Altair DA-410 User manual

DA-410
DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER/ZONE MIXER/MIC SPLITTER
OWNERS MANUAL
EQUIPOS EUROPEOS ELECTRÓNICOS, S.A.L
Avda. de la Industria, 50. 28760 TRES CANTOS-MADRID (SPAIN).
34-1-804 32 65 34-1-804 43 58 [e-mail]
www.altairaudio.com

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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER/ZONE MIXER/MIC SPLITTER DA-410.
1. INTRODUCTION................................................................................................................................................................................. 3
2. SWITCHES, CONTROLS,ADJUSTMENTS AND CONNECTORS................................................................................................... 4
FRONT PANEL.................................................................................................................................................................................. 4
REAR PANEL..................................................................................................................................................................................... 5
3. WORKING PRECAUTIONS............................................................................................................................................................... 6
4. INSTALLATION .................................................................................................................................................................................. 6
UNPACKING.................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
MOUNTING...................................................................................................................................................................................... 6
CHANGING THE VOLTAGE............................................................................................................................................................ 6
CHANGING THE FUSE.....................................................................................................................................................................7
CONNECTING TO THE MAINS....................................................................................................................................................... 8
INPUT CONNECTION...................................................................................................................................................................... 8
UNBALANCED INPUT: ................................................................................................................................................................ 9
BALANCED INPUT:.....................................................................................................................................................................10
OUTPUT CONNECTION.................................................................................................................................................................10
UNBALANCED OUTPUT:.............................................................................................................................................................11
BALANCED OUTPUT:.................................................................................................................................................................12
GROUND LINK................................................................................................................................................................................12
5. OPERATION......................................................................................................................................................................................13
TURN ON DELAY CIRCUIT.............................................................................................................................................................13
SIGNAL AND OVERLOAD INPUT INDICATOR.............................................................................................................................13
INPUT LEVEL CONTROL.................................................................................................................................................................13
SIGNAL AND OVERLOAD OUTPUT INDICATOR.........................................................................................................................13
OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROL.............................................................................................................................................................14
MONO SIGNAL SWITCH...............................................................................................................................................................14
INPUT SIGNAL SELECTOR.............................................................................................................................................................14
MONITOR SIGNAL SELECTOR.......................................................................................................................................................14
MONITOR SIGNAL VU-METER......................................................................................................................................................15
MONITOR LEVEL CONTROL ..........................................................................................................................................................15
HEADPHONES OUTPUT................................................................................................................................................................15
MINIATURE SPEAKERS ..................................................................................................................................................................15
MIC/LINE INPUT SIGNAL SELECTOR............................................................................................................................................15
OPERATING LEVEL CHART............................................................................................................................................................16
6. OPTIONS...........................................................................................................................................................................................16
INPUT TRANSFORMER (IT-DA)......................................................................................................................................................16
OUTPUT TRANSFORMER (OT-DA) ...............................................................................................................................................16
EQUALISER CARD (TE-67) .............................................................................................................................................................16
SECURITY COVER (TP-1).................................................................................................................................................................17
KEY LOCKED SECURITY COVER (TS-1) .........................................................................................................................................17
7. SPECIAL OPERATIONS ....................................................................................................................................................................17
INPUT TRANSFORMER (IT-DA)......................................................................................................................................................19
OUTPUT TRANSFORMER (OT-DA) ...............................................................................................................................................19
EQUALISER CARD..........................................................................................................................................................................20
EQUALIZER CARD CONFIGURATION........................................................................................................................................21
GAIN CALCULATION............................................................................................................................................................21
FILTER FREQUENCY CALCULATION.....................................................................................................................................22
BANDWIDTH CALCULATION (Q).........................................................................................................................................23
GAIN VARIATION ................................................................................................................................................................24
NON STANDARD CONFIGURATION EXAMPLES................................................................................................................25
PLACING AN EQUALIZER CARD.........................................................................................................................................25
LIFTING THE XLR INPUT GROUNDS ...........................................................................................................................................26
8. BLOCK DIAGRAM AND HOW IT WORKS ...................................................................................................................................26
9. REPAIR GUIDE.................................................................................................................................................................................28
10. APPLICATION EXAMPLES............................................................................................................................................................29
DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER APPLICATION EXAMPLE.................................................................................................................29
ZONE MIXER APPLICATION EXAMPLE.......................................................................................................................................30
MIC SPLITTER APPLICATION EXAMPLE.......................................................................................................................................31
11. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS.......................................................................................................................................................32
12. WARRANTY....................................................................................................................................................................................33

