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
 

9
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Front Panel Overview
CONTROL CONTROL TYPE WHAT IT DOES
PROGRAM INPUT CLIP LED Illu inates when the progra signal
reaches 2 dB below clipping.
Gain Control Adjusts the level of the progra
signal. When you turn control fully
counterclockwise, no progra signal
passes. When you turn this control
clockwise, the level of the progra
signal increases.
MONO/STEREO Switch Selects whether the PROGRAM INPUT
signal(s) will be kept separate (stereo
left and right), or su ed to ono.
If you are using stereo left and right
inputs, set this switch to STEREO. If
you are using a ono progra input,
or if you wish to su both PROGRAM
INPUTs to ono, set this switch to
MONO. Using MONO, you can also
check the ono co patibility of your
stereo progra .
CUE INPUT ASSIGN LCR Switch Assigns the cue signal to the left
channel, center channel (both chan-
nels si ultaneously), or the right
channel of the headphone outputs.
CLIP LED Illu inates when the cue signal
reaches 2 dB below clipping.
Gain Control Adjusts the level of the cue signal.
When you turn control fully counter-
clockwise, no cue signal passes.
When you turn this control clockwise,
the level of the cue signal increases.
6
7
4
3
5
POWER
9
10
1
0
2 8
6
6
7
5
4
3
5
6
7
SIGNAL
9
10
1
0
SIGNAL
9
10
8 2 8
4
3
4
5
6
7
4
3
5
3
OUTPUTS
1
0
SIGNAL
9
10
1
0
SIGNAL
82 2
6
7
4
3
5
2
6
7
5
4
3
1
9
10
1
0
SIGNAL
9
10
1
0
SIGNALSIGNAL
2 8 2 8
CUE INPUT
6
7
4
3
5
PROGRAM INPUT
ASSIGN
MONO
STEREO
6
7
4
3
5
91
0
CLIP
10
L
C
R
9
10
1
0
2 8 2 8
E 506
CLIP
AMPLIFIER
HEADPHONE

10
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
CONTROL/CONNECTION CONTROL/CONNECTOR TYPE WHAT IT DOES
Headphone 1–6 OUTPUTS Headphone Jack 3-conductor TRS (tip-ring-sleeve)
1/4" jack for connecting stereo
headphones. The ini u i ped-
ance is 8 oh s (see Calculating
Maxi u A plifier Load for calculat-
ing co bined headphone i ped-
ances). Be sure to include in your
i pedance calculations the head-
phones connected to the correspond-
ing rear-panel output jack. The tip
contact is the left channel.
SIGNAL LED Lights to indicate the presence of
signal.
Gain Control Adjusts the level of signal present at
the headphone output. When you turn
control fully counterclockwise, no
signal will be present. When you turn
this control clockwise, the signal at
the headphone output increases.
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.
Power POWER LED Lights to indicate the presence of AC
power.
Front Panel Overview

11
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Rear Panel Overview
AC INPUT 25 WATTS MAXIMUM
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
E 506
USER SEVICEABLE PARTS.
THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS NO
LYNNWOOD, WA USA
HEADPHONE
AMPLIFIER
MANUFACTURED BY SYMETRIX INC.
RÉFÉREZ TOUTE RÉPARATION À UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIÉ.
FABRIQUÉ AUX E.-U. PAR SYMETRIX INC., LYNNWOOD, WASHINGTON.
6
PROGRAM INPUTS
CONNECTION CONNECTOR TYPE WHAT IT DOES
AC Power Input IEC Power Connector Powers the 506E. Connect only to the
AC power source arked on the rear
panel.
Headphones 1–6
OUTPUT 3-conductor TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) For connecting to the optional
Sy etrix HR-1 Headphone Re ote.
The ini u i pedance of this
output is 8 oh s (see Calculating the
Maxi u A plifier Load for co bin-
ing headphone i pedances). Be sure
to include headphones connected to
the corresponding front-panel output
jack in your i pedance calculations.
The tip contact is the left channel.
DIRECT INPUT 3-conductor TRS (tip-ring-sleeve) Allows separate access to the inputs
of each of the 6 headphone a plifi-
ers. When an input is not used, it is
nor alled to allow signal fro the
506E’s progra inputs and cue input
to be fed to this headphone a plifier
section. When a TRS 1/4" connector
is plugged into this jack, it breaks the
signal path, allowing the user to
insert a different line-level signal into
this a plifier section only.
For exa ple, vocalists could use the
first 5 headphone outputs to onitor
the full progra , and, by patching a
click track into DIRECT INPUT 6, the
dru er could use headphone output
6 to listen to just the click track.
1/4" jack
1/4" jack

