Tomo Audiolabs LIAM User manual

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USER MANUAL
written by Helmut Butz. All rights reserved!
READ THIS MANUAL BEFORE USING THIS PRODUCT!
Important Safety Information Inside. Keep this manual in a safe place for future reference

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Read, keep and follow all instructions. Heed all warnings.
Electric shock!
To avoid death or serious injury
•Never open the unit, it works with high operating voltages and contains no user
serviceable parts. Coming in contact with these voltages can be lethal.
•Never operate the unit without proper earth connection! Improper earth connection can
cause lethal voltage on units surface.
•For your safety, it is extremely important, that the 3-wire power cord is correctly connected
to a grounding type 3-pin power outlet.
If in doubt, contact an electrician to check power outlet for proper grounding.
•Never use a damaged power cord! Replace it immediately!
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
•Refer to qualified personnel for service or repair.
Electric shock!
To avoid death or serious injury
•Touching electric conductive liquids or objects, that have been fallen or spilled into the
unit, can cause an electric shock.
Never touch such liquids or objects! Disconnect mains plug and refer to qualified
personnel for service or repair to avoid serious injury!
High loudness levels!
To avoid death or serious injury
•Depending on the kind of signal chain and monitoring speaker system, its settings and
environment, the unit can create harmful loudness levels. To avoid permanent hearing
loss, set the volume of your monitoring system carefully!
•Continuous sound pressure levels over 85 dBSPL (measured directly at the ear) will
cause permanent hearing loss. Do not exceed this level!
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION!
1
Important Safety Information!
Read, keep and follow all instructions. Heed all warnings.
Electric shock!
To avoid death or serious injury
•Never open the unit, it works with high operating voltages and contains no user
serviceable parts. Coming in contact with these voltages can be lethal.
•Never operate the unit without proper earth connection! Improper earth connection
can cause lethal voltage on units surface.
•For your safety, it is extremely important, that the 3-wire power cord is correctly
connected to a grounding type 3-pin power outlet.
If in doubt, contact an electrician to check power outlet for proper grounding.
•Never use a damaged power cord! Replace it immediately!
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
•Refer to qualified personnel for service or repair.
Electric shock!
•Touching electric conductive liquids or objects, that have been fallen or spilled into
the unit, can cause an electric shock.
Never touch such liquids or objects! Disconnect mains plug and refer to qualified
personnel for service or repair to avoid serious injury!
High loudness levels!
•Depending on the kind of signal chain and monitoring speaker system, its settings
and environment, the unit can create harmful loudness levels. To avoid permanent
hearing loss, set the volume of your monitoring system carefully!
•Continuous sound pressure levels over 85dBSPL (measured directly at the ear) will
cause permanent hearing loss. Do not exceed this level!
1
Important Safety Information!
Read, keep and follow all instructions. Heed all warnings.
Electric shock!
To avoid death or serious injury
•Never open the unit, it works with high operating voltages and contains no user
serviceable parts. Coming in contact with these voltages can be lethal.
•Never operate the unit without proper earth connection! Improper earth connection
can cause lethal voltage on units surface.
•For your safety, it is extremely important, that the 3-wire power cord is correctly
connected to a grounding type 3-pin power outlet.
If in doubt, contact an electrician to check power outlet for proper grounding.
•Never use a damaged power cord! Replace it immediately!
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched.
•Refer to qualified personnel for service or repair.
Electric shock!
•Touching electric conductive liquids or objects, that have been fallen or spilled into
the unit, can cause an electric shock.
Never touch such liquids or objects! Disconnect mains plug and refer to qualified
personnel for service or repair to avoid serious injury!
High loudness levels!
•Depending on the kind of signal chain and monitoring speaker system, its settings
and environment, the unit can create harmful loudness levels. To avoid permanent
hearing loss, set the volume of your monitoring system carefully!
•Continuous sound pressure levels over 85dBSPL (measured directly at the ear) will
cause permanent hearing loss. Do not exceed this level!

