User Manual READ CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION. aria mini

Transcription

1 User Manual READ CAREFULLY BEFORE OPERATION aria mini

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3 Contents 1. WEEE DIRECTIVE 4 2. SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 5 3. INTRODUCTION 8 4. INSTALATION 9 - Unpack and Install the aria - mini 9 - Conecting the aria mini 10 - Installing the remote control (iaria) HOW USE YOUR SYSTEM 12 - Configuring the initial settings (language) 14 - Playing music 16 - How to select the music playback zone 16 - How to select the music to play 17 - Rip your CDs SEARCH HOW USE YOUR ARIA SERVER (ADVANCED FEATURES) 21 - Import music 21 - Import from network storage system 22 - Import from a USB device 25 - How to check that music has been imported 25 - Playing music. Selection criteria: A detailed explanation 26 - Playing and adding tracks to the queue 27 - Playing Now screen: Save and load playlists 28 - Editing metadata PLAYLIST LINKING MUSIC ZONES DELETE MUSIC AND REMOVE LINKED DEVICES BACKUP YOUR MUSIC FILES FAQs Appendix A: How can I play multichannel music with aria APPENDIX B: How to automatically add missing covers: PerfecTunes APPENDIX C: How to edit the metadata in your library from an external PC APPENDIX D: How to see pdf (booklets) in the metadata APPENDIX E: How use the I 2 S output 47 DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 3

4 1 WEEE DIRECTIVE aria music server is marked with the above symbol to indicate that, at the end of the equipment s life time, you must dispose of it separately at an appropriate collection point (local recycling center) and not place it with normal domestic unsorted waste. This will benefit the environment for all. [EU Directive 2002/96/EC and EN50419] DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 4

5 2 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS There are two categories of Safety Instructions included in this manual: Product Warnings, (i.e., what must never be done to assure avoiding those hazards that could cause bodily injury or property damage); and User Directions (i.e., what must always be done to assure the safe use of your device). The Safety Instructions contained in this manual have been categorized in accordance with the seriousness of the potential hazards through the use of Signal Words. Those Signal Words, and their intended meanings, are as follows: DANGER: Indicates that a failure to observe the Safety Instructions could result in death or catastrophic bodily injury. WARNING: Indicates that a failure to observe the Safety Instructions could result in serious bodily injury. CAUTION: Indicates that a failure to observe the Safety Instructions could result in minor bodily injury or property damage. NOTE: Designates important information that relates to activities and/or conditions that might result in loss of data and/or damage to your device. Safe Use and Operation of Your Device This equipment emits stray RF energy and will interfere with the reception of signals by airborne electronic navigational devices or medical devices. Do not operate this equipment near any sensitive medical devices. WARNING: Use only grounded AC power cords. DANGER: If DigiBit s equipment and all other equipment connected to it do not have an AC ground, higher than usual amount of radio frequency emission could occur. Always immediately disconnect the power to the equipment in the event the device emits an unusual odor or sound or generates smoke. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 5

6 WARNING: Never attempt to disassemble, repair or make any modification to your device. Disassembly, modification or any attempt at repair could cause bodily injury or property damage, as well as damage to the device itself. Furthermore, any such attempt at repair without factory authorization may void your aria warranty. In the unlikely event that warranty repair is ever needed, please contact your retail dealer, your in-country importer/distributor or DigiBit directly by at WARNING: Your device is not a toy. Never allow children to play with your device. Misuse, rough or improper handling of your device by children could result in serious bodily injury for any of the enumerated safety warnings in this manual. In addition, always keep all accessories and components out of the reach of small children as small parts might present a choking hazard. Seek immediate medical attention if choking occurs or if any small part has been swallowed. CAUTION: Never raise the sound volume level too high when using your device with earphones. An excessive sound volume level could cause damage to your hearing. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose the unit to moisture or water. Do not allow foreign objects to get into the enclosure. If the unit is exposed to moisture, or a foreign object gets into the enclosure, immediately disconnect the power cord from the wall. Take the unit to a qualified service person for inspection and necessary repairs. Read all the instructions before connecting or operating the component. Keep this manual so you can refer to these safety instructions. Heed all warnings and safety information in these instructions and on the product itself. Follow all operating instructions. Do not use this unit near water. You must allow a minimum 10 cm or 4 inches of unobstructed clearance around the unit. Do not place the unit on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that could block the ventilation openings. If the unit is placed in a bookcase or cabinet, there must be ventilation of the cabinet to allow proper cooling. Keep the component away from radiators, heat registers, stoves, or any other appliance that produces heat. The unit must be connected to a power supply only of the type and voltage specified on the rear panel. Connect the component to the power outlet only with the supplied power supply cable or an exact equivalent. Do not modify the supplied cable. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 6