12
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
CONNECTION CONNECTOR TYPE WHAT IT DOES
CUE INPUT (MONO)
XLR 3-conductor balanced input jack 10 kiloh balanced bridging line input
intended for signals ranging fro –10
dBu to +4 dBu. This jack parallels the
1/4" TRS CUE INPUT jack.
1/4" TRS 3-conductor balanced input jack 10 kiloh balanced bridging line input
intended for signals ranging fro –10
dBu to +4 dBu. This jack parallels the
XLR CUE INPUT jack.
PROGRAM INPUTS
Right XLR 3-conductor balanced input jack 10 kiloh balanced bridging line input
intended for signals ranging fro –10
dBu to +4 dBu. This jack parallels the
1/4" TRS Right PROGRAM INPUT jack.
Right 1/4" TRS 3-conductor balanced input jack 10 kiloh balanced bridging line input
intended for signals ranging fro –10
dBu to +4 dBu. This jack parallels the
XLR Right PROGRAM INPUT jack.
Left XLR 3-conductor balanced input jack 10 kiloh balanced bridging line input
intended for signals ranging fro –10
dBu to +4 dBu. This jack parallels the
1/4" TRS Left PROGRAM INPUT jack.
Left 1/4" TRS 3-conductor balanced input jack 10 kiloh balanced bridging line input
intended for signals ranging fro –10
dBu to +4 dBu. This jack parallels the
XLR Left PROGRAM INPUT jack.
Note
For the left, right, and cue inputs, XLR
pin 2 corresponds to the tip contact of
the TRS jack and is in phase with the
output signals.
Rear Panel Overview

13
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
LEFT IN
RIGHT IN
CUE IN
BALANCED
INPUT
BALANCED
INPUT
BALANCED
INPUT
STEREO MONO
SUM
SUM
ASSIGN
DIRECT INPUT
FRONT
OUTPUT
REAR
OUTPUT
ONE OF 6 CHANNELS
Signal Flow Diagram

14
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Troubleshooting
SYMPTOM PROBABLE CAUSE/WHAT TO DO
No output Check cables and connections to see if:
• Inputs are driving outputs, and outputs are driving inputs.
• Unit is plugged in.
• The DIRECT INPUT jack of the headphone channel you are onitoring
has a cable plugged in. If so, unplug this source.
Check controls to see if:
• PROGRAM INPUT and CUE INPUT gain controls are turned up.
• The gain control of the headphone channel that you are onitoring is
turned up.
• If the PROGRAM INPUT’s Mono/Stereo switch is set to MONO, try setting
the switch to STEREO (you ay have a phase cancellation proble with
the signal that you are sending to the PROGRAM INPUT).
Verify cables, source, and load.
Replace or verify that headphones are in working order.
Hum or buzz in output Check input and output connector wiring.
Check for a ground loop proble . Inspect related syste equip ent ground-
ing to verify that all syste co ponents are on the sa e AC ground.
Distortion Check if line input signal is too hot or already distorted. If so, turn down the
PROGRAM INPUT and/or CUE INPUT gain controls.
Check the output loading.
Check if so ething else is clipping.
Check if you are overdriving your headphones. If so, turn down the output
gain control for the channel that you are using.
Noise (hiss) Check input signal levels. The 506E is intended to operate at or near “line”
level (+4 dBu is no inal). Make sure that the signal you are feeding to the
506E is a line level signal, not ic level.
Check that all syste s co ponents are on the sa e AC ground.
Check gain settings on upstrea equip ent. The syste gain structure
should be such that the 506E receives +4 dBu no inal signal. Check if the
input signal is already noisy.
No LED displa Check if unit is plugged in.
Verify that AC outlet works.

15
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Hardware Specifications
Input/Output
Maxi u Input Level +21 dBu
Maxi u Output Level 2000 oh load: 12V RMS
600 oh load: +21 dB
60 oh load: 3.3V RMS
Input I pedance Progra and Cue Inputs: 20K oh s balanced
Direct Channel Inputs: 20K oh s unbalanced
Output I pedance 100 oh s
Indicators
Clip LED Lights at 2 dB below onset of clipping
Signal LED Lights at –30 dBu output level
Performance Data
Frequency Response 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +0, –0.5 dB
THD+Noise <0.05%
Residual Output Noise <-90 dBu
Maxi u Gain Progra and Cue Inputs: 20 dB
Direct Channel Inputs: 10 dB
Separation 70 dB @ 1000 Hz typical
Connections
Input Progra Inputs and Cue Input: balanced XLR and balanced TRS
Direct Channel Inputs: unbalanced TRS
Output Unbalanced TRS
Power In Standard IEC Power Inlet
Ph sical
Size (H x W x D) 1.72 in. x 19 in. x 7.25 in. / 4.4 c x 48.3 c x 18.4 c
Weight 7.6 lbs. / 3.5 kg net
Electrical
Power Require ents 115 VAC no inal, 105 to 125 VAC, 60 Hz, 25W ax
230 VAC no inal, 220 to 240 VAC, 50 to 60 Hz, 25W ax

