Franklin RA-100 User manual

RA-100 Studio Re-Amplifier
User Guide and Setup Suggestions
Franklin Audio Devices RA-100 Re-Amplifier + Return - User Guide
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The RA-100 is an all-in-one solution for integrating instrument effects such as guitar pedals and tape echos into modern pro audio
applications. It consists of a high quality transformer balanced re-amplifier section and an active instrument to line-level preamp
section.
Powering the RA-100
The RA-100 will operate at any DC voltage between 9 and 24V. Current draw is approximately 200mA and connector type is 2.1mm
center negative. While this does mean it will function on standard 9V pedal supplies we HIGHLY recommend running the RA-100 on
at least 18V DC, or even better 24V DC. This will provide significantly greater headroom before clipping, especially when using
modern high output pedals. Below are a number of ways to power the RA-100, in order of preference.
1. With the Franklin Audio RA-24V DC power supply provided with the RA-100. This is the recommended way to power the
RA-100 and will provide the maximum clean headroom. This power supply will operate anywhere in the world and simply
requires a standard IEC power cable.
2. Using a pedal power supply that provides 18V outputs. The following is a list of power supplies known to offer 18V
- Strymon Zuma
- MXR Isobrick
- Truetone 1spot Pro
- Walrus Audio Phoenix 15
- Vitoos ISO8
3. With a voltage doubler Y-cable and 2x 9V DC isolated supplies. If you have a pedal power supply with multiple isolated 9V
DC outputs you can use a voltage doubler cable to provide the RA-100 with 18V DC. Voltage double cables are readily
available from manufacturers such as Strymon and Voodoo Lab.
Franklin Audio Devices RA-100 Re-Amplifier + Return - User Guide
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Connections
BAL. LINE INPUT: This Neutrik “Combo” connector is the input to the re-amplifier section of the RA-100. The signal to be
re-amplified or processed should be connected here via a 3-pin male XLR or balanced TRS jack cable. 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. If you wish to
connect an unbalanced source to the RA-100 then a TS instrument cable should be used.
SEND: This unbalanced ¼” jack provides an instrument level output from the re-amplifier section of the RA-100. This output should
be connected to the pedals, effects or amplifiers through which you would like to process your source.
RETURN: This unbalanced ¼” jack provides the instrument level input to the instrument preamp section of the RA-100. This input
should be connected to the output of instrument level effects, or simply the output of a guitar or bass in “direct inject” type
applications.
BAL. LINE OUTPUT: This Neutrik male 3-pin XLR connector is a balanced, line-level output from the instrument preamp section of
the RA-100. It should be connected to a LINE INPUT on an audio interface, mixer or recorder. It is important to understand that the
RA-100 return section is an instrument preamp, NOT an DI box, so do not connect the BAL. LINE OUTPUT to a mic preamp,
connect it to a true line input.
9-24V DC: This 2.1mm, center negative DC jack is used to power the RA-100. Please read the beginning of this manual for more
information on power supply. Please note the re-amplifier section of the RA-100 is passive so it will continue to operate regardless
of the presence or absence of power.
Controls
INPUT LEVEL: Use the input level control to adjust the amount of signal fed to the pedals, effects or amplifier. A good rule of thumb
is to start with the control at about 7 and adjust to taste.
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Z: The impedance control adjusts the re-amplifier section output impedance from about 600Ωto 50kΩ. In traditional
re-amplifying 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 RA100’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.
OUTPUT LEVEL: The output level control adjusts the amount of gain added at the instrument preamp stage. When using modern
high output pedals this can often be left at 0dB, or unity gain, but up to 20dB of gain is available for low level effects and
instruments. This control is “logarithmic” so you may notice much of the available gain is at the end of the knob’s travel. This
provides greater resolution at the more common positions.
Franklin Audio Devices RA-100 Re-Amplifier + Return - User Guide
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Typical Applications
INSERTING EFFECTS WHEN USING A DAW
In your DAW, route a sound to a spare hardware line output, then connect that line output to the RA-100’s BAL. LINE INPUT.
Connect the RA-100’s SEND jack to the effect(s) through which you would like to process your sounds using a standard TS
instrument cable. Connect the output of the last effect in your chain to the RA-100’s RETURN jack using a standard TS instrument
cable. The BAL LINE OUTPUT should be connected to a spare LINE INPUT on your audio interface. Use a new track or similar
return inside your DAW to hear the processed sound.
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TRADITIONAL RE-AMPLIFYING
This technique will only use the re-amplifier stage of the RA-100. 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-100 Re-Amplifier + Return - User Guide
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MICROPHONE 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.
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RECORDING INSTRUMENTS “DIRECT”
This technique will only use the return section of the RA-100. Connect an instrument such as a bass guitar or electric guitar to the
RETURN jack on the RA-100 using a standard TS instrument cable. Connect the RA-100’s BAL. LINE OUTPUT to a line input on
your audio interface or recorder. This provides an exceptionally clean way to capture DI guitar or bass as it requires no mic preamp
in the signal path. Please note that the RA-100 should not be connected to a microphone preamp input, but a true line input.
Franklin Audio Devices RA-100 Re-Amplifier + Return - User Guide
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Care and Maintenance
The RA-100 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 chemicals such as acetone or isopropyl
alcohol.
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.
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