DuTCH audio IM2.3 User manual

DuTCH.Audio IM2.3(s)

DuTCH.audio IM2.3s manual (v1.4 29-06-2021)
Introduction:
Thank you for purchasing the DuTCH audio Insert Machine IM2.3(s). In this manual we will
e plain how this device works and how to use it. Since this is not really a beginner’s device,
we will skip the basics and focus on it’s functions. We will go from the inputs (left side), to
the inserts (middle) and to the outputs (right side), basically how the device handles
signals.
The IM2.3 is available in 2 versions, the IM2.2 and the IM2.3s. The only difference is the
output section. More on this can be found in the output section of this manual.
Important Safety Instructions:
Please follow these precautions when using this product:
Read and keep these instructions.
Heed all warnings and follow all instructions.
angerous voltage lives inside this machine. Opening is only allowed by qualified
service personnel.
Unplug this machine during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time.
o not use this machine near water or outside.
Clean only with a dry, soft cloth. o not spray any liquid cleaner onto the cabinet, as
this may lead to dangerous shocks.
o not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
machines (including amplifiers) that produce heat. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight.
This machine typically runs slightly warm when operated. Install in a normal ventilated
area. If the product will be used in a rack, make certain there is sufficient air
movement within the rack. Preferably offer some empty rack space above the unit and
do not place it on top of hot equipment.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the
machine has been damaged in any way, such as when the powersupply plug is
damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the machine, the machine
has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this machine to
rain or moisture.

Operation:
Inputs:
Input switches:
On the frontpanel you can choose between the 2 inputs by pushing the corresponding
switch. It’s also possible to use both inputs at the same time, but keep in mind that this will
cause some impedance changes.
Polarity:
Above the 2 input selector switches you will find the ‘polarity switch’ which will swap the
polarity of the balanced inputs on both Left and Right. Sometimes swapping polarity will
give a better impulse response, mostly in the low frequencies. In most cases swapping
polarity is not needed, but in the cases where you want to, this button comes in very handy.
Active gain:
Both inputs are totally passive with just relays, but by pushing the ‘active gain’ switch you
will enable the active gain stage which enables you to change the input gain to your liking.
In the mid position, so at the 12 o’ clock position, there is no gain applied though it passes
the active gain circuit. You can change the gain in 23 x0.5dB steps from +5.5dB to -5.5dB
with stepped switches.
Inserts:
Insert 1 and 2:
This is a 100% passive insert section with just relays. When disabled, it will directly pass
the signal internally to the next stage. When you enable the insert (1 and/or 2), it will pass
the signal to the corresponding send/return. It will first pass insert 1 and then it goes into
insert 2. When you push the ‘swap 1 /2 button, it will swap the order of the inserts. So
instead of 1>2 it will be 2>1.
Insert 3 and 4:
Insert 3 and 4 are the same as insert 1 and 2.
Insert 5 and 6 (mid side):
Insert 5 and 6 are more special, they can be used for Mid/Side processing.
When set to stereo, it will be 100% passive and it will not pass the active MS circuit at all.
Mid Side:
When the MS button is engaged, both inserts 5 and 6 will work in MS mode. Left channel is
Mid (sum), Right channel is Side (diff). When the width switch is disabled, no gain changes
are done on mid or side.
Width:
When you enable the width button, the width circuit becomes active and you can change
the gain of the side channel, making it more wide or narrow. I choose to take it out of the
circuit because of the extra stage needed to take care of the width control and also for
AB’ing. I picked a default gain range of +3.5dB untill - 6.5dB up with 23 steps. In practice
you don’t need more, so I thought it was better to have a more precise and recallable range,
then going for a wide but less precise range.
Mid Side mute:

