Sound Performance Lab Microphone 9523 User Manual

Manual  
Dual Channel Microphone Preamplifier  
Model 9523  
 
Foreword................................................................................................... 3  
Introduction............................................................................................. 4  
Operation Safety..................................................................................... 4  
Connections............................................................................................. 5  
Contents  
Control Elements  
MIC GAIN .................................................................................................. 6  
PHASE REVERSE ...................................................................................... 6  
-35 dB ........................................................................................................ 7  
48 V - PHANTOM POWER ..................................................................... 7  
PPM METER .............................................................................................. 7  
Power Supply........................................................................................... 8  
Specifications........................................................................................... 9  
Warranty ...................................................................................................10  
Dear customer,  
Foreword  
Thank you for the confidence you have shown towards SPL elec-  
tronics GmbH by purchasing the SPL MIKEMAN. You have decided  
to use a tool of high performance which sets you in the position  
to have faster success and a better sound quality in your music  
productions.  
As a typical SPL unit the MIKEMAN combines exemplary specifi-  
cations and high manufacturing standard with excellent sound  
quality to provide you a precious component for studio and P.A.  
purposes. Please read this manual carefully to ensure you have all  
the information you need to use the MIKEMAN. We wish you every  
success.  
Your Sound Performance Laboratory-Team  
Thanks  
I would like to start with my thanks to all our staff, who created  
what is to be described here. The importance of their exceptional  
qualification and talents can´t be overestimated. But the biggest  
thanks I owe their unbelievable engagement, creativity and  
productivity in realizing our projects.  
Our products are often tested and compared in many publica-  
tions and by our customers themselfs and constantly valued with  
best results.  
I would like to pass on this broad appreciation to those, who  
deserve it – my excellent colleagues.  
Hermann Gier  
3
 
Introduction  
The recording industry has gone through some dramatic  
changes in the past years. The home recording market produces  
professional results with modest investments. Mainly inexpensive  
mixing consoles with lots of channels and 8-bus-option are being  
used. High class filtering and microphone preamplification are  
not incorporated in these systems. The “direct to DAT” recording  
philosophy has created another growing market. Sampling and  
direct cutting through quality mic preamps has become popular.  
The MIKEMAN is the ideal choice for both recording situations. It is  
the cost-effective entry into high performance preamplification  
and ideally suited to partner your favorite mic in getting the best  
possible performance on tape. It improves the sonic quality of  
small mixing consoles with two channels of superior preampli-  
fiaction and it is the ideal tool fordirect to DATapplications.  
The MIKEMAN is a dual channel microphone preamplifer with  
excellent noise and CCMR specs. It has a large input headroom  
(+26,5 dB), which makes limiting  
a
less important issue.  
Microphone and line level signals can be preamplified up to  
+72 dB. Activating the padding switch attenuates the preamplifier  
stage by -35 dB. The superior phantom power supply for  
condensor microphones is also ideal for old tube microphones  
which need a very stable and clean +48 V phantom powering.The  
Phase Reverse switch is used to change the polarity of the micro-  
phone. PPM-meters displaying output values between -18 dB and  
+9 dB are also incorporated. The input and output stages can  
optionally be equipped with beyerdynamic transformers.  
The housing of the MIKEMAN has the standard 19" EIA format and  
occupies 1 unit (1 U = 44 mm) in your rack. When installing the  
unit in a 19" rack, the rear side of the unit needs some support,  
especially in a touring case. The MIKEMAN should not be installed  
near units which produce strong magnetic fields or extreme heat.  
Do not install the MIKEMAN directly above or below power ampli-  
fiers or digital processors. If possible, the MIKEMAN should be  
placed in an »analog rack« where the majority of (or all) the  
equipment installed is analog. This eliminates problems which  
could result from interfering high-frequency signals such as clock  
frequencies, MIDI or SMPTE control signals.  
Operating Safety  
Important security advices  
Check that the voltage details quoted on the back panel are the  
same as your local mains electricity supply. Use a minus (-)  
screwdriver to set the voltage selector to the voltage for the area  
in which the unit will be used.  
Never cover up the ventilation slots on the top of the unit. If,  
during operation, the sound is interrupted or indicators no longer  
illuminate, or if abnormal odor or smoke is detected, or if water is  
spilled on the unit, immediately disconnect the power cord plug  
and contact your dealer or an authorized service center.  
Only clean your MIKEMAN with a soft, lint-free cloth. Use only  
standard cleaning agents. Never use alcohol or paint thinner,  
because they may damage the finish.  
4
 
