Universal Audio DCS-RP User Manual

Remote Preamp

Dual Pre & Cue Mixer

Universal Audio Manual Number 65-0019

Revision 1.00

The Desktop Console System

Thank you for choosing the Remote Preamp from Universal Audio’s Desktop Console System Series. Universal Audio has partnered with original Euphonix founders to design a revolutionary series of DAW “expansion & enhancement” products under the Desktop Console System (DCS) family brand. DCS combines UA’s pedigree for sonic excellence with the usability/features of professional consoles in a new type of convenient “micro-console” desktop form factor, ideal for today’s project/producer studios. The first two products in the DCS series (the Remote Preamp & Monitor Master) combine a base station with a DCS-Link™ connected remote that puts every control within direct proximity to the user in a convenient remote format.

DCS Remote Preamp

The DCS Remote Preamp combines two console-grade mic-pres, specialized monitoring capabilities for artist & engineer, and easy remote control/DAW integration making an ideal upgrade to the basic features/sonics found in most audio interfaces. With 100% digital control of analog, the Remote Preamp offers fully remote-controllable, highly detailed, uncolored recording based on its advanced transimpedance design. The two channels of the DCS Remote Preamp can be used dual mono or can be joined for stepped, matched-stereo gain structuring. Plus a Mid/Side encoder is included, allowing for direct recording of the MS-Stereo result.

The Remote Pre also features a high-quality headphone amp with “monitoring only” effects such as user-tailored reverb and EQ, making it easy to quickly create an artist monitor mix without having to deal with complex configuration or latency issues inside the DAW. Best of all, the remote control can be placed anywhere from desktop to recording room, giving the artist flexibility unlike any other device in its class. Position the preamp as close to the source as desired, or remotely control your own recording experience away from the computer as you keep the remote close at hand. Lastly, the DCS Remote Preamp offers high quality backlit VU metering for observing Preamp Output or DAW/Cue levels.

Features

• Two channel, stereo linkable, console grade transimpedance mic preamp/DI

• Mono, A+B, Stereo or Mid/Side recording

• Monitoring features such as high quality headphone amp, Reverb and EQ

• DCS-Link™ - 100% digitally controlled analog signal path via (CAT-5) interconnect

• Remote design allows up to 300’ distances from preamp for large or multi-room setups

In addition to the DCS Remote Preamp, Universal Audio has released reproductions of the classic Teletronix LA-2A Leveling Amplifier and 1176LN Limiter as well as the 610 tube preamp series of products which are based on those used in the legendary Bill Putnam custom consoles. Modern tools such as the flagship 4110 & 8110 Precision ClassA solid-state microphone preamplifiers bring tonal flexibility to the multi-channel mic preamp. Universal Audio also creates software emulations of vintage hardware and innovative mixing tools that run on our UAD DSP platform. All of these products are designed to meet the demands of the modern recording studio, yet retain the character and quality of vintage equipment. See more at www.uaudio.com, including the award winning 6176 channel strip, the LA-610 all-tube channel strip, SOLO mic pre series, and 2192 Master Audio Interface A/D and D/A.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

Before using this unit, be sure to carefully read the applicable items of these operating instructions and the safety suggestions. Afterwards keep them handy for future reference. Take special care to follow the warnings indicated on the unit, as well as in the operating instructions.

1. Water and Moisture – Do not use the unit near any source of water or in excessively moist environments.

2. Object and Liquid Entry – Care should be taken so that objects do not fall, and liquids are not spilled, into the

enclosure through openings.

3. Ventilation – When installing the unit in a rack or any other location, be sure there is adequate ventilation.

Improper ventilation will cause overheating, and can damage the unit.

4. Heat – The unit should be situated away from heat sources, or other equipment that produce heat.

5. Power Sources – The unit should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating

instructions, or as marked on the unit.

