Glensound UBBU 2, UBBU 4 User guide

UBBU2 & 4

UNBALANCED TO BALANCED &

BALANCED TO UNBALANCED

CONVERTERS

2 & 4 Mono (1 & 2 Stereo) bi-directional balancing audio

& gain converters

User Guide

Glensound

6 Brooks Place, Maidstone

Kent, UK, ME14 1HE

Tel: [phone]

www.glensound.co.uk

Glensound Electronics Ltd

Thank you for choosing a new Glensound product.

All rights reserved.

Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice, if in

doubt please contact us for the latest product information.

If you need any help with the product then we can be contacted at:

Glensound Electronics Ltd

1 – 6 Brooks Place

Maidstone

Kent

ME14 1HE

United Kingdom

Telephone: [phone]

Fax: [phone]

EMAIL ADDRESSES

General enquires: [e-mail]

Technical enquires: [e-mail]

Sales enquires: [e-mail]

Page 2 of 19

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

shock.

This symbol is intended to warn that
dangerous voltages within the product are
present and constitute a risk of electric

1) Read these instructions

2) Keep these instructions

3) Heed all warnings

4) Follow all instructions

5) Do not use this apparatus near water

6) Clean only with a dry cloth

7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s

instructions

8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other

apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat

9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug. A polarized plug

has 2 blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has 2 blades and third
grounding prong. The wider blade or the 3rd prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet

10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs,

convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus

11) Only use attachments/ accessories specified/ supplied by the manufacturer

This symbol is intended to highlight that
there are important operating &
maintenance instructions in the literature
accompanying this unit.

12) Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the

manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving
the cart/ apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip over

13) Unplug tis apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time

14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus

has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped

15) Do not attempt to modify this product. Doing so could result in personal injury and/ or

product failure

Page 3 of 19

IMPORTANT: MAINS PLUG WIRING INSTRUCTIONS

This Signature unit is supplied with a moulded mains plug fitted to the AC mains
lead.

Mains wiring colours/ connections:

The Green/ Yellow or Green wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug
marked ‘E’ or with the Earth Symbol.

The Blue or Black wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked ‘N’
(Neutral).

The Red or Brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked ‘L’
(Live).

THIS UNIT MUST BE EARTHED

THIS UNIT IS FITTED WITH AN INTERNAL MAINS FUSE.

The fuse is located internally between the Live terminal of the IEC plug and the
Live input of the power supply. The fuse should only be changed by a qualified
service engineer. If replacing the fuse care should be taken to fit a correctly rated
replacement. The fuse rating can be found in the technical specifications page of
this handbook.

Page 4 of 19

CE

Lead

0.1%

Mercury

0.1%

Hexavalent Chromium

0.1%

Polybrominated Biphenyls

0.1%

Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers

0.1%

Cadmium

0.01%

This equipment manufactured by Glensound Electronics Ltd of Brooks Place

Maidstone Kent ME14 1HE is CE marked and conforms to:

Low Voltage Directive: EN60065

Emissions: EN55103.1

Immunity: EN55103.2

WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT

REGULATIONS 2006 (WEEE)

Glensound Electronics Ltd is registered for business to business sales of WEEE in
the UK our registration number is:

WEE/JJ0074UR

RoHS2 DIRECTIVE

EC directive 2011/65/EU restricts the use of the hazardous substances listed below
in electrical and electronic equipment.

This product conforms to the above directive and for this purposes, the maximum
concentration values of the restricted substances by weight in homogenous
materials are:

Page 5 of 19

PRODUCT WARRANTY:

All equipment is fully tested before dispatch and carefully designed to provide you

with trouble free use for many years.

We have a policy of supporting products for as long as possible and guarantee to

be able to support your product for a minimum of 10 years.

For a period of one year after the goods have been despatched the Company will

guarantee the goods against any defect developing after proper use providing

such defects arise solely from faulty materials or workmanship and that the

Customer shall return the goods to the Company’s works or their local dealer.

All non-wear parts are guaranteed for 2 years after despatch and any defect

developing after proper use from faulty materials or workmanship will be repaired

under this warranty providing the Customer returns the goods to the Company's

works or their local dealer.

Page 6 of 19

UBBU2 & 4 Bi-Directional Balance Converters

Handbook Contents

Issue 1,

Description Page No.

