Rane MS 1B User manual

Data Sheet-1
MS 1b
MICROPHONE STAGE
General Description
e Rane MS 1b Mic Stage preamplifier
provides the answer when you need just
one microphone input in an otherwise
line-level world. Give us a call to go from
either a dynamic, condenser or electret
microphone to a line-level input with a
minimum of noise, distortion, cost and
hassle.
e MS 1b provides 48 V switchable
Phantom Power with indicator LED,
continuous rotary Gain trim between 18
dB and 66 dB, Signal/Overload LED, and
XLR balanced Input & Output connec-
tors. A Polarity switch and high-current
cross-coupled output line driver round out
the features.
e MS 1b utilizes one of the finest
ultra low noise amplifier designs available.
Featuring a true differential input with
high common-mode rejection, use of the
MS 1b guarantees performance usually
found only in mixing consoles costing
thousands of times as much. Of course,
for all of that extra money you receive a
proportional increase in KPSI (knobs per
square inch).
Features
• 120 dB dynamic range
• Gain Control
• Signal / Overload Indicator
• Polarity Switch
• Switchable 48 V Phantom Power
• True dierential Input
• Cross-coupled line driver
• UL/CSA/CE and 100/120/230 VAC remote power supply
DATA SHEET / MANUAL
4.225"
0.15"
2.5"
5.1"
5.8"
.7"
0.775"
0.35"
1.636"
MIC
STAGE
MAXMIN
2
4
8
6
MS 1b
GAIN SIG/OL 48V PHANTOM
ON
POWER
MIC INLINE OUT CLASS 2 EQUIPMENT
NORMAL
POLARITY
INVERT
MADE IN U.S.A.
RANE CORP.
ACN 001 345 482
220mA
POWER
MS 1b

Data Sheet-2
MS 1b
MICROPHONE STAGE
Features and Specifications
Parameter Specication Limit Units Conditions/Comments
Input Impedance 10k 1% Ω Balanced 5k + 5k
Gain Range 18 to 66 typ. dB
Phantom Power +48 4% V 10 mA max.
..........Impedance 6.81k 1% Ω Each leg
..........Load Regulation 0.1 typ. % 0 to 14 mA
..........RMS CM Noise .003 typ. % % of Vout (10 Hz to 10 kHz)
Max. Input Level +10 / -32 min. dBu Gain 18 / 60, balanced output
Equivalent Input Noise -128 typ. dBu 20 kHz BW, Rs=150 Ω, Gain = 60 dB
Signal to Noise Ratio 96 typ. dB 20 kHz BW, Rs=150 Ω, Gain = 18 dB, re 4 dBu
Dynamic Range 120 / 95 typ. dB Gain 18 / 66
CMRR 80 typ. dB Rs=150 Ω, 120 Hz, Gain = 60 dB
Frequency Response
..........Gain 60 dB 45 to 200k typ. Hz +0, -3dB
..........Gain 18 dB 30 to 200k typ. Hz +0, -3db
THD+Noise (gain 60 dB) .007 (Output=+20 dBu) typ. % 55 Hz to 20 kHz, 20 kHz BW, Rl=10 kΩ
THD+Noise (gain 18 dB) .001 (Output=+20 dBu) typ. % 50 Hz to 20 kHz, 20 kHz BW, Rl=10 kΩ
Line Driver Active Cross-coupled Gain 5.2 / 6 dB typ. unbalanced / balanced
Max. Output Level +22 / +27 min. dBu Unbalanced / Balanced, 2 kΩ load
Output Impedance 50 1% Ω Each Leg
Signal Indicator 2 / 8 typ. dBu Unbalanced / Balanced output, Green LED
Overload Indicator 14 / 20 typ. dBu Unbalanced / Balanced output, Amber LED
Output Cable Length 1000 feet / 300 meters typ. Belden 8451 or equivalent
Unit: Agency Listing
..........120 VAC model Class 2 Equipment National Electrical Code
UL & CSA Exempt Class 2 equipment
..........230 VAC model CE-EMC EMC directive 89/336/EEC
CE-Safety Exempt per Art. 1, LVD 73/23/EEC
Power Supply: Agency Listing Class 2 Equipment
..........120 VAC model UL File no. E88261
CSA File no. LR58948
..........230 VAC model CE-EMC EMC directive 89/336/EEC
CE-Safety LV directive 73/23/EEC
..........100 VAC model Built to JIS Japan only
Power Supply Input 18 VAC w/center tap 10% Vrms Rane RS 1 supplied
Max Current Consumption 220 mA
Unit Size 1.65"H x 5.1"W x 4.25"D (4.2 cm x 13 cm x 10.8 cm)
..........Weight 1 lb (0.45 kg)
Shipping Size 3.6"H x 11.75"W x 7.2"D (9.5 cm x 30 cm x 18 cm)
..........Weight 4 lb (1.8 kg)

