USER MANUAL
GOLDMUND MIMESIS15
Acoustic Processor
Thank you for purchasing the Goldmund MIMESIS 15 ACOUSTIC PROCESSOR.
Please take some time to read this manual. It will provide you with useful information to
make your pleasure of listening to the Mimesis 15 even higher.
INTRODUCTION
GOLDMUND MIMESIS 15 – 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 for audio and home-theater systems.
The guiding principle at Goldmund is to produce a precise sound with the least possible
loss of quality through the different stages crossed by the signal. 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.
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Table of Contents
1 PRELIMINARIES 5
2 UNPACKING 5
3 PROCESSOR LOCATION & COOLING 6
4 POWER SUPPLY 6
5 FIRST INSTALLATION & CONNECTIONS 7
6 HOME THEATER CONFIGURATION 10
7 FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS 10
8 REMOTE CONTROL 11
9 CLEANING 11
10 TECHNICAL DATA 12
11 GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 14
12 REMOTE CONTROL 16
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W A R N I N G !
This high quality processor possesses new
technical features, which are necessary for
accurate multi-channel processing of the
today’s best audio multi-channel signals.
Only careful use can provide all the satisfaction
you are expecting.
All handling must be performed according to
the following instructions to avoid deterioration
of the processor.
Nevertheless, if the instructions are carried out
in full, you will notice that the use of the
Goldmund Mimesis 15 is quite simple and
convenient.
IMPORTANT:
PLEASE DO NOT CONNECT ANY CABLE OR
MOVE ANY PART BEFORE READING THE
FOLLOWING INSTRUCTIONS.
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1 PRELIMINARIES
Please read the following instructions very carefully. This high-precision unit will provide the
best digital signal possible to your digital-input speaker or amplifier thanks to its unique
technology.
The connections between the analog and digital sources and the processor, as well as
between the processor, speakers and amplifier are also 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 best systems may provide. Goldmund
recommends using the digital “Goldmund Lineal™” cable. Cables in special lengths can
also be ordered from your retailer.
2 UNPACKING
You will find in the package:
the processor itself
the power cord
the remote control
this owner's manual
Unpack the above-mentioned components with care.
Keep all packaging for future use.
WARNING
If you need to return the Mimesis 15 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 15 in transit. Use of
alternative packaging is likely to result in damage, invalidating warranty cover.
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3 PROCESSOR LOCATION & COOLING
Select a very rigid support for your Goldmund Mimesis 15.
The distance between the Mimesis 15, the speaker and the amplifier is usually not critical
since the signal is carried in the digital domain. However, you must use digital “Goldmund
Lineal™” cables in order to maintain the time accuracy of the signal. For some high
impedance output analog sources, a short distance to the processor is mandatory.
If you want to achieve the best possible sonic result, select a position on a shelf or on a
piece of furniture where the processor is isolated from vibrations of mechanical
components, such as the CD transport itself.
You must also be careful to locate your Mimesis 15 in a very well ventilated location. When
powered on, the Mimesis 15, like all high quality electronic equipment, generates a
significant amount of heat, which has to be evacuated by natural ventilation.
4 POWER SUPPLY
The Mimesis 15 uses multiple power supplies developed by Goldmund to provide totally
separate voltage to each part of the digital and analog circuitry.
The Mimesis 15 Acoustic Processor will function properly for main line voltages indicated
page 13 (see rubric Power for more details).
The power supply unit tolerates both 50 & 60 Hz mains.
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5 FIRST INSTALLATION & CONNECTIONS
5.1 POWER CONNECTION
Plug the AC power cord to the power supply and into a wall socket.
The 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 leaving the unit
powered ON permanently.
When turned ON via the back panel power switch, the unit accomplishes a self-test run via
its internal software; then a software routine successively tests the modules inside the
machine. If any abnormal functioning is detected, it will be displayed on the front panel.
Keep the Mimesis 15 turned off for source and speakers connections.
5.2 SPEAKERS LOCATION
Front-Left
25° - 30°
100° - 115°
Front-Right
Center
Rear-Left
Rear-Right
Listening
position
Note: Depending on the room
acoustics, the speakers can be
positioned in parallel or slightly
tilted toward the listener.
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5 FIRST INSTALLATION & CONNECTIONS (Ctd.)
