Content Content Scope of Delivery Introduction Phonitor Phonitor 2 Phonitor mini Home Listening Sound Engineers The end of ear fatigue Applications Special Features Tech Talk 120 Volt Technology The advantages of the 120-Volt operating voltage Specifications Inputs Headphone Output Power Supply Measurement & Weight Hook Up Connecting to the mains Placement Before You Begin Warning Phonitor mini...
Page 3
Content Control Elements Input: XLR or RCA Matrix: On or Off Mode: Stereo, Mono or Mute Crossfeed: Low, Med or High Angle: 30°, 22° or 40° Center: -0,6 dB, -1,2 dB or Off Volume Headphone Connection Rear Panel: Power Voltage Select Power Connection On/Off Switch Rear Panel: Signals XLR Sockets Operation Setting up the Phonitor Matrix in three steps Symbols Security Advices Declaration of CE Conformity Notes on Environmental Protection Contact Phonitor mini...
Page 4
This document is the property of SPL and may not be copied or repro- duced in any manner, in part or fully, without prior authorization by SPL.
Introduction Phonitor When we brought out the first Phonitor — the first ever headphone amp with 120 Volt technology — back in 2008, the professional audio world seemed to have been eagerly awaiting it. The success of this unique headphone preamp was overwhelming. In hindsight, we also had to wonder how none of us had come to the idea of com- bining basic monitoring options, speaker simulation capabilities and a headphone preamp.
Introduction Phonitor 2 Many Phonitor users told us they wished they could also use the unmatched signal quality that the Phonitor provides to feed their speakers. And so began to take form the idea of making its successor a full- fledged stereo preamp that could become the heart of modern pro- fessional and home systems alike where headphones have a pree- minent importance.
Introduction Phonitor mini The outstanding technical and sonic characteristics of the Phonitor 2 were translated into a more compact and less-expensive format to create the Phonitor mini. Its ease-of-use, small and sturdy housing and affordable price, make the Phonitor mini the perfect headphone amp for home studios, hi-fi enthusiasts and mobile recording and mixing.
Introduction Home Listening Home users can now get — for an unheard-of value for money — a headphone amplifier to enjoy an authentic sound reproduction with headphones. 0° Headphones usually provide a 180-degree stereo image (the Super 30° 30° Stereo effect), and that‘s exactly where the problem is rooted. Generally speaking, music is mixed so that all instruments are repro- duced correctly in their position when the loudspeakers form a ste- reo triangle.
Introduction Sound Engineers Studio engineers will find in the Phonitor mini a high-quality head- phones amplifier. On the one side, there is the traditional, analytical work with head- 0° phones as with a magnifying glass, which can be done always bea- 30°...
Introduction The end of ear fatigue The initially impressive „Super Stereo effect” with headphones can become tiring with time. Besides the unnatural ambience impressions, other disadvanta- ges also lead to an early ear fatigue when mixing or listening with headphones. A cheap headphone amplifier can also be a good reason for early hearing fatigue.
Introduction Applications Headphone amplification for two sources • • Headphone amplifier for all headphone systems and impedances Loudspeaker-like reproduction with headphones • Monitoring alternative in studios and mobile units • • Mobile reproduction of usual monitoring conditions Headphone monitoring live or during recording •...
Introduction Special Features The Phonitor mini combines the new technical and sonic standards • of the Phonitor 2 with a compact, competitively priced design • Optimally suited for all dynamic headphones from 10 Ohm Mount-stand compatible with VESA adapter • •...
Tech Talk 120 Volt Technology The foundations of this high-end-development is our 120 Volt refe- rence technology: specially developed and manufactured op-amps that run on an operating voltage of 120 volts, which corresponds to approximately twice that of most modern analog audio semiconductor technologies.
Volt Comparison Operational Voltages Comparison Maximum Levels 120 V 33,2 22,5 21,5 36 V 30 V +/- 15 Volt +/- 18 Volt +/- 60 Volt OPA 134@30 V OPA 134@36 V SPL-OP@ 120 V Phonitor mini...
Page 16
Comparison Dynamic Range TL 071@30 V OPA 134@36 V SPL-OP@ 120 V -105 141,4 -107 -109 -111 111,7 129,1 -113 124,2 114,2 -115 Comparison THD&N OPA 134@30 V OPA 134@36 V SPL-OP@ 120 V Phonitor mini...
Page 17
10dB higher. THD measurements of the SPL op-amp show a difference of more than 3dB compared to the OPA134 at 36V — in terms of sound pres- sure level, that corresponds to an improvement of more than 50%.
