JEFF ROWLAND CRITERION Quick start guide

CRITERION STEREO PREAMPLIFIER
Operational Manual
REV14 2010
!
© Jeff Rowland Design Group 2010 All Rights Reserved

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The preamplifier has been designed to operate at the highest level of efficiency and
performance in any normal operating situation; however, there are a few important use
and care principles that must be kept in mind when operating the preamplifier:
Do not expose the preamplifier to rain, moisture, or excessively damp conditions.
Due to auto-ranging circuitry and dual-stage voltage regulation, the audio
performance will not be affected by any voltage fluctuations within the operating
voltage range. The CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER can be operated at any mains
voltage over the range of 85 to 265 VAC without any adjustments necessary.
The CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER must not be modified in any way, other than
according to official service bulletins from JRDG (Jeff Rowland Design Group).
Otherwise, the factory warranty will be immediately voided.
Be sure the preamplifier is muted (volume level bracketed) before connecting or
disconnecting any interconnect cables.
When operating the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER, a properly grounded AC
receptacle should be used. A potential shock hazard may result if the supplied 3-
wire, grounded AC cable ground terminal is defeated or lifted or the unit is
connected to a 2-wire ungrounded AC outlet.
The CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER is designed to perform optimally with no
adjustments or maintenance for the lifetime of the product. Do not attempt to
open the bottom cover of the preamplifier and refer all service issues to qualified
personnel. The voltages inside the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER can be hazardous.
Because of the energy efficiency of the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER, there is no
need to unplug the unit when not in use; however, the preamplifier can be muted,
and/or display blanked, if desired.
PROTECTIVE SYSTEMS
The CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER is equipped with internal fuses for protection against
excessive AC current draw; however, since no protection circuitry or system can
completely protect a product from every electrical hazard, certain precautions should be
observed. In the event of severe voltage hazards such as lightning or when the
preamplifier will not be used for extended periods of time, the preamplifier should be
unplugged from the AC mains to avoid potential damage to the internal circuitry. All other
audio/video system components should also be disconnected from AC mains power as
hazardous voltages can easily travel throughout an interconnected system.
2

NOTE FROM JEFF ROWLAND DESIGN GROUP
elcome to the Jeff Rowland Design Group “family” and congratulations on your
purchase of what is unquestionably one of the world’s finest preamplifiers. With
its combination of features such as precision electronic circuitry, exceptional
efficiency, and accurately machined chassis components throughout, your CRITERION
PREAMPLIFIER will offer you many years of musically satisfying enjoyment.
Please take a few minutes to read the remainder of this Owner’s Manual before
proceeding with the installation of the preamplifier. A thorough understanding of the
operational features will allow you to gain the maximum performance and ease of use for
which this preamplifier was designed.
Please note that your CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER control and amplifier chassis serial
numbers begins with the letters “PC” and “PB” respectively. This serial number is located
on the rear panel of the chassis. Please include this number with any correspondence
regarding your CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER. It has been my joy to create an audio
component of enduring value that reflects the highest ideals of musical and artistic
expression. It is my hope that these qualities will enrich your experience and pride of
ownership.
If you have any additional questions regarding the installation or operation of the
CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER, please contact your authorized Jeff Rowland Design Group
dealer or check the Jeff Rowland Design Group web site at http://jeffrowland.com.
Enjoy the music!
Jeff Rowland
President, Jeff Rowland Design Group
3
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
.........................................................................................................Special Design Features 5
............................................................................................................Maintenance and Care 8
......................................................................................................Unpacking and Placement 9
..................................................................................................................Initial Inspection 9
...........................................................................................................................Unpacking 9
.................................................................................................Placement and Alignment 10
.............................................................................................................................Front Panel 11
....................................................................................................Control Chassis Display 11
..................................................................................................Control Chassis Controls 13
....................................................................................................................Menu Options 14
..............................................................................................................................Rear Panel 17
.................................................................................................................Control Chassis 17
...................................................................................................................Audio Chassis 18
.............................................................................................Handheld Remote Transmitter 19
............................................................................................Remote Transmitter Controls 20
...............................................................................................................Internal Switches 20
........................................................................Remote Transmitter Battery Replacement 21
...............................................................................................................General Operations 22
..........................................................................................................Powering on and off 22
......................................................................................................................Setting Mute 22
..............................................................................................................Channel Balance 22
..............................................................Switching Between AC mode and Battery Mode 23
.......................................................................................Record Select Input Assignment 23
...............................................................................................Adjusting Record Out level 23
...........................................................................................Independent Phase Inversion 23
..........................................................................................................Setting Out 2 Offset 24
...........................................................................................................Setting Input Offset 24
.......................................................................................................Adjusting Out 2 Offset 24
................................................................................................................Factory Restore 24
...................................................................Battery Mode and DC Rechargeable Batteries 25
...............................................................................................Battery Mode Playing Time 25
.......................................................................................................................Battery type 25
.......................................................................................................................Auto-switch 25
........................................................................................................................Battery Life 25
...........................................................................................................Replacing batteries 25
........................................................................................................................Specifications 26
4

