USER MANUAL
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8
Universal Acoustic Processor
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 1
Congratulations.
Thank you for purchasing the Goldmund MIMESIS 16.8 UNIVERSAL ACOUSTIC PROCESSOR.
You have acquired the best multi-usage acoustic processor ever made for professional and
domestic uses. Please take some time to read this manual. It will provide you with useful
information to make your pleasure of listening to the MIMESIS 16.8 even higher.
INTRODUCTION
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 Universal Acoustic Processor
Goldmund was founded in 1978 and has ever since been dedicated to the accurate reproduction of
sound and image.
At Goldmund, we strive to lead in the creation, development and manufacture of the industry’s most
advanced technologies, including audio and video systems.
The guiding principle at Goldmund is to produce a precise sound with the least possible loss of
quality through the different stages. Goldmund will never adopt a technology before it is sufficiently
developed to satisfy the high quality standards we set. This is why Goldmund has often rejected
mainstream technologies and developed its own.
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 2
Table of Contents
1
SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 16.8
4
1.1 PRELIMINARIES 4
1.2 UNPACKING 4
1.3 CHOICE OF THE MIMESIS 16.8 LOCATION 5
1.4 POWER SUPPLY 5
1.5 FIRST INSTALLATION & CONNECTIONS 6
2
OPERATING THE MIMESIS 16.8
9
2.1FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS 9
2.2 REMOTE CONTROL 10
3
MAINTENANCE
12
4
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
12
5
BACK PANEL SCHEMATICS
15
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 3
W A R N I N G
This high quality acoustic processor possesses
new technical features that are necessary for
accurate multi-channel processing of today’s
best multi-channel audio signals.
Only careful use can provide all the satisfaction
you are expecting.
All handling must be performed according to the
following instructions to avoid impairing the
acoustic processor’s performance.
Nevertheless, in the Mimesis 16.8, Goldmund
engineering excellence delivers extreme
performance in a simple and convenient format
that we hope you will enjoy for many years to
come.
IMPORTANT
PLEASE DO NOT CONNECT ANY CABLES
OR MOVE ANY PARTS BEFORE READING
THE FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS.
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 4
1 SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 16.8
1.1 PRELIMINARIES
Please read the following instructions very carefully. This high-precision unit will provide the
best digital signal possible to your digital-input power amplifiers thanks to its unique
technology.
For exacting technicians, musicians, and all high-fidelity music purists who demand the very
best in musical reproduction, we strongly recommend the use of top quality power amplifiers
with a digital input, since most of the digital signal performance delivered by the Mimesis
16.8 acoustic processor can be eroded by using lower quality amplifiers or D/A converters.
The connection between the analog and digital sources and the acoustic processor as well
as between the Mimesis 16.8 and the power amplifiers are critical. Ultra low reflection
interconnect cables are absolutely mandatory in analog and precise impedance SPDIF
cables in digital to keep the time integrity that the acoustic processor is designed to provide.
In all typical cases Goldmund recommends using the special Goldmund Lineal interconnect
and digital cables.
1.2 UNPACKING
You will find in the packaging:
- The processor itself
- The power cord
- The remote control
- This manual
Unpack the above-mentioned parts carefully; keep all packaging for future use.
WARNING
If you need to return the Mimesis 16.8 to the
factory or to your local representative for a
warranty repair; please note that it must be
repacked in the original packaging.
This packaging has been designed specifically
to protect your Mimesis 16.8 in transit. Use of
alternative packaging is likely to result in
damage, invalidating warranty cover.
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 5
1 SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 16.8 (Ctd.)
1.3 CHOICE OF THE MIMESIS 16.8 LOCATION
Select a very rigid support, as required for your player transport.
The distance between the Mimesis 16.8 and the power amplifier is usually not critical since
the signal is carried in the digital domain. However, you must use coaxial links of highest
quality such as the Goldmund lineal in order to maintain the time accuracy and are highly
recommended, especially for long distances. For some high impedance output analog
sources, a short distance to the acoustic processor is mandatory.
