PreSonus TubePre User Manual V2

TubePre V2

Owner’s Manual

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®

www.presonus.com

0.1 Important Safety Instructions

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 instruc tions.

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), mercur y
(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 rec ycling 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).

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PreSonus TubePre V2

Overview and Features 1

Get the big picture with this summary of

features and list of what’s in the box.

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3

4

Quick Start Guide 4

Follow these basic instructions to start

using your TubePre V2 right away. Basic

hookup diagrams are on pages 8 and 9.

Hardware 10

Read the full anatomical breakdown of your TubePre V2.

Resources 14

Read the TubePre V2 technical specifications,

information on troubleshooting and

repairs, and limited warranty.

Owner’s Manual

Overview 1

Introduction 1.1

1.0 Overview

1.1 Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the PreSonus TubePre V2.

PreSonus Audio Electronics has designed it utilizing

high-grade components to ensure optimum

performance that will last a lifetime. With

separate instrument and microphone inputs, the

TubePre V2 is a handy direct-injection (DI) box

for guitars and bass. The TubePre V2 proves that

dynamic preamps can come in small packages!

We encourage you to contact us with questions or

comments regarding this product. You can reach us

by email at [e-mail] or call us at

1-225-216-7887 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central

Time (GMT -06:00). 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.

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Please use this manual to familiarize yourself

with the TubePre V2’s features, applications, and

correct connection procedure before connecting

it to your recording system. Pay close attention

when connecting the TubePre V2 to your system,

as bad cables and improper grounding are the

most common causes of problems encountered

in recording and P.A. systems. Check your cables,

connections, and grounding if you experience

noise or other sonic performance problems.

1

1 Overview

1.2 Summary of Features

1.2 Summary of Features

PreSonus TubePre V2

• 12AX7 vacuum-tube-based preamp

• Tube Drive tube-saturation control

• 48V phantom power

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• 80 Hz high-pass filter

• Polarity reverse switch

• Lighted VU meter

• Clip LED

• Unbalanced ¼” Instrument input

• Balanced XLR Microphone input

• Unbalanced ¼” Line output

• Balanced XLR Line output

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Owner’s Manual

Overview 1

What’s in the Box 1.3

1.3 What’s in the Box

In addition to this manual, your PreSonus TubePre V2

package contains the following:

• PreSonus TubePre V2

• 12 VDC, 1A power supply

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2 Quick Start Guide

2.1 Getting Started

2.0 Quick Start Guide

2.1 Getting Started

Connect the Power

1. Turn every knob on the TubePre V2 front

2. Connect the included power supply to the

Connect Your Input Sources

PreSonus TubePre V2

This Quick Start Guide is designed to help you

connect and use your TubePre V2 as quickly as

possible. The following step-by-step instructions are

based on a common studio environment. Your setup

may vary based on your needs and applications.

panel completely counterclockwise (left).

TubePre V2 and plug it into a wall socket,
power strip, or surge protector.

1. Turn down the main output volume on your
audio interface or mixer to its lowest position.

2. Grab a microphone and a mic cable and plug them
into the TubePre V2 mic input.

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Owner’s Manual

Quick Start Guide 2

Getting Started 2.1

3. Connect the audio output (TRS or XLR) of
your TubePre V2 to a line input on your audio
interface or mixer. For the best sound quality,
PreSonus recommends using balanced cables.

4. If your microphone requires phantom power, press

the 48V button on the front panel.

5. Speak into the microphone while watching the VU
meter on the front panel and slowly turning the
TubePre V2 Gain knob clockwise.

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2 Quick Start Guide

2.1 Getting Started

PreSonus TubePre V2

6. Set the input level on your audio interface
or mixer, using the recommended level­setting procedure for that device.

7. Speak into the microphone while monitoring the
TubePre V2 (again, following the monitoring
instructions for your audio interface or mixer), and
turn the Drive knob clockwise until the desired effect
is achieved.

Your TubePre V2 is now ready to use!

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Owner’s Manual

Quick Start Guide 2

Using Your TubePre V2 with an Audio Interface 2.2

2.2 Using Your TubePre V2 with an Audio Interface

Microphone preamps greatly influence the final

sound of a recording. Most audio interfaces offer

built-in microphone preamps, and some interfaces—

notably the PreSonus FireStudio™ family and

AudioBox™ VSL family—feature high-quality XMAX™

preamps. However, adding the TubePre V2’s selection

of timbres greatly expands your choice of sounds.

When using the TubePre V2 as a front end for a

recording device, it is important to watch the

preamp’s output levels. Turning up the gain and

tube drive too high could overload the inputs of

your recording device, and if your recording device

is digital, this could overload the analog-to-digital

converters. While analog distortion can be very

desirable, no one wants to hear digital distortion.

