dBu
Noise A-weighted -96dBu
%THD+N 1kHz, 5mV IN <0.0080%
%THD+N 1kHz, 1mV IN
%SMPTE/DIN 4:1 100/2kHz <0.004%
Max Input Level 0.1% THD+N 110mV
Sub Sonic Filter -3dB 12Hz
RIAA EQ accuracy ±0.10dB
60DB
Gain @1kHz 60dB
Noise 22Hz-22kHz -71dBu
Noise A-weighted -76dBu
%THD+N 1kHz, 5mV IN
%THD+N 1kHz, 1mV IN <0.04%
%SMPTE/DIN 4:1 100/2kHz <0.003%
Max Input Level 0.1% THD+N 10mV
Sub Sonic Filter -3dB 12Hz
RIAA EQ accuracy

digital to analog converter fixed outputs

OUTPUT LEVELS
User selectable (0dBFS) -76dBu to +24dBu in 0.5dB steps
Fixed output trim range (0.5dB steps)
THD+N
1kHz, -1dBFS, (0dBFS = +20dBu), 20-22kHz bandwidth 0.0006%
DYNAMIC RANGE
20-22kHz bandwidth, 0dBFS = +20dBu (AES17 filter) 117dB
20-22kHz bandwidth, 0dBFS = +20dBu (A-weighted) 119dB
INPUT LOCK RANGE
AES3/SPDIF 44.1kHz +/-400Hz
48kHz +/-700Hz
88.2kHz +/-1200Hz
96kHz +/-1300Hz
176.4kHz +/-2000Hz
192kHz +/-2000Hz
TOSLINK 44.1kHz +/-400Hz
48kHz +/-700Hz
88.2kHz +/-1200Hz
96kHz +/-1300Hz
ADAT LIGHTPIPEâ„¢ 44.1kHz +/-50Hz
8 Channels at 44.1kHz and 48kHz 48kHz +/-70Hz
4 Channels at 88.2kHz and 96kHz (s/mux) 88.2kHz +/-50Hz
96kHz +/-70Hz
USB Supported Sample Rates 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz, DSD64 2.8224MHz, DSD128 5.6448MHz
S-LOCKâ„¢ CAPTURE RANGE
44.1kHz +/- 6Hz
48kHz +/- 7Hz
88.2kHz +/- 14Hz
96kHz +/- 20Hz
176.4kHz +/- 24Hz
192kHz +/- 30Hz
WORD CLOCK / SUPERCLOCK INPUT
Impedance (switchable) 75 ohm / 1Meg ohm
Minimum Voltage 3V peak to peak
Maximum Voltage 5V peak to peak
Word clock frequencies supported 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192kHz
Super clock frequencies supported n/a

power supply/general

Power consumption 60W
Input Voltage 50-60Hz 100VAC – 240VAC
DIMENSIONS
Main chassis IEC 2U 3.5″ x 10.5″ x 17″
Remote control unit 8.9″ x 5.1″ x 2.2″
WEIGHT
Main chassis 7.8lbs
Remote control unit 2.2lbs

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