Harman System 9098 User manual

User
Guide
Serial No: A
IMPORTANT
For convenience, write your serial number in the box above and
keep this guide in a safe place. The number can be found on the
rear of the product and also on the Authentification Certificate.
This number MUST be quoted in all communications in order to
obtain technical support and spare parts from either the factory or
your dealer.
1
Microphone
Amplifier
Dual
System 9098
by Rupert Neve the designer

© Harman International Industries Ltd. 1997
All rights reserved.
Parts of the design of this product may be protected by worldwide patents.
AMEK is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd.
Information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice and does
not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. AMEK shall not be liable
for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any
error contained in this manual or through any mis-operation or fault in hardware
or software contained in the product.
No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system,
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, electrical, mechanical,
optical, chemical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose
whatsoever without the express written permission of AMEK.
It is recommended that all maintenance and service on the product should be
carried out by AMEK or it's authorised agents. AMEK cannot accept any liability
whatsoever for any loss or damage caused by service, maintenance or repair by
unauthorised personnel.
Part No: MANRNDMA Issue 2
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Web: www.amek.com
Harman International Industries Ltd
Langley House
Third Avenue
Trafford Park
Manchester M17 1FG
United Kingdom
2

Audio Connections
21Specifications
22Warranty
10
11
Block Diagram 12
Installation Location
Rack mounting
Power up and clicks
Cleaning
M-S Operation 16by Rupert Neve
Operational Guide 13 DMA Controls
Contents
7
5
4
Unpacking
Safety
Mains Cable
115V/230V operation
Safety symbols
Earthing
Changing the fuse
3

4
Check List
The following items are included with the
product.
It is recommended that packaging
materials are retained until all expected
items are accounted for and found to be
operating correctly.
Carton
Packet containing:
4 off M6 mounting screws
4 off plastic washers
1 off fuse for 110V operation.
Moulded
IEC
mains lead
Protective foam
materials
Dual Mic Amp
Quality
Certificate
User
Guide
Unpacking

5
Safety
Caution
For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of warranty, all text
marked with these Safety Symbols should be read carefully!
Please keep this information!
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
Important
Please read this manual carefully before connecting this apparatus to the mains
for the first time! Obey the following safety instructions. Read and understand
these instructions before operating the apparatus or doing troubleshooting,
testing, adjustments or repairs. Failure to comply with the safety instructions
may result in personal injury.
Warning
Hazards or unsafe
practices which can
result in minor personal
injury or product or
property damage.
Important
information.
Read this before
proceeding.
Caution
Hazards or unsafe
practices which can
result in severe
personal injury or
death.
Caution - Earthing
This apparatus MUST be earthed. Under no circumstances should the mains
earth be disconnected from the mains lead.
Caution - Changing the Fuse
To avoid the risk of fire replace only with same value and type of fuse as
marked on the unit, 200mA T (230V) or 400mA T (115V). Fuses are 20mm
anti-surge, IEC type.
Using a suitable flat blade screwdriver, press the fuse cap inwards gently and
twist anti-clockwise to release the cap. Fit the new fuse to the cap and replace
it in the fuseholder by reversing the procedure.
Before changing the fuse, always switch off the unit and remove the AC power
cable!
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN !

Safety
6
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
!
Do not place the apparatus on an unstable surface.
Do not insert objects through any apertures.
Do not use this apparatus near water.
Unplug the unit before cleaning. Clean only with a damp cloth.
Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer's instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves
or other apparatus including amplifiers or power supplies that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarised or grounding-type plug.
A polarised plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong. The
wider blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. When the plug
provided does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement
of the obsolete outlet.
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
Avoid using mains outlets on the same circuits as air control systems or
other equipment that regularly switches on and off.
Only use attachments /accessories specified by the manufacturer.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required when
the apparatus has been damaged in any way such as the 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 the
apparatus does not operate normally the apparatus has been dropped.
Unplug the unit under these circumstances.
Adjust only those controls that are covered by the operating instructions.
Use only the mains lead provided with the equipment . Other leads may
not have sufficient current rating.
Do not operate this unit with the cover removed.
WARNING - For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of the
warranty please read this section carefully.

