LA Audio MS424 User Manual

4 Channel 1:4 Active Unity Gain Mic Splitter

OPERATION MANUAL

Version 3 November 2004

MS424 2

CONTENTS

1. INTRODUCTION 3

2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS 4

3. INSTALLATION 4

3.1 Inspection and un-packing 5

3.2 Operating environment 5

3.3 CE standards 5

3.4 Power requirements 5

3.5 External connections 6

3.6 Signal levels 7

4. WARRANTY 8

5. DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS 9

6. OPTIONS 10
Configuration 10

Channel jumpers 10
Bus jumpers 13
Transformer balanced inputs 14

7. APPLICATIONS 15

MS424 3

1. INTRODUCTION

The MS424 is a 4 channel 1 into 4 Unity Gain Active Microphone Splitter in a

compact 1U self powered case. The MS424 is designed for applications where
multiple feeds are required from one set of microphones without the signal
degradation experienced with most passive splitting solutions. The Unity Gain
design philosophy allows simple integration into existing systems without the
need for lengthy re-calibration.

Each of the MS424 channels has an electronically balanced input, which may
be transformer balanced as an option, and four independently buffered
transformer balanced outputs on XLR connectors. Output '1' may be linked
directly to the input via a rear panel LINK switch on each channel. The unit
may also be configured, by way of internal links, to feed 8, 12 or 16 outputs
from any one input, allowing the MS424 to be used for press box applications.

The front panel of the MS424 gives access to outputs 3 and 4 as well as
Phantom Power switching with phantom presence LED, and Pad switching for
line level signals. The Inputs and Outputs 1&2 are grouped on the rear panel
together with the Output 1 Link switches.

The MS424's internal power supply makes it ideally suited to smaller
installations where it becomes highly cost effective when compared to
externally powered alternatives. However the MS424 may also be used in
multi-channel applications, particularly when transformer isolation is required
for broadcast feeds.

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2.1 ELECTRICAL

2.2 PHYSICAL

2. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS

Frequency response:: 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0, -0.5 dB
Input Impedance:: 2 kΩ
Maximum Input Level: 0 dBu (+20 dBu with Pad)
Equivalent Input Noise (EIN): better than -121 dBu
Output Source Impedance: less than 50 Ω
Output Load Impedance: 150 Ω to infinity
Gain: 0 dB (-20dB with Pad)
Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): better than 0.01 %

(1kHz, 150 Ω load)

Intermodulation Distortion: better than 0.01%

60Hz + 7kHz mixed 7:1 at 0dBu output

Power supply: 230Vac or 115Vac, 50/60Hz

*100Vac, 50/60Hz

Consumption: 16VA

Input Connector: XLR-F 3 Pin, Pin 2 = hot
Output Connectors: XLR-M 3 Pin, Pin 2 = hot
Power Connection: Detachable IEC 3 pin socket lead
Dimensions: 483 (19") W, 208 (8.2") D, 44 (1.75")H
Weight: Unit: 4kg Shipping: 4.8kg
Temperature Range: Operating: 0°C to 50°C

Storage: -30°C to 75°C

0dBu = 0.775Vrms

Owing to our continued development programme modifications may be
made to existing products, features or specification without notice.

MS424 5

3. INSTALLATION

3.1 INSPECTION AND UNPACKING

The MS424 has been carefully packed at our factory in a carton designed to
withstand handling in transit. Should the unit appear to have been damaged in
transit, notify your dealer immediately and do not discard any of the packing.
The carton should contain -

• The MS424

• Power cord - country specific, please check

• Operator Manual (this book)

3.2 OPERATING ENVIRONMENT

The MS424 is designed to operate between 0°C and 40°C (32-112°F) with
relative humidity no more than 80%. Should the units be installed in an
equipment rack, ensure that the ambient temperature conforms to these levels.

3.3 CE STANDARDS AND THE LOW VOLTAGE DIRECTIVE (LVD)

The MS424 has been designed to comply with the latest Electromagnetic
Compatibility (EMC) regulations. However we recommend you do not operate
the unit close to strong emitters of electromagnetic radiation such as power
transformers, motors, mobile telephones or radio transmitters.