Contents

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 3

PRODUCT WARRANTY: ...................................................................................................................................................... 6

OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8

PHYSICAL INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................................. 9

AUDIO BLOCK DIAGRAMS .............................................................................................................................................. 11

EXAMPLES OF USE ........................................................................................................................................................... 13

1. Domestic CD Recorder Interface to a Broadcast Desk .................................................................................... 13

USER CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................................................ 14

1. Power On LED ..................................................................................................................................................... 14

2. Unbalanced Stereo Input ................................................................................................................................... 15

3. Balanced Stereo Output .................................................................................................................................... 15

4. Balanced Stereo Input ........................................................................................................................................ 15

5. Unbalanced Stereo Output ............................................................................................................................... 15

6. Unbalanced Input Gain Controls....................................................................................................................... 16

7. Balanced Input Gain Controls ............................................................................................................................ 16

8. External DC Input ............................................................................................................................................... 16

9. Mains In ............................................................................................................................................................... 16

WIRING INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................... 17

1. Standard Pin Outs............................................................................................................................................... 17

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION UBBU2 ............................................................................................................................... 18

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION UBBU4 ............................................................................................................................... 19

Page 7 of 19

OVERVIEW

This handbook covers two products both with the same facilities just with different quantities
of these facilities.

Signature UBBU2 is a single stereo/ dual mono unbalanced to balanced and balanced to
unbalanced converter.

Signature UBBU4 is a twin stereo/ quad mono unbalanced to balanced and balanced to
unbalanced converter.

The Glensound Signature Series UBBU range are professional audio bi-directional balance
converters. They are manufactured using high quality components and low noise audio
circuits to provide many years of trouble free use.

They are most commonly used for interconnecting domestic type recording/ playback
devices to broadcast/ professional equipment.

Their primary job is to interface domestic type audio outputs (unbalanced) to the balanced
audio inputs on broadcast and professional audio equipment while simultaneously
connecting balanced outputs from professional equipment to the unbalanced inputs on
domestic products.

As well as providing the balancing interface the UBBU units also provide variable gain/ loss to
allow the two connected pieces of equipment to match audio levels.

All the stereo circuits can both work as dual mono. All the inputs are electronically isolated
with RF filters to prevent extraneous signals, and fed via multi-turn preset gain controls on
the rear panel to their outputs.

The rear panel gain controls are multi-turn presets to allow accurate gain setting and are also
recessed to prevent accidental movement.

Although traditionally a broadcast manufacturer, Glensound’s products are equally at home
in professional and high end home studios, industrial installations and live pro sound
environments. The U2B range can therefore be used in a number of applications.

The U2B range are powered from internal switch mode mains power supplies fed from
filtered IEC mains plugs suitable for use Worldwide. They have an internal fuse for safety. The
units can also alternatively be powered from external +/-12V DC power sources (such as the
Signature Series PS1). If both mains and external DC power sources are present then, if one
power source were to fail the unit would continue to work seemlessly from the other source.

Page 8 of 19

PHYSICAL INSTALLATION

The Glensound Signature Series have been designed to be highly versatile for installation and
can be installed in 19” racks with either their front or rear panels facing the front of the rack.
They can also be mounted underneath desks or work tops and can be either permananetly
mounted or stood (using the supplied feet) on top of desks or worktops.

INSTALLING SIGNATURE SERIES IN A 19” RACK

PART No

g

Signature

Series

PWR ON

Keeps Working

Firmly hold the signature subrack within the 19” rack and locate in 1RU of space. Use the
supplied 6mm rack screws to securly attach the unit to the rack.

INSTALLING ADHSIVE FEET FOR NON PERMANENT TABLE TOP MOUNTING

+/-12V

50/60Hz 2.7 Watts

- - -

100-240V

CE

W

PIN 3 = -12V (100mA)
PIN 2 = +12V (100mA)
PIN 1 = GND

Top

Remove the front rack ears (if they are not required), turn the unit upside down and attach
the supplied 4 sticky feet as per the above drawing.

Page 9 of 19

SWAPPING RACK EARS TO ALLOW THE REAR TO BE INSTALLED AT THE FRONT OF A

RACK

PART No

g

Signature

Series

Keeps Working

PWR ON

PIN 1 = GND
PIN 2 = +12V (100mA)
PIN 3 = -12V (100mA)

+/-12V

W

CE

100-240V

- - -

50/60Hz 2.7 Watts

First remove the 4 silver button head screws that fix the rack ears onto the front of the unit as
shown in the top picture above.

Remove the rack ears and turn the unit around for access to its back panel.

Re-fit the 2 rack ears using the same 4 silver button head screws that were removed from the
front as per the bottom picture above.

