Shure FP-16A User Guide

Model FP16A Distribution Amplifier

USER GUIDE FOR THE SHURE FP16A 1. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

GUIDE DE L’UTILSATEUR DE SHURE LA FP16A 5. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG FÜR SHURE FP16A 8. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

User Guide

GENERAL DESCRIPTION

The FP16A is a 1-input, 6-output, compact,
self-contained audio distribution amplifier for routing
multiple audio signal feeds without incurring loss,
distortion, hum or noise. The intelligent design, reliable
components and meticulous construction of the FP16A
make it the optimum choice for broadcast stations—AM,
FM, or TV, studios or ENG vans—as well as recording
studios, duplicating houses, and telecommunications and
production facilities.

FEATURES

S Wide–range audio frequency response
S Up to 90 dB gain
S Low noise, hum and distortion
S Protected against damage from input overload

and shorted outputs; protected against RFI and
mechanically protected against incorrect battery
insertion

S Transformer-coupled XLR input connector is

switchable to low-impedance microphone or line
level

S Phantom power for condenser microphones

available at input

S Six isolated, transformer-coupled XLR outputs

are switchable to low-impedance balanced mi­crophone or 600-ohm balanced line level

S Link input and output jacks permit ”ganging” of

FP16s for additional outputs, or adding external
equipment such as equalizers, compressors or
limiters

S Recessed input gain control with normal and

overload LED indicators

S Recessed individual output channel gain controls
S Powered by AC (120 or 240V—internally select-

able) or built-in battery pack

S Low battery drain provides more than 15 hours

operation under normal operating conditions

S Noiseless and automatic switchover to and from

battery power

S Rugged and durable construction
S Compact and lightweight for field use and trans-

portation

S Reliable operation over wide temperature and

humidity extremes

S Rack-mountable with accessory rack mount kit

Noise

E2002, Shure Incorporated
27A8725 (BA)

Printed in U.S.A.

SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response (ref 1 kHz)

30 to 20,000 Hz, ±2 dB

Voltage Gain (at 1 kHz)

INPUT OUTPUT

LINE MICROPHONE LINK
Mic 90 dB 40 dB 70 dB
Line 40 dB –10 dB 20 dB
Link 20 dB –30dB – –

Inputs

INPUT IMPEDANCE (at 1 kHz) INPUT CLIPPING

FOR USE

WITH
Mic 150 Ω 1 kΩ –62 to –6 dBV*
Line less than 10 kΩ 66 kΩ –12 to + 44 dBV*
Link more than 5 kΩ 24 kΩ +8 dBV

*Dependent on input control setting

ACTUAL

LEVEL AT 1kHz

Outputs

INPUT IMPEDANCE (at 1 kHz) INPUT CLIPPING

FOR USE WITH ACTUAL
Mic 150 Ω 2 Ω –34 dBV
Line 600 Ω 185 Ω +16 dBV
Link 600 Ω or greater 100 Ω or less +16 dBV

LEVEL AT 1kHz

Noise

Equivalent Input Noise: –129 dBV (low-impedance
microphone, 150 Ohms, 300 to 20,000 Hz) into 600
ohm load at full gain

Equivalent Input Hum and Noise: –127 dBV (low­impedance microphone, 150 Ohms, 20 to 20,000 Hz)
into 600 ohm load at full gain

Output Noise: – 90 dBV maximum (output control full
counterclockwise [offl), –65 dBV maximum (output
control full clockwise [on]) (input control down, 300 to
20,000 Hz)

Output Hum and Noise: –75 dBV maximum (output
control down), –65 dBV max. (output control up, input
control down, 20 to 20,000 Hz)

Distortion

0.4% THD, 30 to 20,000 Hz at +15 dBm output; 0.5%
or less IM distortion at +15 dBm output

Common Mode Rejection

65 dB minimum with input of – 20 dBV at 100 Hz

Control Interaction

Less than 1 dB with any control combination

Overload and Shorting Protection

Shorting outputs, even for prolonged periods, will­cause no damage; microphone input will not be dam­aged by signals up to 3V

Phase

All outputs in phase with input. Pin 2 is “high” with
respect to pin 3; pin 1 is ground. Tips of link input and

output phone jacks are in phase with pin 2 of XLR
connectors.

Phantom Power

30 VDC nominal, 3.3k series resistance, automatical­ly disabled with input switch in Line position

Operating Voltage

AC Operation: 120 or 240 VAC ± 10% (internally se-
lectable), 50/60 Hz, 5.5W

DC Operation: 27 VDC nominal at 16 mA typical no­signal, 22 mA typical at 0 VU (+4 dBm) output; 21.5
VDC minimum; battery life approximately 20 hours
with alkaline batteries at +4 dBm output in continuous
use; three 9 volt batteries, type NEDA 1604A (Dura­cell MN1604 or Eveready 522 recommended)

Temperature Range

Operating: –18_ to 57_C (0_ to 135_F)
Storage: –29_ to 71_C (–20_ to 160_F)

Dimensions

79.5 mm H x 310 mm W x 230 mm D
(3–1/8 in, x12–7/32 in. x 9–1/16 in.)

