Plinius CD LAD User manual

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CD
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⋅⋅⋅L
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LA
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AD
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Audio Preamplifier
INSTRUCTION
MANUAL

2

3
CONGRATULATIONS
CONGRATULATIONSCONGRATULATIONS
CONGRATULATIONS on your decision to become the proud owner of this
Plinius CD⋅LAD Preamplifier.
This manual has been prepared to help you understand the operation of your amplifier, and to provide
information about its design and the variety of ways it may be used.
We have designed and manufactured this preamplifier to reproduce faithfully and accurately, your
favourite music. With a little care and a full understanding of the operating recommendations in this
manual, your Plinius CD⋅LAD Preamplifier will provide years of high-quality, trouble-free performance.
Serial Number: ..................................................................................
Date of Manufacture: ..................................................................................
Final Test Certified By: ..................................................................................
IMPORTANT: PLEASE TAKE THE TIME TO READ THIS MANUAL
THOROUGHLY BEFORE USING YOUR PREAMPLIFIER.

4
CONTENTS
Introduction ..................................................................................................................................Page 3
Precautions ...................................................................................................................................Page 5
Preamplifier Features – Front Panel ............................................................................................. Page 6
Preamplifier Features – Rear Panel .............................................................................................. Page 7
Preamplifier Features – Remote ...................................................................................................Page 9
Installation and Operation ............................................................................................................ Page 11
Input/Output Connection ............................................................................................................. Page 12
Settings Menu Structure .............................................................................................................. Page 14
CD⋅LAD Features ......................................................................................................................... Page 17
Specifications ............................................................................................................................. Page 19
Index .......................................................................................................................................... Page 20
Contact Details ........................................................................................................................... Page 21

5
PRECAUTIONS
Please take special note of the following precautions before operating your new preamplifier:
•This preamplifier operates at hazardous voltage levels. We recommend that any work requiring
removal of the lid be referred to a suitably qualified and experienced service technician.
•DO NOT attempt to connect any input of this preamplifier to its own outputs.
•DO NOT earth any output terminal or connect any of these terminals together without following the
instructions in this manual or seeking qualified assistance.
•DO NOT place this preamplifier in any position where liquids or any foreign material may
accidentally enter it.
•DO NOT connect any voltage source, short circuit, earth/ground or appliance (other than suitable
audio power amplifiers) to the preamplifier output terminals.
•DO NOT connect any voltage source, short circuit, earth/ground or appliance (other than suitable
audio source components) to the preamplifier input terminals.

6
PREAMPLIFIER FEATURES – FRONT PANEL
The front of the Plinius CD⋅LAD Preamplifier incorporates all the facilities
you will require on a daily basis.
F
RONT
P
ANEL
L
AYOUT
S
HOWING
V
OLUME
K
NOB
, V
ACUUM
F
LUORESCENT
D
ISPLAY
, M
ENU
B
UTTONS
A
ND
D
ISPLAY
LED
DISPLAY LED
An LED below ‘PLINIUS’ indicates when the preamplifier is in standby mode. This LED also lights to show
whenever the remote control is being used to change the volume level.
FRONT PANEL BUTTONS
These four buttons are used to change source selection, phase, mute, or access the menu system of the
CD⋅LAD (for adjustment of display brightness, CD input mode, balance etc). The functions Down, Enter,
and Up are only active whilst the menu system is enabled (See Settings Menu Structure section later).
VACUUM FLUORESCENT DISPLAY
Whenever a modification is made to the CD⋅LAD settings (via the remote control or the front panel
buttons) these changes will be viewable on the display.
VOLUME CONTROL KNOB
The volume control is an ALPS motorised unit that will accurately convey the selected source signal to the
line stage of the Plinius CD⋅LAD. When using the remote control to alter the volume level, stab the button
to make small adjustments, or hold the button down to continuously adjust the volume.
PLINIUS
PHASE
UP
MENU
ENTER
MUTE
DOWN
SOURCE
CD LAD

