Symetrix 440 User manual

440 Foreground
Audio Controller
User s Guide
440

i
Table of Contents
Chapter 1 Introduction 1
Chapter 2 Operator Safety Summary 2
Chapter 3 Fast Setup 3
Chapter 4 Front Panel Overview 4
Chapter 5 Rear Panel Overview
Chapter 6 Applications 8
Chapter 7 Troubleshooting 10
Chapter 8 Specifications 12
Chapter 9 Block Diagram 14
Chapter 10 Warranty and Service 15
Appendix A RC-2 Remote Controller 17
Appendix B Modification Instructions 18
Appendix C Declaration of Conformity 20
Rev A.02, 27 January, 2000
Symetrix part number 53440-0A02
Subject to change without notice.
'2000, Symetrix, Inc. All right reserved.
Symetrix is a registered trademark of Symetrix, Inc.
Mention of third-party products is for informational purposes only
and constitutes neither an endorsement nor a recommendation.
Symetrix assumes no responsibility with regard to the performance
or use of these products.
Under copyright laws, no part of this manual may be reproduced or
transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical,
including photocopying, scanning, recording or by any information
storage and retrieval system, without permission, in writing, from
Symetrix, Inc.
6408 216th St. SW
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043 USA
Tel [phone]
Fax [phone]
Email: [email protected]
440

440
1
IntroductionChapter 1
Front panel
Rear panel
Congratulations on your purchase of the Symetrix 440 Foreground Audio Controller. The 440 is
designed to provide a high degree of flexibility and control in your music paging system. It may be
used as the signal router and controller in a new music paging sound system installation, or it may
be used to add paging to an existing background music system.
Three stereo program inputs are provided, allowing selection between three different program
sources, such as satellite feed, CD player, and AM FM tuner. Each program input has separate
gain control, for optimal level-matching.
The 440 provides both a mic-level page input and a line-level page input. You may use either type
of page input, or a mix of both inputs. When a page occurs, the selected program material will be
ducked (decreased) by a user-selected amount, to provide intelligibility for the page.
Bass and treble tone controls and a master volume control allow the user to tailor the overall
sound, and the stereo program material may be summed to mono at the output stage, if desired.
A separate output is provided to feed the music-on-hold input of a telephone system. This is a
direct music-only output (no paging), and the music at this output will not be ducked when a page
occurs.
The 440 offers an excellent range of routing and control options, making it the perfect choice for a
wide variety of installations. Its flexibility and simplicity can save you time and money in the
design and installation of your next project.
We recommend that you read this manual cover-to-cover. You will find the answers to most of
your questions inside. If you have technical questions beyond the scope of this manual, please
contact our Customer Service Department at:
Phone:[phone]
Fax:[phone]
Email: [email protected]
Web site: www.symetrixaudio.com
LEVEL
OUTPUT
MUSIC ONTREBLE (dB)
REMOTE
POWER
CLIP
OFF
OFF MAX MAX
MONO
STEREO
0
-6 +6
+12-12
ACTIVE
8KHz HOLD
BASS (dB)TRIM 3 (dB)TRIM 2 (dB)TRIM 1 (dB)RANGE (dB)
DUCKER
PGM SELECT
PROGRAM INPUTS
MIX
PAGE INPUT
0
+6
-6
+12-12
0
+6-6
0
+6-6
+12-12+12-12
0
+6
23
-6
-12 +12
1
-15
-30
0-60
LINEMIC
440
AUDIO CONTROLLER
FOREGROUND
DUCK
100Hz
TONE
OFF
ON
PAGE INPUT
PHANTOM
MIC
LEFT
RIGHT
PROGRAM INPUTS
LEFT
SLEEVE = GND
BALANCED
PGM 3 PGM 2 PGM 1
LINE
INSERT
LEFT
SLEEVE = GND
TTP = RETURN
RING = SEND
AB
LOCAL
REMOTE
RIGHTVOLUME
CDEF
LEFTRIGHT
OUTPUTS
RIGHT
REMOTE CONTROL
PROGRAMMUSIC
ON HOLD
THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS NO
440
POWER INPUT
OR PS-3E POWER SUPPLY ONLY.
CONNECT TO SYMETRIX PS-3
FABRIQUÉ AUX E.-U. PAR
USER SERVICEABLE PARTS.
MANUFACTURED BY SYMETRIX INC., LYNNWOOD WA, USA.
AUDIO CONTROLLER
FOREGROUND
RÉFÉREZ TOUTE RÉPARATION ÀUN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIÉ.
SYMETRIX INC., LYNNWOOD, WASHINGTON.
RIGHT
TIP = HIGH, RING = LOW

440
2
Operator Safety Summary Chapter 2
Terms
Several notational conventions are used in this
manual. Some paragraphs may use Note, Caution,
or Warning as a heading. Certain typefaces and
capitalization are used to identify certain words.
These are:
Note Identifies information that needs
extra emphasis. A Note generally
supplies extra information to help
you to better use the 440.
Caution Identifies information that, if not
heeded, may cause damage to the
440 or other equipment in your
system.
Warning Identifies information that, if
ignored, may be hazardous to your
health or that of others.
CAPITALS Controls, switches or other markings
on the 440 s chassis.
Boldface Strong emphasis.
Equipment Markings
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 reparateur compétent.
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 symbol within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user of the
presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage within
the product s enclosure that may be of sufficient
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral
triangle is intended to alert the user of the presence of
important operating and maintenance (servicing)
instructions in the literature accompanying the product
(i.e. this manual).
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 lades can e fully
inserted.
Important Safety Instructions
Please read and keep these instructions. Heed
and follow all warnings and instructions.
Install in accordance with the manufacturer s
instructions.
Grounding The chassis of this product is
grounded through the grounding conductor of the
PS-3 PS-3E power cord. To avoid electric shock,
plug the power cord into a properly wired
receptacle before making any connections to the
product. A protective ground connection, by way
of the grounding 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 replacement
of the obsolete outlet.
Danger from Loss of Ground If the protective
ground connection is lost, all accessible conduc-
tive parts, including knobs and controls that may
appear to be insulated, can render an electric
shock.
Proper Power ord 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 from being
walked on or pinched, particularly at plugs,
convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the apparatus.
Operating Location Do not operate this
equipment under any of the following condi-
tions: explosive atmospheres, in wet locations,
in inclement weather, improper or unknown AC
mains voltage, or if improperly fused. Do not
install near any heat source such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including
amplifiers) that produce heat. Unplug this
apparatus during lightning storms or when
unused for long periods of time.
Stay Out of the Box To avoid personal injury
(or worse), do not remove the product covers or
panels. Do not operate the product without the
covers and panels properly installed. Only use
accessories specified by the manufacturer. Clean
only with a damp cloth.
User-serviceable parts There are no user
serviceable parts inside the 440. In case of
failure, refer all servicing to the factory. Servic-
ing is required when the 440 has been damaged
in any way, such as when a power supply cord or
plug is damaged, liquid has been spilled or
objects have fallen into the apparatus, the
apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture,
does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