SPECIAL DESIGN FEATURES
MACHINED ALUMINUM CHASSIS: The preamplifier circuitry is housed inside twin
ultra-low resonance, structurally rigid chassis precision-machined from solid
ingots of aircraft grade 6061-T6 aluminum, completely sealed for trouble-free
operation, yield maximum electrical/EMI/RF isolation.
FUNCTIONAL ISOLATION: Power supplies and microprocessor-based system
control circuits confined inside Control Chassis. Sensitive audio circuits isolated
in separate Audio Chassis. Left and right channel circuits are further isolated into
individual milled aluminum pockets in a true dual mono design for ultimate RF
and EMI shielding.
FREE OF INTERNAL SIGNAL POLLUTION: Control subsystem taken completely offline
after each command execution to maximize sound purity. All signal switching
relays are “latching” type which only draw current for a few milliseconds during
the switching event then revert to a no current “off” state.
ADVANCED DC OPERATIONS: NiMH field replaceable high capacity, industrial
grade, rechargeable batteries provide the ultimate clean power source and
absolute isolation from the power grid. AC power supply is taken offline during
DC battery-based operations to isolate the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER completely
from residual mains grunge.
MULTI-REGULATED AC SMPS: High speed regulated, low noise switch mode power
supply (SMPS) developed for aerospace applications incorporates passive power
factor correction (PFC) for sonic performance so pure and musical that is virtually
invariant to different quality power cords. Power supply radiation is isolated by
locating the power supply in it’s own milled pocket.
AUTOMATIC WORLDWIDE OPERATIONS: Auto-sensing and auto-ranging SMPS
provides optimum performance at any world-wide mains operating voltage
between 85V and 265V.
CERAMIC CIRCUIT BOARDS: All audio circuits are implemented on military-grade,
multilayer, low dielectric constant, Rogers™ ceramic circuit board substrate for
extremely low energy retention and absorption. Large low impedance ground
planes for extended internal star-grounding. Newly developed ceramic capacitors
replace conventional electrolytic type, resulting in power supply noise decoupling
improvements by an order of magnitude (10X).
5

