Chord ULTIMA PRE User manual

Chord Electronics
Product Communication | English
The Pumphouse, Farleigh Lane, East Farleigh, Kent, ME16 9NB. Great Britain.
[phone]
[e-mail]
chordelectronics.co.uk
ULTIMA PRE
Manual
-
V.1.1

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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Contents 0.0
1.0 Safety instructions 03
1.1 Introduction 04
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat 05
1.3 Dismantling & Radio 06
frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment 07
2.0 Warranty 08
2.1 Warranty period & registering 09
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions 10
0.0 Contents
3.0 Getting to know ULTIMA PRE 11
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA PRE 12
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel 13
3.4 The rear panel 14
3.5 The remote control 15
4.0 Setting up ULTIMA PRE 16
4.1 Placement 17
4.2 Connecting an input to 18
ULTIMA PRE
4.3 Connecting ULTIMA PRE 20
to a Power amplifier
4.4 Connecting ULTIMA PRE 21
to a recording device
4.5 Connecting ULTIMA PRE 22
to a AV device
4.6 Connecting ULTIMA PRE 23
to headphones
5.0 How to navigate the menu 24
5.1 Basic navigation 25
5.2 Volume and balance control 26
5.3 Display 27
5.4 Recording 29
5.5 AV Bypass & Monitor 30
5.6 EQ Frequency 31
6.0 Special features 32
6.1 Gain 33

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & Radio Frequency interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
1.0 Safety
instructions
Safety instructions 1.0
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Introduction 1.1
ULTIMA PRE is our
flagship pre-amplifier
with a flexable eight
inputs, four stereo pairs of XLRs
for balanced connections and
another four RCA for unbalanced
connections and a single stereo
pair is available via XLR or RCA
for outputs.
Before operation, we strongly
advise you read this user manual
thoroughly.
We also recommend that you
store this user manual, along with
your original receipt of purchase,
in a safe place should you require
assistance in the future.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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Protection against
liquids & heat
1.2
ULTIMA PRE is not
protected against liquids
of any kind. Never place
containers of liquid on ULTIMA
PRE. Never allow ULTIMA PRE to
come into contact with moisture
or liquids; doing so could result
in electrocution or damage to the
ULTIMA PRE’s internal circuitry.
Be aware that liquids, including
water that has dried, can leave
minerals that can aect the
PCB and other components,
which could eventually lead to
oxidisation and short-circuiting.
If the ULTIMA PRE comes into
contact with moisture or liquids,
immediately disconnect from
the mains power supply, and
connected equipment and
contact Chord Electronics for
further advice.
The ULTIMA PRE
has internal thermal
protection which will
shut down the unit in the event
of excessive temperatures
being reached. Never operate
the ULTIMA PRE near sources
of heat or naked flames as this
will decrease the lifespan of the
internal components. It is advised
that you do not operate the
ULTIMA PRE in an area of direct
sunlight or on top of significant
heat- producing devices.
Please be aware that it is
entirely normal for the ULTIMA
PRE to become warm during
use, particularly within a
stacked configuration. If you
are concerned about the
temperatures, please switch the
device o or consider a dierent
placement.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
5 // 34

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ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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There are no user-
serviceable components
within the ULTIMA PRE
or its power supply. Dangerous
voltages/currents exist within
the ULTIMA PRE and its power
supply, posing a severe risk of
electrocution and/or fire.
Never attempt to
open, dismantle or
apply internal third-
party devices to it or insert
anything other than the listed
interconnects or headphone
adapters within this user manual.
If the ULTIMA PRE develops a
fault or the casework becomes
damaged, immediately
disconnect from the mains
power supply and connected
equipment, and contact Chord
Electronics for further advice.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Dismantling & radio
frequency interference
1.3
With a thick, solid aluminium
chassis, the ULTIMA PRE’s
casework largely protects the
sensitive internal circuitry from
radio frequency interference.
However, for optimal
performance, it is recommended
that the following points are
observed:
1. Consider placing the
ULTIMA PRE away from
wireless routers.
2. Separate the ULTIMA
PRE from amplifiers
using toroidal transformers.
3. Operate mobile
phones at a distance
to avoid interference.
Although the ULTIMA
PRE is largely shielded,
it can generate radio
frequency interference that
may have an eect on radio
and television reception. If this
occurs, please reconsider your
placement.

