Sonifex Redbox RB-DA6 Instruction Manual

RB-DA6 6 Way Stereo
Distribution Amplier
RB-DA6G 6 Way Stereo
Distribution Amplier
With Output Gain Control
RB-DA6P 6 Way Stereo
Distribution Amplier
With Phoenix Connectors
User Handbook

bRedbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook
This handbook is for use with the following product:
Redbox RB-DA6 6 Way Stereo Distribution Amplier, RB-DA6G 6 Way Stereo Distribution Amplier With Output Gain
Control & RB-DA6P 6 Way Stereo Distribution Amplier With Phoenix Connectors
©Sonifex Ltd, 2010
All Rights Reserved
Revision 1.00, December 2010
Sonifex Ltd, 61, Station Road, Irthlingborough,
Northants, NN9 5QE, England.
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
Email: [email protected].uk
Website: http://www.sonifex.co.uk
Information in this document is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of
the vendor. Sonifex Ltd shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any
error contained in this manual.
No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, recording, information storage and retrieval systems, for any purpose other than the purchaser’s
personal use, without the express written permission of Sonifex Ltd. Unless otherwise noted, all names of companies,
products and persons contained herein are part of a completely ctitious adaptation and are designed solely to
document the use of Sonifex product.
RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P
USER HANDBOOK
RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P USER HANDBOOK

Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook c
CONTENTS
CONTENTS
Contents
Warranty i
Warranty and Liability i
Unpacking the RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P iii
Returning the Warranty Card iii
Safety Information iv
Safety of Mains Operated Equipment iv
Voltage Setting Checks iv
Fuse Rating iv
Power Cable and Connection iv
Ordering the Correct Mains Lead v
Installation Information vi
Atmosphere vi
Electromagnetic Radiation vi
Fitting Redboxes vi
WEEE & RoHS Directives - Sonifex Statement vii
RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P 6 Way Stereo Distribution Amplier 1
Connections and Operation 3
RB-DA6 & RB-DA6G Inputs (Left and Right) 3
RB-DA6 & RB-DA6G Stereo Outputs 1-6 (Mono Outputs 1-12) 3
RB-DA6P Inputs (Left and Right) 3
RB-DA6P Stereo Outputs 1-6 (Mono Outputs 1-12) 3
Input Gain Control (RB-DA6 & RB-DA6P) 4
Output Gain Control (RB-DA6G) 4
Stereo/Mono Operation 4
Technical Specications 5

dRedbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook
FIGURES
FIGURES
Figures
Fig A: Packing List. iii
Fig B: Power Connections. iv
Fig C: Mains Lead Table. v
Fig D: RB-RK3 Large Redbox Rear Rack-mount Kit. vi
Fig 1-1: RB-DA6 Front Panel. 1
Fig 1-2: RB-DA6P Front Panel. 1
Fig 1-3: RB-DA6G Front Panel. 1
Fig 1-4: RB-DA6 & RB-DA6P Block Diagram. 2
Fig 1-5: RB-DA6G Block Diagram. 2
Fig 1-6: RB-DA6 & RB-DA6G Rear Panel. 2
Fig 1-7: RB-DA6P Rear Panel. 3
Fig 1-8: RB-DA6P Phoenix Connectors. 3
Fig 1-9: RB-DA6 & RB-DA6P Front Panel. 4
Fig 1-10: RB-DA6G Front Panel. 4

Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook i
Warranty
Warranty and Liability
Important: the purchaser is advised to read this clause
(a) The Company agrees to repair or (at its discretion) replace Goods which are found to
be defective (fair wear and tear excepted) and which are returned to the Company
within 12 months of the date of despatch provided that each of the following
are satised:
(i) notication of any defect is given to the Company immediately upon its
becoming apparent to the Purchaser;
(ii) the Goods have only been operated under normal operating conditions and
have only been subject to normal use (and in particular the Goods must have
been correctly connected and must not have been subject to high voltage or
to ionising radiation and must not have been used contrary to the Company’s
technical recommendations);
(iii) the Goods are returned to the Company’s premises at the Purchaser’s expense;
(iv) any Goods or parts of Goods replaced shall become the property of
the Company;
(v) no work whatsoever (other than normal and proper maintenance) has been
carried out to the Goods or any part of the Goods without the Company’s prior
written consent;
(vi) the defect has not arisen from a design made, furnished or specied by
the Purchaser;
(vii) the Goods have been assembled or incorporated into other goods only in
accordance with any instructions issued by the Company;
(viii) the defect has not arisen from a design modied by the Purchaser;
(ix) the defect has not arisen from an item manufactured by a person other than
the Company.
In respect of any item manufactured by a person other than the Company, the Purchaser
shall only be entitled to the benet of any warranty or guarantee provided by such
manufacturer to the Company.
(b) In respect of computer software supplied by the Company the Company does not
warrant that the use of the software will be uninterrupted or error free.
WARRANTY
WARRANTY