7 Do not route the power cord where it will be crushed, pinched, bent, exposed to heat, or damaged in any way. Pay particular attention to the power cord at the plug and where the cord exits the back of the unit. The power cord should be unplugged from the wall outlet during a lightning storm or if the unit is to be left unused for a long period of time. Immediately stop using the component and have it inspected and/or serviced by a qualified service agency if: The power supply cord or plug has been damaged. Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the unit. The unit has been exposed to rain. The unit shows signs of improper operation The unit has been dropped or damaged in any way Instructions for Use and Security For your own security and the correct functioning of the system you must follow these instructions: This device has been exclusively designed to store and reproduce music, do not use it for anything else. Place it in a ventilated, dry and secure place, avoiding heat, cold, vibrations, dust, etc. Do not use this device near water. Avoid sudden temperature changes that can provoke moisture by condensation. Do not cover the ventilation slots. Protect the power wire so it cannot be damaged or stepped on. Do not force the control buttons or the wires. Unplug the device if it s not going to be used for a long period of time. Unplug the device during electrical storms. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 7

8 Before moving the system, turn it off and disconnect it. For cleaning, use dry dusters after you have disconnected the unit from its power connnection. Do not use aerosols or chemical or abrasive products. Do not try to open the unit, and in case of problems like accidents or malfunction ask for authorized specialized help from your retailer or installer. Any modification done without expressed authorization will cancel the warranty. 3 INTRODUCTION aria is a music server that uses state-of-the art technology and rich features that will please the most demanding audiophiles and music lovers. Special attention has been devoted to make it easy-to-use by non-computer skilled users. aria incudes some unique features, such as the support for unlimited extended metadata fields, (18 fields by default) compatible with Digibit s classical music database SonataDB, no moving parts (msata disk for OS and app), support for 32bits-384 KHz PCM/DXD and DSD64/128 music files (that ensures the best current audiophile quality) The aria mini includes compatibility with UPnP/DLNA standards that allows streaming to external hi-end and low-cost compatible streamers enabling multiroom listening experience. aria is controlled by a custom not cost application called iaria running on ipad. This User Manual is divided in two different sections: a Basic introduction section and an advanced section. The Basic section explains the first steps to configure the aria server and to start playing music. The Advanced section explains how to add music to the server, make a playlist, edit metadata and backup the stored music. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 8

9 4 INSTALATION Unpack and Install the aria - mini 1) Connect the AC cable. 2) For operation you will need a Wi-Fi router with Internet access and an ipad. These ítems are not included with the aria. 3) Connect a LAN RJ45 (Ethernet) cable to the LAN (Internet) port on the back of the aria. This cable can then be connected to an open access port on your Wi-Fi router. An internet connection is required to your Wi- Fi router. This is necessary for the ipad-aria control software and for the optional ripping process. aria is preconfigured for dynamic IP addressability (the most common). If you have a static IP address, please contact your installer or consult your router. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 9

10 Conecting the aria mini 4) Connect any of the audio outputs to your preamplifier, amplifier or receiver: These are the outputs available: a) Analog unbalanced output 2 x RCA. This is the most common output connection used and utilizes the high quality internal aria DAC (Digital to analog converter). b) USB digital audio output: This allows you to optionally connect to an external DAC using a 2.0 USB cable. You may need to install specific drivers in to the aria for your external DAC (Your dealer can do that for you when installing the aria at home or remotely). LAN (RJ45) HDD In USB Out RCA Outputs AC Input ( V) DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 10

11 Installing the remote control (iaria) The aria music server is controlled by an ipad app called iaria. Please, browse to Apple Store. Then search and install iaria. Once installed, you should see this icon in your ipad desktop: This manual explains the functionality included in iaria version Please, update your iaria app if you are using a previous version. Your ipad must be connected to the same network as your aria music server to be able to control it. If you connect the aria music server to the same router that is generating your Wi-Fi signal, it should be enough. If not, please, contact your aria music server dealer, they will help you. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 11