7
PREAMPLIFIER FEATURES – REAR PANEL
This panel incorporates all the terminals for connecting the input signals from your CD player, tuner, etc,
and the outputs to the power amp and mains supply.
Please remember that your Plinius CD⋅LAD Preamplifier is a high quality electronic instrument capable of
an exceptional level of performance. Be sure that you understand your system’s requirements fully before
you make any connection to this preamplifier.
R
EAR
P
ANEL
S
HOWING
I
NPUT
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ND
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UTPUT
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ERMINALS
, G
ROUND
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IFT
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WITCH
, M
AINS
S
WITCH
A
ND
M
AINS
S
OCKET
.
INPUT TERMINALS
The input terminals of your Plinius CD⋅LAD Preamplifier are easily accessible along the rear panel. These
standard RCA terminals are for use with single ended signals from line level audio components such as
CD, tuner, video, etc. Also included is one pair of balanced XLR inputs for use with XLR type cables.
Consult your PLINIUS
PLINIUSPLINIUS
PLINIUS dealer for further advice if required.
OUTPUT TERMINALS
Connections for power amplifiers are provided in the centre of the rear panel. Connections are available
for both single ended (RCA type) and balanced (XLR type) cables. Note that the only time the outputs
aren’t ‘live’ is when the preamplifier is in mute or standby.
CHASSIS
OPEN
LIFT
LINE 1 LINE 2 OUTPUTS
RIGHT LEFT
RIGHT LEFT
C.D.
PUSHPUSHPUSH PUSH
CAUTION:
TO REDUC E RISK OF
ELECTRICALSHOCK DO NOT REMOVE
COVER. NO USER SERVICEABLE
PARTS INSIDE. RE FER SERVICING TO
QUALI FIED SERVI CE PERSONN EL.
RISKOF ELECTRICAL SHOCK
DO NOTOPEN
CAUTION
MAINS FUSE: REPLACE
ONLY WITH SAME TYPE
DESIGNED AND MANUFACTURED IN
NEW ZEALAND BY
AUDIBLE TECHNOLOGIES LTD
P.O. BOX 1836
PALMERSTO N NORTH
SERIAL No. VOLTAGE Hz POWER
CONSUMPTION
50/
60
10 0 V / A
PLINIUS CD LAD

8
GROUND LIFT SWITCH
This switch allows the signal ground to be disconnected from the chassis. In some installations a hum
loop may exist due to duplicate ground paths from different equipment. Use this switch to remove the
connection from 0V to ground thus allowing some flexibility in your particular set-up.
MAINS SWITCH
The heavy-duty rocker switch to the right of the panel turns the Mains/Line Power to the amplifier ON or
OFF. Depress the right hand side of the switch to turn the amplifier on. The amplifier draws a moderately
high current when switched on, so it is not good practice to rapidly turn the Mains switch on and off
repeatedly.
MAINS POWER CORD IEC SOCKET
This connector is where the mains supply cable from your wall connects to the preamplifier. You will
notice that a fuse holder is mounted within this connection, and it holds a mains fuse to provide surge and
overload protection for your preamplifier.
EARTH POST
This is a chassis connected gold-plated earth post for use with certain phono turntables.

9
PREAMPLIFIER FEATURES – REMOTE
The Plinius CD⋅LAD Remote provides access to most of the
controls you will require on a daily basis.
PLINIUS
STANDBY
DISPLAY PHASE
LINE 2
LINE 1C.D.
LEFT BYPASS RIGHT
BALANCE
R
EMOTE
C
ONTROL
S
HOWING
F
UNCTION
B
UTTONS
.
VOLUME CONTROL
Use these two buttons to control the volume level of the preamplifier. The middle top button increases
volume, while the button directly below it decreases the volume. Stab either button to make fine
adjustments to the volume level. Hold down either button to continually adjust the volume level.

10
MUTE
Use this button when you require the preamplifier to mute the output from the preamplifier. Pressing the
button again brings the preamplifier back out of mute.
PHASE
The phase of the input signal to the preamplifier is switched from absolute to inverted 180°with each
press of this button.
STANDBY
Standby disconnects the outputs of the preamplifier and turns off the vacuum fluorescent display tube. It
is recommended that whenever the Plinius CD⋅LAD is left switched on but not in use, the standby function
be implemented to increase the life of the display tube.
DISPLAY
The display button on the remote enables you to quickly adjust the display brightness to one of three
levels. Depressed once and the display brightness falls to zero. Another press and full brightness is set -
once more and the display reverts to the current user preset level. This user level is set using the menu
buttons on the front panel as described later in the ‘Settings Menu Structure’ section. Note that if the
brightness is set to zero, any button press will bring the brightness back to the current user setting so the
screen can be read.
SOURCE SELECTION
The Source button toggles the input selected between CD, Line 1 and Line 2.
BALANCE CONTROL
These three buttons control the signal level between left and right channel. Use the buttons labelled left
and right to set the channel balance where you require it. Depress the middle button to enable your preset
balance setting (balance enabled). Depress the middle button again to disconnect the balance control
circuit (balance bypassed) and centre both channels.

