PreSonus Central Station PLUS User Manual

Central Station Plus

Owner’s Manual

Getting StartedOverviewCalibrationHookupControls

®

www.presonus.com

and Connections

Technical Information

Important Safety Instructions

Central Station Plus

and Connections

Controls

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user
to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions
in this manual.

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is

intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous” voltage
within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to humans.

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE THE COVER.
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED
PERSONNEL.

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not expose this appliance to
rain and moisture. The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing
liquids and no object filled with liquids, such as vases, shall be placed on the

apparatus.

CAUTION: These service instructions are for use by qualified service personnel
only. To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not perform any servicing other than
that contained in the operation instructions. Repairs must be performed by

qualified service personnel.

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 dry a cloth.

7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance

with the 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 two blades, with one wider than the other. A grounding-type
plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade and the
third 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. Use only attachments/accessories specified by PreSonus.

12. Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table

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

13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms

or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as
if a power-supply cord or plug is damaged; or liquid has been spilled, or objects
have fallen, into the apparatus; or if the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped. All PreSonus products
in the USA should be serviced at the PreSonus factory in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.
If your product requires a repair, contact [e-mail] to arrange for a
return-authorization number. Customers outside the USA should contact their local
distributor. Your distributor’s contact information is available at www.presonus.com.

15. The apparatus shall be connected to a Mains power outlet
with a protective grounding/earthing connection.

16. Where the Mains plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect
device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

EU Directives on the Protection of the
Environment and Other Euro Stuff

RoHS This product is compliant with the EU Directive 2011/65/EU for the Restriction

of the use of Certain Hazardous Substances in Electrical and Electronic Equipment.
No lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), mercury (Hg), hexavalent chromium (Cr+6), PBB
or PBDE is intentionally added to this device. Any traces of impurities of these
substances contained in the parts are below the RoHS specified threshold levels.

REACh This product is compliant with the European Union Directive
EC1907/206 for the Registration, Evaluation, Authorization, and Restriction
of chemicals (REACh) and contains none or less than 0.1% of the
chemicals listed as hazardous chemicals in the REACh regulation.

WEEE This symbol on the product or its packaging indicates that this
product must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is your
responsibility to dispose of your waste equipment by handing it over to
a designated collection point for the recycling of waste electrical and
electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste
equipment at the time of disposal will help conserve natural resources and
ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For
more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please
contact your local city recycling office or the dealer from whom you purchased the product.

CE This product complies with the European Union Council Directives
and Standards relating to electromagnetic compatibility EMC Directive
(2006/95/EC) and the Low Voltage Directive (2004/108/EC).

