Speck One Fader Series User manual

One Fader Series
Reference Manual for Models:
speck electronics
Fader 1
Operation section starts on page 7
Fader 2
Operation section starts on page 13
Fader 3
Operation section starts on page 19

Speck Electronics products are warranted to the original owner to be free of
defects in material or workmanship.
This warranty does not apply to any product subject to accident, misuse,
neglect, or failure to comply with normal maintenance procedures, or if the
serial number has been defaced, altered, or removed; nor will Speck
Electronics accept responsibility for damages resulting from improper
installation, alteration or unauthorized parts or repairs. If the product is
modified by the customer without permission, the customer agrees to pay for
parts and labor necessary to remove the modification before repair. The cause
of the defect is in the sole judgment of Speck Electronics.
Should a defect develop within one year of purchase from Speck Electronics
or an authorized dealer, Speck Electronics will supply the part or parts
necessary at no charge. Labor is covered in this warranty for a period of one
year. Outside service, repairs, or pickups are not covered under this warranty.
Any item returned for warranty repair should be sent, if possible, in the
original packing container, prepaid to Speck Electronics, 341 E. Alvarado
Street, Fallbrook, California, 92028. If, in our opinion, the packing container
is improper for return shipping, we reserve the right to supply a new container
at a minimal charge.
In the interest of improving Speck products, designs and specifications are
subject to change without notice. It should be mentioned that if a change is
necessary for any reason, we make every effort to document
that change and send an "update notice" to all customers at no charge.
Speck Electronics makes no warranty of any kind with regard to this material,
including, but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability and
fitness for a particular purpose. Speck Electronics will not be liable for errors
contained herein or for incidental consequential damages in connection with
the furnishing, performance, or use of this material.
This document contains proprietary information which is protected by
copyright. All rights are reserved. No part of this document may be
photocopied, reproduced, or translated into another language without the prior
written consent of Speck Electronics.
The information contained in this document is subject to change without
notice.
All trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
Speck Electronics
341 East Alvarado Street
Fallbrook, California 92028
USA
1+760-723-4281
www.speck.com
Warranty
Notice
ii

General Description ............................................................
Standard Accessories ..........................................................
General ...............................................................................
Unpacking and Inspection ..................................................
Cleaning .............................................................................
Mechanical Installation ......................................................
Power Module Installation .................................................
Power Module Mounting Location ....................................
Physical Placement of Adjacent Equipment ......................
Overview ............................................................................
Hooking up the Fader 1 ......................................................
Signal Flow Diagram - Fader 1 ..........................................
Front Panel Controls ..........................................................
Rear Panel ..........................................................................
Gain Select .........................................................................
Specifications ............................................................
Overview ............................................................................
Hooking up the Fader 2 ......................................................
Signal Flow Diagram - Fader 2 ..........................................
Front Panel Controls ..........................................................
Rear Panel ..........................................................................
Gain Select .........................................................................
Specifications ............................................................
Overview ............................................................................
Hooking up the Fader 3 ......................................................
Signal Flow Diagram - Fader 3 ..........................................
Front Panel Controls ..........................................................
Rear Panel ..........................................................................
Gain Select .........................................................................
Specifications ............................................................
1
2
3
3
3
3
4
5
5
7
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
19
20
21
22
23
24
Contents
iii
Chapter 1 Introduction
Chapter 2 Installation
Chapter 3 Fader 1 Operation
Chapter 5 Fader 3 Operation
Chapter 3 Fader 2 Operation

