Future Retro DB User Manual

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1 Introduction

2 Precautions

3 Wiring and Specifications

4 Front Panel Connections Diagram

5 Front Panel Connections

6 Rear Panel Connections Diagram

7 Rear Panel Connections

8 Setting up Your System

9 Insert Processors Example

10 Audio, Speaker, Track Controls

11 Mid/Side, Parallel Processing Controls

12 Tracking Instruments and Mics

13 Playback and Summing

14 Mastering

15 Blank Patch Sheet

16 User Notes

Written by Jered Flickinger

Copyright 2012

Future Retro

www.future-retro.com

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing the db. Please take time to read through the entire manual to gain a complete
understanding of the unit’s features, as well as learn helpful procedures, precautions, and tips.

OVERVIEW

The db is designed to be the core of the modern recording artist’s studio. This multifunctional device can be
used for tracking, summing, and mastering your audio tracks, as well as full control of your monitoring
system.

Only the finest quality components have been used in manufacturing this device for the best possible
performance. Each product is entirely hand soldered and assembled, inspected, and tested in-house to meet
our high-quality standards and provide trouble-free use.

All inputs and outputs are fully balanced, and internal signal routing is 99 percent balanced for the lowest
possible noise.

All summing is passive, and switching is handled by high-voltage relays, providing a color-free/noise-free
audio path, with outstanding headroom.

Up to 16 channels of audio summing are provided.

You can use your preamp of choice for desired accuracy or color, or audition different preamps to get the
right tone for each job.

Hard bypass switching is provided for eight stereo insert channels of buss processing, allowing for quick
auditioning of your favorite outboard hardware.

Mid/side processing is provided for controlling the width of your mixes and processing the mid/side signals
independently.

Parallel processing is provided on the buss processing chain and can act as a quick way to A/B the pre/post
signals of the buss.

Track control provides monitor level control for microphones or the instrument you are tracking.

The monitor section allows you to check your mixes quickly on any combination of three stereo monitor
pairs, as well as on headphones. Mixes can be auditioned as stereo or mono audio.

Monitoring output is stepped to provide quick selection of ideal mixing levels.

Delayed monitor activation at power on/off prevents transients from harming your monitors.

The db also provides latency-free monitoring of the instrument that you are tracking, versus backing tracks
playing in your digital audio workstation (DAW).

1

PRECAUTIONS

Look over the unit to make sure no damage has occurred during shipping. Never apply power to a unit that
appears damaged.

Check that the red voltage indicator on the power switch is set to the proper voltage for your country.

To change the voltage selection, first make sure the power cord has been removed from the unit. Open the
voltage selector/fuse cover (near the mounting screw). Gently pry the red fuse holder out of the enclosure,
rotate it 180 degrees and reinsert the fuse holder. Close the fuse cover and verify that the correct voltage for
your country is displayed in the window.

Use the proper pin-style IEC power cord for use in your country.

Replace the fuses only with 250V 1Amp fast-blow type.

Do not open the unit, since there are no user-serviceable parts inside. Dangerous high voltages exist within the
unit even when the unit is unplugged or turned off. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel.

Never expose the db to rain or moisture. If liquids are spilled into the unit, unplug from the power mains
immediately, and let the unit sit in a dry warm environment until all moisture has evaporated.

Avoid exposing the unit to smoke, or to dusty, or extreme hot and cold environments, as these things may
cause premature component failure.

Clean the exterior of the db with a soft dry cloth. Never use abrasive cleaners that may harm the surface and
finish of the unit.

Do not block ventilation holes in the chassis. When rackmounting the db, leave space above and below the
unit for proper ventilation.

Disclaimer

All information represented in this manual is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. Any
addendums to the manual and further product support may be found on the Support page of our Web site:
www.future-retro.com/support.html

Product specifications may be subject to change.

Future Retro assumes no responsibility for inaccuracies, errors, omissions, nor liability for any loss or damage
resulting directly or indirectly from the use, misuse, or abuse of this product.

Information in this manual may not be copied, reproduced, or distributed in any form without permission from
Future Retro.

Warranty

The db comes with a 1-year warranty covering all parts and labor.
Please register your product at: www.future-retro.com

2

WIRING

8 Stereo buss proc

essors (DB

-

25)

SIGNAL LEVELS:

All DB-25 connectors are for use with standard D-sub 8-channel snakes. Use high-quality audio cables
whenever possible.

DB-25 wiring for SUMMING IN 1-8 connector

CHANNEL SHIELD +SIGNAL -SIGNAL

1 25 24 12
2 11 10 23

3 22 21 9

4 8 7 20
5 19 18 6
6 5 4 17
7 16 15 3
8 2 1 14

DB-25 wiring for SUMMING IN 9-16 connector

CHANNEL SHIELD +SIGNAL -SIGNAL

9 25 24 12
10 11 10 23
11 22 21 9
12 8 7 20
13 19 18 6
14 5 4 17
15 16 15 3
16 2 1 14

XLR jacks wiring:

PIN 1 = Ground
PIN 2 = Positive (HOT)
PIN 3 = Negative (COLD)

Instrument jacks wiring:

TIP = Positive (HOT)
RING = Negative(COLD)
SLEEVE = Ground

Headphone jack wiring:

TIP = Left channel
RING = Right channel
SLEEVE = Ground

DB-25 wiring for BUSS IN/OUT 1-4(5-8) connectors

CHANNEL

1 1(5) LEFT 25 24 12
2 1(5) RIGHT 11 10 23
3 2(6) LEFT 22 21 9
4 2(6) RIGHT 8 7 20
5 3(7) LEFT 19 18 6
6 3(7) RIGHT 5 4 17
7 4(8) LEFT 16 15 3
8 4(8) RIGHT 2 1 14

BUSS

INSERT

SHIELD +SIGNAL -SIGNAL

SPECIFICATIONS

> +28dBu

AC POWER INPUT: 115V/230V ~ 50-60Hz
AC POWER CONSUMPTION: 400mA current
FUSES: 250V 1Amp fast blow
DIMENSIONS: 15”(L) x 19”(W) x 3.5”(H)
WEIGHT: 12.5 lbs.

INPUTS

2 Microphone (XLR)
2 Instrument (1/4”)
16 Summing (DB-25)

OUTPUTS

8 Stereo buss processors (DB-25)
2 Record (XLR)
6 Monitor (XLR)
1 Headphones (1/4”)

3

4