440
3
Fast First-Time Setup
This section provides simple instructions to begin using the 440. Please refer to later chapters for
detailed descriptions of product features and applications.
1. Set the PAGE INPUT MIX and DUCKER RANGE controls to the 12:00 position.
2. Use the PROGRAM SELECT control to select the desired program input.
3. Set the PROGRAM INPUTS trimpots (TRIM 1, TRIM 2 and TRIM 3) to the 12:00 position (0).
4. Set the TONE controls, BASS and TREBLE, to the 12:00 Position.
5. Set the OUTPUT STEREO MONO switch appropriately for your output configuration.
6. Set the OUTPUT MUSIC ON HOLD trimpot to the 12:00 position.
7. Set the OUTPUT LEVEL control completely counterclockwise.
8. Connect the 440 to an appropriate source of AC power, using the Symetrix PS-3 or PS-3E
power supply provided with your 440.
9. Set the REMOTE CONTROL LOCAL REMOTE switch (located on the back panel) to the Local (out)
position.
10. Set the PAGE INPUT PHANTOM POWER switch to the Off (out) position, unless you will be
connecting to the PAGE INPUT a condenser page mic that requires external phantom power.
11. Connect your audio inputs and outputs.
12. Turn up the GAIN control until the desired volume level is reached.
Now read the rest of this manual.
Fast Setup
Chapter 3

440
4
Front Panel Overview Chapter 4
LEVEL
OUTPUT
MUSIC ONTREBLE (dB)
REMOTE
POWER
CLIP
OFF
OFF MAX MAX
MONO
STEREO
0
-6 +6
+12-12
ACTIVE
8KHz HOLD
BASS (dB)TRIM 3 (dB)TRIM 2 (dB)TRIM 1 (dB)RANGE (dB)
DUCKER
PGM SELECT
PROGRAM INPUTS
MIX
PAGE INPUT
0
+6
-6
+12-12
0
+6-6
0
+6-6
+12-12+12-12
0
+6
23
-6
-12 +12
1
-15
-30
0-60
LINEMIC
440
AUDIO CONTROLLER
FOREGROUND
DUCK
100Hz
TONE
Page Input Section
MIX control — Sets the ratio of mic input signal to line input signal.
When this control is set completely counterclockwise, the signal
present at the mic-level PAGE INPUT will pass, but the signal present at
the line-level PAGE INPUT will not. When this control is set completely
clockwise, the signal present at the line-level PAGE INPUT will pass, but
the signal present at the mic-level PAGE INPUT will not. When the MIX
control is set anywhere between clockwise and counter clockwise, both
signals will pass, and the balance between their levels will be deter-
mined by the position of this control.
Ducker Section
DUCK LED — Lights to indicate that the program material is being
ducked.
RANGE control — Determines the amount of ducking that will occur.
If this control is set completely counterclockwise (-60), the
program material will be ducked by 60dB (virtually muted) when a
page occurs. If this control is set clockwise (0), then the program
material will not be ducked at all, even when a page occurs.
THRESHOLD and RELEASE TIME controls — Internal controls are
provided to change the Ducker threshold setting and release time
from the factory presets. Please see Appendix B for instructions.
MIX
PAGE INPUT
LINEMIC
RANGE (dB)
DUCKER
-15
-30
0-60
DUCK
Program Inputs Section
PGM SELECT control —
Selects which of the
three program inputs
will be present at the
output of the 440.
Only one input may be
selected at a time.
TRIM 1 control — Sets
the gain that will be
applied to the program
material which is connected to PROGRAM INPUT 1.
TRIM 2 control — Sets the gain that will be applied to the program material which is connected to
PROGRAM INPUT 2.
TRIM 3 control — Sets the gain that will be applied to the program material which is connected to
PROGRAM INPUT 3.
Tone Section
BASS control — Provides up to 12dB of boost or cut at 100 Hz to all signals, program and paging,
which pass through the 440.
TRIM 3 (dB)TRIM 2 (dB)TRIM 1 (dB)PGM SELECT
PROGRAM INPUTS
0
+6-6
0
+6-6
+12-12+12-12
0
+6
23
-6
-12 +12
1

