Lake People MC100 User manual

Manual MC100 November 2023 F. Reim P. 1
MONITOR CONTROLLER
LAKE PEOPLE MC100
USER´s MANUAL
MC100 (Standard) =
Volume Control with Alps RK 27 Potentiometer
MC100 PRO =
Volume Control in 256 Steps of 0,4 dB with Reed-Relays

P. 2 Manual MC100 November 2023 F. Reim

Manual MC100 November 2023 F. Reim P. 3
Content
Theme Page
About LAKE PEOPLE 4
Safety Instructions 5
The Earth / Grounding Concept 6
Connection / Connectors 8
General 9
Block Circuitry 11
Power, Inputs, Controls 12
The Monitoring Functions 14
Signal Processing 14
Volume, Outputs 15
Headphone Amp 17
PRE-GAIN explained 18
Protective Circuits 19
Programming 19
Things to Know 20
Disposal 22
Technical Data 23
Dismantling 24
Jumper / PRE-GAIN Setting 25
CAUTION!!
THE HIGH OUTPUT LEVELS ACHIEVABLE
WITH THIS UNIT MAY
DAMAGE YOUR HEARING OR THE HEADPHONES
IF OPERATED CARELESSLY!!

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Cordial thanks for your decision in favour of a Lake People product !
Lake People electronic GmbH develops, manufactures and distributes products in the professional
range, for broadcast, television, airports, exhibition halls, festival venues, theatres, large-scale
installations, private studios and more. In the private sector as well, Lake People products become
increasingly popular due to their outstanding quality.
Who develops Lake People equipment ?
The devices are exclusively developed in Germany by the engineers of Lake People electronic GmbH.
In doing so, the team of developers can draw on thirty years of experience and countless products
for the pro-audio domain.
Among others, the first German-made 20-bit A/D and D/A converters were developed by Lake
People in the early nineties of the past century.
Who manufactures Lake People equipment ?
The devices are exclusively manufactured in Germany by Lake People electronic GmbH or
contractors in the company's vicinity.
Lake People puts high emphasis on domestic manufacturing. As well, all component suppliers are
chosen in order achieve the main part of added value inland.
How do Lake People devices get to the customer ?
Lake People devices can be obtained from respective specialist suppliers. If there is none such
accessible regionally, the customer is supported by transregional distribution partners (google may
help...) and, of course, by Lake People on-line shop.
…and if it doesn't work like it should ?
Lake People devices are covered by a 24-month warranty. In case of any malfunction during this
period, they can be shipped to the manufacturer directly. Of course, the client will benefit from Lake
People's full technical support even when warranty has expired. Any technical questions or need for
advice is welcome.
LAKE PEOPLE electronic GmbH
Turmstrasse 7a
D-78467 Konstanz
Fon [phone]
Fax [phone]
www.lake-people.de
www.lake-people.com
www.NIIMBUS-audio.de
www.NIIMBUS-audio.com
www.violectric.de
www.violectric.com

Manual MC100 November 2023 F. Reim P. 5
General Safety Instructions / WARNING
For your protection, please read the following:
Water, Liquids, Moisture:
This appliance should not be used near water or other sources of liquids.
Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through
openings.
Power Supply:
The appliance should be connected to the dedicated power source, delivered with the item.
It must be operated with the voltages described in this manual.
Wide AC Voltage:
The external Power supply accepts voltages from 90 to 260 V AC and 50 to 60 Hz AC frequency.
It is thus usable worldwide.
Power Cord:
The appliance is powered from an external power supply
Care should be taken that the mains power cord is in faultless condition without any injuries.
Run the power cable in a way that it can´t be hurt and will not become a source of accidents.
The power supply is supplied with a 3-wire German power cable including protective ground.
Delivered to other countries, a fitting mains cable is often supplied.
However, in some countries the user is in charge to provide a matching mains cable.
Please refer to the table below to connect a mains plug:
Übersicht: Netzkabelfunktionen und Farben
Leiter / CONDUCTOR Farbe COLOR Alternativ
Alternati
v
LPhase LIVE Braun BROWN Schwarz BLACK
NNull NEUTRAL Blau BLUE Weiss WHITE
E Erde EARTH GND Grün-Gelb
GRN+YLW Grün GREEN
U.K. Mains Plug Warning:
A moulded mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe. Discard the mains plug at a suitable disposal facility.
NEVER UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAMAGED OR CUT MAINS PLUG INTO A 13 AMP POWER
SOCKET. Do not use the mains plug without the fuse cover in place. Replacement fuse covers can be obtained from your
local retailer. Replacement fuses are 13 amps and MUST be ASTA approved to BS 1362.
Service / Repair:
To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, the user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond
the measures described in the operating manual. All other servicing or repair should be referred to
qualified personnel !!
VOR DEM ÖFFNEN NETZSTECKER
ZIEHEN!! PULL MAINS BEFORE
OPENING!! AVANT D´OUVRIER
RETIREZ LA FICHE MALE!!

