Glensound U2B2 User manual

U2B2, 4 & 8
UNBALANCED TO BALANCED
CONVERTERS
2, 4 & 8 Mono (1, 2 & 4 Stereo) balancing audio & gain
converters
User Guide
Glensound
6 Brooks Place, Maidstone
Kent, K, ME14 1HE
Tel: [phone]
www.glensound.co.uk

Page 2 of 20
Glensound Electronics Ltd
Thank you for choosing a new Glensound product.
All rights reserved.
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice, if in
doubt please contact us for the latest product information.
If you need any help with the product then we can be contacted at:
Glensound Electronics Ltd
1 – 6 Brooks Place
Maidstone
Kent
ME14 1HE
nited Kingdom
Telephone: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
EMAIL ADDRESSES
General enquires: [e-mail]
Technical enquires: [e-mail]
Sales enquires: [e-mail]

Page 3 of 20
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
1) Read these instructions
2) Keep these instructions
3) Heed all warnings
4) Follow all instructions
5) Do not use this apparatus near water
6) Clean only with a dry cloth
7) Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s
instructions
8) Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat
9) Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding type plug. A polarized plug
has 2 blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has 2 blades and third
grounding prong. The wider blade or the 3
rd
prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the
obsolete outlet
10) Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus
11) Only use attachments/ accessories specified/ supplied by the manufacturer
12) se only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table specified by the
manufacturer, or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving
the cart/ apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip over
13) nplug tis apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of time
14) Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus
has been damaged in any way, such as power supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has
been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to
rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped
15) Do not attempt to modify this product. Doing so could result in personal injury and/ or
product failure
This symbol is intended to warn that
dangerous voltages within the product are
present and constitute a risk of electric
shock.
This symbol is intended to highlight that
there are important operating &
maintenance instructions in the literature
accompanying this unit.

Page 4 of 20
IMPORTANT: MAINS PLUG WIRING INSTRUCTIONS
This Signature unit is supplied with a moulded mains plug fitted to the AC mains
lead.
Mains wiring colours/ connections:
The Green/ Yellow or Green wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug
marked ‘E’ or with the Earth Symbol.
The Blue or Black wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked ‘N’
(Neutral).
The Red or Brown wire must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked ‘L’
(Live).
THIS UNIT MUST BE EARTHED
THIS UNIT IS FITTED WITH AN INTERNAL MAINS FUSE.
The fuse is located internally between the Live terminal of the IEC plug and the
Live input of the power supply. The fuse should only be changed by a qualified
service engineer. If replacing the fuse care should be taken to fit a correctly rated
replacement. The fuse rating can be found in the technical specifications page of
this handbook.

Page 5 of 20
CE
This equipment manufactured by Glensound Electronics Ltd of Brooks Place
Maidstone Kent ME14 1HE is CE marked and conforms to:
Low Voltage Directive: EN60065
Emissions: EN55103.1
Immunity: EN55103.2
WASTE ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
REGULATIONS 006 (WEEE)
Glensound Electronics Ltd is registered for business to business sales of WEEE in
the K our registration number is:
WEE/JJ0074 R
RoHS DIRECTIVE
EC directive 2011/65/E restricts the use of the hazardous substances listed below
in electrical and electronic equipment.
This product conforms to the above directive and for this purposes, the maximum
concentration values of the restricted substances by weight in homogenous
materials are:
Lead
0.1%
Mercury
0.1%
Hexavalent Chromium
0.1%
Polybrominated Biphenyls
0.1%
Polybrominated D
iphenyl Ethers
0.1%
Cadmium
0.01%

Page 6 of 20
PRODUCT WARRANTY:
All equipment is fully tested before dispatch and carefully designed to provide you
with trouble free use for many years.
We have a policy of supporting products for as long as possible and guarantee to
be able to support your product for a minimum of 10 years.
For a period of one year after the goods have been despatched the Company will
guarantee the goods against any defect developing after proper use providing
such defects arise solely from faulty materials or workmanship and that the
Customer shall return the goods to the Company’s works or their local dealer.
All non-wear parts are guaranteed for 2 years after despatch and any defect
developing after proper use from faulty materials or workmanship will be repaired
under this warranty providing the Customer returns the goods to the Company's
works or their local dealer.