440
5
TREBLE control — Provides up to 12dB of boost
or cut at 8000 Hz to all signals, program and
paging, which pass through the 440.
Note The 440 may be modified to cause
the Bass and Treble Controls, as
well as the Output Level Control, to
affect only the program material, and
not the page signal. Please see
Appendix B for modification
instructions.
TREBLE (dB)
0
-6 +6
+12-12
8KHz
BASS (dB)
0
+6
-6
+12-12
100Hz
TONE
Remote Section
ACTIVE LED — Lights to indicate that the user has activated the remote control
mode by setting the rear panel LOCAL REMOTE switch to the REMOTE position.
When the remote control mode is activated, the front panel PROGRAM SELECT
control is rendered inactive, and the PROGRAM SELECT functions are solely
controlled by a remote unit connected to the Remote Control terminals on the
rear panel of the 440.
In REMOTE mode the OUTPUT LEVEL control on the 440 determines the maxi-
mum output level obtainable. The REMOTE LEVEL control can be used to reduce
the output level from this maximum setting.
REMOTE
ACTIVE
Output Section
STEREO MONO switch — Selects whether the output of the 440 will be stereo or mono. If STEREO is
selected, the stereo program material will be preserved, with the mono paging signal appearing
equally on the left and right outputs. If MONO is selected, the stereo program material will be
summed to mono and combined with the mono paging signal.
MUSIC ON HOLD control — Sets the
volume level of program material
present at the 440 s Music on Hold
Output.
CLIP LED — Lights to warn that the
output signal is too high, and
distortion may occur. It is accept-
able for this LED to flash occasion-
ally, on peaks in the program
material or paging signal, but this
LED should never stay lit. If this LED stays on, turn the OUTPUT LEVEL control towards the
counterclockwise position until the CLIP LED only flashes occasionally, or not at all.
LEVEL — Sets the overall gain (volume) of the combined program material paging signal which
appears at the 440 s LEFT AND RIGHT OUTPUTS, when the LOCAL REMOTE switch on the rear of the
440 is set to the Local position.
When the LOCAL REMOTE switch on the rear of the 440 is set to the Remote position, the LEVEL
control sets a master gain limit, above which the output gain will not be allowed to rise. In other
words, when the 440 is in Remote mode, the remote control s output level adjustment may be
used to increase the 440 s output level up to, but not exceeding, the level determined by the setting
of the front-panel LEVEL control.
Note The Symetrix 440 may be modified so that the LEVEL control only affects program
material, and not the paging signal. See Appendix B for modification instructions.
POWER LED — Lights to indicate that the 440 is receiving power.
LEVEL
OUTPUT
MUSIC ON
POWER
CLIP
OFF
OFF MAX MAX
MONO
STEREO
HOLD

440
6
AB
LOCAL
REMOTE
VOLUME
CDEF
REMOTE CONTROL
PROGRAM
Rear Panel Overview Chapter 5
OFF
ON
PAGE INPUT
PHANTOM
MIC
LEFT
RIGHT
PROGRAM INPUTS
LEFT
SLEEVE = GND
BALANCED
PGM 3 PGM 2 PGM 1
LINE
INSERT
LEFT
SLEEVE = GND
TTP = RETURN
RING = SEND
AB
LOCAL
REMOTE
RIGHTVOLUME
CDEF
LEFTRIGHT
OUTPUTS
RIGHT
REMOTE CONTROL
PROGRAMMUSIC
ON HOLD
THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS NO
440
POWER INPUT
OR PS-3E POWER SUPPLY ONLY.
CONNECT TO SYMETRIX PS-3
FABRIQUÉAUX E.-U. PAR
USER SERVICEABLE PARTS.
MANUFACTURED BY SYMETRIX INC., LYNNWOOD WA, USA.
AUDIO CONTROLLER
FOREGROUND
RÉFÉREZ TOUTE RÉPARATION ÀUN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIÉ.
SYMETRIX INC., LYNNWOOD, WASHINGTON.
RIGHT
TIP = HIGH, RING = LOW
Power Input
POWER INPUT — This is a 7-pin DIN power receptacle. Connect only the
Symetrix PS-3 (117V power supply) or Symetrix PS-3E (230V power supply)
to the Power Input receptacle. Connect the AC power connector of the PS-3
or PS-3E to an AC power source that is of the correct voltage and frequency,
as marked on the PS-3 or PS-3E.
LEFTRIGHT
OUTPUTS
RIGHT
MUSIC
ON HOLD
O
ONLY.
S
-3
R
IX INC., LYNNWOOD WA, USA.
CONTROLLER
G
ROUND
N ÀUN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIÉ.
W
ASHINGTON.
Outputs
MUSIC ON HOLD OUTPUT — This RCA jack
provides a direct, line-level, mono output
of only the program material currently
selected. The level of this output is
determined by the MUSIC ON HOLD LEVEL
control. No paging signal is present at
this output, and the program material at
this output is not ducked when a page
occurs. This output is designed to feed
the music on hold input of a telephone
system. The MUSIC ON HOLD OUTPUT is transformer-isolated to prevent ground loop noise.
LEFT OUTPUT — If the STEREO MONO switch on the front panel is in the STEREO position (in), this final
output of the 440 will include paging signal and the left channel of the selected program material, as
modified by all of the 440 s front panel controls and or remote control. If the STEREO MONO switch on
the front panel is in the MONO position (out), this final output of the 440 will include paging signal and
both channels of the selected program material, as modified by all of the 440 s front panel controls and
or remote control. This line-level output is available at the LEFT OUTPUT Euroblock terminal connector
(balanced) and at the LEFT OUTPUT RCA connector (unbalanced).
RIGHT OUTPUT — If the STEREO MONO switch on the front panel is in the Stereo position (in), this final
output of the 440 will include paging signal and the right channel of the selected program material, as
modified by all of the 440 s front panel controls and or remote control. If the STEREO MONO switch on
the front panel is in the MONO position (out), this final output of the 440 will include paging signal and
both channels of the selected program material, as modified by all of the 440 s front panel controls and
or remote control. This line-level output is available at the RIGHT OUTPUT Euroblock terminal connector
(balanced) and at the RIGHT OUTPUT RCA connector (unbalanced).
Remote Control
REMOTE CONTROL VOLUME — When connected to the
Symetrix RC-2 remote controller, this Euroblock
terminal connector allows remote control of the 440 s
output gain. The REMOTE LOCAL switch must also be in
the REMOTE (in) position to enable remote volume
control. If the switch is set to REMOTE but there is no
remote control connected, the 440 will produce no
signal at any of its outputs.