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Electromagnetic Compatibility
This unit conforms to the Product Specifications noted as Declaration of Conformity at the end of
this manual. Operation is subject to the following conditions:
- this device may not cause harmful interferences
- this device must accept any interference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation
- this device must not be operated within significant electromagnetic field
The Protective Earth (PE) / Ground Concept

Manual MC100 November 2023 F. Reim P. 7
General GROUND-LIFT Jumper - accessible from the inside. (See page 25)
Mind the SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS !!
Ex-works this jumper is set to the LIFT position.
The internal ground potential is “lifted”by means of this jumper.
As a result, the interconnection for DC voltages and lower frequencies (< 150 Hz) will be cut.
Higher frequencies will be bled off to earth potential through the RC filter.
The LIFT position is helpful in case of hum or jitter caused by different ground/earth potentials.
As can be seen from the above picture, the Ground –Lift –Case relationship of the balanced inputs
and outputs can be modified.
XLR GROUD-LIFT Jumper (Page 25)
(accessible from the inside. Mind the SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS !! ):
G(ROUND): Ex-works all jumpers are set to "G" (ground) position. Pin 1 is connected to the internal
ground reference. High frequency interference is deflected to the case via a 100 nF
capacitor.
L(IFT): The interconnection between Pin 1 and ground is open. High frequency interference is
deflected to the case via a 100 nF capacitor. This jumper position is specifically useful if
the unit is equipped with transformers !!
C(ASE): Pin 1 is connected to the case, the 100 nF capacitor is bridged. This jumper position
may be varied together with the General GROUND-LIFT jumper.
Please note that with jumpers not in the ex-works position
EMC emission might occur,
for which the user is responsible only !

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Connection / Connectors for Analog Signals

Manual MC100 November 2023 F. Reim P. 9
GENERAL
With its five inputs, including a USB input with high-quality D/A converter, 2 slave outputs, 3
loudspeaker outputs plus subwoofer output and the headphone path with X-Feed, the Lake People
Monitor Controller MC100 offers significantly more than conventional monitor controllers. The full
set of stereo signal manipulation options such as solo L/R, channel swap, phase reverse, mono,
mute and dim and the high-quality volume control make it stand out from the crowd. In addition, it is
as low in noise and distortion as physics is allowing.
4 analogue Stereo Inputs, input impedance 10 kOhm, max. input level +22 dBu
LEDs for the activated Input(s), PCM oder DSD format
-2 x balanced via XLR, gold plated
-1 x unbalanced via RCA sockets, gold plated
-1 x unbalanced via 1/8“(3,5 mm) phone jack on the front panel
1 digitaler Input
-USB-C, PCM up to32 Bit and 384 kHz, DSD 64 –256
7 Monitoring Functions
-SOLO L, left channel alone
-SOLO R, right channel alone
-L-R SWAP, left –right channel swap
-Ø REV, left channel phase reversed
-MONO
-MUTE
-DIM (-20 dB attenuation)
2 analogue Stereo Slave Outputs, level not adjustable
- Output impedance <1 Ohm, max. output level Pegel +26 dBu
- balanced via XLR, gold plated
Attenuation
-Alps RK 27 volume control
-MC100 PRO: 256-steps Relais volume control
3 analogue Stereo Speaker Outputs, level adjustable
selectable as single action or summing on the front panel
- Level adaption via 3-way switches (0, -6, -12 dB) on the back panel
- Output impedance < 1 Ohm, max. output level +26 dBu
- balanced via XLR, gold plated
1 analogue Sub Speaker Output, MONO (!), level adjustable
As there is no Bass-Management provided, this output may also serve as
a true mono output, it may be assigned to any other speaker output
- Level adaption via 3-way switches (0, -6, -12 dB) on the back panel
- Output impedance < 1 Ohm, max. output level +26 dBu
- balanced via XLR, gold plated

