Q-Series
Q-Amp – Q-DI – Q-Pre
Operating Manual
August 2012
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover or rear
panel of this unit. No user serviceable parts inside. Please refer servicing to qualied
personnel only.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of re or electrical shock do not expose this appliance
to rain or moisture.
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
All safety and operation instructions of this manual should be read and adhered to
before operation.
Retain Instructions:
Please retain all safety and operating instructions for future reference.
Follow instructions:
All operation and user instructions should be followed.
Water, liquid and Moisture:
The appliance should not be used near water, rain or other liquids. Make sure that
no liquid can leak, spill or otherwise seep into the appliance.
Ventilation:
Please place the appliance so no obstacles interfere or impede the ow of air through
the ventilation openings.
Heat:
The appliance should be situated away from other heat sources such as heaters,
radiators, ovens, or other appliances that produce heat.
Power Source:
Make sure your appliance is set to the correct voltage for the country in which it will
be use before switching the device ON.
Grounding and Polarization:
Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
Power-Cord Protection:
Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on,
pinched, damaged, worn, or rubbed by any other device or obstacle.
Cleaning:
The appliance should be cleaned only with a light soft cloth. Do not use any damaging or corrosive products on the unit.
Periods of inactivity:
The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time or in case a lightning storm occurs.
Damage Requiring Service:
The appliance should be serviced by qualied service personnel when:
• The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or
• Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
• The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
• The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change
in performance; or
• The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.
Servicing:
The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that is described in the
Operating Instructions.
All other servicing should be referred to qualied service personnel.
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FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
Thank you very much for expressing your confidence in SM Pro Audio products by
purchasing this unit. The Q-Series have been designed to be used as standard tools
for home/pro studios, P.A. rental companies, Schools and in many other situations
where audio products would be used. With much experience in the audio industry
over a long period of time, and along with valuable suggestions from our customers,
our engineers have developed a product series we know you will be satisfied with.
We guarantee you uncompromising quality as well as excellent technical and audio
properties at an extremely affordable price.
Regards, SM ProAudio
INSTALLATION
Your SM Pro Audio Q-Series unit was carefully packed in the factory and the pakkaging was designed to protect the unit from rough handling. Nevertheless, we re-
commend that you carefully examine the packaging and its contents for any signs of
physical damage, which may have occurred in transit.
If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to us, but notify your dealer and the
shipping company immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement may
not be granted. Shipping claims must be made by the consignee.
Rack Mounting
The SM Pro Audio Q-Series unit fits into HALF a standard 19“ rack unit of space.
Be sure that there is enough air space around the unit for cooling. As to avoid overheating, please do not place the units on high temperature devices such as power
amplifiers. The Q-Rack gives you the possibility to integrate the Q-Series products
into your studio setup. So you can decide yourself, if you like to use the Q-Series as
desktop units or in a 19 inch rack.
Please check www.smproaudio.com for more information.
Mains voltage
The units come with a 17V AC power supply adaptor. Before you connect your unit
to the mains, please make sure that your local voltage matches the voltage required
by the unit!
1. THE DESIGN CONCEPT
High quality components and design
The philosophy behind SM Pro Audio products guarantees a no-compromise circuit
design and employs the best choice of components.
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2. Q-AMP Main Features
Professional, multi-purpose headphone amplifier system for stage and
studio applications.
• Four totally independent stereo high-power amplifiers in Half 1 RU package
• High quality audio even at extremely high volume levels
• Two independent stereo input sections
• 1/4” (6.5mm) and 1/8” (3.5mm) stereo headphone outputs per channel
• Output level control for each channel
• Independent selection of input for each output
• High-quality components and rugged construction
3. INTRODUCTION
In purchasing the new Q-Amp, you have acquired a headphone amplifier of high
class that meets all the demands and requirements of studio and live work. The unit
features switching possibilities and a sound quality few headphone amplifiers can
offer. Apart from its extremely powerful amplifiers the unit also offers an ingenious
line distribution system.
