True P-SOLO User Manual

P-SOLO

SINGLE-CHANNEL PRECISION MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER

with Direct Instrument Input

OPERATION MANUAL

Version 1.3

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Important Symbols:

This symbol indicates the presence of dangerous voltage within the product enclosure that
presents the risk of electric shock injury. When this symbol appears next to an operation
discussed in this manual, only qualified technical personnel should perform that operation.

This symbol indicates important operating or maintenance instructions that should be read
carefully. Failure to observe these instructions could result in damage to the product or other
property. Resulting damage will not be covered under warranty.

1. Read these instructions.

2. Keep these instructions.

3. Heed all warnings.

4. Follow all instructions.

5. Clean only with dry cloth.

6. Install this unit in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.

7. Only use attachments/accessories approved by the manufacturer.

8. Do not use this unit near water.

9. Do not place liquid-filled objects on this unit.

10. Do not operate this unit in the presence of rain, dripping or splashing liquids, or condensing
moisture. Liquid entering the product enclosure presents the risk of electric shock injury.

11. Do not touch the AC plug or enclosure with wet hands.

12. Do not install near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus
that produce heat.

13. Unplug this unit during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the unit has
been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been
spilled or objects have fallen into the unit, the unit has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

To reduce the risk of electric shock injury, do not remove the top cover or rear panel.

 Do not defeat the earth ground connection in the AC power cord.
 Do not defeat intended AC power connection polarization.
 Do not use a damaged or excessively worn cord to connect this unit to AC

power. Protect power cord from being walked on or pinched.

CAUTION: To disconnect this unit completely from the MAINS, unplug the unit. Turning the

power switch off does not disconnect the unit completely from the MAINS.

Severe damage may result if the AC voltage setting is not correct for the AC power
available in your area.

 See section on “AC Mains Connection” for instructions on selecting the proper AC

voltage setting. Product failure caused by improper voltage setting cannot be
covered under warranty.

 Liquid entering the product enclosure is likely to cause performance degradation or

failure. Failures due to moisture entering the enclosure cannot be covered under
warranty.

 This product is designed to operate in an ambient temperature environment not to

exceed 50C (122F). Please ensure that this unit is mounted in such a way that sides
and rear of unit have minimum ¾” (19mm) clearance, and ambient temperature does not
exceed 50C.

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CERTIFICATIONS

Declaration of Conformity – CE

Sunrise Engineering and Design Inc. hereby declares the TRUE Systems P-SOLO
single-channel microphone preamplifier to be in material conformity with the following
directives and related standards:

 73/23/EEC – Low Voltage Directive
 89/336/EEC – EMC Directive

Technical files are maintained at corporate headquarters of Sunrise Engineering and
Design Inc., 1630 S. Research Loop, Suite 150, Tucson, Arizona 85710, USA.

Owner’s Record

We recommend that you record the following information for reference in the event that
you need to contact TRUE Systems for technical support or repairs. Please return
your completed Warranty Card today.

Serial No._____________________ Purchase Date ______________________

Dealer _____________________________________________________________

Address ____________________________________________________________

Phone _______________________

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P-SOLO OPERATION MANUAL

CONTENTS

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS..............…………....…...... 2

CERTIFICATIONS…..……………………………………………………… 3

Owner’s Record……………………………………………………………. 3

Table of Contents…………………………………………………………. 4

INTRODUCTION….......................................................................……… 5

PRODUCT OVERVIEW…..................................................................… 5

UP-AND-RUNNING IN A HURRY................................................…… 5

INSTALLATION..........................................................................………. 6

Unpacking and Inspection…………………………………………… 6
Mounting………………………………………………………………… 6

OPERATION....................................................................................…….. 7

Connections………………………………..…………………………… 7

AC Mains Connection………………………………………….. 7
Microphone Connection………………………………………… 8
Output Cable Connection………………………………………. 8

A Word About Cables…………………………………….…………… 8

Front Panel Controls…………………..........................….........…….9

Instrument Input (DI)…………….……….....................................…..10

DESIGN APPROACH.................................................................………. 11

SPECIFICATIONS..........................................................................…..... 11

TROUBLESHOOTING..……........................................................…….. 12

REGISTRATION and WARRANTY….………......................………… 13

SERVICE and SUPPORT INFORMATION…...……………………. 13

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P-SOLO OPERATION MANUAL

INTRODUCTION

The P-SOLO is designed to provide the detailed, transparent sonic performance
necessary for the most critical recording and live sound applications. It’s unique desktop
enclosure saves space and makes it easy to transport and connect to any recording or
live sound system.

