Table of Contents
Advertisement
Advertisement
Table of Contents
Subscribe to Our Youtube Channel
Related Manuals for SPL Crimson 1250
Summary of Contents for SPL Crimson 1250
- Page 1 Manual Crimson High Performance USB Audio Interface & Monitor Controller...
-
Page 2: Table Of Contents
Content Note: Click on a section or page number to immediately jump to that location. Content Connections Version 2.0 – 02/2016 Scope of Delivery Power Connection Measurement & Weight Power Supply Inputs Introduction Mic Inputs Welcome Line Inputs With and without DAW Instrument Inputs Specifications Phones 1 and Phones 2... - Page 3 Content Control Elements Calibration of the Monitoring System Mic Gain Symbols 48 V Security Advices High-Pass Filter ( Placement Instrument Gain (Instr Gain) Declaration of CE Conformity LED Indicators Notes on Environmental Protection Analog Inputs Contact DAW Returns Sources | Talk Digital In Speakers | Mode: A to B Speakers | Mode: Dim...
-
Page 4: Version 2.0 – 02/2016
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 man- ner, in part or fully, without prior authorization by SPL. -
Page 5: Scope Of Delivery
Scope of Delivery Crimson (Black: Model 1250, White: Model 1252) External power supply USB cable Quickstart/Product Overview Measurement & Weight Housing (H x W x D): 0.17" x 12.99" x 8.35" (67 x 330 x 212 mm) Weight: 6.17 lbs (2.8 kg) (without external power supply) Please keep the original packaging. -
Page 6: Introduction
Introduction Welcome and thank you for purchasing the Crimson. It combines a high-performance USB audio interface with high-quality preamps and a separate, fully-featured analog monitor con- troller. You can play and play back, record and convert, control and listen with one single device. -
Page 7: Specifications
True 1:1 audio, no sample rate conversion or clock recovery SPDIF and MIDI I/O s Info: Download the latest drivers and firmware from: www.crimson.spl.info. Firmware and Driver Low-latency driver Driver feedback synchronization to hardware clock USB Audio Class 2.0 compliance (asynchronous mode) Firmware updates via USB Windows XP/7/8/10 (32 &... -
Page 8: Ad/Da Conversion
AD/DA Conversion AD-Conversion Dynamic Range: Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise (THD+N) at 1 kHz (-1 dBFS): 44.1 | 48 kHz: 128 dB 88.2 | 96 kHz: 123 dB 44.1 | 48 kHz: 0.002% 88.2 | 96 kHz: 0.0025% Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR): 44.1 | 48 kHz: -113 dB 0 dBFS = +15 dBu 88.2 | 96 kHz: -110 dB... -
Page 9: Connections
Connections Instrument 1 Headphones 1 Headphones 2 Instrument 2 Content Crimson... - Page 10 Connections DAW/Computer Power Supply e.g. Sampler, CD-Recorder or MP3-Recorder Microphone Speaker Set A e.g. CD-Player (analog) e.g. MIDI-Keyboard PlayStation e.g. Keyboard, Synthesizer, Speaker Set B Preamplifier/Channel Strip e.g. CD-Player (digital) Balanced CD-Player e.g. Sampler e.g. Smartphone or DA converter Content Crimson...
- Page 11 Connections Connect your computer here. Alternatively you can connect an iPad or iPhone with the original Apple camera adapter. The USB port complies with the Hi-Speed USB 2.0 spec- ification with a data transfer rate of 480 MBit/s, and is Apple Class 2 compliant as well. USB 3 is backward compatible with USB 2, which means that the Crimson can also be connected to any USB 3 port.
