KAHAYAN Proaudio EPSILON II User manual
EPSILON II
24 IN/2 OUT SUMMING MIXER
OPERATOR'S MANUAL
Version 3.0
Avd. de la Estación 4, local bajo
Zarzalejo, Madrid 28293
Spain
www.kahayan.es
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS…………………………………3
INTRODUCTION…………………………….……………………………..4
SETUP AND BASIC ASPECTS..…………..……………………………..5
SUMMING MODES.………………………....……………………….……7
SATURATION…………………………………………………...……….…8
POWER SUPPLY………………………………………………………….10
SPECIFICATIONS & WARRANTY.……………………………...……….11
RECALL SHEET……………………………………………………………12
CREDITS………………………………………………………:…...………13
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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 dry cloth
7. Install in accordance with the 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. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs and the point where they exit from the apparatus
10. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long
periods of time
11. 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 dam- aged, 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
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INTRODUCTION
The Epsilon II is a24 channels summing mixer unique in the mixing market.
It’s capable of combining 3 summing styles using only 1 machine. This
means 3 different ‘’analog consoles’’ in 1 summing mixer. The 3 summing
modes are: Kahayan, Module and passive (see page 7).
Another unique aspect to the Epsilon II is the possibility to expand through
the use of external modules. These modules can add new summing styles.
We reccommend Kahayan modules like the Kahayan Vintage 12k72 or Solid
4000, and also quality preamps. Our equipment posesses the ability of
expansion meaning it is in constant evolution.
All components are hand-selected one by one. The Assembly is completely
handmade. The Rack consists of 3 rack units of 28 cm depth. Furthermore the
unit was conceived as a Summing Bus and can be used as mastering
equipment using only two channels.
HEATING AND WARM-UP
It is advisable to wait a minute after turning it on, to modify the gain and output
levels, this way avoiding any noise generated by the lack of capacitor charging.
An effect that may damage the reference speakers.
For more information please visit: www.kahayan.es
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SETUP AND BASIC ASPECTS
Front panel:
1. Pan switch: Only the first 8 channels can be configurated in these pan
steps: Left (100%), Center (0%), and Right (100%). Channels from 9 to 24
consist of odd and even numbers: The odd numbers (9,11,13, etc.) face left
and the even numbers numbers (10,12,14, etc.) face right.
2. Channel insert: Only the first 8 channels have inserts. They function with an
on/off switch.
3. Master fader: The Master Fader allows to attenuate or enhance the stereo
mix at -∞dB to +16 dB. This Master Fader has an on/off switch.
4. Summing mode switch: Allows you to choose 3 different summing styles.
5. On/off fader switch: Allows you to activate the Master fader function.
6. On/off power switch: Switches the power on or off.
7.Master Insert switch: Allows you to activate the stereo mix insert. This
insert is a pre-master fader.
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Rear panel:
1. Power supply: The Epsilon II has an external power supply which must be
connected to the 5 pin XLR found at the rear.
2. Main outputs/ master insert: This DB25 connector is split into the
following sections:
1-2: Main out
3-4: Monitor out. It has the same signal as the main out but you can use it for
other applications.
5-6: Master insert send.
7-8: Master insert return.
3. Passive (insert): This DB25 connector is split into the following sections:
1-2: Passive send.
3-4: Passive return.
4. Insert 1-8: Return 1-8 channels and Send 1-8 channels.
5. Inpust 1-24: 3 DB25 connectors that received the 24 channels.
Note: All the DB25 connectors use the Tascam® format with the following
configuration:
1
2
3
5
4
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SUMMING MODES
The Epsilon II has 3 summing modes:
1-Summing by MODULE: By DEFAULT the Epsilon II has included the SOLID
4000 module. We also offer other CUSTOM modules options (subject to
availability):
-Telefunken analog module.
-Neumann analog module.
-Siemens analog module.
2-Summing by KAHAYAN system. Extremely clear and colorless."You get the
exact amount of what comes out of the DAW but with the benefits of analog
summing: Transparent and open in the stereo image.
3-PASSIVE Summing. The signal does not pass through any active
circuit and has a drop of about -34 db thus must connect our EPSILON
EXPANSION or a preamp of two channels to enhance the output level. In this
way, it is added with the color of the previous contribution. Here we open up
infinite possibilities in color, timbre and response; You can introduce pre-
valves, the latest generation of discrete concept, etc.