We appreciate the confidence you have placed in TRUE Systems by purchasing this
product. Please feel free to contact us with questions or comments.

OVERVIEW

In addition to our acclaimed TRUE preamp, P-SOLO features an instrument direct input
(DI) that offers sonic performance previously available only with dedicated, high-end
DI’s. You’ll get incredible articulation and control for electric bass, detail and
smoothness for stringed instruments and keyboards.

In addition to the previously mentioned features, the P-SOLO includes:

 Low-Gain Mode - to accommodate high-dynamics signal sources
 Selectable High-Pass Filter - to minimize breath and wind noise
 XLR and TRS output connectors - for easy connectivity
 Phantom Power (48V)

UP-AND-RUNNING IN A HURRY

1. Read the “IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS” on page 2 of this manual.

2. Check the voltage selector on the rear panel to make sure it is set for the

appropriate AC mains voltage in your area.

3. After making sure the main power switch is off, connect the AC power cord.

4. Connect output signal cables between P-SOLO BALANCED OUT and the analog

line level input of your recorder, mixer, signal processor, etc. Use either the 1/4” TRS
or XLR balanced output connectors. See the section “Connections” for wiring details.

5. Connect a mic cable (and mic) to MIC IN connector on the rear panel.

6. Turn on the AC power.

7. Select 48V as appropriate for the microphone you are using.

8. Adjust GAIN control for adequate signal level as indicated on the P-SOLO level

indicators or on the level indicators of the device to which it is connected.

If you’re using the DI for electric instrument input:

1. Connect your instrument cables to the INSTRUMENT (DI) connector on the front
panel. Any microphones plugged into MIC IN will be automatically de-selected
NOTE: DO NOT use TRS plugs for these inputs, as the DI will not function correctly.

2. Adjust GAIN control for adequate signal level as indicated on the P-SOLO level
indicators or on the level indicators of the device to which it is connected.

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P-SOLO OPERATION MANUAL

INSTALLATION

Unpacking and Inspection

We recommend that you inspect your P-SOLO upon unpacking it from the factory
shipping carton. In the unlikely event that the unit exhibits any physical damage, DO
NOT connect it to the AC mains power, but contact your dealer immediately.

In addition to the P-SOLO, the shipping carton should also include:

 An AC power cord
 A warranty registration card
 This Operation Manual

We recommend that you keep the shipping carton and foam inserts in the event that the
unit must be shipped at some time in the future. DO NOT package the unit in “packing
peanuts” or similar material as it will settle during shipping and damage may occur. If
original packing materials cannot be located, wrap the unit with plastic “bubble wrap”
material extending at least 2” beyond the extremities of the P-SOLO enclosure.

Mounting

The P-SOLO is designed for placement on your desktop, or any convenient flat surface.
It’s light weight and compact enclosure make it easy to carry by hand or in your gig bag.
If you wish to rack mount the unit, please visit our website (www.true-systems.com) for
recommended accessories and mounting procedure.

 Do not locate the unit where it is exposed to rain, moisture, or liquid spills.
 Do not locate the unit where it is exposed to temperature extremes.
 Avoid locating the unit next to equipment that emits strong electromagnetic fields.
 Avoid using mic, output, or instrument cables that are too short. While the P-

SOLO is quite stable for its size and shape, stepping or pulling on a short, taught
cable may move it out of place, possibly causing damage.

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P-SOLO OPERATION MANUAL

OPERATION

Connections

Fuse Drawer

Voltage Selector

(inside)

Main Power Switch

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

ATTENTION

RISQUEDE CHOC ELECTRIQUE

NE PAS OVRIR

TRUE Systems P-SOLO

RoHS

2002/95/EC

e

1

SUNRISE ENGINEERING AND DESIGN INC.

