GRACE DESIGN m905

Product overview

The GRACE DESIGN m905 is GRACE DESIGN's second generation reference stereo monitor controller: mastering quality DAC, s-Lock PLL, asynchronous USB, three stereo speaker outputs with sub, reference headphone amplifier and a hybrid remote control unit.

DAC performance is on par with the finest mastering equipment, the redesigned s-Lock PLL ensures ultra low jitter clock regeneration and the asynchronous USB Class 2 interface makes the m905 the master clock of the computer's USB audio bus. All audio and power supply circuitry is in a 2U rack mainframe, while system control is on a remote control unit that combines hardware switches, a rotary encoder and a colour graphical LCD.

Key features

• Analogue inputs: unbalanced (or optional RIAA phono), balanced, CUE, talkback mic
• Digital inputs: 2 x AES3 (single or dual wire), S/PDIF, optical, ADAT, USB; DSD128 via DoP
• Mastering quality DAC with configurable de-emphasis; s-Lock dual-stage PLL
• Hybrid RCU with built-in talkback mic and SPL meter (A and C weighting)
• Reference headphone amplifier with outputs on the RCU and the ACU
• Mono, dim, mute, sub mute, solo, L-R, crossfeed and MON > CUE
• 3 stereo speaker outputs; multi-mode SUB / DAC / METER output; digital loop-through outputs
• Can transfer up to 10 channels to a computer as a standalone USB interface

Designed to be used immediately

Any engineer can use the system immediately; setup menus only drill down one level, the main screen is always one button away, inputs and outputs can be named, level offsets calibrated and presets stored.

m905 Analog and phono option

The m905 Analog omits the DAC for users with their own converters, adds a second balanced analogue input pair and can be upgraded to the digital version at any time. The phono module is a high performance RIAA preamplifier, available on new and existing units, with internal jumpers to suit a wide range of cartridges.

In the box

• Audio control unit (ACU)
• Remote control unit (RCU) with tilt base and hardware premounted
• 25' serial cable (m905 Analog: network cable and 2 serial adapter jacks)
• 6' AC power cable
• Rubber feet and rack screws
• Owner's manual and warranty registration

GRACE DESIGN m905: frequently asked questions

How many speaker sets can it switch?

Three stereo speaker outputs, with two assignable mono subwoofer outputs or one stereo sub output.

Does it play DSD?

Yes. DSD64 and DSD128 via DoP v1.1 from the AES3, S/PDIF or USB inputs.

Is there a version without the DAC?

Yes, the m905 Analog, which can be upgraded to the digital version later.

Can it measure SPL?

Yes. The RCU has a built-in microphone and SPL meter with level, peak, fast and slow modes and A and C weighting.

Where can I buy the GRACE DESIGN m905 in India?

The GRACE DESIGN m905 is available from Shivansh Electronics, Kolkata, West Bengal, India, with delivery across India.

Workflow 1: Stereo mixing room with three speaker sets

Mix and mastering engineers.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect the sources and speakers.
2. Name inputs and outputs in setup.
3. Calibrate level offsets.
4. Switch speakers from the RCU.

Tip: Speaker system off before powering the m905; on last.

Workflow 2: 2.1 monitoring with sub

Studios with a subwoofer.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the multi-mode output to SUB.
2. Assign the sub per speaker output.
3. Use SUB MUTE and sub solo to check.
4. Store presets.

Tip: Two mono subs or one stereo sub.

Workflow 3: Mastering DAC feed

Mastering rooms with analogue outboard.

Connections

Setup

1. Set the multi-mode output to DAC.
2. Select the digital input.
3. Set the fixed level.
4. Feed the analogue chain.

Tip: The DAC output follows the selected digital input at all times.

Workflow 4: Talkback and cue

Tracking sessions.

Connections

Setup

1. Route the cue source.
2. Use MON > CUE to send the monitor mix.
3. Press TALKBACK to speak.
4. Use a footswitch if wanted.

Tip: The talkback switch input takes a normally open footswitch.

Workflow 5: Computer playback

Producers and listeners.

Connections

Setup

1. Connect USB.
2. Select USB on the RCU.
3. Play PCM up to 192 kHz or DSD128.
4. Set the level.

Tip: Asynchronous USB makes the m905 the clock master.

Workflow 6: Vinyl reference

Studios and listeners with a turntable (phono option).

Connections

Setup

1. Set the phono module jumpers for the cartridge.
2. Select the unbalanced input.
3. Set 40 or 60 dB gain as configured.
4. Listen.

Tip: The phono option is fitted at the GRACE DESIGN factory for existing units.