7
Mains Cable
The supplied IEC mains cable must be terminated correctly to the AC mains
supply before use. Use only an approved AC plug or power distribution
device. The three cores are colour coded as follows:
The Green/Yellow core in the mains
cable is a safety ground and must be
connected at all times!
Green/Yellow
Brown
Blue
=
=
=
Safety Earth
Live
Neutral
115V/230V Operation
Before adjusting the operating voltage, always switch off the unit and
remove the AC power cable!
To adjust the operating voltage, use a flat blade screwdriver to click the voltage
selector across to the required position until the legend 115V or 230V appears
in the window and fit the appropriate fuse supplied in the fixings pack.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

8
Sécurité
Précaution
Pour votre sécurité et afin de ne pas interrompre la garantie il est important
de lire attentivement les paragraphes marqués d'un symbole!
Conserver ce document!
Importante
information.
Priere de lire
avant utilisation.
Avertissement
Dangers ou pratiques
dangereuses pouvant
résulter en blessures
personnelles mineures
légères ou en
dommages à la
propriété.
Avis
Dangers ou pratiques
dangereuses pouvant
résulter en des
blessures graves ou
causant la mort.
Important
Ce manuel est à lire attentivement avant de brancher cet appareil pour la
première fois! Suivre les instructions de sécurité. Lire et comprendre ces
intructions avant l'utilisation de l'appareil ou avant dépannage, essai, ajustement
ou réparation. Ne pas se conformer aux instructions de sécurité peut
provoquer de graves blessures.
AVIS
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
NE PAS OUVRIR !
Avis - Terre
Cet appareil DOIT être branché à la terre. En aucun cas devoir la terre
principale est débranchée du plomb principal.
Avis - Changer le Fusible
Afin d'éviter un risque de feu, remplacer seulement avec fusible de la meme
valeur et type, 200mA T (230V) ou 400mA T (115V). Les fusibles sont de type
IEC 20mm protection-surtension (pour fusibles).
Avant de changer le fusible, éteindre l'appareil et enlever la prise
d'alimentation! Utiliser un tourne vis à tête plate, appuyer sur le capuchon du
fusible doucement vers l'interieur et tourner dans le sens contraire des aiguilles
d'une montre pour dégager le capuchon. Mettre le nouveau fusible dans le
capuchon et remettre en place en faisant la procédure inverse.

9
Cable de Secteur
Le cable de secteur IEC fourni doit être correctement au cable d'alimentation
avant l'utilisation. Protéger le cordon d'alimentation afin d'éviter qu'il soit
piétiné, écrasé ou pincé, en particulier au niveau des prises de courant, des
fiches femelles et des points de sorties de l'appareil.
Utiliser seulement une prise de courant conforme. Les 3 cables à l'intérieur du
cable d'alimentation sont de couleurs suivantes:
Le cable vert/jaune à
l'intérieur du cable
d'alimentation est la sécurité
terre et doit être toujours
connecté!
Vert/Jaune
Marron
Bleu
=
=
=
Prise de Terre
Phase
Neutre
115V/230V Fonctionnement
Avant le réglage du voltage, toujours éteindre et débrancher l'appareil!
Pour le réglage du voltage, utiliser un tourne vis à tête plate afin de déclancher
le voltage sur la position choisie jusqu'à ce que 115V ou 230V apparaisse dans
la fenêtre et mettre le fusible approprié qui se trouve dans le kit fourni.
INSTRUCTIONS DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES

10
Installation
Location
This product is designed and screened to minimise internal electromagnetic
emissions and provide immunity to external electromagnetic fields.
To reduce the risk of performance degradation due to external interference,
do not site this unit close to sources of strong magnetic fields such as power
supplies, power amplifiers, loudspeakers etc.
Powering up and Clicks
Clicks may be heard from in/out switches when the product is powered up,
these will dissipate after approximately 10 minutes. This is perfectly normal.
Cleaning
The product should be cleaned with a soft brush around the controls. If the
facia becomes dirty, use a damp cloth with a little household soap to remove
the dirt. DO NOT use solvent cleaners under any circumstances or the facia
may be permanently damaged and warranty invalidated!
Rack Mounting
This product is designed to be rack mounted using the screws and washers
supplied to help preserve the finish of the facia panel.
The facia graphic layer is under-surface printed to provide a robust hard
wearing surface designed to last the life of the product in virtually any operating
environment. Failure to use the supplied fixings may result in damage to the
facia surface which can invalidate the warranty.
It is recommended that additional rack-mount side supports are used in
conjunction with the facia panel fixings, particularly when the unit is mounted in
a flite case or vehicle where vibration and transit shocks can be expected.

11
Audio Connections
Earth Link
The CHASSIS GROUND post is internally connected to both the case and the safety earth.
If the link is removed for technical reasons (such as earth loops), then the ANALOGUE
GROUND post must be wired separately to the installation technical earth point.
Audio Connections
Two identical sets of 3 pin XLR connectors are provided for each mic amp channel A
and B. Inputs are female, outputs are male.
All connectors follow the European wiring convention:
Pin 1 = Screen
Pin 2 = Hot (+)
Pin 3 = Cold (-)
The inputs are electronically balanced using Rupert's "TLA" transformer-like-amplifier
design. The outputs are transformer balanced, coupled using Rupert Neve's "tertiary
feedback" output stage design.

