Millenia Media HV-3C User manual

Owners Manual
HV-3C
HV-3D
High Voltage Microphone Preamplifiers
Millennia Music & Media Systems

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Table of Contents
INTRODUCTION ...................... 3
SAFETY PRECAUTIONS............ 3
Water, Moisture, and Spillage ..............3
Heat And Ventilation...........................3
Power Sources and Power Cord Protection 3
Grounding.........................................3
Damage Requiring Service ..................3
Servicing ..........................................3
HV-3 series preamp Front-End Protection4
Inspection.........................................4
REAR PANEL ........................... 5
1. CONVENTIONAL MIC INPUTS ........5
2. OPTION MIC INPUTS....................5
3. LINE LEVEL OUTPUTS ..................5
4. AC VOLTAGE MAINS SELECTION ...5
5. POWER ENTRY ............................5
FUSES ..............................................5
HV-3 SERIES PREAMP FRONT PANEL 6
1. HIGH RESOLUTION GAIN CONTRO 6
2. PHANTOM POWER SELECT SWITCH6
3. HIGH VOLTAGE SELECT SWITCH ...6
4. SIGNAL INDICATORS ...................6
5. POWER SWITCH ..........................6
HV-3 SERIES PREAMP GENERAL SPECIFICATIONS 7
WORLD WIDE WARRANTY ...... 8

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Introduction
Congratulations on your purchase of the Millennia Media HV-3 series preamp High Voltage Microphone Preamplifier.
The HV-3 series preamp is the result of meticulous listening tests on numerous circuit topology, and packaging
designs. Your HV-3 series preamp is a finely tuned instrument intended for critical professional applications —we
feel it offers the world's most sonically neutral microphone
preamplification.
With the emergence of 24+ bit digital audio, recording engineers are faced with a new requirement for undistorted
dynamic range. The HV- 3 series preamp meets this challenge exceptionally well.
Millennia Media has long enjoyed a reputation for what many engineers call the world's most musically accurate
and dynamically stable microphone preamplifier.
With DPA (B&K) high voltage mic input option, DC coupled ribbon mic input option, a fully balanced audio path,
enormous non-padded input and output headroom, superior technical specifications, world- class internal
componentry, and unparalleled sonic performance, the HV-3 series of microphone preamps will remain
contemporary well into the 21st century. Hence, Millennia Media.
Safety Precautions
For your safety and the safety of others, be sure to read and understand all safety and operational instructions
before attempting to use the HV-3 series preamp.
Water, Moisture, and Spillage –Do not attempt to use the HV-3 series preamp in, near, or around water or in
unusually moist environments, such as near a sink or swimming pool. Prevent liquids or any other materials or
objects from spilling or falling into the HV-3 series preamp unit.
Heat And Ventilation –Be sure to allow adequate ventilation to HV-3 series preamp and avoid using or installing
unit in close proximity to heat sources, such as heaters, stoves, radiators, power amplifiers, spotlights, or other
heat-producing appliances or equipment. It is best to leave one rack screw space between units if possible.
Power Sources and Power Cord Protection –The HV-3 series preamp Power Supply should be connected to a
power source only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the Power Supply. Route the
power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on or pinched by having objects placed on it. Pay particular
attention to plugs, receptacles, and the point where the AC power cord exits the HV-3 series preamp.
Grounding –For your safety, it is extremely important that the grounding pin of the 3-wire power cable (included
with 110 Volt units) be inserted into a grounding type 3-pin power outlet. If you are unable to insert the plug into
an existing outlet, contact an electrician to install a properly grounded 3-pin power outlet, preferably that with OFI
/ CFI protection, if available.
Damage Requiring Service –This unit should be repaired or serviced by qualified personnel whenever:
· The AC power cord has been damaged, or
· Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled into any HV-3 series preamp unit, or
· The unit does not function properly or exhibits a marked change in performance, or
· The unit has been abused, dropped, or damaged, or
· The unit has been exposed to rain or moisture.