TUCSON, ARIZONAU.S.A.

115

I

0

9W

115/230 V

For continued protection
against fire, replace only
with same type fuse:
115 T 125 mA L, 250V

230 T 63 mA L, 250V

Consult Operation Manual
for voltage selection
procedure.

MIC

IN

BALANCED

OUT

50-60 Hz

Balanced
Mic In

XLR Out

TRS Out

AC Mains Connection: Prior to connecting the AC mains power cord, verify
that the Voltage Selector (inside the fuse drawer) is set for the AC mains
voltage in your area.

Voltage Selector Position Operating Voltage Range Fuses (2)

115V 100-132VAC 50/60Hz T 125mA L, 250V
230V 200-264VAC 50/60Hz T 63mA L, 250V

CAUTION: To provide continued protection against fire, replacement fuses
should be only of the types listed above. AC mains power cord must be
removed to open Fuse Drawer for fuse replacement.

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P-SOLO OPERATION MANUAL

Microphone Connection: Microphone connection is made to an XLR MIC IN receptacle
on the rear panel. The wiring configuration used for the microphone connectors on the
P-SOLO is:

 Pin 2 is positive (+)
 Pin 3 is negative (-)
 Pin 1 is shield

Do not attempt to connect unbalanced microphones to the P-SOLO. It is not intended to
operate with this type of microphone.

CAUTION: We recommend that you avoid “hot-patching” the microphone
input if using a patch bay at the microphone input of the P-SOLO. Please
TURN OFF phantom power and turn down the gain prior to connecting or re­patching a microphone input routed through a patch bay. Failure to do so

may result in transients that can damage the P-SOLO or equipment that is connected
to its outputs-not to mention your ears!

Output Cable Connection: For ease of connection, two styles of BALANCED OUT
connector, XLR and TRS, are provided. Both connector types are electrically equivalent
and may be used simultaneously to connect to Line Inputs on mixing consoles,
recorders, etc. If both outputs are used, care should be taken to avoid system ground
loops. See “Troubleshooting” section for tips on eliminating hum caused by grounding
problems.

The TRS and XLR output connectors are not electronically isolated. Therefore, if you
connect either one of the output connectors to an unbalanced input, the other connector
will automatically be unbalanced. When connecting an output of the P-SOLO to an
unbalanced input, you must connect the negative signal pin (pin 3 of the XLR or “ring”
of the TRS) to the shield. Failure to do this will result in audible distortion. The wiring
configuration used for the output connectors on the P-SOLO is:

For XLR:

 Pin 2 is positive (+)
 Pin 3 is negative (-)
 Pin 1 is shield

A Word About Cables.....

Use high-quality, low capacitance cable. Braided shielding and “star quad” type cables
will perform better in electrically noisy environments. Canare, Mogami (and others)

make high performance cable of this type. Some “house brand” cables are made by
quality manufacturers, but others can be inferior - be careful. Use cables with high­quality connectors (Neutrik, Switchcraft, etc.). Avoid excessive cable length. Replace
damaged connectors.

For TRS:

 Tip is positive (+)
 Ring is negative (-)
 Sleeve is shield

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P-SOLO OPERATION MANUAL

Front Panel Controls

T R U E

s y s te m s

+48V

HPF

80 Hz

INP
ATTEN

OL

+12

+4

SIG

P -S O L O

p r e c i s io n
m ic r o ph on e
p r e a m p

POWER

INSTRUMENT

GAIN Control (big knob) is used to set the appropriate gain range. Normal microphone
gain range is 15.5dB to 64dB. For very hot signal sources, the GAIN Control can be set
to the INP ATTEN mode. The GAIN Control will “click” into this position as the knob is
turned fully counterclockwise. In the INP ATTEN mode, the P-SOLO is set to a fixed
gain of about 6dB. The INP ATTEN mode affects both mic and instrument inputs.

+48V Phantom Power selector. Phantom power (+48VDC) is activated when the +48V
indicator is illuminated. Avoid selecting phantom power if you are using a ribbon
microphone. While not required, it is advisable to de-select +48V when using a dynamic
microphone or the INSTRUMENT input.