If you want to achieve the best possible sonic result, select an opposition on a shelf or on a
piece of furniture where the acoustic processor is isolated from vibrations of mechanical
components, including the player transport itself.
The Goldmund Mimesis 16.8 acoustic processor generates a significant amount of heat. It is
necessary to allow adequate ventilation for proper cooling of the heat sinks. Avoid any
location that is not properly ventilated. Avoid stacking equipment and do not locate the
acoustic processor close to equipment that is sensitive to temperature.
1.4 POWER SUPPLY
The Goldmund Mimesis 16.8 uses multiple power supplies developed by Goldmund to
provide totally separate voltage to each part of the digital and analog circuitry.
Your power supply has been set to operate with the mains voltage of your area. Check on
the power supply voltage switch if there is any doubt. If you move after purchasing the
acoustic processor to an area using a different AC mains voltage, consult your local
Goldmund dealer for assistance.
The power supply unit tolerates both 50 & 60 Hz mains.
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 6
1 SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 16.8 (Ctd.)
1.5 FIRST INSTALLATION & CONNECTIONS
POWER CONNECTION
Plug the AC power cord to the power supply and into a wall socket.
The acoustic processor is and remains on power as soon as the power switch located on
the back panel is turned on. For best sonic results, Goldmund recommends to leave the unit
powered on permanently.
When the machine is in standby mode, the front panel Led controls are off except the red
STB Led, but the circuitry remains connected as long as the power supply switch is not
turned off. The standby mode is controlled by the remote.
COMPUTER CONFIGURATION
Consult your official Goldmund distributor for configuration.
SOURCES CONNECTION
Connect the analog sources or tape machines to the back panel analog inputs and the
digital sources to the digital inputs of the Goldmund Mimesis 16.8, using the RCA input
connectors for analog sources and the choice of RCA for SPDIF, XLR for AES-EBU or
optical for the digital sources.
The inputs are numbered on the back panel.
Digital inputs are numbered from 1 to 10. Digital input 3 and 4 offer two different connector
standards. Only one must be used per input, both work equally well. Digital input 7 to 10 are
reserved for HDMI connection.
NOTE
In all system and specially in HDMI wiring, to
guarantee the HD signal throughout the full
system, Goldmund recommends to perform all
the wiring when all units are turn off and
successively turn on the units according to the
following combination: screen, acoustic
processor or preamplifier
and finally the
player.
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 7
1 SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 16.8 (Ctd.)
Analog inputs are numbered from 11 to 14. The Analog input 11, 12 and 13 are switchable
for three separates 2-channel input, the analog input 14 is a fixed 6-channel input to connect
SACD players, DVD audio or Blu-Ray players in multichannel format.
If used with 6 channels, the connection must be made as follows:
Analog inputs have a common level adjustment inside the acoustic processor (small black
switch with 5 levers). Contact your local distributor to help you adjust the switch to the best
adapted input level.
Input level max:
All Switches OFF = 1.4 Vpp / 0.5 Vrms
Swicth 3 ON only = 8.5 Vpp / 3 Vrms (default setting)
Swicth 4 ON only = 15.6 Vpp / 5.5 Vrms
Swicth 5 ON only = 22.6 Vpp / 8 Vrms
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 8
1 SETTING UP THE MIMESIS 16.8 (Ctd.)
1.5 FIRST INSTALLATION & CONNECTIONS (Ctd.)
On Digital outputs, the signals are depending on the configuration loaded in the acoustic
processor.
The Input 6 (USB) is used to link the Mimesis 16.8 to an external computer in order to play
music (PCM 96kHz/24bit maximum). The Input Control (USB) is used to update the Mimesis
16.8 software with the Goldmund Universal Configurator. All drivers needed are included in
the configuration file provided in the Configurator.