440
7
LEFT
RIGHT
PROGRAM INPUTS
LEFT
SLEEVE = GND
BALANCED
PGM 3 PGM 2 PGM 1
RIGHT
TIP = HIGH, RING = LOW
Note See Appendix A for more information on the Symetrix RC-2 remote controller.
REMOTE CONTROL PROGRAM - When connected to the Symetrix RC-2 remote controller, this
Euroblock terminal connector allows remote selection of the active PROGRAM INPUT, overriding the
front panel PGM SELECT control. The LOCAL REMOTE switch must also be in the REMOTE (in)
position to enable remote program selection.
Sidechain Inserts
LEFT INSERT — This ø" TRS jack (Tip = Return, Ring = Send, Sleeve
= Ground) allows line-level outboard processing of the signal which
will appear at the left program output (page signal mixed with the
left channel of the selected program material).
RIGHT INSERT — This ø" TRS jack (Tip = Return, Ring = Send,
Sleeve = Ground) allows line-level outboard processing of the
signal which will appear at the right program output (page signal
mixed with the right channel of the selected program material).
Note If you wish to process just the selected program material
(before it is mixed with the page signal), please see Appendix B for modification
instructions.
Program Inputs
PROGRAM INPUTS 1 (Left & Right) — RCA
unbalanced left and right input jacks for
program material. These line-level
inputs will be active when the PGM
SELECT control is in the 1 position.
Gain of this input pair is controlled by
the TRIM 1 front-panel control.
PROGRAM INPUTS 2 (Left & Right) —
RCA unbalanced left and right input
jacks for program material. These
line-level inputs will be active when the PGM SELECT control is in the 2 position. Gain of this
input pair is controlled by the TRIM 2 front-panel control.
PROGRAM INPUTS 3 (Left & Right) — Balanced TRS ø" left and right input jacks for program
material. These line-level inputs will be active when the PGM SELECT control is in the 3 posi-
tion. Gain of this input pair is controlled by the TRIM 3 front-panel control.
Page Inputs
LINE PAGE INPUT — This balanced Euroblock terminal
input connector accepts line-level paging signals.
MIC PAGE INPUT — This balanced XLR input jack
accepts mic-level paging signals. If you need
phantom power for a condenser microphone
connected to this input, set the PHANTOM switch to the
in (on) position.
PHANTOM SWITCH — This on off switch allows +15
V phantom power to be applied to pins 2 and 3 of
the MIC PAGE INPUT XLR connector. If you need phantom power for a condenser microphone
directly connected to this input, set the PHANTOM switch to the in (on) position. If you do not
require phantom power at this input, set the PHANTOM switch to the out (off) position.
INSERT
LEFT
SLEEVE = GND
TTP = RETURN
RING = SEND
RIGHT
OFF
ON
PAGE INPUT
PHANTOM
MIC
LINE

440
8
Applications Chapter 6
Please refer to Figure 6-1 on the next page for an illustration of the appropriate connections.
Foreground Music with Paging
This type of paging system is typically used in a restaurant or shopping mall. It is desirable for the
paging to be clearly heard, but the transition between paging and music should not be too obtru-
sive. We recommend that you duck the background music by 10 — 20dB.
Foreground Music/Paging with Emergency Override
If you have a foreground music paging system that you wish to override in the case of an emer-
gency, you will want the ducking action to be thorough. Connect the emergency paging source to
the PAGE INPUT of the 440. Use the MIC PAGE INPUT if your emergency paging source is mic-level,
and use the LINE PAGE INPUT if the emergency paging source is line-level.
Because this is an emergency-paging situation, use the PAGE INPUTS only for emergency page
sources. Set the RANGE control completely counterclockwise for maximum ducking. Connect your
foreground music paging source to one of the PROGRAM INPUTS of the 440. Set the PGM SELECT
control to activate the desired PROGRAM INPUT.
Using Multiple Program Sources
The 440 provides program inputs for up to three stereo program sources, such as satellite feed,
cassette tape deck, CD player, radio, etc. PROGRAM INPUTS 1 and 2 use unbalanced RCA connec-
tors for left and right channels. PROGRAM INPUT 3 uses balanced ø" TRS connectors for left and
right channels. The setting of the PGM Select control determines which program source will be
active, and only one program source may be used at any given time.
Connect your program sources to the PROGRAM INPUTS of the 440, then adjust the front-panel
PROGRAM INPUT trimpots to match program levels. For example, if you are connecting the outputs
of a CD player to PROGRAM INPUT 1, and the outputs of a cassette deck to PROGRAM INPUT 2, the
trimpot for PROGRAM INPUT 1 would probably be set for a lower volume level than the trimpot for
PROGRAM INPUT 2. This is because the output levels of CD players tend to be higher than the output
levels of cassette decks.
Providing Background Music for a Telephone System
When a PROGRAM INPUT is activated by the PGM SELECT control, its signal is split and routed to two
destinations. The first destination is the ducker circuitry. The second destination is the MUSIC ON
HOLD output. The signal present at the MUSIC ON HOLD output is active program material only (no
paging), and because this signal was split off before reaching the ducker circuitry, it will not be
ducked when paging occurs. The MUSIC ON HOLD output of the 440 is designed to be a music-only
output, which may be connected to the music-on-hold input of a telephone system. Active pro-
gram material used by the music paging system will also be the music-on-hold signal used by the
telephone system. To prevent the possibility of ground loop noise, this output is transformer-
isolated.