12 5 HOW USE YOUR SYSTEM (BASIC FEATURES) In this basic section you will learn how to turn on your system and be able to play back the complimentary tracks included in the aria mini. On/Off Once the system is correctly connected, turn on the aria by pushing the power switch on the back to the On position and then press the On/Off button on the front panel for one second. Please allow around 4 minutes to finish the startup process so that the aria is correctly recognized by your network. To shut down the aria system, you have two options: 1. Shutdown the system from the aria ipad application 2. Press the On/Off button for 3 seconds on the front panel and wait until the blue led turns off 3. After approximately three minutes, run iaria in your ipad. The first screen you will see will allow you to select the aria system to control DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 12

13 Playback Operations When turning the aria on, after approximately three minutes, run the iaria application in your ipad. The first screen you see will allow you to choose the aria you want to connect. Please, tap in the aria icon and you ll be connected to your aria system DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 13

14 Configuring the initial settings (language) The first time you connect to your aria system, you should configue the language to use in the ipad app. Press the tool wheel in the up left corner to enter the settings menu. You should see the followin screen: aria is running by default in english. To change the language, press Language. This screen shows the available languages. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 14

15 Please, select the language of your choise. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 15

16 Playing music Now you are able to play music. The aria server is delivered with some complimentary legal tracks from cooperating music labels so that you can play music immediately. The music that you have in the aria server and control using the iaria app is called the music library To play some music, first you must select the audio output (we called it zone ) and then select the music to play: How to select the music playback zone Prior selecting the music you want to hear, select the audio output. The aria server is able to play the music using four different audio outputs called zones: 1. DAC 2. USB 3. DLNA (Players (renderers) in your network) 4. Your ipad The zone can be chosen using the button on the bottom left corner in the iaria application: When you tap on this button, you will see three static options as follows: DAC: plays music through the internal aria DAC connected to any of these outputs. USB: This is a digital output that bypasses the aria internal DAC and sends music to your USB DAC or preamp/amp with USB input connected to the aria s USB audio output (Should you need to install drivers in the aria server, please ask your dealer and/or DAC/Preamp vendor) DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 16

17 This device: This is your ipad, when you select it, aria will stream music to your ipad and you will be able to listen it using the ipad speakers or headphones. Note: the aria supports AirPlay too, so you can stream music to any AirPlay compatible device. Please check the FAQ section to see how to configure it. Besides these three zones, DLNA renderers in your LAN (local area network) may appear. The aria will stream music to them by selecting their name in the zones button. How to select the music to play The left bar shows aria s unique library management tool that sorts the music by our exclusive extended metadata fields. Classical music is automatically sorted and other genres can have the extended metadata fields tagged manually. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 17

18 Press the Album menu and then select one of the albums that appear in the right side tapping on the covert art. To play it, just tap one track in the album. The aria server will play it immediately. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 18

19 Rip your CDs Now that you are able to play the music included in the aria server, it s time to add your own music to it. There are three ways to do it: - Ripping your CDs - Copying into the aria music that you have in other devices - Linking music that you have in other devices. The two last options are explained in the advanced section. We will see now how to rip your own CDs. For this, please make sure the aria is connected to the Internet via LAN. To proceed with ripping it will be necessary to use an external USB - CD/DVD writer that will be connected to the aria mini. Important: The only external USB CD/DVD writer model certificated by Digibit Technology is the ASUS SDRW 08U5S-U. All other different marks and models are not included on the aria mini configuration or certified by Digibit Technology. Unpack your ASUS SDRW-085S-U, you will find a double USB cable. Please connect the mini USB to the ASUS CD/DVD writer mini port. The double USB cable must be connected to the HDD USB port and the single USB cable to the DVD-R port to the aria mini. Otherwise we cannot guarantee proper operation. Then open the ASUS SDRW s tray, place the CD in it and close the tray. aria will read it and connect automatically via Internet with several supported databases to retrieve the available metadata. This is a fully automatic process. Once you insert the CD and close the disc tray drawer, two things may happen DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 19

