Franklin RA-10 Safety guide

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RA-10 Studio Re-Amplifier
User Guide and Setup Suggestions
Franklin Audio Devices RA-10 Studio Re-Amplifier - User Guide

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Typical Applications
TRADITIONAL RE-AMPLIFYING
Capture a guitar or bass performance using a direct inject box, then later re-amplify the signal through a guitar or bass amplifier. This
allows for recording in spaces where loud amplifiers are not appropriate or available. The direct signals can be then re-amplified in a
relatively short time frame as the optimal performances have already been captured. Re-amplifying also allows for precise editing of
the performance as direct signals have much greater transient material and scope for clean editing than amplified and distorted
ones.
Franklin Audio Devices RA-10 Studio Re-Amplifier - User Guide

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POST-PRODUCTION PROCESSING THROUGH PEDALS AND EFFECTS
Guitar pedals and other devices designed for guitar signals make excellent studio effects and inserts, but can perform sub-optimally
when connected directly to the audio interface. Put the RA10 between your audio interface and pedals for the best possible
performance.
RECORDING THROUGH PEDALS AND EFFECTS
Great sounds and great fun can be had recording vocals and other sounds through guitar effects, but issues can arise if the devices
are connected and interfaced incorrectly. The diagram below indicates the most correct way to capture a vocal or other microphone
signal through guitar effects on the way to the audio interface.
Franklin Audio Devices RA-10 Studio Re-Amplifier - User Guide

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Connections
BAL. LINE INPUT The signal to be re-amplified should be connected to the RA-10’s balanced line input. In typical applications this
would be an output from an audio interface or mixer, but could also be the output of a synthesizer or tape recorder. The RA-10’s
balanced line input will happily accept both balanced and unbalanced signals at a wide range of levels. XLR wiring configuration: ‘Pin
2 hot’.
INST. OUTPUT Use a standard TS (tip-sleeve) instrument cable to connect the RA-10’s instrument output to the pedal, amp or device
through which you wish to re-amplify your signal. The RA-10’s instrument output delivers a relatively high impedance, low level signal,
similar to that of a guitar or bass output.
Note: When re-amplifying through devices 5 meters or more from the audio interface or source, it is advisable to keep the RA-10 close
to the amplifier or pedals, and make the longer cable run using the balanced cable feeding the RA10’s input. This will ensure the
lowest possible noise floor.
Controls
LEVEL Use the level control to adjust the amount of signal fed to the pedals or amplifier. A good rule of thumb is to start with the
control at about 7 and adjust to taste.
Z The impedance control adjusts the RA-10’s output impedance from about 600Ωto 50kΩ. In traditional reamping situations this
can be used to “load” your amp and pedal inputs like different styles of guitar pickup would. Think “active pickups” to the
left, and “Telecaster” to the right. There are no rules with the Z control, and the best setting is the one that sounds best to
you. In some cases the impedance control will do little or nothing, in others it will introduce wildly different frequency
responses and distortion characteristics.
GROUND The RA10’s ground switch disconnects the XLR input pin 1 from ground. This can alleviate the low frequency hums or
buzzes caused by “ground loops”. This is likely to occur when the audio interface and amplifier are connected to separate power
outlets, such as when re-amplifying through an amplifier on the studio floor from a source in the control room. When the switch is in
the up position, pin 1 is connected to ground.
Franklin Audio Devices RA-10 Studio Re-Amplifier - User Guide

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Care and Maintenance
The RA-10 should require little-to-no maintenance for a lifetime of hassle-free use. If the RA-10 has not been used in months or years
it can be a good idea to “exercise” the rotary controls by giving them a good few turns before connection. Should the RA-10 require
cleaning, dampen a lint-free cloth with a mild dish soap diluted in water, and avoid harsh chemicals such as acetone or isopropyl
alcohol.
Three-Year Transferable Limited Warranty
FRANKLIN AUDIO DEVICES (“Franklin”) warrants this product to be free from defects in material and workmanship and will remedy
any such defects free of charge according to the terms of this warranty. Franklin will repair or replace (at its option) any defective
component(s) of this product (excluding finish and wear and tear on components under normal use) for a period of three (3) years
from the original date of purchase. In the event that a particular product is no longer available, Franklin reserves the right to replace
the product with a similar product of equal or greater value.
In the event of a warranty claim, the product must be returned prepaid to Franklin Audio Devices, Sydney Australia. A copy of the
original invoice showing date of purchase must accompany any request for work to be performed under this limited and transferable
warranty. This warranty shall not apply if the product has been damaged due to abuse, misuse, misapplication, accident or as a result
of service or modification by any other than Franklin Audio Devices.
Our goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under the Australian Consumer Law. You are entitled to a replacement or
refund for a major failure and compensation for any other reasonably foreseeable loss or damage. You are also entitled to have the
goods repaired or replaced if the goods fail to be of acceptable quality and the failure does not amount to a major failure.
Franklin Audio Devices RA-10 Studio Re-Amplifier - User Guide