CH L1 User Manual

L1 dual monaural line preamplifier
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L1 Dual Monaural Line Preamplifier
User Manual

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Summary of Contents for CH L1

  • Page 1 L1 Dual Monaural Line Preamplifier User Manual...
  • Page 3 We are honored that you chose the L1 Dual Monaural Line Preamplifier. Our team made every effort to design and manufacture this top quality versatile and future-proof product and is proud to present it to you. We hope your L1 preamplifier will bring you uncountable hours of emotion from your music collection.
  • Page 5 FCC-Notice Note: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference in a residential installation.
  • Page 6: Table Of Contents

    4.1.1 Front panel..............................24 4.1.2 User control knob............................. 24 4.2 Operating modes............................... 26 4.2.1 Normal mode..............................26 4.2.2 Shortcuts................................27 4.2.3 Menu mode..............................29 4.3 Configuration................................32 4.3.1 L1 configuration menu items..........................33 4.3.1.1 AUDIO SETTING............................33 L1 User Manual Rev 1.0...
  • Page 7 5.2.1 Preparing the firmware image........................... 42 5.2.2 Updating the firmware (Firmware Update procedure)..................43 5.2.3 Emergency Firmware Update procedure......................43 6 Troubleshooting................................. 45 7 Specifications..................................46 7.1 Specifications................................46 7.2 Dimensions................................47 7.3 Factory settings................................. 47 Rev 1.0 L1 User Manual...
  • Page 8: Technical Highlights

    The L1 is a fully symmetrical design, pure Class A discrete transistor based circuitry. This results in ultra low noise, high bandwidth and high slew rate performances. The signal stays in the analog domain all the way through. By default, the L1 is configured for no series capacitor throughout the signal chain.
  • Page 9: Unmatched Flexibility

    A single L1 can be fitted with one or two channel boards, depending on the desired configuration. The following configurations can be realized: Dual Monaural: In this configuration, a single L1 is used to hold the two channels (Left and Right, Center and Sub or Left •...
  • Page 10: Input Stage

    DC any more. If this condition happens, clicks might start to become audible when a volume change is applied. The only way to remove the excessive DC offset is to add a capacitor in series with the signal path. The L1 front panel display indicates that it cannot counteract DC any further and recommends to engage the DC blocking capacitor.
  • Page 11: Power Supply

    DC feed possible to the different audio sections. Each preamplifier board enjoys dedicated analog regulators. The second, smaller toroidal transformer inside the L1 is used as the Standby transformer to ensure green Standby mode, meeting the latest energy saving regulations.
  • Page 12: Read Carefully Before Use

    • Please store the packaging material for future use. Check your L1 preamplifier for any apparent damage. In case of a damage, please contact your authorized dealer. If your L1 preamplifier is still very cold from transport, please let it warm to room temperature in order to avoid condensation inside the unit.
  • Page 13: User Manual

    2.7 Maintenance and Servicing The L1 preamplifier contains no user serviceable parts. Do not try to open, modify or repair your L1 by yourself. This will void any warranty. Your L1 preamplifier must be checked by a qualified technician in any of the following cases: Rev 1.0...
  • Page 14 The power cords or mains plug at the back of the unit is damaged • The unit was dropped to the floor or presents external damage • The L1 preamplifier has been exposed to liquids or unknown substances • L1 User Manual Rev 1.0...
  • Page 15: Installation

    Position the L1 unit on a stable and sturdy base. Make sure air is able to flow freely around the unit. For best transmission and immunity to external noise, the L1 input should be connected to the upstream unit using a balanced XLR cable like the CH Balanced Link cable.
  • Page 16: Shaft Covers

    3.2.2 Shaft covers There are two types of shaft covers delivered with your L1 unit. One type of shaft covers (stacking covers, made of steel) is used when multiple CH units are stacked. This type of cover includes a receptacle to receive the corresponding spike of the unit placed just above it.
  • Page 17: Connections

    This section provides information about how to connect a dual-monaural L1 preamplifier to your system. For details about how to integrate your L1 in a specific setup, please refer to the preamplifier configuration section of this user manual. If you don't feel confident with the connections to be applied, please contact your authorized dealer for assistance.
  • Page 18: Control Section

    USB port The USB port on the CONTROL section is dedicated to upgrading the firmware of the L1 unit. Do not use it for any other purposes. For more information on unit firmware update, please refer to the relevant section in this manual.
  • Page 19: Single-Channel Preamplification Board