For more more information please visit: www.kahayan.es
EPSILON(II(RECALL(
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Summing mode switch
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SATURATION
Many important mixing engineers use analog consoles for comfort and also for
the capacity to saturate the console summing bus. When we speak about
creating a mix with ‘’punch’’, ‘’glue’’ or ‘’impact, we are speaking largely about
the effects of the console analog saturation. So, exactly the same occurs with
the Epsilon II. When we saturate the Epsilon II summing bus the same effects
appear as when using an analog console.
In the following diagram we have showed an example of a ’’clean’’ non-
saturated mix:
In a ‘’clean’’ mix the DAW output levels are normal or ‘’low’’. Inside our
summing bus the signal levels are will be closet o 0VU=+4dBu and the Epsilon
II master fader doesn't require attenuation, it´s positionated at 0dB.
Remember: the master fader is post-summing bus.
DAW
DAW
A/D CONVERTER
D/A CONVERTERS
24 outputs
stereo mix
Epsilon II Master Fader (Post-bus)
at 0dB
EPSILON(II(RECALL(
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In the following diagram we have showed an example of a ‘’saturated’’ mix:
In a ‘’saturated’’ mix the DAW output levels are ‘’high’’. Inside our summing
bus the signal levels are will be off the scale and the Epsilon II master fader
requires attenuation. This is the same situation when using an analog console
the master vumeters are off scale. The Epsilon II requires that the master fader
attenuate the output levels to send the mix to DAW or other analog gear.
Note: To saturate Epsilon II with a higher dBu level we recommend 3 options
available to the user:
1-Calibrate the D/A converters to produce a higher level=change the dBFs/dBu
relation.
2-Force the digital levels inside the DAW.
3-In the 1-8 inserts, insert analog gear which provides more volume.
Conclusion: Use the ‘’saturation mode’’ that sounds best in your opinion…
DAW
DAW
A/D CONVERTER
D/A CONVERTERS
24 outputs
stereo mix
Epsilon II Master Fader (Post Bus)
at -4dB or -7dB
EPSILON(II(RECALL(
(
(
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POWER SUPPLY
The Epsilon II has a power supply which must be connected to the 5 pin XLR
found at the rear as you can see in the diagram:
+
NOTE: Don´t forget that the external power supply has an on/off switch.
See Safety Instructions on page 3
Power supply connector
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SPECIFICATIONS
•Analog Summing 24 Channels (expandable to 32 by CUSTOM order)
•24 balanced inputs on DB25
•2 MAIN balanced outputs on DB25
•Stereo pre-fader Insert with true-bypass
•The first 8 input channels have Insert (DB25) and Pan
•The Master Fader allows to attenuate or enhance the stereo signal at -∞
dB to +16 dB
•Headroom: +24dBu
•Master fader on/off switch
•Power supply at 220/110 volts and 50/60 Hz
•Power supply uses 250mA fuse at 220v and a 500mA fuse at 110v
•Weight: 6Kg
•The manufacturer reserves the right to change the technical
specification of the product without prior notice.
WARRANTY
These products are guaranteed for a period of two years from the date of
shipment to the end user for countries of the European Union. For other
countries, please refer to the law in effect.
During the warranty period Kahayan Pro-Audio will, at their discretion, either
repair or replace products which prove to be defective, provided that the
product is returned to an authorised Kahayan service facility.
Defects caused by unauthorised modifications, accident, negligence or any
misuse are not covered by this warranty. For further information please contact
your dealer or the distributor in your country.
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NOTICE OF COPYRIGHT AND OWNERSHIP
All designs, circuit board artwork, front panel artwork, text contained herein
and therein, and all other intellectual material is the sole property of Pablo
Kahayan from Kahayan Audio. Unauthorized use, distribution, reproduction,
etc. is strictly prohibited. Kahayan intellectual property is protected by
international copyright laws. Violators will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of
all applicable laws.
Transfer of ownership of this unit neither confers nor implies any transfer of
ownership of the intellectual property, proprietary design, etc. contained
herein.
CREDITS
Concept: Pablo Kahayan
Written by: Pablo Kahayan, Luis del Toro and Adam W.
Edited by: Luis del Toro and Pablo Kahayan
Additional editing: José Herranz
Photos and Recall sheet: José Herranz
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