MCN AUDIO
U1127
STEREO
MICROPHONE
PREAMPLIFIER
USER’S MANUAL
OPTIONS
Standard Oscillator 1000 Hz
Standard Oscillator -12 dB
Option 01 Oscillator 800 Hz
Option 02 Oscillator 0 dB
ACCESSORIES
U8111 External Power Block 12 V / 1 A
SERIAL NUMBER
1
MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
TABLE OF CONTENTS
GENERAL 2
WARRANTY 3
SPECIFICATIONS 4
SCHEMATIC 5
FRONT PANEL 6
REAR PANEL 7
INPUT AND OUTPUT LEVELS 8
GAIN 8
OSCILLATOR 8
BANDWIDTH 9
PHANTOM POWER 10
BATTERIES 11
BATTERY LIFE 12
POWER ADAPTER 13
INDEX 14
Due to permanent technical improvements, specifications listed here can change
without prior notification.
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MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
GENERAL
The U1127 is a high quality, compact microphone preamplifier designed for professional use.
It can handle dynamic or electrostatic microphone level signals. For the later a 12 V or 48 V phantom
power can be supplied. The low impedance of the floating balanced outputs allows the use of long
cables without signal loss.
This unit is the ideal complement of a DAT recorder or a Betacam camera for which it is an
alternative to high performance input stages. The extended bandwidth, the high signal to noise ratio
and the precision of the calibrated gain make it useful for acoustic measurements.
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MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
WARRANTY
This equipment is warranted against defects in material and workmanship for a period of five (5)
years from date of delivery.
The warranty will be voided if the unit is tampered with or serviced by unauthorized personnel.
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MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
SPECIFICATIONS
INPUTS Transformerless electronically balanced.
Impedance 7710 Ohms // 220pF (differential).
RF Filter included.
Gain +10 / +20 / +30 / +40 / +50 / +60 dB.
Maximum level +20.8 dBm, 12 Volts peak.
Supply phantom 48 V or 12 V switchable.
Connector XLR female.
OUTPUTS Transformerless electronically balanced.
Impedance 600 Ohms minimum.
Protection against phantom power.
short-circuit to ground.
Nominal level +4 dBm.
Maximum level +25 dBm under 600 Ohms.
Connector XLR male.
TRANSFER
Crosstalk A/B > 85 dB from 0 to 20 kHz.
Gain mismatch A/B < 0.2 dB from 20 Hz to 20 kHz.
Bandwidth 10 Hz to 30 kHz +/- 0.1 dB.
0.7 Hz to 70 kHz +/- 3 dB.
Low-cut filter selectable 20 Hz / 80 Hz / 140 Hz.
(first order)
Phase roll off < 1˚ from 20 Hz to 20 kHz (no filter selected).
Common mode rejection > 60 dB at 20 kHz / gain 10 dB.
> 88 dB at 20 kHz / gain 30 dB.
Input noise -112 dB / gain 10 dB / source 150 Ohms.
-130 dB / gain 30 dB / source 150 Ohms.
Distortion typical 0.0007 % at 1 kHz, nominal level.
OSCILLATOR
Frequency standard : 1000 Hz +/- 3 Hz.
option 01 : 800 Hz +/- 3 Hz.
Level standard : -12 dBm.
option 02 : 0 dBm.
Distortion typical 0.5 %
GENERAL
Power supply 8 alkaline battery 1.5 V AA/LR6.
External 12 V / 400 mA on LEMO connector.
Battery life expectancy minimum 8 hours permanent use.
(according to the type of the microphones
connected and temperature)
Pilot lights ON
EXT / external supply.
PEAK / -6 dB before saturation.
BATTERY LOW / battery exhausted.
Temperature -30 ˚C / +60 ˚C.
Case size 105 x 45 x 205 mm.
Weight 1150 g batteries included.
5
HF
FILTER
IN A
IN B
OUT A
OUT B
OUTPUT
STAGE
OSCILLATOR
PREAMPLIFIER
+12V
+48V
MICROPHONE
POWER
ON
OFF
OVERLOAD
DETECTION
A
B
DC/DC CONVERTEUR
EXTERNAL
POWER
BATTERIES
ON
OFF
FILTER
20Hz
80Hz
140Hz
MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
SCHEMATIC
A and B channels are identical.
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MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
FRONT PANEL
IN A Channel A input 1 Ground
3 pin XLR connector 2 Hot +
Pin 1 is connected to the metallic frame 3 Cold -
IN B Channel B input 1 Ground
3 pin XLR connector 2 Hot +
Pin 1 is connected to the metallic frame 3 Cold -
GAIN Gain selection applied to the input signal.
ON Rotary selector : ON/ OFF/ OSCillator
FILTER On the OFF position the unit is turned off.
On the ON position is turned on.
Microphone power is active.
No filter is active.
On the 20 Hz position, the 20 Hz filter is active.
On the 80 Hz position, the 80 Hz filter is active.
On the 130 Hz position, the 130 Hz filter is active.
On the OSC position, the signal of the oscillator is present at the output of the
preamplifier at the reference level.
The input signal is disconnected from the outputs. The Microphone power is still active.
