SM Pro Audio Stage Buddy Operating Manual

SMPro Audio Stage Buddy

Stage Buddy

Personal monitoring system

EXPANDABLE CAT5 SYSTEM
BUILT-IN REVERB & EQ
ON-BOARD LIMITER
EASY “MORE ME” CONTROL

REMOTE

100

Power

Headphone

Stage Bu ddy

remote

FO H/DI

GND

Lift

Mic/Li ne 1 Mic/Li ne 2

Gai n

Low

High

100

Tone

Rever bLevel

MonoLimiter

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Mix

More M e

Mic/Li ne 2 Mic/Li ne 1

Monitor

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Pad Pad48V48V

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Cat 5 In Cat 5 Ou t

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AC 17 V
500mA

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SMPro Audio Stage Buddy

SIG SIG

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100

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Model:

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SERIAL

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SMPRO AUDIO STAGE BUDDY

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION:

panel of this unit. No user serviceable parts inside. Please refer servicing to
qualified personnel only.

WARNING:

appliance to rain or moisture.

To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover or rear

To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this

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 flow 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 used.

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.

Damage Requiring Service:

The appliance should be serviced by qualified 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 what is described in
the Operating Instructions.

ALL OTHER SERVICING SHOULD BE REFERRED TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL

FOReWORD

Dear Customer,
Thank you very much for expressing your confidence in SM Pro Audio products

by purchasing this unit. The Stage Buddy was designed to be a full-featured
personal monitoring system for project and professional studios, live sound
rental companies, houses of worship, schools, and fixed installations—in short,
virtually any and all venues where audio products are used. Drawing on years
of hands-on experience in the audio industry and valuable suggestions from
our customers, our engineers have developed a product that we are certain will
more than meet your expectations. As with all SM Pro Audio equipment, the
Stage Buddy was designed to provide you with superb performance, excellent
technical specifications, and uncompromised audio quality at an extremely
affordable price.

Regards,
SM Pro Audio

INSTALLATION

Your SM Pro Audio Stage Buddy was carefully packed at the factory and the
packaging is designed to protect the unit from rough handling. Nevertheless,
we recommend that you carefully examine the packaging and its contents for
any signs of physical damage that 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.

SMPRO AUDIO STAGE BUDDY

PLACEMENT

The SM Pro Audio Stage Buddy utilizes an electronic circuit. Be sure that there is
enough air space around the unit for cooling. To avoid overheating, please do
not place the unit on high temperature devices such as power amplifiers or near
other units that may have high frequency transmittance, such as wireless devices.

Mains voltage

The Stage Buddy can be used with voltages ranging from 100V AC to 250V AC.
Please make sure that you have selected the correct voltage range on the back
of the unit and that the required fuse setting is correct as well before switching
the unit ON. Damage occurring as a result of incorrect voltage selection may
not be covered as a warranty repair.

SMPro Audio Stage Buddy

INTRODUCTION

The Stage Buddy system is an expandable monitoring solution
comprised in its simplest form of one MASTER unit and four (4)
REMOTE units. Remote units can be connected either directly to
the Master unit or daisy-chained (up to 4 units) in succession to each
other using readily available standard CAT5 (ethernet) network cable.
Audio transmission and power is supplied to each remote unit directly
from the MASTER unit, making an extremely simple and elegant
solution for distributing personal monitoring to multiple users.

The MASTER unit is a 1U 19" rack-mountable hardware device that
houses both the main audio connections for the system and four
CA T5 distribution outlets for connection to the REMOTE units.
Power/signal LED s on the front panel display current audio
activity, while a convenient split output pair allows for simple
system expansion and added flexibility for various audio applications.

Each REMOTE unit is a little wonder in itself! With a host of features
packed into a compact monitoring unit, the REMOTE of fers quality
personal microphone preamplification, EQ, reverb, limiting, and a
powerful, pristine headphone amplifier. The special and ingenious
“MORE ME” control is a standout. What could be easier than simply
turning up the MORE ME knob when you want to hear a little more
of yourself?