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Headphone Amplifier,
- own volume control independent from Master Volume
X-FEED, separately switchable e
-X-Feed continuously variable
-2 headphone outputs 1/8“(3,5 mm) and ¼“(6,3 mm) phone jack
-Extremely powerful amps, Pre-Gain internally selectable in 7 steps
-High-grade MKP capacitors in the signal path
-0,1 % und 1 % Metallfilm resistors
-delayed relay-based output activation during power on / instant cut-off for power off
-several protective circuits
-external power supply
-Rugged Aluminum case, black anodized
-8 mm massive Aluminum front panel
THE CASE
of Lake People Monitor Controller MC100 is made of 3 + 4 mm Aluminum and a thick 8 mm
aluminum front panel. This choice of material ensures high mechanical stability and resistance whilst
maintaining a high optical and haptic quality.
GROUND AND PROTECTIVE EARTH
The case of Lake People Monitor Controller MC100 should be connected to protective earth.
POWER SUPPLY
The appliance should be connected EXLUSIVELY to the dedicated
power adaptor, delivered with the item. The power adaptor offers a
wide AC input, working from 90 …260 V AC.
Because of the interchangeable and detachable power cord of the
power adapter, the Lake People Monitor Controller MC100 can be
operated worldwide.
The Monitor Controller MC100 must only be operated with the
supplied power adapter !!

Manual MC100 November 2023 F. Reim P. 11
Block Circuitry Lake People Monitor Controller MC100

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THE POWER -SWITCH
The unit is put into operation by means of the power switch.
The power-on procedure takes about 5 seconds.
During this time all outputs are muted
Any breakdown will also cause the outputs to be muted.
The unit will always start with the last settings of the input-,
output- and function configuration. The last operating status is
therefore always recalled.
DIE ANALOGUE SIGNAL INPUTS
THE BALANCED SIGNAL INPUTS
are situated on the rear panel of the unit and are labelled as
"INPUT 1 LEFT / RIGHT”and "INPUT 2 LEFT / RIGHT". They are fitted
with gold plated XLR sockets.
Please note:
Unbalanced signals may be injected as well by means of an adaptor.
See page 8/9 to learn more.
THE UNBALANCED SIGNAL INPUT (Back Panel)
For the use with unbalanced signals, gold plated RCA sockets are provided.
They are labelled as "INPUT 3 L / R”. Here, gold plated RCA connectors are used.
THE UNBALANCED SIGNAL INPUT (Front Panel)
For the use with unbalanced signals e. g. from mobile devices,
a 1/8”(3.5 mm) phone jack on the front panel is provided.
It is labelled as "IN 4”.
The input impedance on all analogue inputs is 10 kohms.
Maximum input level should not exceed +22 dBu.
THE DIGITAL SIGNAL INPUT
can be found on the back panel as a USB-C input connector.
Here, PCM Signals up to 32 Bit and up to 384 kHz are accepted,
as well as DSD Signals up to DSD 256.
Balanced
XLR pin-out:
PIN 1 GND
PIN 2 (+) PHASE
PIN 3 (-) PHASE

