Jensen Iso-max media-1 User manual

e World’s Finest Transformers

MEDIA-1

MEDIA-2

OWNER’S MANUAL

Multimedia DI

www.jensen-transformers.com

Jensen Transformers Inc

9304 Deering Ave. Chatsworth, CA 91311

Tel: 818-374-5857 • Email: [email protected]

Jensen Transformers, Inc. Media Series Direct Box User Guide

e World’s Finest Transformers

Introduction........................................................................................................ 1

Overview............................................................................................................ 2

Features ......................................................................................................... 3-4

Making Connections.......................................................................................... 5

Applications .................................................................................................... 6-7

Controls .......................................................................................................... 8-9

Specications .................................................................................................. 10

Block Diagram .............................................................................................11-12

Warranty ............................................................................................Back Cover

Media-1 & Media-2

USER GUIDE

Jensen Transformers, Inc. Media Series Direct Box User Guide

e World’s Finest Transformers

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for purchasing a Jensen Media series direct box.

We are condent that you will nd the quality and perfor-

mance meet your expectations in every way. At Jensen, we

pride ourselves in producing the very nest products and

stand behind them with a 3-year warranty.

Although your Media series direct box has been designed

to be easy to use, we do ask that you take a minute to read

through this short manual. This will ensure that you get to

know all of the features and how to best take advantage of

them. If after reading you nd yourself posing a question

that is not covered, we invite you to visit the FAQ page on

the Jensen web site. This is where we post questions and

answers from users along with updates. If you still do not

nd what you are looking for, feel free to send us an email

at [email protected] and we will do our very

best to reply in short order.

Now get ready to enjoy what is likely the best direct box

ever!

Jensen Transformers, Inc. Media Series Direct Box User Guide

e World’s Finest Transformers

OVERVIEW

This manual covers both the Jensen Media-1 and Media-2. The primary difference between the two is that the Media-1 sums

the left and right inputs to mono while the Media-2 retains full stereo from input to output. As the rest of the features are almost

identical, we have written the manual in such a way that it covers both units.

The Media series direct boxes are designed to capture the unbalanced line level signal from an active instrument, laptop com-

puter, tablet or cell phone and convert it to a balanced signal while lowering the impedance for long cable runs. Unbalanced

signals are prone to noise and signal degradation, thus are generally limited to cable runs of 8 meters (25’). Balanced signals

on the other hand can easily drive signals to 100 meters (300’) or more.

The ‘motor’ inside that does the work is a Jensen JT-DB-EPC

direct box transformer. This exceptional device does not require

power to work. You simply plug it in and it does the balancing

and impedance conversion for you. Once you insert a Jensen

transformer into the audio signal, it will help eliminate nasty hum

and buzz caused by ground loops and interference. Best of all,

it does so without degrading the audio in any way. This is why

Jensen has gained such high praise from the industry and why

so many top professionals insist on Jensen as part of their live

and studio setups.

Jensen Transformers, Inc. Media Series Direct Box User Guide

e World’s Finest Transformers

1. ¼” INPUTS: Left and right inputs ideally suited for

stereo keyboards or drum machines, wired in parallel

with the RCA and mini 3.5 TRS connector.

2. RCA INPUTS: Left and right inputs provide an easy

connection from a CD player or other -10dBV consumer

audio device.

3. 3.5mm TRS INPUT: Standard mini TRS stereo input for

connecting a laptop, tablet or iPhone®to the Media-1.

4. TRIM: Used to set the input level going into the

Media-1. Eliminates the need for a typical PAD switch.

5. POL: Inverts the signal polarity by ipping pin-2 and

pin-3 on the XLR output.

6. GROUND LIFT: Lifts pin-1 on the XLR output to help

eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops.

7. XLR OUT: Balanced low-Z mic-level output. Sums left

and right to mono. Wired to AES standard pin-1 ground,

pin-2 hot (+) and pin-3 cold (-).

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

MEDIA-1

FEATURES

Jensen Transformers, Inc. Media Series Direct Box User Guide

e World’s Finest Transformers

1. ¼” INPUTS: Left and right inputs ideally suited for

stereo keyboards or drum machines, wired in parallel

with the RCA and mini 3.5 TRS connector.

2. RCA INPUTS: Left and right inputs provide an easy

connection from a CD player or other -10dBV consumer

audio device.

3. 3.5mm TRS INPUT: Standard mini TRS stereo input for

connecting a laptop, tablet or iPhone®to the Media-2.

4. TRIM: Used to set the input level going into the

Media-2. Eliminates the need for a typical PAD switch.

5. XLR OUT: Left and right balanced, low-Z mic-level

output. Wired to AES standard pin-1 ground, pin-2 hot (+)

and pin-3 cold (-).