    The outputs are driven by a discrete buffer, capable of supplying ample current to drive even the most demanding amplifier's input stages or long molulation cables all the way to distant monoblocs. The multiple outputs are in parallel, allowing to connect multiple amplifiers in a multi-amplification system. Left Channel Board Layout Right Channel Board Layout Rev 1.0 L1 User Manual...
  • Page 20: Power Cord Receptacle And Voltage Selection

    At power up, when the L1 detects that the cable has been plugged, it leaves its mains section off and connects to the X1 instead. Please note that the L1 AC socket must remain plugged to the AC wall socket.
  • Page 21: Dual Monaural Configuration

    3.4.1 Dual Monaural configuration In this configuration, a single L1 is used to hold two channels (Left and Right, Center and Sub or Left and Right surround). Two boards are fitted inside a single chassis, each one independently processing a single channel.
  • Page 22: True Monaural Extended Configuration

    (and outputs). This configuration will be used when more inputs are required than the amount a single board can provide. L1 User Manual Rev 1.0...
  • Page 23 True Monaural Extended configuration Rev 1.0 L1 User Manual...
  • Page 24: Operation

    Operation The L1 preamplifier is operated either from the unit's front panel, from the IR remote control or from the forthcoming Android App. Feedback to the user is provided by a high-definition AMOLED display with customizable colors. Setup operations are handled from the front panel and Android App.
  • Page 25 External Left: Rotate external ring to the left [E>>] External Right: Rotate external ring to the right [NP] Normal Push: push and release central knob [LP] Long Push: push central knob and maintain for 2s before release User Action Codes Rev 1.0 L1 User Manual...
  • Page 26: Operating Modes

    The L1 preamplifier has two main operating modes: Normal mode and Menu mode. Normal mode is used to access standard preamplifier controls whereas Menu mode is used to configure the unit. The L1 also includes Shortcuts for quick access to selected Menu mode items.
  • Page 27: Shortcuts

    Displayed elements depend on the user settings. In the example above, an X1-powered (X1 PSU symbol) L1 is set as a dual- monaural preamplifier (LEFT + RIGHT), input XLR 1 is selected without coupling capacitor (DIRECT COUPLING) nor resistor termination (High-Z). The audio content of both preamplifying boards (left and right) is inverted (H), summed up (MONO) and fed with an attenuation of 18.5 dB to each output (left and right).
  • Page 28 (6) Arrow indicating External Rotate Left [<<E] if applies. The item below indicates the next parameter value (down direction) The last Shortcut (SETUP) is always the same and cannot be removed or altered. It gives access the Menu mode to access the detailed setup of the unit. L1 User Manual Rev 1.0...
  • Page 29: Menu Mode

    4.2.3 Menu mode The Menu mode allows the Configuration and Setup of the L1 preamplifier through a set of menus. Menu mode is entered from the last Shortcut item (see above). From Normal mode, enter the Shortcut mode by applying a Normal Push [NP]. By successive Normal Pushes [NP], step to the last Shortcut item (DETAILED SETUP) and apply an External Rotate Right [E>>] to enter the Menu...
  • Page 30 Following illustration shows the elements of a L1 SETUP Menu page, the entry point to the L1 menu structure. L1 SETUP screen items (1) Menu title. When entering a menu item, the title also shows the parent menu. If the AUDIO SETTING menu is entered, the title line would display L1 SETUP >>...
  • Page 31 (1) Menu title. L1 SETUP >> AUDIO SETTING shows that the parent menu is L1 SETUP. By applying External Rotate Left [<<E], the unit returns to the parent menu. (2) A Parameter Value of '...' indicates that the menu items gives access to one or more further sub-menu(s). Further sub-menus have the same structure as this example.
  • Page 32: Configuration

    4.3 Configuration Configuration of your L1 preamplifier is accomplished by setting up parameters in the Menu mode (see previous section on how to access the Menu mode and how to navigate through menu items). The following diagram shows the complete menu structure (final items not shown).
  • Page 33: L1 Configuration Menu Items

    • 4.3.1 L1 configuration menu items 4.3.1.1 AUDIO SETTING The L1 SETUP >> AUDIO SETTING menu allows the configuration of the audio related Parameters of the unit. Accessible Parameters are: - MUTE: Mutes or unmutes the audio output - PHASE POLARITY:...
  • Page 34 INPUT GAIN -24 dB to +24 dB by 0.5 None Allows all L1's input level to match, even if (individually dB steps upstream component have different output levels. selectable for each...
  • Page 35: Display Setting