11
INSTALLATION AND OPERATION
PLACEMENT AND VENTILATION
Ventilation through and around your Plinius CD⋅LAD Preamplifier should be kept unimpeded, so ensure
that the heat vents (slots in the lid and base) are not covered or restricted in any way.
The Plinius CD⋅LAD design incorporates a very high level of mechanical de-coupling of the input and
output. However, it can still be influenced by acoustical feedback in the operating environment. The use
of acoustic cones or a suitably spiked preamplifier stand or table, may further enhance the performance of
this preamplifier. Consult your PLINIUS
PLINIUSPLINIUS
PLINIUS dealer for further advice if required.
MAINS VOLTAGE CONNECTION
Firstly, check that the mains supply voltage printed on the rear of this preamplifier is similar to the mains
supply voltage in your area. If in doubt, please consult your PLINIUS
PLINIUSPLINIUS
PLINIUS dealer.
Mains supply power connection is via the supplied plug-in lead. A standard IEC socket connects the
mains power at the preamplifier end, while a local mains plug is required at the wall end.
The wiring code used inside all Plinius product is:
Green to Earth/Ground
Green to Earth/GroundGreen to Earth/Ground
Green to Earth/Ground
Blue to Neutral
Blue to NeutralBlue to Neutral
Blue to Neutral
Brown to Phase/Live
Brown to Phase/LiveBrown to Phase/Live
Brown to Phase/Live
Should a ‘local’ plug need fitting to the wall end of the lead, ensure that a suitably qualified service
technician wires the plug correctly.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT POWER UP YOUR PREAMPLIFIER UNTIL YOU
HAVE CONNECTED YOUR INPUT/OUTPUTS CORRECTLY
FOR YOUR SYSTEM, (AS EXPLAINED IN THE NEXT
SECTION).

12
INPUT / OUTPUT CONNECTION
It is important that you connect your power amplifier/s (outputs) and source components (inputs) to your
Plinius CD⋅LAD Preamplifier correctly to ensure the preamplifier is not damaged, and sounds its best
within your system. Now that you have read and familiarised yourself with the various connections on the
preamplifier, as covered in previous sections, we will describe in detail the way in which you can connect
the preamplifier to your system.
Connect your CD player, tuner, tape deck, etc, to the CD, Line1, and Line 2 RCA inputs on the back of the
Plinius CD⋅LAD. Make sure you connect the red coded cable to the red RIGHT RCA input, and the black
(or white) cable to the black LEFT RCA input. Also make sure the RCA connectors are a snug fit and are
inserted all the way in. If you are using balanced XLR cables note that only the CD input caters for this
type of connection. You will also need to use the settings menu and set the CD input to balanced (see
Settings Menu Structure following).
Next, connect your power amplifier/s cables to the output sockets. Ensure that you observe polarity on all
cables (red is right, black is left) to ensure correct channel phasing.
TERMINATION QUALITY
Quality of the connections must be examined to ensure that high-performance, trouble-free operation is
enjoyed. Check that all interconnection cables are snug fitting and inserted all the way in. In the case of
balanced XLR sockets, ensure that they click in positively.
PHASING (OR POLARITY)
It is important to achieve good stereo imaging in your listening room. By observing the wiring
instructions above, each preamplifier/power amplifier/loudspeaker combination should be in phase. If
you experience poor stereo image and/or a lack of bass, check that all interconnection cables and
loudspeaker wires have been connected correctly. We recommend that you use one of the easily
obtainable ‘test discs’ to help you ensure both phasing and channel orientation are correct. If in doubt,
consult your PLINIUS
PLINIUSPLINIUS
PLINIUS dealer for advice.
To achieve a sound performance that is correctly aligned to your room, make sure all of the leads carrying
signals for the RIGHT channel loudspeaker are connected to the RIGHT input/outputs on your power
amplifier/preamplifier/CD player etc. Signals for the LEFT channel should be wired in a similar fashion.

13
CONNECTING THE MAINS SUPPLY
Now that your Plinius CD⋅LAD Preamplifier is configured to your system correctly, the mains cable can be
plugged into the IEC socket on the back of the preamplifier. Re-check all interconnection cables are fitted
correctly. Flick the power switch on the back panel to the right. The vacuum fluorescent display will now
display the messages ‘PLINIUS’, ‘CD-LAD’, ‘SERIAL NO XXXX’, while the internal circuitry stabilises. The
preamplifier will then close the mute circuit and set the active input to CD.
ENABLING THE INPUTS/OUTPUTS
Use the Source button to select the input you want to listen to. Press the Mute button, then alter the
volume to achieve the sound level you require. The Phase button can be used to select absolute or
inverted 180°phase. Note that either the remote or the buttons/volume knob on the front panel can be
used to perform these functions. If you wish to alter other settings such as CD input type, balance, or
display brightness, see the following section. You can now enjoy your new Plinius CD⋅LAD Preamplifier.
WARM-UP PERIOD
You will find that the Plinius CD⋅LAD will become noticeably ‘warmer’ in sound after being on for a period
of time. We usually recommend waiting at least 24 hours before expecting the best quality of sound
reproduction from your preamplifier. Also, as the Plinius CD⋅LAD uses very little power while on, we
suggest leaving the unit turned on (but in standby mode while not being used) so that it will always be at
it’s sonic best.

14
SETTINGS MENU STRUCTURE
A major feature of your Plinius CD⋅LAD Preamplifier is the settings menu. Options such as balance,
display brightness and CD input type are all configured via this menu.
FRONT PANEL BUTTONS
The buttons on the front panel concerned with the settings menu are the three along the bottom left
labelled Mute/Down, Menu/Enter, and Phase/Up. The bottom three functions (Down, Enter, Up) are only
active after pressing Menu (to access the settings menu). Also, remember that the Source button that is
used to toggle between the three inputs on the CD⋅LAD is not active when the settings menu is being
adjusted.
USING THE SETTINGS MENU
After pressing the Menu button, the settings menu can be accessed. The Down and Up buttons can then
be used to scroll through the following sub-menus:
Display Off
Display OffDisplay Off
Display Off
Standby
StandbyStandby
Standby
Balance
BalanceBalance
Balance
Bypass
BypassBypass
Bypass
Display
DisplayDisplay
Display
CD Mode
CD ModeCD Mode
CD Mode
Exit
ExitExit
Exit
To enter any sub-menu listed above, press the Enter button. Adjust the settings of the sub-menu chosen
using the Down and Up buttons and when finished press Enter to return to the main display. The diagram
following is a visual reference of this system, and each sub-menu is described in detail below.
MEMORY STORAGE OF SETTINGS
The settings that you access below are all stored in the memory of the CD⋅LAD microcontroller. Next time
you turn on the preamplifier, any settings you have changed (balance level, CD input type, display
brightness etc.) will be enabled in that same configuration.

15
SETTINGS MENU DIAGRAM
STANDBY CD⋅LAD enters Standby Mode
BALANCE Balance Left -dB
Balance Right -dB
BYPASS Balance Bypassed
Balance Enabled
DISPLAY Display Level 31
Display Level 1
CD MODE CD Single Ended
CD Balanced
EXIT CD⋅LAD returns to Main Screen
Denotes a button press
Up or Down can be held to perform repetitive key presses
Press and hold Up and Down together within Balance sub-menu to return to centre position
Press any button to bring preamplifier out of Standby
Enter
Menu
Enter
Enter
Enter
Enter
Enter
U
p
Enter
Enter
Enter
Enter
U
p
/Down
U
p
/Down
Down
U
p
U
p
/Down
U
p
/Down
Down
U
p
/Down

16
STANDBY SUB-MENU
If Enter is pressed whilst in the standby menu, the preamplifier will mute, then fade the display slowly and
turn off power to the vacuum fluorescent display. To bring the preamplifier out of standby, press any
button on the front panel or the Standby button on the remote control.
BALANCE SUB-MENU
Press Enter and you can now use the Down and Up buttons to vary the signal between the right and left
channels. Note that if you depress the Up button the signal to the left channel is reduced as denoted by
the screen message. The opposite applies when using the Down button. Pressing and holding both Down
and Up buttons will return the balance level to centre. Holding either Down or Up will enable fast
scrolling through the balance levels. Use Enter to exit this sub-menu. You can also remove the balance
control circuitry from the signal path by using the Bypass sub-menu explained below.
BYPASS SUB-MENU
To remove the balance control press Enter and use Down or Up to toggle the balance circuitry on or off.
Press Enter once your selection has been made to exit the sub-menu.
DISPLAY SUB-MENU
Press Enter and the display sub-menu will allow you to vary the display brightness to suit the lighting in
your room. Use Down or Up to vary the brightness from 1 to 31 (31 being the brightest). Once a suitable
brightness level has been achieved, press Enter to return to the main display. Note that as with the
balance control you may hold Up or Down to quickly scroll through the brightness levels. Should you
choose a brightness level below 5 and turn off the CD⋅LAD, the preamplifier will power up again at 5 to
ensure you can always restart your preamplifier and change settings should you accidentally set the
brightness too low to read.
CD MODE SUB-MENU
If you wish to change CD input from single ended (RCA) to balanced (XLR) press Enter to access the CD
mode sub-menu, then Down or Up to toggle between the two options. Press Enter once your selection
has been made to exit the sub-menu.
EXIT SUB-MENU
When ‘Exit’ appears on the display, press Enter to return the preamplifier to the main screen from the
settings menu.

17
CD⋅
⋅⋅⋅LAD FEATURES
REMOTE CONTROL
Your Plinius CD⋅LAD preamplifier is supplied with an extruded aluminium 12-button remote control. Use
of this remote is described in the ‘Preamplifier Features – Remote’ section. Two AAA batteries power the
remote, and these are replaced by removing the four button head screws holding the base in position.
Replace the two batteries, taking care to refit the new ones with correct polarity.
FUSE PROTECTION
Two internal fuses are fitted before the power regulation of the preamplifier. If either of these fuses need
to be replaced, do so only with 200 milliamp normal blow fuses.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT FIT A FUSE WITH A HIGHER RATING.
Note that fuse failure may indicate a severe problem. Should the preamplifier continue to demonstrate
internal fuse failure, contact your PLINIUS
PLINIUSPLINIUS
PLINIUS dealer.
MAINS/LINE FUSE
A Mains/Line fuse is fitted within the IEC socket on the rear of the preamplifier. A small drawer at the
bottom of this socket may be removed (after the IEC plug is removed) by levering it out with a flat blade
screwdriver. The fuse fitted should be rated at no greater than 5 amps normal blow.
IMPORTANT: DO NOT FIT A FUSE WITH A HIGHER RATING.
In the unusual event that this fuse should blow, you must first establish the cause of this failure (such as
power surges, damaged mains cable, etc.) before replacing the fuse with one of the same rating and type.
Should the preamplifier continue to demonstrate mains fuse failure, contact your PLINIUS
PLINIUSPLINIUS
PLINIUS dealer.
CHANGING THE MAINS/LINE VOLTAGE CONFIGURATION
Should your mains supply voltage vary to that printed on the back of your Plinius CD⋅LAD, a suitably
qualified service technician may alter it.
The two options are:
110V - 120V
110V - 120V110V - 120V
110V - 120V (USA/Japanese Markets)
220V - 240V
220V - 240V220V - 240V
220V - 240V (European/Pacific Rim Markets)

18
Disconnect the lead from the IEC socket on your Plinius CD⋅LAD and make sure the Mains switch is OFF.
Carefully remove the lid by undoing the 4 posi-drive screws underside. Locate the mains terminal block
with a clear perspex guard to the left rear of the preamplifier. Remove the guard by undoing the M3 nuts.
V
OLTAGE
C
ONFIGURATION
W
IRING
L
ABEL
With reference to the voltage configuration wiring label, attached next to the connector block, remove the
ring terminals on the transformer side of the connector block. Take care to ensure correct orientation of
the wires. Now re-assemble your Plinius CD⋅LAD. If you experience any problems consult your PLINIUS
PLINIUSPLINIUS
PLINIUS
Dealer.
IMPORTANT: DOUBLE CHECK THE WIRE ORIENTATION BEFORE
REFITTING THE PREAMPLIFIER LID.

19
SPECIFICATIONS
F
FF
FREQUENCY
REQUENCYREQUENCY
REQUENCY R
RR
RESPONSE
ESPONSEESPONSE
ESPONSE:
:::20Hz to 20kHz ±0.2dB.
D
DD
DISTORTION
ISTORTIONISTORTION
ISTORTION:Typically <0.05% THD at rated input level.
H
HH
HUM
UMUM
UM & N
& N& N
& NOISE
OISEOISE
OISE:
:::-80dB at rated input level, A Weighted.
I
IIINPUT
NPUTNPUT
NPUT S
SS
SENSITIVITY
ENSITIVITYENSITIVITY
ENSITIVITY F
FF
FOR
OROR
OR R
RR
RATED
ATEDATED
ATED O
OO
OUTPUT
UTPUTUTPUT
UTPUT:
:::125mV RMS unbalanced inputs. 62mV RMS balanced input.
I
IIINPUT
NPUTNPUT
NPUT I
IIIMPEDANCE
MPEDANCEMPEDANCE
MPEDANCE:
::
: 50kΩ.
R
RR
RATED
ATEDATED
ATED O
OO
OUTPUT
UTPUTUTPUT
UTPUT L
LL
LEVEL
EVELEVEL
EVEL:
::
: 500mV RMS into 10kΩor higher.
O
OO
OUTPUT
UTPUTUTPUT
UTPUT S
SS
SOURCE
OURCEOURCE
OURCE I
IIIMPEDANCE
MPEDANCEMPEDANCE
MPEDANCE:
::
: Typically 1kΩ.
H
HH
HEIGHT
EIGHTEIGHT
EIGHT:
::
: 90mm (3 1/2")
W
WW
WIDTH
IDTHIDTH
IDTH:
::
: 450mm (17 3/4")
D
DD
DEPTH
EPTHEPTH
EPTH:
::
: 380mm (15")
W
WW
WEIGHT
EIGHTEIGHT
EIGHT:
::
: 5.5kg (12lbs)

20
INDEX
Balance Control .................................................................................................................... Pages 10,16
Date of Manufacture.......................................................................................................................Page 3
Display LED ...................................................................................................................................Page 6
Front Panel Layout .........................................................................................................................Page 6
Front Panel Buttons ................................................................................................................ Pages 6,14
Fuse Protection............................................................................................................................ Page 17
Ground Lift Switch .........................................................................................................................Page 8
IEC Power Connector .............................................................................................................. Pages 8,11
Input Terminals....................................................................................................................... Pages 7,12
Mains/Line Fuse ..........................................................................................................................Page 17
Mains/Line Voltage ...................................................................................................................... Page 17
Mains Supply Connection ............................................................................................................Page 13
Mains Switch.................................................................................................................................Page 8
Mains Voltage Configuration.........................................................................................................Page 17
Menu Controls ...................................................................................................................... Pages 14,16
Menu Diagram .............................................................................................................................Page 15
Output Terminals..................................................................................................................... Pages 7,12
Phasing .......................................................................................................................................Page 12
Placement .............................................................................................................................. Pages 5,11
Power Supply Fuses..................................................................................................................... Page 17
Rear Panel Layout ..........................................................................................................................Page 7
Remote Control....................................................................................................................... Pages 9,17
Safety Precautions ......................................................................................................................... Page 5
Serial Number................................................................................................................................ Page 3
Settings Storage ..........................................................................................................................Page 14
Standby Function.................................................................................................................. Pages 10,16
Terminations................................................................................................................................Page 12
Vacuum Fluorescent Display ..........................................................................................................Page 6
Ventilation ...................................................................................................................................Page 11
Volume Control......................................................................................................................... Pages 7,9
Warm-Up Period..........................................................................................................................Page 13
XLR Connections .........................................................................................................................Page 16