20 The CD-reader starts spinning and the CD remains inside. This means aria is ripping the CD. After a few minutes the CD is ejected and its music and metadata are stored on aria s hard disk. You can find the ripped CD content in the iaria app in: Playlists > Recently imported The CD is ejected after some seconds: this means the CD has not been ripped. The reasons for not being ripped can be: 1. The CD is dirty. Clean your CD and try again. BUT before retrying, first rip a different CD, otherwise aria will rip the faulty CD without metadata. 2. aria is not connected to Internet. Please, verify that the aria is connected with the RJ45 cable to a LAN connector and that you have access to the Internet from another PC in the same local area network (LAN). 3. Information for the CD (metadata) is not found in any of the databases. In this case, you can rip it without metadata. To do it, immediately after it has been ejected, insert it again. The CD will be ripped and stored in the internal hard disk without metadata as an Unknown album with no cover. You can manually tag the album using the Tagging tool in the iaria app. To import a missing cover please check Importing Covers in chapter 8. By default, the ripping format is FLAC, a bit perfect format that uses less space in the hard disk than other bit perfect formats such as WAV or AIFF. Besides, and very important, the metadata is inserted in the audio file, so if you modify the metadata and then copy the FLAC file to any other computer or use another media player, the metadata will be there. Using a WAV format these changes will be lost. If you wish change the ripping format to any other, please, contact your dealer, he can do that for you or instruct you on how to do so. It is possible to copy the ripped music from the aria server to other computer in your local area network. This is explained in the FAQ section. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 20

21 6 SEARCH This option will search in the Music Library for any metadata field that matches with the input introduced by the user. Tap the Search option on the left menu and input the word in search. It can be the first or last name of a composer, artist, singer, a word included in the name of a track or album, an instrument, etc. 7 HOW USE YOUR ARIA SERVER (ADVANCED FEATURES) In this section we will show the advanced usage of the aria server, adding music from external devices, changing the metadata, creating playlists, etc. Import music You can use with the aria server digital music that you have stored in any other device like a NAS, flash drive stick or a USB HDD*. The import of music from external devices is done using the iaria app as we will explain later, but first it s important to understand that there are two ways to do this: copying the music or linking it. Important: The copying feature will be available only for aria minis purchased with HDD or SDD (hard drives options integrated in to the aria when purchased). Copy music: it means that the tracks that you have in your external device will be copied on to the internal hard disk of the aria server and included in the aria music library. Link music: The aria server saves the path to the music in your device and the music is not copied from the device into the internal hard disk. However, it is important that your device (NAS, USB flash stick or USB HDD) be available each time you play the linked music. If not, the music won t be played as it is not stored in the aria. This is simply because you have removed the previously indicated link. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 21

22 If you plan to copy or link music from a USB device please: - The USB device must be connected to the USB input in the rear panel labeled as HDD. - The USB host port is rated to provide a maximum of 5V, 500mA power to the USB drive. This is sufficient for all USB thumb drives and flash memory card readers but may not be sufficient for USB hard disks. It is recommended that you use a USB hard disk with an external power supply to avoid damaging the USB host ports. * Unpowered USB HDD may cause the app to crash and the server to reboot. To import music go to Settings and tap on the Manage Server menu. You will see a new screen showing the internal hard disk free space and the import options. Import from network storage system Press in Add music from network The application will detect and automatically show the computers or NASs within your local area network with shared folders and allow you to import the music from them. If you find them in the list just tap on them and the app will show the folders on them. If your device is not in the list, you can add it manually introducing the device name or its IP address at the bottom. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 22

23 If the network device (a NAS, a shared folder in a third computer, etc.) needs user/password authentication, the app will request that information from you. If it is not in a Domain, leave the Domain field empty. Normally the devices used at home are not working in a Domain. Once the app shows the folder where the music is, tap it and the system will import it. The system will ask whether you want copy it or link it. Please, make your choice. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 23

24 A message indicating that the action is in progress will appear. Additionally, if you select the copy option, a second message will indicate that the action is finished but it can take a long time if you copy many tracks (from seconds to hours). This message is not showed with the link option as this action done instantly. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 24

25 Import from a USB device To import music from a USB device create a folder in the USB s memory and copy the music to import into it. The music mustn t be in the root path of the USB. Tap on Add music from external drive menu. The system will show the folders stored in the USB device connected to the HDD input. Go to the folder where the music is and tap it. The system will ask if you want copy it or link it. Please, make your choice. The messages we just explained will also appear when you import from a USB device. How to check that music has been imported To verify that the music has been added to the Library Music and is ready to be played, you can check the playlist Recently Imported (left menu -> Playlist -> Recently Imported). The new tracks are added to the bottom of the list. This playlist is cleared when the aria is shutdown. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 25