440
9
Figure 6-1.
PROGRAM SOURCE 3
SOURCE HERE
CHOOSE THE EMERGENCY PAGE
SYSTEM
MUSIC ON HOLD
TO TELEPHONE
CHOOSE PROGRAM THAT WILL BE DUCKED HERE
PROGRAM SOURCE 2 PAGE MICROPHONE
SYSTEM
SOUND
EMERGENCY
SIGNALS THAT WILL BE DUCKED
PROGRAM SOURCE 1
LEVEL
MAX
POWER
OUTPUTTONE REMOTE
MUSIC ON
HOLD
CLIP
MONO STEREO
MAXOFF
TREBLE (dB)
8KHz
+6
0
BASS (dB)
100Hz
+6
-6
0
-6
+12
-12
-12 +12
ACTIVE
OFF
PHANTOM
OFF ON
LINE
PAGE INPUT
LEFT
LEFT
PROGRAM INPUTS
RIGHTLEFT
MIC
PGM 1
RIGHT
PGM 2
PGM 3
TIP = HIGH, RING = LOW
BALANCED
SLEEVE = GND
PROGRAM INPUTSDUCKER
TRIM 3 (dB)
+6
-6
0
TRIM 1 (dB)
-6
-6 +6
00
+6
TRIM 2 (dB)
+12
-12
+12-12-12 +12
3
2
1
PGM SELECT
RANGE (dB)
-15
-30
DUCK 0
-60
PAGE INPUT
MIX
LINEMIC
AUDIO CONTROLLER
FOREGROUND
440
RIGHTPROGRAMVOLUME
REMOTE CONTROL
RIGHT LEFT
OUTPUTS
LOCAL REMOTE
BA
DFE C
RIGHT
440
MANUFACTURED BY SYMETRIX INC., LYNNWOOD WA, USA.
FOREGROUND
AUDIO CONTROLLER
THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS NO
POWER INPUT
USER SERVICEABLE PARTS.
FABRIQUÉAUX E.-U. PAR
CONNECT TO SYMETRIX PS-3 OR PS-3E POWER SUPPLY ONLY.
SYMETRIX INC., LYNNWOOD, WASHINGTON. RÉFÉREZ TOUTE RÉPARATION ÀUN TECHNICIEN QUALIFIÉ.
MUSIC
ON HOLD
TTP = RETURN
RING = SEND
INSERT
SLEEVE = GND

440
10
Troubleshooting Chapter 7
The power LED does not light:
Are you using the correct Symetrix power supply for your location? For areas with 117V AC
power, the Symetrix PS-3 is correct. For locales with 230V AC power, the Symetrix PS-3E is the
correct power supply.
Check the power supply connections at the 440 and at the AC power source.
Is the AC power source actually providing power?
If, after checking all of the above, the 440 is not powering up correctly, consult a qualified service
technician or the Symetrix factory.
There is no output signal:
Is the power LED on? If not, see above.
Is the Output Level control turned up? If you are using the remote controller, is the Output Level
control on the remote controller turned up?
Check position of the Remote Local switch on the 440 s rear panel. If the switch is set to Remote
but there is no remote control connected, the 440 will produce no signal at any of its outputs.
Check input, output and remote controller cables and connections.
Determine that there really is signal coming from the paging source and the program material
source, and that these signals are reaching the 440.
Is your paging source connected to the correct input? If your paging source is a mic, it should be
connected to the Mic Page Input, not the Line Page Input.
If you are connecting a condenser paging mic that does not have its own power supply to the Page
Input of the 440, is the Phantom switch set to the in position?
Try setting the Mix control to the 12 o clock position.
Is the PGM Select control set to the correct position for the desired program source? If you are
using the remote controller, is the correct program source selected?
Is the Trim control for the desired program source turned up?
Distortion in the output signal:
Is the Clip LED on? If it is, turn the Output Gain down.
Check your signal sources to make sure that the incoming signals are not already distorted before
they reach the 440.
Check your input signals. Are they overdriving any of the 440 s inputs? If so, reduce the incom-
ing signal level.
Is the distortion occurring in both the paging signal and in the program material signal?
If the distortion is occurring only in the paging signal, check your paging source. If your paging
source is line-level, make sure that you connected it to the 440 s Line Page Input, not the Mic Page
Input.
If the distortion is occurring only in the program material signal, then you may be feeding the 440
a program signal that is too hot.
Are you using the correct Symetrix power supply for your locale (PS-3 for 117V AC power, PS-3E
for 230V AC power)?

440
11
No ducking is occurring:
Is the Range control turned clockwise (0)? Try turning this control counterclockwise.
Is page signal reaching the 440? Do you hear the page?
Did you use the Music On Hold output by mistake?
The 440 is not responding to the front-panel PGM Select and Output Level ontrols:
Is the Remote Active LED on? It should not be, if you wish to these front panel controls.
Check the setting of the Remote Local switch on the 440 s rear panel. For the front-panel PGM
Select and Output Level controls to be enabled, the switch should be in the Local position.
The 440 is not responding to the Remote ontroller:
Is the Remote Active LED on? It should be, if you wish to use the remote controller.
Check the setting of the Remote Local switch on the 440 s rear panel. For the remote controller to
be enabled, the switch should be in the Remote position.
Is the remote controller correctly connected to the 440?
Buzz in the output:
Check input and output connector wiring.
Check for ground loops between interconnected system equipment.
Are all system components on the same AC ground?
Noise (hiss):
Check input signal levels. The input may be too low in level. If so, boost the incoming signal.
If the incoming page signal to the 440 is Mic level, make sure that the page source is connected to
the Mic Page Input, not the Line Page Input.
Are one or both of the input signals already noisy? Listen up stream from the 440 to determine
that you are feeding it clean signals.
The 440 doesn t respond properly:
Consult a qualified service technician or the Symetrix factory.