Page 7 of 20
U B , 4 & 8 Unbalanced to Balanced Converters
Handbook Contents
Issue 1,
Description Page No.
Contents
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................................................ 3
PROD CT WARRANTY: ...................................................................................................................................................... 6
OVERVIEW .......................................................................................................................................................................... 8
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION ................................................................................................................................................. 9
A DIO BLOCK DIAGRAMS .............................................................................................................................................. 11
EXAMPLES OF SE ........................................................................................................................................................... 13
1. Domestic Products Interface to a Broadcast Desk ........................................................................................... 13
SER CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS ................................................................................................................................ 14
1. Power On LED ..................................................................................................................................................... 14
2. nbalanced Stereo Input 1 ................................................................................................................................ 15
3. Balanced Stereo Output 1.................................................................................................................................. 15
4. nbalanced Stereo Input 2 ................................................................................................................................ 15
5. Balanced Stereo Output 2.................................................................................................................................. 15
6. Input 1 Gain Controls ......................................................................................................................................... 16
7. Input 2 Gain Controls ......................................................................................................................................... 16
8. External DC Input ............................................................................................................................................... 16
9. Mains In ............................................................................................................................................................... 16
WIRING INFORMATION ................................................................................................................................................... 17
1. Standard Pin Outs............................................................................................................................................... 17
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 2B2 .................................................................................................................................. 18
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 2B4 .................................................................................................................................. 19
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION 2B8 .................................................................................................................................. 20

Page 8 of 20
OVERVIEW
This handbook covers three products all with the same facilities just with different quantities
of these facilities.
Signature 2B2 is a single stereo/ dual mono unbalanced to balanced converter.
Signature 2B4 is a twin stereo/ quad mono unbalanced to balanced converter.
Signature 2B8 is a quad stereo/ octa mono unbalanced to balanced converter.
The Glensound Signature Series 2B range are professional audio balance converters. They
are manufactured using high quality components and low noise audio circuits to provide
many years of trouble free use.
The primary job of the 2B range is to interface domestic type audio outputs (unbalanced) to
the balanced audio inputs on broadcast and professional audio equipment.
As well as providing a balanced interface the 2B range also provides variable gain/ loss to
allow the lower level audio outputs produced by domestic equipment to be raised to meet
the higher level broadcast and pro audio standard.
The stereo audio inputs (which can all work as dual monos) are on gold plated RCA phono
connectors. These inputs are electronically isolated with RF filters to prevent extraneous
signals, and fed via multi-turn preset gain controls on the rear panel to pairs of electronically
balanced and isolated outputs on Neutrik XLRs.
The rear panel gain controls are multi-turn presets to allow accurate gain setting and are also
recessed to prevent accidental movement.
Although traditionally a broadcast manufacturer, Glensound’s products are equally at home
in professional and high end home studios, industrial installations and live pro sound
environments. The 2B range can therefore be used in a number of applications.
The 2B range are powered from internal switch mode mains power supplies fed from
filtered IEC mains plugs suitable for use Worldwide. They have an internal fuse for safety. The
units can also alternatively be powered from external +/-12V DC power sources (such as the
Signature Series PS1). If both mains and external DC power sources are present then, if one
power source were to fail the unit would continue to work seemlessly from the other source.

Page 9 of 20
PHYSICAL INSTALLATION
The Glensound Signature Series have been designed to be highly versatile for installation and
can be installed in 19” racks with either their front or rear panels facing the front of the rack.
They can also be mounted underneath desks or work tops and can be either permananetly
mounted or stood (using the supplied feet) on top of desks or worktops.
INSTALLING SIGNATURE SERIES IN A 19” RACK
Firmly hold the signature subrack within the 19” rack and locate in 1R of space. se the
supplied 6mm rack screws to securly attach the unit to the rack.
INSTALLING ADHSIVE FEET FOR NON PERMANENT TABLE TOP MOUNTING
Remove the front rack ears (if they are not required), turn the unit upside down and attach
the supplied 4 sticky feet as per the above drawing.
Signature
g
Series
Keeps Working
PWR ON
PART No
CE
W
50/60Hz 2.7 Watts
100-240V
+/-12V - - -
PIN 1 = GND
PIN 3 = -12V (100mA)
PIN 2 = +12V (100mA)
Top

