Nobels PRE-MASTER Quick Start Manual

Power switch: Selects the different

operating modes of the PRE-MASTER.
In the leftmost position the device is
switched off and no signal is present at
the output. When set to the middle
position ("flat“) the preamplifier is en­gaged but the tone controls remain
inactive. Any movements of the 3 corre­sponding knobs have no influence on
the signal.

In its rightmost position ("eq") the
switch engages the tone controls as
well so that all knob settings become
relevant.

Power LED: Glows when a proper
operating voltage is supplied and thus

Thank you for purchasing the NOBELS PRE-MASTER!

You have chosen a high-quality device with wide functional range. Before using the PRE­MASTER for the first time please read this manual thoroughly in order to get optimum results
and prevent malfunction.

The NOBELS PRE-MASTER is a universal Pre-Amplifier for music applications. It serves as a
convenient tool in processing a wide range of musical instrument signals, e.g. the output of an
electric guitar. This will yield a considerable increase in sound quality if the device is adjusted
properly.

It is possible to achieve much more detailed and dynamic instrument signals when using the
PRE-MASTER as a front end for studio recordings or PA systems.

Its flexible set of controls allows for optimum level adjustment for any amplifier, recording device,
mixer or effect unit.

indicates that the PRE-MASTER is rea­dy to operate.

Gain control: Sets the gain of the sig­nal present at the PRE-MASTER´s In­put. Turning the control clockwise will
increase the gain whereas counter­clockwise rotation will decrease it.

Bass control: Adjusts the low frequen­cies around 80Hz. In the neutral 12
o´clock position the signal will pass
unaffected. An increase of the bass
frequencies is achieved by rotating the
control clockwise, a decrease by con­verse rotation.

Mid control: Works similar to the bass
control, except that it affects the middle
frequencies around 1kHz.

Treble control: Increases or decrea­ses the high frequencies from appro­ximately 5,5 kHz upwards.

An increase of the high frequencies is
also achieved by rotating the control
clockwise, a decrease by converse
rotation.

The Interlock System: Housings of the MASTER SERIES and COMPACT SERIES are
mechanically 100% compatible. Up to four units can easily be interlocked and mounted to a 19"
standard tray using one rack space:

Volume control: Sets the output level
of the PRE-MASTER in order to pass
the signal to the following device with
optimum amplitude. As with the tone
controls, clockwise rotation of this
knob will increase the level.

Meter switch: Selects where the sig­nal to be displayed on the LED bar­graph is tapped from the audio path.
When switched to the right position
("pre") the signal is tapped before the
volume control so that its setting has
no influence on the meter reading.
This mode is intended for setting the
PRE-MASTER´s internal working level
via the gain control.

In the right position of the switch ("post")
the signal is tapped behind the volume
control and the meter is thus displaying
the PRE-MASTER´s output level. This
mode is intended for setting the opti­mum level for other devices that are
connected to the PRE-MASTER´s
output. This helps to prevent possible
distortion in following input stages.

LED bargraph (level indicator): Ser­ves as an optical indicator for different
signal levels depending on the setting
of the meter switch.

DC in jack: Connects to a regulated DC
power supply (refer to technical data).

DC out jac k: Other devices , e.g.
NOBELS effect pedals, can be con­nected here for feeding multiple gad­gets from one power supply.

This feature requires a properly di­mensioned DC so urce as well as
matching power requirements for all
devices in question.

NOBELS keeps with the most widely­used international standard so there
should be no problem in most cases.
Please refer to the technical data sec­tion for details.

Input jack: The instrument (e.g. elec­tric guitar) is connected here via a stan­dard instrument cable.

Output jack: This is connected to the
next device in the signal chain, e.g. a
recording machine, mixer or amplifier.
In most cases a regular guitar cable
works best for this purpose as well.

PRE -MAS TER S1- 040 527E N

Operating instructions:

In order to get optimum results from the PRE-MASTER it is necessary to set the input level first:

- For this purpose the power switch is set to the "flat" position and

- the meter switch is set to the "pre" position. In this configuration the "gain" control is the
only control to have an influence on the level indicated by the LED bargraph.

- Now the "gain" control is turned up until strong signal peaks let the rightmost (red) LED flash
momentarily, indicating that the PRE-MASTER is operating near its maximum undistorted
level of +4dBm.

- Now the desired output level can be set by adjusting the PRE-MASTER´s "volume" control.

When engaging the tone controls it must be considered that any substantial boost, especially
of the bass frequencies, can have significant influence on the signal´s overall level. If a strong
increase in this frequency range is desired the input level must be lowered accordingly by means
of the "gain" control in order to prevent unwanted distortion.

If on the other hand a frequency band is attenuated so much that it causes a relative increase
in audible background noise the input level should be readjusted by turning the "gain" control
up. In each case the LED bargraph serves as reference to the user.

Technical data:

Operating voltage : 9~12V

*1)

DC / 200 mA (regulated)

Power consumption : 75 mA max. [95 mA]

*2)

Dimensions (mm) : 104 x 69 x 43
Input impedance : 1 MW
Output impedance : <1 KW
Max. input level : +4 dBm
Max. output level : +4 dBm
Amplification : 22dB / eq = flat
Level Indicator : Green: -12dB, -8dB, -4dB, Yellow: 0dB, Red: 4dB
Frequency response : 5 Hz – 24 kHz (+/-1.5 dB)
Ba ss : +/- 12 dB / 80 Hz
Mid : +/- 10 dB / 1 kHz
Treble : +/- 12 dB / 5.5 kHz

*1)

The use of a 12V DC power supply expands the device´s headroom.

*2)

Specifications in [ ] refer to 12V operation.

Specifications subject to change without prior notice.

© Nobels Electronics, Barnerstr. 42, 22765 Hamburg, Germany, www.nobels.com

Owners Manual

ENGLISH

PRE-MASTER

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