Sound Performance Lab Surround Monitor Controller 2489 User Manual

Model 2489

Manual

Surround Monitor Controller

One-point stereo and 5.1 volume control, source and speaker management

2

Version 1.0 – 6/2004

R &D: Wolfgang Neumann

The information in this document has been carefully compiled and verified and is assumed to be correct. However, Sound Performance Lab (SPL) reserves the right to modify the product described in this manual at any time without prior notice. This document is the property of SPL and may not be copied or reproduced in any manner, in part or fully, without prior authorization by SPL.

Limitation of Liability:

In no event shall SPL be liable for any damages, including loss of data, lost profits, cost of cover or other special, incidental, consequential or indirect damages arising from the use of the unit, however caused and on any theory of liability. This limitation will apply even if SPL or an authorized dealer has been advised of the possibility of such damage.

SPL electronics GmbH

Sohlweg 55

41372 Niederkruechten

Tel. +49 (0) 21 6 398 340

Fax +49 (0) 21 6 398 3420

E-Mail: info@soundperformancelab.com

www.soundperformancelab.com

Manual Surround Monitor Controller

Model 2489

Surround Monitor Controller 2489

3

Surround Monitor Controller 2489

Introduction ............................................................................................... 4

Before you begin ........................................................................................ 5

Power Supply .............................................................................................. 5

Rear panel/Connections ............................................................................. 6

Inputs and outputs .................................................................................... 7

INPUTs A & C (Sub-D 25) ............................................................................. 7

SLAVE OUT (Sub-D 25) ................................................................................ 7

INPUTs B & D (RCA) ..................................................................................... 7

SURROUND and SPEAKER OUTPUTS ........................................................... 7

Sub-D 25 connector pin configuration ......................................................... 7

Operation ................................................................................................... 8

Volume control ........................................................................................... 8

Source ........................................................................................................ 8

Monitor Mode ............................................................................................. 8

Speakers On ............................................................................................... 9

Technical Specifications ............................................................................. 9

Warranty ..................................................................................................... 10

Notes .......................................................................................................... 11

Contents

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Surround Monitor Controller 2489

The SPL Surround Monitor Controller (SMC) is a one-point analog volume control and switching matrix for system-independent 5.1 surround and stereo monitoring. Designed to provide only the necessary functions with excellent audio quality, the SMC offers a uniquely cost-effective stereo and surround speaker and source management solution for essentially any audio application:

• Surround and stereo production

• DVD-V, DVD-A, SACD and DTS authoring

• Film and video postproduction

• Video and game production

• A/V and multimedia production

• Audiophile home entertainment systems

The advantages of the SMC become especially apparent in combination with modern audio and video production tools such as ProTools™, Nuendo™, Cubase™, Logic™, Deck™, etc. Monitor levels and source management can be handled independently of the software and with virtually no loss in quality. You no longer need to set up additional aux sends or an alternative surround master for monitoring. In addition, you won’t have to worry about over- or underdriving the converters due to monitor levels.

One of the SMC’s biggest advantages is the possibility to manage several input sources: comparing and monitoring SACD or DVD material is much easier than having to import all of your audio files and set up monitor mixes – not to mention the conversion of multichannel audio.

Standard A/V receivers are often used for this task. The problem with this is that the audio has to be either AD/DA converted or manipulated by signaldegenerating control circuitry (VCAs, DACs etc.) for volume control, so you never hear the unadulterated audio – especially frustrating when you’re working on SACD or DVD-A projects.

In addition to a surround speaker set, a stereo pair can be connected to and managed by the SMC. A Sub-D input connector provides six surround and two stereo input channels. Eight additional RCA connectors allow easy connection of SACD, DVD, CD or DAT players. A slave output allows the stereo or surround input signal to be routed directly to a recording device. Volume control is handled by a discrete six-layer potentiometer and all switching functions by extremely durable precision pushbuttons.

SPL’s renowned electronic balancing circuitry forms the basis for the SMC’s I/O architecture. Its extended frequency range up to 100 kHz, exceptional dynamic spectrum and excellent common mode rejection ensure specs that exceed SACD standards, as only highest quality analog circuitry can provide.

