Manual
Analog Eight-Channel Volume Controller
Volume 8
Model 2608
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Sound Performance Lab Model 2608
Mute
Eight Channel Volume Control
2
Volume 8
Manual Volume 8, Model 2608
Version 1.1 – 11/2009
Designer: Wolfgang Neumann
This user's guide 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 Volume 8, Model 2608, is in compliance
with the standards and regulations of the European Cummunity.
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
© 200 9 SPL electronics GmbH. All rights reserved. Names of other companies and their products are tra demarks of
their respective owners.
3
Volume 8
Introduction ............................................................................................... 4
Installation and Security Advices .............................................................. 5
Power Supply .............................................................................................. 5
Rear Panel .................................................................................................. 6
Power Supply, ON/Off Switching ................................................................ 6
Rear Panel Graphic, Signal Connections, DB 25 Pin Wiring .......................... 6
Unbalanced Connections (i. e. RCA, TS Jack) .............................................. 7
Operation ................................................................................................... 7
Volume Control ........................................................................................... 7
Calibrating the Monitoring System ............................................................. 7
Mute ........................................................................................................... 8
Specications ............................................................................................ 8
Measurements ........................................................................................... 9
Contents
Guarantee & Product Registration ............................................................. 11
4
Volume 8
Introduction
The Volume Controller Volume 8 serves as a system-independent analog
volume regulator in all areas of audio processing and playback, including
• Stereo and surround music production
• Movie and video post production, video computer games production
• Demanding hi-delity/home cinema applications
Complementing the fully equipped SPL Surround Monitoring Controller
(SMC 2489), the Volume 8 focuses exclusively on the highest quality in active
volume control. Users who do not need additional monitoring functionality
provided by the SMC 2489 will nd the Volume 8 an cost-effective solution
without compromises. The Volume 8‘s design is based on active switching to
avoid nonlinear frequency response introduced by impedance changes with
passive designs when changing levels.
Who needs analog level control?
Simply put—most DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) users. A majority of D/A
converters and sound cards provide nothing in the way of analog level monitoring control, and this means the necessity of varying signal levels at the
converter outputs. The result is a lowered bit rate in the monitoring signal,
which leads to commensurate loss of audio quality.
A further, very interesting application area is in the construction of a straight
multi-channel playback chain, where the Volume 8 is situated between
the playback machine and either power amp and speakers or simply active
speaker systems. In such cases, the playback machine must offer analog
outputs. This provides for minimal nancial and electronic efforts through the
most direct possible playback path.
Additional Reasons for employing the Volume 8
• High quality balancing stages with extremely good common mode rejection
(minimize interferences and disturbances in the signal paths)
• The mute switch allows for very fast reaction times in cases where loud
speakers or ears should be protected (for example, with computer crashes)
• Users of analog summing without monitoring facilities can cost effectively
improve their systems
Special Features
The Volume 8 is built only with analog circuitry and performance, and its high
quality parts in sophisticated circuitry design are prerequisites to superior
audio quality:
• Custom designed, high end, eight-ganged potentiometer with invariable
precision at each and every gain level
• Illuminated passive mute switches from ALPS, relay switching for all channels
• A high quality power supply with toroidal transformer
• Input and outputs over DB-25 connectors (to multicore XLR or 1/4-inch TRS)
• Massive, 45 mm/1.78-inch diameter aluminum knob ensure consistent,
rened handling
• The elegant, compact format housing (215 x 80 mm or 8.5 x 3.1 inch) allows
for exible desktop positioning near or below a computer monitor or generally saving space in positioning
5
Volume 8
Installation and Security Advices
Important Notes
Be very careful to check that the rear chassis power selection switch is set
to the correct local line voltage position (either 230 or 115 volts) before using
your machine!
Before connecting any equipment make sure that any machine to be
connected is turned off (on the Volume2 rear panel the power switch must be
pushed down).
Turning the Volume 2 on and off: The Volume 2 should always be the rst to
be turned on before either power amp or active loudspeaker. In powering
down the reverse should take place (rst turn off amps/speakers followed
by the Volume 2). In connecting any cables be sure that the Volume 2 and all
machines affected are turned off.
It makes good sense to think about where you place the unit 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 ampliers and digital
processors.
• Do not open the case. You may risk electric shock and damage to your equipment.
• Leave repairs and maintenance to a qualied service technician. Should
foreign objects fall inside the case, contact your authorized dealer or
support person.