3
High temperatures!
•Continuous operation causes increased surface temperatures of more than 35° C/95°F on
the backside of the unit. Touching this surface area can be painful. Do not touch backside
of the unit or install unit in an appropriate rack.
Heavy weight!
To avoid death or serious injury
•Due to weight and dimensions, moving or mounting of the unit may cause injury. To avoid
injury moving and mounting of the unit must always be handled by two persons.
Damage!
•Unit will be damaged in case of a fall. Prevent falls by placing the unit on an even, stable
surface or installing it in an appropriate rack.
•Unit can be damaged, when set to the wrong operating voltage. Prior to the first Power
Up, make sure that the operating voltage of the unit is adapted to the mains voltage at the
location of use. For mains voltages from 110 to 12 0VAC set voltage selector to pos. 115,
for voltages from 220 to 240VAC set to pos. 230.
•Unit can be damaged, if fitted with improper fuse. Replace only with fuse of same type and
rating.
Fuse type: 5 x 20 mm, slow blow, 2A @ 115V 1A @ 230V
•Unit can be damaged by connecting improper signals or DC-voltages to in- and outputs of
unit. Do not feed high level speaker signals into the audio inputs. Do not connect P48
phantom power to the audio outputs.
Damage or short circuit!
To avoid death or serious injury
•High environment temperatures can cause damages or short circuits. To avoid overheating
of a rack mounted unit, there should be at least 1/2 rack space kept free above and below.
Do not install unit near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves etc., do not
expose unit to direct sunlight.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION!
2
High temperatures!
•Continuous operation causes increased surface temperatures of more than
35°C/95°F on the backside of the unit. Touching thi s surface area can be painful. Do
not touch backside of the unit or install unit in an appropriate rack.
Heavy weight!
•Due to weight and dimensions, moving or mounting of the unit may cause injury. To
avoid injury moving and mounting of the unit must always be handled by two
persons.
Damage!
•Unit will be damaged in case of a fall. Prevent falls by placing the unit on an even,
stable surface or installing it in an appropriate rack.
•Unit can be damaged, when set to the wrong operating voltage. Prior to the first
Power Up, make sure that the operating voltage of the unit is adapted to the mains
voltage at the location of use. For mains voltages from 110 to 120VAC set voltage
selector to pos. 115, for voltages from 220 to 240VAC set to pos. 230.
•Unit can be damaged, if fitted with improper fuse. Replace only with fuse of same
type and rating.
Fuse type: 5x20mm, slow blow, 2A@115V 1A@230V
•Unit can be damaged by connecting improper signals or DC-voltages to in- and
outputs of unit. Do not feed high level speaker signals into the audio inputs. Do not
connect P48 phantom power to the audio outputs.
Damage or short circuit!
•High environment temperatures can cause damages or short circuits. To avoid
overheating of a rack mounted unit, there should be at least ½ rack space kept free
above and below.
Do not install unit near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves etc., do not
expose unit to direct sunlight.
2
High temperatures!
•Continuous operation causes increased surface temperatures of more than
35°C/95°F on the backside of the unit. Touching thi s surface area can be painful. Do
not touch backside of the unit or install unit in an appropriate rack.
Heavy weight!
•Due to weight and dimensions, moving or mounting of the unit may cause injury. To
avoid injury moving and mounting of the unit must always be handled by two
persons.
Damage!
•Unit will be damaged in case of a fall. Prevent falls by placing the unit on an even,
stable surface or installing it in an appropriate rack.
•Unit can be damaged, when set to the wrong operating voltage. Prior to the first
Power Up, make sure that the operating voltage of the unit is adapted to the mains
voltage at the location of use. For mains voltages from 110 to 120VAC set voltage
selector to pos. 115, for voltages from 220 to 240VAC set to pos. 230.
•Unit can be damaged, if fitted with improper fuse. Replace only with fuse of same
type and rating.
Fuse type: 5x20mm, slow blow, 2A@115V 1A@230V
•Unit can be damaged by connecting improper signals or DC-voltages to in- and
outputs of unit. Do not feed high level speaker signals into the audio inputs. Do not
connect P48 phantom power to the audio outputs.
Damage or short circuit!
•High environment temperatures can cause damages or short circuits. To avoid
overheating of a rack mounted unit, there should be at least ½ rack space kept free
above and below.
Do not install unit near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves etc., do not
expose unit to direct sunlight.