The Q-Amp features a variety of monitoring and distribution options: each of the four
stereo amplifiers can accept signal from any of the two stereo inputs on the rear of the
unit. This allows two completely independent monitor signals to each set of headpho-
nes connected to the Q-Amp! Ever had the drummer wanting a different mix feed from
the keyboard player? I bet you have and now it is finally possible using the Q-Amp.
4. Q-Amp FRONT panel
The Q-Amp has four independent headphone amplifiers or line distribution channels.
The unit provides 2 rotary controls and 2 stereo jacks per channel. An output is pro-
vided for both 1/8” and 1/4” connections.
4.1 Input signal selector switch
Each channel features a selector switch which allows for selection of any of
the 2 x stereo input source signals connected to the rear of the Q-Amp to be
routed to the selected channels headphone amplifier output. Simply choose
the source signal desired for that channel.
4.2 Rotary volume pot controls
Each channel features a rotary volume pot for variable adjustment of the desired
output level.
4.3 1/4’’ headphone output
4.4 1/8’’ headphone output
5. Q-Amp Back panel
The back panel has 2 stereo inputs. If you like to listen to a mono
signal, you should connect it to the left input jack.
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6. APPLICATION
6.1 Using the Q-Amp as a headphone amplifier
Connect a stereo (L&R) program source (2 x 1/4” Inch Jacks) to the rear of the
Q-Amp using one of the available 2 x stereo input pairs on the rear panel. You can
also connect a Mono signal to the input channel and split the signal into both sides
of the headphone.Connect a set of headphones using a stereo 1/4 Inch cable to
any of the headphone outputs on the front of the Q-Amp. Select the source signal
from the selector switch for the channel in use. Set to an appropriate level for
monitoring. Owing to the four independent channels of the Q-Amp, four individual
mixes for four musicians can be achieved with a single unit. In the application of
studio recording, you can configure sub-groups, aux sends or single outputs of
your audio mixer to feed signal independently to the Q-Amp. This enables each
musician to receive a specific configuration of instruments of their choice in there
headphones. Note: If four headphone outputs are not enough, you can interface
and link any number of Q-Amp’s for additional outputs.
6.2 Chaining multiple Q-Amp’s
It is very easy to chain multiple Q-Amp’s together. Use appropriate stereo 1/4 Inch
jack > to Y (2 x mono) cables and make connections from one of the outputs to
the stereo (L&R) audio inputs on the rear of your second Q-Amp. This effectively
allows an addition 3 x headphone outputs. You can continue to chain as many
units as you want using this procedure.
7. SPECIFICATIONS
AUDIO INPUTS: Connectors 1/4“ jack
Type unbalanced
Impedance 47k Ohms
Peak input level +25dB
Gain control range 40dB
HEADPHONE POWER AMPLIFIER OUTPUTS:
1/4” and 1/8” stereo outputs
Max. output level 300mW@32 Ohms (max 1W@32 Ohms)
Output impedance 22 Ohms
Max. gain +20 dB
DIST, FREQ, S/N RATIO & CROSSTALK:
Frequency response 20Hz~20kHz, 0dB~-2B
Distortion 0.02%
S/N Ratio better than 80dB
Crosstalk rejection >72dB@1kHz;-20dB input
POWER SUPPLY: 100-120 V AC, ~ 200-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz
Power consumption 6.5VA
Fuse 100-120 V AC: 630 mA (slow-blow)
200-240 V AC: 315 mA (slow-blow)
Mains connection Using External Power Supply 16Vac
PHYSICAL:
Dimension 1 3/4“ (44.5 mm) * 19“ (482.6 mm) * 8 1/2“ (217 mm)
Net weight approx. 3.15 kg
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8. Q-DI Main Features
Professional, multi-purpose DI Box/
Line mixer for stage and studio ap-
plications.
