Rupert Neve Designs 545 User manual

545
Primary Source Enhancer
Operations Manual
Serial Number:

1. Read these instructions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the
manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type
plug. A polarized plug has two blades with one wider than the other.
A grounding-type plug has two blades and a third grounding prong.
The wide blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If the
provided plug does not fit into your outlet, consult an electrician for
replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the manufacturer.
12. Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or
table specified by the manufacturer, or sold with
the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution
when moving the cart/apparatus combination to
avoid injury from tip-over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for long periods of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel. Servicing is required
when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-
supply cord or plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or
moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
15. This apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing, and no
object filled with liquids, such as vases or beer glasses, shall be placed
on the apparatus.
16. Do not overload wall outlets and extension cords as this can result in a
risk of fire or electric shock.
17. This apparatus has been designed with Class-I construction and must
be connected to a mains socket outlet with a protective earthing
connection (the third grounding prong).
18. This apparatus has been equipped with a rocker-style AC mains power
switch. This switch is located on the rear panel and should remain
readily accessible to the user.
19. The MAINS plug or an appliance coupler is used as the disconnect
device, so the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.
20. NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the
limits for a Class B digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules.
These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against
harmful interference in a residential installation. This equipment
generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not
installed and used in accordance with the instructions, may cause
harmful interference to radio communications. However, there is no
guarantee that interference will not occur in a particular installation.
If this equipment does cause harmful interference to radio or television
reception, which can be determined by turning the equipment o and
on, the user is encouraged to try to correct the interference by one or
more of the following measures:
• Reorient or relocate the receiving antenna.
• Increase the separation between the equipment and the
receiver.
• Connect the equipment into an outlet on a circuit different from
that to which the receiver is connected.
• Consult the dealer or an experienced radio/TV technician for
help.
CAUTION: Changes or modifications to this device not expressly
approved by Rupert Neve Designs LLC, could void the user's authority to
operate the equipment under FCC rules.
21. This apparatus does not exceed the Class A/Class B (whichever is
applicable) limits for radio noise emissions from digital apparatus as
set out in the radio interference regulations of the Canadian Department
of Communications.
ATTENTION — Le présent appareil numérique n’émet pas de bruits
radioélectriques dépassant las limites applicables aux appareils
numériques de class A/de class B (selon le cas) prescrites dans le
réglement sur le brouillage radioélectrique édicté par les ministere des
communications du Canada.
22. Exposure to extremely high noise levels may cause permanent hearing
loss. Individuals vary considerably in susceptibility to noise-induced
hearing loss, but nearly everyone will lose some hearing if exposed to
sufficiently intense noise for a period of time. The U.S. Government’s
Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) has specified
the permissible noise level exposures shown in the following chart.
According to OSHA, any exposure in excess of these permissible limits
could result in some hearing loss. To ensure against potentially
dangerous exposure to high sound pressure levels, it is recommended
that all persons exposed to equipment capable of producing high
sound pressure levels use hearing protectors while the equipment
is in operation. Ear plugs or protectors in the ear canals or over the
ears must be worn when operating the equipment in order to prevent
permanent hearing loss if exposure is in excess of the limits set forth
here:
Important Safety Instructions
CAUTION AVIS
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE. NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)
NO USER-SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL
ATTENTION: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE, NE PAS ENLEVER LE COUVERCLE.
AUCUN ENTRETIEN DE PIECES INTERIEURES PAR L'USAGER.
CONFIER L'ENTRETIEN AU PERSONNEL QUALIFIE.
AVIS: POUR EVITER LES RISQUES D'INCENDIE OU D'ELECTROCUTION, N'EXPOSEZ PAS CET ARTICLE
A LA PLUIE OU A L'HUMIDITE
The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous
voltage" within the product's enclosure, that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
Le symbole éclair avec point de flèche à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral
est utilisé pour alerter l'utilisateur de la présence à l'intérieur du coffret de
"voltage dangereux" non isolé d'ampleur suffisante pour constituer un risque
d'éléctrocution.
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the
user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.
Le point d'exclamation à l'intérieur d'un triangle équilatéral est employé
pour alerter les utilisateurs de la présence d'instructions importantes pour le
fonctionnement et l'entretien (service) dans le livret d'instruction
accompagnant l'appareil. WARNING — To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
Duration,
per day in
hours
Sound Level
dBA, Slow
Response
Typical Example
8 90 Duo in small club
6 92
4 95 Subway Train
3 97
2 100 Typical music via head phones
1.5 102
1 105 Siren at 10 m distance
0.5 110
0.25 or less 115 Loudest parts at a rock concert
PORTABLE CART
WARNING

545 Primary Source Enhancer
Thank you for your purchase of the 545 Primary Source Enhancer. We hope that you
enjoy using this tool as much as we have enjoyed designing and building it. Please read
through the entire manual before attempting to set up or operate your 545 Primary
Source Enhancer.
Design Notes
The 545 Primary Source Enhancer is a 500-series format module that is designed to
reduce ringing feedback, eectively providing the live sound engineer with more room
to raise the level of a microphone on stage before feedback occurs. The controls are
easy to use and understand, generally requiring minimum adjustment once properly
set.
The 545 shares some similarities with conventional noise gates, including threshold
and depth (range) control. However, the 545 sets itself apart from more traditional
gates with it’s control over the dynamic envelope, resulting in a less audible transition
between periods of attenuation.
The 545 is designed to accept line level signals such as the output of a microphone
preamplier, or the insert send from a console. The 545 output is also line level, which
typically feeds the line input or insert return of a console. The 545 can easily interface
between balanced and unbalanced inputs and outputs due to the 545’s transformer-
coupled input and output.
Operation
Once the 545 has been properly connected and powered on, operation is quite simple:
Start with ALL push-buttons in the OUT position (ENGAGE, FAST, PEAK). TheTHRESHOLD
pot should be at the -18dB position (fully CCW), and the DEPTH pot should be at the 0dB
position (fully CCW).
Have the artist talk or sing into the microphone and press the ENGAGE push-button. If
the 545 is connected properly, there should be no initial change in level. As the artist
continues to talk or sing, adjust the THRESHOLD pot so that the green ACTIVE LED glows
solidly when they are singing, and extinguishes when they stop. Once the 545’s ACTIVE
LED is responding in this manner, slowly rotate the DEPTH pot to the -10dB position for
a good starting point.
If the PA system was previously on the edge of feedback, the procedure detailed above
should have helped to decrease ringing. If the PA system volume was set at a lower,
“safe level” below the threshold of feedback, try increasing the volume of the Primary
Source Enhanced channel. If feedback occurs, try adjusting the DEPTH pot.
Although the 545 will not entirely eliminate the chance of feedback, the Primary
Source Enhancer is a very eective tool for decreasing the potential for feedback while
increasing overall volume in live sound applications.
1

545 Block Diagram
2
2
3
OUTPUT
2
3
INPUT
+
OUTPUT STAGE
-
INPUT STAGE
--
CW
THRESHOLD
+
CW
DEPTH
FAST
FAST
RMS PEAK
RMS/PEAK
RMS
PEAK
RMS/PEAK
FAST
FAST
-- +
PROCESSS ACTIVE
-
VCA
RMS

545 Front Panel
3
Rupert Neve
Designs 545
-3
-18 +12
-10
0 -20
FAST
PEAK
THRESHOLD
ENGAGE
ACTIVE
DEPTH
Primary Source
Enhancer
POWER
Power Status LED
LED indicates
power status
Process Active
LED that illuminates
when the input signal
has overcome the
enhacement threshold
Controls the
maximum amount of
enhancement eect
Depth
Process Engage
Illuminated push-button
that engages the primary
source enhancement
eect
Threshold
Sets the dBu level
where Primary Source
Enhancement begins
Peak
Illuminated push-button
that selects between RMS
and Peak detection modes
Fast
Illuminated push-button
that switches between two
available time constants