The blue ON pilot light is lit when the unit is ON. It flashes when power is low.
The green EXT pilot light lights when the preamplifier is powered by an external power
source through the connector on the rear panel.
A Channel A overload pilot light
This led lights when the signal is 6dB below clipping, that is 14 dB at the output, or when
the signal of the internal filter is 6 dB below clipping.
B Channel B overload pilot light
This led lights when the signal is 6 dB below clipping, that is 14 dB at the output, or when
the signal of the internal filter is 6 dB below clipping.
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MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
REAR PANEL
OUT A Channel A output 1 Ground
3-pin male XLR connector 2 Hot +
Pin 1 is connected to the metallic frame. 3 Cold -
OUT B Channel B output 1 Ground
3-pin male XLR connector 2 Hot +
Pin 1 is connected to the metallic frame. 3 Cold -
EXTERNAL External power-supply connector
POWER Connects to the U8111 power-supply.
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MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
INPUT AND OUTPUT LEVELS
The maximum input level is 20.8 dBm. Above this level the input-protection-system limits the signal.
In this mode the input impedance drops to about 200 Ohms. This system is designed to limit the
transient that is cause when the microphones are connected or disconnected while the phantom
power is active.
The output nominal level of the preamplifier is +4 dBm (0 dBm = 0.775 V)
The maximum output level is +20 dBm and clipping occurs at about +25 dBm. The overload led light
6 dB before maximum output level, that is +14 dBm. Thus, the headroom before clipping is 11 dB.
GAIN
The nominal output level of the preamplifier is +4 dBm. The real gain value is the value shown on the
gain selector plus 4 dB.
Switch Position Actual Gain
10 dB 14 dB
15 dB 19 dB
20 dB 24 dB
25 dB 29 dB
30 dB 34 dB
35 dB 39 dB
40 dB 44 dB
45 dB 49 dB
50 dB 54 dB
55 dB 59 dB
60 dB 64 dB
The gains are adjusted to a +/- 0.3 dB tolerance. The gain difference between channel A and B is
less than 0.2 dB.
OSCILLATOR
The frequency of the oscillator is adjusted to a +/- 3 Hz tolerance. The nominal output level of the
preamplifier being +4 dBm, the output level of the oscillator is increased by 4 dB. A 1.5% distortion is
normal.
Frequency :
standard 1000 Hz +/- 3Hz
option 01 800 Hz +/- 3Hz
Output Level :
standard -12 dBm (actual level -8 dBm)
option 02 0 dBm (actual level +4 dBm)
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MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
BANDWIDTH
ON Position
When no low-cut filter is active, the bandwidth of the U1127 is deliberately very large, so as to
minimize gain differences, phase rotations which normally occur at the end of the audible range. In
this mode between 20 Hz and 20 kHz, gain remains constant with a +/- 0.005 dB tolerance and
phase remains constant with a +/- 1 ˚ tolerance.
When omnidirectional microphones are used, the extent of the bandwidth allows a pick up of
infra-bass sounds generally produced by air conditioning of large halls or by wind during outdoor
recording.
Even though these sounds are outside the audible range, they can overload the input stage of the
preamplifier or the equipment to which it is connected.
Whatever the frequency of these signals, the overload led lights up at least 6 dB before overload of
the preamplifier. But they are no use to detect overload of equipment connected after the
preamplifier.
Thus is may be necessary to use a low-cut filter, or to use pressure gradient microphones which
hardly transcribe bass signals carried directly through the air. However these transducers are very
sensitive to both low frequency mechanical vibrations transmitted by contact and to air turbulence.
20 Hz, 80 Hz, 140 Hz Positions
In order to attenuate low frequencies, three low cut filters can be used. Depending on the position of
the selector, frequencies below 20 Hz, 80 Hz or 130 Hz are attenuated by a first order filter.
This filter uses an active electronic circuit and is based on a substractive principle.
This system keeps a very high signal to noise ratio even when a filter is activated. Overload led may
light up if the signal at the output of the filter is great, even in the absence of a signal at the output of
the preamplifier. These led light up 6 dB before the active filter maximal output level.
10
+12V
+48V
OFF
ON
1V5 AA/LR6
1V5 AA/LR6
1V5 AA/LR6
1V5 AA/LR6
MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
PHANTOM POWER
Phantom power integrated in the U1127 preamplifier can be switched to either 12 V or 48 V
depending on the microphone used, or switched off altogether.
The factory default is phantom power active and set to 48 V.
Make sure that the phantom power voltage value is compatible with your microphones before
connecting them to the preamplifier.
Should an electronic circuit be connected to the inputs of the preamplifier, it will probably be
necessary to switch off the phantom power to prevent damage at the output stage of this equipment.
The phantom power switches are located inside the battery
compartment.
To change the switches settings, use a small screwdriver or a
small metallic pin, such as a straightened paperclip.
It is best to change these settings with the power turned off or
when the microphones are not connected to the preamplifier.
When the phantom power is activated, the connection or
disconnexion of a microphone will cause a transient as high as
30 volts at the output of the preamplifier.