SHORTEST SIGNAL PATH: Gain stages, based upon ultra-low noise differential
balanced audio amplifiers, are implemented into the shortest signal path of any
previous Rowland preamplifier. All signal paths are balanced from input to output
for maximum noise rejection.
DUAL-ZONE PREAMPLIFICATION: Separate 2nd gain stage for record outputs offers
same circuitry as the primary signal path with independent volume control.
TRANSFORMER-COUPLED: All inputs and outputs routed through professional
grade Lundahl transformers for maximum common noise rejection, EMI immunity,
and cross-component compatibility. Transformer coupling also ensures invariant
gain for all balanced inputs and outputs. When used with input transformer
equipped JRDG amplifiers a 140dB dynamic range interface can be achieved. All
unbalanced inputs convert to balanced upon entering the preamp.
FLEXIBLE CONNECTIVITY: 6 inputs (4 XLR balanced, 2 RCA unbalanced); 4 main
outputs (2 XLR balanced, 2 RCA unbalanced); 2 record outputs (1 XLR
balanced, 1 RCA unbalanced); per channel.
INPUT GAIN OFFSETS: Hi resolution independently programmable gain offset on
each main input ranging from -20dB to +20dB in 0.5dB increments.
OUTPUT OFFSET: High-resolution programmable gain offset on MAIN UNBALANCED
OUTPUT 2 (mapped to OUTPUT B on the preamplifier back panel) with 0.5dB
resolution adjustable relative to MAIN OUTPUT 1 (mapped to OUTPUT A on the
preamplifier back panel).
UNITY GAIN INPUTS: Any main input can be configured as unity gain bypass for
compatibility with theater processors.
PHASE INVERSION: Independent signal phase inversion control on left and right
channels for optimum speaker setup and system checks.
CHANNEL BALANCE: Hi resolution (1.0dB) panning of stereophonic image
(channel balance) for a maximum +/-20dB shift.
VFD: Long life 32x320 pixel custom graphic vacuum fluorescent display (VFD)
offers maximum resolution of display data for status indication.
6

HANDHELD REMOTE TRANSMITTER: Highly ergonomic, custom handheld remote
transmitter milled from aluminum billet supports complete system control and
duplicates front panel operations.
REMOTE SENSOR: Wired remote sensor milled from aluminum billet enables
handheld remote transmitter operation while housing the preamplifier in closed
cabinet enclosures.
PRECISION VOLUME ADJUSTMENTS: Dual rate volume control allows precision level
adjustments over nearly a 100 dB range. The volume control incorporates a
permanently noiseless optical encoder that will always maintain its tactile feel,
accuracy, and channel balance at all settings. The volume can be adjusted from
0dB to 99.5dB from the multi-role control knob on the front panel, as well as from
the multi-function handheld remote transmitter. Rapid turns of the control knob
adjust the volume by 1.5dB increments. Slow turns of the control allow for very
fine adjustments by 0.5dB increments.
QUIET POWER-UP: No turn-on or turn-off transients during intermittent power
interruptions.
CUSTOMIZATION: Inputs can be custom named and set for different gain structures
and automatically stored in internal memory.
7

MAINTENANCE AND CARE
All JRDG products are designed to provide a lifetime of enjoyment and listening
pleasure.
Chassis are sealed to prevent dust from entering the interior of the chassis and thus
should never need interior cleaning during the lifetime of the product. All internal circuitry
is maintenance-free such that no adjustments of any kind are necessary over the lifetime
of the product. If the preamplifier is ever in need of service, updating, or upgrading, it
should only be returned to an authorized repair facility or technician for servicing.
The front panel of the unit is precision-machined in a unique process that incorporates a
diamond tipped cutting tool. This process was refined over many years to produce an
attractive and unique appearance. Because the surface is not finished in the typical
fashion of most audio and video equipment, there are a few rules that must be kept in
mind when cleaning the equipment.
NOTE: PLEASE ALLOW THE FRONT PANEL, WHICH IS COATED WITH AN AUTOMOTIVE-GRADE
POLYURETHANE FINISH, TO CURE FOR 6 MONTHS BEFORE ATTEMPTING TO CLEAN IT. THIS WILL
PREVENT SMALL SCRATCHES FROM MARRING THE SURFACE BEFORE THE SURFACE COATING
HAS HAD A CHANCE TO HARDEN COMPLETELY.
WARNING: THE FRONT PANEL OF THE UNIT SHOULD NEVER BE CLEANED WITH ANYTHING
OTHER THAN A VERY SOFT COTTON CLOTH AND PLAIN WATER OR FINE OIL-BASED FURNITURE
POLISH. BECAUSE OF THE FINE FINISH OF THE FRONT PANEL, USE OF ANY OTHER CLEANING
AGENT MAY PERMANENTLY SCRATCH THE FINISH.
The top cover, sides and bottom are protected by a durable black anodized finish and
can be cleaned with a soft cotton cloth (such as an optical lens or microfiber cleaning
cloth) dampened with plain water. Water should be applied directly to the cloth and not
the chassis. A very mild plastic or glass cleaner that does not contain ammonia may also
be used. If a mark has been left on the chassis, do not use any type of abrasive or
chemical cleaner to remove the mark.
If you have any questions about the care or cleaning of your CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER,
please contact your dealer or the JRDG factory before attempting to clean the chassis.
The use of a cleanser or abrasive to clean the chassis that has not been approved by
the factory will almost certainly damage the finish and will not be covered under
warranty.
8