By properly adjusting the output level of your

TubePre V2 and the input level of your recording

device so that your recording input is not clipped,

you will achieve the best possible sound.

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2 Quick Start Guide

2.3 Using the TubePre V2 as a DI

2.3 Hookup Diagram: Using the TubePre V2 as a DI

PreSonus TubePre V2

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Owner’s Manual

Quick Start Guide 2

Using the TubePre V2 with an Audio Interface 2.4

2.4 Hookup Diagram: Using the TubePre V2 with an Audio Interface

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3 Connections

3.1 Front-Panel Layout

3.0 Hardware

3.1 Front-Panel Layout

PreSonus TubePre V2

Drive control. The Drive knob controls the signal level

being routed through the 12AX7 vacuum tube. The

effect ranges from subtle to extreme, depending on the

setting; the more signal being sent to the tube, the

more distortion you will hear. This is great for guitar,

bass, and even vocals, if that is the effect you want to

achieve. Of course, in some applications, tube drive is

not needed.

10

Adjusting the tube drive can create

these desirable effects:

• Warming up the sound. This is achieved by adding

in a small amount of tube drive (30% or less).

It is especially desirable for vocals and electric

bass. The resulting sound is richer and sweeter.

• Overdriven tube sound. This effect is achieved

by adding in 30 to 100% tube drive. The more

tube drive you add, the more overdriven the

sound will be. This sound is extremely useful

for creating distorted guitar, and it’s great for

an authentic “blues harp” harmonica sound.

Owner’s Manual

Connections 3

Front-Panel Layout 3.1

Gain control. The Gain (input gain) knob controls the

amount of boost applied to the preamplified signal

and provides the following gain structure:

• Microphone input. 80 dB of

variable gain (-15 dB to +65 dB)

• Instrument input. 80 dB of

variable gain (-30 dB to +50 dB)

Clip LED. The Clip LED will illuminate if your input

signal exceeds +20 dBu. Clipping the input produces

very unpleasant distortion. If you want good-

sounding distortion, increase the Drive control while

lowering the Gain.

Phase reverse. Reverses the polarity of the signal.

Use Phase Reverse when recording with more than

one open microphone to combat phase cancellation

between microphones.

Instrument input. This button activates the

instrument preamp circuit, bypassing the

microphone preamp. When this button is engaged,

the XLR input will not pass signal.

48 Volt phantom power. This button enables

phantom power to the XLR Microphone input.

XLR connector wiring for phantom power:

Pin 1 = GND

Pin 2 = +48V

Pin 3 = +48V

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80Hz roll-off. The 80Hz button is a low-end roll-off

filter. When enabled, this button causes all

frequencies below 80 Hz to be attenuated (cut) by 12

dB. This can be handy in live and studio applications.

For example, the 80 Hz filter can help to reduce the

“boominess” or “muddiness” of a vocal, improving the

overall clarity.

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3 Connections

3.2 Back-Panel Layout

3.2 Back-Panel Layout

PreSonus TubePre V2

VU Meter. The analog VU meter displays the output level

of your TubePre V2.

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Microphone input. Your TubePre V2 is equipped with a

high-quality PreSonus XMAX™ microphone preamplifier

for use with a wide variety of microphones, including

dynamics, condensers, and ribbons.

Instrument input. The ¼” TS connector in the input

section of the TubePre V2 is for use with a passive

instrument (e.g., guitar or bass).

NOTE: An active instrument has an internal preamp and should be

plugged into a line input rather than an instrument input. Plugging

a line-level source into the Instrument input on the TubePre V2

may result in a very loud and distorted audio signal.

Owner’s Manual

Connections 3

Back-Panel Layout 3.2

Main Outputs. The TubePre V2 features both an

unbalanced ¼” TS and a balanced XLR output.

Power User Tip: Both outputs can always be used simultaneously. For example,

the Unbalanced output could be connected to an onstage amplifier while the

Balanced output is connected to the P.A. system or monitor mixer. In this way,

your TubePre V2 can be used as a direct box for live performance and recording.

Power Supply Connector. This is the connection for

the TubePre V2’s external power supply.

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4 Resources

4.1 Vacuum Tube Care and Maintenance

4.0 Resources

4.1 Vacuum Tube Care and Maintenance

Your TubePre V2 is equipped with a 12AX7 vacuum

tube. This tube works well in a wide variety of situations;

however, some owners may wish to experiment with

other compatible vacuum tubes to explore additional

tonal possibilities. There are many different 12AX7 tube

brands from which to choose but you must use a 12AX7.

