Radial Engineering Ltd.
1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam
British Columbia, Canada, V3C 5M5
tel: 604-942-1001 • fax: 604-942-1010
email: info@radialeng.com
User Guide
®
www.radialeng.com
Page 2
IMPORTANT SAFETY & USER NOTICE - FOR PROFESSIONAL USE
!
The Radial Workhorse Cube is specically designed for use by
qualied professional audio engineers. The open frame design is not
intended for use by consumers or those unfamiliar with this format.
Even though the current and voltage levels are relatively low, we
recommend that all slots be lled with a module or covers be placed
over unlled slots. This will help protect you from electrical shock.
The Cube™ rack frame is designed to be used with 500 series or what
are commonly known as Lunchbox™ modules. The Workhorse has
been designed following the framework as outlined by the VPR Alliance
as described on the API™ website. Although some manufacturers build
modules that are not VPR compliant, they may in fact work with the Cube.
Please consult those specic manufacturers for details regarding their
compatibility. The Radial Workhorse Open Source Document outlines the
required technical specications for manufacturers that intend to have
their modules used in a Workhorse or Cube frame. Compatibility of any
modules other than a module made by Radial Engineering Ltd. is the sole
responsibility of the user. Please read the Limited Radial Warranty for
details. There are no replacement or user serviceable parts inside.
SAFETY NOTICE - NO HOT SWAPPING OF MODULES
!
Hot Swapping, or exchanging modules while the power is on is not covered
under the Radial Limited Warranty. The user is responsible for any damage to
the Workhorse Cube or module arising out of hot swapping and the user shall
save Radial Engineering Ltd. harmless should any damage occur. Please
consult the Radial Limited Warranty for further details.
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®
™™
Radial Workhorse Cube
500 Series Power Rack
Table of Contents Page
Feature set overview ........................................................................................................ 1
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Radial Workhorse Cube, an innovative
three module card frame designed to bring the excitement of the 500 series modular format
to the desktop. This manual describes how to approach using The Cube and how to install
modules. We recommend that you take a few minutes to read through it in order to familiarize
yourself with the many innovative features that are built in.
To make the manual as easy to understand as possible, we have divided it into several sections. It begins with an overview, then descriptions of each function, ending with some real
world applications. Should you have any questions, comments or concerns not covered in
these pages, we invite you to log onto the Radial web site at www.radialeng.com and visit the
Cube FAQ section. This is where we post the latest updates and answers from users. If you
do not nd what you need, feel free to send us an email at info@radialeng.com and we will
do our best to answer your question as quickly as possible.
Now get ready to bring the fun & excitement of old school analog into your signal path.
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Radial Engineering Ltd.
e Cube™ Power Rack
True to the Music
®
FRONT PANEL FEATURE SET
12345
1. THREE CARD SLOTS: Both single and double wide 500 series modules will t in the
Workhorse Cube.
2. CARD SLOT BACK PLANE: Modules can draw as much current as they need from a
shared pool of 500mA through the card slot connector.
3. DC FILTER CAPS: On-board DC ltering provides additional power conditioning.
4. POWER SWITCH WITH LED: Used to turn the Cube on or off and provides visual
power status for the +/- 16 volt module rails.
5. STEEL CASE: The Cube’s chassis is made from heavy 14 gauge steel to provide extra
shielding against stray magnetic elds and RF.
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Radial Engineering Ltd.
REAR PANEL FEATURE SET
67
98101112
6. 48 VOLT : On/off switch for phantom power. LED indicator will illuminate when active.
7. EXTERNAL POWER: High current external switching supply delivers 500mA to the
card slots.
8. FEED FUNCTION: Lets you connect one module into the next to set up elaborate
channel strips without having to hard patch modules using cables.
9. STEREO LINK: Makes it easy to pair up modules equipped with a stereo link function
in a standard master-slave conguration.
10. OMNIPORT™: ¼” TRS connectors add functionality to enhance each module’s
capability as set by the manufacturer.
11. BALANCED I/O: Follows original XLR I/O format and adds parallel ¼” TRS jacks for
added connectivity and cross-patching.
12.REMOVABLE HANDLE: Makes transporting the Cube more convenient around the
studio. Can be removed for stacking.
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Radial Engineering Ltd.
e Cube™ Power Rack
True to the Music
®
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
INPUT
OUTPUT
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
CARD SLOT 3
INTRODUCTION
The Cube is a three card-slot power frame designed for 500 series modules. Up to three
modules may be used at any one time. The Cube routes the modules to the XLR and ¼” TRS
connectors on the rear panel via a 15-pin card-edge receptacle. Radial modules and those
that have been designed by other manufacturers to take advantage of the Workhorse’s extra
features will enjoy the added functionality of the Omniport™.