• To avoid electric shock or re hazards, do not expose your unit to rain or
moisture.
• If the danger of lightning is foreseeable, unplug the unit. Never touch a
power cable during a thunderstorm—danger of life!
• 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. If necessary, use an acid-free cleaning oil instead.
The 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 eld with
no hum or mechanical noise. The output side is ltered by an RC circuit to
extract noise and hums inherent in commercial AC power.
Power Supply
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 250 mA (230 V version) or 500 mA (115 V
version).
6
Volume 8
Rear Panel
Mains Input
220-240V
~50Hz
Fuse: 200mA
110-120V
~60Hz
Fuse: 400 mA
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ÉLECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
CAUTION
Voltage Setting / Fuse Rating
230V
ELECTRICAL PIN CONFIGURATION COMPLIES WITH
TASCAM STANDARD. REFER TO MANUAL FOR DETAILS.
ELECTRONICALLY BALANCED
INPUTS AND OUTPUTS (+4dB).
Sound Performance Lab
Niederkrüchten, Germany
www.soundperformancelab.com
Serial Number
MADE IN GERMANY
TO REDUCE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO
NOT EXPOSE THIS UNIT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
DISCONNECT MAINS BEFORE REMOVING COVER.
THIS EQUIPMENT MUST BE EARTHED.
DB 25 WIRING WARNING
Inputs 1 to 8Outputs 1 to 8
13 12 11 10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
25 24 23 22 21 20 19 18 17 16 15 14
M C HM C HM C HM C HM C HM C HM C HM C H
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
M = GND, C = Cold (-), H = Hot (+)
Power Supply, On/Off Switching
Be sure before connecting the Volume 8 to power that the rear-chassis voltage
supply is switched to the proper local rating (either 230 or 115 volts). Above
all, before connecting any machines, take additional care to power down
all those to be used (and move the rear-chassis power supply switch of the
Volume 8 to the “down“ position). Finally, always use the following procedure
in powering up your assembly: Always power on your Volume 8 rst before
the power amp or active speakers. When powering down, always power off
the power amp or active speakers before your Volume 8. Not following this
sequence can result in ear or speaker damage from high level discharges.
The Volume 8 comes with a standardized 3-pole (grounded) IEC power cord
which is connected to the main power input socket (Mains Input).
The electrical pin conguration of the balanced DB 25 input and output
sockets comply with the TASCAM standard (see graphic below). The nominal
input level is +4 dB, other levels are transmitted 1:1.
DB 25 to XLR, TRS or RCA multicore cables are required for connection of input
and output signals. The eight channels of the DB 25 connector at one side
are routed to eight single XLR, TRS or RCA connectors on the other side. The
channel conguration is free (input = output). Here are some common multichannel congurations:
SMPTE/ITU: L/R/C/LFE/LS/RS/L(t/o)/R(t/0)
DTS: L/R/LS/RS/C/LFE/L(t/o)/R(t/0)
Film: L/LS/C/RS/R/LFE/L(t/o)/R(t/0)
SDDS: L/LC/C/RC/R/LFE/LS/RS
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Volume 8
Unbalanced Connections (i. e. RCA, TS Jack)
You can establish unbalanced connections easily and without adaptors –
for example from CD-Players with RCA outputs or to (HiFi) power ampliers
with RCA inputs. It is important to pay attention to the correct polarity of the
three XLR wires. Connections to RCA and TS Jack inputs or outputs are always
unbalanced. Connections to TRS inputs or outputs may be balanced or unbalanced. In any case we recommend to use readily congured cables from XLR
to the respective RCA or TS/TRS connector to dispense with adaptors. Ask
your dealer for congured cables. With the XLR pin wiring information from
the previous page any audio expert can ensure to select or congure the right
cables for connections from the 2Control to any other device.
Volume Control
The single volume potentiometer controls volume for both channels. The
audio signal is controlled directly by the potentiometer—thus no VCA or DAC
regulators in the paths which tend to produce bigger tolerances and distor-
tions.
Rear Panel
Operation
Calibrating the Monitoring System
Both the signal level which is send to the Volume 2 controller as well as the
input sensitivity of the power amps or active speakers should be matched to
ensure a proper overall gaining. An inappropriate adjustment might happen
when, for example, a (fairly small) 10% volume level setting might already
result in an extremely high playback level.