Weight

Net: 2.75 kg (6 Ib 1 oz.)
Packaged: 3.15 kg (6 Ib 15 oz.)

Certifications

Listed by Underwriters Laboratories. Inc.; listed by
Canadian Standards Association as Certified

CONTROLS AND CONNECTORS
On·Off Switch: applies power to the FP16A circuitry

Power LED: Indicates unit is on.
Input Gain Screwdriver Control: adjusts input signal

level.
Output 1-6 Screwdriver Control: adjusts individual output

channel signal levels.
Norm LED: indicates when internal signal level is

approximately 25 dB below clipping.
Overload LED: indicates when internal signal level

approaches clipping.
Three-Pin XLR 1-6 Output Connectors: provide for

connection to either low-impedance microphone or line
level inputs of power amplifiers, mixers, or other signal
processing equipment.

Mic/Line 1-6 Slide Switches: select microphone or line
level output signal levels.

Phantom On-Off Slide Switch: applies 27 VDC (nominal)
phantom power to pins 2 and 3 of the input connector for
use with condenser microphones. IMPORTANT: Make
certain any condenser microphone used is compatible
with the FP16A phantom circuit, and that the FP16A input
Mic/Line switch is in the Mic position. Do not turn the
Phantom switch on when using unbalanced
low-impedance microphones; objectionable hum will

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result. Turn the Phantom switch off when phantom power
is not required.

Three-Socket XLR Input connector: provides for
connection to microphone or line level input signal
sources.

Input Mic/Line Slide Switch: selects microphone or
line-level input signals.

Link In, Out Phone Jacks: provide for connecting more
distribution amplifiers for additional outputs, or adding
external equipment such as equalizers, compressors, or
limiters. When connecting two or more FP16As together
for additional outputs, connect the Link Out jack of the
”master” unit to the Link In jacks of the others. Any
number of FP16As can be tied together in this way. The
Link In jack is input-only, and has switching contacts to
disconnect the input signal amplifier from the output
channel volume controls.
Connect an equalizer, limiter or compressor to the
FP16A by connecting the FP16A Link Out jack to the
external unit’s input, and the external unit’s output to the
FP16A Link In jack.
Signals at the Link jacks are typically 10 dB below line
level. The Link In input impedance is greater than 20 kΩ
and may be considered a bridging impedance.

INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
Battery Operation

In addition to 120 or 240 VAC operation, the FP16A can
be operated from an internal battery pack. Current drain
is typically 22 mA at +4 dBm output level. Battery
operation is recommended for remote, on-location
operation, and as an emergency backup source in case
of AC power failure.
Access to the battery compartment is through the
bottom of the chassis. Three 9 volt transistor radio
batteries power the FP16A at full rated output. Use
alkaline batteries for maximum life. Duracell MN1604 or
Eveready 522 are recommended. Battery life is
approximately 20 hours at +4 dBm continuous use. Note
that phantom power loading will increase battery drain.
With batteries in the battery compartment, the FP16A
will automatically and silently switch to battery operation
should the AC voltage fall below a suitable level.

Connections

Connect the signal source to the three-socket XLR Input
connector and set the input Mic/Line switch for the proper
level. Connect the three-pin XLR 1-6 Output connectors
to low-impedance microphone or line level inputs of
power amplifiers, mixers, etc. Set each Mic/Line switch
for the appropriate signal level.
Connect additional distribution amplifiers or add
external equipment using the FP16A Link jacks (see
Controls and Connectors). A common ground connection
can be established using the rear-panel Ground binding
post.
Connect the line cord to a 120 VAC ±10%, 50/60 Hz

source if the FP16A is to be ac-operated. If 240 volt AC
operation is desired, refer to the Service section.

Adjustments

Turn the On-Off switch to the On position (Power LED will
light). Turn the Phantom switch on if a
non-battery-operated condenser microphone is to be
used with the FP16A.
With an input signal applied, adjust the Input gain
control so that the Norm LED flickers during normal
speech or music (the Overload LED will flicker as the
signal level approaches clipping). Adjust the Output 1-6
controls to provide an adequate signal feed to the
following equipment.

Telephone Interconnection

When using the FP16A connected directly to a telephone
line, check to see whether the telephone company
requires an interface coupler between the FP16A and the
telephone line. If a coupler is required, make certain the
coupler selected and the wiring arrangement are in
compliance with local telephone company regulations.
When direct connection to a telephone line is not
possible, acoustic coupling to a telephone handset may
be used. A Shure Model 50AC Telephone Acoustic
Coupler can be connected to the 600 ohm line output of
the FP16A and attached to most telephone handsets.

Telephone Line Surge Protection

When using the FP16A connected directly to a telephone
line subject to lightning-induced voltage surges, the
following part (commercially available) can be installed
across the LINE OUT terminals to provide additional
protection for output circuit components: Metal Oxide
Varistor, General Electric Co., Type No. V22ZA1.

