Amek bb100 series User manual
TECHNICAL MANUAL
A Harman International Company
BB100
Broadcast Mixer
Serial No:
IMPORTANT
For convenience, write your serial number in the box above and keep this
manual in a safe place. The number can be found on the rear of the product.
This number MUST be quoted in all communications in order to obtain
technical support and spare parts from either the factory or your dealer.
Technical Manual
© Harman International Industries Ltd. 1998
All rights reserved.
Parts of the design of this product may be protected by worldwide patents.
AMEK is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd.
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and
does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. AMEK shall not be
liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or
any error contained in this manual or through any mis-operation or fault in
hardware or software contained in the product.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrical, mechanical,
optical, chemical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose
whatsoever without the express written permission of AMEK.
It is recommended that all maintenance and service on the product should be
carried out by AMEK or it's authorised agents. AMEK cannot accept any liability
whatsoever for any loss or damage caused by service, maintenance or repair by
unauthorised personnel.
Part No: MANBB100 Issue 3
1-2 Introduction Issue 3 © AMEK
Tel: +44 (0) 161 868 2400
Fax: +44 (0) 161 873 8010
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: http://www.amek.com
Amek, a division of
Harman International Industries Ltd
Langley House, Third Avenue
Trafford Park, Manchester, M17 1FG
United Kingdom
1-4 Introduction Issue 3 © AMEK
© AMEK Issue 3 Introduction 1-5
1-6 Introduction Issue 3 © AMEK
Precautions and Safety Instructions
Caution
For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of warranty, all text
marked with these Warning Symbols should be read carefully!
Please keep this information!
Important
Please read this manual carefully before connecting the power supplies to the
mains for the first time!
Obey all safety instructions in this manual where marked with any of the above
symbols. Read and understand these instructions before operating the product,
doing any troubleshooting, testing, adjustments or repairs. Failure to comply
with the safety instructions may result in personal injury.
Warning
To avoid the risk of fire, do not expose this unit to rain or moisture. Unplug this
apparatus during storms or when unused for long periods of time.
Caution
The apparatus will operate as a free standing unit without requiring any special
cooling arrangement but should not be allowed to be accidentally or deliberately
covered in any way. Do not obstruct the ventilation slots in the upper and lower
surfaces.
© AMEK Issue 3 Introduction 1-7
Important information.
Read this before
proceeding.
Hazard or unsafe practice
which can result in severe
personal injury or death.
Cautionary Advice
Note de Précaution et Sécurité
Précaution
Pour votre sécurité et afin de ne pas interrompre la garantie il est important de
lire attentivement les paragraphes marqués d'un symbole!
Conserver ce document!
Importante
Ce manuel est à lire attentivement avant de brancher cet appareil pour la
première fois!
Suivre les instructions de sécurité. Lire et comprendre ces intructions avant
l'utilisation de l'appareil ou avant dépannage, essai, ajustement ou réparation.
Ne pas se conformer aux instructions de sécurité peut provoquer de graves
blessures.
Avertissement
Afin d'éviter un risque de feu, ne pas exposer l'appareil à la pluie ou à l'humidité.
Débranchez l'appareil en cas d'orage éléctrique ou si l'appareil n'est pas utilisé
pendant une longue periode.
Précaution
Cet appareil fonctionnera de lui-même sans supplément de ventilation mais ne
doit en aucun cas être recouvert, afin ne pas bloquer les fentes de ventilation
inférieures et supérieures.
1-8 Introduction Issue 3 © AMEK
Importante information.
Priere de lire avant utilisation.
Hazadeuse ou dangereuse manipulations
peuvent provoquées de graves blessures
ou même la mort.
Note de précaution.
Warranty
1. Amek is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd.
End User means the person who first puts the equipment into regular
operation.
Dealer means the person other than Amek (if any) from whom the End
User purchased the equipment, provided such a person is authorised for
this purpose by Amek or it’s accredited Distributor.
Equipment means the equipment supplied with this manual.
2. If within the period of twelve months from the date of delivery of the
Equipment to the End User it shall prove defective by reason only of faulty
materials and/or workmanship to such an extent that the effectiveness
and/or usability thereof is materially affected, the Equipment or the
defective component should be returned to the Dealer or to Amek and
subject to the following conditions, the Dealer or Amek will repair or
replace the defective components. Any components replaced will become
the property of Amek.
3. Any Equipment or component returned will be at the risk of the End User
whilst in transit (both to and from the Dealer or Amek) and
postage/shipping must be prepaid.
