ARS
BBE®High Definition
Sound Processor
For Home
Audio Systems
USER MANUAL
i
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Precautions ………………………………………………………………………………………………i
Table of Contents …………………………………………………………………………………………1
Product Description ………………………………………………………………………………………1
What Does BBE
®
Signal Processing Do? ………………………………………………………………2
How BBE®High Definition Sound Works ………………………………………………………………2
Controls and Connections ………………………………………………………………………………3
Front Panel ……………………………………………………………………………………………3
Rear Panel ……………………………………………………………………………………………4
Specifications ……………………………………………………………………………………………4
General Operation ………………………………………………………………………………………5
Use With an External Equalizer …………………………………………………………………………5
Maintenance………………………………………………………………………………………………5
Service ……………………………………………………………………………………………………6
Warranty Information ……………………………………………………………………………………6
Installation Examples …………………………………………………………………………………7-10
Test Procedure …………………………………………………………………………………………11
Schematic Diagrams…………………………………………………………………………………12-13
PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
Congratulations on your purchase of a BBE ARS HIGH DEFINITION SOUND processor. This device is
a versatile, two-channel signal processor that will benefit any audio system.
With its patented BBE HIGH DEFINITION SOUND technology, audiophiles will delight in the ARS
unit’s ability to restore much of the original live performance sound quality to old LPs and tapes where the
musical performance was outstanding but the recording technology was primitive.
Today, the quality of CDs has made the reproduction of sound much more accurate and fulfilling.
Unfortunately, the original recorded tapes from which the CDs are mastered may not have been recorded
with the latest recording techniques, causing the program material to be distorted or muddy. Additionally,
because the modern mastering process for CDs is digital, some of the natural audio characteristics are lost.
The BBE ARS will help restore the sparkle and clarity of those original master recordings and will add
warmth and natural musical presence to contemporary digitally recorded material. With the BBE ARS,
low frequencies of bass instruments will be more evident in the mix. Voices will be clearer. Notes of a
guitar or keyboard will have greater integrity and be more distinct from each other.
Highs are clearer, cleaner and more finely detailed. The original program material is faithfully reproduced
with more of the nuance, subtlety, and presence of live performance. Plucked and percussive sounds such
as guitar, piano and cymbals are sharper and cleaner. The full harmonic texture of instrumental and vocal
solos are heard. In ensemble music, each instrument and voice retains its integrity. Speech intelligibility
is markedly improved. In summary, the BBE HIGH DEFINITION SOUND processing technology found
in the BBE ARS will bring more depth, detail and definition to any home audio system.
1
WHAT DOES BBE®SIGNAL PROCESSING DO?
BBE sound processing technology has been awarded over 40 US and international patents, and is
essentially an audio circuit which compensates for deficiencies inherent in amplified sound systems. It
is a program-driven process which restores the time-alignment of the whole frequency spectrum while
dynamically compensating for amplitude loss in the uppermost and lowermost frequencies.
A good analogy is that BBE signal processing technology acts like an automatic focus lens on a
camera. Imagine looking through a camera lens and the image is dull and fuzzy, then you twist the
lens and the picture comes into sharp view. Once you experience your BBE ARS, we believe you will
understand this analogy clearly.
HOW BBE®HIGH DEFINITION SOUND WORKS
BBE HIGH DEFINITION SOUND technology works to overcome phase and amplitude distortion,
which are the primary reasons why signals reproduced by amplifiers and loudspeakers have difficulty
faithfully reproducing the original sound.
Technically, it does this by imparting a linear phase shift across the entire frequency spectrum to
compensate for phase distortion and simultaneously augmenting the amplitude of the upper and lower
frequencies, performing both these functions in a program driven manner. It does this without adding
any artificial content to the signal, such as using artificial harmonics or reverb-based 3D effects.
The amount of high frequency processing is adjusted with the Process control, and is used to tailor a
crisp, tight music program. The Lo-contour control is a bass processing adjustment. When turned
clockwise, the Lo-contour feature will add power and warmth to the music program. Unlike an
equalizer, increasing the Lo-contour on the BBE ARS will not produce a “boomy” or “muddy” sound,
but will remain tight, clean and “punchy”.
As Music Connection magazine called BBE technology, “BBE is the most hearable advance in audio
technology since high fidelity itself.”