INPUT-3
INPUT-2
CARD-SLOT 2CARD-SLOT 3CARD-SLOT 1
INPUT-1
OUTPUT-1OMNIPORTOMNIPORTOMNIPORTOUTPUT-2OUTPUT-3
SIGNAL FLOW
This ow chart shows the basic signal routing. The signal comes into the Cube via the rear
panel XLR female or ¼” TRS inputs. Once the signal goes into a module it is processed and
sent to the male XLR and parallel ¼” TRS output. From here the signal can be routed to the
next adjacent module via the FEED switch connection as described in the next section.
CARD SLOT I/O CONNECTIONS
Each of the Cube card slots is equipped with XLR and ¼” TRS inputs and outputs. The input
sensitivity will be dependant on the type of module being used. For instance if you are using
a microphone preamplier, the input will of course be suited for a low level microphone. If
you are using a dynamic processor like a limiter or an EQ, then the input will usually be set
to handle a professional +4dB balanced line-level signal.
FEED
OFF
LINK
OFF
12
OUTPUT
INPUT
OMNIPORT
INPUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
OMNIPORT
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OMNIPORT
3
OUTPUT
INPUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
Following 500 series convention, the XLR and TRS outputs usually produce a +4dB balanced
line level signal that is able to feed a professional recording system or line level mixing
console. Put simply, the input level is determined by the type of module being used while the
output level will typically be a balanced +4dB line level signal. If you use ¼” mono cables
you will unbalance the signal. This will reduce the level by about -6dB but everything will still
remain completely functional. Simply adjust the levels to compensate.
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True to the Music
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Radial Engineering Ltd.
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT-2
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT-3
INPUT
FEED
INPUT
FEED
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
INPUT
FEED
INPUT
FEED
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OFF
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
FEED SWITCH
As you delve further into the functionality of the 500 series, you will nd that the modular
format allows all kinds of connectivity options. With older 500 series racks, connections
between modules were done using an XLR cable whereby the output from one module would
plug into the input of another. The Cube simplies the process by introducing a FEED switch
on the rear panel. This connects the balanced output of one module to the adjacent module
to the immediate left when viewing the rear panel.
INPUT-1
SIGNAL
FLOW
SIGNAL
FLOW
OUTPUT-3
SIGNAL
FLOW
CARD-SLOT 2CARD-SLOT 3CARD-SLOT 1
FEEDFEED
SIGNAL
FLOW
OUTPUT-1OUTPUT-2
The FEED switch allows you to daisy chain a series of adjacent modules making it easy
to create a customized channel strip whereby a mic preamp feeds an EQ which in turn
could feed a compressor. Changing the order is simply a matter of relocating the modules or
patching using an XLR cable. The UP position turns the FEED connection on.
The ¼” TRS connectors are also great for cross-patching between modules. Think of it like
a patchbay. Simply take the output from one, feed it into another and then jump back. This
opens many creative options and loads more fun.
STEREO LINK SWITCH
Card-slots one and two are equipped with a LINK switch. The LINK function allows modules
that are ‘stereo ready’ to be linked together. A typical example would be using two limiters on
a stereo track where you want the dynamics to be the same for both channels.
CARD SLOT 3
OUTPUT
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
LINK
OFF
STEREO PAIR
CARD SLOT 3
OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
STEREO PAIR
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OUTPUTOUTPUT
LINK
OFF
CARD-SLOTS 1 & 2 LINKED FOR
STEREO OPERATION
CARD-SLOTS 2 & 3 LINKED FOR
STEREO OPERATION
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Radial Engineering Ltd.
e Cube™ Power Rack
True to the Music
®
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
123
INPUT
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 3CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORTOMNIPORT
OFF
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUTOUTPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
INPUT
FEED
LINK
INPUT
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 3CARD SLOT 2
OFF
OFF
OUTPUTOUTPUTOUTPUT
OMNIPORT
Omniport™ is a special ¼” TRS jack located on the rear panel that has been left ‘open’
to allow the module to perform a unique task. In other words, depending on the type of
module, the manufacturer can assign the Omniport to perform a function that may be most
appropriate. This could be a key input on a gate, a TRS insert or maybe a buffered output.
As the Omniport function is determined by the module, you will need to consult the module
manufacturer’s specication for details on how it was designed to be used.
SETTING UP THE CUBE
For desktop use, four rubber feet are included in the packaging. To install the rubber feet, turn
the Cube upside down and insert into the four open holes on the bottom.