4
Damage or short circuit
•When moving the unit from cold to warm environment, condensation will occur.
When powered up, this can cause damage or short circuit due to leakage current.
In case of condensation, let unit dry completely before power up (at least 1hour or more).
Avoid humidity, if possible.
Service requirements!
This unit should be repaired or serviced by qualified personnel whenever:
•Objects have fallen or liquid has spilled into the unit.
•Unit does not function properly or lacks in performance.
•Unit has been dropped, heavily tilt or otherwise abused.
•Unit has been exposed to moisture or rain.
The device has been tested in all respects for compliance
with the relevant EU directives and is CE certified.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION!
2
High temperatures!
•Continuous operation causes increased surface temperatures of more than
35°C/95°F on the backside of the unit. Touching thi s surface area can be painful. Do
not touch backside of the unit or install unit in an appropriate rack.
Heavy weight!
•Due to weight and dimensions, moving or mounting of the unit may cause injury. To
avoid injury moving and mounting of the unit must always be handled by two
persons.
Damage!
•Unit will be damaged in case of a fall. Prevent falls by placing the unit on an even,
stable surface or installing it in an appropriate rack.
•Unit can be damaged, when set to the wrong operating voltage. Prior to the first
Power Up, make sure that the operating voltage of the unit is adapted to the mains
voltage at the location of use. For mains voltages from 110 to 120VAC set voltage
selector to pos. 115, for voltages from 220 to 240VAC set to pos. 230.
•Unit can be damaged, if fitted with improper fuse. Replace only with fuse of same
type and rating.
Fuse type: 5x20mm, slow blow, 2A@115V 1A@230V
•Unit can be damaged by connecting improper signals or DC-voltages to in- and
outputs of unit. Do not feed high level speaker signals into the audio inputs. Do not
connect P48 phantom power to the audio outputs.
Damage or short circuit!
•High environment temperatures can cause damages or short circuits. To avoid
overheating of a rack mounted unit, there should be at least ½ rack space kept free
above and below.
Do not install unit near heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves etc., do not
expose unit to direct sunlight.

5
Thank you for choosing a TOMO Audiolabs product.
With the Preamp/EQ combination LIAM you have acquired a professional
studio device which offers exceptional possibilities at highest quality levels.
LIAM is exclusively built with high quality components. Quite many parts
have been specially selected for their respective use and accuracy. There are
premium quality rotary switches and potentiometers as well as special signal
relays and in–house developed and manufactured signal transformers to
provide the best possible audio quality to you.
LIAM knows how to impress with extraordinary editing capabilities and a
particular sound that emphasizes the respective sound sources. Also the
technical details need not to hide.
Alike our first, LISA, now LIAM is not only a professional studio tool. It´s meant
to be personality like LISA to help you realizing your sound ideas and bring
emotions to your music. For good reason we borrowed some parts from our
LISA concept and combined them with an unconventional preamp design.
LIAM incites your creativity and experimentational adventures in order to
expand your possibilities in realizing your ideas.
This manual is meant for your support for proper
operating and experiencing LIAM.
We wish you good luck, much fun and creativity…
DEAR VALUED CUSTOMER,

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Important Safety Information______________________________________________2-4
Welcome!___________________________________________________________________ 5
Table of contents____________________________________________________________ 6
Installation _________________________________________________________________ 7
Overview ___________________________________________________________________ 8
Functions Preamp __________________________________________________________ 9
Functions Equalizer________________________________________________________ 10
Tips and Tricks _____________________________________________________________ 11
Block Diagram _____________________________________________________________ 12
Warranty___________________________________________________________________ 13
EC Conformity _____________________________________________________________ 14
Recall Sheet _______________________________________________________________ 15
Technical Details ___________________________________________________________ 16
TABLE OF CONTENTS

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LIAM offers following connections
Front:
HiZ IN •High impedance instrument input for E-guitar/bass, acoustic instrument
pickups, vintage keyboards etc., Mono/TS phone jack 6.3 mm
Back:
MIC IN •Microphone input, balanced, with switchable phantom power, XLR female
PRE OUT •Output of preamp section, impedance-balanced, XLR male
LINE IN •Input of the EQ-section, balanced, XLR female
•When insert switch is not activated then pre out signal is fed directly to the
EQ-input
•The activated insert switch allows you to insert external devices between
preamp and EQ or to feed signal directly to the EQ-section (without going
through the preamp)
MAIN OUT •EQ/Main Output, balanced, XLR male
•6 dB level loss in case of unbalanced connections
LINK •Interface for dynamic linking of two units, TRS phone jack 6.3 mm
•Use stereo/TRS cable! Mono/TS cables will short-circuit sidechain signals
of the dynamic section
INSTALLATION