-
Page 12: Power Connection
Connections Power Connection Connect the DC connector of the external power supply to the rear PWR socket of the Crimson. Plug the power supply into a wall power socket. We recommend to connect the Crimson and all other audio devices in the same electric circuit by using a high-quality and appropriately rated multi-outlet power strip. -
Page 13: Power Supply
Connections Power Supply The PSU comes with an appropriate mains adapter for the country where the Crimson is bought. See also “Security Advices” on page 47 cont. External Power Supply: Mean Well GE-18 Input 100–240 V AC/50–60 Hz; Output 12 V DC/1.5 A Internal Power Supplies Audio: +/- 17.5 V, Digital + 5 V and + 3.3 V Power consumption: 16.8 Watt... -
Page 14: Inputs
Connections Inputs IMPORTANT: Microphone, Instrument and Line Inputs To record microphone signals, nothing should be connected to the Line Inputs 1 or 2. If you Taking into account both microphone inputs, the two instrument and four line inputs, cannot hear a microphone signal, check you have eight analog inputs at your disposal. -
Page 15: Mic Inputs
Connections Mic Inputs You can connect dynamic, condenser, tube, and ribbon microphones to the mic inputs. Use the 48 V switch to provide phantom power to the microphones that require it. For more information, read the section “48 V” on page 32. Specifications: XLR balanced (Pin 1=Ground, Pin 2=hot, Pin 3=cold) Input impedance: 10 kohms... -
Page 16: Line Inputs
Connections Line Inputs You can connect and record four line signals. E.g. keyboards, synths, preamps or chan- nel strips. All four balanced line inputs are routed 1:1 (unity-gain) to the converter and monitoring section. Level adjustment is not provided. Ring Specifications: 1/4"... -
Page 17: Instrument Inputs
Connections Instrument Inputs Note: Both Instrument inputs are on the front for easy access. They support high levels to Low impedance line signals (DA converter, allow the connection of active or passive instruments, and they have a corresponding sampler, synthesizer, etc.) ought to be con- high impedance. -
Page 18: Phones 1 And Phones 2
Connections Phones 1 and Phones 2 IMPORTANT: When connecting headphones, make sure that the plug is fully inserted. Use the Phones 1 and Phones 2 jacks on the front panel to connect your headphones. Power at 0 dBu: You can connect all types of headphones with impedances from 20 to 600 ohm. This wide 47 ohms load: 13 mW range entails big volume differences between low and high impedance headphones. -
Page 19: Important Recommendations
Connections Important Recommendations Always reduce the volume before you connect or disconnect your headphones especially when changing headphones. This way you will avoid loud crackling noises reaching your ears. Plus, it will also protect you from unexpected surprises whenever the new head- phones you connect have a lower impedance or a higher efficiency, which will make them sound louder at the same volume setting. -
Page 20: Speakers A
Connections Speakers A IMPORTANT: In Artist Mode, Speakers A only play back DAW’s Connect your active monitors or a power amplifier here. 1|2. The artist mix is provided on Speakers B and Phones 2. Note: Specifications: DIP switch 5 (on the bottom of the unit) gener- ally enables or disables the Artist Mode. -
Page 21: Speakers B
Connections Speakers B Note: In Artist Mode, you can also connect an exter- The Speakers B output is meant for alternative monitoring through a second set of active nal headphone amplifier to the Speakers B to speakers. You can trim the Speakers B output in order to level them to Speakers A: two provide a specific headphone mix. -
Page 22: Sources
Connections Sources IMPORTANT: The Source inputs are monitoring-only. They can- You have three stereo source inputs with different connectors at your disposal: Source not be recorded in the DAW. input 1 via two stereo jacks, Source input 2 via two RCA connectors, Source input 3 via Note: mini stereo jack. -
Page 23: Source 1: Jack
Connections Source 1: Jack Connect a DA converter or CD-Player here. If you have a mono source to be monitored, connect it to the left input to place it in the center of the stereo image. Specifications: 1/4" jack, balanced (Sleeve=Ground, Tip=hot, Ring=cold) Input impedance: 20 kohms balanced Maximum input level: +22.5 dBu. -
Page 24: Talkback
Connections Talkback To make use of the Talkback option, connect the preamped microphone signal to Talk In on the rear panel (Source Input 1, L). Press Talk and you will be heard on Phones 2 and Speakers B. Speakers A is automatically dimmed to avoid feedbacks. Alternatively, create the Talkback with an internal mic preamp: Use a Crimson Mic Input for the Talkback microphone and activate Artist Mode. -
Page 25: Source 2: Rca
Connections Source 2: RCA Note: The level of the RCA source is automatically RCA connectors are ideal for any type of consumer devices with unbalanced connections, boosted to professional level to be directly com- for example CD/DVD/BluRay player, AV receiver, Sat receiver, cable receiver, etc. The parable with the other sources and inputs. -
