Symetrix 506E User manual

506E Headphone Amplifier
USERNGUIDE

506E Headphone Amplifier
User’s Guide
© August 2000 Symetrix, Inc.
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America
Symetrix Part Num er 53506E-0A00
The information in this guide is su ject to
change without notice. Symetrix, Inc. shall
not e lia le for technical or editorial
errors or omissions contained herein; nor
is it lia le for incidental or consequential
damages resulting from the furnishing,
performance, or use of this material.
Mention of third-party products is for in-
formational purposes only and constitutes
neither an endorsement nor a recommen-
dation. Symetrix assumes no responsi il-
ity with regard to the performance or use
of these products.
Under copyright laws, no part of this user
guide may e reproduced or transmitted
in any form or y any means, electronic or
mechanical, without permission in writing
from Symetrix, Inc. If, however, your only
means of access is electronic, permission
to print one copy is here y granted.
Permission to copy the Architects and
Engineers Specificiations for written
proposals specifying equipment for sound
reinforcement systems is, also, granted.
Symetrix, Inc.
14926 35th Ave West
Lynnwood WA 98037-2303
USA
Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
We : www.symetrixaudio.com
Email: [email protected]

1
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Before You Begin 2
What Ships in the Box 2
Getting Help 2
Optional Accessories 2
Notational Conventions in this User Guide 2
Operational Safety Su ary 3
Equip ent Markings 3
506E Product Information 4
Product Su ary 4
Features 4
Fast First-Time Setup 5
Making Hardware Connections and Selections 5
Setting Gain Controls 6
Calculating the Maxi u A plifier Load 7
Controlling the Volume Level from
a Remote Control 8
Front Panel Overview 9
Contents
Rear Panel Overview 11
Signal Flow Diagram 13
Troubleshooting 14
Hardware Specifications 15
Architects and Engineers Specifications 16
Warranty 17
Service 18
Where to Get Service 18
In-Warranty Repairs 18
Out-of-Warranty Repairs 18
To Get Your 506E Unit Repaired (US Custo ers Only) 18
If You Don't Have Factory Packaging Materials 18
Declaration of Conformity 19

2
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
What Ships in the Box
The 506E unit
IEC power cord
Two 3.5 to 1/4" ini jack
adapters
4 rubber feet for ounting to
botto of unit
This user's guide
A warranty card (if purchased in
USA)
You can register online at
www.sy etrixaudio.co
When you register the 506E, you
get 4 extra years of warranty
coverage.
| What Ships in the Box | Getting Help | Optional Accessories
| Notational Conventions in this User Guide | Operator Safety Su ary | Equip ent Markings
Before You Begin
Getting Help
If you have technical questions beyond the scope of this guide, please contact
our Technical Services Group in the following ways:
TUS custo ers [phone]
International custo ers [phone]
fro 6:00 a to 4:30 p Pacific Ti e Monday through Friday
F(425) 787-3211
tech@sy etrixaudio.co
www.sy etrixaudio.co
Optional Accessories
MODEL ITEM DESCRIPTION
HR-1 Headphone Remote Stereo headphone jack with individual
volume control, input and output jacks,
various mounting options
USC-1 Security Cover Fits 1U (19 in. x 1.72 in.) products
Contact your dealer or Sy etrix for purchasing infor ation.
Notational Conventions in this User Guide
Note Identifies infor ation that needs extra e phasis. Generally
supplies extra infor ation to help you to better use the 506E.
CAUTION Identifies infor ation that, if unheeded, ay cause da age to
the 506E or other equip ent in your syste .
WARNING Identifies infor ation that, if ignored, ay be hazardous to
your health or that of others.
CAPS Controls, switches or other arkings on the chassis of the
506E.

