Buzz Audio elixir mic preamplifier User Manual

ELIXIR USERS MANUAL VERSION

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1, MAY 2006.

elixir

API™ 500 Series Compatible Preamplifier Module

Users Manual

Thank you for choosing the Buzz Audio
Elixir preamplifier module. Please take
the time to read this manual so that you
are familiar with the operation of the unit.

To gain our Extended Warranty, please
return the enclosed Registration Card or
register your purchase online at
www.buzzaudio.com

Contents

1] Compatibility and Power ........................... 2

2] Installation ................................................. 3

3] Controls and Indicators ............................. 4

4] Important Note on Switching ..................... 7

5] Specifications ............................................ 8

6] Warranty and Service................................. 9

PO BOX 6677, TE ARO. WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND. VOICE/FAX 64+4+385-2478.

www.buzzaudio.com email [e-mail]

CONTENTS COPYRIGHT BUZZ AUDIO LTD 2006.

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1] Compatibility and Power

The Elixir preamplifier module is designed to be installed
into an API™ 500 Series compatible rack and cannot
function stand alone, requiring the power source
supplied by the rack system.

It should be noted that the Buzz Audio Elixir module
consumes more power supply current than most other
500 series modules available due to the True Class A
amplifiers used in the design. For this reason, there may
be limitations on how many Elixir modules can be
installed into some rack systems currently available.

The current consumption of the Elixir is rated at 150
milliamperes at +/-15 volts DC. If 10 modules are
installed into a rack, then a total of 1.5 amperes will be
required from the rack power supply. Please check with
the rack manufacturer that the design can meet this
rating. 10 Elixirs can safely be fitted to the API™ 500VPR
rack.

If you wish to use the Elixir preamp with condenser
microphones (or any device requiring +48V phantom
power) then the chosen rack power supply will need the
48V phantom power source fitted.

For more information on the API™ 500 Series racks, visit
the API™ website at www.apiaudio.com.

2] Installation

After unpacking your Elixir module, please check for any
visible damage that may have occurred during transit.
If there is any problem, please contact your dealer
immediately for advice on what to do.

Installation into the 500 Series rack is relatively straight
forward. Ensure the rack is completely powered down
before attempting installation to prevent damage to
the module.

Choose the position in the rack to which you will install
the module and slide it in so that the gold plated edge
connector of the module aligns with the matching
connector in the rack. A gentle push and the module
should slide home into the rack connector.

Please avoid touching the gold plated edge connector
of the module to prevent sweat from tarnishing the gold
plate and thereby avoiding any connection reliability
problems in the future.

Attach the Elixir front panel to the front of the rack with
screws supplied by your rack manufacturer. This is
important for mechanical rigidity. Do not over tighten
these screws to avoid stripping out the threads.

Apply power, test that everything is working OK, and
most importantly, enjoy!

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3] Controls and Indicators

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4

5

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Controls and Indicators continued…

[1] GAIN This 41 position rotary control varies the

amplification applied to the microphone input and
instrument input. The markings around this control
indicate the amount of gain applied in decibels. Note
that when using the instrument input, the actual gain
applied is 10dB less than indicated.

[2] MUTE This switch allows you to shut down the output
of the Elixir module which is very handy when changing
inputs, moving microphones around the studio etc..
The output is muted in the I (in) position and un-muted
in the O (out) position.

[3] PHASE This switch reverses the polarity of the output
signal relative to the input. In the N (normal) position,
the output is in phase with the input. In the R (reverse)
position, the output will be 180 degrees out of phase or
inverted. It works with both microphone and instrument
inputs. Please see note below.

[4] -20dB This switch reduces the gain of the
preamplifier by 20 decibels by applying attenuation
before the first amplifier stage. This can be useful when
you cannot turn down the GAIN control enough when
recording loud sources. It works with both microphone
and instrument inputs. Please see note below.

[5] IN Z The letter “Z” is the symbol used to denote
“impedance” and on the Elixir the IN Z switch changes

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Controls and Indicators continued…

the impedance seen by the source at the input of the
preamp. The microphone input impedance is 4k ohms
in the H (high) position and 1k2 ohms in L (low) position.
The correct position of this switch is purely subjective,
with some microphones (such as ribbon types) being
more susceptible to this change than others.

The instrument input is also affected by this switch with
an input impedance of 1Meg ohms in H position and
20k ohms in L position. The H position will be more
suitable for bass and guitar pickups introducing less
loading on these devices.

[6] INSTRUMENT INPUT A standard ¼” jack socket allows
you to connect pickup and keyboard outputs for
amplification. This socket will accept both balanced
(TRS) and unbalanced signals. Inserting a jack into the
socket automatically selects this input and the
microphone input is disconnected.

[7] +48V This switch will apply +48 volt DC phantom
power to the microphone input when switched to the I
(in) position. Power is removed in the O (out) position.
There can be loud splats generated when using this
switch so use the MUTE switch to prevent these
destroying your monitors (not to mention your ears!)
Please also see note below.