Specifications Inputs XLR connectors: XLR connectors, electronically balanced Impedance: bal. ca. 20 kΩ, unbal. ca. 10 kΩ Max. Input Level: +32,5 dBu RCA connectors: RCA connectors, unbalanced Impedance: ca. 10 kΩ Max. Input Level: +20 dBu Considering that the RCA input is raised from -10dBV to +4dBu (approx. 12.7dB), the input level is comparable to that of the XLR inputs: +20dB + 12.7dB = 32.7dB 0dBu corresponds to 775mV.
Specifications Headphone Output 6,3-mm TRS connector Pin wiring: Tip = Left, Ring = Right, Sleeve = GND Impedance: 0,18 Ω Attenuation Factor: 180 at 40 Ohm Frequency Range: ‹10 Hz to ›300 kHz ( -3 dB) CMR: -88 dB at 1 kHz Crosstalk: -80 dB at 1 kHz THD&N: 0,00052 % at 1 kHz At 0dBu input level and unity gain, 1 kHz, 100 kOhm load Noise: Unweighted -100 dB A-weighted: - 103 dB CCIR: -94 dB Dynamic Range: Unweighted 133,62 dB Power Amplifier: 2x 1W (+30dBu) at 1 kHz, 600Ω 2x 2W (+30dBu) at 1 kHz, 300Ω Phonitor mini...
Specifications Power Supply Voltages: 230 V AC, 50 Hz / 115 V AC, 60 Hz Power Consumption: max. 15 W Fuses: 100-120 V AC: T 1 A /220-240 V AC: T 500 mA Measurement & Weight Height x Width x Depth: 44 mm x 144 mm x 257 mm (1,72" x 5,76" x 10,12") Weight: 2,03 kg / 4,48 lbs Phonitor mini...
Hook Up Connecting to the mains Be very careful to check that the rear chassis power selection is set correctly before using the unit (230V/50 Hz = 220-240 V, 115V/60 Hz = 110-120 Volt). When in doubt about a source, contact your dealer or a professional electrician.
Hook Up Placement Place the unit on a level and stable surface. The unit’s enclo- sure 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, but there are other considerations.
Hook Up Before You Begin Make sure the Volume control is turned hard left before you power up the unit. Now control Volume. Note that too high levels can damage headphones and hearing! Always MUTE the input before plugging in or unplugging a pair of headphones.
Control Elements Input: XLR or RCA The Phonitor mini provides two different source connections. Use the Input switch to select one. Both switches are named after the inputs on the rear. The RCA input is usually used to connect consumer products. Do note, however, that the XLR inputs can also be used to connect any unbalanced outputs .
Control Elements Matrix: On or Off With Matrix On/Off you switch on or off the Phonitor-Matrix globally. On activates Crossfeed, Angle and Center, while Off deactivates them. A/B comparisons can be made directly. Phonitor mini...
Control Elements Mode: Stereo, Mono or Mute The standard setting of the switch is „Stereo,“ to play back stereo signals. The mono switch sums the two channels that make up the stereo signal. The mono switch is important to check the mono compatibility of the mix.
Control Elements Crossfeed: Low, Med or High The Crossfeed switch determines the volume-dependent, frequency- corrected channel crosstalk, which is something that occurs natu- rally with speakers, due to their sound projection into a room. This is called „Interaural Level Difference“ (ILD). The different Crossfeed values could be compared to the influence of different room sizes and characteristics on the same loudspeaker settings.
Control Elements Angle: 30°, 22° or 40° With the Angle switch you define the frequency-corrected channel crosstalk. In this case, we are dealing with „Interaural Time Difference“ (ITD). The influence of the point in time at which the signal reaches the opposite ear corresponds to the variation of the angle at which a real loudspeaker pair is placed.
Control Elements Center: -0,6 dB, -1,2 dB or Off Normally, when using headphones, the mid signal is lower than the side signals, which seem louder due to the Super Stereo effect. When you adjust the stereo image of the speakers with the Crossfeed and Angle settings, the mid component may drop quite intensively.
Control Elements Volume The Volume level control allows you to decrease the signal level from between 0 and -80 dB. If the volume control is hard right, it is not set to -0 dB but rather to +7 dB. Always MUTE the input before plugging in or unplugging a pair of headphones. Otherwise, your headphones, ears or the power amplifier of the Phonitor may result damaged..
Control Elements Headphone Connection Connect headphones to the standard 1/4“ (TRS) stereo plug on the lower left front panel. The layout is: Tip =left channel, Ring = right Channel, Sleeve = ground When connecting headphones, make sure that the plug is completely in and that is firmly attached.