The MIKEMAN is equipped with two electronically balanced,  
female 3-pole XLR sockets to connect two microphones or a line  
signals. The outputs of the MIKEMAN are designed balanced on  
male XLR sockets as well as unbalanced on 1/4“ jacks.The outputs  
can be used parallel to each other. This means that two output  
signals can be produced from one input signal.  
Connections  
The following diagram shows how to unbalance balanced  
wiring correctly:  
Condenser microphones with 48 V phantom power can not be  
used unbalanced.  
Both output stages operate in parallel, so it is possible to  
connect two different destination units simultaneously, for  
example to record to two different media at the same time or split  
the output between a mixer and effects processor.  
5
 
Control Elements  
5
2
1
3
4
1
The preamplifier stage of the MIKEMAN is based on the SSM 2017  
semiconductor.The strengths of this particular component are its  
extremely low noise and distortion characteristics. Unlike discre-  
tely designed circuits, the SSM 2017 has 64 transistor functions  
(discretely up to 24), thus achieving a very high common mode  
rejection.  
Mic Gain  
Preamplification of the input signal is determined by the MIC  
GAIN control. The control range of the preamplification values  
ranges from +22 dB to +72 dB. The maximum amplification value  
specified is a minimum value. The preamplifier stage provides up  
to +75 dB. This value can be lower, depending on the tolerance of  
the potentiometer, but it never falls below a value of +72dB.  
The maximum input level is +25,7 dB! This high input capability  
reduces the need of limiting.  
When setting the MIC GAIN value, take note of the transducer  
type (condensor or dynamic microphone) and the free-field  
transmission factor of the microphone type. The sound pressure  
level of the sound source to be recorded, the distance to the  
microphone and the room acoustics are other factors which also  
have to be taken into account when setting the MIC GAIN poten-  
tiometer. The free-field transmission factor of a dynamic micro-  
phone is around 2 mV/Pa, that of a condensor microphone can be  
up to 20 mV/Pa, which equals an increase in the output level of  
20 dB.  
Pressing the phase switch (PHASE REVERSE) inverts the polarity  
of the microphone signal. When the switch has not been pressed  
(status LED is off), the polarity is »in phase«. Pressing the switch  
means that the polarity is »out of phase«.  
2
Phase Reverse  
Phase inversion can be used for a number of different reasons:  
1. If, for example, the microphone signal of a singer or speaker is  
preamplified in the MIKEMAN and the monitor signal is folded back  
to the headphones, the singer or speaker cannot hear himself  
very well. Pressing the phase switch inverts the polarity of the  
microphone and consequently, of the headphone signal, and the  
singer or speaker can then hear himself on his headphones  
without having to increase the level.  
6
 