• Four totally independent DI Box units in 1/2 RU package
• Independent 20dB PAD switch per channel
• Independent earth (Ground) lift switch per channel
• Independent rotary volume control per channel for line mixer output
• Independent rotary pan control per channel for line mixer output
• Master Volume
• Headphone output
9. INTRODUCTION
The Q-DI features 4 independent DI Boxes! That‘s right! 4 independent DI (direct
injection) unbalanced to balanced line converters. This is fantastic news for many
uses in the studio or onthe road in live PA applications.
In addition, the Q-DI also functions as multi-channel stereo line mixer. This is an ingeniousfeature which will many musicians will find incredibly useful in live situations.
Just think! You can plug all your keyboards, samplers & modules into just one rack
unit on stage and supply independent XLR balanced outputs to the stage box for the
front of house engineer. AND set your own independent mix for stage monitoring..
cool! In Addition you have your own Headphone output on the unit.
10. Q-DI front panel
10.1 Rotary volume controls for each channel to line mixer stereo output
Use these variable controls to set the level of each channel signal level sent
to the stereo master output section.
10.2 Rotary pan controls for each channel to line mixer stereo output
Use these variable controls to set the pan of each channel signal level sent
to the stereo master output section
10.3 Four independent 20 dB/40 dB PAD switches
Use these switches to PAD each input channel signal level by 20dB or 40dB.
Use this only if you have an extremely high input signal strength.
10.4 Four independent earth lift switches
Use these switches to lift the earth in the input signal of the current channel.
10.5 Unbalanced (TS) audio input jack
Connect your unbalanced line signals here.
10.6 Master volume control
This sets the overall output volume of the stereo mixer and the headphone amp.
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11. Q-DI Back panel
11.1 Balanced XLR outputs
Balanced signal output to connect to a mixer, stage box, etc.
11.2 Unbalanced RCA MIX output
Your own independent mix for monitoring.
12. APPLICATION
12.1 Using the Q-DI as a DI Box
Connect the signal you would like to convert from unbalanced to balanced to the
Q-DI via a 1/4 inch unbalanced jack to one of the channel inputs on the front panel of
the unit. Connect an XLR balanced cable to the corresponding channel output on the
rear of the Q-DI and connect to your chosen destination. If the input signal strength
is too high you can depress the 20dB PAD. If there is an earth loop hum you can
remove by depressing the earth lift switch.
12.2 Using the Q-DI as a line mixer
You can mix volume & pan of all input signals to a single stereo pair of RCA con-
nections on the rear of the Q-DI. This enables use of the unit as a fully functional
line mixer. Just connect the RCA stereo master outputs on the rear to your chosen
destination and adjust the individual volume and pan controls for each individual
channel on the front of the Q-DI to suit your needs.
13. SPECIFICATIONS
AUDIO INPUTS: Connectors 1/4“ jack
Type TRS balanced
Impedance 47k Ohms
Min Sensitivity -20dB
Peak input level +16dB
STEREO LINE MIXER OUTPUTS:
Connectors RCA
Impedance 600Ohms
Max. output level +2dB (peak level +18.5 dB)
XLR BALANCED OUTPUTS:
Connectors XLR
Type balanced
Min. output impedance 600Ohms
Max. output level 0dB (peak level +18.5dB)
DIST, FREQ, S/N RATIO & CROSSTALK:
Frequency response 20Hz~20kHz, 0dB~-2B
Distortion 0.02%
S/N Ratio better than 74dB
Crosstalk rejection >80dB@1kHz;-20dB input
POWER SUPPLY: ~ 100-120 V AC, ~ 200-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz
Power consumption 11.5VA
Fuse 100-120 V AC: 630 mA (slow-blow)
200-220 V AC: 315 mA (slow-blow)
PHYSICAL:
Dimension 1 3/4“ (44.5 mm) * 8“ (230.6 mm) * 8 1/2“ (217 mm)
Net weight approx. 1.75 kg
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14. Q-Pre Main Features
Professional, multi-purpose multichannel pre-amplifier system for
studio applications.