Data Sheet-3
MS 1b
MICROPHONE STAGE
Block Diagram
Application Information
Uses and applications for the MS 1b should be obvious. But then
again, it’s obvious to us our taxes are too high and nothing is be-
ing done about that. With this in mind, perhaps a few words on
using the MS 1b might not be wasted.
BALANCED USE
e MS 1b provides a true cross-coupled balanced output. is
is equivalent to an electronic simulation of a transformer output.
Rane follows the AES standard of pin 2 = hot.
When running a long cable back to the mixer, run a line-
level balanced line rather than a mic-level line. e compact MS
1b can mount closer to the microphone, provide a local volume
control (or not, just pull the knob off), while the stronger signal
minimizes RF and hum irritations.
UNBALANCED USE
Balanced use is recommended to minimize noise. Unbalanced
lines are usually quiet under 10 feet (3 meters), but longer runs
will introduce the hum and interference you are trying to avoid.
When you must drive an unbalanced device with the MS 1b's
balanced output, keep the cable short, and connect pin 2 to the
“+” or “hot” lead, and tie pin 3 and ground together at the shield.
MIXING
e MS 1b is designed to fill the need for adding a microphone
channel to line-level mixers, such as the Rane SM 26B or SM 82.
Many installations using either of these products invariably wind
up with one unused input that would do the job perfectly if only
it could operate at mic-level. In rides the MS 1b to the rescue.
DIGITAL RECORDING AND SAMPLING
Another handy use for the MS 1b is in recording applications.
Many popular products do not have a high enough quality mic
preamp to suit the resolution of the digital processing electron-
ics. Such irony. Using the ultra low noise MS 1b to bring the
mic inputs up to extremely high quality line-level is an easy and
affordable solution for this dilemma. No garbage in; no garbage
out. Clippity-clop; clippity-clop.
MICROPHONE TYPES
e available gain and large input range of the MS 1b allows
the use of virtually any type of microphone. True 48V phantom
power guarantees the MS 1b works with every microphone. e
better the mic, the better the MS 1b sounds.
Ah, the sound of the thundering hoofs is deafening.
SIGNAL / OVERLOAD
MIC
INPUT
PHANTOM
POWER
+48 V
12-60 dB
GAIN
LEVEL
LINE
FILTER
RFI OUT
INVERT
+6 dB
1
3
2
1
3
2

Data Sheet-4
MS 1b
MICROPHONE STAGE
All features & specifications subject to change without notice. DOC 104514
©Rane Corporation 10802 47th Ave. W., Mukilteo WA 98275-5098 USA TEL [phone] FAX [phone] WEB www.rane.com
Chassis Grounding Note
Units with outboard power supplies do not ground the chassis
through the line cord. Make sure that these units are grounded
either to another chassis which is earth grounded, or directly to
the grounding screw on an AC outlet cover by means of a wire
connected to a screw on the chassis with a star washer to guaran-
tee proper contact.
Please refer to RaneNote, “Sound System Interconnection”
(supplied with your manual and available at www.rane.com) for
further information on system grounding.
Architectural Specifications
e microphone preamplifier shall be a single channel stand-
alone unit with remote power supply. e power supply shall be
U.L. listed, C.S.A. certified, and CE certified. e input and
output shall be fitted with XLR connectors. A polarity invert-
ing switch shall be included. Phantom power shall be provided
in compliance with IEC 60268-15 and be controlled by a slide
switch with an LED indicator. A gain control shall be provided
with 18-66 dB adjustment range. Power, system signal and
overload indicators shall be provided. High current cross-coupled
active output line driver shall be standard, as well as input RFI
filter protection.
e unit shall be a Rane MS 1b Microphone Stage.