The Weiss Engineering DAC1 Mk3 is a high-end digital-to-analogue converter designed for professional audio applications where absolute accuracy and transparency are paramount. Developed with over four decades of expertise, the DAC1 Mk3 delivers an exceptionally detailed and precise representation of digital audio, making it a crucial component in top-tier studios worldwide.
This converter employs a unique correlation technique using two high-performance DAC chips per channel, totaling four in the unit. This design significantly reduces distortion and noise, surpassing the capabilities of standard single-chip configurations. Jitter attenuation is handled through multiple signal re-clocking schemes, ensuring immunity to jitter even at subsonic frequencies.
The analogue output stage features Weiss Engineering’s proprietary OP1-BP discrete Class A operational amplifiers, providing extremely low output impedance and the ability to drive large loads with stability. Output levels are adjustable between −infinity and +27 dBu, offering flexibility for various studio setups.
The DAC1 Mk3 is equipped with three stereo AES/EBU inputs on XLR connectors and one optical TOSLINK input, all of which can be switched from the front panel. Each XLR input is actively routed to a corresponding XLR digital output, allowing for seamless monitoring at different points in the signal chain. As the first component in a studio’s monitoring setup, the DAC1 Mk3 ensures that speakers receive a true analogue representation of the digital source. It is also widely used for integrating analogue equipment into digital workflows, particularly in mixing and mastering environments.
While the DAC1 Mk3 offers technical advancements over its predecessor, the DAC1 Mk2, some users may prefer the sonic character of the earlier model. Weiss Engineering continues to support both versions, and existing DAC1 units can be upgraded to the Mk3 specification. One notable improvement in the Mk3 is a more user-friendly output gain trimming system, enhancing usability without compromising sound quality.
The Weiss Engineering DAC1 Mk3 represents the pinnacle of digital-to-analogue conversion, offering professionals an uncompromising tool for achieving the most accurate and transparent audio reproduction possible.