3
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Operator Safety Summary
Operating Location Do not operate this
equip ent under any of the following
conditions: explosive at ospheres, in wet
locations, in incle ent weather, i proper
or unknown AC ains voltage, or if
i properly fused. Do not install near any
heat source such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus
(including a plifiers) that produce heat.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning
stor s or when unused for long periods of
ti e.
Sta Out of the Box To avoid personal
injury (or worse), do not re ove the
product covers or panels. Do not operate
the product without the covers and panels
properly installed. Only use accessories
specified by the anufacturer. Clean only
with a da p cloth.
User-serviceable parts There are no
user serviceable parts inside the 506E. In
case of failure, refer all servicing to the
factory. Servicing is required when the
506E has been da aged in any way, such
as when a power supply cord or plug is
da aged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or
oisture, does not operate nor ally, or
has been dropped.
Equipment Markings
Follow all warnings and instructions. Install
in accordance with the anufacturer’s
instructions.
Power Source This product is intended
to operate fro a power source that does
not apply ore than 120V r s between
the power supply conductors or between
either power supply conductor or ground.
Grounding The chassis of this product is
grounded through the grounding conduc-
tor of the power cord. To avoid electric
shock, plug the power cord into a properly
wired receptacle before aking any
connections to the product. A protective
ground connection, by way of the ground-
ing conductor in the power cord, is
essential for safe operation. Do not defeat
the safety purpose of the grounding
plug. The grounding plug has two blades
and a third grounding prong. The third
prong is provided for your safety. When
the provided plug does not fit your outlet,
consult an electrician for replace ent of
the obsolete outlet.
Danger from Loss of Ground If the
protective ground connection is lost, all
accessible conductive parts, including
knobs and controls that ay appear to be
insulated, can render an electric shock.
Proper Power Cord Use only the power
cord and connector specified for the
product and your operating locale. Use
only a cord that is in good condition.
Protect the power cord fro being walked
on or pinched, particularly at the plug,
convenience receptacle, and the point
where the cord exits fro the apparatus.
AVIS: NE PAS OUVRIR
Il ne se trouve a l’interieur aucune piece pourvant entre reparée l’usager.
SEE OWNERS MANUAL. VOIR CAHIER D’INSTRUCTIONS.
S’adresser a un re
p
arateur com
p
étent.
RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE
No user serviceable parts inside. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
CAUTION
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR
ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE
THIS EQUIPMENT TO RAIN OR MOISTURE
DO NOT OPEN
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
The lightning flash with arrowhead sy bol
within an equilateral triangle is intended
to alert the user of the presence of
uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within
the product’s enclosure that ay be of
sufficient agnitude to constitute a risk of
electric shock to persons. The excla ation
point within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user of the presence
of i portant operating and aintenance
(servicing) instructions in the literature
acco panying the product (i.e., this user
guide).
CAUTION
To prevent electric shock, do not use the
polarized plug supplied with the unit
with any extension cord, receptacle, or
other outlet unless the blades can be
fully inserted.
| What Ships in the Box | Getting Help | Optional Accessories
| Notational Conventions in this User Guide | Operator Safet Summar | Equipment Markings
Before You Begin

4
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Product Summary
The 506E Headphone Amplifier contains
6 discrete headphone amplifiers, which
are normally driven by a stereo
program input. Each amplifier has an
independent level control. The PRO-
GRAM INPUT section also has a level
control and STEREO/MONO switch. The
CUE INPUT section has a level control
and Left/Center/Right ASSIGN switch.
Features
Proprietary High Voltage Drives ultiple headphones of any
i pedance greater than or equal to
8 oh s with the equivalent output
voltage of a uch larger power
a plifier.
6 Stereo Outputs Auto atically adjusts output power
to atch the load i pedance. Can
be used as a one-input, 6-output
headphone a plifier or as 6 head-
phone a plifiers.
Unique Mono Cue Input For feeding a ix inus or IFB fro
a producer or re ote talent into the
ain onitor ix during a live
broadcast, or for feeding a click
track during a recording session.
Assignable to left, center (left and
right), or right.
Mono/Stereo Switch Maintains stereo signal integrity
fro input to output or, in ono
position, either or both progra
inputs ay be used to provide ono
progra signal.
Direct Input/Output and Allows you to interrupt the progra /
cue input on each a plifier channel
and to insert a separate signal to
drive that a plifier channel indepen-
dently fro the other channels. Gain
controls are provided for progra
and cue inputs and for the 6 output
a plifier channels.
Internal Power Supply No “wallwart” or “lu p-in-the-line.”
Optional Headphone Re ote Box Sa e 6 headphone outputs are also
provided at the rear panel to provide
output to the Sy etrix HR-1 Head-
phone Re ote.
Drive Technology
Level Control
| Product Summar | Features
506E Product Information