ii Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook
(c) The Company accepts liability:
(i) for death or personal injury to the extent that it results from the negligence of
the Company, its employees (whilst in the course of their employment) or its
agents (in the course of the agency);
(ii) for any breach by the Company of any statutory undertaking as to title, quiet
possession and freedom from encumbrance.
(d) Subject to conditions (a) and (c) from the time of despatch of the Goods from the
Company’s premises the Purchaser shall be responsible for any defect in the Goods
or loss, damage, nuisance or interference whatsoever consequential economic or
otherwise or wastage of material resulting from or caused by or to the Goods. In
particular the Company shall not be liable for any loss of prots or other economic
losses. The Company accordingly excludes all liability for the same.
(e) At the request and expense of the Purchaser the Company will test the Goods to
ascertain performance levels and provide a report of the results of that test. The
report will be accurate at the time of the test, to the best of the belief and knowledge
of the Company, and the Company accepts no liability in respect of its accuracy
beyond that set out in Condition (a).
(f) Subject to Condition (e) no representation, condition, warranty or other term,
express or implied (by statute or otherwise) is given by the Company that the Goods
are of any particular quality or standard or will enable the Purchaser to attain any
particular performance or result, or will be suitable for any particular purpose or use
under specic conditions or will provide any particular capacity, notwithstanding
that the requirement for such performance, result or capacity or that such particular
purpose or conditions may have been known (or ought to have been known) to the
Company, its employees or agents.
(g) (i) To the extent that the Company is held legally liable to the Purchaser for any
single breach of contract, tort, representation or other act or default, the
Company’s liability for the same shall not exceed the Price of the Goods.
(ii) The restriction of liability in Condition (g)(i) shall not apply to any liability
accepted by the Seller in Condition (c).
(h) Where the Goods are sold under a consumer transaction (as dened by the
Consumer Transactions (Restrictions on Statements) Order 1976) the statutory
rights of the Purchaser are not aected by these Conditions of Sale.
WARRANTY
WARRANTY

Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook iii
Unpacking the RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P
The RB-DA6 RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P are shipped with the following equipment. Please check
your packaging to ensure that you have all of the items below. If anything is missing, please
contact the supplier of your equipment immediately.
Item Quantity
RB-DA6/RB-DA6G/RB-DA6P 1
IEC Mains lead tted with moulded mains plug 1
Handbook and warranty card 1
Phoenix mating connectors (for RB-DA6P only) 14
Fig A: Packing List.
Each RB-DA6 RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P is shipped in protective packaging and should be
inspected for damage before use. Where an item is found to have transit damage, notify
the carrier immediately with all the relevant details of the shipment. Packing materials
should be kept for inspection and also for if the product needs to be returned.
Returning the Warranty Card
In order to register the date of purchase so that we can keep you informed of any design
improvements or modications, it is important to complete the warranty registration
document that is enclosed and return it to Sonifex Ltd in the UK.
For your own records you should write down the serial number (which can be found on the
rear of the RB-DA6/RB-DA6G/RB-DA6P).
Serial Number ………………………………………
WARRANTY
WARRANTY