Manual MC100 November 2023 F. Reim P. 13
SELECTING / ACTIVATING AN INPUT
With the “INPUT“buttons on the front of MC 100 one out of five inputs or a selection of several
inputs can be chosen. The dedicated LED(s) above the button(s) are illuminated.
The inputs may be selected in two ways:
1. Summing: all inputs may be summed together.
2. Selective: Only the selected input is active, all others are not active.
Changing-over both input modes is done as follows:
1. SUMMING:
- Push and hold the “IN 1“button for 2-3 Seconds
- The corresponding LED flashes as long as you push the button
- Release the “IN 1“button, the input selection is set to “SUMMING MODE“
2. SELECTIVE:
- Push and hold the “IN 2“button for 2-3 Seconds
- The corresponding LED flashes as long as you push the button
- Release the “IN 2“button, the input selection is set to “SELECTIVE MODE“
The inputs “RCA IN 3“and “3.5 IN 4“may be set to a sensitivity of -10 dBV or +4 dBu.
This adjustment must only be made once, when (re-) activating the input, the sensitivity setting
will be recalled.
The setting of the sensitivity is done as follows:
- Push the button “RCA IN 3“or “3.5 IN 4“for 2-3 Seconds
- The setting will change its state
- The sensitivity is displayed by the LEDs “-10 dBV““or +4 dBu“above the dedicated button
- Release the button
When activating the digital input, the corresponding “USB IN 5“LED will display two colors,
green for “PCM“or blue for “DSD“as long as there is a valid digital signal.
The default color is green.

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THE MONITORING FUNCTIONS
A number of buttons serve for essential monitoring functions. These can be used individually or in
combination. The activated function(s) are displayed by red LEDs.
SOLO L: Only the left channel is output to the left speaker or headphone output.
Also pushing the “MONO“button will cause the left channel to be output on
both loudspeaker or headphone channels.
SOLO R: Only the right channel is output to the right speaker or headphone output.
Also pushing the “MONO“button will cause the right channel to be output on
both loudspeaker or headphone channels.
L-R SWAP: The left and right channel are exchanged.
Ø REV: The phase of the left channel is reversed in relation to
the phase of the right channel.
The phase is twisted by 1800.
This function is useful to check the stereo image.
HINT:
When M/S Signals are present, the M (MONO) signals may be
checked by pressing the “MONO“button, whilst the “S“(Side) Signal
may be checked by pressing the “Ø REV“+ “MONO“button
MUTE: Depressing the “MUTE“button will cause the
“SPEAKERS“and headphone outputs to be muted.
DIM: Pushing the “DIM“button will attenuate the
“SPEAKERS“and headphone outputs by -20 dB.
MONO: Pressing the “MONO“button will sum the
input signal to be mono.
THE SIGNAL TREATMENT INSIDE MC100
All input signals are fed to dedicated input buffers.
These care for the differentiation of the balanced signals, unbalanced signals are buffered and made
low impedance. This also complies for the signals from the built-in D/A converter.
By the inputs buttons of the MC100 it is determined what signal is activated respectively which
signals are summed together.
This selection is routed on one hand to both balanced “SLAVE 1 / 2“outputs, on the other hand they
are fed to the “MONITORING“section. Here, the above described settings may be done. Leaving the
“MONITORING“section, the signal is fed to the headphone unit and via the “MASTER VOLUME“
attenuator to the speakers selection.