Page 10 of 20
SWAPPING RACK EARS TO ALLOW THE REAR TO BE INSTALLED AT THE FRONT OF A
RACK
First remove the 4 silver button head screws that fix the rack ears onto the front of the unit as
shown in the top picture above.
Remove the rack ears and turn the unit around for access to its back panel.
Re-fit the 2 rack ears using the same 4 silver button head screws that were removed from the
front as per the bottom picture above.
USING THE MOUNTING HOLES FOR PERMANENTLY ATTACHING THE UNIT ABOVE OR
BELOW A WORKTOP/ DESK
se either the top or bottom mounting holes as indicated above to use suitable screws to
attach the signature unit to a worktop or bench. **PLEASE ENS RE THAT YO SE S ITABLE
FIXINGS**
Series
Signature
g
Keeps Working
PWR ON
PART No
CE
W
50/60Hz 2.7 Watts
100-240V
+/-12V - - -
PIN 1 = GND
PIN 3 = -12V (100mA)
PIN 2 = +12V (100mA)
Series
Signature
g
Keeps Working
PART No
PWR ON

Page 11 of 20
AUDIO BLOCK DIAGRAMS
1. U B
. U B4
NBALANCED INP TS
100 - 240 VAC
INTERNAL
F SE
AC/DC PS +12V
-12V
EXT DC +/-12V
PRESET GAIN
BALANCED O TP TS
NBALANCED INP TS
100 - 240 VAC
INTERNAL
F SE
AC/DC PS +12V
-12V
EXT DC +/-12V
PRESET GAIN
BALANCED O TP TS
NBALANCED INP TS
PRESET GAIN
BALANCED O TP TS

Page 12 of 20
3. U B8
NBALANCED INP TS
100 - 240 VAC
INTERNAL
F SE
AC/DC PS +12V
-12V
EXT DC +/-12V
PRESET GAIN
BALANCED O TP TS
NBALANCED INP TS
PRESET GAIN
BALANCED O TP TS
NBALANCED INP TS
PRESET GAIN
BALANCED O TP TS
NBALANCED INP TS
PRESET GAIN
BALANCED O TP TS

Page 13 of 20
EXAMPLES OF USE
1. Domestic Products Interface to a Broadcast Desk
ON AIR MIXING DESK
4 x Short Pairs of
RCA Phono Cables
2 x XLR32 x XLR32 x XLR3
2 x XLR3
4 x Pairs of
XLR Cables
Many radio stations and studios incorporate mid level domestic audio equipment such as CD
players & recorders, FM/ DAB Tuners, PCs tape machines etc as they provide reasonable value
for money in comparison to professional versions. The output of such devices need to be
correctly interfaced with a professional or broadcast audio desk.
In this example the 2B8 will be located near the domestic devices (often a long way from
studio in a racks room) as it is prudent to keep the unbalanced audio cables as short as
practicable.
The 2B8 is performing both balance conversion and allowing long balanced cable distances
to be achieved to the studio.
It is also adding gain to lift the low domestic output levels of the equipment to a suitable level
for the professional mixing desk.