Technical Information

Owner’s Manual

Table of Contents

INTRODUCTION — 1

1.0 Getting Started — 2

1.1 Connect Power — 2

1.2 Connect Input Sources — 2

1.3 Connect the CSR-1 to Your

Central Station — 3

1.4 Connecting Monitor Speakers — 3

1.5 Using the Digital Input — 4

1.6 Using the Headphones and

Talkback System — 5

2.0 Overview — 6

2.1 What’s In the Box — 6

2.2 Features — 7

2.2.1 Summary of Features — 7

PART II: REFERENCE — 16

5.0 Controls and
Connections — 16

5.1 Front Panel Layout — 16

5.1.1 Talkback — 16

5.1.2 Headphones — 16

5.1.3 Cue/Main Select — 17

5.1.4 Meter — 17

5.1.5 Passive Speaker Control — 18

5.2 Back Panel Layout — 18

5.2.1 Power — 18

5.2.2 Digital Inputs
(24-bit/192 kHz) — 19

5.2.3 Speaker Outputs L/R
(A, B, and C) — 19

5.2.4 Line Outputs — 19

Getting StartedOverviewCalibrationHookupControls

3.0 Calibrating Your
Central Station — 8

3.1 Calibrating the Meter — 8

3.2 Calibrating the Input Sources — 8

3.3 Calibrating Speaker Levels — 9

3.3.1 Maximum Loudness
Reference — 10

3.3.2 85 dB SPL Standard
Reference — 11

4.0 Sample Hookup
Diagrams — 13

4.1 Separate Control Room

and Recording Room — 13

4.2 Mixdown / Mastering Setup — 15

5.2.5 Analog Inputs — 20

5.2.6 Console Remote Control — 20

5.2.7 Talkback Section — 20

5.3 CSR-1: Central Station
Remote (optional) — 21

5.3.1 CSR-1 Controls — 21

6.0 Technical Information — 22

6.1 Frequently Asked Questions — 22

6.2 Troubleshooting — 23

6.3 Specifications — 24

6.4 Block Diagram — 27

6.5 Remote DB15 Cable Pin-out — 28

6.6 PRESONUS LIMITED WARRANTY — 29

and Connections

Technical Information

iv

Owner’s Manual

INTRODUCTION

Getting StartedOverviewCalibrationSample Hookup DiagramsControls

Thank you for purchasing the Central Station Plus, the ultimate monitoring and
communications system for recording studios. The Central Station uses high­grade components to ensure optimum performance that will last a lifetime
and features a purely passive signal path for ultimate sonic performance.
It provides talkback; speaker switching; input-source switching; two loud,
clear headphone amplifiers; and a pair of line-level Cue and Main outputs
to feed a headphone-distribution system. Best of all, the included CSR-1
Central Station Remote allows you to control these features remotely!

We encourage you to contact us at 1-225-216-7887 with any questions or
comments you may have regarding your PreSonus Central Station Plus system.
PreSonus Audio Electronics is committed to constant product improvement, and
we value your suggestions highly. We believe the best way to achieve our goal
of constant product improvement is by listening to the real experts, our valued
customers. We appreciate the support you have shown us through the purchase
of this product. We are confident that you will enjoy your Central Station Plus!

and Connections

Technical Information

11

Getting Started Overview Calibration Hookup Controls

1 Getting Started

1.1 Connect Power

1.0 Getting Started

1.1 Connect Power

Central Station Plus

Before connecting a power supply to the Central Station, ensure that the power
supply meets the input-voltage requirements of the region or country where you
are using it. PreSonus only supports the power supply that is shipped with your
Central Station. If it does not meet your requirements, or you wish to purchase
an additional power supply, please contact your local dealer or distributor.

and Connections

1. “Zero” the Main, Cue, Aux In, and Phones level knobs by turning
them fully counterclockwise. If you have speakers or other
gear connected to the Main L/R outputs, turn them all the way
down and make sure that the amplifier is powered off.

2. Connect the included power supply to the Central Station’s power-input
connector and to the appropriate wall socket. Because of its passive circuitry,
it is designed to be left on for long periods of time. Many manufacturers
make power-relay systems that send power to blocks of outlets at different
times so that your gear is instantly turned on and off in the correct order
with the flip of a single switch. If you are uncomfortable leaving your
equipment powered on all the time, these products are excellent solutions.

1.2 Connect Input Sources

1. “Zero” the Main, Cue, Aux In, and Phones level knobs
by turning them fully counterclockwise.

2. Connect your primary audio source (such as an audio interface or mixer main
outputs) to the left and right TRS 1 inputs on the back of your Central Station.

3. [Optional]: Connect your secondary audio source (such as a CD or MP3
player) or cue audio source (such as the auxiliary outputs of your interface or
mixer) to the left and right TRS 2 inputs on the back of your Central Station.

Technical InformationGetting Started

4. [Optional]: Connect a third source (such as a turntable or tone
generator) to the left and right Aux (RCA) inputs.

Note: Turntables require a phono preamp that applies a special (RIAA) EQ curve.
Most turntables do not have a phono preamp built in, and the Central Station does
not supply one, so you may have to purchase a phono preamp from a local retailer.