Tube life and performance are affected by how often

the tube is used and how hard the tube is driven

while in use. Poor performance and microphonics

(noise caused by mechanical vibration of the elements

of an electron tube, component, or system) are the

most common signs of wear. Periodic replacement

of the vacuum tube is recommended. There is no

predetermined time for replacement. If you notice that

the sound quality in your TubePre V2 has deteriorated,

it is most likely that a worn out tube is to blame.

PreSonus TubePre V2

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Owner’s Manual

Resources 4

Vacuum Tube Care and Maintenance 4.1

4.1.1 How to Replace the Tube

1. Unplug the unit. Proceed with caution,
as the tube could be hot.

2. There is one screw on the top and one screw
on the bottom of the chassis that connect
the left side panel (as viewed from the front
of the unit). Remove these two screws.

3. Remove the left side panel.

4. Grip the tube and pull outward to
remove it from the socket.

5. Align the pins of the new tube and place it in
the socket. The pins align with the large pin
spacing located at the bottom. Make sure that
the tube is completely seated in the receptacle.

6. Replace the left side panel and screws.

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4 Resources

4.2 Specifications

PreSonus TubePre V2

4.2 Specifications

INPUTS:

Mic Input:

Connector Type XLR, female, balanced

EIN -131 dB, 20 kHz BW, max gain, Rs=40Ω, A-wtd

-128 dB, 20 kHz BW, max gain, Rs=40Ω, unwtd

Frequency Response 20 Hz - 20 kHz, -0.3 dB, +4 dBu, unity gain
5 Hz - 120 kHz, -3 dB, +4 dBu, unity gain

THD+N 0.01%, -10 dBu, 1kHz, unity gain, 20 kHz BW, unwtd

Dynamic Range 115 dB, 1 kHz, unity gain, 20 kHz BW, A-wtd
107 dB, 1kHz, unity gain, 20 kHz BW, unwtd

Input Impedance 1.3 kΩ

Phantom Power +48 VDC, 10 mA

Instrument Input:

Connector Type ¼” TS, female, unbalanced

Input Impedance 1 MΩ

OUTPUT:

Analog Output:

Connector Types XLR, male, balanced
¼” TS, female, unbalanced

Maximum Output +20 dBu

Output Impedance 51Ω

Tube Stage:

Type 12AX7

Power:

Type +12 VDC, 1000 mA, center pin positive

PSU Barrel Dimensions 5.5 mm O.D., 2.1 mm I.D., 9.5 mm length

NOTE: As a commitment to constant improvement, PreSonus Audio

Electronics, Inc., reserves the right to change any specification

stated herein at any time, without notification.

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Owner’s Manual

Resources 4

Troubleshooting and Repairs 4.3

4.3 Troubleshooting and Repairs

If you experience problems with your

TubePre V2, please try the following before

contacting PreSonus Customer Support:

1. Check our Web site at www.PreSonus.com
for answers to frequently asked questions
and for troubleshooting techniques
specific to the TubePre V2.

2. Make sure your TubePre V2 and all equipment
connected to it are powered on.

3. Disconnect/reconnect your
TubePre V2 power supply.

4. Check your connection cables and audio sources.

5. Check your microphone.

6. Isolate the problem by disconnecting any
extraneous equipment in your signal chain.

To submit a tech-support request, visit our Web site

at http://support.presonus.com/home or call us at

1-225-216-7887 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Central

Time (GMT -06:00). Please note that you must register

your product at PreSonus.com before contacting

Customer Service. Customers outside of the United

States should check first with their regional PreSonus

distributor for technical support and repairs.

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When contacting technical support, please

have the following information at hand:

• A brief description of the connections

to and from your TubePre V2.

• A description of the problem that

you are encountering.

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4 Resources

4.3 Troubleshooting and Repairs

• Your TubePre V2 serial number (located

on the bottom of the unit).

If you think that your power supply has failed, rather

than the TubePre V2 itself, please let the Customer

Service representative know. If your TubePre V2 is

still under warranty, a replacement power supply will

be provided to you free of charge. If your TubePre V2

is no longer under warranty, you may purchase a

replacement at www.PreSonus.com/store.

PreSonus TubePre V2

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Owner’s Manual

Resources 4

PreSonus Limited Warranty 4.4

4.4 PreSonus Limited Warranty

PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc., warrants this

product to be free of defects in material and

workmanship for a period of one year from the

date of original retail purchase. This warranty is

enforceable only by the original retail purchaser. To

be protected by this warranty, the purchaser must

complete and return the enclosed warranty card

within 14 days of purchase. During the warranty

period PreSonus shall, at its sole and absolute

option, either repair or replace, free of charge, any

product that proves to be defective on inspection

by PreSonus or its authorized service representative.