iv Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook
Safety Information
Safety of Mains Operated Equipment
This equipment has been designed to meet the safety regulations currently
advised in the country of purchase and it conforms to the safety regulations
specied by use of the CE Mark.
Warning : There are no user serviceable parts inside the equipment. If you should ever
need to look inside the unit, always disconnect the mains supply before removing the
equipment covers.
Voltage Setting Checks
Ensure that the machine operating voltage is correct for your mains power supply by
checking the box in which your Redbox was supplied. The voltage is shown on the box
label. The available voltage settings are 115V, or 230V. Please note that all Redboxes are
either switchable between 115V and 230V, or have a universal power supply.
Fuse Rating
The RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P are supplied with a single fuse in the live conducting
path of the mains power input. For reasons of safety it is important that the correct rating
and type of fuse is used. Incorrectly rated fuses could present a possible re hazard, under
equipment fault conditions. The fuse rating for the RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P is:
230 or 115 V operation - 1A 5 x 20mm SB
The active fuse is tted on the outside rear panel of the unit.
Power Cable and Connection
An IEC power connector is supplied with the RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P which has a
moulded plug attached – this is a legal requirement. If no moulded plug has been supplied
with your RB-DA6 RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P, please contact your supplier, because an IEC
connector is always supplied from the Sonifex factory.
If for any reason, you need to use the RB-DA6, RB-DA6G or RB-DA6P with a dierent power
cable, you should use the following wiring guidelines.
Wire Colour Connection
Green, or green and yellow Earth (E)
Blue, or Black Neutral (N)
Brown, or Red Live (L)
Fig B: Power Connections.
Connect the equipment in accordance with the connection details and before applying
power to the unit, check that the machine has the correct operating voltage for your mains
power supply.
Important Note : The terminal marked on the rear panel must be earthed.
SAFETY INFORMATION
SAFETY INFORMATION

Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook v
Ordering the Correct Mains Lead
When ordering a Redbox from Sonifex, it is helpful if you can specify your required
operating voltage and mains lead. After the product code add:
UK, for 230V, UK 3 pin to IEC lead
EC, for 230V, European Schuko 2 pin to IEC lead
US, for 115V, 3 pin to IEC lead
AU for 230V, Australasian 3 pin to IEC lead
Fig C: Mains Lead Table.
E.g. order RB-DA6P UK for a UK IEC lead to be supplied.
SAFETY INFORMATION
SAFETY INFORMATION

vi Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook
INSTALLATION INFORMATION
INSTALLATION INFORMATION
Installation Information
Atmosphere
The units should be installed in an area that is not subject to excessive temperature
variation (<0°C, >50°C), moisture, dust or vibration.
Electromagnetic Radiation
The cover is connected to earth by means of the xing screws. It is essential to maintain
this earth ground connection to ensure a safe operating environment and provide
electromagnetic shielding.
Fitting Redboxes
Redboxes can be xed to the underside of a mixing desk, or other surfaces using 4.2mm
holes in the sides and xed with 2 x M4 screws or 2 x No. 6 countersink wood screws.
They can also be rack-mounted, with either the front, or rear of the Redbox positioned at
the front of the rack:
Rear Mounting The RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P: The RB-RK3 1U rear panel rack kit
can be used for large Redboxes such as the RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P.
Fig D: RB-RK3 Large Redbox Rear Rack-mount Kit.
Note: When tting the rear-mounting rack-kits, a notch has been left on the inside of
the right-hand rack-piece for the mains cable to pass through. Make sure that the mains
cable has been put through the notch before attaching the right hand rack-piece.

Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook vii
WEEE & ROHS INFORMATION
WEEE & ROHS INFORMATION
WEEE & RoHS Directives - Sonifex Statement
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive was agreed
on 13 February 2003, along with the related Directive 2002/95/EC on
Restrictions of the use of certain Hazardous Substances in electrical and
electronic equipment (RoHS).
The Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment Directive (WEEE) aims to minimise the
impacts of electrical and electronic equipment on the environment during their life times
and when they become waste. It applies to a huge spectrum of products. It encourages
and sets criteria for the collection, treatment, recycling and recovery of waste electrical
and electronic equipment. All products manufactured by Sonifex Ltd have the WEEE
directive label placed on the case. It gives a contact for individuals who are unsure about
the correct procedure when the product has reached its “end of use”.
Sonifex Ltd will be happy to give you information about local organisations that can
reprocess the products, or alternatively all products that have reached “end of use”can be
returned to Sonifex and will be reprocessed correctly free of charge.
Sonifex Ltd has phased out the use of certain hazardous substances identied in the
European Union’s Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) directive. The RoHS
directive limits the use of certain hazardous substances currently used in EEE manufacture,
including lead, mercury, cadmium, hexavalent chromium, and halide-containing
compounds PBB (polybrominated biphenyl) and PBDE (polybrominated diphenyl ether).
Elimination of these substances will result in more environmentally friendly recycling
of electronic equipment. For the products which Sonifex manufacture, the main area
where products were aected was in the use of lead for manufacturing and assembling
electronics circuit boards.
Sonifex Ltd practices lead-free (LF) manufacturing processes. LF solder is used on the
surface-mount PCB manufacturing processes and for hand soldering. The printed circuit
boards (PCBs) used are either gold plated, or immersion tin plated, both of which use no
lead. Historically the PCBs were hot air solder levelled (HASL) PCBs which used tin/lead
based solder.
The manufacturing processes include the assembly of purchased components from
various sources. Product is oered as RoHS compliant, or LF, only after sucient evidence
is received from the component manufacturers that their components are RoHS
compliant. Sonifex Ltd relies solely on the distributor, or manufacturer, of the components
for identication of RoHS compliance. Thus whilst every eort is made to ensure
compliance, Sonifex Ltd makes no warranty, or certication, or declaration of compliance
concerning said components.