5.2 SPEAKERS LOCATION (Ctd.)
In stereo, the ideal location of the speaker in the room has to be found by experiment.
However, avoid placing the speakers in the corner of the room and try to set them away
from any adjacent wall by 60cm (2 feet) minimum. The proper listening position is located
by 1 to 1.5 times the distance between the speakers at equal distance from each other. If
the room size permits, try separating the speakers by minimum 3 meters (10’) to provide a
large stereo image.
In multi-channel system, it is recommended to put your speakers as close as possible to
the recommended positions shown in the picture above. This configuration will guarantee
the best sound quality of your audio system.
A standard configuration is available from the Goldmund Universal Configurator with
corresponding speakers. Please contact your authorized Goldmund retailer to assist you to
set up your unit.
Note: The distances between listening point and all speakers systems (speaker and
subwoofer) have to be identical. If not, delays corresponding to distance differences have
to be entered in the standard configuration files.
5.3 SOURCE AND SPEAKERS CONNECTION
Before connecting any source or speaker to the Mimesis 15, make sure that all your
devices (Mimesis 15, audio sources, amplifiers and speakers) are turned off.
Connect the analog sources to the back panel analog inputs and the digital sources to the
digital inputs of the Mimesis 15.
The inputs are numbered on the back panel and correspond to the description below:
1 to 3 : Analog RCA Input
4 to 7 : Digital RCA SPDIF Input
8 & 9 : Digital Optical Toslink Input
10 : USB Input
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5 FIRST INSTALLATION & CONNECTIONS (Ctd.)
The Input 10 (USB) is used to link the Mimesis 15 to an external computer in order to play
music (PCM 48kHz maximum) and to update the Mimesis 15 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 bellow, it means that the
Mimesis 15 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 15:
1- Connect the USB cable from the computer to the Mimesis 15 and power them both ON.
2- Select the audio input 10 on the Mimesis 15 to listen to USB audio.
When all input sources are connected, connect the digital output RCA jacks to the digital-
input of the active speaker or to the digital input of your amplifier, using high quality digital
cables such as the digital “Goldmund Lineal™” cable.
Once the complete audio system has been connected, the power cords may be plugged
and the various devices power supplies turned on.
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6 HOME THEATER CONFIGURATION
The Mimesis 15 can be used as a 2-channel preamplifier and as a powerful home theater
processor. It can benefit from the Proteus technologies developed for the Goldmund Media
Room. This gives the Mimesis 15 the possibility to use numerous filter configurations
adapted to the set up of each room as well as the capability to better pan speakers in a
multi-channel system. In other terms, a better sound quality and a perfect surround.
Please contact your authorized Goldmund retailer for the configuration of your Mimesis 15
for home theater applications.
7 FRONT PANEL FUNCTIONS
7.1 INPUT SOURCE SELECTION
The back panel inputs are selected by turning the knob on the left of the front panel.
The first 3 positions are for analog inputs, the next 7 for digital 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
7.2 OUTPUT VOLUME ADJUSTMENT
The level control may be adjusted manually (right knob on the front panel) or by the remote
control.
It acts for all channels simultaneously if the unit is playing a multi-channel source.
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8 REMOTE CONTROL
Your Mimesis 15 has a built-in remote control for volume, balance and input selection.
The Mute circuit can also be activated via the remote. To mute or un-mute the Mimesis 15
with the remote, press the “MUTE/STBY” key briefly.
To put the Mimesis 15 in Standby mode, press the “MUTE/STBY” key continuously until the
Mimesis 15 goes to Standby (indicated via the Standby Led on the front panel).
The VOL+ and VOL- keys adjust the general volume.
The 4 balance keys (for details on the remote control see chapter 12, p.16) control the
Left/Right and Front/Rear balance, maintaining a constant overall volume.
To activate this balance control, first, press the “BAL” key on the remote control. Then,
adjust the balance, using the balance keys, Left/Right (4 & 6), Front/Rear (3 & 5) only with
multichannel signal.
Note: Adjustment can be done when the led on the “Bal. On” key is lit.
Any RC5 coded remote-control emitter can control the Mimesis 15. The codes are available
upon request. Most of the programmable transmitter units available have the capabilities to
drive the Mimesis 15 as a standard digital processor, for all the specified functions.
Note: The Mimesis 15 can be controlled by the iGoldmund System, please refer to the
iGoldmund manual for more detail.
