Radial Engineering Cherry Picker User manual

TruetotheMusic
www.radialeng.com
®
TruetotheMusic
®
User Guide
www.radialeng.com
Radial Engineering Ltd.
1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam
British Columbia, Canada, V3C 5M5
tel: [phone] • fax: [phone]
email: [email protected]
Cherry Picker
MIC/LINE SWITCHER
™

Radial®CherryPicker™Mic/LineSwitcher®
Table of Contents......................................................Page
Feature Set ................................................................... 1
Overview........................................................................ 2
Making Connections....................................................... 3
Using the Cherry Picker................................................. 4
Specifications................................................................. 5
Block Diagram................................................................ 5
Warranty............................................................Back cover
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INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Radial Cherry Picker. You will find that it will help improve
the efficiency and work flow in your studio by speeding the preamp selection process,
comparing compressors and introducing innovative patching options that spur on creative
new opportunities.
Although the Cherry Picker is ‘plug & play’ easy to use please take a few minutes to read
through this manual. Inside, you will find details on how the signal flows and maybe a few
ideas to get your creative juices flowing. If by chance you do not find everything you need,
please visit the Cherry Picker web site’s FAQ page. This is where we post the latest updates
and answers to questions from users like you. If after viewing the page you still do not find
the answers you need, feel free to send an email to [email protected] and we will do our
very best to reply in short order.
Now get ready to maximize your signal path like never before!

Radial Engineering Ltd. Cherry Picker™
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1
1. 48V: Phantom power switch is
recessed to prevent accidental turn-on
which could damage more sensitive
equipment. An LED illuminates when
phantom power is active.
2. MUTE: Use to turn off all four outputs
so that you can change the mic or DI
without noise. Saves having to change
your preamp or mixer settings when re-
configuring.
3. OUTPUT SELECTORS 1~4: ‘Radio’
style switches automatically turn
the current output off when another
selector switch is depressed. Helps to
streamline the comparison process.
An LED indicator displays the active
output.
4. LIFT 1~4: Disconnects the ground at
the XLR output (pin-1) to help eliminate
hum and buzz caused by ground loops.
5. BOOK- END DESIGN: Creates a
protected zone to prevent damage to
FEATURE SET
the front panel controls.
6. 14 GAUGE STEEL: Heavy-duty
construction eliminates stress on the
PCB and provides excellent shielding
against magnetic fields and RF which
could otherwise introduce noise.
7. CABLE CLAMP: A handy cable
clamp prevents accidental power
disconnection.
8. POWER ADAPTER: Connection for
the included 15VDC Radial power
supply.
9. OUTS 1~4: Four fully insulated XLR-M
outputs are used to connect to your
various preamps or audio destinations.
10.INPUT: Balanced mic/line input is used
to connect microphones, direct boxes
or other audio devices to the Cherry
Picker.
10
1 32 4 5
7 8 9
6

Radial Engineering Ltd. Cherry Picker™
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2
OVERVIEW
The Cherry Picker is a device that enables you to connect your favourite microphone to as
many as four preamps and compare the sound between them. This is most often done when
comparing mic preamps for a vocalist. You will often find that while one preamp may sound
great on a male vocal, it may sound harsh on a female. The Cherry Picker lets you quickly
compare preamps without having to mute, patch cables or reset levels. The immediate
transition between preamps keeps the sound fresh in your mind, making it much easier and
faster to make a decision. Having the artist involved during the selection process gives them
a sense of comfort which ultimately results in a better, more relaxed performance.
CONNECTIONS
The Cherry Picker is easy to set up. Begin by pushing in the MUTE switch. This will block any
noise from reaching your monitors while making connections. Connect your microphone to
the balanced input on the Cherry Picker and then connect the four outputs to your favourite
preamps. Make sure the phantom power on the four preamps is turned off. Connect the
outputs of the preamps directly to the inputs of your DAW, digital audio converters or
recording system to maintain the purity of the preamp’s signal.
TheCherryPickergeneratesitsown48Vphantominternallytopowercondensermicrophones
and active direct boxes. Therefore you must ensure that the phantom power function is
turned off on the preamps as this will interfere with the functionality and likely cause switching
noise. Turning on the 48V phantom power is done by pushing in the recessed 48V switch.An
LED illuminates when phantom power is active. The switch is recessed to prevent accidental
turn-on while the Cherry Picker is in use, which could send a loud transient ‘pop’ to your
studio monitors or damage vintage ribbon mics.
MIC PREAMP 4
MIC PREAMP 3
MIC PREAMP 2
MIC PREAMP 1
While most of today’s modern ribbon microphones and audio devices are not affected by
phantom power it’s a good idea to only turn phantom power on when using a microphone
or DI that requires it, otherwise the phantom power should be turned off. Also turn off the
phantom power feature on your mic preamps. For best results the Cherry Picker should be
the only source of phantom power.

Radial Engineering Ltd. Cherry Picker™
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3
TESTING THE AUDIO
Once you have made connections and determined the proper phantom power setting for
your source you are set to turn up the level on your audio system and begin testing. Always
test at a low level as this reduces risk of equipment damage and feedback.
Start with testing output-1 by depressing the OUT-1 switch on the front panel. This will
automatically shut off the previously selected output, thus ensuring only one mic preamp
is on at any time. The LED indicator displays the active output. Turn it up and listen to the
preamp. If all is well, switch to output-2 and adjust the level so that both preamps play at the
same relative loudness. Repeat for outputs 3 and 4.
If you hear any hum or buzz try depressing the ground LIFT switch. This disconnects the
signal ground (pin-1) at the male XLR on each of the four outputs. This often helps eliminate
the noise caused by ground loops. If you hear excessive clicking or popping when you switch
between preamps, check to make sure that you have turned off the phantom power on all
your preamps. Note that there will always be a bit of clicking noise when switching audio.
This is normal.
USING THE CHERRY PICKER
Once the signal is tested and flowing, increase the output levels so that you are at
a comfortable listening volume. You should then re-test to make sure the levels of each
preamp play at the same relative loudness. This is important as humans are easily fooled into
believing that the louder channel sounds better. This will result in a more honest conclusion.
PREAMP 1
+0dB GAIN
+0dB GAIN
+0dB GAIN
+0dB GAIN
+0dB GAIN
PREAMP 2
+15dB GAIN
PREAMP 3
+12dB GAIN
PREAMP 4
+10dB GAIN
If after auditioning you are not ‘convinced’ of your mic selection, simply depress the front
panel MUTE switch and try another microphone. The mute function will turn off the signal
going to the outputs allowing you to switch mics without having to reset the relative volumes
between your preamps.
Getting the artist to participate
Itisverybeneficialtohavetheartistparticipateinthemicandpreampselectionprocess.Doing
this enables them to ‘hear’ what they expect and ultimately makes them more comfortable in
your studio. When the artist is relaxed, you can usually coax a better performance out of him
or her which ultimately means a better recording.

Radial Engineering Ltd. Cherry Picker™
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®
4
USING THE CHERRY PICKER FOR LINE LEVEL DEVICES
The Cherry Picker is basically a straight-wire audio router that uses sealed gold contact
relays to switch the signal. These relays do not impart any personality or noise, nor are they
limited to the signal levels normally associated with audio electronics. This means that the
Cherry Picker can also be used to process higher output line-level analog signals without fear
of distortion or coloration.
COMPRESSOR
COMPRESSOR
COMPRESSOR
COMPRESSOR MIC
PREAMP
DAW
MIC
MIC
In the studio, you could use the Cherry Picker to compare the sound of various compressors
or use it to route balanced signals to various effects. In commercial installations, it could be
used to send a mic signal to an alternate console or zone. This of course opens the door to
using the Cherry Picker in all types of applications.
ZONE 1
MIC PREAMP 1
ZONE 2
ZONE 3
COMPRESSOR
COMPRESSOR
COMPRESSOR
For even more fun, get a Radial Gold Digger! This lets you compare up to four mic or direct
boxes to find the best one for a given recording.
1234
MIC PREAMP 3
MIC PREAMP 4
MIC PREAMP 2
MIC PREAMP 1