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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER/ZONE MIXER/MIC SPLITTER DA-410.
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulationson your purchase of the ALTAIR distribution amplifier/zone mixer/mic splitter
DA-410. Our dilated experience in the design and manufacture of effect processing equipment, had
led to us to carry out this distribution amplifier/zone mixer/mic splitter of great performances.
There is a lot the characteristics that make of the ALTAIR DA-410, one of themost highlighted of
the audio professional market, here enumerated some:
The ALTAIR DA-410 is a high performance distribution amplifier/zone mixer/mic splitter, compact,
only one rack 19" unit high, and is able to process two stereo input signals to obtain five stereo output
signals, both with independent level control.
Used as mixer (Zone Mixer), the unit could control five zones in stereo mode or ten in monomode
(or any other combination) from the mix of its two stereo input signals.
As a audio distributor, allow obtaining up to ten mono output signals, or five in stereo mode for its
use in press rooms, recording units, audio production, broadcast, etc. Since it has two stereo inputs,
allow using the stereo input B as emergency input signal (reserve).
Individually selected MIC/LINE input preamplifiers allows microphone or line signals splitting to
additional mixers without quality and headroom degradation. Up to 4x8 or 1x10 active splitting is
possible.
One MONO switch by Zone allows to convert the output signals in order to adapt them to
monophonic equipment. If the input signals are monophonic, this switch isequally useful in order to
duplicate them to L, R (stereo).
The unit has a monitoring system or PFL with incorporate speakers, headphone output and
selectable Vu-meter allows analysing and calibrating the input signals and all the outputs. This stereo
monitoring system allows a simple and efficient control of audio continuity in moderate noisy
environments.
All the inputs and outputs are electronically balanced (XLR) and admit as option, input and output
transformers in order to improve the common moderejection ratioor provide galvanicisolation.
Up to two parametric equaliser cards TE-F could be installed as option, in each one of the ten
outputs, permitting the appropriate tonal correction to each zone or speaker system.
Naturally, you want to use your distribution amplifier/zone mixer/mic splitter, but before
beginning is important that you read this manual. This manual will help you to install and use your new
distribution amplifier/zone mixer/mic splitter. It is very important that you read it carefully, mainly the
paragraphs marked as NOTE, PRECAUTION and DANGER, for your security.
Save the original packing, you can re-use it to transport the unit. NEVER SHIP THE DISTRIBUTION
AMPLIFIER/ZONE MIXER/MIC SPLITTER WITHOUT IT'S ORIGINAL PACKING.

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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER/ZONE MIXER/MIC SPLITTER DA-410.
2. SWITCHES, CONTROLS, ADJUSTMENTS AND CONNECTORS
These are the switches, controls, adjustments and connectors that you could find in your ALTAIR distribution amplifier/zone mixer/mic splitter. The
description and explanation of each one of them, you will find in the corresponding section.
FRONT PANEL
MINIATURE SPEAKERS. MONITOR SIGNAL VU-METER.
SIGNAL AND OVERLOAD INDICATOR. MONITOR LEVEL CONTROL.
INPUT LEVEL CONTROL. MONITOR SIGNAL SELECTOR.
OUTPUT LEVEL CONTROL (CONCENTRIC). HEADPHONES OUTPUT.
MONO SIGNAL SWITCH. POWER SWITCH.
INPUT SIGNAL SELECTOR.

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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER/ZONE MIXER/MIC SPLITTER DA-410.
REAR PANEL
MAINS CONNECTOR AND FUSE HOLDER.
VOLTAGE SELECTOR.
EARTH LINK SWITCH.
OUTPUT SIGNAL CONNECTOR XLR-3-32.
INPUT SIGNAL CONNECTOR XLR-3-31.
MIC/LINE INPUT SIGNAL SELECTOR.

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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER/ZONE MIXER/MIC SPLITTER DA-410.
3. WORKING PRECAUTIONS
The manufacturer is not responsible of any damage occurred in the distribution amplifier/zone
mixer/mic splitter unit outside the limits of the warranty or those produced by not keeping in mind the
working precautions.
Mains voltage must be correct and the same as that setting on therear of the unit voltage
switch. Damage caused byconnection to improper AC voltage is not covered by any
warranty.
DANGER: Inside the distribution amplifier unit there are high voltages, doesn't open it.
The unit doesn't contain elements that could be repaired by the user. Whenever the
distribution amplifier unit is connected to the mains, contains elements with high voltages.
In order to disconnect the unit completely, you must disconnect it of the mains.
CAUTION: Protect the distribution amplifier from the rain and moisture. Ensure that no
objects or liquids enter it. If liquid is spilled into the unit, disconnect it from the mains and
consult a qualified service technician.
Don't place the unit close to heat sources.
4. INSTALLATION
UNPACKING
Before leaving from factory, each distribution amplifier was carefully inspected and tested.
Unpack and inspect the unit for any damage that may have occurred during shipment. If any
damage is found, doesn't connect the unit to the mains, notify the salesperson immediately,
because a qualified service technician must inspect the unit.
Save the original packing, you could use if you need to transport the unit. NEVER SHIP THE
DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER/ZONE MIXER/MIC SPLITTER WITHOUT IT'S ORIGINAL PACKING.
MOUNTING
It is always advisable to mount the unit inrack, either for mobile or fixed installations, for
protection, safety, aesthetics, etc.
The ALTAIR DA-410 is designed for standard 19" rack mounting, and occupy 1u high rack
space.
CHANGING THE VOLTAGE
The distribution amplifier/zone mixer/mic splitter unit is set to operate at 230V, 50-60Hz and
at 115V, 50-60Hz.
Make sure that theunit is disconnected of the mains.
Set up the voltage selector, placed at the unit rear panel, in the position that shows the
voltage, which you want to connect it.