Manual MC100 November 2023 F. Reim P. 15
The headphone unit is activated by the “PHONES“button and features its own volume control.
A “PRE-GAIN“function is available from the inside to perfectly match the abilities of the headphone
amp to the sensitivity of the connected headphones. The “PRE-GAIN“may be set in 7 steps of 6 dB
from -18 to +18 dB (see page 26 to learn more).
The “X-FEED“button will activate the “X-FEED“control. “X-Feed“is an adjustable function to come
across the “In-Head-Localisation“which is often perceived as annoying and simulates the hearing
with speakers - but with headphones.
The “SPEAKERS“selection is made with three buttons “OUT A / B / C“and the “SUB”channel which
is mono and assignable to each output.
All „SPEAKERS“outputs are electronically balanced, their levels are adjustable in 3 steps 0, -6, -12 dB
with toggle switches. We are using toggle switches because these are much more neutral in the
signal path compared to potentiometers. By this measure the sound wins image, neutrality and
transparency. Also, the crosstalk is not affected in a negative way.
THE MASTER VOLUME ATTENUATOR
is to adjust the desired stereo level for all “SPEAKERS“
outputs simultaneously.
While the MC 100 (Standard) offers a “normal”RK27
Potentiometer, the MC100 PRO features a sophisticated Reed-
relay based attenuator with 256 steps of 0.4 dB each. Ba this
measure highest channel separation between left and right and
best channel matching is accomplished.
Please note: When adjusting the volume of MC100 PRO small
interferences may appear due to the switching action of the
relays.
SELECTING / ACTIVATING AN OUTPUT
With the “SPEAKERS“buttons on the front of MC 100 one out of three outputs or a selection of
several outputs can be chosen. The dedicated LED(s) above the button(s) are illuminated.
The outputs may be selected in two ways:
1. Summing: all outputs may be activated together.
2. Selective: Only the selected output is active, all others are not active.

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Changing-over both output modes is done as follows:
1. SUMMING:
- Push and hold the “OUT A“button for 2-3 Seconds
- The corresponding LED flashes as long as you push the button
- Release the “OUT A“button, the input selection is set to “SUMMING MODE“
2. SELECTIVE:
- Push and hold the “OUT B“button for 2-3 Seconds
- The corresponding LED flashes as long as you push the button
- Release the “OUT B“button, the input selection is set to “SELECTIVE MODE“
The “SUB“output may be assigned to one or more “SPEAKERS”outputs.
To do so, the “SUB”output is activated together with the activated “SPEAKERS”output.
The “SPEAKERS”selection together with the “SUB”output is stored and will be recalled with the
next activation of the dedicated “SPEAKERS”output.
THE BALANCED “SPEAKERS“OUTPUTS
can be found on the back of the MC100 case. They are marked with "BALANCED OUT A / B / C and
LEFT / RIGHT".
Gold plated XLR connectors are used here.
The stereophonic output groups are marked with “A/B/C“, they are activated by the corresponding
buttons on the front panel. This applies also to the mono “SUB“output.
The level of all output groups can be attenuated by 0, -6 or -12 dB using three-position toggle
switches. By choosing toggle switches compared to the usual potentiometers at this point, the
amount of attenuation for both channels is absolutely the same, sound and crosstalk is not
negatively influenced.
THE BALANCED “SLAVE“OUTPUTS
can be found on the back of the
MC100 case. They are marked with
“SLAVE OUT 1 / 2 / LEFT / RIGHT“.
Gold plated XLR connectors are
used here.
Both outputs are connected to the
activated input signals with
identical level.
The unbalanced input signals and the signals from the USB input (DAC) are converted to balanced
output signals.
Here, level meters or external gear like DAWs may be connected.