    Allows to chose what to display in normal mode: The input name, nothing, or the volume Volume LED ON/OFF None Allows to select if the LED is off or on when the L1 is Any string INPUT RENAMING None Used to rename any input in the L1...
  • Page 36: Shortcuts

    4.3.1.3 SHORTCUTS The L1 SETUP >> SHORTCUTS menu allows configuration of up to 6 Shortcuts. Accessible Parameters are: - SHORTCUT1: Defines action for Shortcut #1 - SHORTCUT2: Defines action for Shortcut #2 - SHORTCUT3: Defines action for Shortcut #3 - SHORTCUT4:...
  • Page 37: Factory Setting

    FACTORY SETTING The L1 SETUP >> FACTORY SETTING menu allows to get information about the current L1 firmware version, to update the L1 firmware and to reset the unit to its default configuration (or subset of setting). Accessible Parameters are:...
  • Page 38: Installed Options

    Start calibration L1 must be warmed-up Launch automated self calibration to measure and compensate DC at all stages of the L1 signal path. This calibration process is conducted in CH Precision factory prior to packing any L1. In order to avoid overriding these factory measured...
  • Page 39: Network

    4.3.1.6 NETWORK The L1 SETUP >> NETWORK menu display the information and allows the customization of the network related Parameters of the unit. Accessible Parameters are: - STATUS: Listing of all CH products detected (product type, IP and MAC addresses)
  • Page 40: Remote Control

    4.4 Remote control 4.4.1 Remote control operation The L1 controller is delivered with an IR remote to control the unit's basic operations. The provided remote control is not intended to be used to configure the unit. L1 Preamplifier remote control...
  • Page 41: Changing The Remote Control Batteries

    All unit's settings can be reset to the Factory default values by using the RESET ALL SETTING item from the FACTORY SETTING menu. Specific groups of settings can also individually be reset by corresponding functions accessible from the FACTORY SETTING menu. For a list of Factory default settings, please refer to the Specifications section. Rev 1.0 L1 User Manual...
  • Page 42: Firmware Update

    5.1 Introduction The L1 preamplifier includes multiple programmable circuits. This approach allows the unit to be updated to support new features. It includes a host micro-controller, a display controller and a pair of DSPs for audio monitoring. All these components run firmwares which can be updated when needed, for instance to support additional features or in the event of a bug.
  • Page 43: Updating The Firmware (Firmware Update Procedure)

    Once the USB stick is ready with the appropriate files, the firmware update can take place. To do so, follow the steps below: 1. Connect the USB stick to the A-type USB port of the CONTROL board at the back of your L1 unit.
  • Page 44 If the Emergency Software Update procedure failed, try to download the latest software images from www.ch-precision.com rerun the Emergency Software Update procedure (don't forget to prepare the software update files and USB stick accordingly). If the failure persists, contact your authorized dealer for assistance. L1 User Manual Rev 1.0...
  • Page 45: Troubleshooting

    Check that the L1's volume setting is not too low Check that the correct input is selected on your L1 No sound Your L1 is muted (display area 2 7 must be off for the unit to output signal). Unmute using (“7” is displayed) first RC button...
  • Page 46: Specifications

    2x AAA type Specifications Design and Specifications are subject to change without notice. Weight and dimensions are approximate Illustrations are informative only and may differ from the actual production model Casing designed by Mana Ishoni L1 User Manual Rev 1.0...
  • Page 47: Dimensions

    7.2 Dimensions L1 preamplifier dimensions 7.3 Factory settings The following table lists the factory settings of your L1 preamplifier: SETTING Value AUDIO SETTING MUTE Unmuted PHASE POLARITY In phase INPUT TYPE All available inputs: normal INPUT COUPLING Direct coupling on all inputs...
  • Page 48 XLR 5 / 6 / 7 / 8 RCA 3 / 4 BNC 3 / 4 BRIGHTNESS COLOR Blue CUSTOM COLOR VFD like SHORTCUTS SHORTCUT1 MUTE SHORTCUT2 PHASE POLARITY SHORTCUT3 None SHORTCUT4 None SHORTCUT5 None SHORTCUT6 None Factory settings L1 User Manual Rev 1.0...
  • Page 49 Rev 1.0 L1 User Manual...
  • Page 50 CH Precision Sàrl Z.I. Le Trési 6D CH-1028 Préverenges SWITZERLAND www.ch-precision.com info@ch-precision.com Made in Switzerland L1 User Manual Rev 1.0...

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