The MC-3+USB allocates the incoming USB signal to five digital audio outputs in the formats AES3 (XLR), AES3id (BNC) and S/P-DIF (BNC, RCA or Toslink). In addition to USB, the MC-3+USB also accepts all other common digital input connections in the formats AES3 (XLR), AES3id (BNC) and S/P-DIF (BNC, Toslink or RCA via included adapter). All input signals run through the re-clocking unit. The USB interface works bi-directionally. Thereby, for example, the path from S/P-DIF back through USB into the PC is available - a convenient option when you digitize analogue recordings and store them on a PC’s hard disk.

In addition, the USB interface is capable of receiving not only standard PCM audio up to 192 kHz but also native DSD and DoP streams with a clock rate up to four times (DSD256), as well as converting those streams to PCM audio at user-definable sampling rates (176.4 kHz, 88.2 kHz, and 44.1 kHz). For this purpose, the MC-3+USB contains its own special converter chip. The output offers here also the already mentioned five audio and interface formats, whereas their sampling frequency is selectable between 44.1-, 88.2- or 176.4 kHz. Thus, DSD streams, for example, can also be reproduced with a ladder DAC which, inherent by design, does not provide a DSD conversion.

The MC-3+USB’s outward appearance can not deny its origin from the pro audio world. The front panel is equipped with a large number of light-emitting diodes for displaying the various operating modes whereas the extensive labeling does not really contribute to clarity. The unit’s rear is fully equipped with the input and output jacks for the above mentioned audio and interface formats, the USB port, the power switch and the power jack. Inside the device, a small switching power supply can be found that accords to the medical standard and is shielded from the other circuit parts by a separating plate. Numerous modern, rather high-quality linear voltage regulators with extremely low noise values follow the switching power supply. For further optimization, as a rule, several voltage regulators are connected in series. As MUTEC is obviously aware of the importance of a good power supply, the components used in the device are consistently of high quality.