12
Block Diagram
O/P A
O/P B
Mic A
Mic B
DI A
DI B
TLA Input
TLA Input
Meter
0-66dB step gain
+/6dB trim
(-30/+14)
O/L
O/L
48V
48V
Symbol key
Xlr 3F
Xlr 3M
MS In
Transformer
Transformer
Width MS Out
Mute
Mute

13
Operational Guide
Overview
The System 9098 Dual Mic Amplifier (DMA) contains two identical high quality signal paths
that can be used as a stereo pair or two individual paths as required. When used with a
stereo microphone or a "stereo" pair of microphones, the central WIDTH and M-S controls
enhance the functionality and manipulation of the stereo image.
Gain
The DMA is capable of high output levels in excess of +25dBu. The switched gain control
provides a range of 0-66dB in 6dB steps, so when using the minimum gain setting of 0dB
only the most extreme sources are likely to produce an overload.
Certain types of capacitor microphones are capable of producing output levels well in
excess of 0dBu when placed close to very loud sound sources, so care should be taken in
the selection and placement of microphones to obtain the best results.
Trim
The variable trim control has a range of +/-6dB allowing fine gain adjustment between the
6dB switched gain steps. It also allows the gain to be extended by 6dB at either end giving
an overall gain range of -6dB to +72dB.
DI
The DI switch changes the channel input from the rear XLR to the front panel jack socket.
In DI mode, the input impedance is greater than 100kOhm and suitable for use with guitars
and synthesisers, plus the gain control is restricted +30dB max.
48V
A phantom power switch is fitted for use with capacitor microphones and applies phantom
power to the rear panel mic input XLR only. The DI jacksocket is NOT affected.

14
Operational Guide
Meter
An eight segment lightmeter is fitted to indicate output level. Although the top segment is
marked O/L it indicates peak signal level activity, not necessarily overload conditions. The
threshold is factory preset to +22dBu but alternative levels can be set via internal jumpers.
Filter
The high pass filter attenuates signals below 120Hz @ 18dB/Octave.
Mute
The mute switch cuts the DMA output but does not affect the meter signal.
Image
The image section operates on the A and B channels to provide alternative input and output
formats together with variable image width.
Input M-S
The Input M-S matrix operates immediately after the input gain stage. If M-S (sum and
difference) microphone signals are connected to the inputs, the DMA can be used to
amplify them directly before sending them on to the mixer or tape recorder.
If any DMA signal processing is required (e.g. high pass filter or image width controls) then
the Input M-S switch must be used to convert the signals to conventional L-R format first.
When M-S signals are required to be sent on, the Output M-S matrix can be used to
convert the post-processed signals back into M-S format again.
Phase
A phase invert button is fitted to easily correct any phase anomalies caused by difficult
microphone placement or mis-wired cables.

15
Width
When the DMA is used with a stereo signals, the Width control can be used to modify the
nature of the stereo image. When central (stereo), the normal image is unaffected. When
fully clockwise (mono) both signals are merged together into mono and fed to both A and B
outputs equally. At points in between, the degree of "mono" compatibility can be selectively
controlled.
When fully anti-clockwise (wide) the stereo image appears much wider as the phase of the
"difference" component is manipulated. In this position the A and B outputs remain a stereo
pair. At points in between, the degree of image width can be selectively controlled,
however care should be taken because the degree of "out of phase" information is being
increased and is actually doubled at the Wide position.
The Width control is integrated within the Output M-S circuitry and is intended for
use with L-R output format. If both are selected at the same time, the "difference" signal of
the M-S pair can still be manipulated but the results may be undesirable.
Note:
Output M-S
The Output M-S matrix operates immediately before the output driver stages. The Output
M-S switch converts conventional L-R signals into M-S format.
Used in conjunction with the Input M-S matrix, M-S encoded output signals can be
generated no matter which input format is used, L-R or M-S.

16
Rupertby
Neve
M-S Operation
This can be illustrated by considering an image created using mono sources and pan pots.
Anything panned to the centre will be identical on both left and right signal paths. Signals
positioned anywhere other than absolute centre will have differing levels on the left and
right outputs. The same stereo image can therefore be conveyed either by sending a left
and right signal or by sending the centre (mono) signal together with the left/right
"difference" information.
In hardware terms the mono signal is derived by adding together the left and right signals in
a mixing amplifier. The following maths example should help to explain what happens in an
M-S matrix.
M (the mono signal)=L+R
The "difference" information is obtained by subtracting one signal from the other. To ensure
consistency between different types of equipment, the right signal is subtracted from the left.
S (the difference signal)=L-R
Deriving M and S signals
Two channel stereo is most often conveyed as left
and right channels carrying two independent signals.
These channels can create a stereo image because they do
not carry exactly the same signal and any elements which are identical
on both left and right will produce a central mono image.