Page 26: Source 3: Mini-J
Connections Source 3: Mini-J Note: The level of the Mini-J source is automatically The mini stereo jack input is the natural input for all MP3 players, tablets, smartphones boosted to professional level to be directly com- and laptops. The signal gets preamplified by 15 dB. parable with the other sources and inputs. -
Page 27: Level Increase For Source Inputs 2 And 3
Connections Level Increase for Source Inputs 2 and 3 Note: If you want to deactivate the RCA boost: The Crimson includes preamps for RCA and Mini-J inputs. Consumer level of equipment DIP switches 1 and 2 to ON connected to the RCAs is boosted from -10 dBV to the professional level of 0 dBu. Mini-J signals are boosted by 15 dB to reach professional level. -
Page 28: Spdif In/Out
Connections SPDIF In/Out The digital SPDIF input allows you to connect a CD player, for example. But you can also connect any other source with a SPDIF output (synthesizer, drum machine, etc.). The SPDIF output can be connected to a sampler or a DAT/CD/MP3 recorder for instance. The SPDIF input and output are AES3 compatible, often called “SPDIF Professional”. -
Page 29: Midi In/Out
Connections MIDI In/Out The Crimson is equipped with two 5-pin DIN connectors to send and receive MIDI. To communicate with a computer via MIDI, the Crimson features a MIDI interface that trans- lates the voltage level and provides galvanic isolation. Use the MIDI input to connect a master keyboard, for example. -
Page 30: Control Elements
Control Elements Content Crimson... -
Page 31: Mic Gain
Control Elements Mic Gain The Crimson features two identical microphone preamps. The preamps are ‘discrete’, which means they use single transistors instead of ICs, usually found in high-end pre- amps. This allows the preamp to be perfectly optimized for its task. Use the Mic Gain control to adjust the microphone preamp level. -
Page 32: High-Pass Filter ( )
Control Elements 48 V Use the 48 V switch above the Mic Gain knob to activate phantom power. Condenser microphones need phantom power to drive their integrated preamp. We recommend to disengage the phantom power for all types of microphones. •... -
Page 33: Instrument Gain (Instr Gain)
Control Elements Instrument Gain (Instr Gain) The Crimson also includes two identical instrument preamps. Use the Instr Gain control to adjust the instrument preamp level. The adjustable volume range spans from -6 to +31 dB. The possibility to reduce the gain to -6 dB allows the connection of active electric bass guitars. -
Page 34: Led Indicators
Control Elements LED Indicators The LED display panel provides information about the operating status and also helps you adjust microphone and instrument levels. Level Adjustment with four LED sets Four ‘traffic-light’ LED sets indicate the level of the recording channels 1-4. Every set of LEDs is numbered: set 1 and 2 correspond to mic and line inputs 1 and 2, while set 3 and 4 correspond to instrument and line inputs 3 and 4. -
Page 35: Analog Inputs
Control Elements Analog Inputs The Crimson allows the simultaneous recording of up to four analog inputs. To deter- mine which signal you want to monitor use the switches underneath the Analog Inputs as follows: Switch 1|2 engaged: you hear Mic or Line inputs 1 and 2. Switch 3|4 engaged: you hear Instrument or Line inputs 3 and 4. -
Page 36: Sources | Talk
Control Elements Sources | Talk As a true monitor controller Crimson offers further monitoring-only inputs. They cannot be recorded and are therefore called Sources. Use the three switches to manage the three stereo sources, which are named after their connector format. For more information on the connectors refer to “Sources”... -
Page 37: Digital In
Use the SPDIF switch to toggle between your Mix and the reference. You can also use the digital SPDIF input to record a stereo track. SPL channel strips are an excellent choice, since they can be fitted with an optional AD converter. -
Page 38: Speakers | Mode: A To B
Control Elements Speakers | Mode: A to B You can connect two stereo speaker sets. Use the A to B switch to select the speaker set you want to listen to. If the switch is not engaged, you hear Speakers A. If A to B is engaged you hear Speakers B (the other set being automatically deactivated). -
Page 39: Speakers | Mode: Artist Mode
Control Elements Speakers | Mode: Artist Mode When you record other artists, you can give them their own headphone mix with Artist Mode and use the Talkback function by pressing the Talk button to communicate with them. The monitoring options for artists include: 1. -
Page 40: Monitor Mix
Control Elements Monitor Mix With the Monitor Mix control you create a monitor mix fast and easily. No need to fiddle with gain controls or faders, just blend between the Inputs (mic, line, instrument) and the DAW/Sources/Digital Input. The analog monitoring of all analog inputs and sources is absolutely latency-free, it is as real-time as it gets. -
Page 41: Phones