UNPACKING AND PLACEMENT
INITIAL INSPECTION
Inspect the shipping container for damage. If any portion of the shipping container,
packing material, preamplifier, or accessories are damaged or missing, notify your dealer
and the shipper (if a claim is to be made) immediately.
NOTE: MANY SHIPPERS REQUIRE NOTIFICATION AND INSPECTION WITHIN 24 HOURS OF
DELIVERY TO DETERMINE THE NATURE OF DAMAGES INCURRED.
Your CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER has undergone extensive performance evaluations,
listening tests, quality control inspections, and a minimum 72-hour burn-in period prior to
shipment and should therefore be in perfect operating condition upon delivery. If the
preamplifier does not operate correctly, please notify your dealer immediately.
We strongly suggest that you save all of the packing materials. If the preamplifier is
returned to your dealer or JRDG, the original packing materials must be used for
shipment to avoid possible damage. Neither JRDG nor the shipper can be held
responsible for damages incurred during transit if the original factory packing is not used.
All factory returns require that JRDG issue a Return Authorization (RA) number prior to
shipment.
UNPACKING
Carefully unpack both control and audio units from their original packing box.
Remove all accessory items from the accessory box. Accessories include:
1 Detachable IEC AC Power Cord
2 Multipin DC/Data Cables
1 Handheld Remote Transmitter Handset
1 Remote Transmitter Sensor
1 2-Meter Remote Transmitter Data Cable
4 Delrin Isolator Support Spheres
Warranty Card
Operational Manual
IMPORTANT: RETAIN ALL PACKING MATERIALS FOR FUTURE TRANSPORT. SHIPPING PRODUCT IN
INADEQUATE PACKING MATERIALS MAY VIOLATE THE JEFF ROWLAND DESIGN GROUP
MANUFACTURER’S WARRANTY.
9

PLACEMENT AND ALIGNMENT
The Audio Chassis is always placed first on a stable platform, rack, or shelf. All audio
interconnects can be inserted into the rear panel, at this time, while visibility is greatest.
Then each multi-pin DC/Data cable can be inserted into the rear panel receptacles.
Simply partially insert each cable connector shell and rotate until alignment is achieved.
Then firmly push cable shell until it locks in place. A snap will be felt and heard when the
cable is correctly inserted. To remove cables, grasp the outer sliding sleeve of each
cable between your fingers and pull sliding sleeve and cable away from the chassis
connector.
NOTE: DO NOT FORCE CABLE INTO RECEPTACLE UNLESS ALIGNMENT IS ACHIEVED.
Locate and place Delrin isolator support spheres into each of the four respective dimples
machined into the top of the Audio Chassis. With both hands, carefully place the Control
Chassis directly above the Audio Chassis and move sideways slightly until the chassis
firmly “locks” into place by resting upon the Delrin spheres. This unique chassis
placement ensures both perfect alignment and effective isolation between chassis.
10