17
Phase inverted signals are normally represented by placing a minus sign in front, so -R
represents the right hand signal with phase inversion. We can therefore use a second
summing amplifier to produce the S signal by adding both signals together but inverting the
right hand signal in the process.
As many stereo signals have a lot of energy in the central parts of the image, the M signal
will usually be greater than the S signal. If the S signal has more energy than the M, the
image is a very wide one and contains a lot of "out of phase" information. This should be
handled with care as it will often be an indication that something is wrong in the mix.
If the same 0dBu signal is applied to both left and right inputs of a unity gain matrix, an
output of +6dBu would be produced. To prevent risk of overload, the summing amplifiers
have a gain of -6dB. With 0dBu applied to both inputs, the output is still only 0dBu, not the
+6 that would otherwise have occurred. This reduces this risk of overloads.
In the maths, it was shown how adding and subtracting left and right
electrical signals could produce M-S signals, but these can also be
produced acoustically by choosing suitable types of microphones.
A forward facing cardioid microphone will produce a mono
output with a fairly consistent level for all signals which are
in front of it and within a certain angle either side of centre.
A microphone with a "figure of eight" response has a "dead"
zone at right angles to the main axis. Signals arriving at the
front of the microphone are in phase (shaded area) but
the rear produces a phase inversion.
If both microphones are placed very close together, they
produce outputs which are of the same type as the M-S
signals derived electrically.
Let’s assume we have a coincident pair connected to
the DMA with the cardioid mic in the left channel (A)
and the “figure of eight” mic in the right channel (B).
M-S microphones
AXIS
+
Cardioid polar diagram
AXIS
+
Figure of eight polar diagram
AXIS
+
AXIS
+
+
Coincident cardioid/ figure of eight
polar diagram

Consider both signals arriving from the front/left area. These arrive at both the cardioid and
figure of eight capsules and are in phase with each other. Adding them together will produce
a signal level increase.
Now consider both signals arriving from the front-right area. These also arrive at both the
cardioid and figure of eight capsules but are out of phase with each other. Adding them
together will produce a signal level decrease. However, if we subtract the two signals,
anything arriving from the front/right will be enhanced and signals from the
front/left reduced.
The two outputs, after M-S decoding, can therefore be considered similar to what an
angled pair of coincident cardioid microphones would produce, facing front/left and
front/right respectively.
The output from the front facing cardioid microphone can therefore be seen as being an
"M" signal and that from the figure of eight, an "S" signal. Commercially made M-S
microphones have output levels designed so that equal mic amp gain applied to the M and S
paths produce correct left/right decoding.
M-S signals were obtained by adding and subtracting left and right signals. Let’s do some
more maths:
M (sum)=L+R
and
S (difference)=L-R
By adding them together we get:
M+S=L+L+R-R
In audio terms, the L signal comes out at increased level and the right signal is cancelled.
Subtracting the two equations gives:
M-S=L-L+R-(-R)
In audio terms, the R signal comes out at increased level and the left signal is cancelled.
Converting M-S to L-R
M-S Operation
18

Uses of M-S signals
M-S signals have been in use for a long time, though not always thought of as such by audio
engineers. For example, FM radio broadcasting transmits an M signal with a separate S signal
which is ignored in mono receivers. M-S audio can offer a number of advantages to sound
engineers.
Traditional coincident pair techniques with either a 90 degree pair of "figure of eight"
microphones or a 110 degree pair of cardioid microphones produce reliable results but can
make "aiming" difficult when used on booms and fishpoles.
Mono feeds are often convenient for monitoring purposes but must be specifically derived if
only L-R audio is in use. M-S audio means a mono signal is always available with no issues of
“compatibility”.
If not all systems are receiving in stereo, it is important the signal sounds good in mono. M-S
signals can easily be adjusted to increase mono compatibility (i.e. made "more mono") by
reducing the S signal to any required degree.
The two extremes are to have no S at all, which gives central mono. All S is out of phase
mono (of the difference signal) and is therefore completely incompatible with mono listening
as it will produce silence!
Signals in M-S form have the advantage that they can make some recording and
transmission faults sound less objectionable. If a L-R pair of channels have different gains or
phase shift, a disturbing image movement will occur to the left or right. Any mismatch in a
pair of M-S channels results in a change of image width which is subjectively less of a
problem. For example, if the S channel has a
narrower bandwidth, the stereo separation
will reduce as the S response rolls off but
the image remains central.
Aiming
Instant mono
Mono compatibility
M-S robustness
19

20
O/L indicator
Limiter insert
Trimmers
All jumper link information is printed on the PCB. The threshold for the O/L indicator is
marked next to jumper P3.
The optional limiter inserts, P1 and P2 must both always have jumpers fitted across pins 3/4
and 5/6. The limiter is not available as an option, the jumpers provide for future
development.
Trimmers are provided to optimise the Mid Band and HF common mode rejection ratio
(CMRR). These are factory calibrated and should not be adjusted without special test
equipment.
Jumpers