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LIAM is made up as a three-stage preamplifier for microphone- and instrument signals with
two special dynamic filters following.
First stage of the preamp is selectable to be either a transformer balanced microphone amp
or a high-impedance, unbalanced FET instrument amp.
Second stage works with a transformer in a so called “Zero Field” circuit. This allows
additional gain with very little noise and distortion.
The amplifying element of the third stage finally is a tube (double triode). This tube stage
is specially arranged for variably generating harmonics.
The all in all max. gain of LIAM of more than 80 dB makes it usable for low level dynamic/
ribbon microphones.
Preamp signal is present at the Pre Out jack and is lead to the input of the dynamic filters
(Insert not active).
The two dynamic filters are a loan from our LISA Mastering EQ and are adapted frequency-
wise for use with LIAM. They are arranged in the same parallel circuit as in LISA (mixing
filtered and unfiltered, ”dry” signal). This allows very subtle as well as very extreme results.
At the input of the EQ-section the signal is split, then lead through the filters and finally
mixed with the unprocessed signal in phase (boost) or out of phase (cut). Additionally the
unprocessed signal can be lowered down to zero continuously, which is useful if you want to
hear the filters “in solo” as an assistant for adjusting, or for a more filter accentuated sound.
The two overlapping, fully parametric shelv/peak filters with active feedback together cover
the whole audio band. They both are equipped with a dynamic stage that works in a
compressing or expanding style.
These special dynamic stages are integrated directly into the active feedback filter circuit
and therefore do not compare to usual dynamic EQs.
More of that in the chapter “Functions”
OVERVIEW

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Preamp
P48 •turns on +48 VDC phantom power at microphone input jack. Do not
switch when monitor system is set on higher levels. Phantom power
is faded in and out softly, however some microphones produce
uncontrolled transients.
BRIGHT •Treble boost for HIZ input. 6dB/oct. shelv @ 5 kHz, a bit like the bright
switch on a guitar amp.
HiZ IN •High-impedance (2 MΩ), unbalanced instrument input, designed for
passive pickups of guitars, basses, vintage pianos etc. Of course you
can use active instruments, too. Try out.
HIZ GAIN •controls the level of the instrument input amp.
MIC GAIN •sets the gain of the microphone input amp. Every step of the rotary
switch is 2dB.
TUBE GAIN •controls the headroom/saturation of the tube stage.
PRE OUT •controls the output level of the preamp-section or rather the input level
for the EQsection. PRE OUT has no function if EQ is fed via the LINE IN
jack. See block diagram!
LO CUT •turns on the high pass filter. 6 dB/oct. @ 80, 150 or 250 Hz are
selectable.
AIR •turns on a high boost function. Approx. 4 dB/oct. @ 14k, 10 k or 7 kHz
are selectable.
MIC - HIZ •selects the corresponding Signal input amp.
Ø •treverses polarity of microphone input.
-20 dB •attenuates microphone input signal by 20 dB.
INSERT •cuts the connection between preamp and EQ and switches the LINE IN
jack on the EQ input. External devices can be inserted or the EQ can be
fed directly via LINE IN jack, without going through preamp.
LED VU-METER •shows the level at PRE OUT. About 6 dB before clipping the meter
turns to red.
FUNCTIONS