USING THE MOUNTING HOLES FOR PERMANENTLY ATTACHING THE UNIT ABOVE OR

BELOW A WORKTOP/ DESK

PART No

g

Signature

Series

Keeps Working

PWR ON

Use either the top or bottom mounting holes as indicated above to use suitable screws to
attach the signature unit to a worktop or bench. **PLEASE ENSURE THAT YOU USE SUITABLE
FIXINGS**

Page 10 of 19

AUDIO BLOCK DIAGRAMS

1. UBBU2

INTERNAL

FUSE

100 - 240 VAC

EXT DC +/-12V

AC/DC PSU

+12V

-12V

UNBALANCED INPUTS

BALANCED INPUTS

PRESET GAIN

BALANCED OUTPUTS

PRESET GAIN

UNBALANCED OUTPUTS

Page 11 of 19

2. UBBU4

100 - 240 VAC

EXT DC +/-12V

INTERNAL

FUSE

+12V

AC/DC PSU

-12V

PRESET GAIN

UNBALANCED INPUTS

BALANCED INPUTS

UNBALANCED INPUTS

BALANCED OUTPUTS

PRESET GAIN

UNBALANCED OUTPUTS

PRESET GAIN

BALANCED OUTPUTS

BALANCED INPUTS

PRESET GAIN

UNBALANCED OUTPUTS

Page 12 of 19

EXAMPLES OF USE

1. Domestic CD Recorder Interface to a Broadcast Desk

4 x Sho rt
RC A Ca bles

ON AIR MIXING DESK

2 x XLR3

2 x XLR3

Many radio stations and studios incorporate mid-level domestic audio equipment such as CD
recorders as they provide reasonable value for money in comparison to professional versions.
The output of such devices need to be correctly interfaced with a professional or broadcast
audio desk.

In this example the UBBU2 will be located near the CD player as it is prudent to keep the
unbalanced audio cables as short as practicable. The UBBU is performing both balance
conversion (in and out) and adding gain/ loss to adjust the low domestic input & output level
of the CD recorder to the higher levels associated with professional mixing desks.

The inputs & outputs of the UBBU2 on the mixer side, being balanced are more suitable for
longer cable runs and therefore the CD recorder/ UBBU2 equipment can be placed much
further away from the mixer than the CD recorder alone could ever be.

Page 13 of 19

USER CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS

1. POWER ON LED

Note: Picture & description is for the UBBU2 but facilities scale up to the UBBU4.

FRONT PANEL

1. Power On LED

The front panel bright blue LED shows that the unit is powered on and functioning correctly.

Page 14 of 19

REAR PANEL

8. EXTERNAL

DC IN

9. AC MAINS INPUT

GAIN/ LOSS

2. UNBALANCED
STEREO INPUT

6. UNBALANCED
INPUT GAIN/
LOSS

3. BALANCED STEREO
OUTPUT

7. UNBALANCED
OUTPUT 2

4. BALANCED STEREO
INPUT

5. UNBALANCED
STEREO OUTPUT

2. Unbalanced Stereo Input

One pair of stereo (can be used dual mono) RCA phono unbalanced audio inputs. The white
connector is normally used for the left audio channel of a stereo pair and the red connector is
usually used for the right audio channel of a stereo pair.

3. Balanced Stereo Output

These Neutrik 3 pin XLR plugs provided the balanced audio outputs of the unbalanced audio
source. They are electronically balanced with wide band low noise circuitry. The output level
can be adjusted using gain controls (see 6).

4. Balanced Stereo Input

One pair of stereo (can be used dual mono) Neutrik XLR electronically balanced audio inputs.

5. Unbalanced Stereo Output

These RCA Phono sockets provided the unbalanced audio outputs of the balanced audio
source. They are electronically balanced with wide band low noise circuitry. The output level
can be adjusted using gain controls (see 7).

Page 15 of 19

6. Unbalanced Input Gain Controls

These multi turn preset potentiometers adjust the audio level between the unbalanced
inputs and the balanced outputs. Turning the potentiometer clockwise increases the gain
(and therefore the output level) and turning the potentiometer anti-clockwise decreases the
gain (and therefore reduces the output level).

7. Balanced Input Gain Controls

These multi turn preset potentiometers adjust the audio level between the balanced inputs
and the unbalanced outputs. Turning the potentiometer clockwise increases the gain (and
therefore the output level) and turning the potentiometer anti-clockwise decreases the gain
(and therefore reduces the output level).

8. External DC Input

This DC input can be used instead or as well as the mains input. It requires a +/- 12V power
source (such as our PS1). If used in conjunction with the mains input it will seamlessly provide
a redundant power source.

9. Mains In

This AC input accepts a wide range power supply, suitable for use Worldwide. If used in
conjunction with the external DC supply then a seamless redundant power supply will be

provided.