4. This warranty shall only be available if:
a) The Equipment has been properly installed in accordance with instructions
contained in Amek’s manual; and
b) The End User has notified Amek or the Dealer within 14 days of the defect
appearing; and
c) No persons other than the authorised representatives of Amek or the
Dealer have effected any replacement of parts, maintenance adjustments or
repairs to the Equipment; and
d) The End User has used the Equipment only for such purposes as Amek
recommends, with only such operating supplies as meet Amek’s
specifications and otherwise in all respects in accordance with Amek’s
recommendations.
5. Defects arising as a result of the following are not covered by this Warranty:
Faulty or negligent handling, chemical or electro-chemical or electrical
influences, accidental damage, Acts of God, neglect, deficiency in electrical
power, air-conditioning or humidity control.
6. The benefit of this Warranty may not be assigned by the End User.
7. End Users who are consumers should note their rights under this Warranty
are in addition to and do not affect any other rights to which they may be
entitled against the seller of the Equipment.
© AMEK Issue 3 Introduction 1-9
Introduction
BB100 Hardware
The BB100 Series is a range of compact, high quality audio consoles designed for
broadcast professionals. Although it has been designed primarily for broadcast
use, the BB100 will find numerous applications in other areas where a
cost-effective and flexible audio mixer is required that does not compromise
build quality or performance in the least.
The console is available in 4 frame sizes and can be supplied as drop through
or desktop style chassis. Standard features include conductive plastic faders, 28
segment light meters, Cleanfeeds and Fader Starts. The professional standard
interface provides electronically balanced inputs together with Stereo, Auxiliary,
Cleanfeed and Group Outputs.
Console Size
BB100 Series – 14 Position Console
BB100 Series – 22 Position Console
BB100 Series – 30 Position Console
BB100 Series – 38 Position Console
Main console features include:
qMono Input modules
qStereo Input modules
qUp to 4 Cleanfeeds with 4 Cleanfeed Outputs
qUp to 4 Stereo Group Returns
qUp to 8 Audio Groups
q8 Auxiliary Sends
qComprehensive Monitoring
qComprehensive Metering
qSoft Mutes
1-10 Introduction Issue 3 © AMEK
© AMEK Issue 3 Installation 2-1
Contents
Installation ...........................2-3
Power Supplies .........................2-3
EMC Precautions ........................2-7
BB100 Chassis Dimensions ...................2-10
2-2 Installation Issue 3 © AMEK
Installation
Before disposing of the packaging, check that all
expected items are present and correct. Refer to
the enclosed packing list!
Power Supplies
Three different types of power supply unit may be used with BB100 consoles.
The type supplied depends on the console size and the date it was built.
The PSU 300 and the MPS 20 are switch mode supplies whilst the MPS 5 is a
linear supply.
Note: - Always use the Power Supply which is supplied with the Console.
Positioning the Power Supply Unit(s)
All the PSU are designed for installation in a 19” rack unit. Adequate ventilation
should be provided for the PSU with an unrestricted air flow through the unit.
The air intake and the outflow holes must be inspected regularly and cleaned if
necessary to maintain good airflow through the unit. This will be particularly
important if the unit is used in a dusty environment. The PSU300 draws air
through the top of the unit and is expelled through the left and right sides.
The MPS 5 draws air through the rear of the unit and is expelled through the
front panel.
The MPS20 draws air through the rear of the unit and is expelled through the
left side.
All power units should be placed close enough to the console to use the
standard 8 metre DC power cables. Avoid placing the units close to other
sensitive audio equipment to reduce the risk of hum pickup from external stray
magnetic fields e.g. mains transformers.
© AMEK Issue 3 Installation 2-3
Checking and connecting the power units
BEFORE connecting any power units to the chassis, follow the procedure
below:
WARNING:
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED.
Use the terminal provided on the rear of the chassis if necessary and connect it
to the technical ground for the installation. DO NOT disconnect the safety earth
from the AC mains cords.
qMake sure the AC operating voltage settings are correct for the local
mains supply.
(Refer to the power supply section of this manual if necessary).
qUse the moulded IEC power cords provided with the console or by the
distributor.
qConnect all power units to the local mains supply. DO NOT connect
the DC cables to the chassis at this point.
qSwitch each unit ON in turn and check that all the power rail LEDs on
the front panels illuminate properly.