22

Owner’s Manual

Getting Started 1
Connecting the CSR-1 to your Central Station 1.3

1.3 Connecting the CSR-1 to your Central Station

1. Connect one side of the included DB15 cable to the back of the CSR-1
and the other side to the Console connection on the back of your Central
Station. Please note that the DB15 cable has a proprietary pin-out; it
looks like a standard VGA cable but is wired differently. If you require a
replacement cable, you will need to order it from www.PreSonus.com.

2. Press the Activate button on the back of your Central Station. When the
CSR-1 is properly communcating with your Central Station, the Active light
to the left of the Main Volume control on the CSR-1 will illuminate blue.

Once the CSR-1 is connected and activated, it will disable the
Main Volume control on the front panel of your Central Station;
use the Main Volume control on your CSR-1 instead.

All buttons on the CSR-1 correspond directly to, and
control, their counterparts on the Central Station.

Getting StartedOverviewCalibrationHookupControls

1.4 Connecting Monitor Speakers

1. Turn off all powered monitors and power amps before connecting cables.

2. Connect your powered control-room monitors (or
power amp) to Speaker Output A.

3. [Optional] Connect your secondary control-room
monitors (or power amp) to Speaker Output B.

4. [Optional] Connect your subwoofer or tertiary control-room monitors
(or power amp) to Speaker Output C. Because Speaker Output C can be
enabled concurrently with either Speaker Output A or Speaker Output B, we
recommend that you connect this output to your subwoofer for 2.1 mixing.

5. Turn the following controls completely counterclockwise: Talkback Mic Level,
Headphone Level, Output Level, Aux In Level, and Main Output Level.

and Connections

6. Using a flat-head screwdriver, turn the speaker trims for all
passive speaker outputs completely counter-clockwise.

7. Power on your main input source (such as an audio interface or mixer).

8. Turn the volume of your main input source all the way down.

9. Power up your Central Station by connecting the power supply
to the rear of the unit and to an AC outlet or power strip.

Technical Information Getting Started

33

Getting Started Overview Calibration Hookup Controls

1 Getting Started

1.5 Using the Digital Input

Central Station Plus

10. Power up your power amp or powered monitors
and turn the level controls to 0 dB.

11. Press the Speaker Output A button.

12. Press the TRS 1 button in the Main Input Select section.

13. Play a stereo signal from your main input source and slowly turn the volume
on the source to unity gain. You may need to consult the manufacturer of
your main input source if you do not know the position of unity gain.

14. Slowly turn the Main Level control on your CSR-1 fully clockwise until
you hear signal in the monitors. Adjust the sound to a comfortable
listening level. If the listening level of your monitors cannot be adjusted
low enough with the Central Station, do not lower the volume of
your main input source; instead, lower the level control on your
power amp or powered monitors until the level is satisfactory.

15. Press the Speaker Output B button and repeat steps 12 through 14. If the set
of monitors connected to one output is louder than the other set of monitors,
adjust the power amp for the louder set or use a flat-head screwdriver to adjust
the level of the louder set of monitors to match the quieter set. Toggle between
Speaker Output A and Speaker Output B to verify that the levels match.

and Connections

16. If you have connected a third set of monitors to Speaker Output
C, repeat the process in step 15 for this set of monitors. If you have

connected a subwoofer to Speaker Output C, repeat steps 12 through
14 while Speaker Output A is concurrently engaged, and adjust the
volume of your subwoofer until you have a balanced 2.1 mix.

1.5 Using the Digital Input

1. Using a digital S/PDIF cable, connect the S/PDIF coaxial (RCA-style)
output from your DAW, CD player, audio interface, or other digital
device to the S/PDIF coaxial input on the Central Station.

2. Press the Digital button on the CSR-1’s Main Input Select section.

3. Press the S/PDIF button in the CSR-1’s Digital Input section.

4. Press the Speaker Select button for your desired monitors.

5. Play stereo audio from an S/PDIF source. The Central Station will
automatically detect and lock to the sampling rate of the source device.