The SMC’s rugged and ergonomic steel-blue desktop enclosure with its slanted front panel harmonizes perfectly with desktop production environments.

Introduction

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Surround Monitor Controller 2489

IMPORTANT: Before connecting the SMC or any other equipment turn off all power at all units.

It makes good sense to think about where you place your SMC before connecting it. It should be positioned so that you can easily reach it, but there are other considerations. Try not to place it near heat sources or in direct sunlight, and avoid exposure to excessive vibrations, dust, heat, cold or moisture. It should also be kept away from transformers, motors, power amplifiers and digital processors. In addition, please:

• Do not open the case. You may risk electric shock and damage to your equipment.

• Leave repairs and maintenance to a qualified service technician. Should foreign objects fall inside the case, contact your authorized dealer or support person.

• To avoid electric shock or fire hazards, do not expose your unit to rain or moisture.

• In case of lightning, unplug the unit. Always unplug the cable by pulling on the plug only; never pull on the cable.

• Never force a switch or knob.

• Use a soft, lint-free cloth to clean the case. Avoid cleaning agents as they may damage the unit.

The SMC’s power supply was carefully engineered to provide clean and consistent current – an important prerequisite for excellent audio. Built around a toroidal transformer, the power supply generates a minimal electromagnetic field with no hum or mechanical noise. The output side is filtered by an RC circuit to extract noise and hums inherent in commercial AC power.

All audio-related components are fed by two separate voltage regulators to minimize disturbance from other components.

An AC power cord is included for connection to the standard 3-prong IEC connector. The transformer, power cord and IEC connector are VDE, UL and CSA approved. The AC fuse is rated at 315 mA (230 V version) or 630 mA (115 V version).

Before you begin

Power Supply

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Surround Monitor Controller 2489

Rear panel/connections

CD/DAT player

DAW/

DA converter

Multitrack recorder

Stereo speakers Surround speakers

SACD/DVD player

RCA

1/4"

TRS

1/4"

TRS

Sub-D-25

RCA

Balanced Input

See Manual for Pin Configuration

Sound

Performance Lab

Surround Monitor

Controller

Model 2489

Made in Germany

SLAVE OUT

Input A + CInput DInput B

L

R

L

R

LS

RS

C

LFE

Input D Input BInput A + C

L

R

Stereo Speaker Outs

L

R

LS

RS

C

LFE

Balanced Outputs: Use Stereo Jacks / Unbalanced Outputs: Use Mono Jacks

Surround Speaker Outputs

MAINS INPUT

POWER

SERIAL No.

AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION

TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE

220 – 240 V ~ 50 Hz / Fuse: 315 mA 110 – 120 V ~ 60 Hz / Fuse: 630 mA

VOLTAGE SETTING / FUSE RATING

WARNING

Graphics cour tesy of TASCAM Germany (www.tascam.de) and

Christian Preissig, media dell‘ arte - text&ton, E-Mail: media_dell _arte@mac.com

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Surround Monitor Controller 2489

The SMC enclosure is EMC-safe and effectively shielded against HF interference. Nonetheless, you should carefully consider where you place the unit to avoid electrical disturbances. The SMC and all devices to be connected should be turned off before connections are made or change to avoid damage to your speakers and ears.

Inputs and outputs

INPUT A & INPUT C (Sub-D 25; analog)

This Sub-D connector provides balanced connections for INPUT A & INPUT C (INPUT A for six surround channels, INPUT C for two stereo channels). Use this connector for your multichannel source, i.e. DAW or DA converter.

SLAVE OUT (Sub-D 25; analog)

The SLAVE OUT provides a direct output of the INPUT A & INPUT C signals for connection to external equipment e.g. recorders, leaving the converter outputs free.

INPUT B & INPUT D (RCA)

Eight RCA input connectors are available for six surround channels and two stereo channels. INPUT B provides surround connection for SACD or DVD players, while INPUT D provides connection for stereo sources such as DAT or CD players.

Tip: If a recording device is connected to the SLAVE OUT, its outputs can be connected to INPUT B for tape monitoring purposes.

