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Summary of Contents for Symetrix 581E
- Page 1 User’s Guide 581E Distribution Amplifier...
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Page 3: What Ships In The Box
User’s Guide 581E Distribution Amplifier Before You Begin 1/11 What Ships in the Box Important Safety Instructions. or plug cord is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen 1. Read these instructions. A 581E hardware unit. into the apparatus, the apparatus has 2. Keep these instructions. A detachable power cord. been exposed to rain or moisture, 3. Heed all warnings. does not operate normally, or has This User’s Guide. been dropped. 4. Follow all instructions. 5. Do not use this apparatus near Getting Help CAUTION water. This apparatus shall not be... -
Page 4: Fast First Time Setup
The 581E distributes a single mono audio source to all 16 outputs when all inputs are strapped together. Regardless of your audio distribution requirements, the Symetrix 581E solves the problem with minimum cost and no wasted outputs. Fast First Time Setup Follow these instructions to get your 581E up-and-running as quickly as possible. The intent of this section is fast setup. Refer to later chapters for explanation of the 581E’s controls and functions. Connect audio inputs and outputs. If you do not know how to do this, forget Fast Setup and skip to the Rear Panel Over- view. Set INPUT level trim controls straight up (12 o’clock position). Set OUT level trim controls at maximum level (clock-wise rotation). Plug the 581E into an AC outlet using the IEC-type detachable power cord provided with the unit. Caution: Failure to connect the 581E to the proper AC mains voltage may cause fire and/or internal damage. Warning: Lethal voltages are present inside the chassis. There are no user serviceable parts inside the chassis. Refer all service to qualified service personnel or to the factory. Apply line level audio signal to the input(s). “Line level” means previously amplified audio, i.e. not the output of a micro- phone or other unamplified audio transducer. Turn up the INPUT level pot(s) until the red CLIP LED just barely lights. Then back the level down just a bit until the CLIP LED doesn’t come on any more, or only occasionally flashes. Now read the rest of this user’s guide. -
Page 5: Front & Rear Panel Overview
DISTRIBUTION AC INPUT AMPLIFIER (4X4) 18 WATTS MAXIMUM MANUFACTURED BY SYMETRIX, INC. MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WA USA THIS UNIT CONTAINS NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS. FABRIQUÉ AUX E.-U. PAR SYMETRIX, INC. MOUNTLAKE TERRACE, WA PAS DES ELEMENTS SERVIABLE PAR UTILISATEUR Item Description IeC C Connect the proper IEC power cable supplied for your locale. Connect only to appropriate AC power source. - Page 6 User’s Guide 581E Distribution Amplifier Rear Panel Overview /11 ... continued For unbalanced input signals, using two-conductor shielded cables: Connect the incoming signal “+” (high) to the “+” INPUT terminal of the 581E. Use the red wire. Connect the incoming signal ground to the “-” INPUT terminal of the 581E. Use the black wire. Connect the cable shield at the ground connection of the 581E only. If you experience hum or noise, make sure that both the 581E and the device which you are feeding are grounded on the same AC mains circuit. If this is not the source of the noise problem, you must isolate the unbalanced output from the balanced input with an audio transformer or “matchbox.” WIRING THE 581E IN 2x8 or 1x16 CONFIGURATION To connect the 581E as a 2 input, 8 output distribution amplifier proceed as follows: Connect the two incoming signals to INPUT 1 and INPUT 2 as per the instructions above. Connect (4) additional short pieces of #20 or #22 gauge wire as follows: INPUT 1 “+” to INPUT 3 “+” INPUT 1 “-” to INPUT 3 “-” INPUT 2 “+” to INPUT 4 “+” INPUT 2 “-” to INPUT 4 “-” To connect the 581E as a 1 input, 16 output distribution amplifier proceed as follows: Connect the single incoming signal to INPUT 1 as per the instructions above. Connect (6) additional short pieces of #20 or #22 gauge wire as follows: INPUT 1 “+” to INPUT 2 “+” INPUT 2 “+” to INPUT 3 “+” INPUT 3 “+” to INPUT 4 “+” INPUT 1 “-” to INPUT 2 “-” INPUT 2 “-” to INPUT 3 “-” INPUT 3 “-” to INPUT 4 “-” The 581E’s four outputs are active balanced circuits and should be used to feed balanced audio inputs. Use utputs two-conductor shielded audio cable for all connections. Feeding balanced inputs: Connect the “+” (high) OUTPUT terminal of the 581E to the “+” (high) of the input of the device which you are feeding.