Page 14 of 20
USER CONTROLS & CONNECTIONS
Note: Picture & description is for the 2B4 but facilities scale up to the 2B8 and
down to the 2B2.
FRONT PANEL
1. Power On LED
The front panel bright blue LED shows that the unit is powered on and functioning correctly.
1.
POWER ON LED

Page 15 of 20
REAR PANEL
. Unbalanced Stereo Input 1
One pair of stereo (can be used dual mono) RCA phono unbalanced audio inputs. The white
connector is normally used for the left audio channel of a stereo pair and the red connector is
usually used for the right audio channel of a stereo pair.
3. Balanced Stereo Output 1
These Neutrik 3 pin XLR plugs provided the balanced audio outputs of the input 1 audio
source. They are electronically balanced with wide band low noise circuitry. The output level
can be adjusted using gain controls (see 6).
4. Unbalanced Stereo Input
One pair of stereo (can be used dual mono) RCA phono unbalanced audio inputs. The white
connector is normally used for the left audio channel of a stereo pair and the red connector is
usually used for the right audio channel of a stereo pair.
5. Balanced Stereo Output
These Neutrik 3 pin XLR plugs provided the balanced audio outputs of the input 2 audio
source. They are electronically balanced with wide band low noise circuitry. The output level
can be adjusted using gain controls (see 7).
4.
NBALANCED
STEREO INP T 2
5.
BALANCED STEREO
O TP T 2
8.
EXTERNAL DC IN
9.
AC MAINS INP T
2.
NBALANCED
STEREO INP T 1
3.
BALANCED STEREO
O TP T 1
6.
INP T 1 GAIN/
LOSS 7.
INP T 2 GAIN/
LOSS

Page 16 of 20
6. Input 1 Gain Controls
These multi turn preset potentiometers adjust the audio level between the unbalanced
inputs and the balanced outputs. Turning the potentiometer clockwise increases the gain
(and therefore the output level) and turning the potentiometer anti-clockwise decreases the
gain (and therefore reduces the output level).
7. Input Gain Controls
These multi turn preset potentiometers adjust the audio level between the unbalanced
inputs and the balanced outputs. Turning the potentiometer clockwise increases the gain
(and therefore the output level) and turning the potentiometer anti-clockwise decreases the
gain (and therefore reduces the output level).
8. External DC Input
This DC input can be used instead or as well as the mains input. It requires a +/- 12V power
source (such as our PS1). If used in conjunction with the mains input it will seamlessly provide
a redundant power source.
9. Mains In
This AC input accepts a wide range power supply, suitable for use Worldwide. If used in
conjunction with the external DC supply then a seamless redundant power supply will be
provided.

Page 17 of 20
WIRING INFORMATION
1. Standard Pin Outs
RCA PHONO PL G (MALE)
12
3
XLR SOCKET (FEMALE)
1 2
3
XLR PLUG (MALE)
CONTACT
SLEEVE
STANDARD XLR AUDIO PINOUTS:
1: Ground/ Earth
2: INP ASE/ POSITIVE/ MIC +
3: MATE/ NEGATIVE/ MIC -
UNBALANCED RCA P ONO
CONTACT: Signal
SLEEVE: Common/ Earth

Page 18 of 20
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION U B
AUDIO
Frequency Response @ Line Up
Input Impedance
Crosstalk
Maximum Input Level
Distortion
Input Type
Gain Range
Output Impedance
Output Type
Maximum Output Level
Noise
<=/-0.1dB 40Hz to 20kHz
>22k Ohm
<-90dBu 1kHz to 15kHz @ lineup
>+28dBu
0.04% THD @ 100Hz, 1kHz & 0.01% @ 10kHz
Reference to +0dBu output
Electronically balanced on Gold Plated
RCA Phono socket
-15dB to +15dB on each output
=<50 Ohms
Electronically balanced on Neutrik
3 pin XLR plug
+24dBu
-98dB @ line up unweighted
RMS (22Hz to 22kHz) ref +8dBu output
Line Up Level (with 0dB Gain)
-12dBu on unbalanced input = 0dBu on
balanced output
FEAT RES
POWER
PHYSICAL
Mains Input
Size
Internal Mains Fuse
Shipping Weight
DC Input
Mechanics
AC Consumption
Weight
Shipping Carton
Filtered IEC, 100 to 240VAC
47 - 63Hz
338 x 123 x 44mm (LxDxH) no rack ears
482mm 19” (1R ) with rack ears
20mm 1A Anti Surge
2.3kg
4 Pin Neutrik XLR plug +/- 12V
All aluminium construction, anodized and
laser etched
1.3 Watts @ 230VAC
1.00kg
Rugged export quality cardboard carton
610 x 420 x 130mm LxDxH
INCLUDED
Mains Lead
Quick Start Guide
Feet
Rack Bolts
Handbook
2 Metre Long Mains Lead
( K & Europe only)
Printed A4 two sided quick start guide
4 off rubber stick on feet
4 off Hex head M6
Full A4 handbook available to download
and linked by QR code on device