5
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Making Hardware Connections and Selections
2Set all levels—PROGRAM INPUT, CUE INPUT, and all
6 headphones—to zero.
3If your progra source is ono, press switch to
lower position.
If stereo, leave in forward position.
4Set CUE INPUT ASSIGN switch to C (center).
506E Front Panel
1Plug the IEC power cord into the 506E and into the
appropriate source of AC power as indicated on the
rear panel.
AC INPUT 25 WATTS MAXIMUM
E
506
HEADPHONE
AMPLIFIER
1
OUTPUT DIRECT
INPUT
2
OUTPUT DIRECT
INPUT
3
OUTPUT DIRECT
INPUT
4
OUTPUT DIRECT
INPUT
5
OUTPUT DIRECT
INPUT CUE INPUT
MONO RIGHT
INPUT
DIRECT
OUTPUT
6
PROGRAM
506E Rear Panel
1
OUTPUT DIRECT
INPUT
2
OUTPUT DIRECT
INPUT
3
OUTPUT DIRECT
INPUT
4
OUTPUT DIRECT
INPUT
5
OUTPUT DIRECT
INPUT CUE INPUT
MONO RIGHT LEFT
INPUT
DIRECT
OUTPUT
6
PROGRAM INPUTS
6Connect your progra source.
If your source is ono, connect
either to the left or right jack.
506E Rear Panel
5(Optional)
Connect
your cue
source.
7Connect the first set of headphones either here or to
the front panel OUTPUT 1 jack.
7Connect the first set of headphones either here or to
the rear panel OUTPUT 1 jack.
67 4
3
5
POWER
9
10
10
2 8
6
67
5
4
3
5
67
SIGNAL
9
10
10
SIGNAL
9
10
8 2 8
4
3
4
5
67
4
3
5
3
OUTPUTS
10
SIGNAL
9
10
10
SIGNAL
8
2 2
67
4
3
5
2
67
5
4
3
1
9
10
10
SIGNAL
9
10
10
SIGNAL
2 8 2 8
CUE INPUT
67 4
3
5
PROGRAM INPUT
ASSIGN
MONO
STEREO
67 4
3
5
91 0
CLIP 10
L
C
R
9
10
10
2 8 2 8
CLIP
Fast First-Time Setup
| Making Hardware Connections and Selections | Setting Gain Controls
| Calculating the Maxi u A plifier Load

6
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Setting Gain Controls
1While sending signal fro your
progra source, slowly turn the
PROGRAM INPUT level control
clockwise until the CLIP LED
flashes. Then back it off until
the CLIP LED does not flash, or
only flashes occasionally on
peaks in the progra source.
2While sending signal fro your
cue source, slowly turn the CUE
INPUT level control clockwise
until the CLIP LED flashes. Then
back it off until the CLIP LED
does not flash, or only flashes
occasionally on peaks in the cue
source.
3While sending signal fro your
progra and/or cue source,
slowly turn the Channel 1 level
control clockwise until the green
SIGNAL LED lights. You should
be able to hear progra and/or
cue signal in your first set of
headphones now.
4Adjust the Channel 1 level
control for the desired listening
level.
5If you are using progra and
cue signals, adjust the PRO-
GRAM INPUT and CUE INPUT
level controls to achieve the
desired balance of progra to
cue signal.
6Repeat steps for any additional
headphone sets, using channels
2–6 of the 506E. See in this
section, Calculating the Maxi-
u A plifier Load, to find out
how any headphones of
various i pedances ay be
used with each output of the
506E.
67 4
3
5
POWER
9
10
10
2 8
6
67
5
4
3
5
67
SIGNAL
9
10
10
SIGNAL
9
10
8 2 8
4
3
45
67
4
3
5
3
OUTPUTS
10
SIGNAL
9
10
10
SIGNAL
8
2 2
67 4
3
5
2
67
5
4
3
1
9
10
10
SIGNAL
9
10
10
SIGNAL
2 8 2 8
CUE INPUT
67 4
3
5
PROGRAM INPUT
ASSIGN
MONO
STEREO
67 4
3
5
91 0
CLIP 10
L
C
R
9
10
10
2 8 2 8
CLIP
| Making Hardware Connections and Selections | Setting Gain Controls
| Calculating the Maxi u A plifier Load
506E Front Panel
Fast First-Time Setup