Control Elements Headphone Connection Reduce volume level before you remove or plug in the headphone (or when switching headphones). That way you avoid loud crackles from reaching your ears or the power amplifier of the Phonitor mini being damaged due to the brief short circuit when plugging in or unplugging.
Rear Panel: Power Voltage Select Before connecting the Phonitor mini to the mains, make sure that the voltage selection corresponds to the values of your local power grid (230 or 115 volts). In German-speaking regions, it is usually 230V. The mains connector on the rear panel integrates a fuse box that inclu- des fuses for both voltage ranges.
Rear Panel: Power Voltage Select Open the power connector lid with a small screwdriver. There are two tiny slots on the outside. Use the screwdriver to lever the red fuse box from above until you can grab it. Take the fuse box out, turn it around 180 degrees and place it back again.
Rear Panel: Power Power Connection Connect the included power cord to the rear, 3 pin power input. The transformer, power cord and inlet of the appliance conform to VDE, UL and CSA requirements. Phonitor mini...
Rear Panel: Power On/Off Switch Use the rear on/off switch to activate and deactivate the unit. The operational status is indicated by the illuminated Volume control on the front panel. We deliberately chose to place the switch on the rear panel in order to avoid interferences from power wiring through the unit to the front panel.
Rear Panel: Signals XLR Sockets The image below shows the XLR connectors pinout. They are balanced and have three conductors or wires. Conductor 2 (Pin 2) corresponds to the (+) or hot Signal. The diagram also shows how to wire the balanced XLR connections if unba- lanced connections are required, for example to RCA or TS inputs and outputs Eingang Ausgang...
Operation Setting up the Phonitor Matrix in three steps Initially choose your audio material from sources you know well, and in a first production, that which is similar to what you wish to mix. It is not sensible to listen to classic music while planning a Phonitor mini setup to mix a pop production.
Page 40
Operation Setting up the Phonitor Matrix in three steps Activate Crossfeed, Anlge and Center In order to hear the same as with loudspeakers, the audio chan- nels receive now precisely calculated time, level and frequency corrections. First of all, you should check the correct stereo width. If the stereo image on your headphones seems too narrow or too wide, you can always apply two corrections: Angle or Crossfeed.
Page 41
Operation Setting up the Phonitor Matrix in three steps Angle: First of all, you should approximate the desired stereo width with the Angle control (which corresponds to the positioning angle of a real loudspeaker set), and then adjust the Crossfeed (which corresponds to the influence of the room size and damping on the loudspeaker).
Page 42
Operation Setting up the Phonitor Matrix in three steps Crossfeed: If you increase the Crossfeed value, a higher amount of signal is added to the opposite side. Which results in a smaller Interaural Level Difference. Phonitor mini...
Page 43
Operation Setting up the Phonitor Matrix in three steps Center: After you have set up Crossfeed and Angle you can then determine your Center Level setting. When simply playing back audio material (home use), the Center function can usually be set to Off. When mixing, the phantom center is usually too low.
Symbols Exclamation mark within a triangle An exclamation mark within a triangle is intended to make you aware of important operational advice and/or warnings that must be follo- wed. 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 –...
Security Advices Connections Only use the connections as described. Other connections can lead to health risks and damage the equipment. Water and humidity Do not use this device anywhere near water (for example in a bath room, a damp cellar, near swimming pools, or similar environments). Otherwise your are dealing with an extremely high risk of fatal electri- cal shocks! Insertion of objects or fluids...
Page 46
Opening the unit Simply put: DON‘T, if you are not a certified SPL technician or engi- neer.Really: Do not open the device housing, as there is great risk you will damage the device, or –...
Page 47
Security Advices Power connection overloads Avoid any kind of overload in connections to wall sockets, extension or splitter power cords, or signal inputs. Always keep manufacturer warnings and instructions in mind. Overloads create fire hazards and risk of dangerous shocks! Lightning Before thunderstorms or other severe weather, disconnect the device from wall power;...
Page 48
Security Advices Controls and switches Operate the controls and switches only as described in the manual. Incorrect adjustments outside safe parameters can lead to damage and unnecessary repair costs. Never use the switches or level cont- rols to effect excessive or extreme changes. Repairs Unplug the unit from all power and signal connections and immedia- tely contact a qualified technician when you think repairs are needed...
Page 49
Security Advices Replacement/substitute parts Be sure that any service technician uses original replacement parts or those with identical specifications as the originals. Incorrectly substituted parts can lead to fire, electrical shock or other dangers, including further equipment damage. 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.
Phonitor mini Declaration of CE Conformity The construction of this unit is in compliance with the standards and regulations of the European Community. Phonitor mini...
Phonitor mini Notes on Environmental Protection At the end of its operating life, this product must not be disposed of with regular household 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.