2
2 3 4 5
1. LO CONTOUR
This control regulates the amount of phase compensated bass equalization for both channels. This
adjustment ranges from 0dBu (fully counter-clockwise) to +10dBu (fully clockwise).
2. DEFINITION
This control regulates the amount of phase compensated high frequency processing for both
channels. When the knob is in its minimum position (counter-clockwise), there is no processing.
Turning the knob clockwise will introduce and increase the processing activity to a maximum level
of 10dBu. Adjust the knob to mix the desired amount of processing. A good position to start with
is the center position (12 o'clock).
3. STATUS LED DISPLAY
This bi-colored LED lamp glows green when the BBE process button is in the “on” position, and
red when the process button is in the “off” position.
4. PROCESS
This switch activates the entire processing circuit. When depressed, the “in” position, the processor
has been engaged. When in the “out” position, the processor has been disengaged.
5. POWER
This switch applies AC power to the BBE ARS. When the power is on, the STATUS LED lamp
will illuminate.
FRONT PANEL
3
1
LO CONTOUR DEFINITION
MIN MAX MIN MAX
PROCESS
IN
full frequency focus™
STATUS
OUT
®
POWER
ARS
1. POWER CORD: USA configuration shown in illustration above.
2. FUSE: Replace ONLY with same type Fast-blow fuse.
USA, Canada and Japan models: 250Vac, 1/2A Fast-blow
Standard model: 250Vac, .125A Fast-blow
3. INPUTS: The signal input to the BBE ARS is to be applied to the RCAjacks labeled “IN”, Refer
to the “CONNECTIONS” pages for proper hook-up.
4. OUTPUTS: The signal output of the BBE ARS is to be taken from the RCA jacks labeled “OUT”.
Refer to the “CONNECTIONS” pages for proper hook-up.
REAR PANEL
4
SPECIFICATIONS (0dBu = 0.775mVrms)
Frequency Response……………………………………process on: program controlled
process off: DC to 20kHz
Absolute noise in process mode ………………………-90dBu below rated max output of 0dBu
THD in process mode …………………………………less than 0.1% @-10dBu level
Input Characteristics
Input Impedance ……………………………………50K Ohms
Nominal Input Level ………………………………-10dBu
Output Characteristics
Minimum load impedance for full output level ……1K Ohm
Nominal Output Level………………………………-10dBu
Maximum Output Level ……………………………+16dBu
Power Requirements
USA / Canada / Japan models………………………100-120Vac, 50/60Hz, 10 Watts
Standard model ……………………………………200-240Vac, 50/60Hz, 10 Watts
AC Line fuse protected …………………………………USA Model: 250Vac 1/2A Fast-blow fuse
Standard Model: 250Vac .125A Fast-blow fuse
Terminations/Connectors ………………………………Gold-plated RCA jacks
Dimensions ……………………………………………16.5"(W) x 8.5"(D) x 1.7"(H)
419mm(W) x 216mm(D) x 43mm(H)
Shipping Weight ………………………………………6.5 lbs.
Note: Due to continuing product improvement, specifications and design are subject to change without notice.
2 3 4
1
230
8 WATTS
50/60Hz
FUSE
;
CAUTION:
FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE T63mA,250V FUSE.
ATTENTION:
UTILISER UN
FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE DE T63mA, 250V.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
▲ ▲
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIC
AVIS:
NE PAS OUVRIR!
MADE IN U.S.A.
!
ARS
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA
full frequency focus
™
®
OUT
IN
RLRL
GENERAL OPERATION
THE BBE ARS IS A LINE LEVEL SIGNAL PROCESSOR AND IS TO BE CONNECTED PRIOR TO
THE POWER AMP OUTPUT IN ANY AUDIO SYSTEM. SIGNIFICANT DAMAGE MAY BE
INFLICTED TO THE BBE ARS OR ANY SUBSEQUENT COMPONENT IN THE SYSTEM IN THE
EVENT THE OUTPUT OF A POWER AMP IS CONNECTED DIRECTLY TO THE BBE ARS.
In order to reduce the risk of damage to any equipment, properly connect all cables and power cables
before turning on any components in the system. Most important of all, ALWAYS TURN ON THE
POWER AMPLIFIER LAST TO AVOID DAMAGING THE SPEAKERS OR THE AMP.
The BBE ARS may be used in a number of different environments and its results may vary
accordingly. Generally, the tape loop or a processor loop of an audio system is the ideal placement.
