Table of Contents

1. Safety & Precautions

2. Product Warranty

3. Product Overview

4. Installation
   1. Equipment and included accessories

2. Product Positioning

3. Installing Rubidium Module

4. Cable Connections
5. Powering On and Off
6. Configuring External Clock Sync Setting on Aurender Digital Source Component

5. Anatomy of MC10

6. Power Control with USB or Trigger Source

7. Technical Specifications

1. Safety & Precautions

MC10 is engineered to integrate with a diverse array of home audio equipment. Prior to purchase and installation, consult the specifications and manuals of your existing system components that will interface with MC10. For further assistance, our support team is readily available at support@aurender.com.

• Voltage Settings: Check the voltage setting indicated on the back panel (110V or 220V) before use.
• Grounding: Only operate with a grounded power source.
• Handling: Handle with care to prevent damage or injury.
• Ventilation: Maintain a clearance of at least 5 cm (2 in) around the unit for adequate airflow.
• Placement: Install the MC10 on a level, stable surface away from vibrations, heat, and direct sunlight.
• Maintenance: For any hardware repairs, contact only qualified technicians authorized by Aurender.
Unauthorized repairs will void the warranty.
• Cleaning: When cleaning, use a soft, dry cloth. If stains remain, lightly dampen the cloth with water and gently wipe the unit with minimal pressure. Ensure any residual moisture is promptly wiped away to prevent water spots.

2. Product Warranty

Aurender’s manufacturer’s warranty covers parts, labor, and return shipping costs for 2 years post- purchase from an authorized dealer. The warranty is non-transferable and excludes damage from improper use or unauthorized repairs/modifications. Contact your Aurender distributor or support@aurender.com for claims and inquiries. Retain your proof of purchase for any warranty claims.

Remote technical support is always free and available for any Aurender owner, regardless of warranty status.

3. Product Overview

MC10 is a high-precision Master Clock generator designed to enhance the performance of digital source components and compatible DACs in high-fidelity audio systems. It features a rubidium module that produces a highly stable and low phase noise 10MHz Master Clock reference signal. This signal is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the digital audio signal, leading to a superior listening experience.

With four discrete 10MHz Master Clock outputs, MC10 can synchronize multiple devices such as an Aurender Digital Source Component, a CD transport, a DAC, and/or an Ethernet switch. This synchronization ensures that all connected components operate in unison, referencing the same Master Clock signal for a tightly controlled audio signal.

Aurender components with clock inputs are engineered to integrate seamlessly with a 10MHz Master Clock. Additionally, select DACs from brands such as CH Precision and Esoteric also support this input.

Implementing the MC10 as an external Master Clock with an Aurender Digital Source Component typically yields a marked improvement in time domain coherence. Listeners can expect a soundstage with increased precision and focus, alongside improved tonal accuracy. The result is a listening experience where even complex musical passages are rendered with clarity and smoothness, free from the harshness or ‘graininess’ often associated with digital audio playback.

“Master” Clock vs. “Word” Clock

Unfortunately, these terms have been used somewhat interchangeably in the world of high end audio (both in home and pro audio applications), and the distinction between what these two terms represent has become quite unclear. They operate in very similar ways, but there is a subtle difference:

Word Clock signal is switchable in multiples of 44.1 or 48 kHz according to the sample rate of the digital “word” being rendered. During playback of a digital audio signal, it is essential for the Word Clock signal to match the sample rate frequency of the file/source being played.

Master Clock signal, on the other hand, is not related to the sample rate being played and it is typically not switchable. A Master Clock generates an extremely high frequency (10 MHz) “reference” signal which is used to instruct and stabilize the performance of a Word Clock down stream. The Master Clock will typically relate to (but not supercede) a switchable Word Clock signal down stream.

Modular Rubidium Master Clock Generator

MC10 stands distinguished in its class due to its Rubidium Master Clock module, often referred to as an “atomic” clock. This module places MC10 in an ultra-elite category, offering markedly reduced phase noise and superior stability. With precision measured from femtosecond to femtosecond and consistent performance over longer periods (minute to minute), MC10’s Rubidium Master Clock module establishes a new benchmark for timing accuracy and stability.

