SPL 2800 Users Manual
Manual
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MUTE
EQ PRE
C OM P .
EQ / T UB EC OM P .
EXTERNAL INPUTS
DE-ES.
AUTO
48 V PAD
Recording Channel
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Sound Performance Lab Made in Germany
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Model 2800
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Frontliner
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Frontliner
Model 2800
Recording channel with separate module inputs and outputs
2
Frontliner
Manual Frontliner, Model 2800
Version 1.0– 6/2009
Designer: Jens Gronwald
This manual contains a description of the product. It in no way represents a guarantee of
particular characteristics or results of use. The information in this document has been carefully compiled and veried and, unless otherwise stated or agreed upon, correctly describes
the product at the time of packaging with this document.
Sound Performance Lab (SPL) continuously strives to improve its products and 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.
SPL electronics GmbH
Sohlweg 80, 41372 Niederkruechten, Germany
Phone +49 (0)2163 983 40
Fax +49 (0)2163 983 420
E-Mail: info@spl.info
Internet: www.spl.info
The construction of the Frontliner, Model 2800, is in compliance with the standards and regulations of the European Community.
Notes on Environmental Protection
At the end of its operating life, this product must not be disposed of with regular
household waste but must be returned to a collection point for the recycling of
electrical and electronic equipment. The wheelie bin symbol on the product,
user‘s manual and packaging indicates that. The materials can be re-used in
accordance with their markings. Through re-use, recycling of raw materials, or
other forms of recycling of old products, you are making an important contribution to the
protection of our environment. Your local administrative ofce can advise you of the responsible waste disposal point.
WEEE Registration: 973 349 88
© 2009 SPL electronics GmbH. All rights reserved. Names of other companies and their
products are trademarks of their respective owners.
3
Frontliner
Symbols & Notes ............................................................................... 4
Scope of Delivery & Packaging ................................................................ 4
Important Security Information ............................................................... 4
Hook Up .......................................................................................... 5
Introduction ..................................................................................... 6
The Frontliner concept, Analog plug-ins ................................................... 6
Special technical features, Options ........................................................ 7
REAR PANEL ..................................................................................... 8
Standard wiring channel strip .............................................................. 8
Wiring examples: live and studio ............................................................ 9
Wiring examples: group of modules, Inserts ............................................. 1 0
Rear panel/sockets ........................................................................ 1 0
Signal connections, TRS socket, XLR sockets,
Balanced connections, Unbalanced connections ......................................... 11
Separate inputs and outputs, Preamplier: MIC IN,
Preamplier: LINE IN, Preamplier: OUT, De-Esser: IN and OUT ......................... 1 2
Compressor: IN and OUT, Equalizer/Tube Sat.: IN and OUT,
Main Outs OUT1 and OUT 2, AD Input 2, Power connection and fuses ................... 13
Rear Panel/Switches ....................................................................... 1 4
Voltage selector, Power switch, 48 V phantom power/rear switches, GND Lift .......... 14
CONTROL ELEMENTS ........................................................................... 1 5
Preamplier ................................................................................. 1 5
MIC GAIN, MIC GAIN adjustments, 48 V, Activating phantom power ..................... 15
Phase reverse, High-pass lter, PAD, Instrument input ................................... 16
LINE GAIN/INSTR. GAIN, LINE GAIN and INSTR. GAIN adjustments,
INSTR. LINE IN, TUBE +15 dB ................................................................ 17
De-Esser .................................................................................... 1 8
ON, S-REDUCTION, SPL De-Esser technology ............................................. 18
Compressor/Limiter ........................................................................ 19