9 CLEANING
Always disconnect the power cord from the wall socket before cleaning your processor.
To clean the metal of the processor, always use a very soft, clean, damp cloth to avoid
scratching the surface. Dampen with water or a mild detergent solution. Avoid abrasive or
harsh cleansers (e.g. products containing sodium carbonate).
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10 TECHNICAL DATA
INPUTS
3 analog 2-channel inputs
4 digital inputs RCA (up to 96 kHz)
2 digital inputs optical toslink (up to 96 kHz)
1 digital input USB (up to 48 kHz PCM Stereo only)
The audio format supported are:
PCM 44.1kHz to 96kHz
Dolby Digital
DTS
DTS-CD
AAC
DIGITAL OUTPUTS
8 digital RCA SPDIF outputs.
Front panel and remote-control adjustable level control with 65dB range and 0.05dB
accuracy in the 0-> -34dB range.
REMOTE-CONTROL
RC5 Standard remote system compatible with standard programmable remote control
transmitter (codes available on request).
Volume and balance control
Selection of the source
Remote Muting and Standby
2 IR Jack output for other device control
FRONT PANEL CONTROLS
2 knobs for input selection and volume control
2-character numeric display for input selection
2-character numeric display for volume
Direct Led format, balance and function display
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10 TECHNICAL DATA (Ctd.)
POWER
1 separate transformer
6 separately regulated power supplies
Nominal AC line voltage: 117V or 234V (+/- 10%)
Maximum power consumption: 8W
Fuse: 100mA /250V (slow-blow)
SIZE AND WEIGHT
440 W x 404 D x 130 H (mm)
Weight: 12kg
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.
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11 GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1. Read instructions. Read the safety and operating instructions before operating the
appliance.
2. Retain instructions. Retain the safety and operating instructions for future reference.
3. Heed warnings. Observe all warnings on the appliance and in the operating
instructions.
4. Follow instructions. Follow all operating and use instructions.
5. Water and moisture. Do not use the appliance near water, for example near a bathtub,
in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool and the like.
6. Carts and stands. Use only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the
manufacturer.
An appliance and card cart combination should be used with care. Quick stops,
excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to
overturn.
7. Ventilation. Site the appliance so that its location or position does not interfere with its
proper ventilation.
8. Heat. Site the appliance away from heat sources such as radiators, heaters, stoves, or
other appliances (including amplifier) that produce heat.
9. Power sources. Connect the appliance to a power supply only of the type described in
the operating instructions or marked on the appliance.
10. Grounding and polarization. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding type plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A
grounding type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the
third prong are provided for your safety. When the provided plug does not fit into your
outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
11. Power cord protection. Route power cords so that they are not likely to be walked on or
pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at
plugs, power sockets, and at the point where they exit from appliance.
12. Protective attachment plug. As a safety feature the product is equipped with an
attachment plug containing overload protection. See the instruction manual about
resetting or replacing the plug. Should the plug need replacing ensure that a
replacement is used which has the same overload protection as the original.
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11 GENERAL SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS (Ctd.)
13. Cleaning. The product should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
14. Power lines. An outdoor antenna should be located away from power lines.
15. Outdoor antenna grounding. If an outdoor antenna is connected to the tuner/receiver
ensure that the antenna system is grounded to provide some protection against voltage
surges and static build up.
In the USA see article 810 of the National Electrical Code ANSI/NFPA 70 concerning
installation requirements.
16. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
17. Objects and liquid entry. Take care not to let objects or liquids fall into the product.
18. Damage requiring service. The product should be serviced by qualified personnel if:
The power cord or plug has been damaged.
Objects or liquid have fallen into the product
The product has been exposed to rain
The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in
operation.
The product has been dropped or the enclosure damaged
19. Servicing. Don’t attempt to service the product beyond that described in the operating
instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.
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12 REMOTE CONTROL
RevA
Remote Control Key :
1 : Active Balance
2 : Mute / Standby
3 : Front Balance
4 : Left Balance
5 : Rear Balance
6 : Right Balance
7 : Volume Up
8 : Volume Down
A : Analog Input 1
B : Analog Input 2
C : Analog Input 3
D : Digital Input 4
E : Digital Input 5
F : Digital Input 6
G : Digital Input 7
H : Optical Input 8
I : Optical Input 9
J : USB input 10
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