FRONT PANEL
The front panel of the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER’s Control Chassis features a vacuum-
fluorescent (VFD) display, 10 push-buttons, and a multi-purpose volume/menu control
knob, which can also be depressed and operates as an 11th push-button when pressed.
All controls are precision machined from aluminum billet. Each pushbutton has been
designed with a slightly different length to accommodate the curvature of the faceplate.
CONTROL CHASSIS DISPLAY
Figure 1: Control Chassis Display
1. CUSTOM VFD. Long life 32x320 pixel custom graphic vacuum fluorescent display (VFD)
offers maximum resolution of display data for status indication.
2. PHASE INVERSION INDICATOR. the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER’s display features a
visible indicator for the phases of both right and left channels on its lower left corner
as follows:
1. L+ +R -- the phase for both channels is Normal (not inverted).
2. L−+R -- left channel inverted.
3. L+ −R -- right channel inverted.
4. L−−R -- both channels inverted.
3. RECORD SELECT INDICATOR. Indicates which input is routed to the RECORD OUTPUT
jacks. If the input is labeled via the MENU function, then the label selected will also be
indicated under the heading. If the input is not labeled, then no indication will be provided. If
inputs 1through 4are selected BAL will be indicated. If inputs 5or 6are selected, UNBAL will
be indicated.
4. RECORD LABEL INDICATOR. Indicates label assigned to input routed to the RECORD
OUTPUT jacks. If no input is selected, then no label will be indicated.
11

5. CHANNEL BALANCE/OFFSET INDICATOR. The channel balance indicator is a horizontal
bar graph located to the right of the phase indicator. The cursor changes from a small square
to a diamond shape at the center of the bar graph when the left and right channels have
identical gains, or when no input gain offset has been added to a selected input. Whenever a
channel balance or gain offset is adjusted the cursor will change from a diamond to a square.
Each increment of the cursor is equal to one-half dB of gain offset of each channel, or a one
dB difference between right and left channels.
6. INPUT NUMBER INDICATOR. Indicates which input number is routed to the MAIN OUTPUT
1/2/B jacks. If inputs 1through 4are selected BAL will be indicated. If inputs 5or 6are
selected, UNBAL will be indicated.
7. INPUT LABEL INDICATOR. If the input is labeled via the MENU function, then the label
selected will be indicated. A complete list of input names is provided in the MENU when the
menu function is selected.
8. BATTERY CHARGE STATUS. An 8-segment “gas gauge” indicates the approximate battery
capacity when operating in battery mode. It is fully lit when the battery charge is between
87.5% and full. The outline appears empty when the battery’s charge is depleted to less than
12.5%. When battery mode is selected, a Bwill appear to the left of the gas gauge. When
RUN ON AC/CHARGE mode is selected from the MENU, the gas gauge will sequentially
increment during battery recharging until the batteries are fully charged. At full charge the gas
gauge will be solid.
9. VOLUME/MUTE INDICATOR. This display shows the current volume of the selected
input numerically, from 00.0 to 99.5, in 0.5 dB increments. When the preamp is
muted the volume indicator numbers will be surrounded by corner brackets which
indicates that the selected volume will be decreased by 20 dB. The selected volume
numbers will also be decreased by 20. When the preamp is fully muted the original
volume indicator numbers will be surrounded by full brackets which indicates that the
selected volume will be decreased to zero.
12

CONTROL CHASSIS CONTROLS
Figure 2: Control Chassis Controls
1. INPUT BUTTONS 1-6. The main input number is selected by pressing the desired input
button.
2. RECORD PUSHBUTTON. Enters the RECORD SELECT mode. The record input number is
selected by pressing the front panel’s RECORD button and then pressing the desired input
button. This can also be done by choosing RECORD SELECT from the MENU. The RECORD
SELECT MODE persists until a main input number is selected.
3. MENU PUSHBUTTON. Enters MENU mode. Also used to select the MENU option and exit
the MENU mode.
4. STANDBY PUSHBUTTON. Turns display off and mutes the preamplifier. Typically used to
extend the life of the display while maintaining the preamplifier circuitry in a powered status.
5. MUTE PUSHBUTTON. Pressing the MUTE button once will reduce the volume by 20 dB.
Pressing the MUTE button a second time will fully mute the volume. Pressing the MUTE button
a third time will return the volume to the original unmuted condition. Pressing and holding the
MUTE button for approximately 10 seconds forces a hardware reset.
6. VOLUME/ENTER CONTROL KNOB. Rotation of the volume control knob clockwise will
increase the output level of the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER. Rotation of the knob counter-
clockwise will decrease the output level. The CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER features a dual-
range volume control system. Rotating the volume knob slowly will cause the volume to
increase or decrease in small, precise steps. Rotating the knob abruptly will result in large,
immediate changes to the output level. Depressing the volume control knob will enter and exit
the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER’s MENU mode, duplicating the function of the MENU button.
In MENU mode, rotating the volume knob will scroll through the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER’s
menu and submenus.
13