Page 19 of 20
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION U B4
FEAT RES
POWER
AUDIO
PHYSICAL
Mains Input
Size
Internal Mains Fuse
Shipping Weight
DC Input
Mechanics
AC Consumption
Weight
Shipping Carton
Filtered IEC, 100 to 240VAC
47 - 63Hz
338 x 123 x 44mm (LxDxH) no rack ears
482mm 19” (1R ) with rack ears
20mm 1A Anti Surge
2.3kg
4 Pin Neutrik XLR plug +/- 12V
All aluminium construction, anodized and
laser etched
1.7 Watts @ 230VAC
1.00kg
Rugged export quality cardboard carton
610 x 420 x 130mm LxDxH
Frequency Response @ Line Up
Input Impedance
Crosstalk
Maximum Input Level
Distortion
Input Type
Gain Range
Output Impedance
Output Type
Maximum Output Level
Noise
<=+/-0.1dB 40Hz to 20kHz
>22k Ohm
<-90dBu 1kHz to 15kHz @ lineup
>+28dBu
0.04% THD @ 100Hz, 1kHz & 0.01% @ 10kHz
Reference to +0dBu output
Electronically balanced on Gold Plated
RCA Phono socket
-15dB to +15dB on each output
=<50 Ohms
Electronically balanced on Neutrik
3 pin XLR plug
+24dBu
-98dB @ line up unweighted
RMS (22Hz to 22kHz) ref +8dBu output
Line Up Level (with 0dB Gain)
-12dBu on unbalanced input = 0dBu on
balanced output
INCLUDED
Mains Lead
Quick Start Guide
Feet
Rack Bolts
Handbook
2 Metre Long Mains Lead
( K & Europe only)
Printed A4 two sided quick start guide
4 off rubber stick on feet
4 off Hex head M6
Full A4 handbook available to download
and linked by QR code on device

Page 20 of 20
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION U B8
FEAT RES
POWER
AUDIO
PHYSICAL
Mains Input
Size
Internal Mains Fuse
Shipping Weight
DC Input
Mechanics
AC Consumption
Weight
Shipping Carton
Filtered IEC, 100 to 240VAC
47 - 63Hz
445 x 123 x 44mm (LxDxH) no rack ears
482mm 19” (1R ) with rack ears
20mm 1A Anti Surge
2.4kg
4 Pin Neutrik XLR plug +/- 12V
All aluminium construction, anodized and
laser etched
2.6 Watts @ 230VAC
1.10kg
Rugged export quality cardboard carton
610 x 420 x 130mm LxDxH
Frequency Response @ Line Up
Input Impedance
Crosstalk
Maximum Input Level
Distortion
Input Type
Gain Range
Output Impedance
Output Type
Maximum Output Level
Noise
<=+/-0.1dB 40Hz to 20kHz
>22k Ohm
<-90dBu 1kHz to 15kHz @ lineup
>+28dBu
0.04% THD @ 100Hz, 1kHz & 0.01% @ 10kHz
Reference to +0dBu output
Electronically balanced on Gold Plated
RCA Phono socket
-15dB to +15dB on each output
=<50 Ohms
Electronically balanced on Neutrik
3 pin XLR plug
+24dBu
-98dB @ line up unweighted
RMS (22Hz to 22kHz) ref +8dBu output
Line Up Level (with 0dB Gain)
-12dBu on unbalanced input = 0dBu on
balanced output
INCLUDED
Mains Lead
Quick Start Guide
Feet
Rack Bolts
Handbook
2 Metre Long Mains Lead
( K & Europe only)
Printed A4 two sided quick start guide
4 off rubber stick on feet
4 off Hex head M6
Full A4 handbook available to download
and linked by QR code on device