7
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Calculating the Maximum Amplifier Load
The ini u operating i pedance,
or axi u load, for each output of
the 506E is 8 oh s. Use as any
pairs of headphones as desired, as
long as the total co bined i pedance
(per output) does not fall below 8 oh s.
| Making Hardware Connections and Selections | Setting Gain Controls
| Calculating the Maximum Amplifier Load
How Many Headphones of Various Impedances May Be Used
With Each Output of the 506E
IMPEDANCE OF HEADPHONES MAXIMUM NUMBER/CHANNEL
81
16 2
32 4
100 10
200 20
400 40
600 60
If You Are Driving Low Imped-
ance Headphones
The quantities noted above reflect
usage with typical wide-range usical
signals. If you are driving low-
i pedance headphones (16 oh s or
lower actual i pedance), and you
intend to drive the to the brink of
a plifier clipping, then you should
revise the nu ber of headphones
possible to 2 headphones at 8 oh s
or 4 headphones at 16 oh s. In the
exa ple of 8 oh s, you’ll have 2
a plifier channels that aren’t doing
anything. It is OK to use any re ain-
ing a plifier channels with higher
i pedance phones (50 oh s or
higher).
For axi u output with all chan-
nels driven, try to restrict the lowest
co bined load i pedance to 50 oh s
per channel. Lower i pedance loads
si ply reduce the axi u output
possible.
If You Are Using Headphones
Spec’d for 8 Ohms Output
Many headphones are spec’d as being
suitable for 8 oh outputs. They are,
but this does not ean that their
actual i pedance is 8 oh s. In ost
cases, the actual i pedance is
substantially higher. This is good
(rather than bad). For whatever it’s
worth, ost decent headphones have
actual i pedances ranging fro
50 oh s and up.
If You Are Using Multiple
Headphones
When ultiple headphones are
required with each output, use
headphone type “Y” cords, or a
“breakout box,” such as the Sy etrix
HR-1 Headphone Re ote. A breakout
box ay have as any paralleled
1/4" stereo jacks as necessary, as
long as the total co bined i pedance
(per output) does not fall below
8 oh s.
CAUTION
The 506E is capable of driving many
headphones past the threshold of
pain. At this volume level, hearing
damage can occur. For your own
hearing health, monitor at a low
sound pressure level.
Fast First-Time Setup

8
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Controlling the Volume Level from
a Remote Control
Using the Symetrix HR-1 Headphone Remote
The HR-1 Headphone Re ote is
designed for use with the 506E unit
and is available for separate purchase.
The HR-1 allows you to ake head-
phone a p outputs available at a
re ote location. It also provides level
control for an individual output as
well as a Loop Through Output. This
output provides line level audio that
is not affected by the HR-1’s gain
control.
For figuring headphone i pedances,
see in this section Calculating the
Maxi u A plifier Load. Include in
your calculations both headphones
connected to the 506E’s front panel
jacks and headphones connected to
the corresponding HR-1 jacks. Mini-
u i pedance is 8 oh s for 506E’s
headphone outputs.
The HR-1 Has A Variety of
Mounting Options
Either recessed, extruded or flush
ounted into studio console furniture.
Attached to the top or underside of a
desk or cabinet.
Mounted on a icrophone stand.
506E Front Panel
1Connect a 1/4" TRS to TRS
(tip-ring-sleeve) cable,
axi u length 200 ft.
Remote Control 1
Remote Control 2
2Set gain controls for
• PROGRAM INPUT
• CUE INPUT (if using cue)
• Headphone OUTPUT where
you have connected the HR-1.
3(Optional) Connect ultiple HR-1s
with 1/4" TRS to TRS cables.
4Turn volu e
control up to the
desired sound
level.
Input
Output
HR-1
MANUFACTURED IN THE USA BY
LYNNWOOD,WA
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
Input
Output
HR-1
MANUFACTURED IN THE USA BY
LYNNWOOD,WA
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE.
HR-1
Volume

67 4
3
5
POWER
9
10
10
2 8
6
67
5
4
3
5
67
SIGNAL
9
10
10
SIGNAL
9
10
8 2 8
4
3
4
5
67
4
3
5
3
OUTPUTS
10
SIGNAL
9
10
10
SIGNAL
8
2 2
67 4
3
5
2
67
5
4
3
1
9
10
10
SIGNAL
9
10
10
SIGNAL
2 8 2 8
CUE INPUT
67 4
3
5
PROGRAM INPUT
ASSIGN
MONO
STEREO
67 4
3
5
91 0
CLIP 10
L
C
R
9
10
10
2 8 2 8
CLIP
 