General

STAGE BUDDY REMOTE:

2 x Combination XLR - TRS 1/4" inputs
2 x Mic preamplifiers
Switchable +48V phantom power per input channel
Switchable -20dB pad per input channel
Built-in personal monitor reverb
Tone control
“More Me” mix balance control
2 x XLR FOH/DI outputs with GND lift switch
2 x XLR Monitor outputs
2 x RJ45 system link connectors

STAGE BUDDY MASTER:

4 x RJ45 system link connectors
8 x Audio/Power activity indicators
2 x XLR Mic inputs with inserts
2 x XLR split outputs

Stage Buddy master unit

The Master unit provides the power and the audio signal to the Stage Buddy
Remote units via a standard CAT5 cable (also referred to as a network cable).
Although a Remote unit can be used as a stand-alone device (described later
in this manual), in most cases a Master unit will be used for audio and power
distribution.

SMPro Audio Stage Buddy

1

SIG SIG

Lev el

100

100

Lev el

3

2

1

1

2

2

1 2 3 4

Model:

master

Stage Budd y

SERIAL

4

Ins e rt

Le ft

3

MIX IN

3

Stag e Buddy

Mast er

MIX IN

Inse rt

Left

Ins e rt

Ri gh t

Rig ht

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Left

Rig ht

Split

Le ft

Ri gh t

4

Model:

Stage Bu ddy mas ter

SERIAL

4

5 6

1. Audio input level controls (please note LED ON means distortion)

2. Power safe indication for the four CAT5 outputs (each one has its own
power supply and fuse).

3. Audio input, balanced XLR and 1/4" inputs.

4. Split signal (from the audio inputs) so that other Stage Buddy Master
units can be connected (for expanding a system by “daisy-chaining”
multiple Master units).

5. AC power input. Please make sure the correct voltage for your country
is selected.
6 RJ45 CAT5 outputs for connection to Stage Buddy Remote units, and

.

individual power fuse for each CAT5 output.

SMPro Audio Stage Buddy

Stage Buddy REMOTE Connection s

The Remote unit is a full-featured device designed to give you a great deal of
control over the sound you’re monitoring. The unit also provides enhanced
features, such as digital reverb and equalization, for customizing your sound.

3. T o n e

Low

Me

Mono

Mic/ Li ne 1

1. E - S er ie s M i c Pr ea mp in pu ts

Ga inGa in

100100100

Mic/ Li ne 2

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PADPAD

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48 V Pha n tom
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6. O utp ut Le ve l

7. H ig h P o we r
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O utp ut

8. L im it er

Lev el

Powe r

Head ph one

9. Mono Switch

4. M o r e M e!

100 High

Re ver b Tone

Mix

Mor e Me

Lim ite r

Protect your ears!

The Stage Buddy’s headphone output is LOUD!
It may cause permanent hearing damage if not correctly
used or if used over prolonged periods at loud levels!

1. Combination XLR-1/4" inputs. The XLR is for microphone signals and

the 1/4" TRS is for Line Level and Instrument signals.

2. 48V phantom power switch and -20dB pad for the XLR input

3.

Simple Tone Control: Move to the left for more bass and to the right for

for more treble.

.

4

More Me: Turn to the left for more music (audio signal from Master unit

over CAT5 cable) in the monitor mix; move to the right to hear more of

you-–the signal appearing at the inputs (vocals, guitars, keyboards, etc.)

5. Adds digital reverb to the input signal.

6.

Adjusts the output level of the headphones.

7. 1/4" stereo headphone output connector
.

Limiter On/Off switch, applied to the audio signal from the CAT5

8

cable Master Unit. Protection for your ears!

9. Mono switch. If only one of the Stage Buddy Remote inputs is used,

enabling this switch causes the signal to be heard in both sides of the

headphones or monitoring system. If two different signals are being monitored,
for example, a vocal and a guitar, enabling the Mono switch allows both signals
to appear equally in the headphones, rather than one signal on the left and
the other on the right.