SURROUND and SPEAKER OUTPUTS (1/4“ TRS)

Eight balanced, 1/4" TRS connectors allow connection of a six-channel surround speaker set and a stereo speaker pair. Use standard mono 1/4” plugs for unbalanced connections.

Sub-D 25 connector pin configuration

The pin configuration complies with the TASCAM standard.

13 12 11 10 98 7654321

25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14

G C H G C H G C H G C H G C H G C H G C H G C H

1=L 2=R 3=LS 4=RS 5=C 6=LFE 7=St.L 8=St.R

G = Ground, C = cold (-), H = hot (+)

Connectors

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Surround Monitor Controller 2489

Volume Control

The volume is centrally controlled for all channels via a discrete six-level potentiometer with an extremely linear curve. The potentiometer controls the audio signals directly without any signal-degenerating circuitry such as VCAs or DACs, which tend to create tolerances between channels as well as distortion. The white circle with the potency scale can be easily marked using a pencil.

Source Buttons Surround A/B and Stereo C/D

The source buttons Surround A/B and Stereo C/D allow easy switching between surround and stereo sources (inputs). Two surround and two stereo sources are available.

The middle button selects between surround and stereo sources. When depressed (in), the stereo sources are active; when not depressed (out) the surround sources are selected.

The left button selects either surround source A (out) and B (in), while the right button selects either stereo source C (out) or D (in).

Monitor Mode Buttons (Mono, Dim, Mute All)

The Monitor Mode buttons provide various monitoring functions: MONO L/R, MONO LS/RS, DIM -20 and MUTE ALL.

MONO L/R and MONO LS/RS switches the front L and R channels and the rear LS and RS channels to mono, respectively, and can be used to check phase correlation. The MONO LS/RS mode has no effect when a stereo speaker pair is selected.

DIM lowers the monitor volume by -20 dB without changing the volume pot setting, for example to control a mix at low volume (or to answer the phone…).

MUTE ALL does exactly what it says: it mutes all speaker outputs.

Operation

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Surround Monitor Controller 2489

Speaker Buttons

The speaker buttons enable each surround speaker output (L, C, R, LS, RS, LFE) and the stereo pair output to be switched on (pressed) and off independently.

Tip: If you are not using a surround speaker set, you can connect two stereo speaker pairs to the SMC. Simply connect one pair to the Stereo Speaker Outputs and the second pair to the Surround Speaker Outputs L and R.

Input Impedance Balanced (Sub-D) 50 kOhms Unbalanced (RCA) ›10 kOhms

Output Impedance Balanced (1/4“ TRS) ‹600 Ohms

THD+N

-10 dB (Input level) 0.04 %

0 dB 0.01 % +10 dB 0.006 % +18 dB 0.002 % +22 dB 0.1 %

Noise, A-weighted -98 dB

Maximum Input Level +22 dB

Dynamic Response 120 dB

Common Mode Rejection @ 100 Hz ›70 dBu @ 1 kHz ›70 dBu @ 10 kHz ›60 dBu @ 100 kHz ›50 dBu

Frequency Response 10 Hz-100 kHz (-3 dB)

Phase -36° (10 Hz-120 kHz, -3 dB center frequency)

Phase (linear) 20 Hz-100 kHz

Dimensions H x W x D: 91 x 272 x 220 mm (3 9/16" x 10 11/16" x 8 21/32")

Weight 2.3 kg (5 lbs)

SPL reserves the right to make technical changes without prior notice.

Operation

Technical Specications

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Surround Monitor Controller 2489

All SPL products come with a two-year manufacturer’s guarantee against defects in material or assembly from the date of purchase.

End users are supported in the two-year guarantee through their distributor or dealer. In such cases, please contact your dealer for full guarantee conditions and service.

Direct SPL product support requires product registration. Please fill out the guarantee card enclosed in the package legibly in printed letters and send it directly to SPL.

Or use the online registration form that may be reached at www.soundper-

formancelab.com (international clients) or www.spl-usa.com (US clients).

Warranty

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Surround Monitor Controller 2489

Notes

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Surround Monitor Controller 2489

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