• Four totally independent pre-amplifiers in half 19” rack package
• High quality audio
• 4 x balanced inputs
• 4 x unbalanced outputs
• Phantom On/Off per 2 channels
• 4 x peak Light indicators
• Individual gain control on each channel
15. INTRODUCTION
The market size for digital audio interfaces and computer based digital editing has
increased in a massive way. With systems available at very low prices, more and
more users are utilizing this technology. One of the main problems with many of
these systems is the input stage only consisting of unbalanced line inputs or very
low (or no mic pre) gain structure for the balanced input stage and the unavailability
of phantom power.
The Q-Pre comes to the rescue with 4 channels of balanced input, with a full range of
gain control from -20dB to +40dB and phantom power for every channel. This half rack
unit can now solve many of the connectivity issues which are raised in a large range of
situations, whether in the Studio, home, club installation or other live sound applications.
16. Q-PRE front panel
The Q-Pre has four independent pre-amplifiers channels. The unit provides variable
rotary gain controls, phantom power and peak indicator lights per channel.
16.1 The front panel rotary gain controls
Each channel features a rotary gain control for variable adjustment of the
desired pre-amplifier level.
16.2 Balanced input connectors
Balanced XLR signal inputs to connect microphones, line signals, etc.
17. Q-PRE Back panel
17.1 The Back panel phantom power switches
Each channel features a phantom power supply for enabling the
supply of 48v through the XLR input connector to power condenser
microphones. Each Switch controls 2 channlels.
17.2 Balanced output connectors
Balanced signal outputs to connect to a mixer, stage box, etc.
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18. APPLICATION
Using the Q-Pre
It could not be simpler to use and operate the Q-Pre. Each of the four pre-amplifier
channels has its own input and output and variable gain control.
Three steps:
18.1 Simply connect a signal for processing to one of the XLR balanced inputs on the
front of the Q-Pre.
18.2 Make a connection from the corresponding channel output on the front of the
Q-Pre to your desired destination (Mixer, recorder, etc).
18.3 Adjust the variable gain control to the desired pre-amplified level. To ensure
sure you do not over pre-amplify your signal a peak clip indicator light has been
provided on the front panel of the Q-Pre for each channel. When illuminated, this
light indicates that the preamplifier is overloaded and that distortion will occur.
Please turn down the variable gain control for the currently selected channel until
the peak clip light is no longer illuminated. Always trust your ears, the Peak LED is
after the gain control so you could actually distort the input with a very high level.
19. SPECIFICATIONS
AUDIO INPUTS & PRE AMPS:
Connectors XLR
Type balanced
Impedance 2k Ohms
Min Sensitivity -40dB
Peak input level +5dB
Gain control range 50dB
Peak amplification 74dB
Phantom power +48V, switchable
AUDIO OUTPUTS: Connectors 1/4“ jack
Type TRS balanced
Impedance -10dB 47K
Peak output level +18.5dB
DIST, FREQ, S/N RATIO & CROSSTALK:
Frequency response 20Hz~20kHz, 0dB~-2B
Distortion 0.02%
S/N Ratio better than 80dB
Crosstalk rejection >70dB@1kHz;-20dBinput
POWER SUPPLY: ~ 100-120 V AC, ~ 200-240 V AC, 50-60 Hz
Power consumption 8.5VA
Fuse 100-120 V AC: 630 mA (slow-blow)
200-240 V AC: 315 mA (slow-blow)
PHYSICAL:
Dimension 1 3/4“ (44.5 mm) * 19“ (482.6 mm) * 8 1/2“ (217 mm)
Net weight approx. 3.4 kg
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20. Warranty
20.1 Warranty Card
To be protected by this warranty, the buyer must complete and return the enc-
losed warranty card (signed/stamped by retail dealer) within 14 days of the date of
purchase to SM Pro Audio (see address below 3). Failure to return the card in due
time (date as per postmark) will void any extended warranty claims.