Stage Buddy REMOTE Connection s

SMPro Audio Stage Buddy

6. B a la nc e d XL R F. O. H. O utp ut s

F OH /DI

GND

Lift

Mic /L ine 1

7. G N D lif t swi tc h

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Mic /L ine 2

GND

Lift

5. Mo n ito r ou tpu ts

4. L e ve l A dj us t me nt

Monit or

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3. C a t5 inp ut a n d
o u t p u t

2. B a la nc e d 1 /8” con ne c to rs

Li nk

Le ft Ri ght

C at 5 I n Ca t 5 O u t

AC 1 7V
500m A

Po we r

1. P o we r inp ut
an d sw itc h .

1. The Remote unit can be powered from a 17V AC / 1AMP power supply or,

when used with a Master unit, over CAT5 cable (via the RJ45
connector). The switch selects the power source. Note that only two
remote units should be used in a daisy-chain manner when power is
applied via the CAT5 cable. You can connect many more units in a
daisy-chain configuration if a power supply is connected to each unit.

2. When used in stand-alone mode without a master, audio signals can
be routed into the Remote via these balanced TRS 1/8" connectors.

3. RJ45 connectors for connecting a CAT5 cable between the
Master and the Remote unit. Multiple units can be easily daisy-chained

.

using the CAT5 inputs and outputs.

4. Used to adjust the output level for the XLR Monitor outputs (normally
connected to an amp or an active monitoring system).

5. Monitor outputs, balanced XLR.

6. Balanced XLR outputs to F.O.H. (Front of House) or mixers, etc.
These connectors duplicate the signals appearing at the front-panel inputs.

XLR signals bypass all circuits, including the built-in microphone preamps.
When a 1/4" plug is connected to the front of the Remote unit, a circuit is
automatically switched in that turns the unit into a D.I. (Direct Inject) box.

7. Ground Lift switch. In some situations you may encounter a ground (or
“earth”) hum. Enabling this switch may resolve the problem.

SMPro Audio Stage Buddy

Stage Buddy functions: BASIC setup

In its simplest form, a system consists of a Master and two-four Remote units.
To set up a basic system:

1. Switch the Master unit ON. Observe that all four power LEDs are illuminated,
indicating that the unit is working properly. Connect the L/R outputs from your
mixer or other audio source to the Master unit’s Mix inputs. The input sensitivity
is set at -10dB; play the source music into the Master and adjust the output level
of your mixer so that the green signal LEDs are not lit. Illuminated LEDs indicate
an input overload, which will result in distortion being heard in the Remote units.

2. On the Remote unit, set the Power Selector switch to the CAT5 position. Using
standard CAT5 (ethernet) cable, connect one of the Master unit’s CAT5 ouputs
to the CAT5 input on the Remote. The Remote’s power indicator should be on.

Important: Be sure to use standard CAT5 cable with no deviation from standard
wiring, or signals will not transmit properly from the Master to the Remote.

3. Turn the Level control on the Remote unit fully counter-clockwise (OFF), then
connect a set of headphones. Rotate the More Me knob fully counter-clockwise,
then slowly increase the Level control until you can hear the audio signal from
the Master unit at a comfortable volume.

4. Connect a microphone to the Remote unit’s Mic 1 XLR input jack. If the
microphone requires phantom power, engage the input’s front-panel phantom
power switch. Turn the input’s Gain knob fully counter-clockwise and rotate the
More Me control fully to the the right. Turn the Reverb knob fully to the left (OFF),
set the EQ control to its center position, and depress the Mono button so that
the microphone signal feeds the left and right headphone channels equally.

5. Begin talking or singing into the microphone. Slowly raise the level of the Mic 1
input Gain control until you hear a nice clean sound at a comfortable volume.
Adjust the Reverb and EQ controls to taste. Now rotate the More Me control to
set the blend of the microphone signal and the audio coming from the Master unit.