The Cube also comes with a convenient carry handle that makes it easier to move the Cube
around the studio. You will nd Phillips screws in the package with the handle for mounting.
Leave the handle off if you want to stack stuff on top.
INSTALLING MODULES IN THE CUBE
When making any electrical connection, it is always safer to do so with the power disconnected.
The Cube’s internal power circuit is equipped with protective measures intended to provide a
margin of safety should a module exchange be performed with the power on. However, the
Cube is not designed to allow repeated insertion and removal of modules while the power
supply is active. Always power off the Cube before exchanging modules.
OMNIPORTOMNIPORT
OMNIPORT
123
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e Cube™ Power Rack
True to the Music
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Radial Engineering Ltd.
POWER SUPPLY
The Cube employs an external power supply that will automatically convert the various
voltages used around the world and regulate them before sending the power to the Cube.
A standard male IEC/EIN power input connector makes it easy to travel as you need only
change the cable to suit the local power connector type. The connection between the power
supply is a 4-pin locking XLR.
As soon as you connect the Cube, a rear panel LED will illuminate to let you know the power
supply is active. A front-panel power switch and LED indicator will illuminate when turned
on. An additional rear panel LED indicator monitors the 48V phantom power supply when it
is switched on. Turning phantom power on or off is global and applied to all card slots. For
modules such as dynamic processors or EQs that do not use phantom power the module
simply ignores the phantom power as if it were not there.
POWER SHARING
The Cube’s power supply produces 500 milliamps (mA) of current that is shared between the
card slots. So for instance, if you have a power-hungry tube preamp in slot 1 that requires
250 milliamps of current, you still have 250 milliamps of current left to power the other two
card slots. Considering most 500 series modules use between 40 and 130 milliamps of
current, it is unlikely you will ever exceed the Cube’s available power.
Example A:
Slot-1 Radial PowerTube tube preamp Draw: 235mA
Slot-2 Radial Q3 induction coil EQ Draw: 25mA
Slot-3 Radial Komit compressor Draw: 130mA
Total Current Draw: 390mA (110mA to spare!)
Example B:
Slot-1 Radial PowerPre preamp Draw: 130mA
Slot-2 Radial Q3 induction coil EQ Draw: 25mA
Slot-3 Radial Komit compressor Draw: 130mA
Total Current Draw: 295mA (205mA to spare!)
Note: The original API™ spec calls for an average of 130mA for each slot. The Cube exceeds
this with a total of 500mA or 166mA when current draw is divided equally between the three
card slots.
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Radial Engineering Ltd.
e Cube™ Power Rack
True to the Music
®
SIGNAL FLOW AND LEVELS
Because the Cube is modular, it can accept a multitude of different devices into it’s card slots.
This also means that you need to understand the signal ow so that you can be sure what
you want to do will work. In the world of audio there are basically four low level signal groups
to contend with before you get to high power output levels such as those produced by power
ampliers to drive loudspeakers.
MIXER
+4dB
-10dB
0dB
NOMINAL
WORKHORSE MIX BUS
3
4
-20dB
-50dB
MIC / DI
1
ACOUSTIC
2
1. MIC LEVEL RANGE: Microphones and direct boxes produce the weakest signals. These
typically range from -60dB to -40dB depending on type. Some such as ribbon microphones
can be as low as -70dB while condenser mics will generally be at the top end of this range.
With a Cube, one would connect a microphone to a preamp like the PowerPre™. This would
elevate the mic-level signal to produce a +4dB line-level at the XLR output.
2. INSTRUMENT LEVEL RANGE: The output levels produced by instruments can range widely. A
single coil electric guitar can produce as little as -40dB while an electronic keyboard, sampler
or digital piano is capable of producing -10dB or more. For low level instruments, 500 series
modules like the JDV™ amplify the signal to produce a +4dB signal level at the XLR output for
direct recording.
3. UNBALANCED -10dB LINE LEVEL RANGE: Unbalanced outputs from CD players, keyboards,
mixers and home hi- components are usually specied at -10dB and are often referred to as
consumer line-level. These connect to a mic preamp. If too loud, one simply engages a pad.
4. BALANCED +4dB LINE LEVEL RANGE: This is the professional line level that comes from a
recording system and is normally the level that goes in and out of EQs and compressors so
most 500 series modules employ a +4dB signal level.
Matching the output level of one device to the input of the next will help you avoid distortion
and maximize signal-to-noise. For instance, using a +4dB output to drive a -10dB input could
overload the input and cause distortion. Conversely, a -10dB output may not have enough
gain to drive the input of a +4dB device resulting in a higher noise oor.