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Page 7: Connecting To Other Gear
User’s Guide 581E Distribution Amplifier Connecting to Other Gear 5/11 Matching Levels vs Matching Impedances In any audio equipment application, the question of “matching” inevitably comes up. Without digging a hole any deeper than absolutely necessary, we offer the following discussion to (hopefully) clarify your understanding of the subject. Over the years, we have all had impedance matching pounded into our heads. This is important only for vintage audio sys- tems, power amplifiers, and RF. Technically speaking, the reason is power transfer, which reaches a maximum when source and load are matched. Modern audio systems are voltage transmission systems and source and load matching is not only unnecessary, but undesirable as well. • Vintage audio systems operate at 600 ohms (or some other impedance value), and must be matched, both at their inputs and at their outputs. Generally speaking, if you are dealing with equipment that uses vacuum tubes, or was designed prior to 1970, you should be concerned about matching. These units were designed when audio systems were based on maxi- mum power transfer, hence the need for input/output matching. • Power amplifiers are fussy because an abnormally low load impedance generally means a visit to the amp hospital. Thus, it’s important to know what the total impedance of the pile of speakers connected to the amplifier really is. • RF systems are matched because we really are concerned with maximum power transfer and with matching the imped- ance of the transmission line (keeps nasty things from happening). Video signals (composite, baseband, or otherwise) should be treated like RF. Some folks seem to believe that balanced/unbalanced lines and impedances are related; or even worse that they are associ- ated with a particular type of connector. Not so. Unbalanced signals are not necessarily high-impedance and balanced sig- nals/lines are not necessarily low-impedance. Similarly, although 1/4 inch jacks are typically used for things like guitars (which are high-impedance and unbalanced), this does not predispose them to only this usage. After all, 1/4 inch jacks are sometimes used for loudspeakers, which are anything but high-impedance. Therefore, the presence of 3-pin XLR connectors should not be construed to mean that the input or output is low-impedance (or high-impedance). The same applies to 1/4 inch jacks. So, what is really important? Signal level, and (to a much lesser degree), the impedance relation between an output (signal source) and the input that it connects to (signal receiver). -
Page 8: Signal Levels
User’s Guide 581E Distribution Amplifier Connecting to Other Gear /11 ... continued Signal Levels The 581E is designed around studio/professional line levels: +4 dBu or 1.23 volts RMS. The unit is quiet enough to operate at lower signal levels such as those found in semi-pro or musical instrument (MI) equipment (-10 dBu or 300 millivolts). I/O Impedances The 581E is designed to interface into almost any recording studio or sound reinforcement application. This includes: • 600-ohm systems where input and output impedances are matched. • Modern bridging systems where inputs bridge and outputs are low source impedances (voltage transmission systems). The 581E’s input impedance is greater than 20-kilohms balanced. The inputs may be driven from any balanced source ca- pable of delivering at least -10 dBu into the aforementioned impedances. The 581E’s output impedance is 600 ohms balanced, 300 ohms unbalanced. The output line driver delivers +22 dBm into 600- ohm balanced loads or +18 dBm into 600-ohm unbalanced loads. Input and Output Connections The illustration on the next page shows how to connect the 581E to balanced and unbalanced sources and loads. To operate the 581E from unbalanced sources, run a 2-conductor shielded cable (that’s two conductors plus the shield) from the source to the 581E. At the source, connect the low/minus side to the shield, these connect to the source’s ground; con- nect the high/plus side to the source’s signal connection. At the 581E, the high/plus wire connects to pin 2, the low/minus wire connects to pin 3, and the shield (always) connects to pin 1. This is the preferred method as it makes best use of the 581E’s balanced input (even though the source is unbalanced). The other alternative shown in the illustration converts the 581E’s balanced input into an unbalanced input at the input connector. This works, but is more susceptible to hum and buzz than the preferred method. There is no level difference between either method. You can drive unbalanced loads with the 581E’s outputs by using the XLR connector with pin 3 left open. In an emergency (the show must go on), you can ground pin 3, but if you have the choice... leave it open. If you must ground pin 3, it is must be... -
Page 9: Cabling Examples
User’s Guide 581E Distribution Amplifier Cabling Examples /11 Balanced Terminal Strip (When Using CIRCUIT Ground) (Wire Shield Not Connected) Channel Input Two Conductor Shielded Cable Balanced Female XLR (When Using CIRCUIT Ground) Channel Pin 1=Not Connected Input Pin 2 = High... -
Page 10: Block Diagram
User’s Guide 581E Distribution Amplifier Block Diagram 8/11 Channel 1 Input 1 Input Output 1A Level Level Output 1B Level CLIP Channel 1 Input LED Output 1C Display Level Output 1D Level CHANNEL 1 CHANNEL 2 CHANNEL 3 CHANNEL 4... -
Page 11: Troubleshooting Chart