2.The phase inversion feature is also very useful when the pola-  
rity of the XLR input jack has to be inverted to match the polarity  
of the microphone or the microphone cable.The pin assigment of  
the XLR connector is as follows: Pin 2 = hot (+) and Pin 3 = cold (-).  
3. Sometimes it is desirable to swop the polarity of a micro-  
phone because of the sound.  
3
4
The MIKEMAN can also be used as a gain-on amplifier for line  
signals. The input sensitivity of the preamplifier stage is reduced  
by 35 dB by pressing the -35 dB switch. The corrected preamplifi-  
cation value on the MIC GAIN control can be ascertained by subtrac-  
ting 35 dB from the value set on the potentiometer.  
-35 dB  
Condensor microphones require a supply voltage of 48 V DC  
which supplies the microphone via the balanced audio lines (pins  
2 and 3). When the supply voltage is switched on, a phantom  
circuit is formed whereby the 48 V DC supply voltage is applied  
simultaneously to the two supply lines (+/-) of the microphone  
and fed back via the cable screen.  
48 V  
Phantom Power  
Phantom power  
according to  
DIN 45 596 / IEC 268-15  
There is no DC voltage between the two modulation lines which  
is why dynamic microphones can be used when the phantom  
voltage is switched on, without this doing the microphones any  
harm.  
The influences of noise voltages which can superpose the DC  
supply voltage such as hum loops and parasitic currents in the  
cable screen are reduced by the phantom power supply.  
Moreover, this type of connection is particularly resistant towards  
RF.  
As there is no potential difference between the +/- supply lines,  
the connection technique of the phantom supply is compatible  
with moving coil and ribbon microphones.  
All microphones with balanced floating output, i.e. also micro-  
phones equipped with tubes can be used when the phantom  
voltage is switched on.  
WARNING: It is essential to switch the phantom supply off if  
other types of microphones are used. A line signal source or  
an unbalanced microphone may only be used if the phantom  
supply is switched off.  
The output peak levels (PPM values) are indicated on the LED  
display in steps of 3 dB from -18 dB to + 9 dB.  
5
PPM Meter  
7
 
Power Supply  
Special attention has been paid to the power supply of the  
MikeMan. The power pack is the heart of any unit, and the more  
accurately it works, the more this improves results.  
A stable and well-filtered  
toroidal-core power supply  
provides the basis for good  
sound processing.  
The power supply is installed around a toroidal-core trans-  
former which does not cause any electronic humming or mecha-  
nical sounds as a result of its minimum leakage field.The primary  
voltage can be switched between 230 V / 50 Hz and 115 V / 60 Hz.  
A 3-pole standard IEC mains connection socket serves to  
connect a detachable 3-pole mains lead which is included in the  
scope of supply. Transformer, power cable and mains connector  
comply with the requirements of VDE, UL and CSA.The fuse rating  
is 200 mA.  
The connection between ground and housing can be sepa-  
rated via the GND LIFT switching option. Hum loops can be reme-  
died in this way.  
The GND LIFT switch helps to  
remedy hum loops.  
On the secondary side of the power supply, an RC combination  
is used to filter out noise and hum voltages from the mains side.  
Both half-waves are smoothed with 2000 mF capacitors in the  
positive and negative voltage path.  
Ample filtering, smoothings  
and calibrations make for  
stable, constant service  
voltage.  
An independent, self-contained power pack is used for the  
phantom power supply. It obtains unregulated AC voltage from 2  
x 25 V coils in the transformer. This results in +/- 22.5 V DC via  
bridge rectifiers which are filtered with 1000 mF. The DC voltage  
is adjusted to exactly 48 V in the switching power supply (LM 311)  
downstream. It is then smoothed again and stabilized.The power  
supply current flows to the intrusion point via the PCB. An RC  
combination stabilizes the power supply again at this point. Two  
medicinal 6.81 kW resistors with a tolerance of only 0.1% are used  
as bridging resistors.  
The phantom supply voltage is  
from a separate power supply  
with sophisticated filtering  
and selected components.  
8
 