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Equalizer
Both filters are identically except for frequency ranges and shelv modes.
So following description stands for both.
BOOST/CUT •Switch is on (bright): Boost mode.
Switch is off (dark): Cut mode.
ON •turns on the whole filter.
Q •the rotary switch selects the filter curve. Lower values create wide bell
curves, higher values create narrow ones. Fully counterclockwise
position works as a LoShelv on the low filter and as a HiShelv on the
high filter.
GAIN •controls the amount of boost or cut of the filter.
Range is approx. ±15 dB.
FREQUENCY •Rotary switch selects the center frequency of the filter. Low filter range:
12 Hz –1540 Hz. High filter range: 470 Hz – 26 kHz.
Fx2 •Switch is on (bright): selected frequency is doubled.
RATIO •changes ratio of compression/expansion style dynamic.
Switch off (dark): low ratio, switch on (bright): high ratio.
ON •turns on the dynamic stage.
v^ •Switch on (bright): Compression style dynamic. Switch off (dark):
Expansion style dynamic.
DYN •this LED shows activities of the dynamic stage. Its intensity is an optical
indicator for the behavior of the dynamic.
ATT/REL •the rotary switch selects between six different attack/release preset
combinations. First letter stands for attack, second for release:
Fast Medium Slow.
THRESHOLD •controls the sensitivity of the dynamic stage.
OUTPUT GAIN •this control boosts the level of the output stage up to 12 dB.
DRY LEVEL •controls the amount of unprocessed ”dry “signal relative to
the filter signals. Full counterclockwise = no dry signal,
full clockwise = 100 % dry signal.
FUNCTIONS

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To get to know the special features of LIAM, we recommend to go on ahead step by step.
Step 1: Preamp settings
PRE OUT control at cw position, TUBE GAIN at 9 o`clock position, OUTPUT GAIN at full ccw
position, DRY LEVEL at cw position, both filters off, turn up MIC GAIN or HIZ GAIN
(according to used source) until VU-meter shows YELLOW at signal peaks. This setting
produces a very clean and neutral sound. If TUBE GAIN is turned up and as a countermove
PRE OUT turned down, the sound gets more and more colored and sounds “tuby”(for most
guitarists a well-known effect). At appropriate settings you will even get some heavier
distortion. This will perhaps not exactly match your vocal tracks, but some instruments will
surely benefit from it. Since the LO CUT filter works at the input of the tube stage, you can
clear up and slender the low end, especially in distortion mode. AIR filter works directly in
the tube stage so it’s the right choice if you want that silvery shine on your highs.
Step 2: Equalizer settings
Quick start for the EQ (both filters): Switches for BOOST/CUT, v^ and RATIO are on, Q is set
to 0,4 and ATT/REL at FF. Filters and dynamics are off. GAIN, FREQUENCY and
THRESHOLD are set at 12 o`clock position. With this basic setting you initially will hear only
the unprocessed, “dry “- signal. Now you can turn on one of the filters, which gives a static
boost of about 7 dB to the selected frequency. By turning on the dynamic function this static
boost will be partly “eliminated”, depending on the signals shape. The more you turn down
the DRY LEVEL, the better you can hear the static and dynamic effects of the EQ filters. For
normal use of the EQ low DRY LEVEL settings would be probably a bit too extreme. But
sometimes one needs special methods for special results. Also you can use the DRY LEVEL
for controlling your filter settings (sort of filter solo function).
Attention! If filters run in CUT mode, then turning down DRY LEVEL to 0 will result in total
silence. This is normal behavior! Since the EQ uses the in phase and out phase mixing
principle, there would be no signals to be mixed.
Note: Dynamic functions will be mirrored when filters are switched from BOOST to CUT.
Example: Expander style BOOST mode increases dynamically the boosted frequencies.
Expander style CUT mode in addition decreases dynamically the signal.
Step 3: Experiments
Based on the quick start settings now it`s time to explore the possibilities of LIAM
experimentally. Get into extended sessions with different kinds of program material.
“Trust your ears. The end justifies the means”.
TIPS AND TRICKS

12BLOCK DIAGRAM
MIC IN MIC AMP ZERO FIELD AMP TUBE AMP
HIZ AMP TUBE GAIN PRE OUT
HIZ IN
VU
PRE OUT
DRY LEVEL
MIX AMP
LINE IN HI EQ MAIN OUT
LO EQ