26 Playing music. Selection criteria: A detailed explanation On the left side of the application there is a vertical menu to select how your music will be sorted on the right side. By default, it is intended to do a first selection based on the genre. This means that when you tap in any of the metadata fields (ex. composer) you d then indicate a genre and the app will show the composer in this genre. Just tap on the cover art to go one level down and see the albums in this option. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 26

27 Playing and adding tracks to the queue There are many ways to play the album or tracks of your choice: from the main screen or from an album: From the main screen Just tap and keep pressing the selection for a few seconds. A popup menu will appear with the option to play the music: Play Now: It stops the music being played in that moment and starts playing the selection. Play next: It adds the selection to the playing now list just after the track being played. Add to the playlist: It adds the selection to a playlist. Shuffle and play: It shuffles the selection and starts playing it. Play Doctor: is an aria feature which intelligently creates playlists from your library and favorite tracks. From an album: If you select an album, the application will show its tracks. To play just one track, you have to first change the option with the arrow button on the top, then just tap on the track you want to play. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 27

28 These are the available playback options shown in the next picture. Playing Now screen: Save and load playlists To see the tracks in the queue (active playlist) tap on the play button in the top right corner. On this screen you will be able: Edit the metadata. Just tap on the i icon in the top right corner. We will cover that later. Save a playlist. Once you have added tracks or albums to the queue you may want to save them as a personal playlist. Press the S button in the top bar. A popup message will appear with the saved playlists you already have. To save the current playlist press the + button and enter a name of your choice for this new playlist. Load a playlist. To load a playlist press the L button on the top panel, a new popup window will appear with the playlists you have currently saved. Additionally appears 3 possible options: Recent Playing Now s: Select this option to play the music you have been listening to recently. Smartlist: Select this option to play 100 random songs or the albums you have imported this month. Recently Imported: Select this option to listen the albums you have recently imported. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 28

29 This 3 options are also available on the iaria s left bar by selecting the Playlist button. See Playlist chapter. Editing metadata There are two ways to edit metadata: A. From an album: Once you are in an album, press the ( i ) button. A new popup window will appear with the tracks tags. Press the Metadata button to view the tags of a particular track. The Edit button will allow you to edit the tags. Now press on the tag you want to edit and a new window will appear to proceed with the editing process. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 29

30 B. From the playing screen: In the playing now screen, press the ( i ) button in the top right corner. A new popup window will appear with the tracks tags. Press the Metadata button to view the tags of a particular track. The Edit button will allow you to edit the tags. Now press on the tag you want to edit and a new window will appear to proceed with the editing process. 8 PLAYLIST In this chapter you will learn how to create, manage, playback, edit and delete Playlists. Automatic playlist aria creates automatically a few Playlists that can easily be accessed. Go to the home screen and select Playlists, you ll notice four icons named Recent Playing Now s, Smartlists, Recently Played and Recently Imported Recent Playing Now s is self-explanatory, you can see there the albums/tracks you have recently played back while the aria server and the control app remain turned ON. Please tap on any album/track to playback after you ve selected the time action icon. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 30

31 Recent Played is self-explanatory, you can see there the albums/tracks you have recently played back even if aria server and the control app have been turned OFF. Please tap on any album/track to playback after you ve selected the time action icon. Recently Imported relates to the albums/tracks you have imported (copied or linked) from external storage devices and the ones that you ve also ripped. Please tap on any album/track to playback after you ve selected the time action icon. This playlist is refreshed when you turn off-on iaria app. Smartlists you can see two Playlists: Random Songs. aria will pick for you 100 tracks randomly, just tap on this option to start playing music. - Imported this month. This is a file that shows you the music files you ve copied or linked or ripped the current month. Just tap on one them to start playing music. Custom Playlist aria allows you to create your own playlists and immediately listen, save, edit and delete them. How to create a playlist: You can do it adding tracks to a playlist, or adding albums: - How to create a playlist adding albums: You can select the album from any of the Views category: Albums, Genre, Period, etc. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 31