4. Installation

4.1 Equipment and Included Accessories

• MC10 Unit
• Rubidium Module
• Power Cable
• SPDIF BNC Cables (50Ω and 75Ω)
• USB 2.0 Cable (USB A to B)
• Power Trigger Cable (3.5mm Mono Phone Jack)
• Quick Start Guide

4.2 Product Positioning

1. Place the MC10 on a level, stable surface.
2. Place MC10 as close as possible to connected devices.
3. Use the shortest cables possible to connect to other devices.
4. Keep away from direct sunlight or heat source.
5. Keep away from water, condensation, and high humidity.
6. If possible, do not stack other items on top of or below the MC10 as it may prevent proper heat
dissipation and introduce unwanted vibrations.
7. Leave at least 5 cm(2 inches) of space on all sides of the device for ventilation.

4.3 Installing Rubidium Module

MC10 incorporates a rubidium clock module that requires careful handling due to its sensitivity to vibration and physical impacts. The internal enclosure of MC10 features a spring-loaded mechanism designed to minimize vibration. This is ideal for normal use when the unit is stationary on your rack, but NOT for when the unit is in transit to or from your system!

For added protection during transport, the module is shipped in its own individually packaged shock- absorbent carton. When setting up MC10 for the first time, the rubidium module must be manually installed in MC10’s internal housing. This process is tool-free and straightforward, necessitating no particular technical expertise. To install the rubidium module, proceed with the following instructions and consult the accompanying diagram for visual guidance.

Before installing the rubidium module, turn off and disconnect the power cable from MC10.

1. Loosen the thumb screws of the rubidium module access panel on the back of the MC10 and remove the panel.
2. Loosen the thumb screw on the locking lever handle of the rubidium module and open the lever as wide as possible.
   1. Carefully slide the module into the enclosure. Then, hold only the lever with the handle open as far as possible and push the module all the way in until you feel it touch the back of the enclosure. Do not apply excessive force - this step requires only a gentle push to get the module into the locking position.
   2. Close the handle on the locking lever. This action joins the module and the MC10 body.
3. Tighten the thumbscrew on the handle to lock the module in place.
4. Re-install the access panel cover of the rubidium module enclosure on MC10 and tighten the
   screw.

Remember to remove the rubidium module and store it in its protective foam case if you are shipping the unit or moving.

4.4 Cable Connections

Connection Summary

In the vast majority of installations, the only cable connections required will be a power cable and a 75Ω coax BNC cable between MC10’s clock output and your compatible Aurender’s clock input.
In an optimal setup, MC10 will also simultaneously connect to a compatible DAC via an additional clock output (MC10 has four clock outputs for flexibility). If the DAC is compatible with 10Mhz Master Clock input, use an output from MC10 at the correct impedance for the connection to your DAC.

In order for MC10 to have maximum efficacy, use an SPDIF or AES/EBU connection between your Aurender and DAC instead of USB. Due to the nature of asynchronous USB, where the DAC’s clock—or an external clock that is synced with the DAC—controls the data flow, the clock input signal on any Aurender source has no impact on the signal path of USB audio connections.

• Aurender models W20, W20SE, N30, N30SA, and N20 feature clock inputs that are compatible with MC10’s 10MHz 75Ω clock outputs. [Future Aurender models not released at the time of this manual’s publication may also feature clock input functionality.
• If your DAC is compatible with 10Mhz Master Clock input, use those outputs from MC10 at the correct impedance for the other device. Choose the 75Ω or 50Ω outputs depending on the DAC’s input impedance. In order to avoid signal loss and/or jitter, it is important to use the correct impedance input/output and cable!

The connection scenarios outlined below represent the most typical configurations. If your setup does not align with any of these scenarios, please reach out to support@aurender.com for personalized assistance.

Connection Scenario 1:

• Connect MC10 to an Aurender N20 (or another compatible Aurender model) along with a DAC that lacks a clock input. Given that most DACs do NOT possess clock inputs, this configuration is expected to be the most commonly used setup:

Connection Scenario 2:

• Connect MC10 to an Aurender N20 (or another compatible Aurender model) along with a DAC that has a compatible clock input.

Connection with Other Equipment

If your source playback device (eg. CD transport/server/player) has a 10MHz Master Clock input terminal and a downstream device (eg. DAC) can also receive a 10MHz Master Clock input, it is recommended to use the 10MHz Master Clock connection on both devices.
Connection example: Supplying 10MHz Master Clock to the Source device and DAC (This diagram depicts devices with 75Ω connectors. Consult your third-party device’s manual to determine which impedance connectors should be used with your device):

4.5 Powering On and Off

1. Switch the rear AC switch to the “On” (I) position. The LED halo encircling the power button will glow red/pink.
2. Press and release the power button located on the front panel. The LED halo will transition from red/pink to white/blue. The LED halo will flash on and off for several minutes while the internal rubidium module reaches the optimal temperature. A white/blue halo indicates that MC10 is powered on and operational.

To power down MC10:

1. Press and release the front power button. The LED halo will turn red/pink.
2. Once the halo displays a consistent red/pink color, turn the rear AC switch OFF (O) to fully
   disengage power to the unit.

For optimal temperature regulation and ease of use, Aurender advises keeping MC10 powered on continuously, barring extended periods of non-use, power outages, or electrical storms.

4.6 Configuring External Clock Sync Setting on Aurender Digital Source Component

Important Note: You must enable External Clock Synchronization on your Aurender Digital Source Component in order to interface it with an external clock.

1. Connect to your Aurender Digital Source Component with the Conductor App
2. Go to Settings>Advanced>External Clock and turn the “Sync with External Clock” option ON:

You will see an indication of a successful clock connection in the External Clock settings menu as pictured above, and additionally on the front screen of your Aurender.

5. Anatomy of MC10

Front Panel

1. Power Button and LED halo: Press the button to power on/off the MC10. The LED halo serves as an indicator of MC10’s operational status—
   • Red/pink - the unit is in an “off” state but the rear AC switch remains powered on. Press the power button on the front panel to turn it on from this state.
   • Solid white/blue - the unit is “on” and ready for use. The internal rubidium clock module has reached the optimal temperature.
   • Flashing white/blue - The LED halo should flash white/blue for several minutes while MC10 is heating the internal rubidium module to the optimal operating temperature. Once the temperature is stabilized, the halo will emit a steady white/blue light.

Rear Panel

1. Rubidium Module Enclosure – See section 4.3 for installation information.
2. 10MHz Out (BNC Type, 75Ω) – Output port for 10MHz Sine Wave Master Clock. For use with 75Ω input devices. (Consult the other device’s manual to ensure you are using the correct impedance output. Always use a corresponding cable that matches the impedance of the output/input). 2 ports are provided for connecting 2 devices if applicable.
3. 10MHz Out (BNC Type, 50Ω) – Output port for 10MHz Sine Wave Master Clock. For use with 50Ω input devices. (Consult the other device’s manual to ensure you are using the correct impedance output. Always use a corresponding cable that matches the impedance of the output/input). 2 ports are provided for connecting 2 devices if applicable.
4. USB Link - Controls MC10’s power when linked with an Aurender Digital Source Component.
5. Trigger In - Controls MC10’s power when connected with a trigger source (3.5mm Mono).
6. Ground - Connecting audio devices with a ground terminal to match the ground level can stabilize operation and enhance audio performance, however, it is optional to connect a ground cable and no harm will come from omitting this connection.
7. AC power connector and fuse – Connect IEC power cable. Fuses are user-replaceable. (Fuse specification - Capacity: 2A, Size: 5mm x 20mm, Type: Slow-blow)
8. AC power switch - The AC power switch governs AC current to MC10. “I” equals “ON”, “0” equals
   “OFF.”

6. Power control with USB Link or Trigger In

MC10’s power can be controlled either via a USB connection with an Aurender Digital Source Component or a 3.5mm Mono jack trigger cable with a trigger source. This is a completely optional feature for convenience, and not necessary for optimal functionality.

To use the Aurender USB Link for power control:

Connect MC10’s USB Link with your Aurender Digital Source Component’s data USB port using the provided USB cable. With this USB connection in place, MC10 will turn on/off automatically in sync with your Aurender digital source component.

To use the 3.5mm power trigger:

Use provided 3.5mm Mono trigger cable to connect with a source that has a 12V/10mA trigger output, with 3.0mm mono output jack. This trigger connection enables MC10 to turn on/off in sync with the source device.

Note: MC10 will be turned on/off automatically when the connected Aurender Digital Source Component or trigger source device is turned on/off as long as the AC power switch on the back is switched on. The power control feature is applicable only when the AC power switch is turned on.

7. Technical Specifications