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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Before connecting the ULTIMA
PRE to any equipment, consult
the manufacturer’s user guide to
confirm compatibility.
When connecting the ULTIMA
PRE to any equipment, make sure
that all devices are o, including
the ULTIMA PRE.
Once connected, switch all
equipment on starting with
the source and ending with the
amplification.
Initially, operate the any
connected equipment on its
lowest gain setting and lowest
volume setting, gently increasing
to a comfortable listening level.
Never operate connected
equipment to the ULTIMA
PRE at excessive sound levels;
permanent hearing damage and
loss can occur.
The included 10 amp IEC mains
lead plugs into the ULTIMA PRE.
If the power supply is
prematurely disconnected
ULTIMA PRE may still remain
active for up to 15 seconds,
however, this may cause damage
to connected equipment.
1.1 Introduction
1.2 Protection against
liquids & heat
1.3 Dismantling & radio frequency
interference
1.4 Connecting your equipment
Connecting your equipment 1.4
Never disconnect the
power cable during
operation. Only
disconnect when ULTIMA
PRE is o. If the power cable
is disconnected during
operation there is a risk
of damage to connected
equipment.
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Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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2.1 Warranty period & registering your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty exclusions
2.0 Warranty
Warranty 2.0
8 // 34

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ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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2.1 Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty
exclusions
Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.1
At point of sale, Chord
Electronics Ltd. provides ULTIMA
PRE with a comprehensive
five-year warranty* which
covers defects in materials and
workmanship through fair wear
and tear. The warranty will be
void if any other PSU other than
that supplied is used.
*The warranty is transferable
with proof of purchase, however,
warranty on ex-demonstration
units begins from the retailer‘s
date of purchase.
Please use the form
below to record the
details of your purchase
in the event that these are
required at a later date, we
further advise that all purchases
are registered with Chord
Electronics at: chordelectronics.
co.uk/register-product/
RETAILER:
PURCHASE PRICE:
UNIT COLOUR:
DATE OF PURCHASE:
TRANSACTION ID:

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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In the unlikely event of a
claim, you must provide Chord
Electronics with the details of
the claim, including your original
proof of purchase and serial
number in order to validate the
nature of the repair.
Upon receipt, Chord Electronics
will make an assessment within
30 days and provide a reasonable
solution.
All warranty repairs must be
carried out by Chord Electronics
or an approved service centre to
guarantee the quality and safety
of the repair.
WARRANTY EXCLUSIONS: The
warranty does not cover connected
equipment, personal injury or
development natural patina of the
metalwork and will be null and void
if the following is applied: wilful
neglect; modification or tampering
of the product; improper use of the
product; acts of God; damage caused
by a connected device; mechanical
shock; fire or application of excessive
heat or repair/modification by a non-
authorised third-party vendor.
2.1 Warranty period & registering
your purchase
2.2 Making a claim & warranty
exclusions
Making a claim
& warranty exclusions
2.2
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Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA PRE
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The back panel
3.5 The remote control
3.0 Getting to know
ULTIMA PR E
Getting to know
ULTIMA PRE
3.0
11 // 34

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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Designed to be entirely
uncompromising, the ULTIMA
PRE is is our flagship amplifier
with advanced proprietary
Chord Electronics technology.
A product of three decades of
research, design and engineering
here in the UK, it benefits from
true dual-mono construction with
separate ultra-high-frequency
power supplies for each
channel, giving the best possible
separation.
With a ability to connect up to 8
inputs, a AV bypass and several
outputs, ULTIMA PRE oers
volume and balance control
as well as frequeny control,
giving you full autonomy over
your system. ULTIMA PRE also
has recording output for your
convinience.
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA PRE
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
Getting to know ULTIMA PRE 3.1
12 // 34
To get the very most from the
device we recommend that you
familiarise yourself with the user
manual.

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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The front panel features the
Display, Volume and Balance
dials and the menu buttons.
It also features the IR window
which is used withe the remote
and 2 1/4 heaphone jacks.
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA PRE
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
The front panel 3.2
13 // 34
Display
Volume dial
Balanced dial Menu buttons
IR window
Headphones Jack Power button
Hight and low
frequency dials

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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The top panel has no user
configurable options. Instead,
three teal feature light rings
illuminate.
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA PRE
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
The top panel 3.3
14 // 34
Stackable Integra legs
Light ring

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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The rear panel houses
the device’s wide-ranging
connectivity, inputs and outputs.
The ULTIMA PRE has several
inputs and output allowing for
high flexability. Mulitple inputs
can be used all at the same time.
When installing any cable, you
must make sure that they securly
click into place.
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA PRE
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
The rear panel 3.4
15 // 34
WARNING: Do not
use any other power
supply other than
that supplied. Doing so will
invalidate your warranty.
Trigger outputs
10a IEC AC Inlet
Balanced XLR inputs
Line 1-4
pair
Unbalanced RCA inputs
Line 5-8
pair
Unbalanced RCA outputs
Line 1-2
pair
A/V Bypass
input pair
Balanced XLR and
unbalanced RCA outputs
pair
A/V Bypass
monitor output