This phenomenon is normal and unavoidable. It is harmless for
the preamplifier itself. Make sure that the equipment
connected to the preamplifier can handle this transient.
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MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
BATTERIES
To replace batteries:
• Open the battery compartment using a coin to turn the lock.
• Remove the compartment lid.
• Insert 8 1.5 Volt-LR6/AA/AM3-alkalin-batteries in the compartment. Place the ribbon beneath the
batteries, it will aid the easy removal of the batteries.
• Put the lid back on the compartment using gentle pressure and turn the lock.
To remove the batteries, use the ribbon to extract the first ones.
Replace the 8 batteries at the same time.
Do not use Nickel-Cadmium or Lithium batteries if their nominal voltage is different to 1.5 V.
Observe batteries polarity. However, inverting the polarity of a battery will not cause any damage to
the preamplifier.
When the preamplifier is not going to be used for a long period, or if it is run on an external power
source, remove the batteries.
It is advisable to remove the batteries to keep them from discharging, or to avoid electrolyte leakage
which could corrode the electronic circuits.
When replacing the batteries, please dispose of the used batteries in
appropriate waste bins. Even discharged batteries can be partially recycled.
Respect the environment. Do not throw away batteries in the country side
whatever their type.
The power converter circuit inside the U1127 preamplifier has been design to
run normally until the batteries are completely drained. Thus, used batteries
should not be left inside the preamplifier, as they could leak and greatly
damage the circuits of the preamplifier.
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MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
BATTERY LIFE
A set of 8 alkaline batteries should last a minimum of 8 hours of continuous use at a 20˚C room
temperature. If used one hour a day, the cumulative battery life is of 9 hours.
Should the battery voltage be insufficient, the ON led will flash on the front panel of the preamplifier.
When this led starts flashing, there are 15 minutes of power left.
Using the preamplifier in very cold conditions reduces battery life.
Using Zinc-Carbone batteries instead of alkaline batteries significantly reduces the autonomy of the
preamplifier. NiCad rechargeable batteries which have a 1.25 V voltage per cell have a short life
expectancy. Note that using the U8111 external power adapter does not recharge the batteries
placed in the battery compartment.
The power converter circuit inside the U1127 preamplifier has been designed to run normally until the
batteries are completely drained. Thus, used batteries should not be left inside the preamplifier as the
could leak and greatly damage the circuits of the preamplifier.
Life expectancy is determined by the type of the microphones connected to the preamplifier.
Therefore the higher the microphone consumption, the shorter the battery life expectancy. Values are
given for two 48 V / 4 mA microphones.
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MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
EXTERNAL
POWER
1
4
3
2
U8111 POWER ADAPTER
The U8111 power adapter allows use of a U1127 preamplifier with an external power source.
It is connected to the EXTERNAL POWER inlet on the preamplifier rear panel.
It is not necessary to remove the batteries when the preamplifier is run on external power.
However, if run for prolonged periods or exclusively on external power, it is preferable to remove
used batteries from their compartment, as they may leak and greatly damage the preamplifier’s
circuit.
Connecting or disconnecting the power adapter may be done even with the preamplifier running. This
does not lead to any audible noise at the preamplifier output.
The U8111 power adapter delivers a constant, filtered and stabilized voltage of 12 V/ 1 A. A slight
increase in the temperature of the unit when operating is normal.
If the preamplifier is connected to a different power adapter, it should strictly comply to the U8111
specification. A polarity inversion is harmless to the preamplifier.
The male connector used is of the following type : LEMO FGG1B304CLAD52
Connector Pinout
(Rear view)
1 0 V
2 Reserved (Do not connect)
3 Reserved (Do not connect
4 +12 V DC / 1 A
Pins 1, 2, 3 or 4 must not be connected to the ground of the
preamplifier, as such connection is made internally.
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MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
INDEX
A
A, 6
Alkaline batteries, 12
B
B, 6
BANDWIDTH, 9
BATTERIES, 11
BATTERY LIFE, 12
C
Connector Pinout, 13
E
EXTERNAL POWER, 7, 13
F
FILTER, 6
Frequency, 8
FRONT PANEL, 6
G
GAIN, 6, 8
Gain selector, 8
GENERALITIES, 2
H
Headroom, 8
I
IN A, 6
IN B, 6
INPUT AND OUTPUT LEVELS, 8
Input-protection-system, 8
L
LEMO, 13
Lithium battery, 11
Low cut filter, 9
M
Maximum input level, 8
Maximum output level, 8
N
Nickel-Cadmium battery, 11
Nominal output level, 8
O
ON, 6, 9
Option, 8
Oscillator, 8
OUT A, 7
OUT B, 7
Output Level, 8
Overload, 6, 8
P
Phantom power, 10
Phantom power switches, 10
Phase rotation, 9
POWER ADAPTER, 13
R
REAR PANEL, 7
Replace batteries, 11
U
U8111, 13
X
XLR connector, 6, 7
Z
Zinc-Carbone batteries, 12
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MCN AUDIO - U1127 - MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
MCN AUDIO
On line:
www.mcn-audio.com
Document Code : UM-EV-U1127A-V4
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