ON, THRESHOLD, RATIO, ATTACK .......................................................... 19
ATTACK with cruise control: Auto Mode, RELEASE,
RELEASE with cruise control: AUTO-Mode, MAKE UP ..................................... 20
Equalizer/Tube Saturation ................................................................. 21
ON, EQ PRE COMP., MHF (mid-/hi lter), MHF -/+ (cut/boost MHF)
LMF (low/Mid lter), LMF -/+ (cut/boost LMF),
AIR BAND, TUBE SATURATION .............................................................. 22
VU-Meter .................................................................................... 23
VU-Meter, VU/GR switch, 0 dB/-10 dB switch, VU/PPM switch ............................ 23
Output ....................................................................................... 24
OUTPUT, AD OVL-LED, MUTE switch ...................................................... 24
External Inputs ............................................................................. 25
Excluding a single module, Excluding a group of two or three modules, Ungroup ...... 25
Determining inserts, Key lock, Keys and switches ......................................... 26
2 1
Content
Options .......................................................................................... 27
24/96 A/D converter model 2376, Information on I/O transformers ... . . .. .. .. .. . .. .. .. . 27
Specications ................................................................................... 28
Copy master: recall settings ................................................................... 30
Block diagrams .................................................................................. 31
Table Switch Logic .............................................................................. 33
4
Frontliner
Symbole and Notes
IN THIS MANUAL A LIGHTNING SYMBOL WITHIN A TRIANGLE WARNS YOU ABOUT THE
POTENTIAL FOR DANGEROUS ELECTRICAL SHOCKS – WHICH CAN ALSO OCCUR EVEN AFTER
THE MACHINE HAS BEEN DISCONNECTED FROM A POWER SOURCE.
AN EXCLAMATION MARK (!) WITHIN A TRIANGLE IS INTENDED TO MAKE YOU AWARE OF
IMPORTANT OPERATIONAL ADVICE AND/OR WARNINGS THAT MUST BE FOLLOWED. BE
ESPECIALLY ATTENTIVE TO THESE AND ALWAYS FOLLOW THE ADVICE THEY GIVE.
The symbol of a lamp directs your attention to explanations of important functions or applications.
Attention: Do not attempt any alterations to this machine without the approval or supervision
of SPL electronics GmbH. Doing so could nullif y completely any and all of your warranty/guarantee rights and claims to user support.
Scope of Delivery & Packaging
The scope of delivery comprises the Cabulator, the external power supply, the guarantee card
and this manual.
Please keep the original packaging. In case of a service procedure the original packaging
ensures a safe transport. It also serves as a safe packaging for your own transports if you do
not use special transportation cases.
Important Security Information
Please note and retain this manual. Carefully read and follow all of the safety and operating
instructions before you use the machine. Be doubly careful to follow all warnings and special
safety instructions noted in this manual and on the unit.
Connections: Only use the connections as described. Other connections can lead to health
risks and equipment damage.
Water and humidity: Do not use this machine anywhere near water (for example near a wash
basin or bath, in a damp cellar, near swimming pools, or the like). In such cases there is an
extremely high risk of fatal electrical shocks!
Insertion of foreign objects or uids: Never allow a foreign object through any of the
machine‘s chassis openings. You can easily come into contact with dangerous voltage or
cause a damaging short circuit. Never allow any uids to be spilled or sprayed on the machine.
Such actions can lead to dangerous electrical shocks or re!
Opening the unit: Do not open the machine housing, as there is great risk you will damage the
machine, or – even after being disconnected – you may receive a dangerous electrical shock!
Electrical power: Run this machine only from power sources which can provide proper power
in the range from 100 to 250 volts. When in doubt about a source, contact your dealer or a
professional electrician. To be sure you have isolated the machine, do so by disconnecting all
power and signal connections. Be sure that the power supply plug is always accessible. When
not using the machine for a longer period, make sure to unplug it from your wall power socket
and from the guitar amp.
Cord protection: Make sure that your power and guitar amplier signal cords are arranged
to avoid being stepped on or any kind of crimping and damage related to such event. Do not
allow any equipment or furniture to crimp the cords.