6. To record the microphone signal, connect the F.O.H. output on the Remote unit
to the input of your recording system. Adjustments made to your personal monitor
signal, e.g., reverb and EQ settings, headphone mix, and so on, will not affect
the signal appearing at the F.O.H. output.

You can now connect additional Stage Buddy Remote units by running CAT5
cables between them and the Master unit, or by connecting the CAT5 output
of a Remote unit to the CAT5 input of another.

.

.

Stage Buddy functio ns: S OLO PERFORMANCE

A single Remote device works as a mixer/monitor for use with a PA system.

In this application there is no master unit to supply AC power to the Remote,
so you’ll need to power the remote with a 17VAC/1AMP power supply.

Connect an audio source, such as an MP3 player or the output of a laptop,
to the L/R 1/8" inputs on the Remote. Note that these inputs are monophonic,
so the combined stereo output of an MP3 player, for example, will need to be
split into independent left/right signals. This may require that you make or
purchase the appropriate cable.

SMPro Audio Stage Buddy

MP3 player

Common

Left

If the signal is balanced (from a computer interface, for example), the source
XLR/TRS output should be wired to an 1/8" plug in standard TRS fashion, i.e.,
T = Tip/Hot, R = Ring/Cold, S = Common/Shield (Sleeve)

Now connect your microphone and guitar, for example. Mix between them and
and the backing track, add reverb and EQ, then send the full mix to your PA
system via the Monitor outputs on the back of the Stage Buddy Remote.

Right

S

R

T

Stage Buddy

Common

Right

Common

Left

SMPro Audio Stage Buddy

Stage Buddy functions: GROUP MONITORING

100s of Stage Buddies can be used together, in a large orchestra, for
example, with each player having independent control over their own
volume, mix, and effects. Up to 20 Remote units can be daisy-chained
on a single audio stream from a Master unit (with four streams per Master),
and multiple Master units can also be daisy-chained.

Note that in configurations using more than two Remote units, each unit
must be powered by its own 17VAC supply, rather than via CAT5.

1 WARRANTY CARD

To be protected by this warranty, the buyer must complete an online warranty
registration within 14 days of the date of purchase at www.smproaudio.com

2 W ARRANTY

1. SM ProAudio warrants the mechanical and electronic components of this
product to be free of defects in material and workmanship for a period of one
year from the original date of purchase, in accordance with the warranty
regulations described below. If any defects occur within the specified 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.

2. If the warranty claim proves to be justified, 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.

3. Warranty claims other than those indicated above are expressly excluded.

3 R ET URN AUTHOR IZATION NUMBER

1. To obtain warranty service, the buyer must call SM Pro Audio during normal
business hours BEFORE returning the product (Tel.: [phone]). All
inquiries must be accompanied by a description of the problem. SM ProAudio
will then issue a return authorization number or by email to
[e-mail]

SMPro Audio Stage Buddy

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

For warranty service in the USA and Canada, please contact:

SM Pro Audio USA
c/o MV Pro Audio
www.mvproaudio.com
[e-mail]

SMPro Audio Stage Buddy

WARRANTY

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 under the
terms of this warranty will be repaired or replaced within 30 days of receipt of the product
at SM Pro Audio.

2. If the product needs to be modified 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 manufactured, this
modification/adaptation shall not be considered a defect in materials or workmanship.

This warranty does not cover any such modification/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 modification/adaptation.

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.

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 instructions given in

the user or service manuals

• Connection or operation of the unit in any way that does not comply with the technical 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.

5. Any repair carried out by unauthorized personnel will void the warranty.

6. Products that 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 notification, 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.

REGULATIONS

.

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.

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.

,

ALL RIGHTS RESERVED © 2010 SM Pro Audio

SM Pro Audio Service Department
W25, 26-28 Roberna St Moorabbin Melbourne, Victoria Australia 3189

SMPro Audio Stage Buddy