The tape loop will only work if your audio system has a “tape monitor” control for that loop. If so,
this will allow the user to apply the BBE HIGH DEFINITION SOUND process to as many source
signals as possible. Alternatively, other sources having line-level RCAoutputs may be plugged directly
into the ARS, such as a CD player’s outputs, a cassette player’s playback signal, or the audio outputs
from a video source such as a VCR or video disk player.
Once in operation, adjustment of the Process and Lo-contour controls is made to suite the listening
tastes of the user. Some source material may benefit from higher settings while others may sound
better with a lower setting. However, in typical usage owners do not often make adjustments to the
control settings once a preference has been established.
USE WITH AN EXTERNAL EQUALIZER
The BBE ARS can be used in conjunction with an external equalizer unit, and it may be placed in the
signal path either before or after the equalizer. IF THE EQ IS BEING SET TO GIVE THE ROOM
A FLAT RESPONSE AS DETERMINED BY A SPECTRUM ANALYZER, THE BBE ARS
WILL WORK WELL EITHER BEFORE OR AFTER THE EQUALIZER, ALTHOUGH
AFTER IS PREFERABLE. If the EQ is being used for substantial tone alteration, the recommended
placement of the BBE ARS is before the equalizer.
Neither of the above configurations will harm the BBE ARS.
MAINTENANCE
Maintenance of the BBE ARS is limited to proper cleaning of the unit with a mild household cleaner
such as Formula 409® or Windex®. The chassis and cover are steel finished with a durable
polyurethane paint, while the front panel is as anodized aluminum extrusion.
There are no user replaceable parts in the BBE ARS. Only qualified technicians should remove unit
cover for inspection or repair. This unit was designed with high quality audio components that should
exhibit little or no electronic drift of the components which would cause a change in specifications.
The BBE ARS adopts a robust and conservative design from BBE Sound's experience in producing
HIGH DEFINITION SOUND professional sound processors in use worldwide by musicians, recording
studios, broadcast facilities, nightclubs and other commercial applications. The BBE ARS is similarly
designed to provide many years of listening enjoyment.
5
SERVICE
Customers within the US and Canada may contact BBE Sound directly at our corporate facility in
Huntington Beach, California:
Tel. (714)897-6766 ext. 116 for service • Toll-free (800)233-8346 ext. 116 for service
We request that a “return authorization” number be acquired prior to return of defective unit, either
through a retailer where the unit was purchased or by contacting BBE Sound, Inc. directly. Please
include a copy of your bill of sale with the unit when it is shipped to BBE Sound, Inc., so that service
can be expedited.
Customers outside the US and Canada should contact their retailer or national distributor. An updated
listing of international distributors can be found at our www.bbesound.com web-site.
WARRANTY
Warranty registration of the unit to BBE Sound, Inc. is not necessary. However, it is strongly
recommended that a copy of the bill of sales is retained for future reference.
IT IS THE SOLE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE END USER TO PROVIDE THE BILL OF SALE
OR OTHER MEANS OF PROOF OF PURCHASE TO VALIDATE THE WARRANTY IF
WARRANTY SERVICE IS REQUIRED.
The BBE ARS is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5) years
from date of purchase from BBE Sound, Inc. or from an authorized dealer. During this period, BBE
Sound, Inc. will repair units free of charge providing that they are shipped prepaid to:
BBE Sound, Inc.
Attn: Service Department
5381 Production Drive
Huntington Beach, California 92649
BBE Sound, Inc. will pay return UPS shipping charges within the USA. All charges related to non-US
shipping, including customs clearance, will be billed. The warranty will be honored for the longer of
either 90 days from the date of any service or the remainder of the original 5 year factory warranty.
This warranty will be considered null and void by BBE Sound, Inc. if any of the following is found:
1. The equipment has been physically damaged.
2. The equipment shows signs of abuse.
3. The equipment has been electrically damaged by improper connection or attempted repair by the
customer or a third party.
4. The equipment has been modified without authorization.
5. The bill of sale indicates that the purchase date of the equipment is not within the warranty period.
All out-of-warranty repairs are warranted for a period of 90 days from the date of service.
BBE Sound, Inc. is NOT LIABLE FOR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES. Should the BBE ARS fail
to operate for any reason, our sole obligation is to repair the unit as described above.