Manual MC100 November 2023 F. Reim P. 17
Hint:
With a balanced-to-unbalanced adapter the above outputs may also be used for unbalanced signals.
PLEASE NOTE THAT IN THIS CASE PIN 3 HAS TO BE LEFT OPEN!
See also page 8
THE HEADPHONE AMPLIFIER
is positioned after the “MONITORING“section, thus
reacts to all settings done there.
The headphone amp is activated by the “PHONES“
button, the active state is displayed by the affiliated
LED. Volume is adjusted by the “PHONES VOLUME“
attenuator.
The “X-FEED“button serves to activate the “X-FEED“
function and the “X-FEED”control.
“X-FEED”simulates a speaker-like reproduction of sound
when hearing with headphones. This can be helpful to
minimize the sometime annoying “In-Head-Localisation”
when hearing with headphones.
Two “PHONES OUT“sockets are provided to directly connect headphones
with 1/8”(3.5 mm) or ¼”(6.3 mm) phone jacks. The pin-out of these
connectors is also described on page 8.
The headphone amp itself is derived from our G108 stand alone headphone
amp. To customize the amp for “exotic“headphones, the amp features the
“PRE-GAIN”function which serves primarily to maximize the travel of the
volume control. To do so, inside the amp some Dip-switches are provided
to adapt the gain in a range of -18 …+18 dB. The PRE-GAIN “ex-works”setting is 0 dB and will be
sufficient for most applications (see page 26 to learn more).
Too loud? Too soft? The PRE-GAIN method
Headphones may have load impedances from 8 to 2000 ohms and efficiency ratios from 85 to 115 dB
per Milliwatt. Thus, it can be quite tricky for a headphone amplifier to fulfil all demands, since...
…owners of high-efficiency headphones will rarely set the volume control higher
than 9 o'clock in order to exclude hearing damage, while
... the maximum setting may still be too soft for low-efficiency headphones, but
…all users expect highest quality at lowest noise and distortion.
Thus, the circuitry must adapt itself as the headphones will not do and the sources will seldom do!
WE CALL THE SOLUTION TO THIS PROBLEM PRE-GAIN
The headphone amp of MC100 is set to no gain (gain = 0 dB = factor 1). By this measure the amps
will produce an extremely low self-generated noise which can hardly been heard even with highest
sensitive in-ear-monitors (IEM).
Balanced connection
of the XLR outputs:
Unbalanced connection
Of the XLR outputs:
PIN 1 GND PIN 1 GND
PIN 2 (+) PHASE PIN 2 (+) PHASE
PIN 3 (-) PHASE PIN 3 OPEN !!
Pin-out of the
Headphones sockets:
TIP Left Channel
RING Right Channel
SLEEVE GND

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On the other hand, the amps are quite powerful and are able to drive low efficiency or high
impedance headphone to the full with ease. This effortless action will save your precious
headphones as they will under normal circumstances never see a distorted signal from the amp.
To optimise the travel of the volume control and to minimize the self-generated noise, the audio
signal through the amp can be attenuated or boosted in seven steps, which are 18 / -12 / -6 / 0 / +6 /
+12 / +18 dB. Thus the amp may be adapted by 36 dB which equals factor 64 !
To do so, inside MC100 two banks of dip-switches for the left and right signal can be found.
The alignment between amplifier and headphone is provided by the preamp stage, which can boost
or attenuate the input signal in seven steps of -18 / -12 / -6 / 0 / +6 / +12 / +18 dBr.
See also page 26 for more details.
HOW TO OPTIMIZE THE PRE-GAIN SETTING:
(how to remove the upper lid of MC100 and where to find the dip-switches is described from page 24)
Activate one or more of the connected source, plug in your headphone and listen !!
Your amp is adjusted best by the individual PRE-GAIN setting when the volume control for “normal”
listening is positioned around 12 o´clock.
So it is provided that there is enough attenuator travel to boost the signal through lower level
passages or to listen with higher volume. On the other hand, the attenuator travel is optimized to
reduce the self-generated noise from the amp.
In case you cannot reach the 12 o´clock position because the input signal is too loud, feel free to
reduce the signal with the PRE-GAIN steps -6 / -12 / -18 dBr.
In case the signal is too soft even with volume settings above 12 o´clock please use the PRE-GAIN
settings +6 / +12 / +18 dB to achieve more gain.
Other than the above settings are not useful but harmless.
CAUTION
To avoid unwanted level leaps the settings should be altered under the following conditions only:
-the "VOLUME" control should be set to minimum
or the headphone outputs shall be deactivated using the “PHONES“button
-left and right channel settings should be the same
unless you want to settle the amp for different hearing abilities
Ex-factory, all switches are set to their lowest position - i.e. 0 dB PRE-GAIN - which should be
sufficient for most applications.