Radial Engineering Ltd. Cherry Picker™
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5
RADIAL CHERRY PICKER BLOCK DIAGRAM
RADIAL CHERRY PICKER SPECIFICATIONS
GND
LIFT
MUTE
OUT
1
1
2
3
4
GND
LIFT
OUT
2
GND
LIFT
OUT
3
GND
LIFT
OUT
4
SWITCH
LOGIC
RELAY
CONTROL
+48VDC
INPUT
The switch logic allows one output to be selected at a time. Output 1 is automatically selected when power is connected.
Circuit Type.............................. Passive signal path with active relay switching
Frequency Response .............. DC to 80MHz +/- 0.05dB
Dynamic range ........................ >-115dBu (above ability to measure)
Equivalent Input Noise............. <<-115dBu (below measurement threshold)
CMRR...................................... -97db @ 55Hz
Input Impedance...................... 10k Ohms in parallel with load impedance
Output Impedance................... Same as source impedance + 200Ohms
S/N Ratio................................. <<-115dB (below measurement threshold)
XLR Configuration................... Follows AES spec: pin-1 ground, pin-2 hot (+), pin-3 cold (-)
Power requirement.................. 15VDC / 400mA (Radial adapter supplied)
Size (W x H x D)...................... 5.8” x 1.88” x 4.5” (148mm x 48mm x 115mm)
Weight ..................................... 2.1 lbs. (0.96 kg)
Warranty.................................. 3 years, transferable limited warranty

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THREE YEAR TRANSFERABLE LIMITED WARRANTY
RADIALENGINEERINGLTD.(“Radial”)warrantsthis product to be freefrom defects inmaterial and
workmanshipandwillremedyanysuchdefectsfreeofchargeaccordingtothetermsofthiswarranty.
Radialwillrepairorreplace(atitsoption)anydefectivecomponent(s)ofthisproduct(excludingfinish
and wear and tear on components under normal use) for a period of three (3) years from the original
date of purchase. In the event that a particular product is no longer available, Radial reserves the
right to replace the product with a similar product of equal or greater value. In the unlikely event that
a defect is uncovered, please call 604-942-1001 or email [email protected] to obtain an RA
number(ReturnAuthorizationnumber)beforethe3yearwarrantyperiodexpires.Theproductmustbe
returnedprepaidintheoriginalshippingcontainer(orequivalent)toRadialortoan authorizedRadial
repaircenterandyoumustassumetheriskofloss or damage.Acopyoftheoriginalinvoiceshowing
dateof purchaseandthe dealernamemust accompanyanyrequest forworkto beperformed under
thislimitedandtransferable warranty.Thiswarrantyshall not apply ifthe product has beendamaged
due to abuse, misuse, misapplication, accident or as a result of service or modification by any other
than an authorized Radial repair center.
THERE ARE NO EXPRESSED WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THOSE ON THE FACE HEREOF
ANDDESCRIBEDABOVE.NOWARRANTIESWHETHEREXPRESSEDORIMPLIED,INCLUDING
BUT NOTLIMITED TO,ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR
A PARTICULAR PURPOSE SHALL EXTEND BEYOND THE RESPECTIVE WARRANTY PERIOD
DESCRIBED ABOVE OF THREE YEARS. RADIAL SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR LIABLE
FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR LOSS ARISING FROM
THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND
YOUMAYALSO HAVE OTHERRIGHTS,WHICH MAYVARYDEPENDING ONWHERE YOU LIVE
AND WHERE THE PRODUCTWAS PURCHASED.
Copyright 2012 Radial Engineering Ltd.All rights reserved.
Specifications and appearances subject to change without notice.
Radial®Cherry Picker™User Guide • rev1.0 • Part #: R870 1231 00
Radial Engineering Ltd.
1588 Kebet Way, Port Coquitlam, British Columbia, V3C 5M5
tel: [phone] • fax: [phone] • email: [email protected]