Note:
If the display indicates “CF” & “--”, as shown on the picture below, it means that the
Mimesis 16.8 does not have a configuration loaded. Please contact your authorized
Goldmund retailer to assist you to set up your unit.
To play audio files from a computer to a Mimesis 16.8:
1- Connect the USB cable from the computer to the Mimesis 16.8 and power them both ON.
2- Select the audio input 6 on the Mimesis 16.8 to listen to USB audio.
When all input sources are connected, connect the digital output RCA jacks to the Digital
input of the active speakers or the digital input of your amplifier.
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 9
2 OPERATING THE MIMESIS 16.8
2.1 FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS
INPUT SOURCE SELECTION
The back panel inputs are selected by turning the knob on the left of the front panel.
The first 10 positions are for digital inputs, the next 4 for analog inputs.
When a digital input has been selected, the format 2.0 or 5.1 will be displayed on the front
panel only when the digital source has been locked to the source frequency.
OUTPUT VOLUME ADJUSTMENT
The level control may be adjusted manually or by remote control. It acts for all channels
simultaneously if the unit is playing a multi-channel source.
THE LED DISPLAY SHOWS DIFFERENT KIND OF INFORMATION
- The coding existing on the present audio input source
- The audio format supported are:
- PCM 44.1kHz to 96kHz
- Dolby Digital
- DTS
- DTS CD
- AAC
- The number of input source channels
- The G2 (2 channels) or G6 (5.1 channels) output format
- The balance setting during audio balance adjustment
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 10
2 OPERATING THE MIMESIS 16.8 (Ctd.)
2.2 REMOTE CONTROL
Your Mimesis 16.8 has a built-in remote control for volume, balance and input selection.
MUTING
The mute circuit is controlled using the remote. To mute or un-mute the Mimesis 16.8 with
the remote, press the “MUTE/STDBY” key briefly.
STANDBY
To put the Mimesis 16.8 in Standby mode, press the “MUTE/STDBY” key continuously until
the Mimesis 16.8 goes to Standby, indicated by the Standby Led on the front panel.
OUTPUT VOLUME ADJUSTMENT
The VOL+ and VOL- are adjusting the global volume.
BALANCE ADJUSTMENTS
To activate the balance control, first, press the “BAL” key on the remote control. Then,
adjust the balance.
Note: Adjustment can be done when the Led on the “BAL” key is lit.
The 4 balance keys (diamond configuration) are controlling the right/left and front/rear
balance directly, maintaining a constant global volume.
The gain of the center or the subwoofer can be adjusted by pressing first the “BAL” key,
then press “center” or “sub” key and then the “VOL +” or “VOL -“.
Each balance or gain change displayed on the front panel of the Mimesis 16.8 corresponds
to a step of 0.4dB. The value 50 corresponds to the central balance.
Note: After the last key pressed for balance adjustment, a timer of 10 seconds is activated.
At the end of this 10 sec the balance mode is automatically exit and the Mimesis 16.8 return
to his normal state.
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 11
2 OPERATING THE MIMESIS 16.8 (Ctd.)
2.2 REMOTE CONTROL (Ctd.)
During the balance adjustment you can activate a pink noise. To activate the pink noise,
press on the “BAL” key and then on the “PINK NOISE” key. A Pink noise will be generated
on each digital audio output. If you press again on the “PINK NOISE” key, the pink noise will
be generated to only one output. Each time you press on the “PINK NOISE” key, the pink
noise will change of output as described below:
All outputs ⇒ Front-Left ⇒ Center ⇒ Front-Right ⇒ Rear-Right ⇒ Rear-Left ⇒ Subwoofer
⇒ All outputs ⇒ …
Note: After the last key pressed for pink noise, a timer of 20 seconds is activated. At the end
of 20 sec the pink noise is automatically cancelled.