Page 16 of 19

WIRING INFORMATION

XLR SOCKET (FEMALE)

STANDARD XLR AUDIO PINOUTS:

UNBALANCED RCA PHONO

1. Standard Pin Outs

12

3

1 2

3

XLR PLUG (MALE)

SLEEVE

CONTACT

1: Ground/ Earth

2: INPHASE/ POSITIVE/ MIC +

3: MATE/ NEGATIVE/ MIC -

CONTACT: Signal

SLEEVE: Common/ Earth

RCA PHONO PLUG (MALE)

Page 17 of 19

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION UBBU2

AUDIO UNBALANCED TO BALANCED

Frequency Response @ Line Up

<=/-0.1dB 40Hz to 20kHz

Gain Range

-15dB to +15dB on each output

Line Up Level (with 0dB Gain)

-12dBu on unbalanced input = 0dBu on
balanced output

Maximum Input Level

>+28dBu

Maximum Output Level

+24dBu

Input Impedance

>22k Ohm

Output Impedance

=<50 Ohms

Distortion

0.04% THD @ 100Hz, 1kHz & 0.01% @ 10kHz
Reference to +0dBu output

Noise

-98dB @ line up unweighted
RMS (22Hz to 22kHz) ref +8dBu output

Crosstalk

<-90dBu 1kHz to 15kHz @ lineup

AUDIO BALANCED TO UNBALANCED

Frequency Response @ Line Up

<=/-0.1dB 40Hz to 20kHz

Gain Range

-18dB to +10dB on each output

Line Up Level (with 0dB Gain)

0dBu on balanced input = -12dBu on
unbalanced output

Maximum Input Level

>+28dBu

Maximum Output Level

+20dBu

Input Impedance

>50k Ohm

Output Impedance

=<50 Ohms

Noise

-103dB @ line up unweighted
RMS (22Hz to 22kHz) ref -4dBu output

Crosstalk

<-90dBu 1kHz to 15kHz @ lineup

POWER

Mains Input

Filtered IEC, 100 to 240VAC
47 - 63Hz

AC Consumption

1.3 Watts @ 230VAC

DC Input

FEATURES

4 Pin Neutrik XLR plug +/- 12V

Internal Mains Fuse

20mm 1A Anti Surge

PHYSICAL

Size

338 x 123 x 44mm (LxDxH) no rack ears
482mm 19” (1RU) with rack ears

Weight

1.00kg

Mechanics

All aluminium construction, anodized and
laser etched

Shipping Carton

Rugged export quality cardboard carton
610 x 420 x 130mm LxDxH

Shipping Weight

2.3kg

INCLUDED

Mains Lead

2 Metre Long Mains Lead
(UK & Europe only)

Rack Bolts

4 off Hex head M6

Feet

4 off rubber stick on feet

Handbook

Full A4 handbook available to download
and linked by QR code on device

Quick Start Guide

Printed A4 two sided quick start guide

E & OE

Page 18 of 19

TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION UBBU4

AUDIO UNBALANCED TO BALANCED

Frequency Response @ Line Up

<=/-0.1dB 40Hz to 20kHz

Gain Range

-15dB to +15dB on each output

Line Up Level (with 0dB Gain)

-12dBu on unbalanced input = 0dBu on
balanced output

Maximum Input Level

>+28dBu

Maximum Output Level

+24dBu

Input Impedance

>22k Ohm

Output Impedance

=<50 Ohms

Distortion

0.04% THD @ 100Hz, 1kHz & 0.01% @ 10kHz
Reference to +0dBu output

Noise

-98dB @ line up unweighted
RMS (22Hz to 22kHz) ref +8dBu output

Crosstalk

<-90dBu 1kHz to 15kHz @ lineup

AUDIO BALANCED TO UNBALANCED

Frequency Response @ Line Up

<=/-0.1dB 40Hz to 20kHz

Gain Range

-18dB to +10dB on each output

Line Up Level (with 0dB Gain)

0dBu on balanced input = -12dBu on
unbalanced output

Maximum Input Level

>+28dBu

Maximum Output Level

+20dBu

Input Impedance

>50k Ohm

Output Impedance

=<50 Ohms

Noise

-103dB @ line up unweighted
RMS (22Hz to 22kHz) ref -4dBu output

Crosstalk

<-90dBu 1kHz to 15kHz @ lineup

POWER

Mains Input

Filtered IEC, 100 to 240VAC
47 - 63Hz

AC Consumption

1.3 Watts @ 230VAC

DC Input

FEATURES

4 Pin Neutrik XLR plug +/- 12V

Internal Mains Fuse

20mm 1A Anti Surge

PHYSICAL

Size

445 x 123 x 44mm (LxDxH) no rack ears
482mm 19” (1RU) with rack ears

Weight

1.10kg

Mechanics

All aluminium construction, anodized and
laser etched

Shipping Carton

Rugged export quality cardboard carton
610 x 420 x 130mm LxDxH

Shipping Weight

2.4kg

INCLUDED

Mains Lead

2 Metre Long Mains Lead
(UK & Europe only)

Rack Bolts

4 off Hex head M6

Feet

4 off rubber stick on feet

Handbook

Full A4 handbook available to download
and linked by QR code on device

Quick Start Guide

Printed A4 two sided quick start guide

E & OE

Page 19 of 19