Important: You can encounter very loud signals during calibration, so be sure
to keep your ear protection on. For calibration we recommend measurement
with a Real Time Analyzer (RTA) or a SPL Meter (in this case, SPL translates to
“Sound Pressure Level“). First the measuring machine and microphone are
set up at the listening position. Then one produces in the DAW a sound le
with “pink noise”, which is played back and measured.
Each measurement should be done through one channel and loudspeaker
at a time. A recommendable calibration is the playback of a 83db SPL reference signal at the playback location—a common reference volume level. The
DAW output level should be adjusted to 0 dB, and next, the power amp‘s or
active speaker‘s input level should also be set to 0 dB. Now the Volume 2 level
control is adjusted until the RTA or SPL Meter measures 83 dB with the pink
noise playback. For a perfectly matched gaining the Volume Control would
now be set above a 50% scale position. At this point one can record or note the
exact value for 83 dB. Should this 83 dB SPL occur markedly above a 60-80%
scale position, one should lower the power amp’s/active speaker’s input
sensitivity (=higher dB value). On the other hand, the power amp’s/active
speaker’s input sensitivity should be raised if the 83 dB SPL point is reached
far before the 60% control level. In cases where regulating power amp/active
speaker inputs is not enough, one may reach good values by changing the
D/A converter output level (for example from +4 dB to 0 or -10 dB in cases
where this switch option may exist). In any case, the converters should always
be driven at full scale from the DAW.
8
Volume 8
Operation
Specications
Mute
You guessed it ... this switch mutes all speaker outputs. It is particularly
valuable in panic situations, for example, if the computer crashes and its
converters suddenly output uncontrolled high level noise. It is also very useful
in any case where one simply wants silence without changing the Volume
settings—e. g. to answer the telephone.
IM PO RTA NT: When making any cable connection changes, you should not
only activate the mute switch, but follow the on/off powering procedures
noted on p. 6.
Inputs/Outputs
Instrumentational amplier, electronically balanced
(differential), transformerless
Nominal Input Level +4 dBu
Input Impedance =22 kOhm
Output Impedance ‹ 600 Ohm
Max. Input Level › +20 dBu
Volume Gain ∞ bis -4 dB
Measurements
Frequency Range 10 Hz-100 kHz
(100 kHz = -3 dB)
CMRR › 60 dBu@1 kHz
THD & N (@ +15 dBu Input Level) › -100 dBu
S/N A-weighted -102 dBu
Crosstalk L/R (@ 1 kHz) › -80 dBu
Dynamic Range 120 dB
Power Supply
Toroidal transformator 15 VA
Fuse 250 mA/230 V, 500 mA/115 V
Voltage Selector 230/50 Hz ‹› 115 V/60 Hz
Power Consumption ca. 15 W
Dimensions & Weight
Housing 215 x 80 x 220 mm/
8.5 x 3.1 x 8.8 inches
Depth incl. Potentiometer & Sockets 245 mm/9.8 inches
Weight 1.9 kg/4.18 lb
Notes:
0 dBu = 0.775 V
Subject to change without notice.
9
Volume 8
Audio Precision 04/27/06 11:37:24Volume 8 FREQUENCY RESPONSE
FREQ RESP only On.at2c
-100
+0
-90
-80
-70
-60
-50
-40
-30
-20
-10
d
B
r
A
10 200k20 50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k 20k 50k 100k
Hz
Volume 8
Measurements
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Volume 8
Measurements
Audio Precision 04/27/06 11:41:36Crosstalk Volume 8 CH 1-2 und 1-8
CROSSTALK VS FREQ.at2c
-140
+0
-120
-100
-80
-60
-40
-20
d
B
20 20k50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10k
.995319k28.0968
Hz
dx=-.96722 kHz
Audio Precision 04/27/06 11:43:05Volume 8 THD+N vs AMPLITUDE
THD+N VS AMPL 2CH.at2c
-120
+20
-100
-80
-60
-40
-20
+0
d
B
-40 +30-30 -20 -10 +0 +10 +20
dBu
Volume 8
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Volume 8
Guarantee & Product Registration
Please note the terms on the supplied guarantee card.
Direct SPL product support requires product registration. Please ll out the
guarantee card in printed letters and send it directly to SPL. Or use the online
registration form that may be reached at www.spl.info.
Manual Volume 8
< English
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Volume 8
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