Power connection overloads: Avoid any kind of overload in connections to wall sockets,
extension or splitter power cords, or to signal inputs. Always keep manufacturer warnings
and instructions in mind. Overloads create re hazards and risk of dangerous shocks! >
5
Frontliner
Lightning: Before thunderstorms or other severe weather, disconnect the machine from wall
power (but to avoid life threatening lightning strikes, not during a storm). Similarly, before
any severe weather, disconnect all the power connections of other machines and antenna and
phone/network cables which may be interconnected so that no lightning damage or overload
results from such secondary connections.
Air circulation: Chassis openings offer ventilation and serve to protect the machine from overheating. Never cover or otherwise close off these openings. Never place the machine on a soft
surface (carpet, sofa, etc.). Make sure to provide for a mounting space of 4-5 cm/2 inches to
the sides and top of the unit when mounting the unit in racks or on cabinets.
Controls and switches: Operate the controls and switches only as described in the manual.
Incorrect adjustments outside safe parameters can lead to damage and unnecessary repair
costs. Never use the switches or level controls to effect excessive or extreme changes.
Repairs: Unplug the unit from all power and signal connections and immediately contact a qualied technician when you think repairs are needed – or when moisture or foreign objects may accidentally have gotten in to the housing, or in cases when the machine may have fallen and shows
any sign of having been damaged. This also applies to any situation in which the unit has not
been subjected to any of these unusual circumstances but still is not functioning normally or its
performance is substantially altered.
In cases of damage to the power supply and cord, rst consider turning off the main circuit
breaker before unplugging the power cord.
Replacement/substitute parts: Be sure that any ser vice technician uses original replacement
parts or those with identical specications as the originals. Incorrectly substituted parts can
lead to re, electrical shock, or other dangers, including further equipment damage.
Important Security Information
Safety inspection: Be sure always to ask a service technician to conduct a thorough safety
check and ensure that the state of the repaired machine is in all respects up to factor y standards.
Cleaning: In cleaning, do not use any solvents, as these can damage the chassis nish. Use
a clean, dry cloth (if necessary, with an acid-free cleaning oil). Disconnect the machine from
your power source before cleaning.
Be very careful to check that the rear chassis power selection switch is set to the correct
local line voltage position before using the unit (230 V position: 220-240 V/50 Hz, 115 V position: 110-120 V/60 Hz)! When in doubt about a source, contact your dealer or a professional
electrician.
Before connecting any equipment make sure that any machine to be connected is turned off.
Follow all safety instructions on pages 4 and 5 and read further information on connections
on pages 8, 9 an 10.
Place the unit on a level and stable surface. The unit’s enclosure is EMC-safe and effectively
shielded against HF interference. Nonetheless, you should carefully consider where you place
the unit to avoid electrical disturbances. 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 vibrations, dust, heat, cold or moisture. It should also be kept away
from transformers, motors, power ampliers and digital processors. Always ensure sufcient
air circulation by keeping a distance of 4-5 cm/2 inches to the sides and top of the unit.
Hook Up
6
Frontliner
Introduction
Our preceding recording channels Track One and Channel One have already been
successful units by combining fast and easy operation with high processing quality. These
channel strips particularly benefit from previous developments for single processors: the
DynaMaxx compressor/limiter delivered the essentials for the respective channel strip
stage, the unique SPL De-Esser is also available as a single, dual-channel unit – and the
preamplifier modules were also derived from existing products.
The development of new units in the last years inevitably evoked the wish to conceive a
new channel strip which would benefit from our latest achievements.
Now the Frontliner comprises the same discrete, hybrid semiconductor/tube preamplifier design like the GoldMike MK2. The compressor module is based upon the Kultube
providing a full set of classic controls. We also integrated the Kultube's highlight, a signaldependent automation of attack and release parameters which can still be influenced
manually – with this option, manual and automatic control can be merged to always f ind
the best settings.
The EQ section provides two semi-parametric filters for low and mid band as well as a bell
filter delivering a silky and smooth top end. This filter set offers a perfect frequency first
aid kit and is rounded off with a Tube Saturation control.