MENU OPTIONS
Several buttons enter and exit the MENU: The front-panel’s MENU button; the handheld
remote transmitter ENTER and EXIT buttons; and the front panel VOLUME/ENTER knob.
From the display’s main screen, pressing any of the MENU buttons enters the MENU
mode. Once in MENU mode, either the VOLUME/ENTER knob or the handheld remote
transmitter’s Navigation Up () or Down () buttons scroll through the MENU choices.
The menu text scrolls up or down. After scrolling to the desired menu item, pressing any
MENU button again performs that function and exits the MENU mode.
CANCEL MENU. Pressing any of the MENU buttons will cancel the MENU mode and
return to the display’s main screen.
BALANCE. Adjusts the difference between left and right signal levels in 1.0dB steps.
Adjusting the cursor to the left increases the left channel’s gain in 0.5dB increments,
while decreasing the right channel’s gain in 0.5dB increments, and vice versa. The
adjustment in balance will not affect the overall volume level. Adjusting the balance for
any input will adjust the balance for all inputs. Any balance adjustment will be saved in
the internal memory of the preamplifier even if the power is shut off. Up to a maximum of
+/-20dB offset can be achieved.
RUN ON BATTERY. Operates all preamplifier circuitry on it’s own internal battery power
supply. Also, disconnects preamplifier circuitry from it’s internal AC power supply, and
discontinues the charging of the batteries. Battery operation can also be achieved by
pressing the NAVIGATION RIGHT ()button on the handheld remote transmitter outside of
MENU mode. Pressing the NAVIGATION LEFT ()button will return the preamplifier to the
RUN ON AC/CHARGE mode. Starting from fully charged, the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER
will run on the battery for approximately 3 to 3.5 hours.
NOTE: NEW BATTERIES WILL USUALLY ACHIEVE MAXIMUM CAPACITY AFTER SEVERAL
CHARGE/DISCHARGE CYCLES. WHEN THE CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER IS NEW, OR THE
BATTERIES HAVE BEEN REPLACED, FULLY CHARGING AND DISCHARGING THE
BATTERIES WILL EXPEDITE THE CALIBRATION OF THE CHARGE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.
When the battery’s charge is nearly depleted, RUN ON BATTERY is automatically
canceled and switches the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER to RUN ON AC/CHARGE until the
battery is fully charged. Charging can be manually canceled by the STOP CHARGING
menu option.
RUN ON AC/CHARGE. Starts charging the batteries and operates the CRITERION
PREAMPLIFIER from the AC Mains. This can also be achieved by pressing the
NAVIGATION LEFT ()button on the handheld remote transmitter.
NOTE: THE CHARGE MANAGEMENT CIRCUITS AND FIRMWARE PREVENT OVER-
CHARGING OR DEEP DISCHARGING OF THE BATTERIES.
If the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER is unplugged from the AC mains or the rear panel
power switch is turned off, and the battery condition is unknown, the CRITERION
PREAMPLIFIER will default to the RUN ON AC/CHARGE mode when AC power is restored.
14