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P-SOLO OPERATION MANUAL

HPF High Pass Filter selector. Use this to reduce undesirable low frequency
background noise. The 80Hz setting is appropriate for many musical and voice
applications. Note that use of the HPF will most likely not eliminate the need for a pop
screen for close-mic’d vocal use.

The INSTRUMENT input (DI) is used for connection of electric instrument pickup or
synthesizers. The DI we’ve designed for the P-SOLO matches (or exceeds) the sonic
performance of acclaimed, dedicated DI products. It provides excellent articulation and
control for electric/acoustic bass, detail and smoothness for stringed instruments and
keyboards. A microphone plugged into MIC IN will be automatically de-selected when
an instrument is connected to the INSTRUMENT input. Settings for GAIN and HPF
apply to the DI input in the same manner as they apply to mic input. The gain range for
the direct inputs is from -4 dB to +44 dB at normal gain and -14 dB in the INP ATTEN
mode.

NOTE: The INSTRUMENT input is for unbalanced sources only. DO NOT use a TRS
(balanced) plug for this input, as the DI will not function correctly.

Level Indicators. Use these to match signal level between the P-SOLO and devices to
which it is connected - and to avoid overloading the preamp.

 SIG indicates that a signal is present on the channel. It illuminates when the signal

level exceeds -24dBu.

 +4 illuminates when the signal reaches normal operating level of +4 dBu.
 OL illuminates when the signal level exceeds +26 dBu, which is 5 dB below the

overload point for the P-SOLO *.

 .Note that the overload level of the P-SOLO is +31dBu at the output*. This level

exceeds the input capability of some devices (check manufacturer’s specifications).
In such cases it is appropriate to use the intermediate level indicators (+4, +12) to
set the maximum output level of the P-SOLO to match the maximum input capability
of the connected device. In other words, it is possible to cause overload distortion in
the connected device even though the P-SOLO level indicator does not show a red
light. * Maximum output level in the INP ATTEN mode is +27dBu.

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P-SOLO OPERATION MANUAL

DESIGN APPROACH

P-SOLO features a high-voltage composite architecture with discrete devices plus
integrated circuits. The totally balanced, dual servo, dc-coupled design provides
exceptional transient response, headroom, imaging and noise performance. Military
grade, hand-matched components are utilized in critical circuit areas. These design
features result in the transparent, detailed sound quality for which TRUE preamps have
become known.

SPECIFICATIONS

Gain, preamp: 15.5 to 64dB or 6dB (INP ATTEN mode)

DI: –4 to 44dB or –14dB (INP ATTEN mode)

Frequency Response: 1.5 Hz to 500kHz (-3dB)
(gain=40dB)

Maximum Output Level: +31 dBu (+27 dBu in INP ATTEN mode)

Maximum Input Level: +15 dBu (+25 dBu in INP ATTEN mode)

Noise (Rs=0 Ohms): -132 dB e.i.n.

Slew Rate: >40 V/uS

CMRR (CMV= +10 dBu): 85 dB

THD (preamp) (+26dBu, 100kOhm) .0008%

Input Impedance, preamp: 5.5 Kohm

DI: 2.5 Mohm

Power Consumption: 115/230 VAC, 50-60Hz, 9W

Enclosure Dimensions: 3.0 in. (7.6 cm) W

6.5 in. (16.5 cm) D

6.0 in. (15.2 cm) H
Front Panel Extension: 0.6 in. (1.5 cm)
Weight: 2.5 lbs. (1.1 kg)

Typical performance. Specifications subject to change without notice.

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P-SOLO OPERATION MANUAL

Symptom











TROUBLESHOOTING

Solution

No signal output. Main power switch
is on, but no LED’s are illuminated.

No signal output. Main power switch
is on and some LED’s are
illuminated.

Output signal is distorted. Outputs
are connected for balanced
operation.

Output signal is distorted. Outputs
are connected for unbalanced
operation.

 Check AC power source and cord.
 Check fuses (open fuse drawer, remove fuse

holder, inspect fuses)

Check status of phantom power.

 Check continuity of mic and electric

instrument cables.

 Check continuity of output cables.