440
12
Architects and Engineers Specifications
The foreground audio controller shall provide page-over-music capability and shall allow the user
to select between three music inputs. The unit shall occupy a single rack space (1U).
The 440 shall provide separate mic-level and line-level page inputs. The mic-level page input shall
be balanced and low-impedance, and shall use one XLR connector. The mic-level page input shall
also have a rear-panel pushbutton which shall apply +15V phantom power to the mic-level page
input. The line-level page input shall be balanced and high-impedance, and shall use one
Euroblock detachable terminal connector. A front-panel mix control shall be continuously
adjustable from mic-level page input signal only, to a mix of mic-level and line-level page input
signals, to line-level page input signal only.
Three stereo line-level program inputs shall be provided. Program inputs 1 and 2 shall use
unbalanced left and right RCA input connectors. Program input 3 shall use balanced left and right
ø tip-ring-sleeve connectors. Each program input shall be individually buffered, and shall have
an associated front-panel trimpot, which provides a continuous adjustment range from +12dB
signal boost to -12dB signal cut. Any one of the three program inputs may be selected by a front-
panel program select control.
Remote control shall be available for control of program selection and output level. Remote
control shall be enabled disabled by a rear-panel pushbutton switch. When remote control is
enabled, a front-panel indicator LED shall light, the front-panel program select control shall be
disabled, and the front-panel output level control shall become a master gain limit control.
Bass and treble tone controls shall be provided. These controls shall act on the combined page
signal and selected program signal or optionally only on the program signal. The bass tone control
shall have a center frequency of 100 Hz, and shall have a continuous adjustment range of -12dB to
+12dB. The treble control shall have a center frequency of 8kHz, and shall have a continuous
adjustment range of -12dB to +12dB.
Rear-panel ø-inch, tip-ring-sleeve left and right insert jacks shall be provided to allow external
processing of the combined paging and selected program signals, or optionally on the program
signal only.
The unit shall incorporate a priority ducking system. When audio is present at either page input,
the selected program signal shall be attenuated (ducked). There shall be a duck LED to indicate
that ducking is occurring. A continuously adjustable range control shall set the amount of attenua-
tion from -60dB to 0dB.
The stereo main outputs of the unit shall be available at left and right unbalanced RCA connectors,
and also at balanced left and right Euroblock detachable terminal connectors. A front-panel switch
shall allow stereo or mono main output capability. A front-panel gain control with a clip LED
shall simultaneously and continuously adjust the level of the left and right main outputs.
A music-on-hold output, available at a single unbalanced RCA connector, shall also be provided.
The music-on-hold output shall provide a mono sum of the selected program input, prior to any
processing. A front-panel trimpot shall provide gain control for this signal.
The foreground audio controller shall be a Symetrix., Inc. model 440 Foreground Audio Control-
ler.
Specifications Chapter 8

440
13
Specifications
In the interest of continuous product improvement, Symetrix, Inc. reserves the right to alter, change, or modify these specifications without prior
notice.
©1999, Symetrix, Inc. All rights reserved.
Program Inputs
Gain 0dB +/- 12dB
Maximum Input Level +20dBu, 0dB gain
Program Input Impedance 20k Ohms Balanced,
20k Ohms Unbalanced
CMMR >40dB, Input 3 only
Paging Inputs
Microphone Input Gain 40dB
Line Input Gain unity gain (0dB)
Microphone Input Impedance >1500 Ohms
Line Input Impedance 20k Ohms
Mic Input Max Input Level -20dBu
Line Input Max Input Level +20dBu
CMMR >40dB
Phantom Power (Mic input only) +15VDC switchable
Ducker Sidechain
Threshold Factory preset at equivalent of -20dBu
at page preamp output
Hold Delay Fixed at 1 second
Release Time Factory Preset at 1/2 second
Attack Time 10mS – 16mS program dependent
Range -60dB to 0dB
Insert Patching
Signal Level 0dBu nominal
OutputImpedance 200 Ohms
Input Impedance 20k Ohms
Maximum I/O Level +20dBu
Tone Controls
Bass +/-12dB maximum at 100Hz
Treble +/-12dB maximum at 8kHz
Outputs
Maximum Output,Unbalanced +20dBu into 10k Ohm load
Maximum Output, Balanced +20dBm into 600 Ohm load
Output Impedance 200 Ohms Unbalanced,
400 Ohms Balanced
Performance Data
Frequency Response 20Hz – 20kHz, +/-1dB with tone controls
centered (any input to any output)
Frequency Response, MOH output 100Hz to 15kHz, +/-1dB
(at 0dBm into 600 Ohm load)
Channel Balance 1dB maximum offset with controls at unity
(typical < 0.5dB)
1.5dB maximum offset with controls in any position
(typical < 0.75dB)
Noise Floor with Page Level CCW -89dButypical(20kHzNBW)
Page Mic Preamp EIN -125dBu typical (20kHz NBW)
THD+Noise <0.08 at +4dBu output level
(any input to any output, all controls at unity gain)
Connections
Mic Page Input XLR
Line Page Input Euroblock
Program Inputs 1 and 2 RCA jacks
Program Inputs Left, Right, 3 1/4" TRS
Left and Right Inserts 1/4" TRS
RemoteControl Euroblock
Left and Right Outputs Euroblock
Music on Hold Output RCA jack
Power In 7 pin DIN
Physical
Size (hwd) 1U rack unit
1.72" x 19" x 6"
Shipping Weight 8 lbs
Electrical
Power Requirements 115V nominal, 60 Hz, 15 watts maximum
230V nominal, 50 – 60Hz, 15 watts maximum

440
14
Block Diagram Chapter 9
RELEASE
RANGE
OUTPUT
BALANCED
MUSIC ON HOLD
LEFT
LEFT
RIGHT
UNBALANCED
MIX OUT
MIX OUT
UNBALANCED
BALANCED
MIX OUT
RIGHT
BALANCED
MIX OUT
TREBLE
MUSIC ON HOLD
OUTPUT LEVEL
MIX
MIX
CONTROLS
TONE
BASS
VCA
VCA
MONO
DEF
LOCAL
REMOTE
CLIP
MIX
VCA
MIX
PRE-INSERT
POST INSERT
MIX
VCA
POST TONE
VOLUME
+V
REMOTE
CIRCUITRY
VOLTAGE
CONTROL
LEVEL
(LOCAL)
OUTPUT
SELECT
INPUT
PAGE
MIX
INPUT
CIRCUIT
DUCK
LEFT
RIGHT
PROGRAM 1 IN
UNBALANCED
PROGRAM 1 IN
LEFT
RIGHT
PROGRAM 2 IN
UNBALANCED
UNBALANCED
PROGRAM 2 IN
UNBALANCED
RIGHT
BALANCED
LEFT
BA
C
BALANCED
+V
PAGE
MIC
LINE
PAGE
INPUT
REMOTE
PROGRAM
SELECT
SELECT
PROGRAM
LOCAL
PROGRAM 3 IN
PROGRAM 3 IN
TRIM 1
TRIM 2
REMOTE
PHANTOM
REMOTE
ACTIVE
LOCAL
TRIM 3
INPUT
PAGE SIGNAL
MIX POINT JUMPER
INSERT (RIGHT)
INSERT (LEFT)
THRESHOLD