STOP CHARGING. Turns off the charging circuit, but continues to run on AC. This menu
selection is optional, as charging is normally terminated automatically.
STANDBY. Enters STANDBY mode. STANDBY mode must be exited by pressing the front
panel’s Standby button.
RECORD SELECT. Assigns any input selected from the front panel to the record circuitry
and outputs jacks.
PHASE NORMAL. Sets both channels to non-inverting (normal phase). The lower left-
hand corner of the display indicates. (L+ +R)
NOTE: ANY OF THE FOUR PHASE OPTIONS CAN BE SELECTED FROM THE MENU.
HOWEVER, THE PHASE BUTTON ON THE HANDHELD REMOTE TRANSMITTER SIMPLY
TOGGLES BETWEEN PHASE NORMAL AND INVERT BOTH.
INVERT BOTH. Inverts the phase of both channels. (L−−R)
INVERT LEFT. Inverts only the left channel. (L−+R)
INVERT RIGHT. Inverts only the right channel. (L+ −R)
INPUT OFFSET. Adjusts the input gain offset for the most recently selected main input by
up to +/−20dB by turning the VOLUME/ENTER knob clockwise or counter-clockwise. The
balance bar graph will indicate any degree of adjustment in 0.5dB increments when this
mode is selected. When the cursor is returned to center and resumes its diamond shape
no input offset adjustment has been made.This feature is particularly useful for sources
that have much higher or much lower output levels than normal. Every individual input
offset adjustments is automatically stored in the preamplifier internal memory until
adjusted to a new value.
OUT 2 OFFSET. Adjusts the input gain offset of the unbalanced (RCA) OUT 2 output
relative to the balanced (XLR) MAIN OUTPUTS 1and 2/B by turning the VOLUME/ENTER
knob clockwise or counter-clockwise.The balance bar graph will indicate any degree of
adjustment in 0.5dB increments when this mode is selected. When the cursor is returned
to center and resumes its diamond shape, no OUT 2 OFFSET adjustment has been made.
Any OUT 2 OFFSET adjustment is automatically stored in the preamplifier internal memory
until adjusted to a new value. Up to a maximum of +/-20dB offset can be achieved.
RECORD OUT LEVEL. Adjusts the level (volume) of the record signal path over the
same range as the main signal path.
NAME −. . . . . A variety of names for labeling the Main and Record Inputs is provided.
The name chosen is assigned to the last-selected Main or Record Input.
REMOTE DEFAULT. Returns IR receiver frequencies to factory default setting, thereby
matching the handheld remote transmitter transmission frequencies when adjusted to
factory default setting.
15

REMOTE ALT 1,2, AND 3. Sets IR receiver frequencies to match handheld remote
transmitter transmission frequencies when adjusted to corresponding transmitting
frequencies.
DISPLAY HIGH/MEDIUM/LOW. Adjusts the brightness of the display in three levels.
DISPLAY ON. Cancels DISPLAY OFF 5s/15smodes and returns the display to the
DISPLAY HIGH brightness setting.
DISPLAY OFF 5s. The display remains off during normal operation, and is temporarily
activated for 5 seconds whenever any command is issued through the front panel or the
handheld remote transmitter.
DISPLAY OFF 15s. The display remains off during normal operation, and is temporarily
activated for 15 seconds whenever any command is issued through the front panel or
handheld remote transmitter.
FACTORY DEFAULT. Return all preamplifier settings to factory defaults.
CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER FIRMWARE REVISION NUMBER. Indicates current
version of the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER operating system software.
16

REAR PANEL
CONTROL CHASSIS
Figure 3: Control Chassis Rear Panel
1. NiMH RECHARGEABLE D-CELL BATTERY COMPARTMENTS. Contains six (6) industrial
high current (9000mA) Nickel Metal Hydride (NiMH) rechargeable batteries accessible by
rotating each cap one quarter turn counter-clockwise.
2. INTEGRATED AC INLET, FUSE COMPARTMENT, AND AC MAINS POWER SWITCH AND
FILTER. Capable of accepting a wide range of input voltages (85-265VAC). Fuse accessed
by carefully prying fuse holder (identified by the fuse symbol) away from receptacle.
3. CONTROL CHASSIS SERIAL NUMBER. The Control Chassis serial number begins with the
letters “PC”.
4. DC OUT R/L POWER OUTPUT RECEPTACLES. Receptacles send DC power and serial
communications data via two supplied DC power cables, one for each channel, to the Control
Chassis.
5. REMOTE SENSOR INPUT CONNECTOR. The remote sensor unit connects to this
connector via a 2-meter flexible cable. The wired connection allows full control of the
preamplifier through the infrared handheld remote transmitter. The 2-meter cable end marked
PREAMP END must be connected here to the preamplifier Control Chassis.
6. USB DATA PORT. Receives USB serial data from external controllers which can be used to
perform most preamplifier operational functions.
17