Servicing –Lethal voltages are found inside the HV-3 series preamp chassis. The user should not attempt to
repair or service this unit. All servicing and/or repairs should be referred to Millennia.
If, after reading all instructions, precautions, and warnings, you have remaining questions, please contact Millennia
directly before attempting to use your HV-3 series preamp.
Before connecting power to the HV-3 series preamp, assure that the rear panel voltage selection fuse block switch
is set correctly. In the USA, Canada or Japan, HV-3 series preamp is shipped with the voltage selection block set to
100-120 VAC. If you change the voltage selection block to 200-240 VAC usage, be sure to change both fuses to the
correct types. See “Rear Panel” instructions for proper fuse
requirements.
Note that since 2017, HV-3C and HV-3D preamplifiers have been shipping with switch-mode power
supplies. These SMPS's detect mains voltages (90VAC to 243VAC) and adapt automatically -- no need to manually
change the fuse block voltage setting.

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The HV-3 series preamp enclosure measures 19" wide x 1.75 (HV-3C) or 3.5” (HV-3D) high x 13" deep and is
designed for mounting into a standard 19" equipment rack. If the HV-3 series preamp is mounted in a road case or
other rack which is prone to strong vibration or shock, it is recommended that the rear of the HV-3 series preamp
be supported or otherwise reinforced to withstand such conditions.
HV-3 series preamp are designed on a common ground topology. For high quality operation, and for your own
safety and the safety of others, do not defeat the power cord earth grounding pin.
HV-3 series preamp Front-End Protection –Millennia Music & Media Systems enjoys a reputation for what
many top engineers and producers call the world’s most musically accurate and dynamically uniform microphone
preamplifier —the HV-3. But this thoroughbred design is not achieved without certain operating criteria.
Back-to-back Zener diodes protect the super-matched discrete bipolar input transistors against high transient
energy spikes common when inserting and extracting XLR connectors. To maintain top performance and protect
the HV-3 series preamp’s sensitive HV-3 front-end, it is advised that you do not insert or extract XLR connectors
with power on. Get in the habit of disabling AC power and waiting about ten seconds for the phantom power to fully
“ramp down” before inserting or removing a microphone. This is good advice for protecting your microphone
investments, as well.
Any changes or modifications not expressly approved by MILLENNIA MEDIA, SPC (Millennia)
could void your authority to operate this equipment under the EC, ICAN, or FCC rules.
Copyright: You acknowledge that no title to the intellectual property in the HV-3 series preamp is
transferred to you.
Inspection –Inspect packing box(es), HV-3 series preamp, and cable(s) for damage, unusual marks, or
shortages. It is your responsibility to report damage, shortage, or mis-shipments in a timely manner. Millennia
and/or its dealers will not be responsible for claims arising from damage in shipping, nor will claims for shortage or
mis-shipments be honored, more than 10 days after ship date.
Read this manual carefully and completely before attempting to use the HV-3 series preamp. Improper operation
could result in damage to product. It is the user’s responsibility to understand the safe use and operation of this
device.
The shipping box of the HV-3 series preamp system will include:
•Quick Start Guide
•UL approved power cord (110 V countries only)
•Owner’s Registration Card, Register online at http://mil-media.com/registration.html or fill out the Owner’s
Registration Card and return to Millennia at your earliest ability.
The material contained in this manual consists of information that is property of Millennia and is intended solely for
use by the purchasers of the equipment described in this manual. Without express written permission, Millennia
prohibits the duplication of any portion of this manual or the use thereof for any purpose other than the operation
and/or maintenance of the equipment described in this manual. This manual may not be duplicated in whole or in
part without the written consent of Millennia.
The HV-3 series preamp serial number is located on the rear left side of each unit. We suggest that you record the
serial number in the space provided below. Refer to it whenever you call an authorized Millennia repair facility or
the manufacturer. Make sure that you register online or return your completed warranty card immediately.