INPUT SOURCE SELECTION
The 1 to 14 keys are selecting the source to listen. Digital inputs are numbered from 1 to 10.
Analog Inputs are numbered from 11 to 14.
OUTPUT AUDIO FORMAT SELECTION
Depending on the capabilities of the sources you have selected to listen, several audio
formats may be accessible for the output.
Each time you press on the “FORMAT” key, you change the audio format of the outputs to
one of bellow if permissible:
- G2 (2.0-channel)
- G6 (5.1-channel)
- Direct
The format selected is shown on the front panel.
NOTE
The Direct format allows sending the input
selected to the “Direct Out” cinch without
attenuation. Only the digital input 1 to 6 and the
analog (2-channel) input can be sent to the
Direct output. When the format “Direct” is
activated, the standards outputs of the Mimesis
16.8
are muted.
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 12
3 MAINTENANCE
To clean your Mimesis 16.8 use only a soft, clean, dry or slightly damp cloth. Avoid using
domestic cleaning products.
There are no user serviceable parts inside the Mimesis 16.8. Unauthorized servicing or
alteration invalidates the manufacturer’s warranty.
All enquires relating to product servicing and operation should be referred to the local
authorized retailer supplying and supporting your Goldmund equipment.
WARNING
Always turn the power off before cleaning your acoustic processor.
4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
INPUTS
• 10 digital inputs:
- In1 RCA spdif
- In2 Toslink optical
- In3 RCA spdif / XLR aes-ebu
- In4 Toslink optical / RCA spdif
- In5 RCA spdif
- In6 USB AUDIO (up to 96kHz / 24bit pcm stereo only)
- In7 to In10 HDMI input
- USB CONTROL, used for configuration
- RS232, external control system
Any inputs from 1 to 6 and 7-10 can receive multi-channel encoded signal and
audio signal up to 96kHz.
ATTENTION:
The Mimesis 16.8 does not have an input
selection switch between USB CONTROL and
the RS232 connector. Only one connection can
be used at once for an external control. The
USB CONTROL has the priority.
To load a configuration the USB CONTROL
must be used.
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 13
4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (Ctd.)
• 4 analog inputs:
- In11 & In12 RCA 2-channel
- In13 RCA 2-channel Direct Out
- In14 RCA 6-channel
DIGITAL OUTPUT
• 8 Digital RCA SPDIF outputs with 2 channels for each.
• 1 HDMI output to connect a video display or a processor.
• Front panel and remote-control adjustable level control with more than 65dB range and
0.05dB accuracy in the 0 to -34dB range.
REMOTE CONTROL
• RC5 Standard remote system compatible with standard programmable remote control
transmitter (codes available on request)
• Volume and balanced control
• Selection of the source
• Remote muting and standby
• Balance and Pink noise
• Output Format selection
NOTE
The analog input 13 is set to work as a « Direct
Out » cinch without gain level control. When the
input 13 is activated (PP will be shown on the
display), the volume control will be disabled and
the output will be played without attenuation.
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 14
4 TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS (Ctd.)
FRONT PANEL CONTROL
• 2 knobs for input selection and volume control
• Numeric displays for input selection
• Numeric displays for volume
• Direct Led format, balance and function display
POWER
• Nominal line voltage: 117V or 234 V (switchable).
• Input voltage range: +/- 15 %.
• Maximum power consumption: 50 W.
• Use a 1,6 A delayed fuse.
SIZE AND WEIGHT
•
440 W x 400 D x 165 H (mm). Weight: 24 kg.
WARRANTY
• 3 years, parts and labor.
Information and product specifications contained in this manual are subject to change
without prior notice. Updated versions of this manual will be posted on our website at
www.goldmund.com.
Please visit our support page at http://www.goldmund.com/support/register to register your
Goldmund product for warranty.
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 16.8 - UNIVERSAL ACCOUSTIC PROCESSOR - 15
5 BACK PANEL SCHEMATICS
RevA
/