16
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Architects and Engineers Specifications
The headphone a plifier shall have
stereo left and right progra inputs
with a ono/stereo switch and a
ono cue input that is assignable to
left, right, and center. The headphone
a plifier shall have six stereo out-
puts. Each output shall have its own
volu e control, a plifier, and signal
LED. Each output channel shall also
have a direct input, which interrupts
the signal fro the progra and cue
inputs to that output channel.
The headphone a plifier shall have a
progra input gain control with a
ono/stereo switch. A cue input gain
control with LCR toggle switch shall
also be provided. All inputs shall be
balanced bridging inputs. Outputs
shall be suitable for driving head-
phones in the range of 8 oh s to
2000 oh s. The output source
i pedance shall be 100 oh s. The
headphone a plifier shall be
equipped with a progra input clip
LED, a cue input clip LED and a
power LED.
The headphone a plifier shall be
capable of delivering 35 volts peak-
to-peak into a 2000 oh load.
The headphone a plifier shall be
capable of operating by eans of its
own built-in power supply connected
to 115 VAC no inal (105 to 125V),
60 Hz or 230 VAC no inal (220 to
240V), 50 to 60 Hz.
The headphone a plifier shall be a
Sy etrix Inc. odel 506E Headphone
A plifier.

17
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Warranty
Important Information
Regarding Your Warranty
We would like to offer you an incentive to
co plete our product registration for .
Either fully co plete and ail your product
registration card or register online at
www.s metrixaudio.com. You will then
have a total of 5 years of warranty
coverage, under the ter s and li itations
as set forth below, without additional cost.
If you don’t register your product, you will
still receive one year of warranty coverage,
but it only takes a inute to fill out the
card or register online and we won’t share
your personal infor ation with others.
Following are the ter s and li itations of
the Sy etrix warranty.
Warranty
Sy etrix, Inc. expressly warrants to the
original purchaser (“Buyer”), subject to the
ter s and conditions set forth below, that
the Product will be free fro defects in
aterial and work anship as a result of
nor al co ercial use for one (1) year
fro the date of purchase. This warranty
will be auto atically extended (subject to
the additional li itations set forth below)
for an additional four years if the Warranty
Registration is co pleted and returned to
Sy etrix (or co pleted online) within
thirty (30) days of the date of delivery.
Sy etrix’s warranty obligation is li ited to
the repair, replace ent, or refund at
Sy etrix’s sole discretion, of the part or
parts of the Product which ay thus prove
defective in aterials or work anship
within one year fro date of purchase (or
five years fro the date of purchase if
Buyer has registered its purchase as
provided above) under nor al use and
which our exa ination discloses to our
satisfaction to be thus defective, provided
that Buyer gives Sy etrix pro pt notice of
its warranty clai and satisfactory proof
thereof.
Sy etrix will ake every reasonable effort
to ensure that parts are available to
support the repair of our products under
warranty. In the event that a product or
co ponent part thereof beco es obsolete,
unavailable or irreparable, Sy etrix
reserves the right to refund a prorated
portion of the purchase price in full
satisfaction of all warranty clai s. A refund
of the purchase price is prorated as
follows: 100% through year one, 80%
through year two, 60% through year three,
40% through year four and 20% through
year five.
In order to serve you better we request
that the Buyer shall, prior to shipping
Product to Sy etrix for warranty service,
contact Sy etrix and secure a Return
Authorization Nu ber that shall be
included with the returned Product. This
will facilitate our efforts to keep track of
your Product and process your warranty
repair as quickly as possible. Buyer will
prepay all freight charges to ship the
Product to Sy etrix for warranty inspection
and service. This warranty is subject to
Sy etrix’s inspection of the Product at its
facilities and, upon Sy etrix’s request,
satisfactory proof of purchase (dated copy
of original retail dealer’s invoice.)
Sy etrix reserves the right to effect
repairs to the product with reconditioned
co ponents/parts. Products once repaired
under warranty will be shipped to Buyer
freight prepaid by Sy etrix via United
Parcel Service (surface) or any si ilar
shipper, to any location designated by
buyer within the Continental United States.
At Buyer’s request and expense Product
will be returned via airfreight. Outside the
continental United States, repaired or
replaced products will be returned freight
collect.
THIS WARRANTY IS EXPRESSLY IN LIEU OF
ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EXPRESS OR
IMPLIED, ARISING BY LAW OR OTHERWISE
(INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY
OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLER WITH
RESPECT TO CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES)
INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MER-
CHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR USE
AND OF ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR
LIABILITIES ON OUR PART, AND WE
NEITHER ASSUME, NOR AUTHORIZE ANY
OTHER PERSON TO ASSUME FOR US, ANY
OTHER LIABILITY IN CONNECTION WITH
THE SALE OF THE PRODUCT. THIS
WARRANTY SHALL NOT APPLY TO THIS
PRODUCT OR ANY PART THERE OF WHICH
HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO ACCIDENT,
NEGLIGENCE, ALTERATION, ABUSE, OR
MISUSE. WE MAKE NO WARRANTY
WHATSOEVER IN RESPECT TO ACCESSO-
RIES OR PARTS NOT SUPPLIED BY US. THE
TERM “ORIGINAL PURCHASER,” AS USED
IN THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE DEEMED TO
MEAN THAT PERSON OR COMPANY THAT
ORIGINALLY PURCHASED THE PRODUCT.
This Sy etrix product has been designed
and anufactured for use in professional
and studio audio syste s and is not
intended for other usage. This warranty
only applies to Buyers using the Product in
professional and studio audio syste s.
With respect to others, including but not
li ited to consu ers for personal, fa ily,
or household use, S metrix expressl
disclaims all warranties, including but
not limited to warranties of merchant-
abilit and fitness for a particular
purpose and the express warranties as
otherwise provided herein.
Sy etrix reserves the right to odify the
design or ake additions to, or i prove-
ents to, its product lines without aking
si ilar upgrades to Product purchased by
Buyer. Sy etrix does not authorize any
third party, including any dealer or sales
representative, to assu e any liability,
effect any repairs or odifications to the
Product, or ake any additional warranties
or representation regarding the Product or
Product infor ation on behalf of Sy etrix.
Sy etrix’s total liability on any clai ,
whether in contract, tort (including
negligence) or otherwise arising out of,
connected with, or resulting fro the
anufacture, sale, delivery, resale, repair,
replace ent or use of Product will not
exceed the purchase price of the Product or
any part thereof which gives rise to the
clai . In no event will Sy etrix be liable
for any incidental or consequential
da ages including but not li ited to
da age for lost revenue, cost of capital,
clai s of custo ers for service interrup-
tions or failure to supply, and costs and
expenses incurred in connection with labor,
overhead, transportation, installation or
re oval of products or substitute facilities
or supply houses as a result of Product
failure.
This li ited warranty gives Buyer certain
rights. Buyer ay have additional rights
under applicable law.