6. Power Cord Protection – AC power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or

pinched by items placed upon or against them. Pay particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the unit. Never take hold of the plug or cord if your hand is wet. Always grasp the plug body when connecting or disconnecting it.

7. Grounding of the Plug – This unit is equipped with a 3-wire grounding type plug, a plug having a third

(grounding) pin. This plug will only fit into a grounding-type power outlet. This is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug into the outlet, contact your electrician to replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the purpose of the grounding-type plug.

8. Cleaning – The unit should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.

9. Nonuse Periods – The AC power supply cord of the unit should be unplugged from the AC outlet when left

unused for a long period of time.

10. Damage Requiring Service – The unit should be serviced by a qualified service personnel when:

a. The AC power supply cord or the plug has been damaged: or b. Objects have fallen or liquid has been spilled into the unit; or c. The unit has been exposed to rain; or d. The unit does not operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or e. The unit has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

11. Servicing – The user should not attempt to service the unit beyond that described in the operating

instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

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Notice

This manual and the included Quickstart guide and instructional DVD provide general information, preparation for use, installation and operating instructions for Universal Audio’s DCS Remote Preamp.

The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. Universal Audio, Inc. makes no warranties of any kind with regard to this manual, including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose. Universal Audio, Inc. shall not be liable for errors contained herein or direct, indirect, special, incidental, or consequential damages in connection with the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.

Contents

This package should contain: DCS Remote Preamp Base DCS Preamp Remote DCS Link™ CAT-5 cable IEC Power Cable DCS Remote Preamp Manual DCS Remote Preamp Quickstart guide with DVD DCS Remote Preamp Registration Card

Warranty

Warranty for the DCS Remote Preamp and all Universal audio hardware is one year, parts and labor.

This manual and any associated software, artwork, product designs, and design concepts are subject to copyright protection. No part of this document may be reproduced, in any form, without prior written permission of Universal Audio, Inc.

Trademarks

DCS Remote Preamp, DCS:Link, 4110, 8110, LA-2A, 1176LN, 2-610, 6176, LA-610, 4110, 8110, 2192, UAD and the Universal Audio, Inc. logo are trademarks of Universal Audio, Inc. Other company and product names mentioned herein are trademarks of their respective companies.

Table Of Contents

Performance and Audio Specifications........................................................................................................... 1

Remote and Base Overview.............................................................................................................................. 2

Preamp Operation Instructions ....................................................................................................................... 3

DI ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

+48v ..................................................................................................................................................3

GAIN ................................................................................................................................................... 3

dB (& Lock) ........................................................................................................................................3

Phase................................................................................................................................................. 3

LO CUT ............................................................................................................................................... 3

GAIN Trim ........................................................................................................................................... 3

PEAK LEDs.......................................................................................................................................... 3

2-Channel Operation......................................................................................................................................... 4

STEREO .............................................................................................................................................. 4

MS-STEREO........................................................................................................................................ 4

A+B.................................................................................................................................................... 4

Cue Mixer and VU Meter Operation.................................................................................................................. 4

A TO CUE/B TO CUE ........................................................................................................................... 4

C TO CUE............................................................................................................................................ 5

REVERB.............................................................................................................................................. 5

EQ ...................................................................................................................................................... 5

CUE VOL ............................................................................................................................................. 5

Cue Clip ............................................................................................................................................. 6

CUE IN MUTE...................................................................................................................................... 6

SPKR MUTE ........................................................................................................................................ 6

TALK ................................................................................................................................................... 6

VU Meters/ CUE>VU .......................................................................................................................... 6

Configuring the Remote Preamp ..................................................................................................................... 7

CFG (ConFiGure) ................................................................................................................................7

rSt (reSet) .......................................................................................................................................... 7

DCS:link

Powering the Remote Preamp .........................................................................................................................7

Application Notes .............................................................................................................................................. 8

Block Diagram................................................................................................................................................. 11

Mechanical Dimensions.................................................................................................................................. 11

Historical Notes............................................................................................................................................... 12

Connection Between Controller and Base..................................................................................... 7

The DCS Transimpedence Preamp .................................................................................................... 8

Amplification of Voice and Acoustic Instruments ............................................................................. 8

Direct Instrument (DI)........................................................................................................................ 8

Connecting Balanced Line Levels to DI Inputs.................................................................................. 8

Matching Pre Outputs to DAW Inputs................................................................................................ 9

Phase Inversion ................................................................................................................................. 9

LO CUT Filtering............................................................................................................................... 10

MS-STEREO...................................................................................................................................... 10

The 610 Preamp............................................................................................................................... 12

The 1176LN Limiting Amplifier and LA-2A Leveling Amplifier........................................................ 13

The 1176LN...................................................................................................................................... 13

The LA-2A......................................................................................................................................... 13

DCS Remote Preamp Performance Specifications

A Mic, B Mic input type: XLR balanced, transformer-less

input impedance: 2 k ohms peak input level: +14dBu RMS sine wave

CMR: >70dB 20Hz to 20kHz

A DI, B DI input type: TRS balanced or TS unbalanced, transformer-less input impedance: 4 M ohms balanced, 2 M ohms unbalanced

peak input level: +24dBu RMS sine wave

CMR: >60dB 20Hz to 1kHz, >45dB 1kHz to 20kHz

Pre Outputs output type: TRS balanced or TS unbalanced, transformer-less

peak output level: +24dBu balanced, +18dBu unbalanced, RMS sine wave

(adjustable from 0dBu to +24dBu using GAIN Trim

output impedance: 200 ohms balanced, 100 ohms unbalanced

A B Stereo Out output type: TRS stereo, unbalanced, *mono-summable by shorting T-S

peak output level: +6dBu/+4dBV RMS sine wave (-10dBV operating level)

output impedance: 500 ohms

throughput frequency response: 4Hz to 150kHz, +0/-3dB Mic input noise: -130dBu EIN, 50 ohms 20Hz to 20kHz, 69 dB gain DI input noise: -100dBu EIN, 50 ohms 20Hz to 20kHz, 42 dB gain distortion (THD+N): 0.002%, 1kHz, 40dB gain, +14dBu out cross-talk: -100dB any Mic, DI, Cue Mixer input to Preamp out

Audio Specifications: Cue Mixer

C IN input type: TRS x 2, balanced or unbalanced, mono on left

peak input level: H: +24dBu, L: +12dBu RMS sine wave (see CFG, pg 7)

input impedance: 20 k ohms

CUE IN input type: TRS stereo, unbalanced

peak input level: +24dBu RMS sine wave

input impedance: 20 k ohms

CUE OUT output type: TRS stereo, unbalanced, *mono-summable by shorting T-S

peak output level: +18dBu sine wave (190mW/channel into 50 ohms) output impedance: 50 ohms drive capability: 2 sets of 25-600 ohm phones (best if both pairs matched)

SPKR OUT output type: TRS x 2, balanced or unbalanced, *mono on left

peak output level: H: +18dBu, L: +6dBu RMS sine wave (see CFG, pg 7) output impedance: 1k ohms balanced, 500 ohms unbalanced

TALK MIC OUT output type: TRS balanced or unbalanced

peak output level: +6dBu/+4dBV RMS sine wave (-10dBV operating level) output impedance: 250 ohms balanced, 125 ohms unbalanced

throughput frequency response: 8Hz to 60kHz, +0/-3dB, any input to SPKR OUT

noise: L: -86dBu, H: -76dBu, 20Hz - 20kHz, SPKR OUT, CUE VOL full CW distortion (THD+N): 0.004%, 1kHz, +14dBu output, 20Hz to 20kHz cross-talk: -100dB any mic, DI, CUE MIXER in to CUE MIXER out

REVERB sample rate/bit depth: 48 kHz/20-bit

power usage 17 Watts, fixed voltage

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