The unit should only be connected to a power supply of the type described in

3.4 POWER REQUIREMENTS or as marked on the unit. Disconnect the mains
supply before removing any cover.

3.4 POWER REQUIREMENTS

The MS424 is factory configured for either 230V 50Hz ac or 115V 60Hz ac
mains operation. Please refer to the following diagram which shows the
transformer connections for 230V and 115V –

MS424 6

The rating of the rear panel fuse is as follows

230V 115V
T100mA T200mA Both are slow blow type

Please note:
If the fuse requires changing at any time please ensure t he correct t ype i s
fitted. An incorrect fuse could cause damage to the unit and may
constitute a fire hazard.

The detachable IEC mains lead connections to the appliance are coloured in
accordance with the following code:

Green-and-Yellow Earth
Blue Neutral
Brown Live

WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED

Please note:
A protective earth connection, made by way of the eart h conduct or i n t he
power cord, is essential for safe operation.

3.5 EXTERNAL CONNECTIONS

The Inputs on the Model MS424 are female XLR type connectors. These are
wired as follows -

XLR-F Pin 1 * Screen
Pin 2 Hot (+ve)
Pin 3 Cold (-ve)

* Pin 1 is ground lifted by a 100R resistor to Audio ground and by a 47nF

MS424 7

capacitor to Chassis ground. This configuration prevents ground loop hum and
ensures a low impedance path for RF (Radio Interference) away from the
audio.

Although the inputs are designed for 'balanced' signals either pin 2 or 3 can be
connected to pin 1 for unbalanced operation.

All outputs on the MS424 are balanced on male XLR type connectors. These
are wired as follows -

XLR-M Pin 1 * Screen
Pin 2 Hot (+ve)
Pin 3 Cold (-ve)

* Pin 1 is ground lifted - see above.

Although the inputs are designed for 'balanced' signals either pin 2 or 3 can be
connected to pin 1 for unbalanced operation.

3.6 SIGNAL LEVELS

The input to output voltage gain on the MS424 is 0dB. Maximum input signal
level will depend on the setting of the Pad switch.

0dB (down) position is for microphone levels and maximum input level is 0dBu.
The -20dB position should be used for line level signals. Maximum input level

is then +20dBu and voltage gain will be -20dB.

Maximum output level from the MS424 is +20dBu into a 600Ω load.

MS424 8

4. WARRANTY

Your MS424 has been manufactured to a high standard using quality
components. If correctly installed and operated the unit should give years of
problem free operation.

However in the event of a defect in material or workmanship causing failure of
the unit within one year of the date of original purchase we will agree to repair,
or at our discretion, replace any defective item without charge for labour or
parts. To receive service under this warranty it is necessary to return the unit to
an SCV authorised service centre or to the factory with a dated receipt as proof
of purchase. After repair the unit will be returned to you at our cost.

Limitations: This warranty does not cover damage resulting from accident or
misuse. The warranty is void unless repairs are carried out by an authorised
service centre. The warranty is void if the unit has been modified other than at
the manufacturers instruction. The warranty does not cover components which
have a limited life, such as valves, and which are expected to be periodically
replaced for optimal performance. We do not warrant that the unit shall operate
in any way other than as described in this manual.

MS424 9

5. DESCRIPTION OF CONTROLS

Phantom switch
Switches +48V from the internal power supply to the Input connector on the
rear panel.

To prevent the chance of damage to any external pieces of equipment, do not
use the +48V power option with unbalanced input sources i.e. those where pins
1 & 3 or 1&2 are connected together. To avoid loud and potentially damaging
electrical noise always turn down monitor speakers and connect your
microphone before switching phantom power on.

Phantom presence led
This led lights whenever Phantom Power is present at the Input connector.
This power can be internally or externally supplied.

Pad switch
Inserts a 20dB pad into the signal path. To be used when Line level signals are
inputted to the MS424.

OUTPUT 3 connector
Transformer balanced and isolated output.

OUTPUT 4 connector
Transformer balanced and isolated output.