STOP IMMEDIATELY if any LEDs fail, TURN OFF the power unit and
refer to the power supply section of this manual. DO NOT attempt to
use this power unit until the fault has been rectified.
qIf ALL power unit LEDs illuminate correctly, TURN OFF all power
units and connect the DC cables between the power units and the
chassis.
qTURN ON all power units again and check that the power supply
LEDs illuminate properly and that the VU lamps are ON.
STOP IMMEDIATELY if any LEDs or lamps fail, TURN OFF the power
units and rectify the fault before proceeding further.
If all above steps are healthy the console can be safely powered up.
WARNING:
Always switch off the Power Supply Unit OFF before connecting
or disconnecting the Console.
NEVER remove modules while the PSU is ON
Avoid using the console close to magnetic fields such as video monitors and
power supply units as this will cause degradation of the audio performance of
the console.
Mounting
Diagrams showing sizes of the consoles are shown at the end of this Chapter.
The design of the BB100 console is based on long established audio principles
but uses the latest technology to produce its outstanding performance. Only
when the console is carefully installed in accordance with our recommendations,
will you obtain the best results. EMC precautions are described at the end of
this chapter.
2-4 Installation Issue 3 © AMEK
Earthing
The most reliable earthing system is to have only one point to which all
equipment is earthed. It is essential for safety that all mains powered equipment
in the system has a mains (safety) earth connected. This is especially important
on computers with an internal power supply. Connecting a non earthed
computer to the console can cause serious damage.
Clean Earth
The console has an external M4 stud, for a clean or ‘technical’ earth to be
connected. This stud is located on the rear panel of the console. The incoming
technical earth should be connected to this star point; the incoming cable should
be terminated in an M4 eyelet. In the best installations, a clean earth is provided
from a specially constructed earth rod system. Use of the console’s earth
terminal is preferred whenever possible, but if there is no clean technical earth,
an adequate earth can sometimes be provided by the console’s power supplies.
These have a limited earth via a resistor/capacitor network. The lack of a clean
earth is especially likely to cause noise problems.
Earth loops
Earth loops occur whenever a piece of equipment has two connections to earth.
This can happen if there is an earth through the mains lead and a second one
through a cable screen to another piece of earthed equipment. This may cause
hum and other problems. Always avoid earth loops in the system wiring.
If you have earth loops in your installation, they must never be ‘solved’ by
removing safety earth connections.
Microphone Cables
All microphone and line level connections in the control room and studio should
be wired using a high quality twin screened cable. The screens of the cables
should be connected to one ground only. With microphone inputs this is not
difficult as microphones do not normally have any ground connection other than
the one through the cable. It is therefore correct and essential that the
microphone cables have the screen connected at both ends.
Wiring Conventions
Amek uses the standard XLR wiring convention on all consoles. Not all
equipment uses this convention so check your wiring to prevent any phase
reversals. See Table below for wiring convention.
Pins
Pin 2 HIGH (HOT) +
Pin 3 LOW (COLD) -
Pin 1 SCREEN (GROUND)
Pins ¼ Inch Jack Plug
Tip HIGH (HOT) +
Ring LOW (COLD) -
Screen SCREEN (GROUND)
© AMEK Issue 3 Installation 2-5
Signal Levels
The BB100 has been designed to operate with a wide range of studio
equipment. All input and output levels are therefore suitable to match +4dBu
systems and the meters are calibrated to read “0” for output levels of +4dBu.
The meter trim controls can allow the meters to be adjusted to read “0” for
output levels of +6dBu.
Refer to Chapter 8 (Specifications) for details of input / output levels.
Module Removal
Never remove or insert modules or any system parts when the power are
switched ON.
Maintenance
All maintenance and repair work should be carried out by a qualified and trained
technician. Failure to do so may invalidate the product warranty. Refer to the
warranty information in Section 1 of this manual.
2-6 Installation Issue 3 © AMEK
EMC Precautions
Introduction
EMC (electromagnetic Compatibility) is the ability of equipment to function
correctly in locations where electromagnetic interference is present.
Examples of electromagnetic interference are Radiated Interference
e.g. from local broadcast transmitters, mobile phones Conducted interference.
This can be introduced into console signal, mains, or dc power cables when they
are located close to cables for electrical plant which contain “spikes”
Electrostatic discharge. e.g. the shock you can get when touching a piece of
equipment after walking on a nylon carpet. EMC precautions are common-sense
measures, which should be carried out, in any quality audio installation.
For good EMC performance, the console must be installed in accordance with
our recommendations.