20.2 Warranty
20.2.1. SM Pro Audio warrants the mechanical and electronic components of this
product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one (3)
years from the original date of purchase, in accordance with the warranty regulati-
ons described below. If any defects occur within the specied warranty period that
are not caused by normal wear or inappropriate use, SM Pro Audio shall, at its sole
discretion, either repair or replace the product.
20.2.2. If the warranty claim proves to be justied, the product will be returned
freight prepaid by SM Pro Audio within Australia. Outside of Australia, the product
will be returned at the buyer‘s expense.
20.2.3. Warranty claims other than those indicated above are expressly excluded.
20.3 Return Authorization Number
20.3.1. To obtain warranty service, the buyer must call SM Pro Audio during normal
business hours BEFORE returning the product (Tel.: +61 3 9555 8081). All inquiries must be accompanied by a description of the problem. SM Pro Audio will then
issue a return authorization number or by email to service@smproaudio.com
20.3.2. The product must be returned in its original shipping carton, together with
the return authorization number, to the following address:
SM Pro Audio
Service Department
W25, 26-28 Roberna St
Moorabbin
Melbourne, Victoria
Australia 3189
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20.4 Warranty Regulations
20.4.1. Warranty services will be furnished only if the product is accompanied by
an original retail dealer‘s invoice. Any product deemed eligible for repair or replacement by SM Pro Audio under the terms of this warranty will be repaired or replaced
in the best possible manner.
20.4.2. If the product needs to be modied or adapted in order to comply with
applicable technical or safety standards on a national or local level, in any country
which is not the country for which the product was originally developed and manu-
factured, this modication/adaptation shall not be considered a defect in materials
or workmanship.
The warranty does not cover any such modication/adaptation, irrespective of
whether it was carried out properly or not. Under the terms of this warranty, SM Pro
Audio shall not be held responsible for any cost resulting from such a modication/
adaptation.
20.4.3. Free inspections, maintenance/repair work and replacement of parts are
expressly excluded from this warranty, in particular if caused by inappropriate use.
Likewise, the warranty does not cover defects of expendable parts caused by
normal wear of the product. Expendable parts are typically pots, potentiometers,
switches and similar components.
20.4.4. Damages/defects caused by the following conditions are not covered by
this warranty:
• Misuse, neglect or failure to operate the unit in compliance with the instruc-
tions given in the user or service manuals.
• Connection or operation of the unit in any way that does not comply with the tech-
nical or safety regulations applicable in the country where the product is used.
• Damages/defects that are caused by any other condition beyond the control of
SM Pro Audio.
20.4.5. Any repair carried out by unauthorized personnel will void the warranty.
20.4.6. Products which do not meet the terms of this warranty will be repaired
exclusively at the buyer‘s expense. SM Pro Audio will inform the buyer of any such
circumstance. If the buyer fails to submit a written repair order within 4 weeks after
notication, SM Pro Audio will return the unit C.O.D. with a separate invoice for
freight and packing. Such cost will also be invoiced separately when the buyer has
sent in a written repair order.
20.5 Claim for Damages
Failure of SM Pro Audio to provide proper warranty service shall not entitle the
buyer to claim (consequential) damages. In no event shall the liability of SM Pro
Audio exceed the invoiced value of the product.
20.6 Other Warranty Rights
This warranty does not exclude or limit the buyer‘s statutory rights provided by
national law, in particular, any such rights against the seller that arise from a legally
effective purchase contract.
The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. No
part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means,
electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording of any kind, for any
purpose, without the express written permission of SM Pro Audio.
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All illustrations, descriptions and technical specications are subject to
ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2012 SM Pro Audio
change without prior notice.
W25, 26-28 Roberna St Moorabbin Melbourne, Victoria Australia 3189
SM Pro Audio Service Department
www.smproaudio.com
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