6. GROUND LIFT: Lifts pin-1 at both XLR outputs to help

eliminate hum and buzz caused by ground loops.

7. DURABLE CASE: Aluminum frame construction with

steel inner tray prevents circuit board from being

torqued which could lead to part failure. Durable

powder-coat nish keeps your Media-2 looking great

for years.

1 2 3 4 5 6 7

MEDIA-2

FEATURES

Jensen Transformers, Inc. Media Series Direct Box User Guide

e World’s Finest Transformers

CONNECTIONS

Before making any connections, ensure that your audio

system is either turned off or all levels turned down. This

will avoid plug-in and turn-on transients that could other-

wise harm more sensitive components such as tweeters.

As your Media DI is passive, it does not require any pow-

er to make it work. We suggest you turn off the phantom

power on your console or mic preamp. Although it will

not harm the Media DI, turning it off eliminates noise and

potential component damage from accidental disconnec-

tion.

Both Media DIs are equipped with ¼” input connections

for instruments. These are supplemented with RCAs for

consumer audio devices along with a 3.5mm (mini TRS)

stereo input jack for laptops and tablets. These connec-

tors are wired in parallel and can be used to pass audio

through to other devices.

Powered Monitors

PA System XLR Output

Jensen Transformers, Inc. Media Series Direct Box User Guide

e World’s Finest Transformers

APPLICATION

Setup with consumer devices

In many commercial installations, it is common to connect the

output from a CD player or video machine to the PA system. The

most common output from these consumer devices is a set of RCA

connectors. These generate a -10dBV signal level which is easily

handled by the Media direct box’s Jensen transformers. Connect

the XLR outputs to your mic input on your mixer. Merely set the level

control on the Media DI to about 12 o’clock, listen and adjust to suit.

The Media-1 will automatically sum the left and right inputs to mono.

This can be very benecial when interfacing with a PA system

where channel availability may be limited.

Set-up with a laptop

To address the ever increasing use of laptop computers and tablets

in professional audio, the Jensen Media direct boxes are equipped

with standard 3.5mm TRS input connectors. This makes it easy to

connect using a simple TRS to TRS cable from any of the available

audio outputs – which is most likely a headphone out.

Using with a CD player

Using with a laptop

Using with an iPod®

Jensen Transformers, Inc. Media Series Direct Box User Guide

e World’s Finest Transformers

Setup with a keyboard

Connect to the Media-2 using standard ¼” coaxial cables and

XLRs for the PA system. If you are adding personal monitors, use

a set of RCA to ¼” cables to feed the powered monitors. This es-

sentially uses the RCA connectors as a typical THRU. Note that

the THRU outputs will not be affected by the Media-2 level control.

In other words, your keyboard volume control will determine the

sound going to your monitors. Start by setting this up so that it is

comfortable for you and then set the level control for the PA.

Setup with a DJ system

DJ mixers can be notoriously problematic due to the DJ being too

loud. This can cause distortion or even harm the PA system. Con-

necting the DJ mixer to the Media-2 enables you to set a maxi-

mum level and is quick to adjust if needed. Connect a device to

the Media-2 using the RCA or ¼” inputs.

Using with a keyboard

Using with a DJ setup

Jensen Transformers, Inc. Media Series Direct Box User Guide

e World’s Finest Transformers

CONTROLS

Summing function

The Media-1 is equipped with an internal resistive summing mixer that

takes the left and right inputs and mixes them together at the XLR. This

helps conserve audio channels when they are limited. It also reduces

cable count and – in many cases – simplies the setup.

The Trim Control

Both the Media-1 and Media-2 DIs are equipped with a trim control that

replaces the usual PAD. This enables the user to quickly adjust the

level from a device such as a CD player that may not have a level con-

trol available. This is also a wonderful benet when receiving the input

from a laptop or other device as reaching for a real analog control knob

is often much easier than bringing up a window to adjust something.

The trim passively reduces the input sensitivity and can also be used

to reduce distortion. Set at 12 o’clock to start and adjust as needed.

Jensen Transformers, Inc. Media Series Direct Box User Guide

e World’s Finest Transformers

The 180º Polarity Reverse

The Media-1 is equipped with a polarity reverse that toggles pin-2 and

pin-3 at the XLR output. This can be used to correct the polarity when

plugging into older (vintage) non-AES standard equipment. It is also

used when recording to reverse the phase when combining two sourc-

es such as a microphone with a direct feed as a means to better align

the fundamentals or widen the effect of the stereo image.

Ground Lift

Jensen transformers are legendary in their ability to eliminate hum and

buzz in audio systems and the Media series DI boxes are no exception.