Power led
The blue POWER indicator is lit whenever power is applied to the unit.

LINK switch
Pressing the LINK switch connects Output 1 directly to it's associated Input
connector. All 3 pins on the Output 1 XLR are affected.

OUTPUT 1 connector
Output 1 can be either a transformer split output or directly connected
(LINKed) to the Input.

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OUTPUT 2 connector
Transformer balanced and isolated output.

6.1 CONFIGURATION

Each channel of the MS424 consists an input stage and an output stage.
These are connected internally by jumper links which allow the MS424 to be
configured for the following options -

Option Configuration Channels

1 1 IN 4 OUT 4

2 1 IN 8 OUT 2

3 1 IN 12 OUT* 1

4 1 IN 16 OUT 1

* Channel 4 still available as 1 x 4

There are a pair of jumpers associated with each channel and two associated
with the internal buss.

6.2 CHANNEL JUMPERS

CHANNEL JUMPERS
The pair of jumpers for each channel select the channel to be Normal, Master
or Slave. The 3 jumper configurations are shown below.

6. OPTIONS

Normal Master Slave

JP101& JP102, JP201 & JP202, JP301 & JP302, JP401 & JP402

Channel select jumpers as viewed from the front of the unit.

The function of these jumpers can be best understood by refering to the block
diagram on the following page -

NORMAL

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The channel Input stage is connected directly to it's associated output stage.
This provides 1 input to 4 output splitting and is the Factory default setting.

MASTER
The channel Input and output stage are connected to the internal bus. The
Input signal is thus distributed to other output stages which have been
configured as slaves.

SLAVE
The channel Input is disabled and it's output connected to the internal bus. The
output stage now outputs signal from the internal bus.

Input stage Output stage

Channel
jumpers

Mic

+48V

Pad

1

Channel
jumpers

Mic

+48V

Pad

2

Bus
8/12

Internal buss

Mic

+48V

Pad

Channel
jumpers

3

+48V

Mic

Pad

4

MS424 12

Bus

12/16

Channel
jumpers

Block diagram of the MS424 showing the channel and bus option jumpers.
Channel Input to Output 1 LINK switching not shown - see diagram on
following page.

Only one Input stage at a time should be connected to the Internal Bus (Master

mode)

6.3 INTERNAL BUS JUMPERS

There are also two jumpers associated with the Internal Bus and determine the
number of split outputs available.

1

LINK

+48V

Pad

switch

1

Mic

Input stage

Channel
jumpers

Internal

bus

Output stage

2

3

4

Block diagram of a MS424 channel showing LINK switch for Output 1.

The two bus jumpers allow the MS424 to be configured for 2 x 8, 1 x 12 (with 1
x 4) and 1 x 16 outputs.

812 12 16

JP203

BUS 8/12

Bus option jumpers as viewed from the front of the unit.

MS424 13

JP303

BUS 12/16

6.4 TRANSFORMER BALANCED INPUTS

Transformer balanced inputs can be fitted to provide galvanic isolation
between inputs and outputs. Although normally a factory build option,
transformers can be retro fitted by an Audient service centre.

MS424 14

7.0 APPLICATIONS

The MS424 is primarily designed to be used in theatres, fixed installations or
touring companies who require split feeds of the same signal. The active
design of the MS424 ensures that there is not loading or signal loss and as
each output is independent a fault on one will not affect the others.

The Inputs and Outputs 1 & 2 have been sited on the rear panel so that for a
typical installation using FOH (Front-of-House) and monitor consoles all
connections are made to the rear of the unit.

Typically Outputs 3 & 4 could be used for Outside Broadcast trucks and mobile
recording studios. Connections are made quick and easy by using standard
XLR connectors throughout.

A LINK switch is provided which connects the Input of each channel directly to
it's associated Output 1. This arrangement allows the original microphone
signal to feed the FOH desk whilst providing 3 split outputs.

By using the internal jumpers the MS424 can be configured as a 2 input 8
output, 1 input 12 output or 1 input 16 output splitter for a variety of
applications including multiple press feeds.

MS424 15