Features and specifications subject to change without notice.
© 2021 –Millennia Media, SPC, All rights reserved
Serial Number __________________________________________
Purchase Date __________________________________________
Where Purchased __________________________________________

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HV-3C
HV-3D
Rear Panel
1.CONVENTIONAL MIC INPUTS "48V IN "
Conventional 3-pin female XLR input jacks for use
with all conventional balanced microphones, both
phantom and non-phantom powered. Provides +48V
Phantom powering. Standard input impedance is
approximately 6,200 ohms. Pin 1 is ground. Pin 2 is
positive polarity. Pin 3 is negative polarity.
2.OPTION MIC INPUTS Two input options are
available; a 130V input and a DC-coupled input. The
option inputs are installed in the center row. The
drawing shows eight 130V inouts installed.
130V Option
Four-pin female XLR connector for use only with DPA
(B&K) models 4003, 4004, 4009, and 4012
microphones. Pin 1 is ground. Pin 2 is not connected.
Pin 3 is +130 Volts DC power and pin 4 is
unbalanced audio signal. Connecting anything other
than the above listed DPA models to this connector
may result in serious damage to microphone, the
HV-3 series preamp, or both.
DC Option
Three-pin female XLR connector optimized for
dynamic microphones (ribbon, etc.). The DC option
bypasses the entire phantom circuit and routes a
microphone directly to the bases of the
matched gain transistors.
3.LINE LEVEL OUTPUTS "OUT"
Conventional three pin male XLR connectors
providing balanced, line level microphone output. Pin
1 is ground. Pin 2 is positive polarity. Pin 3 is
negative polarity. The line level output is capable of
driving 600 ohm loads and long, high capacitance
cables. Outputs may be configured in an unbalanced
configuration by either grounding one of the audio
polarities (pin 2 or pin 3), or taking one audio
polarity directly as an unbalanced signal
(recommended). In the former configuration, the
output is automatically increased by 6 dB.
4.AC VOLTAGE MAINS SELECTION "100-120" or
"200-240" A power entry module with a removable
fuse holder block. This fuse holder block is selectable
for 100 to 120 Volt or 200 to 240 Volt worldwide
mains powering.
Note that since 2017, HV-3C and HV-3D
preamplifiers have been shipping with switch-mode
power supplies. These SMPS's detect mains voltages
(90VAC to 243VAC) and adapt automatically -- no
need to manually change the fuse block voltage
setting.
The fuse block contains two fuses —one fuse is in
series with the hot power line while the other fuse is
in series with the neutral power line. Both fuses must
be installed. To change the mains voltage selection,
remove IEC power connector and assure that the
HV-3 series preamp is not connected to mains
power.
With a non-conductive tool, gently pry the fuse block
away from the power entry module. Remove the two
fuses and replace both with type as shown below.
Orient the fuse block so that the proper voltage is
shown and reinsert into the power entry module.
Double check that the fuses installed correspond to
the AC mains voltage range which is shown on the
exterior panel. Gently push the fuse block back until
flush and snug.
5.POWER ENTRY "IEC Power Receptacle"
An IEC-type AC line-power receptacle for use with
removable cords. Use only the power cord provided
with the HV-3 series preamp unit or equivalent U/L
approved type SV, SVT, SJ, or SJT AC power supply
cord. Do not defeat the third pin earth ground.
FUSES:
5 x 20 mm,500 mA, slow blow, 250 V, Littelfuse 218
or equiv..
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
PUSH
12345678
12345678
12345678
48V
IN
130V
IN
OUT
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC rules. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) This device may not cause harmful interference, and (2) this device must accept any interference
received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.
For 115 - 240VAC operation, 50-60 Hz. Use only the following fuse types shown:
100 - 120VAC: 2 ch x mA, 4 ch x mA, 8 ch xA, all 250V Litelfuse type 313 slow blow, or equivalent.