[8] LED Meter Output level of the Elixir is displayed by this
peak reading meter with indication at -10, 0, +10 and
+20 decibel points. The Elixir module is capable of
delivering a hefty +34dBu of output signal, so even with
the +20dB LED flashing, it still has plenty of headroom.
However, the device following the Elixir (DAW, recorder,
or console) may not have this headroom available and
may be close to clipping at +20dB level.

4] Important Note on Switching

When operating the PHASE and PAD switches, a low
level click may be heard. As the GAIN is increased, so
will the volume of these clicks and using the MUTE switch
before operating these switches at very high gains is
suggested.

Also, for a 30-40 second period after the +48V power
has been switched both on and off, these clicks will be
LOUD. This is due to the time taken for the input
decoupling circuit to settle from the large transients the
48V introduces on the microphone input, and the
residual DC to dissipate.

Now, we could have added extra input coupling
capacitors to eliminate the clicks, but it is the view of
the Elixir designer that these components would
degrade the sound quality of the preamplifier and this
small inconvenience to the user is well worth the sonic
benefits of them not being there!

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5] Specifications

Min Gain Mic = +22dB (-2dB with pad in)
Max Gain Mic = +70dB
Min Gain Instrument = +12dB (-3dB with pad in)
Max Gain Instrument = +60dB
Maximum Output Level = +34dBu into 3k ohm load.

Frequency Response
Mic = 10Hz to 300kHz @ 20dB gain (-3dB).
Instrument = 10Hz to 120kHz @ 20dB gain (-3dB).

Total Harmonic Distortion

(measured at -20dBu input, gain adjusted for +10dBu output level)

Mic = 0.15% @ 100Hz, 0.01% @ 1kHz, 0.005% @ 10kHz
Instrument = 0.15% @ 100Hz, 0.015% @ 1kHz, 0.015% @10kHz

Noise
EIN Mic = -132.5dB A wtg, 150ohm source Z.
Signal to Noise Ratio Mic = -74dB A wtg, input shorted.
Signal to Noise Ratio Instrument = -76dB A wtg, input shorted.

CMNR Mic = -78dB @ 100Hz, -100dB @ 1kHz, -100dB @ 10kHz.
Input Impedance Mic = 4k ohms/1k2 ohms switchable.
Input Impedance Instrument = 1MEG ohms/20k ohms switchable.

Size = (1.5”Wx5.25”H). Fits 1 space in API™ 500VPR Series rack format
Power requirements = 150mA +/- 15-18 volts DC, and +48 volts

DC phantom power, as supplied by rack power supply.

Specifications are typical of a production unit and are subject to
change without notice because we might be able to make it slightly
better. 0dBu reference = 0.775 volts RMS.

6] Warranty and Service

We are confident that you will receive many years of
trouble free operation from your unit. If however you
experience any technical problem with your Elixir,
contact your dealer or Buzz Audio for recommendations
on what to do.

For on line support visit our web site;
www.buzzaudio.com and click on Users Area

Buzz Audio, 42b Hania St, PO Box 6677, Te Aro,
Wellington, New Zealand.
Voice/Fax 64+4+385-2478.
Email; [e-mail]

•Disclaimer

Buzz Audio is not liable for any damage to
microphones, amplifiers, consoles, speakers or any
other equipment and/or electric shock to humans that is
caused by negligence or improper installation and/or
use of the Elixir preamplifier module.

•Standard Product Warranty

Buzz Audio guarantees the Elixir to be free of defective
materials and/or workmanship for a period of 1 year (12
months) from the date of sale, and will replace

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Warranty and Service continued…

ELIXIR USERS MANUAL VERSION

-

1, MAY 2006.

defective parts and repair malfunctioning products
under this warranty when the defect occurs under
normal installation and use – provided the unit is
returned to our factory (or duly authorised service
centre) via prepaid transportation with a copy of the
proof of purchase, ie, sales receipt. This warranty
provides that examination of the returned product must
indicate, in our judgement, a manufacturing defect.
This warranty does not extend to any product that has
been subjected to misuse, neglect, accident, improper
installation, or where the date code has been removed
or defaced. The standard warranty is NOT transferable.

•Product Warranty Extension

The above Warranty may be extended to a period of 2
years (24 months) from date of sale provided the
enclosed Warranty Registration card is completed and
returned to the office of Buzz Audio within 4 weeks (28
days) from purchase date. Alternatively, you may
Register your purchase on-line at our web-site
www.buzzaudio.com. The Extended Warranty is
transferable to the new owner if you on sell the unit
during the warranty period.

PO BOX 6677, TE ARO. WELLINGTON, NEW ZEALAND.

www.buzzaudio.com email [e-mail]

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CONTENTS COPYRIGHT BUZZ AUDIO LTD 2006.

VOICE/FAX 64+4+385-2478.