Specifications  
Frequency range  
Overall frequency range  
E.I.N.  
15 Hz- 40 kHz +/- 0,1dB  
10 Hz-100 kHz +/- 0,5 dB  
126,6 dBm/dBu  
CMRR (common mode rejection)  
(Measuring set-up: load ohms 150 W, 0dB, measured at XLR-output)  
CMRR -20 dBu  
100 Hz:  
1kHz:  
10 kHz:  
20 kHz:  
CMRR -60 dBu  
-80 dBu-80 dBu  
-80 dBu-80 dBu  
-73 dBu-80 dBu  
-68 dBu-80 dBu  
THD & N (total harmonic distortion & noise)  
(Measuring set-up: load ohms 150 W, measured at XLR-output)  
Measurement A  
Varying amplifications  
up to 0dBu  
Measurement B  
60dB amplifications; increase of  
generator output in 10dB steps  
-60 dBu to 0 dBu = 0,064 %  
-50 dBu to 0 dBu = 0,028 %  
-40 dBu to 0 dBu = 0,017 %  
-30 dBu to 0 dBu = 0,015 %  
-60 dBu = 0,064 %  
-50 dBu = 0,058 %  
-40 dBu = 0,018 %  
-30 dBu = 0,006 %  
-20 dBu to 0 dBu = 0,062 % (-35 dB activ) -20 dBu = 0,002 %  
-10 dBu to 0 dBu = 0,025 % (-35 dB activ) -10 dBu = clipping  
0 dBu to 0 dBu = 0,017 % (-35 dB activ)  
Signal to noise  
(Measuring set-up: load ohms 150 W, measured at XLR-output)  
amplification CCIR-469-2  
A unweighted  
-55,85 dBqp -60,07 dB  
-60,66 dBqp -69,75 dB  
72 dB  
60 dB  
50 dB  
40 dB  
30 dB  
-68,57 dBqp -77,55 dB  
-73,11 dBqp -81,75 dB  
-74,79 dBqp -83,18 dB  
with -35 dB Pad:  
20 dB  
10 dB  
-62,56 dBqp -71,85 dB  
-69,83 dBqp -78,68 dB  
Input stage  
Instrumentation amplifier, electronically balanced  
(differential), transformerless  
Nominal input level  
Input impedance  
headroom before clip  
+6 dB  
200 Ohm to 1,2 kOhm  
+25,72 dBu  
Output stage  
Output 1: XLR, Instrumentation amplifier, electronically  
balanced (differential), transformerless,  
Nominal output level +6 dB  
Output 2: Jack, unbalanced  
Nominal output level 0 dB  
Output impedance (XLR/Jack) < 600 Ohm  
Dimensions  
Housing  
Standard EIA 19"/1U,  
482 x 44 x 237 mm  
Weight  
3,2 kg  
9
 
Warranty  
SPL electronics GmbH (hereafter called SPL) products are  
warranted only in the country where purchased, through the  
authorized SPL distributor in that country, against defects in  
material or workmanship. The specific period of this limited  
warranty shall be that which is described to the original retail  
purchaser by the authorized SPL dealer or distributor at the time  
of purchase.  
SPL does not, however, warrant its products against any and all  
defects:  
1) arising out of materials or workmanship not provided or  
furnished by SPL, or 2) resulting from abnormal use of the  
product or use in violation of instructions, or 3) in products  
repaired or serviced by other than authorized SPL repair facilities,  
or 4) in products with removed or defaced serial numbers, or 5) in  
components or parts or products expressly warranted by another  
manufacturer.  
SPL agrees, through the applicable authorized distributor, to  
repair or replace defects covered by this limited warranty with  
parts or products of original or improved design, at its option in  
each respect, if the defective product is shipped prior to the end  
of the warranty period to the designated authorized SPL warranty  
repair facility in the country where purchased, or to the SPL  
factory in Germany, in the original packaging or a replacement  
supplied by SPL, with all transportation costs and full insurance  
paid each way by the purchaser or owner.  
All remedies and the measure of damages are limited to the  
above services. It is possible that economic loss or injury to  
person or property may result from the failure of the product;  
however, even if SPL has been advised of this possibility, this  
limited warranty does not cover any such consequential or inci-  
dental damages. Some states or countries do not allow the limita-  
tions or exclusion of incidental or consequential damages, so the  
above limitation may not apply to you.  
Any and all warranties, express or implied, arising by law, course  
of dealing, course of performance, usage of trade, or otherwise,  
including but not limited to implied warranties of merchantabi-  
lity and fitness for particular, are limited to a period of 1 (one) year  
from either the date of manufacture. Some states or countries do  
not allow limitations on how long an implied warranty lasts, so  
the above limitations may not apply to you.  
This limited warranty gives you specific legal rights, and you  
may also have other rights which vary from state to state, country  
to country.  
SPL electronics GmbH, D-41372 Niederkruechten, Germany  
10  
 

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