32 Just hold your finger on the album cover until a popup menu is displayed (see below) Select Add to playlist Pick other albums you wish to add to the playlist and tap again Add to playlist. Then go to the Playing now screen and you ll see the selected albums for the playlist that will be playing. If you want to save the Playlist for future playback, tap on the ( S ) button and you wll see a new Popup menu. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 32

33 That will show you in a folder mode all the playlists you have in the aria server. If you want to create a new playlist, tap on the ( + ) sign and enter the name of the playlist you Want to assign. To use, then tap in intro on the ipad keyboard and the playlist is saved. You will find it in the Playlist in the home screen main menu. You can also replace that playlist with another you already have, in that case tap in any other Playlist that you ve created in the past and it ll be saved with the old name you had for the one being replaced. - How to create a playlist with tracks and albums The procedure it s the same but in this case you need to select the albums and then open the albums to pick the tracks you want to add as tracks to the playlist. How to load a playlist: The button ( L ) in the Playing Now screen allows you to quickly access the playlists saved, and the automatic ones created. This has been explained on Playing now s screen: Save and Load playlist How to modify a playlist: You may want to delete or add tracks/albums from a given playlist. Pls. follow this procedure: - To delete a track: Swipe your finger from the right of the ipad to the left and a new window will open with all the tracks saved, look for the one you want to delete and the tap on Edit and then tap on delete. Swipe that window from the left side to right side to hide it. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 33

34 - To add a track to a playlist: To add a track, first select the playlist to modify. Then go back to the music menu and select an album. Just slide the track to the left and a + symbol will appear. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 34

35 After you press the + symbol, a list with all your playlists will appear. Select the playlist, and the track will be added to the bottom of it. Important: If you want to preserve the changes in the playlist after edit will be necessary to save the playlist with the same name. - To clear a playlist: If you want to clear the active playlist in the Playing Now screen, tap on the Action menu and a popup menu will open, tap on Clear Playlist and the playlist will stop playing. The other menus: Reshuffle, Reload are selfexplanatory. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 35

36 - To delete a playlist: There are two ways: From the audio menu, swipe left, tap Load and slide to the left the playlist you want delete. A Delete button will appear. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 36

37 The second way is from the Playing Now screen: Select Load ( L ), and slide to the left the playlist to delete. A Delete button will appear. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 37

38 9 LINKING MUSIC ZONES The aria server has the feature to play the same music in several zones at the same time. That will allow you to listen the same music by several of your music devices. In the iaria app press the zones button where you will see a list the music output devices, Important: Please, make sure that all the devices are connected in the same local network. Press the Link button and select the devices where you want play the music, To deselect them press the unlink button DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 38

39 10 DELETE MUSIC AND REMOVE LINKED DEVICES To delete music using the iaria app just press and hold on the selection to delete and select delete from HDD. A message will appear once the files are deleted. After that, the application will take a few minutes to no longer show the cover art in the iaria app. If you have linked a USB or network device and it is not going to be available any more, we recommend that you remove this connection. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 39

40 To do it, go to Settings -> Manage Server and select Linked Music locations. The app will show the linked folders. Just select the folder you want remove and tap the delete button 11 BACKUP YOUR MUSIC FILES It is highly recommended to save your imported music regularly to an external USB hard disk. The backup feature copies all the music on the internal aria hard disc drive (If so equipped), to an external USB device Insert a USB device (like an external HDD) to the USB input labeled as HDD on the rear panel. Run the iaria application in your ipad. Go to Settings menu. Press on Manage Server. In the new window, you will see a bar in the top. Take a look at the hard disc space used (blue area) and be sure that the USB device connected to the aria has an equal amount or more free space available than this size. Press Create a backup and confirm. The system will copy the music stored on the internal aria hard disk on to the external USB device. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 40

41 12 FAQs Q: How can I import missing cover art? A: Sometimes after ripping a CD, the cover art is not downloaded from the Internet or the quality is not good enough. At this moment it is not possible add a cover art using the ipad iaria application, but this can be done using a third party application. We recommend Mp3Tag, which is free, multilanguage, available on the internet and easy to use. With this application you ll be able to add the cover art. In Error! No se encuentra el origen de la referencia. You can find instructions about how to use this application. Q: How can I stream music from aria to AirPlay compatible devices? A: First select the This device zone in the iaria application from the zone option menu located on the lower left side of your application screen. You should see the Airplay device with its name: DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 41