In contrast to semiconductors, a tube does not clip from a certain level, but approaches its
limits by increasingly producing harmonic distortions. The sound effects from saturating
a tube can often be used to improve the audio signal. The sound results resemble tape
saturation effects and increase the density and perceived energy in a very pleasant way.
The Frontliner concept
The Frontliner comprises a hybrid semiconductor/tube preamplifier with microphone,
line and instrument input, a de-esser, a compressor/limiter and an EQ section with tube
saturation stage. In addition to its primary function as a recording channel with all tools
onboard to process a signal prior to storing, its modules can also serve for high-end
analog processing during mixing.
The enumeration of the Frontliner’s modules also makes clear that the task of a channel
strip is relatively complex. There is not one specialized device for one job, but a unit that
combines a lot of technology for the preamplification and processing of audio signals. That
is why especially the Frontliner benefits very much from SPL’s innovations for targeted,
efficient work. The SPL De-Esser, for example, performs a highly complex processing, but
can simply be adjusted with one single knob.
The straight and clear front panel design also suppor ts fast and safe operation.
Analog plug-ins
In the last years we have been busy with modular concepts. One result is the RackPack
series: a RackPack frame hosts up to eight 3U high modules for free placement and (inter-)
connection.
But we have also transferred the modular idea to the Frontliner. Each Frontliner module
disposes of its own inputs and outputs. Sophisticated switching options allow to integrate Frontliner’s modules into a studio environment as if they were stand-alone devices.
You can also group modules in any combination and you can determine inserts at each
module’s input.
If you imagine the Frontliner modules as analog plug-ins, the additional value suddenly
becomes apparent: this channel strip also is a versatile analog processing station. With
one single unit, especially DAW based studios benefit from a first-class recording frontend and have access to high end analog processors for the main signal processing tasks.
7
Frontliner
Special technical features
• Three separate, individually optimized inputs for microphones, line signals and instruments.
• Discrete semiconductor/tube hybrid preamplif ier to combine the advantages – high
dynamic range and low noise operation of semiconductors with the musical qualities of
tube sounds (appealing top end, beautiful spacial impression). Discrete construction is
based upon single transistors instead of integrated circuits (ICs) from industrial production
and ensures a higher level of optimization.
• 250 volts tube circuits in the preamplifier and for tube saturation stages.
• High-grade operational amplifiers from Burr-Brown at critical positions.
• The SPL De-Esser applies the method of phase cancellation for reducing sibilants. This
innovative approach works much more neutral than traditional compression methods – a
unique method for unobtrusive results and extremely fast operation.
• The compressor is operated by SPL’s double VCA drive circuitry. A differential stage elimi-
nates side effects and the half load per VCA dramatically reduces THD.
• The operational amplifiers for the compressor circuitry meet military specifications.
Therefore the regulating voltages are extremely precise – a precondition for high signal
processing quality.
• Selected condensers for the EQ filters with pleasant sound characteristics. Especially with
vocals, amplified frequencies are not sounding too bright, and on the other hand reductions can tame harsh sounds without sounding dull.
Introduction
• Central star ground wiring scheme minimizes influences that could affect the ground paths.
The audio ground is separated from the ground of the remaining equipment. This leads, in
the truest sense of the word ”clean”, to considerably improved tonal quality.
• The power supply is built around two toroidal transformers, one for the audio voltages and
one for the other supply voltages (tube heating, LEDs, micro controller etc.) Mutual interferences are excluded and lavishly over-dimensioned capacities ensure absolutely stable
supplies for all audio circuitries.
Options
• Lundahl input transformer for the microphone input. The input transformers add ca. 14 dB
gain (depending on the microphone). This must be added to the scaled values. The additional passive gain relieves the preamplifier electronics at any gain level. Microphone input
transformers are highly recommended for ribbon microphones, as they are demanding a lot
of amplification.
• OUT 1 from the MAIN OUTPUTS can optionally be equipped with an output transformer from
Lundahl.