Make sure gain is adjusted so that the OL
indicator does not activate during the audio
program.

 Make sure the high output capability of this

unit is not overloading the device or
monitoring system to which it is connected ­Check continuity of output cable.

 Make sure outputs are not connected to a

load impedance of less than 600 ohms.

Make sure the minus (-) output signal pins are
connected to the shield and not left
unconnected. See “Output Cable Connection”
section.

 Check troubleshooting tips for balanced

operation (above).

Hum can be heard in the audio
program.

Electric instrument connected to the
Instrument input does not produce a
signal or signal is distorted.

Check continuity of output cables (particularly
shields).

 Disconnect shields on one end of output

cables. (Not appropriate for unbalanced
connections.)

Check continuity of electric instrument cables.

 Check the batteries or AC power source of

any “foot pedal” effects processors connected
to the Instrument input.

 Make sure that the instrument cables have

standard tip-sleeve 1/4” phone plugs. - DO
NOT use TRS plugs.

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P-SOLO OPERATION MANUAL

REGISTRATION and WARRANTY

Don’t forget to register your P-SOLO by filling out the enclosed Registration Card and
returning it to us. This allows TRUE Systems to contact you regarding any updates,
upgrades or applications information that may become available.

SUNRISE ENGINEERING and DESIGN INC. (“SUNRISE”) warrants the TRUE
systems P-SOLO to be free from defects in material and manufacture, when properly
installed and used according to instructions in the Operation Manual, for a period of one
year from the date of sale to the original purchaser. Units returned for warranty repair to
SUNRISE or an authorized TRUE Systems repair facility will be repaired or replaced
at the manufacturer’s option, free of charge. Supplementary shipping charges will apply
to units returned to addresses outside the continental USA. All units returned to
SUNRISE or authorized TRUE systems repair facility must be prepaid, insured and
properly packaged. Purchaser must obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA)
number from SUNRISE prior to returning a product. SUNRISE may require proof of the
purchase date in the form of a copy of a dated original retail invoice.

This warranty is void if, in the sole judgment of SUNRISE, the product has been
abused, neglected, misapplied, or has been damaged by an accident, modification, or
attempted repair by unauthorized personnel. This warranty will not apply to cosmetic
damage incurred due to normal handling and use. SUNRISE reserves the right to
change or improve the product design at any time without prior notice. Incorporation of
design changes in future versions of the product does not imply the availability of
upgrades for existing units.

This warranty is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and SUNRISE
specifically disclaims all implied warranties, including, but not limited to, warranties of
merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. The purchaser acknowledges and
agrees that in no event shall SUNRISE be held liable for any special, indirect, incidental
or consequential damage, or for injury, loss or damage sustained by any person or
property, that may result from the use of, or failure of this product to operate correctly at
any time. In the USA, some states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of implied
warranties or liability for incidental or consequential damage, so the previous exclusion
may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you may have
other rights that vary from state to state.

SERVICE and SUPPORT INFORMATION

 Registered users may obtain customer support by calling [phone]. Please

ask for Tech Support. You may also visit our website: www.true-systems.com or
email us at: [e-mail].

 Other than cleaning the exterior surfaces of your P-SOLO and occasional inspection

of the AC power cord and audio cables for damage, no maintenance procedures
should be attempted by the user. Exterior cleaning can be performed using a lint­free cloth dampened with Windex or equivalent.

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P-SOLO OPERATION MANUAL

There are no user-serviceable components inside the product enclosure.
Many of the electronic components are selected and matched at the factory.
For this reason, as well as personal safety considerations, we recommend

that you refer servicing to TRUE Systems. If you choose to have repairs performed by
other qualified service personnel, we recommend they contact us prior to performing
repairs. We will be happy to advise them of any special repair considerations.

All units returned to SUNRISE or authorized TRUE systems repair facility must be
prepaid, insured and properly packaged. Purchaser must obtain a Return Material
Authorization (RMA) number prior to returning a product.

Sunrise Engineering and Design Inc. Tel: [phone]
1630 S. Research Loop, Suite 150 Fax: [phone]
Tucson, Arizona 85710 USA Email: [e-mail]

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