6
BBE ARS
INTEGRATED AMP
7
INSTALLING THE BBE ARS INTO A TAPE OR PROCESSOR LOOP
INSTALLING AN ADDITIONAL PROCESSOR WITH THE BBE ARS
AVIS:
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIC
NE PAS OUVRIR!
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
▲ ▲
!
R
L
REC PLAY REC PLAY
TUNER CD AUX PHONO
TAPE 1 TAPE 2
CAUTION
CAUTION:
FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE T63mA,250V FUSE.
ATTENTION:
UTILISER UN
FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE DE T63mA,250V.
230
;
8 WATTS
50/60Hz
FUSE
There are several ways to configure the BBE ARS with a second or even a third processor. The
tape loop will be the preferred location. In most cases, the order that processors are connected is
up to the listener. We at BBE recommend that the BBE ARS be the last processor in the signal
chain. However, there may be instances where this is not possible–when a surround sound
processor is used, for example. (See USING THE BBE ARS WITH SURROUND SOUND
TYPE PROCESSORS.)
Connect the BBE ARS to the tape loop of the pre-amp/integrated amp as shown by the
above illustration.
230
;
CAUTION:
8 WATTS
TION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
50/60Hz
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE T63mA,250V FUSE.
FUSE
FOR CONTINUED PROTEC-
ATTENTION:
UTILISER UN
FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE DE T63mA,250V.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
▲ ▲
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIC
AVIS:
NE PAS OUVRIR!
MADE IN U.S.A.
ARS
!
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA
full frequency focus
®
™
OUT
IN
RLRL
8
AVIS:
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIC
NE PAS OUVRIR!
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
▲ ▲
!
R
L
REC PLAY REC PLAY
TUNEROUTPUT CD AUX PHONO
TAPE 1 TAPE 2
CAUTION
R
L
CAUTION:
FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE T63mA,250V FUSE.
ATTENTION:
UTILISER UN
FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE DE T63mA,250V.
230
;
8 WATTS
50/60Hz
FUSE
AVIS:
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIC
NE PAS OUVRIR!
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
▲ ▲
!
L R
INPUT
CAUTION
CAUTION:
FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE T63mA,250V FUSE.
ATTENTION:
UTILISER UN
FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE DE T63mA,250V.
230
;
8 WATTS
50/60Hz
FUSE
INSTALLING THE BBE ARS SYSTEM INTO A
PRE-AMP/POWER AMP CONFIGURATION
BBE ARS
PRE-AMPLIFIER
POWER AMPLIFIER
The BBE ARS can be placed between the pre-amp and power amp of an audio system. Connect
the pre-amp output to the source input of the BBE ARS. The source output of the BBE ARS
will connect to the input of the power amp.
230
;
CAUTION:
8 WATTS
TION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
50/60Hz
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE T63mA,250V FUSE.
FUSE
FOR CONTINUED PROTEC-
ATTENTION:
UTILISER UN
FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE DE T63mA,250V.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
▲ ▲
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIC
AVIS:
NE PAS OUVRIR!
MADE IN U.S.A.
ARS
!
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA
full frequency focus
®
™
OUT
IN
RLRL
USING THE BBE ARS WITH A SINGLE SOURCE
9
BBE ARS
INTEGRATED AMP
SINGLE COMPONENT (CD, TUNER, VCR, ETC.)
In the event the BBE ARS is desired on one component only, connecting it in series with the
signal source will be best.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
!
ATTENTION:
UTILISER UN
FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE DE T63mA,250V.
230
;
CAUTION:
8 WATTS
TION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
50/60Hz
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE T63mA,250V FUSE.
FUSE
▲ ▲
AVIS:
FOR CONTINUED PROTEC-
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIC
NE PAS OUVRIR!
L R
OUTPUT
230
;
CAUTION:
8 WATTS
TION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
50/60Hz
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE T63mA,250V FUSE.
FUSE
FOR CONTINUED PROTEC-
ATTENTION:
UTILISER UN
FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE DE T63mA,250V.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
▲ ▲
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIC
AVIS:
NE PAS OUVRIR!
MADE IN U.S.A.
ARS
!
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA
full frequency focus
®
™
OUT
IN
RLRL
R
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
!
ATTENTION:
UTILISER UN
FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE DE T63mA,250V.
230
;
CAUTION:
8 WATTS
TION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
50/60Hz
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE T63mA,250V FUSE.
FUSE
▲ ▲
AVIS:
FOR CONTINUED PROTEC-
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIC
NE PAS OUVRIR!
