M-Audio CO2 User Manual
™
Coaxial-to-Optical
and
Optical-to-Coaxial
Converter
Ver: CO2 073102
CO2
Introduction
Thank you for your purchase of the M-Audio CO2 Coaxial/
Optical Converter. CO2 is a compact but rugged S/PDIF tool
that simultaneously converts S/PDIF signals from optical-to-
coax, and coax-to-optical. CO2's innovative 2-in 2-out design
allows it to operate as a full-duplex bidirectional converter,
or as a half-duplex converter with "thru" port. This enables
the CO2 to be used as a converter and a repeater.
Operation
Plug one end of the included power adapter into the CO2's
power jack and the other end into a live wall socket or
power strip. The power indicator LED on the side of the CO2
will light. Next, choose the CO2's mode of operation by
setting the slide switch in the side of the CO2.
NOTE: The CO2's mode switch has been intentionally recessed
in order to prevent accidental mode switching. Use a pen or
similar object to set the switch position.
The CO2 has three different modes of operation:
●
OPTICAL --> COAX. Data at the optical input is converted
to coaxial output, and also copied "thru" to the optical
output. See Figure 1 for an example. In this example, the
CO2 is a converter and a repeater.
●
BI-DIRECTIONAL. Data at the optical input is converted
to coaxial output, and data at the coaxial input is
converted to optical output. Both conversions occur
simultaneously (also known as "full-duplex" operation).
This is the most popular mode. See Figure 2 for an
example. In this example, the CO2 is a bi-directional
converter.
●
COAX --> OPTICAL. Data at the coaxial input is
converted to optical output, and also copied "thru" to the
coaxial output. See Figure 3 for an example. In this
example, the CO2 is a converter and a repeater.
After the switch has been set to the desired mode, connect
the external S/PDIF devices.
NOTE: While it is usually desirable to set the CO2's mode switch
before connecting external equipment, the switch setting may
also be changed while external equipment is connected to the
CO2. You might, however, hear small bursts of noise while
switching - this is normal as it takes a small amount of time for
external devices to "lock on" to the S/PDIF data stream after the
switching takes place.
POWER
▲
▲
OPTICAL
▲
▲
COAXIAL
9VDC
COAX ➔ OPTICAL
OPT ICAL➔ COAX
COAXIAL /OPTICAL CONVERTER
BI-DIRECTIONAL
Device #1
Optical Out
Device #3
(optional)
Optical In
Device #2
Coax In
CO2
A U D I O
Figure 1 - Optical to Coaxial with Thru
Features
●
Converts S/PDIF optical-to-coaxial and
coaxial-to-optical, simultaneously.
●
"Thru" ports may be used to extend the length
of coaxial or optical runs.
●
Three selectable modes of operation.
●
Optical (Toslink) and RCA (coaxial) inputs
and outputs.
●
Power indicator LED.
Specifications
●
Inputs: 1 Toslink optical and 1 RCA coaxial jack.
●
Outputs: 1 Toslink optical and 1 RCA coaxial
jack (transformer-isolated).
●
Power supply: 9 Volts DC, center pin positive,
300 milliamps.
●
Dimensions: 3.5" x 2.3" x 1.2".
●
Approximate weight: 7 ounces.
For best results, when using the CO2 RCA jacks, use a
good-quality S/PDIF cable. The cable should be coaxial
with 75-ohm impedance. Vendors sell cables specifically
for this use, but a good-quality video dubbing cable also
has the proper characteristics.