Focusrite Blue Range Modules, Blue 230, Blue 245, Blue 260, Blue 315 User Manual

Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd
Blue Range Modules
User Guide

Jan 2001

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Contents

Introduction

Overviews

Unpacking

Power & Signal Connections
Earths and Screens

Installation & Operation

Product Information Sheets

Non-Operation

Miscellaneous Notes

Warranty

Accuracy: Whilst every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and contents of

this manual, Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd make no representations or warranties

regarding the contents. We would be most appreciative of any suggestions for

improvements, additions or amendments to this manual: please contact the factory

at the address below.

Copyright: Copyright October 1998 Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd. All rights

reserved. No part of this manual may be reproduced, photocopied, stored on a

retrieval system, transmitted or passed to a third party by any means or in any form

without the express prior written consent of Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd.

Focusrite Audio Engineering Ltd.,

19 Lincoln Road,

Cressex Business Park,

High Wycombe,

Bucks,

England.

HP12 3FX

phone + 44 (0) 1494 462246

fax + 44 (0) 1494 459920

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing a Focusrite Module.

We had a lot of fun designing it; many people took a lot of care and pride in making it and we all
hope that you will enjoy owning and using it. We also trust that it will earn its keep, be reliable and
useful for a long time to come.

We do understand that reading the manual is almost always the last resort, however this User Guide
has some data about the module which you may be of help if all else does fail. This booklet also
describes the other modules in the Focusrite range which may be of interest. If you would like to
audition or try any of these other modules please contact your dealer or the factory.

Overview of the Range

All the modules in the Blue Range use the Focusrite circuits which exhibit the usual Focusrite
attributes and audio circuitry of the finest quality available with very wide bandwidth, low noise
and distortion and individually buffered stages.

The Blue modules tend towards a solid look and feel with cases made of aluminium and stainless
steel and usually include hand wiring of front and rear panel components. Several of the Blue range
modules are principally configured for Mastering and Broadcasting requirements.

Overview of the Individual Modules

Blue 230 is a Dual Mono / Stereo Compressor and Limiter with separate controls for the

compressor and limiter functions, PPM metering and a true stereo mode.

Blue 245 is a stereo 20 bit Analogue to Digital convertor with external synchronising facilities and
bargraph peak metering .

Blue 260 is a stereo 20 Bit Digital to Analogue converter

Blue 315 is the Isomorphic Mastering Equaliser using the same circuits as the Blue 215 configured

for Mastering with multiposition rotary switches for all the rotary controls allowing very close
channel to channel matching and reset.

Blue 330 is the Isomorphic Mastering Compressor and Limiter, a Stereo device with the same
circuits as the Blue 230 with multiposition rotary switches for all the rotary controls allowing
accurate set-up and recall.

Unpacking

The packaging is the simplest that is sufficient to protect the module for shipment. Please keep the
packaging if you are going to ship the module in future.

If this module is to be used in a mobile manner (by this we mean either as a rental unit or on the
road) we very strongly recommend that the module is installed into a high quality flight case which
includes shock protection and suitable ventilation.

We are aware that Ownership Registration cards are not high on your priority list, however we
would be most grateful if you would take the trouble to fill the details in and mail it back to us.
Thank you.

Power Connections

There is an IEC mains lead supplied in the package, which should have the correct moulded plug.
If the plug is incorrect for your location or country, we're sorry. Please replace it the correct
type.

The standard wiring colour code used in all Focusrite products is as follows:

Brown - Live Blue - Neutral Green and Yellow - Earth

except for units shipped to the USA and Canada which use this color code:

Black - Live White - Neutral Green - Earth

Most modules have two supply voltages ranges, and a switch on the rear panel, marked as follows:

the 115v position is for voltages in the range 100v to 120v.

the 230v position is for voltages in the range 220v to 240v.
Some modules have a four way voltage selector switch. Select the appropriate position for your
mains supply.

To comply with some country’s safety codes the modules may be supplied with the voltage
selector omitted and the module preset to the local supply voltage. In this case the voltage will be
clearly marked on the rear of the module. Please check that this has been set correctly. If incorrect
please refer to the supplying dealer or a competent technician.

All modules will work correctly from either 50Hz or 60Hz supplies. The processing modules draw
approximately 35VA from the mains supply at highest load.
It is absolutely IMPERATIVE that all modules have the mains safety earth connected. This is not
a casual suggestion, it is essential for safety reasons.

Fuse Arrangements

In most modules there are two fuses inside each module on the supply side of the transformer. For
single modules they are ALWAYS 250 mA Anti-Surge type. The fuse value does NOT change
when the mains voltage selector switch is changed. This is because we fuse each winding
separately.

We strongly recommend that you do NOT attempt to change fuses unless you are absolutely
certain that you know exactly what you are doing. If you are in any doubt whatsoever please
contact your dealer or the factory before you open the case.

Changing a Fuse

If it is a Blue module and you are certain about your technical ability, this is the procedure for
changing a fuse:

• disconnect the mains cable

• remove the top or side cover and have a careful look about the inside of the module to see of

the cause for the fuse failure is obvious.

• if all looks well replace the covers

• change the fuses

the fuses are either on the rear panel adjacent to the IEC mains inlet connector or
inside the module to the rear of the transformer.

Signal Connections

All the signal connections are via rear panel mounted connectors. Standard XLR connectors are
used for all signals and for all AES / EBU digital signals. These are always wired to the AES
standards which are:

pin 1 X Screen screen screen
pin 2 L Live audio 0° or digital 0°
pin 3 R Return audio 180° digital 180°

Almost all main audio inputs, all line level outputs and all AES / EBU ports are transformer
coupled, therefore there is a complete electrical barrier between all the internal circuitry and power
supply and the outside world - this barrier is also maintained for the Screen connections. The only
transformerless inputs are on the mastering dynamics modules : Blue 315MKII , Blue 330MKII .
All optical digital signals are to the TosLink standard and all digital synchronising signals are
provided as AES / EBU standard sync ports and often duplicated with Word Clock via BNC
connectors, which are all floating from the chassis.

Earths and Screens

In all Focusrite modules the chassis is connected directly to the mains safety earth. For safety
reasons we do not provide an earth lifting switch: such a switch can allow for a dangerous wiring
arrangement. It is IMPERATIVE that the chassis / mains earth connection is maintained through
the IEC lead to the mains safety earth terminal.

For all outputs the screen, pin 1 of the XLR, is connected to the audio circuit bipolar 0 volt point
only.
For all inputs the screen, pin 1 of the XLR, is connected to the chassis earth point and there is no
direct connection between the input screen pin 1 and the audio circuitry or the audio bipolar power
supply.

All phantom power is completely floating and does not change these connection rules.
Internally in the power supplies there are noise filtering capacitive connections between the
chassis, the screen and the various DC rails at 0 volts.

When the screen and earth wiring of the module is completed correctly, all modules which are
marked with the European Community CE marking comply fully with the CE EMC directive.

Installation

The installation of all the Focusrite modules is straightforward and should not cause any difficulties
with standard 19" racking systems. The mechanics of the modules are well inside the limit
dimensions of both metric and imperial (as used in the USA and Canada) racks.
Apart from the usual considerations of safety, neatness and good engineering practice, there are a
couple of additional comments about the modules:

Operation

Detailed operation descriptions of all the control functions are given for each module in turn.
This section of the guide has been written with the assumption that you are aware of the basic
principles of the module's function. If you would like further operational guidance or if there is any
confusion then please do not hesitate to contact either your dealer or the factory for further
explanation or help. Contact details for the factory are on the inside front cover of this guide.