User manual ART DPS II

[. . . ] IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTION ­ READ FIRST This symbol, whenever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure-voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock. This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Read manual. Read instructions: Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Power sources: Connect the unit to mains power only of the type described in this user guide or marked on the rear panel. Power cord: Use the power cord with sealed mains plug appropriate for your local main supply as provided with the equipment. [. . . ] This means that it is now quicker and easier than ever to make great recordings!No other microphone preamp is as user-friendly as the DPS II. LED Input Meter The Input Meter displays the output level of the discrete mic pre-amp, before the tube gain circuit. This peak-weighted meter allows you to get the best noise performance out of the unit and prevent input clipping. The signal level should average ­6 to 0 dB on the meter, occasionally hitting the clip light on the highest peaks. When the meter is in this range, you are getting the lowest noise and distortion out of the pre-amp stage. -8- Adjust the Input control to keep the meter in this range. The +20dB switch does not affect the meter, as it is part of the tube gain stage. VU Meter The VU Meter gives an analog representation of the DPS II output signal level. Besides showing the average analog level, it is sensitive to attack transients. When not using OPL, the VU Meter is a great indicator of how hard you are running the tube. It also helps in setting a consistent level as you change mics and instrument sources. The VU Meter also reflects the impact of the OPL circuitry on the signal. For example, if the signal is "in the red" on the meter, the meter will reflect the attenuation of the signal when the OPL is activated, and the signal is brought out of the "red". Output Control The Output Control sets the output level of the DPS II. Turning the control clockwise increases the level of the output signal. When setting the Output level control, refer to the VU Meter for an accurate level leaving the preamp. The marking on the output control determines the meter calibration to output level. If the Output control is set to ­10, then the output of the unit is ­10dBu when the meter reads 0 VU. For +4 (pro) systems, set the Output control to +4 and the meter will be calibrated to your system levels. DIGITAL CONTROLS Digital Level Knobs The digital level knobs control the input gain to the digital converters of the DPS IITM. The purpose of the digital level control is to get the loudest possible signal into the converters before clipping starts to occur. The front mounted clip lights easily notify the user before digital clipping occurs. For the optimal input signal, raise the gain until the digital clip lights just start to flicker, then back off on the digital level by a hair until the clip lights go out. One should most likely test this using the hottest signal they will be using (or use the OPLTM feature on the V3TM setting to get your levels just right. ) -9- There are several paths in which audio can reach the digital signal converters. When used in said manner, the analog signals of both channels in the DPS IITM automatically go into the digital converters. One can either send out the signals to an effects processor, such as an ART Dual Levelar for additional compression, and return it to the DPS IITM using the rear TRS jacks on the back. [. . . ] Because of its low noise, excellent tonal qualities, and high quality digital converters, the DPS II is ideal for running mixes through before recording to DAT, ADAT, DAW, or even into your computer. Used as a mastering device, the preamps are capable of adding warmth and gentle tube compression to the signal. Variable Input and Output level controls make the preamps in the DPS II ideal for level matching material in post production situations. . . an extremely valuable use! - 16 - WARRANTY INFORMATION Limited Warranty Applied Research and Technology will provide warranty and service for this unit in accordance with the following warrants: Applied Research and Technology, (A R T) warrants to the original purchaser that this product and the components thereof will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three years from the date of purchase. Applied Research and Technology will, without charge, repair or replace, at its option, defective product or component parts upon prepaid delivery to the factory service department or authorized service center, accompanied by proof of purchase date in the form of a valid sales receipt. [. . . ]