Manual MC100 November 2023 F. Reim P. 19
PROTECTIVE CIRCUITS:
To ensure a preferably flawless operation and to protect your valuable headphones, power amps or
active speakers, the LAKE PEOPLE MC100 is equipped with some protective circuits:
-To protect the headphones amps, active speakers from interferences during powering on/off
the outputs are cut during powering on. This procedure takes about five seconds. When
powering off the outputs are cut instantly
-The frequency range is limited to % Hz –70 kHz to protect connected items from inaudible
frequencies.
PROGRAMMING
The INPUTS may be selected in two ways:
1. Summing: all inputs may be summed together.
2. Selective: Only the selected input is active, all others are not active.
Changing-over both input modes is done as follows:
1. SUMMING:
- Push and hold the “IN 1“button for 2-3 Seconds
- The corresponding LED flashes as long as you push the button
- Release the “IN 1“button, the input selection is set to “SUMMING MODE“
2. SELECTIVE:
- Push and hold the “IN 2“button for 2-3 Seconds
- The corresponding LED flashes as long as you push the button
- Release the “IN 2“button, the input selection is set to “SELECTIVE MODE“
The SENSITIVITY of the inputs “RCA IN 3“and “3.5 IN 4“may be set to -10 dBV or +4 dBu.
This adjustment must only be made one time, when (re-) activating the input,
the sensitivity setting will be recalled.
The setting of the sensitivity is done as follows:
- Push the button “RCA IN 3“or “3.5 IN 4“for 2-3 Sekunden
- The setting will change its state
- The sensitivity is displayed by the LEDs “-10 dBV““or +4 dBu“above the dedicated button
- Release the button
The OUTPUTS may be selected in two ways:
1. Summing: all outputs may be activated together.
2. Selective: Only the selected output is active, all others are not active.
Changing-over both output modes is done as follows:
1. SUMMING:
- Push and hold the “OUT A“button for 2-3 Seconds
- The corresponding LED flashes as long as you push the button
- Release the “OUT A“button, the input selection is set to “SUMMING MODE“
2. SELECTIVE:
- Push and hold the “OUT B“button for 2-3 Seconds
- The corresponding LED flashes as long as you push the button
- Release the “OUT B“button, the input selection is set to “SELECTIVE MODE“

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Things to know …
Why makes it sense to make such huge efforts?
A Monitor Controller amplifier is a device designed to condition audio signals from differing sources
with the target to reproduce them on varying speakers. An additional headphone amplifier serves to
precisely evaluate these signals. This does not sound too spectacular at the first glance and can be
achieved relatively easy. As with many things however, the devil is in the details and much more
effort is required to switch, manipulate and judge variant sources in a neutral way with in highest
possible quality.
Which advantages do balanced signals offer?
In contrast to unbalanced signals, balanced signals are carried by two wires (plus ground/shield). In
the transmitting device, a balanced signal is created by generating an inverted signal (180
0
phase
shifted). The "hot" wire carries the original signal (a), the "cold" wire carries the inverted signal (-a).
In the
receiving
device, the
balanced
signal is
processed by
a differential
amplifier
which detects
the difference
between both:
(a) –(-a) = 2a.
On its way between devices, the useful signal can be affected by interference (s). Interferences
however are in phase on both wires and fed to the differential amplifier as well. Again, the amplifier
detects the difference between the interference contents: (s) –(s) = 0. Thus - in an ideal situation -
all interference on the signal path is eliminated.
Why are op-amps ideal for low-level signal processing?
Discrete amplifiers (designed with transistors) are very popular in high-end audio design also for
preamplifier stages. This is often marketed as an optimization measure, but the partially exorbitant
extra expenses are of course to be paid by the customer.
But an op-amp consists of transistors as well ... moreover, its structure has the advantage of thermal
coupling between its internal components. Also ageing issues play a much less important role. Due
to the large number of op-amps types offered, it is possible to pick an optimum type for any specific
application.
Why does PRE-GAIN make sense?
Headphones are available with very different impedances and sensitivities. A headphone amplifier
that can be used “for everyone and every headphone”is therefore usually designed for low sensitive
/ high-impedance headphones. With the consequence that the noise is avoidably increased for high
efficient/low-impedance headphones and you can usually only move the volume control carefully -
and rarely above the 9 o'clock position. This brings with it another disadvantage, namely that the
channel matching from the volume control left of 12 o'clock is clearly and audibly increased.
That's why there is "PRE-GAIN" in all Lake People devices with a headphone jack.