Because each of the Cube slots is equipped with a balanced line level input and a balanced
line level direct output (depending on the module), you are pretty much free to interconnect
modules or route signals to other devices using standard XLR patch cables. Once you start
working with the Cube you will quickly come to understand all of the capabilities and how
easy it is to use.
Because the Cube is a modular frame, there are practically no limits as to what kind of signal
chain you can create. For instance, it can be loaded with Radial modules set up for analog
effects routing for your workstation, a customized channel strip, an instrument preamp for live
recording or as part of a play-back and overdub system.
As with all electronic equipment, turn off the power and turn down levels before making
connections. This will avoid the loud on-off transient that can damage equipment or blow
speakers. Plugging in a module is merely a matter of sliding it into the Cube and carefully
aligning the 15-pin card edge connector. Once plugged in, secure the module in place using
the supplied Phillips screws. After the module is connected, it will automatically route the
signal from the rear panel connectors to and from the module.
Simple XLR I/O
The rst step in approaching the Cube is going back to
the original Lunchbox™. This device was basically a
steel enclosure that fed power to a number of modules.
FROM
MODULE TO
NEXT DEVICE
FROM
SOURCE TO
MODULE
Connecting to and from modules was done using the
XLR connector that was associated with each card
slot. The Cube retains all of this connectivity while
adding the convenience of ¼” TRS connectors.
OUTPUT
INPUT
Setting Up A Channel Strip
The next stage is using several modules together to
create a channel strip. For instance, when recording a
vocal track, you may want to run a mic preamp into an
EQ to add some presence and then into a compressorlimiter so that the track stays out of the ‘red’.
Using the old system, you would connect the microphone to the mic preamp using a standard
XLR cable. The mic preamp output would then connect to the EQ which in turn would connect
to the limiter. The direct XLR output from the limiter would then be sent to the recording
system.
The Cube simplies the process with a FEED switch that replaces inter-module patch cables.
Instead of using an XLR cable, you simply push the FEED switch into the UP position and it
routes the signal to the adjoining module’s input. When engaged, the FEED function sends
the signal to the next module working from left to right (front view). Because the FEED
function is tied to the XLR connector, it will work with new Radial modules and older 500
series modules.
FEEDFEED
MIC PREAMPEQUALIZERCOMPRESSOR
Once you get started, you will soon nd all kinds of new and exciting ways to patch modules.
You could, for instance, use the feed switch to connect one module into the next while using
a TRS cable to simultaneously patch the signal to the third card-slot. The image below shows
how this is done. The mic signal has been split into two signal paths that can be processed
separately.
COMPRESSOR
EQUALIZER
10
FEED
MIC PREAMP
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NOTES
Page 14
NOTES
Page 15
NOTES
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THREE YEAR TRANSFERABLE LIMITED WARRANTY
RADIAL ENGINEERING LTD. (“Radial”) warrants this product to be free
from defects in material and workmanship and will remedy any such defects free of charge according to the terms of this warranty. Radial will
repair or replace (at its option) any defective component(s) of this product
(excluding nish and wear and tear on components under normal use) for
a period of three (3) years from the original date of purchase. In the event
that a particular product is no longer available, Radial reserves the right
to replace the product with a similar product of equal or greater value. In
the unlikely event that a defect is uncovered, please call 604-942-1001
or email service@radialeng.com to obtain an RA number (Return Authorization number) before the 3 year warranty period expires. The product
must be returned prepaid in the original shipping container (or equivalent)
to Radial or to an authorized Radial repair center and you must assume
the risk of loss or damage. A copy of the original invoice showing date of
purchase and the dealer name must accompany any request for work to
be performed under this limited and transferable warranty. This warranty
shall not apply if the product has been damaged due to abuse, misuse,
misapplication, accident or as a result of service or modication by any
other than an authorized Radial repair center.
THERE ARE NO EXPRESSED WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THOSE
ON THE FACE HEREOF AND DESCRIBED ABOVE. NO WARRANTIES
WHETHER EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL EXTEND BEYOND THE
RESPECTIVE WARRANTY PERIOD DESCRIBED ABOVE OF THREE
YEARS. RADIAL SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE FOR ANY
SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS
ARISING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS WARRANTY
GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE
OTHER RIGHTS, WHICH MAY VARY DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU
LIVE AND WHERE THE PRODUCT WAS PURCHASED.
Radial Engineering Ltd.
1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam BC V3C 5M5
tel: 604-942-1001 • fax: 604-942-1010
info@radialeng.com • www.radialeng.com