ACCESSORIES

The Model A16R Rack Panel Kit consists of a 19 in, x
3-1/2 in. (483 mm x 89 mm) precut rack panel and
necessary hardware for rackmounting the FP16A with its
cover in place and end caps removed in a standard 19”
(483 mm) rack panel.

SERVICE

Caution: These servicing instructions are for use by
qualified personnel only. To avoid electric shock, do not
perform any servicing other than that contained in the
Operating Instructions unless you are qualified to do so.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.

The FP16A can be disassembled as follows. Remove
two screws fastening each end cap. Remove four screws
securing the cover assembly to the chassis. Carefully lift
the cover assembly up and away from the chassis, taking
care not to snag any wire leads or components.

240 VAC Operation

To change the FP16A operating voltage from 120 VAC to
240 VAC, follow these steps.

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1. Locate the Power board.

2. Remove the jumper plug from connector J205
(marked 120V), and carefully insert it in connector
J206 (marked 240V), making sure all six pins are
properly engaged.

3. lnsert the T50mA/250V fuse (packaged with the
FP16A) in the fuseholder marked F202.

4. Replace the AC line cord (if necessary) with one de­signed for the 240 volt source. If the FP16A is to be

used outside the U.S. and Canada, local regulations
may require replacing the line cord with one having
wire insulation colors as follows:

“live” or “hot” Neutral Earth or Ground
U.S., Canada Black White Green
Europe Brown Blue Green/Yellow

5. Mark the FP16A rear panel with the new operating
voltage.

REPLACEMENT PARTS LIST

REFERENCE DESIGNATION DESCRIPTION SHURE PART (COMMERCIAL ALTERNATIVE)

C101 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 47 µ , 35V Shure 60101FT (Sprague 503D476F035ND)
C104, C107, C130 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 22 µF, 35V Shure 60104FT (Sprague 502D226G050CE1C)
C105, C108, C111, Capacitor, Electrolytic, 4.7 µF, 35V Shure 60105FT (Panasonic ECE-A35Z4R7)

C114, C117, C120
C123

C110, C113, C116, Capacitor, Electrolytic, 100 µF, 35V Shure 60107FT (Sprague 503D107F050PD
C119, C122, C125,
C127, C133

C131, C134 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 470 µF, 35V Shure 60108FT (Sprague 503D477M035PE)
C202 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 330 µF, 63V Shure 60111FT (Sprague 503D337F063QG)
C204, C205 Capacitor, Electrolytic, 10 µF, 35V Shure 60112FT (Sprague 503D106F035LA)
D101-D108 Diode, Computer, 75V Shure 86A415 (TI/GE 1N4148)
D201-D204, D206-D207 Silicon Rectifier, 100V, 1/2A Shure 60201FT (Motorola 1N4002)
D205 Zener Diode, 9V, 112W Shure 60202FT (Motorola1N5239)
D601 Light-Emitting Diode, Green Shure 60204FT (Rohm SLR34MG3)
D701 Light-Emitting Diode, Yellow Shure 60205FT (Rohm SLR34YY3)
D702 Light-Emitting Diode, Red Shure 60206FT (Rohm SLR340R3)
F201 Fuse, Slow-Blow, 3AG, 100 mA, 250V Shure 60207FT (Littelfuse 313.010)
F202 Fuse, Time Delay, 5 mm x 20 mm, Shure 60208FT (Littelfuse 218.050)

J401 Connector, 8-socket, XLR, PCB-mount Shure 60216FT (Cannon XLB-3-31PCV)
J402-J407 Connector, 3-pin, XLR, PCB-mount Shure 60217FT (Cannon XLB-3-32PCV)
J501-J502 Connector, PhoneJack, 2-conductor, Shure 60218FT

L401-L414, Ferrite Bead Ring
L501-L502

Q101, 0103, Q105, Transistor, NPN Shure 60601FT (Rohm T1S92)
Q107, 0109, Q111,
Q113-Q115, 0202-Q203

Q102, Q104, 0106, Transistor, PNP Shure 60602FT (Rohm TIS93)
Q108, Q110, Q112

Q201 Transistor, NPN Shure 60203FT (TI TIP30A)
R162 Potentiometer, Reverse Audio Taper, Shure 60310FT

R163-R168 Potentiometer, Audio Taper, 50k Shure 60311FT
S1 Switch, Slide, DPDT (Power) Shure 61401FA
S301, S303-S308 Switch, Slide, 4PDT (Mic/Line) Shure 60402FT (Alco MSS4200RG)
5302 Switch, Slide, 4PDT (Phantom) Shure 60403FT (Alco MSS4200R)

T101 Transformer, Input Shure 60501FT
T102-T107 Transformer, Output Shure 60502FT
T201 Transformer, Power Shure 61501FA
U101 Integrated Circuit, Op Amp (selected Shure 86A808A (Raytheon RC4156DB)

U102-U103 Integrated Circuit, Op Amp Shure 86A808A (Raytheon RC4156DB)
U104 Integrated Circuit, Quad Comp Shure 60604FT (Raytheon LM339)
W13 Line Cord, AC Shure 60226FT

50 mA, 250V

Single Closed Circuit

100k

for noise figure)

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