440
15
Warranty & ServiceChapter 10
Warranty
Following are the terms and limitations of the Symetrix warranty.
Symetrix, Inc. expressly warrants to the original purchaser ( Buyer ), subject to the terms and conditions set forth
below, that the roduct will be free from defects in material and workmanship as a result of normal commercial use
for one (1) year from the date of purchase.
Some Symetrix products contain embedded software and may also be accompanied by control software intended to
be run on a personal computer. Said software is specifically excluded from this warranty.
Symetrix s warranty obligation is limited to the repair, replacement, or refund at Symetrix s sole discretion, of the
part or parts of the roduct which may thus prove defective in materials or workmanship within one year from date
of purchase under normal use and which our examination discloses to our satisfaction to be thus defective,
provided that Buyer gives Symetrix prompt notice of its warranty claim and satisfactory proof thereof.
Symetrix will make 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 component part thereof becomes obsolete, unavailable or irreparable,
Symetrix reserves the right to refund a prorated portion of the purchase price in full satisfaction of all warranty
claims.
In order to serve you better we require that the Buyer shall, prior to shipping roduct to Symetrix for warranty
service, contact Symetrix and secure a Return Authorization Number that shall be included with the returned
roduct. This will facilitate our efforts to keep track of your roduct and process your warranty repair as quickly as
possible. Buyer will prepay all freight charges to ship the roduct to Symetrix for warranty inspection and service.
This warranty is subject to Symetrix s inspection of the roduct at its facilities and, upon Symetrix s request,
satisfactory proof of purchase (dated copy of original retail dealer s invoice.)
Symetrix reserves the right to effect repairs to the product with reconditioned components/parts. roducts once
repaired under warranty will be shipped to Buyer freight prepaid by Symetrix via United arcel Service (surface) or
any similar shipper, to any location designated by buyer within the Continental United States. At Buyer s request
and expense roduct will be returned via airfreight. Outside the continental United States, repaired or replaced
products will be returned freight collect.
THIS WARRANTY IS EX RESSLY IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES EX RESS OR IM LIED, ARISING
BY LAW OR OTHERWISE (INCLUDING, WITHOUT LIMITATION ANY OBLIGATIONS OF THE SELLER WITH
RES ECT TO CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES) INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND
FITNESS FOR USE AND OF ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES ON OUR ART, AND WE NEITHER
ASSUME, NOR AUTHORIZE ANY OTHER ERSON TO ASSUME FOR US, ANY OTHER LIABILITY IN CON-
NECTION WITH THE SALE OF THE RODUCT. THIS WARRANTY SHALL NOT A LY TO THIS RODUCT
OR ANY ART THERE OF WHICH HAS BEEN SUBJECT TO ACCIDENT, NEGLIGENCE, ALTERATION,
ABUSE, OR MISUSE. WE MAKE NO WARRANTY WHATSOEVER IN RES ECT TO ACCESSORIES OR ARTS
NOT SU LIED BY US. THE TERM ORIGINAL URCHASER, AS USED IN THIS WARRANTY SHALL BE
DEEMED TO MEAN THAT ERSON OR COM ANY THAT ORIGINALLY URCHASED THE RODUCT.
This Symetrix product has been designed and manufactured for use in professional/industrial systems and is not
intended for other usage. This warranty only applies to Buyers using the roduct in professional/industrial systems.
With respect to others, including but not limited to consumers for personal, family, or household use, Symetrix
expressly disclaims all warranties, including but not limited to warranties of merchantability and fitness for a
particular purpose and the express warranties as otherwise provided herein.
Symetrix reserves the right to modify the design or make additions to, or improvements to, its product lines without
making similar upgrades to roduct purchased by Buyer. Symetrix does not authorize any third party, including any
dealer or sales representative, to assume any liability, effect any repairs or modifications to the roduct, or make
any additional warranties or representation regarding the roduct or roduct information on behalf of Symetrix.
Symetrix s total liability on any claim, whether in contract, tort (including negligence) or otherwise arising out of,
connected with, or resulting from the manufacture, sale, delivery, resale, repair, replacement or use of roduct will
not exceed the purchase price of the roduct or any part thereof which gives rise to the claim. In no event will
Symetrix be liable for any incidental or consequential damages including but not limited to damage for lost revenue,
cost of capital, claims of customers for service interruptions or failure to supply, and costs and expenses incurred in
connection with labor, overhead, transportation, installation or removal of products or substitute facilities or supply
houses as a result of roduct failure.
This limited warranty gives Buyer certain rights. Buyer may have additional rights under applicable law.

440
16
If you have determined that your 440 requires repair services and you live outside of the
United States, please contact your local Symetrix dealer or distributor for instructions on how
to obtain service. If you reside in the U.S. then proceed as follows:
Before sending anything to Symetrix, contact our Customer Service Department for a return
authorization (RA) number. The telephone number is [phone] or email:
[email protected]
In-warranty Repairs
To get your 440 repaired under the terms of the warranty:
1. Call us for an RA number.
2. Pack the unit in its original packaging materials.
3. Include your name, address, daytime telephone number, and a brief
statement of the problem.
4. Write the RA number on the outside of the box.
5. Ship the unit to Symetrix, freight prepaid.
We do not accept freight collect shipments.
Repairs made in-warranty will cost you only one-way freight charges. We ll prepay the return
(surface) freight.
If you send us your product in substandard packaging, we will charge you for factory ship-
ping materials. If you don t have the factory packaging materials, please use an oversized
carton, wrap the unit in a plastic bag, and surround it with bubble-wrap. Pack the box full of
Styrofoam peanuts. Be sure there is enough clearance in the carton to protect the rack ears
(you wouldn t believe how many units are returned with bent ears). We will return the unit in
Symetrix packaging. Of course, if the repair is due to operator error, parts and labor will be
charged. In any event, if there are charges for the repair costs, you will pay for the return
freight. All charges will be COD unless you have made other arrangements (prepaid, Visa or
Mastercard).
Out-of-warranty Repairs
If the warranty period has passed, you ll be billed for all necessary parts, labor, packaging
materials, and freight charges. Please remember, you must call for an RA number before
sending the unit to Symetrix.
Servicing the 440