Introduction
Chapter 1 Introduction Section 111
Thank you for purchasing our One Fader Desktop Analog Slide Fader. The One Fader has operational
features that are easy to understand and you should be up and running in no time. If you are unfamiliar
with audio equipment or audio signal flow, it is recommended that you read this manual. If you have any
questions regarding this or any Speck product, do not hesitate to contact Speck Electronics.
Speck Electronics
341 E. Alvarado Street
Fallbrook, CA 92028
Phone: [phone]
Email: [email protected]
www.speck.com
General Description
The One Fader is a series of three desktop analog slide faders: The Fader 1 - mono slide fader, the
Fader 2 - stereo slide fader, and the Fader 3 - stereo slide fader with a monitor section.
The One Fader has a transparent neutral signal path and high headroom that will handle balanced signals
up to +28dBu. No VCA’s, no CMOS switching, and no A/D - D/A converters... just 100% analog signal
path. All audio inputs and outputs are fully balanced and available on XLR and TRS connectors so you
can connect the One Fader to virtually any line level device. For product compatibility, all models have
accessible jumpers that can provide an extra 6dB or 10dB of gain.
Each fader channel has the necessary input and output electronics to allow the One Fader to interface to
any balanced, unbalanced, transformer, or transformer-less line level signal. Most importantly, no
additional mixer or audio interface is required. With its clean, uncluttered layout, the One Fader can be
placed in a convenient desktop location.
Model Fader 1
Mono Fader
Model Fader 2
Stereo Fader
Model Fader 3
Stereo Fader + Monitor
Section

Chapter 1 Introduction Section 2
The One Fader Series is available in three models:
Fader 1 - Mono Fader (See page 7 for the operation section)
Add the Fader 1 (Mono Fader) to your 500 module channel strip, to your hybrid recording signal path,
or for "Riding the Fader" while recording.
Fader 2 - Stereo Fader (See page 13 for the operation section)
Connect the Fader 2 (Stereo Fader) to the outputs of your DAW or any audio system that does not
have a stereo slider fader. Patch the Fader 2 to the stereo inserts of many popular rack mount "fader-
less" line mixers.
Fader 3 - Stereo Fader plus Monitor outputs (See page 19 for the operation section)
With studio monitor and headphone controls, use the Fader 3 as a mini monitor controller. Except this
mini controller has a 100mm stereo slide fader.
Standard Accessories
· PS4-F Power Module
PS4-F-NA for 100 and 120VAC Mains
-or-
PS4-F-EU for 220, 230, and 240VAC Mains.
· Operations Manual

General
The following information should give you the basics on how to install the One Fader and power
module. The proper installation requires a clear understanding of audio wiring, grounding, and shielding
techniques.
Unpacking & Inspection
The One Fader is delivered in a special protective container and has been carefully inspected both
mechanically and electrically before shipment. All items should be physically free of mars and scratches
and in perfect electrical order upon receipt. To confirm this, your product and power module should be
inspected for physical damage that may have occurred in transit. Any damage should be reported to your
dealer or delivery company as soon as possible.
If the product is to be shipped to Speck Electronics for service or repair, contact Speck Electronics for a
Return Merchandise Authorization (RMA). Include the model number and serial number of the product.
Place the product in the original container if available. If the original container is not used, wrap the
product in heavy plastic before placing in a suitable container. Use plenty of packing material around all
sides of the product and protect panel surfaces with cardboard strips. Mark shipping container with
“Delicate Instrument” or “Fragile,” and insure the shipment for the proper value.
Cleaning
To clean the top panel, wipe the surface gently using a soft lint-free cloth to avoid scratching the panel or
markings. Paper towels are not recommended. Commercially available window cleaner solutions may be
used; however, the solution should be applied to the cloth and not the panel to avoid the seepage of liquid
to the inside of the enclosure.
Do not use brushes or feather dusters to remove dust. This may cause dust to fall into the openings around
the slide fader and pushbutton switch.
Mechanical Installation
The One Fader was designed to be placed on a desktop. The mounting location should be such that the
operator has a clear, unobstructed view of the top panel from his/her normal operating position.
Installation
Chapter 2 Installation Section 3

