DCS 954 - User Manual

Questions and Answers

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jasmine07Aug 18, 2025
What to do if audio output is low or absent on DCS 954?
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  Luis FisherAug 18, 2025
  If the audio output from your DCS Media Converter is low or absent, begin by checking all cables to ensure they are correctly connected and undamaged, as damaged cables are a very common cause of malfunctions. Verify that the source and destination equipment are powered on and correctly configured. Ensure your unit is locked to the desired source, and that the Mute function is disabled, indicated by the LED being off. Set the Volume control to 0.0dB and confirm that the source is transmitting audio data. If the Ref In menu item is set to ddC, switch it to Route; in PCM inputs, DDC mode disables the analogue outputs.
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Christopher ColemanAug 20, 2025
What to do if level trimmers don't change the output level on DCS 954?
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  Veronica CannonAug 20, 2025
  If the level trimmers on the rear panel of your DCS Media Converter do not change the output level, ensure that the tool you are using is narrow enough (about 2.5mm or 0.1' diameter) and long enough (at least 12mm or 0.5') to reach the adjuster. The trimmer may be at the end of its travel, so try turning it several times in the opposite direction, as it is a 20-turn device. Note that the level trimmers do not affect the unbalanced outputs.
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Marissa BenderAug 23, 2025
What causes one output channel to be low or absent on DCS 954?
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  Laura JohnstonAug 23, 2025
  If one output channel is low or absent on your DCS Media Converter, begin by checking that all cables are connected correctly and are not damaged. Ensure that the balance is not offset elsewhere in the system. If the level trimmers on the rear panel have been adjusted, verify that one has not been set much lower than the other. In SDIF or DSD modes, confirm that both Ch1 and Ch2 inputs, as well as the Word Clock, are connected correctly.
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Sandra AlexanderAug 26, 2025
How to troubleshoot if DCS 954 fails to power up?
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  carmen76Aug 26, 2025
  If your DCS Media Converter unit fails to power up, ensure that the mains cable is properly connected and that the unit's mains switch is in the On position. Verify that the rated supply voltage on the unit's rear panel matches your local supply voltage. Inspect the fuse for any signs of blowing; if blown, identify and resolve any apparent cause before replacing the fuse as detailed in the 'User Changeable Parts' section. Also, make sure the mains cable is fully inserted into the mains inlet at the rear of the unit.
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Todd GarciaAug 28, 2025
What to do if DCS Media Converter fails to lock to a source?
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  wsantosAug 28, 2025
  If your DCS Media Converter unit fails to lock to a source, first ensure that the correct input is selected and the Ref In menu item is set to Route. Check the digital audio cable to confirm it is the correct type, properly connected, and undamaged. Verify that the source is switched on. If using a CD player, some models require a disc to be playing to generate a digital output, so set the player to 'play' mode and check if the unit locks. Finally, if you are using SDIF-2, set the BNC I menu item to SDIF and the BNC menu item to Input.
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ibrownAug 30, 2025
How to fix clicks or crackles on DCS Media Converter outputs?
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  Katelyn BaldwinAug 30, 2025
  If you experience clicks or crackles on the outputs of your DCS Media Converter, check that all cables are of a suitable type, correctly connected, and not damaged. In multi-wire mode, a broken wire can corrupt the data even if the unit locks. Press the Coarse Lock button; if this resolves the issue, the source equipment likely has a high level of jitter. Ensure that all system components are correctly slaved to a Master Clock. If using 4-wire DSD, verify that the four cables are connected correctly.
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Rebecca CuevasSep 1, 2025
Why does DCS Media Converter sound have a peculiar tonal balance?
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  adamrichardsonSep 1, 2025
  If the sound from your DCS Media Converter has a peculiar tonal balance, and the sample rate is 48kS/s or lower, the De-Emphasis setting might be incorrect. Press the De-Emphasis button repeatedly until the mode display shows A (Auto). If this doesn't solve the problem, the De-Emphasis flags in the data stream might be incorrectly set. Cycle through the De-Emphasis settings (5, C, and -) until the correct setting is found. When changing disks or tapes, revert to Auto mode.
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zjacobsonSep 4, 2025
Why are left and right channels swapped on DCS 954?
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  Jill EllisSep 4, 2025
  If the Left and Right channels are swapped on your DCS Media Converter, first check that the Flip function is Off. Ensure that the audio output cables are not reversed. Verify that the channels are not swapped elsewhere in the system. In Dual AES mode, confirm that the AES 1 (or AES 3) input connects to the Left channel output on the source equipment, and AES 2 (or AES 4) input connects to the Right channel output. In Quad AES or 4-wire DSD modes, ensure that AES 1, 2, 3 & 4 inputs are correctly connected to the corresponding outputs on the source equipment. In SDIF or DSD modes, verify that the Ch1 and Ch2 inputs are connected correctly.
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Anthony RomanSep 6, 2025
Why is the output monophonic on DCS 954?
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  Natalie HarrisSep 6, 2025
  If the output from your DCS Media Converter is monophonic, and the unit is locked to one wire of Dual AES or Quad AES, the left channel signal will appear on both channels; select the correct inputs. The source may actually be monophonic. Also, check that the signal is not set to mono elsewhere in the system.
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johnsoncarrieSep 9, 2025
What to do if DCS 954 fails to slave to a Master Clock?
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  William BatesSep 9, 2025
  If your DCS Media Converter fails to slave to a Master Clock, and you are using an AES Reference, connect it to Reference In and set the Ref In menu item to Loop or Loop.t as appropriate. When locked, the unit should display 'r' followed by the sample rate. If using Word Clock, connect it to Word Clock In. Set the BNC I menu item to SDIF and the BNC item to RefCl. Press the BNC button – the unit should lock and display 'b' followed by the sample rate. Check that the AES Reference In or Word Clock In cable is connected correctly and not damaged. Verify that the Master Clock is switched on, set to the right sample rate, and does not require re-calibration. Connect a different piece of digital equipment to test the locking capability of the unit.

DCS 954 Specifications

General

Category	Media Converter
Fiber Mode	Multi-mode
Model	DCS-954
Standards	IEEE 802.3u 100BASE-TX/FX
Copper Interface	RJ-45
Fiber Interface	SC
Operating Temperature	0°C to 50°C
Storage Temperature	-10 to 70 °C (14 to 158 °F)
Humidity	5% to 90% non-condensing