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L1 Dual Monaural Line Preamplifier User Manual...
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But before you embark on your musical journey, we kindly request your attention to the information contained in this manual. The L1, as you will discover in the following pages, is a Swiss precision product designed for ultimate performance and flexibility.
The purpose of this manual Setting up your L1 Safety notice Changing fuses and operating voltage Unpacking Package contents Placing your L1 and installing the spikes Stacking the L1 (or not) Connections 2.8.1 USB port 2.8.2 Ethernet port 2.8.3 Local area network considerations 2.8.4 Ground lift jumper...
As a result, your L1 offers a number of operational features that are unique and probably unfamiliar. For that reason it is essential that you fully understand every aspect of the L1’s operation if you are to enjoy its maximum possible performance.
1.4 Chassis configurations/extension As well as being highly configurable in terms of inputs and operation, a single L1 chassis can also be expanded into a multi-box True Monaural preamplifier. This topology offers increased performance but also increased versatility. Dual monaural: In this configuration, a single L1 is used to hold the two channels (Left and Right, Center and Sub or Left and Right surround).
2.1 Safety notice Make sure to observe the following rules: Always handle with care. The L1 unit is very heavy, so have someone help you when moving it around. Improper handling of the load could lead to risk of injury.
Once you open the inner box, remove the top layer of white foam packaging. Inside you will see the component chassis and various accessories. With a helper, carefully lift the L1 out of the box and place it to one side. Then carefully remove the plastic bag in which it is sealed.
This should ensure that the load is evenly applied on all four spikes. It is worth using a spirit level to ensure that the L1 is perfectly level. If it is not, adjust the spikes with the screwdriver.
Also included in the accessory packs is a set of stacking caps. These polymer inserts allow owners to stack the L1 chassis on top of other CH 1 Series components. The spikes and interface caps will ensure mechanical grounding of the stacked chassis. However, this will inevitably compromise performance to some extent and should only be done when space is at an absolute premium.
2.7 Connections With the L1 unit(s) placed and levelled, you are now ready to connect your signal cables. The rear panel layout is shown below: L1 audio unit rear panel connections (1) RCA 1 left input (19) Signal ground (analog GND) socket. Place the...
2.8.1 USB port The USB port is not a digital audio input. It is dedicated to upgrading the firmware of the L1. Do not use it for any other purposes. For more information please refer to the firmware update instructions in the dedicated chapter of this manual.
With all the signal inputs and outputs connected, you can now turn on the rear panel power switch on the L1 and switch the unit on. You should see the red bar in the CH logo in the top-left corner of each front panel illuminate.
Your L1 is controlled via the provided infra-red remote control, the dual rotary knob to the right-hand side of the display, or via the CH Control App. If the L1 is not detected by the CH Control Android app yet, the initial set up should be done using the rotary control knob.
4.1.2 To turn on the L1 With the unit in standby, use a short press on the central knob [NP]. The red bar LED in the CH logo will start to flash and the display will start to operate.
Once in Menu Mode, the various menu options are shown on the display and navigated using the central control knob. L1 set up screen items The display shown above is the main Menu, with the various sub-menus shown in the left column and the parameters adjustable in the selected menu (in this case the Audio Settings menu) in the right column.
Note that some parameters are input-specific, while others are global. For instance, you can individually adjust the input gain or coupling (direct or cap) of each L1 input, while the absolute phase polarity is a global parameter. 4.3 Menu options If you study the menu tree laid out below, you can see the various options and where to find them.
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L1 preamplifier menu structure L1 User Manual...
Upon startup, the L1 normally resumes operation at its previous volume level. This setting allows you to limit the start up level to avoid bad surprises, in case the L1 was previously used at a very high volume level. Maximum volume User-configurable absolute volume limit for the L1 (-30dB to 0dB in 10dB steps, or no limitation –...
4.3.4 Shortcut menu The L1 allows you to establish up to six shortcuts, taking you directly to almost any parameter in any menu. The L1 is pre-programmed with Mute and Phase Polarity as shortcuts one and two. After scrolling through the latest shortcut, the next screen that the L1 displays is the entry port to the L1 menu.
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If Yes is selected, the L1 will enter standby mode when it receives a Power Off command from the LAN. It will remain on if No is selected. This is useful if you want to keep your L1 on even when you turn off the rest of your system.
Serial number Displays the serial number of your L1. This serial number is also written on a sticker at the back of your L1. Installed options Lists the hardware configuration of your L1.
4.4 Handheld remote control The L1 preamplifier is delivered with an infra-red remote to drive the unit’s basic operational functions. The provided remote control is not intended to be used to configure the unit. It can be magnetically attached to the front edge of the side panels on the L1 preamplifier for storage.
5.1 Preparing the USB stick The firmware of all the CH Precision units can be updated using the USB port located at the back of the unit. Before starting the firmware update, it is necessary to load a USB stick with files containing the new firmware.
5. If the emergency firmware update procedure fails, try the same procedure again using a different USB stick. If the failure persists, turn off your unit and contact your authorized dealer for assistance. Note: The emergency firmware update procedure lasts 5-10 minutes, do NOT interrupt it! L1 User Manual...
L1 is not fully off. If any power cable gets disconnected by mistake while your L1 is on, just let it safely automatically turn off. Do not try to interfere with the emergency power down procedure of the device. Then wait a couple of minutes before plugging the umbilical power cables back.
7 Specifications General User control Dual concentric rotary knob with push function, CH Control Android app Display 800×480 24bits RGB AMOLED Power supply Selectable 100V, 115V or 230V AC, 47Hz to 63Hz Power consumption (Standby) <0.5W Power consumption (Normal) Operating conditions:...
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We strongly encourage you to recycle any batteries used with this component. CH PRECISION SÀRL Z.I. LE TRÉSI 6D • 1028 PRÉVERENGES • SWITZERLAND +41 (0)21 701 9040 • info@ch-precision.com www.ch-precision.com L1 User Manual...
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