42 Then, exit from the iaria application and go to main ipad screen by tapping on the main ipad button. Slide your finger from the button to the top. This will show a menu at the bottom of the screen Move this menu to the left and press the AirPlay button. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 42

43 Q: How can I copy the ripped music to any other computer? A: The ripped music is stored in a shared folder accessible from other computers in your local area network. From a computer that is on your network and running Windows, click in the Windows start button. In the new popup message, introduce these credentials: Username: \guest Password: <leave the password empty> A new windows explorer screen will appear showing the aria shared folder. The music is stored in Music1 folder. Q: Why I can t modify the volume when a DSD file is played? A: The control of playback volume in an audio DSD file can be done only from the amplifier or the external DAC. It is not possible do it using the iaria player because DSD has a fixed audio output level. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 43

44 13 Appendix A: How can I play multichannel music with aria The aria music server also supports multichannel audio, to play multichannel PCM and DSD music files some settings have to be preselected by your installer/dealer inside the application. You will also need a multichannel capable DAC and install the Windows ASIO driver for it in to your aria. There are currently very few multichannel DACs in the market but tests have successfully been done with exasound e28 DAC. For details please see: The multichannel DAC has to be connected to the aria s USB audio output. Excellent recordings in true hi-res are available from several music labels (a list at ) but here re a few good ones: 2L, Itrax, Channel Classics, Blues Coast Records, etc. 14 APPENDIX B: How to automatically add missing covers: PerfecTunes When you rip a CD with the aria ripper, the aria music server connects to five databases from which it usually downloads the cover art. Sometimes it is not the correct one or the quality is not very good and you may want to modify it. This might also happen if you have imported music from an external or networked device. PerfectTunes is an application that will try to solve this, replacing with just one click all the missing or low quality covert art. It also checks lossless tracks for ripping errors and removes duplicated tracks. PerfectTunes has been developed by Illustrate, the developers of dbpoweramp. Install PerfectTunes in a computer in the same local area network and run the PerfectTunes Control Center. Click in [Add Folder] and click in Network in the new window. The aria server should appear. Click on it. If credentials are requested, introduce: DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 44

45 User: \guest Password: <leave the password empty> DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 45

46 15 APPENDIX C: How to edit the metadata in your library from an external PC When you rip a CD with the aria ripper, your aria music server connects itself to several databases from which collects information from the disk such as song titles, cover, artist name, composer, genre, etc. This information is known as the metadata. You can edit this information in order to complete it, correct them or change fields that are incorrect. As explained in the section Editing metadata, it is possible do some of this using the iaria application but some things like importing cover art, must be done in an external PC Please follow these steps: Install MP3tag in your PC and execute it. Go to File >> Add directory. In the next window provide the location of the music in your aria server in the Directory field: \\aria\music1. Select the option Subdirectory and close the Windows by clicking in Select Directory. Your music files will appear at the right of Mp3tag s main screen. If a popup message appears asking for credential, use: Username: \guest Password: <left the password empty> Select the tracks you want to edit, right click and select Tag You will see several buttons to create new fields, edit the existing ones, adding a cover, etc. Simply select and change the data in your files. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 46

47 NOTE: mp3tag is a freeware application with no connection to Digibit. That said, Digibit does not take any responsibility for any errors that may occur within this application or any inadvertent damage it could do to your metadata. Although Mp3tag is an excellent application, you use this application at your own risk. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 47

48 16 APPENDIX D: How to see pdf (booklets) in the metadata To be able to use this feature you must add a pdf file in some of the folders where the aria server stores the music. To add the pdf file, from a computer in the same area network, run on windows Execute and introduce: \\aria\music1 User: guest Password: <empty, no password> You will see a list of folders with the music ripped or copied in the aria hard disk. Add the pdf to one of them. Once the pdf file is copied, open the iaria app and select the album where the pdf is. Then click on the i button, in the upper right hand corner as shown below. In the new screen, tap the Assets tab. You will see a list of all the pdf files in the folder. To open a file, just click on the file. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 48

49 17 APPENDIX E: How use the I 2 S output INTRODUCTION aria s audio card is provided with an I2S output which allows for an optional low-jitter, high-quality connection to D/A converters provided with an I2S input. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 49