• The Frontliner can optionally be equipped with a digital output 24bit/96 kHz AD converter
card, model 2376). The Frontliner is a mono channel strip. An additional socket at the rear
panel (AD Input 2) allows to feed the dual-channel converter with feed a second signal
source.
• Refer to page 27 for further information on the optional equipment.
8
Frontliner
Standard wiring channel strip
Rear Panel
MIC IN
DISABLE
48V ON
FRONT
48V
ON
LINE IN
LINE IN
OUT
OUT
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
230V ~50Hz
Fuse: 315m A slow
115V ~60Hz
Fuse: 630 mA slow
A D IN PU T 2
TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR EL ECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT EXPOSE T HIS UNIT
TO RAIN OR MOIS TURE.
THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE E ARTHED.
WARNING
M AI N S IN P UT
MAINS INPUT
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLEC TRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHO CK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
DISCRETE T UBE PREAMPLIFI ER
CONNECTOR WI RING
D IS CR E TE TU BE PR E AM P LI F IE R
DE-ESSER
D E- E S SE R
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
COMPRESSOR / L IM.
CO M PR E SS O R / L IM .
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
EQUALIZER / TUB E SAT.
EQ U AL I ZE R / T UB E S AT .
OUT 2
OUT 2
OUT 1
OUT 1
MAIN OUTPUT S
M A IN OU T P U TS
S P L CO N VE R TE R S L OT – OP T IO N AL
SPL CONVER TER SLOT – OPTI ONAL
CONVERTER SER IAL #
SoundPerformanceLab.com
MADE IN GERMAN Y
FRONTLINER SERI AL # OPTIONS
GND LIFT
GND LIFT
GND
GN D L IF T
POWER
P OW E R
VO L TA GE | F U SE
VOLTAGE | FUSE
XLR WIRING: PIN 1 = GN D / PIN 2 = HOT (+) / PIN 3 = COLD (–)
TRS WIRING: TI P = LEFT / RING = RIGHT / SLEEVE = G ND
AD INPUT 2
0
Make sure that
the voltage switch setting
reflects the correct
local power line voltage.
Each of the two MAIN OUTPUTS is fed by its own
driver stage to provide an independent connection for parallel use.
Make sure that the
48V ON switch is only
activated if the microphone
needs phantom power supply.
Monitoring Recording
Monitor FOH console
Line signals
Synthesizer, sampler etc.
Microphone
Instruments
1/4" TRS jack front panel
Interface/DAW
P. A.
Pin wiring 1/4" TRS socket (stereo jack):
tip=left, ring=right, sleeve=ground
Pin wiring XLR input sockets:
1=ground, 2=hot (+), 3=cold (-)
Pin wiring XLR output sockets:
1=ground, 2=hot (+), 3=cold (-)
PUSH
2
1
3
21
3
9
Frontliner
Wiring examples: live and studio
MIC IN
DISABLE
48V ON
FRONT
48V
ON
LINE IN
LINE IN
OUT
OUT
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
A D IN PU T 2
TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT EXPOSE T HIS UNIT
TO RAIN OR MOIS TURE.
THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE E ARTHED.
WARNING
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLEC TRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHO CK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
DISCRETE T UBE PREAMPLIFI ER
CONNECTOR WI RING
D IS CR E TE TU BE PR E AM P LI F IE R
DE-ESSER
D E- E S SE R
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
COMPRESSOR / L IM.
CO M PR E SS O R / L IM .
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
EQUALIZER / TUB E SAT.
EQ U AL I ZE R / T UB E S AT .
OUT 2
OUT 2
OUT 1
OUT 1
MAIN OUTPUT S
M A IN OU T P U TS
S P L CO N VE R TE R S L OT – OP T IO N AL
SPL CONVER TER SLOT – OPTI ONAL
CONVERTER SER IAL #
SoundPerformanceLab.com
MADE IN GERMAN Y
FRONTLINER SERI AL # OPTIONS
P OW E R
XLR WIRING: PIN 1 = GN D / PIN 2 = HOT (+) / PIN 3 = COLD (–)
TRS WIRING: TI P = LEFT / RING = RIGHT / SLEEVE = G ND
AD INPUT 2
Console
DAW
Patchbay
MIC IN
DISABLE
48V ON
FRONT
48V
ON
LINE IN
LINE IN
OUT
OUT
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
A D IN PU T 2
TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT EXPOSE T HIS UNIT
TO RAIN OR MOIS TURE.
THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE E ARTHED.
WARNING
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLEC TRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHO CK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
DISCRETE T UBE PREAMPLIFI ER
CONNECTOR WI RING
D IS CR E TE TU BE PR E AM P LI F IE R
DE-ESSER
D E- E S SE R
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
COMPRESSOR / L IM.
CO M PR E SS O R / L IM .
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
EQUALIZER / TUB E SAT.
EQ U AL I ZE R / T UB E S AT .
OUT 2
OUT 2
OUT 1
OUT 1
MAIN OUTPUT S
M A IN OU T P U TS
S P L CO N VE R TE R S L OT – OP T IO N AL
SPL CONVER TER SLOT – OPTI ONAL
CONVERTER SER IAL #
SoundPerformanceLab.com
MADE IN GERMAN Y
FRONTLINER SERI AL # OPTIONS
P OW E R
XLR WIRING: PIN 1 = GN D / PIN 2 = HOT (+) / PIN 3 = COLD (–)
TRS WIRING: TI P = LEFT / RING = RIGHT / SLEEVE = G ND
AD INPUT 2
2: Monitor 1: Console
Microphone
BassConsole
Channel strip for vocals
Compressor for bass
Live application: channel strip for vocals, one module used separately
Rear Panel
An example for a live setup: The compressor module is separated from the channel strip.
The vocal signal can be processed with all remaining modules, while the compressor is used
for processing bass. In the same way, each module can be taken out of the channel strip,
e. g. using the De-Esser separately while processing an acoustic guitar with the (remaining)
channel strip and so on. Detailed information on page 25.
Studio application: all inputs and outputs are routed to a patchbay
Our recommendation for studio wiring: all inputs and outputs are connected to a patchbay so
that each Frontliner module can be routed with maximum flexibility within a studio environment. Connections to a console or to DAW interfaces for example can always be configured
to meet the respective requirements. Aside from the switching options that the Frontliner
provides the sequence of modules can be determined in any way with the patchbay.
10
Frontliner
Rear Panel
MIC IN
DISABLE
48V ON
FRONT
48V
ON
LINE IN
LINE IN
OUT
OUT
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
A D IN PU T 2
TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT EXPOSE T HIS UNIT
TO RAIN OR MOIS TURE.
THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE E ARTHED.
WARNING
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLEC TRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHO CK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
DISCRETE T UBE PREAMPLIFI ER
CONNECTOR WI RING
D IS CR E TE TU BE PR E AM P LI F IE R
DE-ESSER
D E- E S SE R
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
COMPRESSOR / L IM.
CO M PR E SS O R / L IM .
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
EQUALIZER / TUB E SAT.
EQ U AL I ZE R / T UB E S AT .
OUT 2
OUT 2
OUT 1
OUT 1
MAIN OUTPUT S
M A IN OU T P U TS
S P L CO N VE R TE R S L OT – OP T IO N AL
SPL CONVER TER SLOT – OPTI ONAL
CONVERTER SER IAL #
SoundPerformanceLab.com
MADE IN GERMAN Y
FRONTLINER SERI AL # OPTIONS
P OW E R
XLR WIRING: PIN 1 = GN D / PIN 2 = HOT (+) / PIN 3 = COLD (–)
TRS WIRING: TI P = LEFT / RING = RIGHT / SLEEVE = G ND
AD INPUT 2
Signal input (line)
Option: use single outputs
2: Monitoring, 1: Recording
MIC IN
DISABLE
48V ON
FRONT
48V
ON
LINE IN
LINE IN
OUT
OUT
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
A D IN PU T 2
TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT EXPOSE T HIS UNIT
TO RAIN OR MOIS TURE.
THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE E ARTHED.
WARNING
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLEC TRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHO CK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
DISCRETE T UBE PREAMPLIFI ER
CONNECTOR WI RING
D IS CR E TE TU BE PR E AM P LI F IE R
DE-ESSER
D E- E S SE R
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
COMPRESSOR / L IM.
CO M PR E SS O R / L IM .
IN
IN
OUT
OUT
EQUALIZER / TUB E SAT.
EQ U AL I ZE R / T UB E S AT .
OUT 2
OUT 2
OUT 1
OUT 1
MAIN OUTPUT S
M A IN OU T P U TS
S P L CO N VE R TE R S L OT – OP T IO N AL
SPL CONVER TER SLOT – OPTI ONAL
CONVERTER SER IAL #
SoundPerformanceLab.com
MADE IN GERMAN Y
FRONTLINER SERI AL # OPTIONS
P OW E R
XLR WIRING: PIN 1 = GN D / PIN 2 = HOT (+) / PIN 3 = COLD (–)
TRS WIRING: TI P = LEFT / RING = RIGHT / SLEEVE = G ND
AD INPUT 2
2: Monitor 1: DAW
Microphone
SendReturn
Channel strip
External processor
Wiring examples: group of modules, inserts
Excluding a group of modules from the channel strip
This example shows the exclusion of de-esser, compressor and EQ/tube saturation as a
group. The input signal is connected to the input of the first module. If all three processors are
excluded as a group, the output signal of the group is present at the MAIN OUTPUTS. If a dual
processor group is excluded, the output of the last module is always the group output. In the
example above the preamplifier can be used separately via its own I/Os. Further information
on page 25.
Determining inserts for external processors
You can determine inserts between every processing module. In the example above, an insert
is determined between preamplifier and de-esser. The insert is routed via preamplifier output
and de-esser input as send and return. Refer to page 26 for further information.
11
Frontliner
Connections
Input
Output
balanced
unbalanced
balanced
unbalanced
1=GND
2=hot (+)
3=cold (-)
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
1
2
3
Signal connection
Switch off the unit before you begin the process of making the rst or any subsequent connections. Neglecting this can damage either or both your ears and your equipment.
1/4" TRS socket
The TRS socket AD INPUT 2 supports both balanced (1/4" TRS/stereo jack connector) and
unbalanced connections (1/4" TS/mono jack connector). Refer to page 13 for further information on that input.
XLR sockets
All XLR sockets are balanced inputs or outputs. Input sockets are always female for plugging
in male connectors, output sockets are always male for female connectors. All in all a comprehensible principle.
Balanced connections
It is impossible to exclude all interferences when a single audio signal is transmitted. Shielding
is effective against electric, but not against electromagnetic inuences. Motors, transformers,
and alternating current can always induce interferences. But even if the transmission would
succeed, differences in ground potentials between driver and receiver would produce disturbances.
Rear Panel
In balanced connections a reference signal with reversed polarity is transmitted additionally
to the audio signal through a second wire. The ground signal is routed separately through
a third wire. Input and output stages are drivers and receivers, and the receiving stage can
suppress interferences by subtracting the difference between audio and reference signal.
Unbalanced connections
Unbalanced connections from and to RCA or 1/4" TS sockets can be made without adaptors to
the balanced XLR sockets. The correct wiring is important. The diagram shows the pin conguration of the XLR sockets and how to correctly connect them for unbalanced connections:
Connections to RCA sockets are always unbalanced, a wiring to jack connectors can be both
balanced (1/4" TRS/stereo jack) or unbalanced (1/4" TS/mono jack). We recommend to use
individually congured cables from XLR to RCA or jack sockets instead of adaptors. You can
get cables in any needed conguration from audio dealers. With the diagram above, the dealer
can ensure to provide the appropriate cable for your application.
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