6. Adjust the Main Level control to desired level.

Follow the same instructions for Toslink devices. Toslink is a type of stereo, digital,
optical S/PDIF connection found on many consumer audio devices. While the
Toslink jack is similar to the ADAT Lightpipe connector, it is not an ADAT port.

Technical InformationGetting Started

44

Owner’s Manual

Owner’s Manual

Getting Started 1
Using the Headphones and Talkback System 1.6

1.6 Using the Headphones and Talkback System

1. Turn the Phones and Mic levels fully counterclockwise.

2. Press the Phones 1 control knob so that the Cue light,
rather than the Main light, is illuminated.

3. Press the TRS 1 button in the Cue Input Select section.

4. Connect a pair of headphones to the Phones 1 output.

5. Play a stereo signal from the source connected to the TRS 1 input.

6. While wearing headphones, slowly turn the Phones level
clockwise until the listening level is comfortable.

7. Press the TB (Talkback) button and talk into the Mic Input grille
on the front panel, while slowly turning the Mic Input Level knob
clockwise until the talkback microphone is at a comfortable level.

Getting StartedOverviewCalibrationHookupControls

OverviewCalibrationSample Hookup DiagramsControls

and Connections

and Connections

Technical Information Getting Started

Technical Information Overview

55

55

Getting Started Overview Calibration Hookup Controls

2 Overview

2.1 What’s in the Box

2.0 Overview

2.1 What’s In the Box

Central Station Plus

In addition to this manual, your Central Station package contains the following:

• Central Station Studio Control Center

• Central Station Power Supply

and Connections

• CSR-1 Central Station Remote

• CSR003 3 Meter Cable for CSR-1

•

• PreSonus Warranty Card

Technical InformationOverview

66

Owner’s Manual

Owner’s Manual

2.2 Features

Overview 2

Features 2.2

The Central Station features high-quality analog circuitry and digital conversion.
Three sets of stereo analog inputs enable the Central Station to accept a wide variety
of sources. Its S/PDIF coax and Toslink (optical) digital inputs provide up to 24-bit, 192
kHz digital-to-analog conversion, and the converters deliver over 115 dB of dynamic
range. Each of the three sets of balance monitor outputs has a passive trim pot. The
monitoring section provides Mute, Dim, and Mono controls, in addition to separate
main line-level output and a set of cue outputs that can feed headphone amplifiers.

The main audio path uses no amplifier stages and has no op amps
or active integrated circuits (ICs), as these types of components
typically add noise, color, and distortion and produce a “pinched”
sound. Eliminating distortion also helps reduce ear fatigue.

Signal routing is achieved using 34 sealed, mechanical relays (instead of active
ICs). Extraneous electronics are hard-wire bypassed, helping maintain a minimal
signal path. Using relays ensures the most transparent signal path and maximizes
dynamic range, frequency range, and headroom, while minimizing noise and
coloration. The Central Station uses the highest-quality passive components,
including military-grade, 1% tolerance, metal-film resistors; multi-element
potentiometers; and durable connectors to deliver the highest sonic performance.

Getting StartedCalibrationSample Hookup DiagramsControls

Getting StartedOverviewCalibrationHookupControls

2.2.1 Summary of Features

• Passive audio path; no op-amps or ICs

• Three sets of stereo analog inputs lets you switch between sources

• Two sets of stereo digital inputs (coax and optical)

• Three sets of stereo speaker outputs with Speaker Select
switches and recessed trim pots for each output

• Cue section with input-select switch and output-level control

• Main section with input-select switch, aux-input level control,
output-level control, mute, dim, and mono switches

• Talkback microphone system with onboard mic, external
microphone input, and footswitch input

• Dual 30-segment, fast acting, peak-hold LED metering
with Clear Peak switch and calibration

• High-definition, 24-bit, 192 kHz D/A converter with 115 dBu dynamic range

• Remote controllable via Central Station Remote (CSR-1)

and Connections

and Connections

Technical Information Overview

Technical Information Calibration

77

77