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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER/ZONE MIXER/MIC SPLITTER DA-410.
Distribution amplifier/zone mixer/mic splitter set up to 230 V.
Distribution amplifier/zone mixer/mic splitter set up to 115 V.
Make sure that the fuse is the right one for the selected voltage:
FUSE (230V. 50-60 Hz) FUSE (115V. 50-60 Hz)
T0,5A. T1A.
CHANGING THE FUSE
The distribution amplifier/zone mixer/mic splitter unit is set to operate at 230V, 50-60Hz or at
115V, 50-60Hz.
Make sure that theunit is disconnected from the mains.
In the unit rear panel, is placed the mains connector and the fuse holder. The box bellow this
mains connector is called fuse holder. Take out the fuse holder.
Upon extracting the fuse holder, the fuse will appear, take out it and change for the new one.
Insert the fuse holder into the mains connector again.
NOTE: The fuseholder provide a place for spare fuse.
CAUTION: Always make sure upon changing the fuse, that this is the adequate for the selected
mains voltage (T1A for 115V and T0,5A for 230V).

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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER/ZONE MIXER/MIC SPLITTER DA-410.
CONNECTING TO THE MAINS
The connection of the distribution amplifier/zone mixer/mic splitter power supply to the
mains takes place by a standard cord included in the box.
Make sure that the unit power switch is at 0 position (turned off).
Insert the female I.E.C. connector of the tripolar cable into the unit power supply
male connector,placed at the rear panel.
Insert the male connector of the tripolar cable into the mains plug.
Turn on the unit power switch. In that moment the MONITOR SIGNAL
SELECTOR LED indicator will light, indicating that the unit is turned on.
CAUTION: Make sure that the mains voltage is the correct as well as their fuse is the
adequate.
INPUT CONNECTION
The distribution amplifier input signals is carried out through four XLR-3-31 female
connectors, two per stereo channel. The input connections are balanced, with a nominal
impedance of 5 kΩ(2,5kΩunbalanced) with the input set-up in line mode and 2 kΩ(1kΩ
unbalanced) with the input set-up in mic mode. The next list shows the input pins correspondence
as A.E.S recommendation practice:
INPUT CONNECTOR XLR-3-31
PIN 1 GND
PIN2 HOT (+)
PIN3 COLD (-)
The input connection dependson two factors, the first is the type of input signal balanced or
unbalanced, and the second the ground configuration of the sound source (floating or ground-
referenced). The next pictures shows some of the different possibilities of connection, relying on the
type of input signal, balanced or unbalanced and according to the ground configuration of the
equipment (floating or ground-referenced).
NOTE: All the inputs and outputs of the unit accepts phantom power.
In the next diagrams, we use the following symbols:
Sound source withmains cord without ground connection.
Sound source withmains cord with ground connection.
Sound source with the EARTH-LINK OFF.
Sound source with the EARTH LINK ON.

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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER/ZONE MIXER/MIC SPLITTER DA-410.
UNBALANCED INPUT:
This type of connection will be used when the sound source doesn't provide balanced
output. When possible, employ the connection type 1.
1) Using twin-lead shielded cable:
2) Using single conductor shielded cable:

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DISTRIBUTION AMPLIFIER/ZONE MIXER/MIC SPLITTER DA-410.
BALANCED INPUT:
OUTPUT CONNECTION
The distribution amplifier/zone mixer/mic splitter output signal is carried out through ten XLR-
3-32 male connectors, two per stereo channel. Theoutputs are balanced, with anominal
impedance of 100 Ω. The next list shows the input pins correspondence as A.E.S recommendation
practice:
OUTPUT CONNECTOR XLR-3-32
PIN 1 GND
PIN2 HOT (+)
PIN3 COLD (-)
The output connection depends on two factors, the first is the type of input signal balanced or
unbalanced, and the second the ground configuration of the sound destinationunit (floating or
ground-referenced). The next pictures shows some of the different possibilities of connection,
relying on the type of output signal, balanced or unbalancedand according to the ground
configurationof the equipment (floating or ground-referenced).
NOTE: All the outputs and inputs of the unit accepts phantom power.
In the next diagrams, we use the following symbols:
Sound destinationunit with mains cord without ground connection.
Sound destinationunit with mains cord with ground connection.
Sound destinationunit with the EARTH-LINK OFF.
Sound destinationunit with the EARTH LINK ON.