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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The remote control gives you
control over your full set up. The
top section is reserved for Blu
MKII and Dave while the bottom
section is used for ULTIMA PRE.
Your selection on the remote
will show on the ULTIMA PRE
display screen. As the infra-red
remote control requires a direct
line of sight to the viewing portal,
please avoid placing objects in
front of either device.
NOTE: The volume buttons will only work
with ULTIMA PRE. To change inputs when
DAVE is also in the system use the side
buttons to change settings. Please see
DAVE manual on using the remote control.
3.1 Getting to know ULTIMA PRE
3.2 The front panel
3.3 The top panel
3.4 The rear panel
3.5 The remote control
123
456
789
0
SHUF TIME
LEVEL SETUPBYPASS
OP1+2
MUTE OP1OP2
BAL- BAL+
ESC
HIF
IA
V
OK
LINE1 LINE4TP-01 TP-04
LINE2 LINE5TP-02 TP-05
LINE3MAINTP-03 TAPE
ZONE DIM LOCK
REP
DISC1 RAD DISC RAD
DISC2TAPE2 DISC2TAPE1
VIDBUS AVID BUS B
VOL-
VOL+
LINE+LINE-
TONE
The remote control 3.5
16 // 34
Standby
Input contol for BUS A
and B
NOTE: Please only
insert AAA batteries
into the IR remote
control and observe the
correct orientation as
indicated within the remote
control. Failure to do so
could result in non-operation
or battery leakage.
Mute
ULTIMA PRE Volume
control +
ULTIMA PRE Volume
control -

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting an input to ULTIMA PRE
4.3 Connecting ULTIMA PRE to a power amplifier
4.4 Connecting ULTIMA PRE to a recording device
4.5 Connecting ULTIMA PRE to a AV device
4.6 Connecting ULTIMA PRE to headphones
4.0 Setting up
ULTIMA PR E
Setting up
ULTIMA PRE
4.0
17 // 34

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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Whilst the ULTIMA PRE operates
normally within a stack of
other Full range products, it is
recommended that you allow
the device to breathe. Allocating
15cm of space around it to
convection-cool during operation
is advised. If possible, do not
place the unit(s) inside a cabinet.
As the infra-red remote control
requires a direct line of sight to
the viewing portal, please
avoid placing objects in
front of either device.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting an input to
ULTIMA PRE
4.3 Connecting ULTIMA PRE to a
power amplifier
4.4 Connecting ULTIMA PRE
to a recording device
4.5 Connecting ULTIMA PRE
to a AV device
4.6 Connecting ULTIMA PRE
to headphones
Placement 4.1
18 // 34

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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In order to connect up ULTIMA
PRE to a source, you must
connect your cables to one of the
inputs listed below. ULTIMA PRE
can have up to 8 inputs at once
so it gives you the flexability to
fully curate your system with
minial eort required.
First, you must ensure that
ULTIMA PRE, and any connecting
equipment, is turned o.
For a balanced input use the
4 XLR inputs listed below. For
unbalanced inputs use the other
4 inputs listed below.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting an input to
ULTIMA PRE
4.3 Connecting ULTIMA PRE to a
power amplifier
4.4 Connecting ULTIMA PRE
to a recording device
4.5 Connecting ULTIMA PRE
to a AV device
4.6 Connecting ULTIMA PRE
to headphones
Connecting an input to
ULTIMA PRE
4.2
19 // 34
Balanced
input 1-4
Unbalanced
line 5-8
Please note that each input is
arranged as a stereo pair, right
and then left. Later, when you
come to switch ULTIMA PRE on,
each pair of inputs will be shown
as ‘LINE X’ on the display. LINE 1
begins the row of XLRs and LINE
5 begins the row of RCA.
It should be carefully noted that
the below XLR, RCA, and the
A/V connectors at the right most
T1 and T2 connectors are all
outputs. You must not connect
any inputs here.

Chord Electronics
ULTIMA PRE | Manual
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Using The XLR and RCA outputs
shown below, it is simple to
connect the ULTIMA PRE to a
power amplifer. Each output will
drive a 68 ohm load. Left channel
connections are on the left, right
channel connections are on the
right, each output is identical.:
1) Turn o the ULTIMA PRE
and any other connected
equipment.
2) Locate the XLR or RCA
outputs on the ULTIMA PRE
and connect to the XLR or
RCA input on the choosen
power amplifier.
4.1 Placement
4.2 Connecting an input to
ULTIMA PRE
4.3 Connecting ULTIMA PRE to a
power amplifier
4.4 Connecting ULTIMA PRE
to a recording device
4.5 Connecting ULTIMA PRE
to a AV device
4.6 Connecting ULTIMA PRE
to headphones
Connecting ULTIMA PRE
to a power amplifier
4.3
20 // 34
3) With the Volume set to
the lowest setting Turn on all
equipment, including the
ULTIMA PRE.
4) Allow both the ULTIMA PRE
and power amplifier to power
up.
5) Ensure the output mode is
set to Output 1. If it is
not check the cable is
corectly connected.
5) With the Volume a the lowest
setting initiate playback and
gradually increase the volume
to a comfortable setting
to protect your hearing and
speakers.
Live XLR
and RCA
Outputs
WARNING: Do not
use the recording
output to connect
the ULTIMA PRE to a power
amplifier as it is a line level
output and can not be
attenuated!