200 - 240VAC: 2 ch x mA, 4 ch x mA, 8 ch xxx mA, all 250V Litelfuse type 313 slow blow, or equivalent
Chassis/Audio
Ground Strap
100 / 115 / 230 Selection
115
1
1
4
2
2
3
4
3
5
5

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HV-3 Series Preamp Front Panel
1.HIGH RESOLUTION GAIN CONTROL
Detented, 36-position gain control employing a
superior quality Grayhill mil-spec gold plated rotary
switch. Switch gain is approximately 1.5 dB per step
and is inter-channel matched to better than 0.08 dB
at all settings.
After a brief warm-up period, adjustment of this
switch is virtually silent. Two illuminating pushbutton
switches (Green and Amber) determine the gain
"range" of the rotary switch.
When the pushbutton switches are not depressed
(non-illuminated), the mic preamp gain provided is
as printed on the front panel (9.0 dB, 10.5 dB, 12.0
dB, etc..).
When the green pushbutton switch (only) is
depressed and illuminated, add 18 dB to the gain
settings as printed on the front panel.\When the
green and amber switches are both depressed and
illuminated, add 36 dB to the gain settings as printed
on the front panel. For example, with both
pushbutton switches depressed and the rotary switch
at 12:00 o'clock position, the preamp gain would be
54 dB (18 + 36).
2.PHANTOM POWER SELECT SWITCH ("+48V")
Illuminating pushbutton switch which provides
phantom power (+48VDC) to the microphone
inserted into that channel. When this switch is
depressed (illuminated red), phantom power is
applied simultaneously through dual 6.81k ohm
resistors to pins 2 and 3 of the three pin female XLR
input.
Use phantom power with condenser and other
microphones requiring traditional phantom supply.
CAUTION: Applying phantom power to
ribbon microphones could damage them. Do
not use phantom with ribbons, moving coil,
and other microphones which do not require
phantom power. Use care, as well, to not
insert or extract mic cables from the HV-3
series preamp when phantom power is
active.
3.HIGH VOLTAGE SELECT SWITCH ("+130V")
Optional Illuminating pushbutton switch which
selects the four pin XLR input (+130VDC) for DPA
(B&K) high voltage microphones type 4003, 4004,
4009, and 4012.
When this switch is depressed (illuminated amber),
the HV-3 series preamp receives mic-level audio
from the four pin XLR input. If you are using a B&K
(DPA) high voltage microphone with four pin XLR
connectors, depress this switch so that it illuminates.
If a conventional microphone is used, do not depress
this switch. The HV-3 series preamp will not combine
("mix") both conventional and high voltage
microphones on one channel. NOTE: The HV-3 series
preamp is designed to provide uninterrupted DC
power to B&K (DPA) high voltage microphones,
regardless where this switch is set. Use care that
high voltage microphone
cables are not inserted or extracted from the unit
when power is on.
4.SIGNAL INDICATORS "OL" & "SP" LEDs
The green "signal present" (SP) LED indicates that a
nominal signal is present at the microphone input. It
is set to illuminate in the neighborhood of -35 dBu.
The red "overload" (OL) LED has been set to
illuminate when the balanced output reaches a level
of +25 dBu. However, the HV-3 series preamp can
produce unclipped, undistorted levels over twice this
voltage. Hence, the overload LED is not an indication
of preamp clipping. Rather, it is a general reference
showing a nominal "system" peak level.
If clipping is occurring in your recording path, check
all devices connected after the HV-3 series preamp
and reduce system gains accordingly. In the event
that B&K (DPA) 4004 or 4012 microphones are used
with hazardous sound pressures (over 130 dB, SPL),
an attenuator may be required between microphone
and preamp.
5.POWER SWITCH "POWER and PILOT
INDICATOR LIGHT LED - Rocker switch for
switching AC line power on and off. When LED is
illuminated, shows that the HV-3 series preamp unit
is powered up and active.