Another common problem is known as a ground loop where you can

encounter 60 cycle hum. This often occurs when the audio ground and

electrical ground conict. Disconnecting the electrical ground at the AC

plug is both unsafe and illegal. A better solution is lifting or disconnect-

ing the audio ground path between the source instrument and destina-

tion audio system. Both Media series direct boxes are equipped with a

ground lift switch that disconnects the pin-1 audio ground at the XLR

output. The preferred mode of operation is with the GND lifted.

Jensen Transformers, Inc. Media Series Direct Box User Guide

e World’s Finest Transformers

Audio circuit type: ................................. Passive transformer isolated

Frequency response:............................20Hz to 20kHz

Total Harmonic Distortion: (THD+N).....0.04% @ 20Hz with -10dBV input level

Input impedance:.................................. 22kΩ

Maximum input: ....................................+21.5dBu @ 20Hz

Gain:.....................................................-22.5dB (10k load; level control at maximum)

Output impedance: ...............................150Ω (level control at maximum; higher at lower settings)

Phase Deviation: ..................................-1.2/-0° (20Hz to 20kHz with 3k load)

Input pad:..............................................Variable trim control with 20dB range

XLR conguration:................................Pin-1 ground; pin-2 hot (+); pin-3 cold (-)

Other connectors:.................................1/4” TRS, RCA and Mini TRS In

Power: ..................................................None, passive

Construction: ........................................Steel frame with an aluminum shell

Size: (LxWxD)....................................... 5” x 3.3” x 1.8” (127mm x 84.1mm x 45.5mm)

Weight: .................................................1.55 lbs (703 grams)

Warranty: ..............................................Jensen 3-year, transferable

SPECIFICATIONS

Jensen Transformers, Inc. Media Series Direct Box User Guide

e World’s Finest Transformers

MEDIA-1 Block Diagram

TOP LEFT

PHONO

INPUT

1/4” PHONE

INPUTS

1/8” MINI-PHONE

INPUT

BOTTOM/RIGHT

LEVEL

CONTROL

MONO

SUM 180

GROUND

LIFT

CHASSIS

GROUND

OUTPUT

JT-DB-EPC

Jensen Transformers, Inc. Media Series Direct Box User Guide

e World’s Finest Transformers

MEDIA-2 Block Diagram

TOP LEFT

PHONO

INPUT

1/4” PHONE

INPUTS

1/8” MINI-PHONE

INPUT

BOTTOM/RIGHT

DUAL

LEVEL

CONTROL

GROUND

LIFT

RIGHT

LEFT

OUTPUT

JT-DB-EPC

CHASSIS

GROUND

For a period of 3 YEARS after purchase, Jensen Transformers, Inc. will, free of charge, repair or replace any part of an ISO-MAX® product that fails due to defective

materials or workmanship. This limited warranty is subject to the following limitations:

1. Defects that are, in the sole judgement of Jensen, the result of accident, misuse, abuse, neglect, mishandling, misapplication, faulty installation, unauthorized

repair, modication, or acts of God will not be covered by this warranty.

2. There are no express warranties except as listed above.

3. In order to claim a warranty repair, you must rst request a repair authorization number from Jensen. The product must then be returned along with a copy of

the original sales invoice to Jensen - freight pre-paid with a letter detailing the problem. Upon inspection, the product will either be repaired or replaced and

then returned to you. Should a product be returned and no problem found, you will be responsible for all freight charges. Should a repair be required due to

out-of-warranty status, you will be charged for the costs associated with the repair.

4. JENSEN TRANSFORMERS, INC. SHALL NOT BE LIABLE FOR INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OR MISUSE

OF THIS PRODUCT.

Note: If a problem develops with this product during the warranty period, call or write us before attempting any repair. We can help you identify specic problems,

and possibly solve the problem before the unit is returned to us for repair or replacement. In any case, DO NOT RETURN THE UNIT WITHOUT RECEIVING A

RETURN AUTHORIZATION NUMBER and instructions from us. Jensen cannot be held responsible for damage due to shipping, improper packaging or loss due

to carrier negligence.

LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY: JENSEN PRODUCTS ARE NOT AUTHORIZED FOR USE AS CRITICAL COMPONENTS IN LIFE SUPPORT DEVICES OR SYS-

TEMS, OR IN ANY APPLICATION WHERE THEIR FAILURE COULD CAUSE INJURY OR DEATH.

Jensen Transformers, Inc. makes no warranty, representation or guarantee regarding the suitability of any of its products for any particular purpose, nor does

Jensen assume any liability arising out of the application or use of any product or circuit, and specically disclaims any and all liability, including without limitation

consequential or incidental damages.

3 YEAR TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY