Whirlwind ES4RD Users Manual

ES4

SPECIFICATIONS

MEASUREMENT ES4T ES4R

Input Frequency Response (Line)
Input Frequency Response (Mic)
Control in detent position

±.2 dBV 20 Hz - 20 kHz
±.2 dBV 20 Hz - 20 kHz

±.5 dBV 20 Hz - 20 kHz

Input THD + N Line Mode
Input THD + N Mic Mode

<.0015% 20 Hz - 20 kHz
<.0022% 20 Hz - 20 kHz

<.0012% 20 Hz – 20 kHz

Mic Mode Equivalent Input Noise -124.3 dBV
Total Gain 50 dBV 20 dBV
Gain of Microphone Preamp Mic/Line switch (in) +30 dBV

Range of level pot -40 to +20 dBV -20 to +20 dBV
Common Mode Rejection of Input >60 dB >60 dB
Maximum Input level Line +19 dBV; Mic –10 dBV +19 dBV
Input Impedance Mic and Line 2 kOhms 20 kOhms balanced
Noise at unity gain (potentiometer
at center)

Line –101 dBfs
Mic (30 dBV gain) –95 dBfs

Line –105 dBfs

Isolation between input channels Line 126 dB @ 1 kHz

Mic (40 dBV gain) 110 dB@ 1 kHz

122 dB

Digital conversion 24 Bit/48 kHz 24 Bit/48 kHz
Output Frequency Response ±.23 dBV 20 Hz - 20 kHz ±.1 dBV 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Output THD + N <.0025% 20 Hz – 20 kHz <.0024% 20 Hz – 20 kHz
Output channel noise -89 dBV -95 dBV
Maximum output level +20 dBV balanced +12 dBV balanced
Output Impedance 200 Ohms balanced 200 Ohms balanced
Isolation between output channels 124 dB 124 dB
LED thresholds Red LED –2 dBfs; ± 1 dBfs

Green LED –30 dBfs; ± 3 dBfs

Red LED –2 dBfs; ± 1 dBfs

Green LED –30 dBfs; ± 3 dBfs
Phantom Power 48 VDC None
Power consumption .8 Amps AC at 120 VAC max.

.31 Amps AC at 120 VAC min.

.47 Amps AC at 120 VAC max.

.26 Amps AC at 120 VAC min.
Power requirements 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz 100-240 VAC 50-60 Hz
Internal Mains fuse 2 Amp Slow Blow type 3AG 2 Amp Slow Blow type 3AG
AC dropout voltage 90 VAC 90 VAC
Size 5.25 H x 19.0 W x 12.5 D inches 3.5 H x 19.0 W x 12.5 D inches
Unit Weight 12 lbs 9.5 lbs
Shipping Weight 15 lbs 12 lbs
Specifications subject to change without notice.

OPERATIONS MANUAL

ES4 MULTI-PLATFORM AUDIO TRANSPORT SYSTEM

Thank you for purchasing a Whirlwind ES4 digital snake module. The ES4T (transmitter) and the ES4R
(receiver) modules comprise a system that offers sixteen channels of professional quality microphone
preamplification and eight line level return channels via a choice of digital transport formats. The ES4T uses a
studio quality mic preamp for the most demanding of professional applications, offering low noise and low
distortion.

Each ES4T and ES4R can be configured for Cobranet® or Dante® formats by simply changing the network
module in the unit. Exceptional performance, ease of use, and extreme flexibility make the ES4 products
excellent I/O devices for any digital audio network. This manual will help you get the most from your system so
please read it, keep it handy, and refer to it if you have problems. It also serves as a quick start guide for basic
systems. Technical support is available at 800-733-9473 or [e-mail].

Unpacking: Each ES4 snake module includes the device with the appropriate network card installed, an AC
power cord, and this manual. For CobraNet® devices a disc with the CobraNet® Discovery routing software
and an expanded manual is included. A disc with Dante routing software is also included with Dante enabled
devices. Keep the packaging, in the unlikely event you need to return the unit for service, using the original
packaging will help insure a safe trip.

Overview: The typical Whirlwind ES4 series digital snake system consists of two components: the ES4T
transmitter module, which has sixteen balanced mic/line inputs and eight line level outputs. The matching
ES4R receiver module has sixteen line level outputs and eight line level inputs. All inputs have variable gain
controls and LED level monitoring.

WARRANTY

This product is guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship to the original purchaser for a period of 1 year from the
date of purchase. Should service be required, return the unit postage prepaid along with the original sales receipt to:

whirlwind

Attention - Repair
99 Ling Road
Rochester, New York 14612

The warranty on this product shall not apply to defects or damage resulting from abuse, abnormal use or from repairs or modifications
performed by anyone other than whirlwind. If it is determined a manufacturing defect has occurred, whirlwind will repair or replace the
unit at our option and pay the postage back to you.

99 Ling Road - Rochester, NY 14612

800-733-9473 / 585-663-8820 Fax: [phone]

whirlwind

www.whirlwindusa.com

[e-mail]

Pin-out for TASCAM DB25 8 Channel Balanced Connector

11 22 33 44 55 66 77 88

GG CC HH GG CC HH GG C HC H GG CC HH GG C HC H GG CHCH GG CC HH GG CC HH

8 7 6 5 4 3 2 18 7 6 5 4 3 2 1991100111111221313

114411551166117711881199220022112222223322442525

H = HOT C = COLD G = GROUND

ES4T Connections and controls: This section describes the 16 x 8 transmitter modules.

A.

Locking female XLR connectors are provided for each input channel.

B.

48V (Phantom Power): Push the switch IN if you are using a condenser microphone or a direct box that requires 48 Volts of
phantom power. Separate switches are provided for channels 1-8 and channels 9-16. Red LEDs indicate that phantom
power is active. It is recommended that phantom power be turned off when you are patching, to prevent popping sounds in
your system.

C.

Male XLR connectors are provided for each return (output) channel. Output level at 0 dBfs digital is +20 dBV balanced
analog.

D.

Power: Push this switch IN to power the unit. The red LED indicates the unit is on.

Input gain controls: The Mic/Line switch and the rotary gain control provide up to 50 dB of gain to the input signal. The Mic

E.

position of the switch adds 30 dB of gain and the pot has a range of-40 dBV to +20 dBV, allowing the use of a wide variety of
inputs. Adjust the switch and gain control until the green LED in the switch just turns on. This setting allows about 30 dB of
headroom, to minimize the possibility of digital clipping.

A

1 2

I
N
P
U
T
S

9

3

10

11 12

5

4

13

7

6

15 16

14

B

8

+48V

1-8

O
U
T
P
U
T

S
+48V
9-16

C

A B C D

E F

G

H

MULTI-PLATFORM

AUDIO TRANSMITTER

ES4R Connections and controls: This section describes the 16 x 8 receiver modules.

A.

Analog Output signal LEDs: These LEDs show that audio (greater than –30 dBV) is being received by the ES4R and
monitors the signal level being applied to the ES4T inputs. Green shows optimum signal presence (around –30 dBV) and
red indicates ES4T input overload.

B.

Analog Input gain controls: The rotary pots can vary the line level inputs signals through a range of-20 dBV to +20 dBV,
allowing use with a wide variety of inputs. Adjust the gain control until the green LED just turns on. This setting allows about
30dB of headroom to minimize the possibility of digital clipping.

C.

Power: Push this switch IN to power the unit, the red LED indicates the unit is on.

RED=OL
GRN=-30
DETENT
=UNITY

A

3 6

2

B

ANALOG OUTPUTS 1-16 ANALOG INPUTS A-H

5

41

879

13

1211 14

161510

A B C D E F G H

C

POWER

ES R

MULTI-PLATFORM
AUDIO RECEIVER

RED=OL
GRN=-30
DETENT
=UNITY

MIC
LINE
RED=OL
GRN=-30dBFS

1 2

MODEL ES4T

MULTI-PLATFORM

AUDIO TRANSMITTER

whirlwindusa.com

Made in USA

3

5

4

7

6

8 9

10

11 12

13

15 16

14

E

POWER

D

MIC
LINE
RED=OL
GRN=-30dBFS

J

I

AUDIO
SHIELD

TO

EARTH

LIFT

96 WATT MAX

50-60 Hz

90-254 VAC

F

G

NETWORK CONNECTIONS

ANALOG RETURNS A-H ANALOG INPUTS 9-16 ANALOG INPUTS 1-8

H

F.

AC power inlet: This universal power input accepts 100~240 VAC, 50~60 Hz and the unit is protected by an internal 2
Amp SLO-BLO fuse. A U.S. AC cable with the mating IEC connector is included.

G.

Network Connections: Digital audio network modules are available in Cobranet®, Dante®, MADI, or AVB® formats. The
modules are interchangeable in the ES4T unit. Disconnect the AC connection and remove the top panel (12 screws). Then
remove the 4 screws (2 on the back panel and 2 inside) holding the network card. Push the card ejectors down to remove
the module. Return the card ejectors to the upright position and carefully align the pins on the motherboard with the
sockets on the network card to ensure proper installation. Re-install the 4 network card screws, the top panel and its
screws.

H

MODEL ES4R

MULTI-PLATFORM
AUDIO RECEIVER
whirlwindusa.com

Made in U.S.A.

55 WATTS MAX

50-60 Hz

90-264 VAC

D

D.

AC power inlet: This universal power input accepts 100~240 VAC, 50~60 Hz and the unit is protected by an internal 2 Amp

NETWORK CONNECTIONS

E

F

G

ANALOG OUTPUTS 1-8ANALOG OUTPUTS 9-16RETURN INPUTS A-H

SLO-BLO fuse. A U.S. AC cable with the mating IEC connector is included.

E.

Network Connections: Digital audio network modules are available in Cobranet®, MADI, Dante®, or AVB® formats. The
modules are interchangeable in the ES4R unit. Disconnect the AC connection and remove the top panel (12 screws).
Then remove the 4 screws (2 on the back panel and 2 inside) holding the network card. Push the card ejectors down to
remove the module. Return the card ejectors to the upright position and carefully align the pins on the motherboard with
the sockets on the network card to ensure proper installation. Re-install the 4 network card screws, the top panel and its
screws.

F.

Fan: Remove, clean and replace the fan filter frequently to maintain maximum airflow through the enclosure.

G.

Female DSUB25: These are the connections for analog outputs and line input returns and are wired to the Tascam analog
standard. Whirlwind cables from the DBF1 or DBM series are an excellent choice for this purpose.

AUDIO

SHIELD

TO EARTH

H.

Fan: Remove, clean and replace the fan filter frequently to maintain maximum airflow through the enclosure.

I.

Female DSUB25: These are paralleled to the XLR connectors on the front panel and are wired to the Tascam analog
standard. These allow for an analog split to a monitor console from the ES4T units or as alternate input/output
connections. Whirlwind cables from the DBF1 or DBM series are an excellent choice for this purpose.

J.

Audio Shield Lift Switch: This switch disconnects audio ground from earth ground, when required, to optimize signal
quality.

H.

Audio Shield Lift Switch: This switch disconnects audio ground from earth ground, when required, to optimize signal
quality.