L
TUNER CD AUX PHONO
REC PLAY REC PLAY
TAPE 1 TAPE 2
USING THE ARS WITH SURROUND SOUND TYPE PROCESSORS
10
BBE ARS
INTEGRATED AMP
SURROUND SOUND PROCESSOR
When possible, connect the BBE ARS processor to the tape loop of the surround sound device.
If this is not possible, connect the ARS immediately before the surround sound device.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
▲ ▲
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIC
AVIS:
NE PAS OUVRIR!
ATTENTION:
FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE DE T63mA,250V.
230
;
CAUTION:
8 WATTS
TION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
50/60Hz
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE T63mA,250V FUSE.
FUSE
FOR CONTINUED PROTEC-
FUSE
230
;
CAUTION:
8 WATTS
TION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
50/60Hz
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE T63mA,250V FUSE.
FOR CONTINUED PROTEC-
ATTENTION:
FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE DE T63mA,250V.
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
▲ ▲
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIC
AVIS:
NE PAS OUVRIR!
ATTENTION:
FUSIBLE DE RECHANGE DE
MEME TYPE DE T63mA,250V.
230
;
CAUTION:
8 WATTS
TION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE, REPLACE
50/60Hz
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE T63mA,250V FUSE.
FUSE
FOR CONTINUED PROTEC-
!
UTILISER UN
UTILISER UN
!
UTILISER UN
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
▲ ▲
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIC
AVIS:
NE PAS OUVRIR!
MADE IN U.S.A.
ARS
!
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CALIFORNIA
INPUTS
LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT LEFT RIGHT
™
full frequency focus
®
OUTPUTS
CENTER
OUT
SURROUND
R
L
TUNER CD AUX PHONO
REC PLAY REC PLAY
TAPE 1 TAPE 2
IN
RLRL
TEST PROCEDURES FOR THE BBE ARS
NOTE: THIS UNIT WAS CALIBRATED AT THE FACTORY. THIS PROCEDURE IS FOR
QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL ONLY.
INITIAL SETTINGS:
Definition control, VR2, and Lo Contour, VR1, to minimum (fully C.C.W.).
Power switch on and Function switch in (Process on).
Note: Because both channels A and B are identical in calibration specifications, only channel A will be
outlined in test procedures below. Channel B will appear in brackets [B]. The signal will be input into
the corresponding channel connector marked as an RCA jack. The output will be monitored at the
corresponding channel connector marked as an RCA jack.
POWER SUPPLY TEST:
With DVM set to DC volts, measure the positive end of C31. You should read less than +26 VDC.
With DVM set to DC volts, measure the negative end of C29. You should read less than -26 VDC.
Measure DC voltage on JMP 14. Reading should be +12 VDC, (+/- 0.8 VDC).
Measure DC voltage on pin 2 of U1. Reading should be -12 VDC, (+/- 0.8 VDC).
PROCESSING TEST:
Input a 5kHz signal @ -10dBu into Channel A [B] input.
Measure the Channel A [B] output with the DVM set to AC volts.
With the Definition control at minimum (fully C.C.W.), DVM should read
-10.5dBu (+/- 0.5dBu).
With the Definition control at maximum (fully C.W.), DVM should read -2dBu (+/-0.5dBu).
LO CONTOUR TEST:
Input a 50Hz signal @ -10dBu into Channel A [B] input.
Measure the Channel A [B] output with the DVM set to AC volts.
With the Lo Contour control at minimum (fully C.C.W.), DVM should read
-10dBu (+/- 0.5dBu).
With the Lo Contour control at maximum (fully C.W.), DVM should read
-1.5dBu (+/-0.5dBu).
BYPASS TEST:
Input a 500Hz signal @ -10dBu into Channel A [B] input.
Measure the Channel A [B] output with the DVM set to AC volts.
With the Process in, the DVM should read -11dBu (+/- 0.5dBu) and the STATUS LED should
illuminate green.
With the Process out, the DVM should read -10.5dBu (+/- 0.5dBu) and the STATUS LED should
illuminate red.
END TEST
111213
5381 Production Drive
Huntington Beach, CA 92649
714-897-6766 • FAX 714-896-0736
www.bbesound.com
covered by U.S. Patent 4,482,866 and other U.S. and foreign patents pending.
BBE is the registered trademark of BBE Sound, Inc.
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