Power Module Installation
The One Fader is shipped with an external 16 VAC power module. The power module has a 6' (1.8M)
cable and is fitted with a special 4 pin connector for mating to the "Power Input” on the rear panel. All
AC rectification, filtering, and DC regulation is performed within the chassis of the One Fader.
The PS4-F power module is available in two versions: a North American version and European version.
The North American version (PS4-F-NA) is designed to operate with 100 or 120 VAC power and the
European version (PS4-F-EU) is designed to operate with 220, 230, or 240 VAC power.
Use only the PS4-F external power module that is supplied with your One Fader. Using any other
power module or power source will most definitely damage your product.
To connect the power module to the One Fader, fit the 4 pin rectangular connector to the chassis mount
receptacle at the rear. The respective connectors are keyed so the plug and the receptacle can fit in only
one direction. Before connecting the 4 pin rectangular plug to the One Fader, make certain the power
module is not connected to an AC receptacle.
The PS4-F power module has an internal “one shot” thermal fuse. Fuse replacement is not possible with
this module. If it has been determined that the power module has failed, contact Speck Electronics for a
factory replacement at [phone].
The power module is a "Class 2 transformer" device and can only be used indoors. Your product
and power module should never be exposed to rain or moisture.
Chapter 2 Installation Section 4
PS4-F-EU
PS4-F-NA

Power Module Mounting location
One of the primary reasons that the PS4-F power module is external is to insure that it maintains a safe
distance from the active electronics of the One Fader. It is recommended that the power module be
located at a reasonable distance from the One Fader and audio cables. For that matter, any device that has
a strong magnetic power field should be kept at a reasonable distance from the One Fader and audio
cables.
Physical Placement of Adjacent Equipment
Any device that emits a high EMI (Electro Magnetic Interference) or RFI (Radio Frequency Interference)
energy field should be treated with suspicion. EMI is considered any unwanted signal which adversely
affects the operation of the One Fader or your recording/mixing system.
Electronic equipment such as power amplifiers, power supplies (especially wall mount type), video
monitors, computers, certain synths and samplers must be located away from the One Fader and its
associated cables. It may be necessary to alter the positions of certain equipment that you feel would
cause buzzes or hums in your system.
Chapter 2 Installation Section 5

Chapter 2 Installation Section 6
~ This page left intentionally blank ~

Overview
In this section we will give you basic information on the operation of the Fader 1 (F.1.) and adequately
describe its controls and connectors.
The information in this section of the manual is intended to help with the technical process when using
your F.1. Words alone cannot adequately describe how to adjust the slide fader for every situation you
might encounter. You should experiment with fader levels to achieve the best results for any particular
situation. Your ears should be your best gauge of how to adjust the fader on the F.1. to make the sound fit
your requirements.
Hooking up the Fader 1
Due to the high performance of the F.1. it is recommended that you use only the highest quality audio
cable. A high quality cable, by definition, is a cable that provides good mechanical strength, high
microphonic noise immunity, high frequency response, low crosstalk, and 100% shielding ability. All
audio cable used should be a 3-conductor foil shield type (2 inner conductors and a shield drain
conductor). It is not recommended that the 2 conductor “off the shelf cables” be used.
All wire and cable interfaced to the F.1. should be terminated with high quality connectors. An XLR
connector should make a positive connection to its respective mating jack and provide adequate strain
relief to its cable. All connectors should also have a metal shell to provide 100% shield for exposed
conductors.
We do believe that “you get what you pay for” and advise not to purchase lower quality cables. We
recommend that you purchase from a reputable cable manufacturer that uses brand name materials.
Brand name cables include (in no particular order): Mogami, Canare, Belden, Gepco, Redco, and ProCo.
Connector brands include Switchcraft and Neutrik.
Operation - Fader 1
Chapter 3 Fader 1 Operation Section 7

Chapter 3 8
Signal Flow Diagram for the Fader 1
Use the channel signal flow diagram shown below as a reference when reading the descriptions of the
controls and connectors [1] through [6] in this chapter.
FADER
BALANCED
INPUT BALANCED
OUTPUT
FADER GAIN
SELECT-LEFT
10dB
6dB
UNITY
MONO
0
0
8
1
Fader 1 Operation Section
1
45
6