4
Features
Transformer-coupled Input and Output
One major benet of transformer coupling is galvanic isolation. An audio signal couples
from a transformer’s primary winding to it’s secondary winding through manipulation
of the magnetic ux within the transformer’s core. This magnetic isolation inherently
prevents stray currents from owing due to dierences in ground potential, thereby
eliminating ground loops that would typically manifest as hum in the audio path.
The 545’s transformer-coupled output can drive balanced or unbalanced inputs without
signal loss or degradation, while simultaneously imparting Rupert Neve’s renowned
transformer harmonics to your signal path.
Depth
The DEPTH pot controls how much attenuation is applied after the input signal falls
below the set THRESHOLD. As the user rotates the DEPTH control clock-wise (CW) from
0dB towards -20dB, the 545 will attenuate the input signal more drastically.
It is important to utilize the DEPTH control to nd the right balance between audibility
of the Primary Source Enhancement eect and reduction of feedback. This can
become particularly challenging with very dynamic sources, and may require some
experimentation with the DEPTH control to nd the best setting for a specic application.
Threshold
Typically, the user will need to set the THRESHOLD control higher for louder sources.
The Process ACTIVE LED should be used in tandem with the THRESHOLD control to nd
the correct setting. Generally, the ACTIVE LED should be illuminated when the artist is
singing, and extinguished when the artist is quiet.
Time Constants
When the FAST push-button is in the OUT position, the Primary Source Enhancer
achieves a slower attack and release that is useful as a starting point for most sources.
Pressing the FAST push-button switch IN achieves a faster attack and release, which can
be useful on more dynamic sources where faster transient detection is necessary (see
Specications page 5).
RMS/Peak
When the PEAK push-button is in the OUT position, the 545 is in RMS mode. RMS mode
triggers a more averaged response characteristic in the 545 sidechain that is slower than
PEAK mode response (see Specications page 5).
When the PEAK push-button is illuminated in the IN position, the 545 is in PEAK mode.
PEAK mode can be useful for detecting faster transient peaks in the source material
thereby preventing these peaks from getting“chopped”o. In addition, PEAK mode can
be used for more creative dynamic envelope shaping on musical instruments.

Specications
Maximum Input and Output Level +24 dBu
Total Harmonic Distortion and Noise
1 kHz, +20 dBu Output Level, no load Better than 0.001%
20 Hz, +20 dBu Output Level, no load 0.1% typical (2nd and 3rd Harmonic)
Noise (Un-weighted, 22 Hz - 22 kHz, 40 ohm balanced source)
Primary Source Enhancer Bypassed Better than -100 dBu
Frequency Response (30 ft. Cable on Main Output)
30 Hz to 58 kHz +/- 0.25 dB
18.5 Hz -3dB
Threshold Continuously variable from -18 dBu to +12 dBu
Depth Continuously variable from 0 dB to -20 dB
Time Constants
RMS Mode
Attack and Release
Slow (FAST push-button OUT) 100 mS
Fast (FAST push-button IN) 200 mS
Peak Mode
Attack (xed) 20 mS
Release
Slow (FAST push-button OUT) 1 S
Fast (FAST push-button IN) 200 mS
Power Consumption (+/-16 VDC) 80 mA
Shipping Dimensions 7.75“ (19.7 cm) x 10” (25.4 cm) x 3” (7.62 cm)
Shipping Weight 2 lbs, 0.9 kg
5

Limited Warranty
Rupert Neve Designs warrants this product to be free from defects in materials and
workmanship for a period of one (1) year from date of purchase, and agrees to remedy
any defect identied within that period by, at our option, repairing or replacing the
product.
Limitations and Exclusions
This warranty, and any other express or implied warranty, does not apply to any product
which has been improperly installed, subjected to usage for which the product was
not designed, misused or abused, damaged during shipping, damaged by any dry cell
batter, or which has been altered or modied in any way. This warranty is extended
to the original end user purchaser only. A purchase receipt or other satisfactory proof
of original purchase is required before any warranty service will be performed. THIS
EXPRESS, LIMITED WARRANTY IS IN LIEU OF ALL OTHERWARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, TO THE EXTENT ALLOWED UNDER APPLICABLE STATE LAW. IN NO EVENT
SHALL RUPERT NEVE DESIGNS BE LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL, OR
CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES RESULTING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. Some
states do not allow the exclusion or limitation of consequential damages or limitations
on how long an implied warranty lasts, so this exclusion may not apply to you.
Warranty Service
If you suspect a defect in your device, please call us at 512-847-3013 or contact
our support sta (ser[email protected]) for troubleshooting. If it is determined
that the device is malfunctioning, we will issue a Return Material Authorization and
provide instructions for shipping the device to our service department.
Rupert Neve Designs
PO Box 1969
Wimberley TX 78676
www.rupertneve.com
tel: [phone]
fax: [phone]
PN: 775-00034 revA