Giving some thought to EMC at the planning stage can provide protection,
which costs very little.. Interference field strength diminishes with distance, so
locate audio equipment far from strong emitters such as fixed radio, TV or radio
transmitters and industrial equipment such as welders, RF furnaces
Console shipping and storage
During shipping, and if the console is stored before installation, it must be kept
dry. Corrosion on metal parts can drastically reduce EMC performance.
EMC Environment
The console is designed to be installed in a “Commercial / Light Industrial”
environment.
Mains supplies
The console is designed to be used in an environment, which is protected
against mains-borne transients, and no console cabling should be routed in the
vicinity of power cables carrying switched high current loads. Supply mains
power for the studio equipment from separate phases or better still from
different distribution transformers.
RF immunity
When exposed to a field of 3 volts / metre (European Standard), a loss of
performance may be noticeable. Typical field strength from mobile phones or
nearby communications transmitters is usually substantially less than this level.
Field strengths of up to 10 V/m can be encountered within 20m of amateur
radio transmitter and performance degradation may be noticeable in these
conditions. If the console is to be sited close to strong radio frequency sources,
such as a broadcast transmitter, please contact the factory.
Static and furnishings
The degree of inconvenience caused by a ‘click’ is very subjective, in many cases,
a single transient can be ignored. If there are any circumstances where this is not
acceptable, the first step should be to remove the possibility of static generation
by selection of furniture and flooring materials, humidity control and other
anti-static procedures. In low humidity climates, extra static precautions may be
required.
© AMEK Issue 3 Installation 2-7
Do-it-yourself testing
You can do a simple check of the local electromagnetic environment using a
radio or television, or, better, an all-wave ham radio or scanner.
Antennas and receivers for wireless microphones
The antenna of the receiver for a wireless microphone is very sensitive to rf.
Because the frequency bands allocated to wireless microphones differ greatly
among CENELEC countries, it is not possible just to specify very low emission
limits over a particular frequency range. Nor is it economic to design equipment
to have very low emissions over the whole range required for all CENELEC
states (31,6 to 1000 MHz). Care must therefore be taken with the location of
the antennas and receivers.
Installation cables - type and location
Amek consoles are designed to have good EMC performance, but a poor
installation can easily negate this.
Type of cable
For best EMC performance, audio circuits should all be wired in twisted-pair
screened cable. Twisted pair cables should have a tight twist (20 twists per
metre or better). The screen of audio cables should have good coverage.
We recommend a double lapped screen with lapping in opposing directions.
Copper screens are preferred over conducted plastic because they provide
effective screening over a wider frequency range. If AC magnetic fields are likely,
use star-quad cable, and route them as far as away as possible from the fields to
minimise hum pickup.
Location of Cable
Audio cables should be routed in metal ducts where possible. This is especially
important in an environment, which contains high RF fields. Pickup of RF fields
can be reduced by routing cables so that they “cling to” large ground plane areas
such as equipment racks or steel-reinforced concrete floors. Separate trunking
should be used for (a) Console signal cables (b) Mains for the console, and (c)
Power cables carrying switched high current loads. Don’t use cables longer than
necessary. Coiling of excess length is a bad idea.
Connectors - type and termination of cables
Mating connectors should have a metal body and the cable screen should be
connected to the connector body.
Termination
When terminating cables, the hot, cold and screen wires must be kept as short
as possible inside the connector. ‘Pigtails’ should not be used for the cable
screen connection.
High RF fields
Cable screens should normally be terminated at one end only. However, if a
high RF field is present in the installation, try connecting the screen at the tied
back end via a high quality 0.01uF capacitor. In extreme cases, you may need to
parallel several capacitors of different values, this is to compensate for
resonance in the capacitor.
Jackfield cords
These should be less than 1m long
2-8 Installation Issue 3 © AMEK
Connecting unbalanced equipment
Equipment with unbalanced audio ports should be avoided or used with one of
the many “unbalanced-to-balanced” interface boxes" available. If it is unavoidable
to use unbalanced equipment, it must be wired in twin-screened cable. In this
case, unbalanced inputs are worse than unbalanced outputs.
EMC precautions during Maintenance
Mixer panelling
To maintain good immunity to an electrostatic discharge or rf field, metal panels
should be kept on the console at all times. All screws should be fitted and should
be kept tight.
Service staff should be made aware of this.
Modifications by the console’s owner
Modifications to the console can easily reduce the effectiveness of the console’s
EMC.
If any changes are made, the person who made them becomes the “owner” of,
and therefore responsible for, the console’s EMC performance.
© AMEK Issue 3 Installation 2-9
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