1. Mono Fader
This mono 100mm slide fader adjusts the level of
the F.1. channel and has a range of ∞dB to 10dB.
The operation of the slide fader adjusts the level to
the XLR line output.
The “0” mark is the “unity gain” setting for the
fader channel.
Fader Input to Fader Output Gain
With a balanced +4dBu signal present at the XLR
line input, the fader set to the “0” mark, and the
Gain Select jumper in the default (0dB) position
the corresponding balanced XLR line output will
be +4dBu.
With the gain jumper in the 6db or 10dB position
and the slide fader set at the “10” mark, this will
give the channel a total of 16dB or 20dB of gain
respectively.
2. Power LED
This LED will illuminate green when power is
applied to the Fader 1.
Fader 1 Top Panel
Chapter 3 9Fader 1 Operation Section
2
1

The pin configuration for all XLR connectors is:
Pin 1=Ground, Pin 2=High (+), Pin 3=Low (-)
3. Power Inlet
The cable from the PS4-F power module connects to this 4 pin square connector. This connector and its
respective plug are keyed so they will only fit in one direction. For power module installation
instructions, refer to the Installation Section on page 4 of this manual.
As shown in the connector illustration “Power Inlet Pins” the 16VAC from the external power module is
connected between pin 1 and pin 2.
4. XLR Line input
There is one XLR connector for the fader line input. This balanced input will accept a +4dBu reference
signal. The XLR active-balanced input is suitable for any high level line source.
5. XLR Line output
There is one XLR connector for the fader line output. With a balanced +4dBu signal present at the line
input and the slide fader set to the “0” mark, the balanced XLR line output will be +4dBu.
Chapter 3 10
Fader 1 Rear Panel
Fader 1 Operation Section
NOTE - All active-balanced output circuits of the Fader 1 were designed for balanced lines and
should only be connected to balanced inputs. If that is not possible and it is necessary to
connect to an unbalanced input, care must be taken not to connect the low (-) terminal
to ground. If the low (-) terminal of these outputs is connected to ground, the result may
be a high level of audio distortion.
5
4
3
Power Inlet Pins
PIN 1
PIN 2
PIN 3
PIN 4
16 VAC
16 VAC
16VAC
2
1
3
4

6. Gain Select
The Fader 1 has three gain settings available: 0dB, 6dB, and 10dB. The factory default setting is for 0dB
of gain. The gain select jumper is located on the right side of the chassis as shown below.
Fader Input to Fader Output Gain
With a balanced +4dBu signal present at the XLR line input, the fader set to the “0” mark, and the Gain
Select jumper in the default (0dB) position the corresponding balanced XLR line output will be +4dBu.
With the gain jumper in the 6db or 10dB position and the slide fader set at the “10” mark this will give
the channel a total of 16dB or 20dB of gain respectively.
Note: Extra gain may be important when interfacing to unbalanced gear or when the source signal level is
extremely low.
Chapter 3 11
0dB Setting 10dB Setting
(Factory Default)
6
6dB Setting
Fader 1 Operation Section

Line input impedance
Balanced
Unbalanced
Maximum input level
Output Impedance
Maximum output level (2k load)
Frequency Response (10 dB gain)
THD+n
+4dBu at line input, fader set to “10” mark, +14dBu at line output.
Noise (22Hz-22kHz)
Fader set at “0” mark
Fader set at “10” mark
Fader set at “:” mark
AC Power Requirements (Power Module)
Weight
Total shipping weight
Dimensions
30K ohms
15K ohms
+28dBu
60 ohms
+28dBu (Balanced)
+22dBu (Unbalanced)
1Hz-94kHz (+0/-.5dB)
.00075%
-96dBu
-91dBu
-99dBu
100-120VAC 50/60Hz .5 amp
220-240VAC 50/60Hz .25 Amp
2 Lbs (.9kg)
3 Lbs (1.4kg)
Specifications
Chapter 3 12Fader 1 Operation Section

Operation - Fader 2
Chapter 4 13
Overview
In this section we will give you basic information on the operation of the Fader 2 (F.2.) and adequately
describe its controls and connectors.
The information in this section of the manual is intended to help with the technical process when using
your F.2. Words alone can not adequately describe how to adjust the slide fader for every situation you
might encounter. You should experiment with fader levels to achieve the best results for any particular
situation. Your ears should be your best gauge of how to adjust the fader on the F.2. to make the sound fit
your requirements.
Hooking up the Fader 2
Due to the high performance of the F.2. it is recommended that you use only the highest quality audio
cable. A high quality cable by definition is a cable that provides good mechanical strength, high
microphonic noise immunity, high frequency response, low crosstalk, and 100% shielding ability. All
audio cable used should be a 3 conductor foil shield type (2 inner conductors and a shield drain
conductor). It is not recommended that the 2 conductor “off the shelf cables” be used.
All wire and cable interfaced to the F.2. should be terminated with high quality connectors. An XLR
connector should make a positive connection to its respective mating jack and provide adequate strain
relief to its cable. All connectors should also have a metal shell to provide 100% shield for exposed
conductors.
We do believe that “you get what you pay for” and advise not to purchase lower quality cables. We
recommend that you purchase from a reputable cable manufacturer that uses brand name materials.
Brand name cables include (in no particular order): Mogami, Canare, Belden, Gepco, Redco, and ProCo.
Connector brands include Switchcraft and Neutrik.
Fader 2 Operation Section

Signal Flow Diagram for the Fader 2
Use the channel signal flow diagram shown below as a reference when reading the descriptions of the
controls and connectors [1] through [6] in this chapter.
Chapter 4 14
FADER
BALANCED
INPUT-LEFT BALANCED
OUT-LEFT
FADER GAIN
SELECT-LEFT
10dB
6dB
UNITY
BALANCED
INPUT-RIGHT BALANCED
OUT-RIGHT
STEREO
FADER GAIN
SELECT-RIGHT 10dB
6dB
UNITY
0
0
8
1
Fader 2 Operation Section
1
3
3
4
4
6
6

1. Stereo Fader
This stereo 100mm slide fader adjusts the level of
the left and right channels and has a range of ∞dB
to 10dB. The operation of the slide fader
simultaneously adjusts the level to the left and
right XLR line outputs. The “0” mark is the “unity
gain” setting for the fader channel.
Fader Input to Fader Output Gain
With a balanced +4dBu signal present at the XLR
line input, the fader set to the “0” mark, and the
Gain Select jumper in the default (0dB) position
the corresponding balanced XLR line output will
be +4dBu.
With the gain jumper in the 6db or 10dB position
and the slide fader set at the “10” mark, this will
give the channel a total of 16dB or 20dB of gain
respectively.
2. Power LED
This LED will illuminate green when power is
applied to the Fader 2.
Fader 2 Top Panel
Chapter 4 15Fader 2 Operation Section
2
1

3. Power Inlet
The cable from the PS4-F power module connects to this 4 pin square connector. This connector and its
respective plug are keyed so they will only fit in one direction. For power module installation
instructions, refer to the Installation Section on page 4 of this manual.
As shown in the connector illustration “Power Inlet Pins” the 16VAC from the external power module is
connected between pin 1 and pin 2.
4. XLR Line inputs
There are two XLR connectors for the fader line inputs. These balanced inputs will accept a +4dBu
reference signal.
The XLR active-balanced inputs are suitable for any high level line source.
5. XLR Line outputs
There are two XLR connectors for the fader line output. With a balanced +4dBu signal present at the line
inputs and the slide fader set to the “0” mark, the balanced XLR line outputs will be +4dBu.
Chapter 4 16
Fader 2 Rear Panel
Fader 2 Operation Section
NOTE - All active-balanced output circuits of the Fader 2 were designed for balanced lines and
should only be connected to balanced inputs. If that is not possible and it is necessary to
connect to an unbalanced input, care must be taken not to connect the low (-) terminal
to ground. If the low (-) terminal of these outputs is connected to ground, the result may
be a high level of audio distortion.
5
4
4
5
3
Power Inlet Pins
PIN 1
PIN 2
PIN 3
PIN 4
16 VAC
16 VAC
16VAC
2
1
3
4
The pin configuration for all XLR connectors is:
Pin 1=Ground, Pin 2=High (+), Pin 3=Low (-)