AUDIO CHASSIS
Figure 4: Audio Chassis Rear Panel
1. DC IN R/L POWER INPUT RECEPTACLES. Receptacles receive DC power and serial
communications data via two supplied DC power cables, one for each channel, from the
Control Chassis.
2. INPUTS. Four (4) pair Balanced (XLR), Two (2) pair Unbalanced (RCA) input jacks for each
channel.
3. MAIN 1/MAIN 2 OUTPUTS. Two (2) pair Balanced (XLR), Two (2) pair Unbalanced (RCA)
jacks for Main 1/Main 2 outputs for each channel. (MAIN 1 and MAIN 2 are mapped to
OUTPUT A and OUTPUT B on the preamplifier back panel)
4. RECORD OUTPUTS. One (1) pair Balanced (XLR), One (1) pair Unbalanced (RCA) jacks for
Record Out.
5. AUDIO CHASSIS SERIAL NUMBER. The Audio Chassis serial number begins with the
letters “PB”.
18

HANDHELD REMOTE TRANSMITTER
The CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER’s infrared handheld
remote transmitter is matched by a remote sensor
unit that connects to the preamplifier’s Control
Chassis via a 2 meter long cable. The hard wired
connection allows the sensor unit to be placed up to
2 meters away from the preamplifier.
NOTE: A BLUE ACTIVITY LIGHT ON THE HANDHELD
REMOTE TRANSMITTER ILLUMINATES DURING IR
TRANSMISSION. A FAINT ACTIVITY LIGHT IS AN
INDICATION THAT THE AA ALKALINE BATTERIES INSIDE
THE HANDHELD REMOTE ARE DEPLETED, AND NEED TO
BE REPLACED.
The handheld remote transmitter features internal
switches for selecting alternate transmission
frequency codes. The switches are accessible by
removing the handheld remote bottom cover.
Alternate codes may be selected to remedy conflicts
with other remote controlled devices. Matching
codes must be assigned to the CRITERION
PREAMPLIFIER from the MENU.
NOTE: NORMAL CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER OPERATION
UTILIZES THE REMOTE DEFAULT CODE LOCATED IN THE
MENU.
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Figure 5: Handheld Remote Transmitter

REMOTE TRANSMITTER CONTROLS
BUTTONS 1 THROUGH 6. Selects the Main Input number. If front panel RECORD
button is pressed, or the RECORD SELECT menu option is selected, the handheld
remote buttons #1 through #6 will select the Record Input Number.
PHASE. Toggles between Phase Normal (L+ +R) and Invert Both (L−−R).
MUTE. the CRITERION PREAMPLIFIER’s mute function can be controlled by
pressing the dedicated MUTE button featured on the handheld remote transmitter.
VOLUME +/−.Normally adjusts the Main Input volume. In RECORD OUT LEVEL
mode it adjusts the record volume.
OUT 2 VOL +/−.Adjusts the level of the unbalanced RCA main outputs relative to
the balanced Main Out 1 outputs (XLR/RCA), and Main Output 2 XLR output.
Press ENTER or EXIT to leave this mode.
REC OUT VOLUME +/−.Pressing either button automatically enters the REC OUT
LEVEL menu mode and then adjusts the level of the RECORD outputs (XLR/RCA).
Press ENTER or EXIT to leave this mode.
UP-DOWN ARROWS. /.In MENU mode scrolls the menu text up or down.
LEFT RIGHT ARROWS. /In display’s main screen - switches to RUN ON AC/
CHARGE or RUN ON BATTERY mode. In the BALANCE menu mode - shifts the
outputs to the left or right. In the INPUT OFFSET or OUT 2 OFFSET menu modes -
adjusts the input gain offset up or down.
ENTER. Performs the same function as the front panel’s MENU button.
EXIT. Exits any MENU function.
INTERNAL SWITCHES
Selects the Remote Frequency (custom code) that is transmitted
All Switches Off: Default Remote Code.
Switch 1 ON: Remote Code 1.
Switch 2 ON: Remote Code 2.
Switch 3 ON: Remote Code 3.
Switch 4 ON: Enables blinking “finder” LED.
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