18
Symetrix 506E Headphone Amplifier User’s Guide
Service
Where to Get Service
If outside of the USA
If you have deter ined that your
506E requires repair services and you
live outside of the United States,
please contact your local Sy etrix
dealer or distributor for instructions
on how to obtain service.
If inside the USA
Sy etrix will perfor in-warranty or
out-of-warranty service on any
product it has anufactured for a
period of five years fro date of
anufacture. If you reside in the
USA, then proceed as follows:
In-Warranty Repairs
Repairs ade in-warranty will cost
you only one-way freight charges.
We’ll prepay the return (surface)
freight. Of course, if the repair is due
to operator error, parts and labor will
be charged. If there are charges for
the repair costs, you will pay for the
return freight. All charges will be COD
unless you have ade other arrange-
ents (prepaid, Visa, or Mastercard).
Out-of-Warranty Repairs
If the warranty period has passed,
you’ll be billed for all necessary parts,
labor, packaging aterials, and
freight charges.
To Get Your 506E Unit Repaired (US Customers Only)
1Call our Technical Services Group for a return authorization (RA) nu ber.
[phone], Monday through Friday, 6:00 a to 4:30 p Pacific Ti e
Have your serial nu ber ready to give to the service representative.
You will find it on the botto of the 506E unit.
2Pack the unit in its original packaging aterials.
3Include your na e, address, dayti e telephone nu ber, and a brief
state ent of the proble .
4Write the RA nu ber on the outside of the box.
5Ship the unit to Sy etrix, freight prepaid. We do not accept freight
collect shipments.
S metrix, Inc.
14926 35th Ave West
L nnwood WA 98037
If You Don't Have Factory Packaging Materials
If you send us your product in substandard packaging, we will charge you for
factory shipping aterials. If you don’t have the factory packaging aterials, do
the following:
1Select an oversized carton.
2Wrap the unit in a plastic bag, and surround it with bubble-wrap.
3Pack the box full of Styrofoa peanuts. Be sure there is enough clear-
ance in the carton to protect the rack ears.
We will return the unit in Sy etrix packaging.