Control Elements Phones The Crimson has two independant high-quality headphone amplifiers. Use volume con- trols Phones 1 and Phones 2 to adjust the level of the headphones signal. Thanks to the separate headphone amplifiers there is no risk of any interferences when connect- ing two headphones. -
Page 42: Volume
Control Elements Volume Use the Volume potentiometer to adjust the volume of both channels of Speakers A or B. The high-grade potentiometer regulates the audio signal directly to avoid any col- oration/distortion typical of VCAs and DCAs, which either require higher inter-channel tolerances or have a tendency towards higher distortion. -
Page 43: Dip Switch On The Bottom Of The Unit
Control Elements DIP switch on the bottom of the unit Six DIP switches are located on the bottom of the unit. 3 4 5 6 You wish to switch off the amplification for the RCA input (Source2): DIP switch 1 and 2 upwards (direction ON) 3 4 5 6 You wish to switch off the amplification for the Mini-J: DIP switch 3 and 4 upwards (direction ON) -
Page 44: Calibration Of The Monitoring System
Level”). Place the measuring microphone at the listening position and playback pink noise from a generator calibrated to 0 dBu. Each measurement should be done with one channel (and loudspeaker) at a time. 83 dB SPL at the listening position is a good and very common reference value. - Page 45 Ideally, 83 dB SPL should be reached when the Volume control is near the 12 o’clock mark. You may mark position for 83 dB SPL. If it only reaches 83 dB SPL above two o’clock, increase the power amps’ or active loudspeakers’ input sensitivity (higher dB value).
-
Page 46: Symbols
Symbols Exclamation mark within a triangle An exclamation mark within a triangle is intended to make you aware of important oper- ational advice and/or warnings that must be followed. Be especially attentive to these and always follow the advice they give. Lightning symbol within a triangle In this Manual a lightning symbol within a triangle warns you about the potential for dangerous electrical shocks –... -
Page 47: Security Advices
Security Advices Placement Place the unit on a leveled and stable surface. The unit’s enclosure is EMC-safe and effectively shielded against HF interference. Nonetheless, you should carefully consider where you place the unit to avoid electrical disturbances. It should be positioned so that you can easily reach it, read the meters and status LED’s well, but there are other considerations as well. - Page 48 (carpet, sofa, etc.). Opening the unit Simply put: DON’T, if you are not a certified SPL technician or engineer. Really: Do not open the device housing, as there is great risk you will damage the device, or – even after being disconnected –...
-
Page 49: Electrical Power
Security Advices Electrical power Operate the device only from power sources that can provide proper power. When in doubt about a source, contact your dealer or a professional electrician. To be certain you have isolated the device, disconnect all power and signal connections. Make sure that the power supply plug is always accessible. - Page 50 Security Advices Lightning Before thunderstorms or other severe weather, disconnect the device from wall power; do not do this during a storm in order to avoid life threatening lightning strikes. Similarly, before any severe weather, disconnect all the power connections of other devices and antenna and phone/network cables which may be interconnected so that no lightning damage or overload results from such secondary connections.
- Page 51 Security Advices Repairs Unplug the unit from all power and signal connections and immediately contact a quali- fied technician when you think repairs are needed – or when moisture or foreign objects may accidentally have reached inside the housing, or in cases when the device may have fallen and shows any sign of having been damaged.
- Page 52 Security Advices Safety inspection Be sure always to ask a service technician to conduct a thorough safety check and ensure that the state of the repaired device is in all respects up to factory standards. Cleaning Do not use any solvents, as these can damage the chassis finish. Use a clean, dry cloth (if necessary, with an acid-free cleaning oil).
-
Page 53: Declaration Of Ce Conformity
Crimson Declaration of CE Conformity The construction of this unit is in compliance with the standards and regulations of the European Community. Content Crimson... -
Page 54: Notes On Environmental Protection
Crimson Notes on Environmental Protection At the end of its operating life, this product must not be disposed of with regular house- hold 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. -
Page 55: Contact
Contact SPL electronics GmbH Sohlweg 80 41372 Niederkrüchten Germany Phone +49 2163 9834-0 +49 2163 9834-20 E-Mail: info@spl.info Or follow us on our Blog, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube: Website & Blog: spl.info Videos: youtube.spl.info Twitter: twitter.spl.info Facebook: facebook.spl.info Content Crimson...
Need help?
Do you have a question about the Crimson 1250 and is the answer not in the manual?
Questions and answers