To obtain warranty service, the purchaser must

first call or write PreSonus at the address and

telephone number printed below to obtain a Return

Authorization Number and instructions of where

to return the unit for service. All inquiries must be

accompanied by a description of the problem. All

authorized returns must be sent to the PreSonus

repair facility postage prepaid, insured, and properly

packaged. PreSonus reserves the right to update any

unit returned for repair. PreSonus reserves the right

to change or improve the design of the product at

any time without prior notice. This warranty does

not cover claims for damage due to abuse, neglect,

alteration, or attempted repair by unauthorized

personnel and is limited to failures arising during

normal use that are due to defects in material or

workmanship in the product. Any implied warranties,

including implied warranties of merchantability

and fitness for a particular purpose, are limited

in duration to the length of this limited warranty.

Some states do not allow limitations on how long

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4 Resources

4.4 PreSonus Limited Warranty

an implied warranty lasts, so the above limitation

may not apply to you. In no event will PreSonus be

liable for incidental, consequential, or other damages

resulting from the breach of any express or implied

warranty, including, among other things, damage to

property, damage based on inconvenience or on loss

of use of the product, and, to the extent permitted

by law, damages for personal injury. Some states do

not allow the exclusion of limitation of incidental or

consequential damages, so the above limitation or

exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives

you specific legal rights, and you may also have other

rights, which vary from state to state. This warranty

only applies to products sold and used in the United

States of America. For warranty information in all

other countries, please refer to your local distributor.

PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc.

7257 Florida Blvd.

Baton Rouge, LA 70806 USA

www.PreSonus.com

PreSonus TubePre V2

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Added bonus: PreSonus’ previously
Top Secret recipe for…

Jambalaya

Ingredients:

• 5 lbs link andouille sausage

• 3 lbs boneless chicken

• 2 lbs ground beef

• 3 lbs onions (yellow or purple)

• 2 stalks of celery

• 1 lb bell peppers (green or red)

• 1 batch green onions

• 3 lbs rice

• Tony Chachere’s Cajun Seasoning

• 1 bottle chicken stock concentrate (or 3 cubes chicken bullion)

• 1 can Rotel tomatoes with chilies, diced (regular hot)

• Tabasco sauce

Cooking Instructions:

1. In a 16 qt. pot or larger, slice link sausage and pan-fry until brown.

2. Add ground beef and brown.

3. Do not remove from pot Add diced onions, celery, and bell peppers, 1 can Rotel
Original diced tomatoes w/chilies, 3 oz concentrate chicken stock, ½ teaspoon of Cajun
seasoning, 1 teaspoon of Tabasco hot sauce (or more…maybe lots more).

4. Cook until onions are translucent.

5. Add chicken and cook until it turns white.

6. Add diced green onions, 1 tsp. salt, ½ gallon water and bring to a boil.

7. Add rice and bring to a boil. Cook on high for 8 minutes, covered, stirring every 2
minutes

8. Cook covered on low for 10 minutes, stirring only once.

9. Turn off and let sit for 30 minutes.

10. Serve and enjoy!

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Serves 20

© 2012 PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc. All Rights Reserved. AudioBox, DigiMax, FireStudio, Nimbit, PreSonus, QMix,
StudioLive, and XMAX are trademarks or registered trademarks of PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc. Capture, Impact, Mixverb
Presence, RedLightDist, SampleOne, Studio One, and Tricomp are trademarks or registered trademarks of PreSonus Software
Ltd. Mac, Mac OS, and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries. Windows is a
registered trademark of Microsoft, Inc., in the U.S. and other countries. Other product names mentioned herein may be
trademarks of their respective companies. All specifications subject to change without notice...
except the recipe, which is a classic.

TubePre V2

Owner’s Manual

EMC Statement:

NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital
device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable
protection against harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment generates,
uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with
the instructions, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. However, there
is no guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation. If this equipment
does cause harmful interference to radio or television reception, which can be determined by
turning the equipment off and on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by
one or more of the following measures:

• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.

• Increase the separation between the equipment and the receiver.

• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from that to which the receiver
is connected.

• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for help.

CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly
approved by PreSonus Audio Electronics could void the user’s authority to operate the
equipment under FCC rules.

This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is applicable) limits for radio
noise emissions from digital apparatus as set out in the radio interference regulations of the
Canadian Department of Communications.

ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits radioélectriques
dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils numériques de class A/de class B (selon le
cas) prescrites dans le réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des
communications du Canada.

7257 Florida Boulevard • Baton Rouge,
Louisiana 70806 USA • 1-225-216-7887

®

www.presonus.com

Part# 820-TP0012-B