User’s Guide 581E Distribution Amplifier Troubleshooting /11 Troubleshooting Chart SyMpTOM pRObAbLE CAUSE No output Check cables and connections. Are inputs driven by outputs, and outputs driving inputs? Verify cables, source and load by patching input and output connections together, at the unit. Check for AC power presence. Hum or buzz in output Check input and output connector wiring. Ground loop: check related system equipment grounding. Are all system components on the same AC ground? Distortion Check the level of the input signal on the 581E’s LED display(s). Is the CLIP light on all the time? If so, reduce the incoming signal level by turning the INPUT level counterclockwise. Is the incoming signal already distorted? Listen “up stream” from the 581E to make sure you’re feeding it a clean signal. Noise (hiss) Check input signal levels and input level control settings The input signal may be too low. If so, boost the incoming signal (if possible). Is the input signal already noisy? Listen “up stream” from the 581E to determine that you are feeding it a clean signal. No LED display Is the unit plugged in, and turned on? Is the AC outlet OK? Notes... -
Page 12: Specifications And Declaration Of Conformity
User’s Guide 581E Distribution Amplifier Specifications and Declaration of Conformity 10/11 Architects and Engineers Specifications The audio distribution amplifier shall be a four channel unit with each channel consisting of one electronically balanced input amplifier and four electronically balanced output amplifiers. Associated with each channel shall be a master gain adjustment circuit capable of up to 15dB of gain or 15dB of loss for the purpose of optimally matching incoming signal level(s). Also associated with each channel shall be a four LED array for the indication of the signal levels applied to the output drive circuits. The LED’s shall be labelled CLIP, +10, 0, and -10 corresponding to internal signal levels of +18dBu, +10dBu, 0dBu, and -10dBu. Each output shall be capable of driving a 600-ohm balanced load to a level of +22 dBm. The maximum output level into a balanced bridging load (20K Ohms) shall be +26 dBu. Each output will offer an individual attenuator with a range of 0 to -20 dB. Frequency response through the amplifier shall be ±½ dB, measured between 20 Hz and 20 kHz. THD+Noise shall be less than 0.009% measured at unity gain with a bandwidth of 30 kHz. Residual noise will be >100 dB below a +4 dBu input signal when mea- sured with an A-weighting filter. The unit shall occupy one rack space (1U). The physical dimensions shall be 1.72”H x 19”W x 6”D; 4.45cm H x 43.7cm W x 15.24cm The distribution amplifier shall operate by means of its built-in power supply connected to 117V AC, nominal, 95-130V AC, 50-60 Hz; or 230V AC nominal, 165-255V AC, 50 Hz. Power consumption shall be 18 watts, maximum. There shall be a rear panel receptacle for an IEC type detachable power cord. The distribution amplifier shall carry the CE mark. The distribution amplifier shall be a Symetrix, Inc. model 581E Distribution Amplifier (4x4). Specifications Declaration of Conformity Input/Output We, Symetrix Incorporated, 6408 216th St. SW, Mountlake Terrace, Maximum Input Level +26 dBu Balanced... -
Page 13: Warranty And Service
The Symetrix Limited Warranty exceed the price allocatable to the product or any part thereof which gives rise to the claim. In no event will Symetrix be liable Symetrix, Inc. expressly warrants that the product will be free for any incidental or consequential damages including but not from defects in material and workmanship for eighteen (18) limited to damage for loss of revenue, cost of capital, claims months from the date the product is shipped from the factory. of customers for service interruptions or failure to supply, Symetrix's obligations under this warranty will be limited to and costs and expenses incurred in connection with labor, repairing or replacing, at Symetrix's option, the part or parts overhead, transportation, installation or removal of products, of the product which prove defective in material or workman- substitute facilities or supply houses. ship within eighteen (18) months from the date the product is shipped from the factory, provided that the Buyer gives Servicing the 581E Distribution Amplifier Symetrix prompt notice of any defect or failure and satisfactory If you have determined that your 581E Distribution Amplifier proof thereof. Products may be returned by Buyer only after requires repair services and you live outside of the United a Return Authorization number (RA) has been obtained from States please contact your local SymNet dealer or distributor Symetrix. Buyer will prepay all freight charges to return the for instructions on how to obtain service. If you reside in the product to the Symetrix factory. Symetrix reserves the right to U.S. then proceed as follows. inspect any products which may be the subject of any warranty Return authorization claim before repair or replacement is carried out. Symetrix At the Symetrix factory, Symetrix will perform in-warranty or may, at its option, require proof of the original date of purchase out-of-warranty service on any product it has manufactured for (dated copy of original retail dealer's invoice). Final determina-... - Page 16 6408 216th St. SW, Mountlake Terrace, WA, USA • Tel +1 (425) 778-7728 • Fax +1 (425) 778-7727 • Web www.symetrixaudio.com © 2006, Symetrix, Inc. All rights reserved. Printed in the United States of America. Symetrix Part Number 53581E-1C00. The information in this User’s Guide is subject to change without notice. Symetrix, Inc. shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein; nor is it liable for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the furnishing, performance, or use of this material. Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation. Symetrix assumes no responsibility with regard to the performance or use of these products. Under copyright laws, no part of this User’s Guide may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, without permission in writing from Symetrix, Inc. If, however, your only means of access is electronic, permission to print one copy is hereby granted. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
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