440
17
Appendix A RC-2 Remote Controller
The Symetrix 440 Foreground Audio Controller is designed for use with the Symetrix RC-2
Remote Controller in situations that require remote control. The RC-2 provides remote PGM
SELECT control and remote OUTPUT LEVEL control.
Note The Symetrix 440 s rear-panel REMOTE LOCAL switch must be set to the Remote (in)
position to enable remote control of the 440.
RC-2 Controls
PGM SELECT control — Selects which of the three program inputs will be present at the output of the
440. Only one input may be selected at a time.
OUTPUT LEVEL control - Sets the overall gain (volume) of the combined program material paging
signal which appears at the 440 s LEFT and RIGHT OUTPUTS, when the REMOTE LOCAL switch on the
rear of the 440 is set to the Remote position. Optionally, the 440 may be modified so that the
OUTPUT LEVEL control sets the overall gain of the program material only (not the paging signal).
Please see Appendix B for modification instructions.
Note When the REMOTE LOCAL switch on the rear of the 440 is set to the Remote position, the
440 s front-panel LEVEL control sets a master gain limit, above which the output gain will
not be allowed to rise. In other words, when the 440 is in Remote mode, the RC-2
remote control s output level adjustment may be used to increase the 440 s output level up
to, but not exceeding, the level determined by the setting of the 440 s front-panel OUTPUT
LEVEL control. This switch setting disables the front-panel PGM SELECT control.
RC-2 Connectors
REMOTE CONTROL VOLUME and PROGRAM — When connected to the Symetrix 440, these Euroblock
terminal connectors allow remote control of the 440 s output gain, and selection of the active
PROGRAM INPUT. The 440 s rear-panel REMOTE LOCAL switch must be in the REMOTE (in) position to
enable remote control.
Installing the RC-2
When installing the RC-2 remote control, be sure that you connect the RC-2 s VOLUME connector
to the 440 s VOLUME terminals, and that you connect the RC-2 s PROGRAM connector to the 440 s
PROGRAM terminals. When connecting to the 440, be sure to connect with the correct polarity, so
that the A pin of the RC-2 s REMOTE CONTROL connector matches up with the A pin of the
440 s REMOTE CONTROL Euroblock terminal connector, etc. Set the LOCAL REMOTE switch to the
REMOTE (in) position, and keep your cable runs under 200 feet. Use a standard single-gang
Decora plate for ground fault circuit interrupters (#80401).
Note Decora plate not supplied
with Symetrix RC-2 or 440.
Note Symetrix recommends using
a six-conductor cable, 22 AWG or
better. Examples of suitable cable
types include Belden 9745
(stranded), Belden 8742 or 9576
(solid), and Belden 82742 (Plenum
rated).
Caution When installing the RC-2,
always follow applica le uilding
codes.
POSITION.
TO THE REMOTE(IN)
LOCAL SWITCH
SET REMOTE/
CONNECTOR ON REAR OF 440.
ON RC-2 AND REMOTE CONTROL
CONNECT LIKE-LABELED TERMINALS
VOLUME
OFF MAX
3
2
PGM SELECT
1
R2
J1
S1 R1
FEDCBA
SCHEMATIC REV 1 02 RC-21100 SYMETRIX
PROGRAMVOLUME
REMOTE CONTROL
LOCAL
REMOTE
BADFE C
Figure A-1. RC-2 Front panel and connections.

440
18
Appendix B
Caution These servicing instructions are for use y qualified personnel only. To avoid
electric shock do not perform any servicing other than that contained in the
operating instructions portion of this manual unless you are qualified to do so.
Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Warning Lethal voltages are present inside the chassis. Perform all service work with
the unit disconnected from all A power.
Changing the Insert Point Signal to Program Material Only
The 440 ships from Symetrix configured so that the page signal and selected program material
combine before the insert point. This means that the signal present at the LEFT and RIGHT INSERT
jacks is a combination of page signal and program material. If you wish to have only the selected
program material present at the LEFT and RIGHT INSERT jacks, then the 440 must be modified so that
the page signal and selected program material do not combine until after the insert point. To
perform this modification, please follow the following instructions.
1. Disconnect power from the 440.
2. Remove the top cover.
3. Locate the PAGE MIX jumper terminals on the circuit board. These are labeled
PRE-INSERT , POST-INSERT and POST-TONE . (See next page for circuit board
illustration.)
4. The 440 is shipped from the factory with a jumper in the Pre-insert position. Remove this
jumper by grasping its sides and pulling straight up (needle-nosed pliers may be helpful).
5. Move this jumper over to the Post-insert position, and press the jumper straight down,
so that it connects the two Post-insert terminal pins.
6. Replace the top cover.
7. Reinstall the 440 and connect the input and output connectors.
To Make the Tone and Output Level Controls Act Only on the Program Material
The 440 ships from Symetrix configured so that the page signal and selected program material combine
before reaching the TONE and OUTPUT LEVEL controls. This means that the TONE and OUTPUT LEVEL
controls act on the combination of page signal and program material. If you wish to have the Tone and
OUTPUT LEVEL controls affect only the selected program material, then the 440 must be modified so that
only the selected program material passes through the tone control and output level circuitry. The page
signal and selected program material are combined after the program material has passed through these
stages. To perform this modification, please follow the following instructions.
1. Disconnect power from the 440.
2. Remove the top cover.
3. Locate the PAGE MIX jumper terminals on the circuit board. These are labeled
PRE-INSERT , POST-INSERT and POST-TONE . (See next page for circuit board
illustration.)
4. The 440 is shipped from the factory with a jumper in the Pre-insert position. Remove this
jumper by grasping its sides and pulling straight up (needle-nosed pliers may be helpful).
5. Move this jumper over to the Post-tone position, and press the jumper straight down,
so that it connects the two Post-tone terminal pins.
6. Replace the top cover.
7. Reinstall the 440 and connect the input and output connectors.
Modification Instructions