The mid and side mute buttons will let you mute mid or side so that you can listen to just
the sum or the diff.
Other MS functions:
When you don’t use the insert switches 5 or 6, you can still make use of the
mid/side functionality. When the stereo/MS switch is set to MS, it passes through
the mid/side circuit. What you can do for instance, is making the side channel a bit
more wide or narrow by changing the gain on the side channel with the width knob.
You can also listen to just the mid or side channel by muting the corresponding
channel.
Insert 7 and 8:
Insert 7 and 8 are the same as insert 1 and 2, so 100% passive with swap functionality.
Outputs:
Outputs:
You can choose between the 2 outputs by selecting the corresponding button. It’s also
possible to use both outputs at the same time, but keep in mind that this could cause some
impedance and so level changes.
Ins bypass:
When you engage ‘ins bypass’ all inserts will be bypassed. You will see that all lights on the
insert switches will go out, giving you extra visual feedback. Simply said, the input section
will go directly to the output.
IM2.3
Bypass offset Out 1:
Out 1 and 2 are passive output selectors with just relays, so no active circuit. So basically,
it’s passing the signal from the inserts straight into the output. But when you push the ‘out
1 bp offset’, it will bypass all inserts and the active gain stage ‘out 1 offset’ comes active.
The monitor offset will allow you to change the bypass gain to make up for the processing
of the inserts. This way you can A/B between the analog processing and level-matched
bypassed signal. The gain range is set from -10dB to +10dB * done with a potmeter
instead of a stepped switch for a more precise adjustment. And since this is just an AB
function no recall is needed. Internally the gain range of the monitor trim can be calibrated
with 2 multiturn trimmers.
* note: the bypass gain range on earlier revisions was -2dB to +8dB
IM2.3s
Active output gain:
The output is passive with just relays, but by pushing the ‘active gain’ button you will
enable the active gain stage which enables you to change the output gain to your liking. In
the mid/0 position, there is no gain applied though it passes the active gain circuit. You can
change the gain in 23x0.5dB steps from +/-5.5dB* with stepped switches.
* note: the gain range for the 0.25dB per step output gain is +/-2.75dB. It’s also
possible to order the IM2.1s with a gain range toggle switch. That way you can
choose between 0.25 and 0.5dB per step.

earpanel:
Inputs:
The IM2.3(s) has two balanced inputs. Both inputs consist of gold-plated Neutrik XLR’s.
Inserts:
The IM2.3(s) has 8 balanced inserts connected on the back with industry standard Tascam
B25 analog connections. Each connector holds 2 inserts corresponding with the frontpanel
numbering.
* Note: Be careful with DB25 tascam standard/premade cables. The digital AES/EBU
cables have their inputs and outputs swapped compared to the analog version.
Outputs:
On the rearpanel you will find 2 outputs with balanced gold-plated Neutrik XLR’s.
Power:
Power is provided by a standard grounded IEC input connector with a build-in fuse. Input
voltages are automatically selected from 100-250VAC 50/60hz.
Technical:
Hardware:
This device is built around mostly passive circuits, but some sections need to be active, but
always with transparency in mind. The sturdy frontpanel-switches have, depending on their
function, 2 color leds for visual feedback. All relays are high sensitive, long-life (15.000.000
cycles) Omron Relays.
Stepped switches are military grade Blore Edwards for long life and really nice mechanical
feel. In and output connectors are gold-plated Neutrik, B25 inserts are gold-plated wurth
connectors. Active circuits make use of analog devices and THAT drivers. The mid/side

circuit is based on the well-known circuit from Wayne Kirkwood, but with
additions/modifications.
The internal PSU section is build around industrial-grade Meanwell SMPS’s which run way
more silent and are way more efficient then old-school linear PSU’s. Both the relays/leds
and active circuit PSU’s are running on their own separate PSU.
When this device is used in passive mode, so without active stages, it’s 100% passive and
only relay-contacts are inline. This means it’s basically a straight wire.
Pushswitch labeling:
To have some extra visual feedback on the push-switches you can put labels under the
switch-covers. You can simply, but carefully, remove the switch cover with a small
screwdriver and put something like a transparent dymo letratag sticker on the white plastic
piece inside the switch-cover. More info and a manual can be found on our website.
Specifications:
Maximum gain passive: >+24dBu
Maximum gain active gain: +24dBu
Noise level passive: >118dB(a)
Noise level active: >116dB(a)
Stereo crosstalk: >110dB(a)
Stereo crosstalk mid/side: >80dB(a)
TH passive: 0.00042% (A / A limitations)
TH active: 0.00045%
Input voltage 100 to 240VAC 50/60HZ.
Power consumption minimum 5 watt
Power consumption maximum 30 watt
(Power consumption depends on the amount of inserts, input, output etc activated)
Unit size: standard 2u 19 inch, depth 25cm
Weight: approx 4kg
Specifications subject to change because always improving
Service and warranty:
We offer a standard 2 year limited warranty on all of our products.
In the event that you or a third party has (partly) altered or repaired anything, the
warranty will expire, and you will be held responsible for the damages caused by any
possible misfunctioning of the product. Warranty repairs are only made by us or by a
workshop we agree upon.
We are not responsible for any malfunction of or damage caused by parts that are not
produced by uTCH.audio.
If you choose to ship back a faulty unit to us you must contact us before you do so. We
need the serial number (located on the back of the unit) to handle the repair and if
warranty is still valid.
The product should be returned in it's original package or packed in such a way that it
is not damaged during the shipment with extra support for the rack ears. We are not to
be held responsible for any damages during the shipment.

The customer always pays the shipping cost to us.
The customer is responsible for the product until it is delivered to us
If we find that the product is flawless the customer will be charged 200 euro to cover
our costs for examination and handling. The return costs will also be charged.
© uTCH.audio 2021
Handmade in Holland on Solarpower
[e-mail]
https://dutch.audio
Phone: [phone]