viii Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook
Sonifex Ltd denes“Lead Free” as pertaining to any product, which has been manufactured
by Sonifex Ltd using components which have been declared by the manufacturers as
“Lead Free”. All statements by Sonifex Ltd of RoHS compliance are based on component
manufacturer documentation.
WEEE & ROHS INFORMATION
WEEE & ROHS INFORMATION

Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook 1
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION 1
RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P 6 Way Stereo Distribution Amplier
Introduction
Fig 1-1: RB-DA6 Front Panel.
Fig 1-3: RB-DA6G Front Panel.
The RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P are high performance 6 way stereo analogue distribution
ampliers for splitting a source to a number of dierent outputs. The RB-DA6 and RB-DA6P
have 1 stereo input and 6 stereo outputs with gain control on both inputs. They can also
be congured so that 1 mono input can be distributed to 12 outputs. As a variant of the
RB-DA6, the RB-DA6G, has an individual gain control on every output.
On the RB-DA6 and RB-DA6G the XLR-3 inputs and outputs are electronically balanced and
can be wired unbalanced. Each output is individually buered so that a short circuit on one
won’t aect the others.
The RB-DA6P is a version of the RB-DA6 audio distribution amplier which uses Neutrik
Phoenix stlye connectors instead of XLR inputs and outputs. Each unit is shipped with
the mating connectors so that wires can be simply terminated using a small at-blade
screwdriver. The inputs and outputs are electronically balanced and can be wired
unbalanced. Each output is individually buered so that a short circuit on one won’t aect
the others.
The RB-DA6 and RB-DA6P have master left and right gain controls which are pre- set
potentiometers accessible through the front panel. On the RB-DA6G each channel has
an individual output gain control (normalising) which are all pre-set potentiometers, also
accessible through the front panel. The 1-12 mono, 1-6 stereo switch is recessed on the
front panel to prevent accidental knocking. An LED power indicator on the front panel
displays the power supply connection.
Fig 1-2: RB-DA6P Front Panel.

2Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook
CONNECTIONS & OPERATIONS
2CONNECTIONS & OPERATIONS
System Block Diagrams
Fig 1-4: RB-DA6 & RB-DA6P Block Diagram.
Fig 1-5: RB-DA6G Block Diagram.
Left Outputs
Balanced
Left Input
Balanced
Stereo/Mono
Right
Input
Balanced
Right Outputs
Balanced (Mono 7-12)
Gain
Gain
123456123456
Left Outputs
Balanced
Left Input
Balanced
Stereo/Mono
Right
Input
Balanced
Right Outputs
Balanced (Mono 7-12)
123456123456

Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook 3
2
CONNECTIONS & OPERATIONS
CONNECTIONS & OPERATIONS
Connections and Operation
Fig 1-6: RB-DA6 & RB-DA6G Rear Panel.
RB-DA6 & RB-DA6G Inputs (Left and Right)
The XLR-3 input connectors can take balanced professional levels, or unbalanced by using
the front panel gain controls, and by connecting the non-phase to the signal ground. The
input can be congured as either a stereo input with six stereo outputs or a mono input
with twelve outputs. The XLR 3 pin input has the following connections:
Pin 1: Screen
Pin 2: Phase
Pin 3: Non-phase
RB-DA6 & RB-DA6G Stereo Outputs 1-6 (Mono Outputs 1-12)
The XLR 3 pin outputs are electronically balanced, and can be wired unbalanced. Each
output is individually buered so that a short circuit on one output will not aect the
others. They have the following connections:
Pin 1: Screen
Pin 2: Phase
Pin 3: Non-phase
Fig 1-7: RB-DA6P Rear Panel.
RB-DA6P Inputs (Left and Right)
The Phoenix style input connectors can take balanced professional levels, or unbalanced
by using the front panel gain controls, and by connecting the non-phase to the signal
ground. The input can be congured as either a stereo input with six stereo outputs or a
mono input with twelve outputs. The connections are shown in Fig 1-8.
RB-DA6P Stereo Outputs 1-6 (Mono Outputs 1-12)
The Phoenix style 3 pin outputs are electronically
balanced, and can be wired unbalanced. Each output
is individually buered so that a short circuit on one
output will not aect the others. The connections are
shown in Fig 1-8.
Phase Screen
Non-Phase
INPUT OUTPUT
Screen Phase
Non-Phase
Fig 1-8: RB-DA6P Phoenix Connectors.

4Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook
CONNECTIONS & OPERATIONS
2CONNECTIONS & OPERATIONS
Input Gain Control (RB-DA6 & RB-DA6P)
The input gain on the RB-DA6 can be varied –8dB to 18db by adjusting the pre-set
potentiometers. These are accessible through the holes in the front panel. The RB-DA6 has
separate left and right master gain controls.
Fig 1-9: RB-DA6 & RB-DA6P Front Panel.
Output Gain Control (RB-DA6G)
The output gain on the RB-DA6G can be varied –8dB to 18dB by adjusting the pre-set
potentiometers. These are accessible through the holes in the front panel. The RB-DA6G
has output gain controls on every output.
Stereo/Mono Operation
The mode of operation may be switched between a stereo distributed channel to 6 stereo
channels, and a mono channel to 12 mono channels, by the push button on the front
panel, which is recessed to prevent accidental switching.
Output Gain Controls
Stereo/
Mono
Switch
Fig 1-10: RB-DA6G Front Panel.
Stereo/
Mono
Switch
Input
Gain
Controls

Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook 5
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
3
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATION
Technical Specications
Audio Specications
Input Impedance: >20kΩ bridging
Output Impedance: <50Ω
Maximum Input Level: +28dBu
Maximum Output Level: +28dBu
Frequency Response: 20Hz to 20kHz ± 0.1dB (600Ω load, ref 1kHz)
Gain Range: Adjustable 8dB loss to 18dB gain
Common Mode Rejection: >66dB typically
Distortion: 0.01% THD @ 1kHz, ref +8dBu output
Noise: -100dB unity gain ref +8dB (RB-DA6)
-88dB unity gain ref +8dB (RB-DA6G)
Connections
Inputs (RB-DA6 & RB-DA6G): 2 x 3 pin female (Balanced, can be unbalanced)
Outputs (RB-DA6 & RB-DA6G): 12 x XLR 3 pin male (Balanced, can be unbalanced)
Inputs (RB-DA6P): 2 x Phoenix 3 pin female (Balanced, can be unbalanced)
Outputs (RB-DA6P): 12 x Phoenix 3 pin male (Balanced, can be unbalanced)
Mains Input: Filtered IEC, 110V-120V, or 220-240V, fused, 6W maximum
Fuse Rating: Anti-surge fuse 100mA 20 x 5mm (230VAC)
Anti-surge fuse 250mA 20 x 5mm (115VAC)
Equipment Type
RB-DA6: 6 way stereo distribution amplier
RB-DA6G: 6 way stereo distribution amplier with output gain
RB-DA6P: 6 way stereo distribution amplier with Phoenix
connectors
Physical Specications
Dimensions (Raw): 48cm (W) x 10.8cm (D) x 4.2cm (H) (1U)
19” (W) x 4.3” (D) x 1.7” (H) (1U)
Dimensions (Boxed): 58.5cm (W) x 22.5cm (D) x 7cm (H)
21” (W) x 8” (D) x 2.4” (H)
Weight: Nett: 1.3kg Gross: 1.9kg
Nett: 2.9lbs Gross: 4.2lbs

6Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook
NOTES
NOTES

Redbox RB-DA6, RB-DA6G & RB-DA6P User Handbook 7
NOTES
NOTES

www.sonifex.co.uk
t:[phone]
f:[phone]
[e-mail]