The music files are stored on an external storage device, e.g. on a NAS (Network Attached Storage) or DAS (Direct Attached Storage) like e.g. a USB hard-disk. There is no internal storage available for music files. Recommendations for suitable NAS devices are supplied in the MAN301 manual. Multiple NAS units can be added for unlimited storage.
The Ethernet socket connects to a NAS and the local network. The WiFi (WLAN) implementation in the MAN301 supports at the same time an Access Point (i.e. the iPad can connect to the MAN301 directly if preferred) and an Uplink (i.e. the MAN301 can connect to the local WiFi network).
An internal high precision/low jitter clock generator is responsible for clocking the audio section. The sampling frequency of that generator is switched automatically according to the sampling frequency of the track played. In addition there are word-clock input and output on BNC connectors for external synchronization purposes. All standard sampling frequencies up to 192 kHz as well as DSD64 and DSD128 are supported.
Digital inputs for external audio sources: AES/EBU or S/PDIF formats on XLR, RCA, TOSLINK.
Software features
Some of the many software features of the MAN301 in a nutshell:
Multiple MAN301 devices can be controlled from within a single iPad.
Multiple users per MAN301 device are supported, each with his/her own music library, playlists, searches etc..
All common audio file formats (uncompressed, lossless compressed, lossy compressed) are supported for playback and ripping.
Music library displayed according to album names, artist names, genres, recently played, recently added.
A powerful search facility allows to store searches, which result in dynamic playlists.
Playlists are easily added, edited and can be set safe.
Volume control in 4 coarse analog steps and with a high resolution, dithered digital fader.
Start, stop, skip controls.
Repeat single track or repeat whole playlist function.
Powerful cover art search in multiple databases including Gracenote and Google.
CD ripping in all common audio file formats.
Direct CD playback without the need to rip the CD.
Metadata fetching from various databases including Gracenote. (Gracenote is the most powerful database for CD metadata and cover art).
Comprehensive user interface on iPad, easily to be handled even by computer novices.
Software upgradeable via Internet.
Internet radio streaming.
Future software upgrades will include various signal processing facilities.