50 - APHENDIX Alas, aside the signal set, no standard is provided for equipment with an I2S connection. Various voltage standards, pin-outs and connectors are used in various D/A converters which make the connection with aria s audio card more difficult. This application note focuses on signal voltage and format adaptation in order to have aria s audio card working with all D/A converters on their I2S input. If used, the user should be acquainted with the various connectors and the most common voltage standards used in this application. VOLTAGE STANDARDS AND CONNECTORS Various standards and connectors are used for I2S inputs on D/A converters. Amongst voltage standards: TTL/CMOS single-ended TTL/CMOS differential LVDS ECL LVDS is becoming widely used on commercial D/A converters because of its immunity to noise and capability to drive long cable runs. TTL/CMOS single-ended is more common on DAC boards for DIY ers. aria s audio card offers a simple 3.3V CMOS (5V TTL compatible) output. Amongst connectors: RJ-45 HDMI Strip The HDMI connector is generally associated with LVDS format (but this is not necessarily true, so please check specifications before assuming that LVDS levels are carried in on an HDMI connectors), while RJ-45 and the strips are more commonly used with single-ended and differential formats. aria s audio card uses an RJ-45, 8 pins connector with the following pinout (left to right): DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 50

51 - APHENDIX 1) SDATA 2) GND 3) LRCK (FS) 4) GND 5) SCLK (BIT CLOCK) 6) GND 7) MCLK 8) GND Signals are LVCMOS, that is CMOS levels at 3.3V supply. They are TTL-compatible, that is, they can directly drive a 5V TTL input stage without need for level translation. The HiFace aria s audio card s I2S output is drive by a high current driver, so it can directly feed an input when no level translation is needed. MCLK USAGE The aria s audio card Master Clock (MCLK) is made available on the audio card I2S output. It may be necessary on some D/A converters, particularly when no local Master Clock is available. Depending on the sampling frequency, the aria s audio card outputs two different Master Clock frequencies: MHz for files with 44.1 khz, 88.2 khz and khz sampling frequency and MHz for files with 48 khz, 96 khz and 192 khz sampling frequency. Thus, the MCLK/LRCK ratio depends on the sampling frequency: it is 512x with 44.1 khz and 48kHz files, 256x with 88.2 khz and 96kHz files and 128x with khz and 192kHz files. Should your D/A converter use the aria s audio card s Master Clock from the i2s connection, and need a fixed ratio (for example, 256x or 128x) at all frequencies, a selectable frequency divider or multiplier should be used. A frequency divider is easily made using D-type flip-flops like TI s SN74LVC74 (double flip-flop which allows for 2 times and 4 times clock frequency division), while a PLL must be used to double the Master Clock, such as Cypress CY2300 (BTW, the CY2300 is perfect to have a fixed 256x ratio, as it offers both 2x and 1/2x frequency outputs, along with buffered 1x output). DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 51

52 - APHENDIX 3.3V TO 5V LEVEL TRANSLATION When a 5V CMOS input circuit is to be driven, a simple level translation can be done by using a quad non inverting buffer with TTL input compatibility, such as the SN74HCT125 by Texas Instruments. SINGLE-ENDED TO DIFFERENTIAL CONVERSION (TTL OR CMOS) Some D/A converters accept differential signals on their I2S input (such as NorthStar Design units). In this case, no simple level translation (even if a level translation can be necessary, too) can accommodate the D/A converter s input requirement. A format conversion is necessary. It can be performed using an inverting/non inverting buffer pair in order to achieve an inverted copy of each signal to drive a line in a balanced fashion. The non-inverting buffer is necessary to introduce a small delay on the original signal to match (not perfectly, but to a satisfactory extent) that is introduced by the inverting buffer. For noninverting buffers, go for the usual SN74HCT125 (for 3.3V to 5V translation) or the SN74LVC125 (no level translation). Inversion and buffering can be obtained by simply using four units of a hex inverter such as TI s SN74HCT04 (level translation) or SN74LVC04 (no level translation). SINGLE-ENDED to LVDS (HDMI) CONVERSION Some D/A converters (such as PS Audio PWD) accept LVDS signals on an HDMI connector. To perform a single-ended to LVDS conversion, National s DS90C031B can be used. It is a quad LVDS driver with TTL input compatibility which can be directly coupled to aria s audio card s output. DigiBit Asura 81, Madrid (SPAIN) 52

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