4
1
2
2
3
3
4
1
5
5

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HV-3 Series Preamp General Specifications
Specifications
Minimum Gain
8 dB
Maximum Gain
(1 dB per step, 61 steps)
69 dB (80 dB on request)
Frequency Response
+0 / -3 dB
sub 3 Hz to beyond 300 kHz
Noise
60 dB Gain, 10 Hz - 30 kHz, Inputs common
-130 dB EIN
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise
35 dB Gain, 10 Hz - 20 kHz bandwidth, +27 dBu Out
< .002%, Typ. < .0007%
Intermodulation Distortion
(50 Hz & 7 kHz) 35 dB Gain, +27 dBu Out
< .0009%
Phase Response
35 dB Gain, 50 Hz - 20 kHz bandwidth, +27 dBu Out
< 2 degrees deviation
Common Mode Rejection Ratio 35 dB Gain, 10 Hz -
20 kHz bandwidth, 100 mV C.M.
> 65 dB, Typ > 85 dB
Slew Rate
35 dB Gain, +27 dBu Out
> 25 Volts per microsecond
Maximum Input Level
20 Hz - 40 kHz
+23 dBu (no attenuator pads required)
Maximum Output Level
20 Hz - 40 kHz
+32 dBu
Phantom Input Impedance
1 kHz
6,750 ohms
Output Impedance
24.3 Ohms (x2)
DPA (B&K) Mic Powering
+130 V dc max, (non-phantom)
Phantom Powering
+48 V dc, +/- 2 V dc
Power Consumption
Hv-3D 125 watts maximum
Hv-3C 12 watts maximum
Power Requirements
Selectable: 90-243 V ac, 50/60 Hz
Dimensions/Shipping Weight
HV-3C 19” W x 1.75” H x 13” D, 15 lbs.
HV-3D 19” W x 3.5” H x 13” D, 23 lbs.
Millennia Media, SPC reserves the right to change specifications, delivery and pricing without notice

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World Wide Warranty
We will repair our products, free of
charge, in the event of defect of
materials or workmanship for two (2)
years following date of purchase.
This limited warranty covers failures
due only to defects in materials and
workmanship which occur during
normal, intended use and does not
cover damage which occurs in
shipment or failures which are caused
by products not supplied by Millennia
Media.
This limited warranty does not cover
failures which arise from accident,
misuse, abuse, neglect, mishandling,
misapplication, faulty installation,
improper adjustment, alteration or
modification of product,
incompatibilities, line-power surges,
acts of God, or service performed by
anyone other than Millennia Media or
its authorized agent.
Limits and Exclusions –There are no
express warranties except as listed
above. Millennia shall not be liable for
special, subsequent, incidental,
consequential, or punitive damages,
including, but not limited to: damage
to recordings, broadcasts,
microphones, mixing consoles, or any
associated equipment, downtime
costs, loss of goodwill, or claims of
any party dealing with purchaser for
such damages resulting from the use
of this product. All warranties express
and implied, including the warranties
of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose are limited to the
applicable warranty period set forth
above.
Vacuum tube and bulb failures are not
covered under warranty. Shipping
costs to/from factory are not covered
under this warranty. International
warranty law may vary from country
to country, and Millennia will abide by
the law of each country from which
the product was initially sold.
For North American repairs and
service, contact Millennia (tech@mil-
media.com) to obtain a Return
Authorization number. Please include
your shipping address, daytime phone
number and description of the
problem. Outside of North America,
please contact your local Millennia
Distributor.
Discarding Units
In the event that any Millennia
equipment manufactured after July 1,
2006 needs to be discarded, you must
return it to Millennia, at our
headquarters in California, USA.
Please contact the distributor in your
country or Millennia directly for
instructions. We will make
arrangements to have the equipment
shipped to us at no cost to you, and
we will dispose of it in a manner that
complies with whatever regulations
are in existence at that time.