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LIAM comes with a limited warranty, covering defects in materials or craftsmanship or
malfunction.
The limited warranty is valid for two (2) years from the date of purchase.
The warranty only covers the original purchaser and is non-transferable. Additionally, it does
not cover defects or loss caused by
•normal wear and tear
•abuse, misuse, failure to follow the instructions and warnings in the owner´s manual
•repairs or modifications performed by unauthorized personnel
•unauthorized modifications performed without written permission from TOMO Audiolabs
or improper assembly and maintenance
•power surge damage or damage from either too high or low a voltage entering the unit.
We advise you to check if this type of damage is covered by the insurance of your local
power company
•applied phantom power to the outputs of the unit
•damage during transport or involvement in an accident
(always take out transport insurance!)
We will either repair or replace any LIAM that is defective in materials or workmanship or
malfunction, at no charge.
Please contact our return department before returning equipment to TOMO Audiolabs.
Always use the original packaging for returns. Units returned without original packaging will
get a new box and it will be charged to the client. This is necessary to prevent transport
damage and to meet the requirements of transport insurance guidelines.
It is absolutely necessary to contact TOMO Audiolabs before returning units from outside of
Germany. TOMO Audiolabs will not, under no circumstances, pay for customs duty fees and/
or fees caused by wrong or inaccurate specifications or labeling.
For technical support, please contact:
TOMO Audiolabs, Gebrüder Frei GmbH & Co., Elektrotechnik/Elektronik,
Borsigstraße 15, 72461 Albstadt, http://www.tomo-audiolabs.de/
WARRANTY

EC DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
The company Gebr. Frei GmbH & Co., Borsigstr. 15, 72461 Albstadt,
declares in full responsibility that the discribed product (LIAM)
corresponds to the following standards and instructions.
Low-voltage directive according 2006/95/EC
Standard for assessing:
•EN 60065
Electromagnetic compatibility (EMC) according 2004/108/EC
Standards for assessing:
•EN 55103-1 interference audio device
•EN 55103-2 immunity audio device
Responsible for the above mentioned manufacturer this Declaration is
executed through:
Albstadt, July 11, 2013
Tomo Audiolabs
(Gebr. Frei GmbH & Co)
(Gebrüder Frei GmbH & Co.)
Borsigstraße 15
72461 Albstadt
Tel. [phone]
Fax [phone]
[email protected]
www.tomo-audiolabs.com
Kommanditgesellschaft
Sitz Albstadt
Registergericht Stuttgart
HRA 400484
Persönlich haftende
Gesellschafterin Frei
Beteiligungs-Gesellschaft mbH
Sitz Albstadt
Registergericht Stuttgart
HRB 400128
Geschäftsführer Thomas Frei
USt-IdNr.: DE 144 838 308

15
LIAM Recall Sheet Artist: ________________________________________________________________________ Date: ________________________________________________________________________ Song/Notes:_________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________
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LIAM Recall Sheet
Artist: …………………………………………………………………………………………… Date: ……………………………………………………………………………………………. Song/Notes: ……………………………………………………………………………………. ………………………………………………………………………………………………........
LIAM RECALL SHEET

16
Preamp
•Frequency response (±0,5 dB): 10 Hz – 30 kHz
•Equivalent Input Noise EIN @ Rs = 200 Ω,
Gain 80 dB (22 Hz – 22 kHz unweighted): -128 dBu
•THD + N: depends on TUBE GAIN, from 0.03 % to heavy distortion
•Input, max. level and impedance: MIC +24 dBu@ 2 k Ω
Instr. +10 dBu @ 2 MΩ
•Output, max. level and impedance: +24 dBu@ 120 Ω
Equalizer
•Frequency response (±0,5 dB): 10 Hz – 35 kHz
•Noise (22 Hz – 22 kHz unweighted): -90 dBu
•Dynamic range: max. 120 dB
•THD + N: 0.02 %
•Input, max. level and impedance: +24 dBu @ 20 k Ω
•Output, max. level and impedance: +30 dBu@ 100 Ω
•Filter gain ± 15 dB each, Filter-Q 0.4 –6 each
Lo frequency band: 12 Hz– 1540 Hz Hi frequency band: 470 Hz– 26 kHz
Tube type: 12AU7/ECC82
Size and weight
•Width 483 mm x Height 88 mm x Depth 318 mm
•Net: 8 kg
Mains
•115/230VAC, 50 – 60 Hz, 50 W
•Fuse 5 x 20 mm, 0.5AT @ 230V 1AT @ 115V
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS