Radial Engineering Workhorse Cube 500 Series User manual

www.radialeng.com
®
True to the Music
®
User Guide
Workhorse™
Cube™
500 Series Power Rack
www.radialeng.com
Radial Engineering Ltd.
1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam
British Columbia, Canada, V3C 5M5
tel: [phone] • fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]

!
IMPORTANT SAFETY & USER NOTICE - FOR PROFESSIONAL USE
The Radial Workhorse Cube is specically designed for use by
qualied professional audio engineers. The open frame design is not
intended for use by consumers or those unfamiliar with this format.
Even though the current and voltage levels are relatively low, we
recommend that all slots be lled with a module or covers be placed
over unlled slots. This will help protect you from electrical shock.
The Cube™ rack frame is designed to be used with 500 series or what
are commonly known as Lunchbox™ modules. The Workhorse has
been designed following the framework as outlined by the VPR Alliance
as described on the API™ website. Although some manufacturers build
modules that are not VPR compliant, they may in fact work with the Cube.
Please consult those specic manufacturers for details regarding their
compatibility. The Radial Workhorse Open Source Document outlines the
required technical specications for manufacturers that intend to have
their modules used in a Workhorse or Cube frame. Compatibility of any
modules other than a module made by Radial Engineering Ltd. is the sole
responsibility of the user. Please read the Limited Radial Warranty for
details. There are no replacement or user serviceable parts inside.
!
SAFETY NOTICE - NO HOT SwAPPINg OF MOdULES
Hot Swapping, or exchanging modules while the power is on is not covered
under the Radial Limited Warranty. The user is responsible for any damage to
the Workhorse Cube or module arising out of hot swapping and the user shall
save Radial Engineering Ltd. harmless should any damage occur. Please
consult the Radial Limited Warranty for further details.

Radial Workhorse Cube
500 Series Power Rack
™™
®
Table of Contents Page
Feature set overview ........................................................................................................ 1
Introduction & basic functions........................................................................................... 3
Omniport........................................................................................................................... 5
Power supply capacity...................................................................................................... 6
Installing the Cube ........................................................................................................... 7
Signal ow and levels ...................................................................................................... 8
Using the Cube............................................................................................................ 9-10
Radial Limited Warranty ...................................................................................Back Cover
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the Radial Workhorse Cube, an innovative
three module card frame designed to bring the excitement of the 500 series modular format to
the desktop. This manual describes how to approach using The Cube, how to install modules
and mount it in your desk top. We recommend that you take a few minutes to read through it
in order to familiarize yourself with the many innovative features that are built in.
To make the manual as easy to understand as possible, we have divided it into several sec-
tions. It begins with an overview, then descriptions of each function, ending with some real
world applications. Should you have any questions, comments or concerns not covered in
these pages, we invite you to log onto the Radial web site at www.radialeng.com and visit the
Cube FAQ section. This is where we post the latest updates and answers from users. If you
do not nd what you need, feel free to send us an email at [email protected] and we will
do our best to answer your question as quickly as possible.
Now get ready to bring the fun & excitement of old school analog into your signal path.

Radial Engineering Ltd. e Cube™ Power Rack
True to the Music
®
1. THREE CARD SLOTS: Both single and double wide 500 series modules will t in the
Workhorse Cube.
2. CARD SLOT BACK PLANE: Modules can draw as much current as they need from a
shared pool of 500mA through the card slot connector.
3. DC FILTER CAPS: On-board DC ltering provides additional power conditioning.
4. POWER SWITCH WITH LED: Used to turn the Cube on or off and provides visual
power status for the +/- 16 volt module rails.
5. STEEL CASE: The Cube’s chassis is made from heavy 14 gauge steel to provide extra
shielding against stray magnetic elds and RF.
FRONT PANEL FEATURE SET
1
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e Cube™ Power Rack
True to the Music
®
Radial Engineering Ltd.
REAR PANEL FEATURE SET
6. 48 VOLT : On/off switch for phantom power. LED indicator will illuminate when active.
7. EXTERNAL POWER: High current external switching supply delivers 500mA to the
card slots.
8. FEED FUNCTION: Lets you connect one module into the next to set up elaborate
channel strips without having to hard patch modules using cables.
9. STEREO LINK: Makes it easy to pair up modules equipped with a stereo link function
in a standard master-slave conguration.
10. OMNIPORT™: ¼” TRS connectors add functionality to enhance each module’s
capability as set by the manufacturer.
11. BALANCED I/O: Follows original XLR I/O format and adds parallel ¼” TRS jacks for
added connectivity and cross-patching.
12. REMOVABLE HANDLE: Makes transporting the Cube more convenient around the
studio. Can be removed for stacking or recessing into desktop.
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Radial Engineering Ltd. e Cube™ Power Rack
True to the Music
®
INTRODUCTION
The Cube is a three card-slot power frame designed for 500 series modules. Up to three
modules may be used at any one time. The Cube routes the modules to the XLR and ¼” TRS
connectors on the rear panel via a 15-pin card-edge receptacle. Radial modules and those
that have been designed by other manufacturers to take advantage of the Workhorse’s extra
features will enjoy the added functionality of the Omniport™.
CARD-SLOT 2CARD-SLOT 3 CARD-SLOT 1
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
OUTPUT-1OMNIPORTOMNIPORTOMNIPORT OUTPUT-2OUTPUT-3
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
INPUT-1
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
INPUT-2
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
INPUT-3
SIGNAL FLOW
This ow chart shows the basic signal routing. The signal comes into the Cube via the rear
panel XLR female or ¼” TRS inputs. Once the signal goes into a module it is processed and
sent to the male XLR and parallel ¼” TRS output. From here the signal can be routed to the
next adjacent module via the FEED switch connection as described in the next section.
CARD SLOT I/O CONNECTIONS
Each of the Cube card slots is equipped with XLR and ¼” TRS inputs and outputs. The input
sensitivity will be dependant on the type of module being used. For instance if you are using
a microphone preamplier, the input will of course be suited for a low level microphone. If
you are using a dynamic processor like a limiter or an EQ, then the input will usually be set
to handle a professional +4dB balanced line-level signal.
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
Following 500 series convention, the XLR and TRS outputs usually produce a +4dB balanced
line level signal that is able to feed a professional recording system or line level mixing
console. Put simply, the input level is determined by the type of module being used while the
output level will typically be a balanced +4dB line level signal. If you use ¼” mono cables
you will unbalance the signal. This will reduce the level by about -6dB but everything will still
remain completely functional. Simply adjust the levels to compensate.
3

e Cube™ Power Rack
True to the Music
®
Radial Engineering Ltd.
FEED SWITCH
As you delve further into the functionality of the 500 series, you will nd that the modular
format allows all kinds of connectivity options. With older 500 series racks, connections
between modules were done using an XLR cable whereby the output from one module would
plug into the input of another. The Cube simplies the process by introducing a FEED switch
on the rear panel. This connects the balanced output of one module to the adjacent module
to the immediate left when viewing the rear panel.
CARD-SLOT 2CARD-SLOT 3 CARD-SLOT 1
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
OUTPUT-1OUTPUT-2
SIGNAL
FLOW
SIGNAL
FLOW
SIGNAL
FLOW
SIGNAL
FLOW
OUTPUT-3
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
INPUT-1
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
INPUT-2
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
INPUT-3
FEEDFEED
The FEED switch allows you to daisy chain a series of adjacent modules making it easy
to create a customized channel strip whereby a mic preamp feeds an EQ which in turn
could feed a compressor. Changing the order is simply a matter of relocating the modules or
patching using an XLR cable. The UP position turns the FEED connection on.
The ¼” TRS connectors are also great for cross-patching between modules. Think of it like
a patchbay. Simply take the output from one, feed it into another and then jump back. This
opens many creative options and loads more fun.
STEREO LINK SWITCH
Card-slots one and two are equipped with a LINK switch. The LINK function allows modules
that are ‘stereo ready’ to be linked together. A typical example would be using two limiters on
a stereo track where you want the dynamics to be the same for both channels.
4
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
STEREO PAIR
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
STEREO PAIR
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
12
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORT
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT
LINK
OFF
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
3
INPUT
CARD SLOT 3
OMNIPORT
OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT
CARD-SLOTS 1 & 2 LINKED FOR
STEREO OPERATION
CARD-SLOTS 2 & 3 LINKED FOR
STEREO OPERATION

Radial Engineering Ltd. e Cube™ Power Rack
True to the Music
®
OMNIPORT
Omniport™ is a special ¼” TRS jack located on the rear panel that has been left ‘open’
to allow the module to perform a unique task. In other words, depending on the type of
module, the manufacturer can assign the Omniport to perform a function that may be most
appropriate. This could be a key input on a gate, a TRS insert or maybe a buffered output.
As the Omniport function is determined by the module, you will need to consult the module
manufacturer’s specication for details on how it was designed to be used.
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
123
INPUT
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 3 CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORTOMNIPORT
OFF
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
123
INPUT
LINK
INPUT
FEED
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1CARD SLOT 3 CARD SLOT 2
OMNIPORTOMNIPORT
OFF
OFF
OUTPUT OUTPUT OUTPUT
OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT OUTPUT INPUT
OUTPUT
Radial Modules Omniport Assignment:
Module Omniport function
PowerPre: ..............Instrument input
JDV-Pre:.................Line level output (low-Z out for live touring)
X-Amp: ...................Instrument input
PhazeQ: .................Balanced direct out (original dry signal out)
JDX: .......................Direct box output (low-Z out for live touring)
EXTC:.....................Send & receive insert for patch bay
Komit:.....................Compressor key (side chain) input
Shuttle:...................Extra insert loop
Q3: .........................TRS send & receive connection
Tank Driver:............Second (alternate) spring reverb
PowerTube:............Instrument input
5

e Cube™ Power Rack
True to the Music
®
Radial Engineering Ltd.
POWER SUPPLY
The Cube employs an external power supply that will automatically convert the various
voltages used around the world and regulate them before sending the power to the Cube.
A standard male IEC/EIN power input connector makes it easy to travel as you need only
change the cable to suit the local power connector type. The connection between the power
supply is a 4-pin locking XLR.
As soon as you connect the Cube, a rear panel LED will illuminate to let you know the power
supply is active. A front-panel power switch and LED indicator will illuminate when turned
on. An additional rear panel LED indicator monitors the 48V phantom power supply when it
is switched on. Turning phantom power on or off is global and applied to all card slots. For
modules such as dynamic processors or EQs that do not use phantom power the module
simply ignores the phantom power as if it were not there.
POWER SHARING
The Cube’s power supply produces 500 milliamps (mA) of current that is shared between the
card slots. So for instance, if you have a power-hungry tube preamp in slot 1 that requires
250 milliamps of current, you still have 250 milliamps of current left to power the other two
card slots. Considering most 500 series modules use between 40 and 130 milliamps of
current, it is unlikely you will ever exceed the Cube’s available power.
Example A:
Slot-1 Radial PowerTube tube preamp Draw: 235mA
Slot-2 Radial Q3 induction coil EQ Draw: 25mA
Slot-3 Radial Komit compressor Draw: 130mA
Total Current Draw: 390mA (110mA to spare!)
Example B:
Slot-1 Radial PowerPre preamp Draw: 130mA
Slot-2 Radial Q3 induction coil EQ Draw: 25mA
Slot-3 Radial Komit compressor Draw: 130mA
Total Current Draw: 295mA (205mA to spare!)
Note: The original API™ spec calls for an average of 130mA for each slot. The Cube exceeds
this with a total of 500mA or 166mA when current draw is divided equally between the three
card slots.
6

Radial Engineering Ltd. e Cube™ Power Rack
True to the Music
®
SETTING UP THE CUBE
For desktop use, four rubber feet are included in the packaging. To install the rubber feet, turn
the Cube upside down and insert into the four open holes on the bottom.
The Cube also comes with a convenient carry handle that makes it easier to move the Cube
around the studio. You will nd three Phillips screws in the package with the handle for
mounting. Leave the handle off if you want to stack stuff on top.
7
INSTALLING MODULES IN THE CUBE
When making any electrical connection, it is always safer to do so with the power disconnected.
The Cube’s internal power circuit is equipped with protective measures intended to provide a
margin of safety should a module exchange be performed with the power on. However, the
Cube is not designed to allow repeated insertion and removal of modules while the power
supply is active. Always power off the Cube before exchanging modules.