XTA DS8000 User manual

DS8000 Operator’s Manual Page 2
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Page 3 DS8000 Operator’s Manual
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CONTENTS
THANKS
THANKSTHANKS
THANKS ................................
................................................................
................................................................
................................................................
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......................... 6
66
6
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION ................................
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..........................
............. 6
66
6
IMPORTANT SAFETY INS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSIMPORTANT SAFETY INS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
TRUCTIONSTRUCTIONS
TRUCTIONS ................................
................................................................
................................................................
................................................................
..........................................
....................
.......... 7
77
7
INSTRUCTIONS DE SECU
INSTRUCTIONS DE SECUINSTRUCTIONS DE SECU
INSTRUCTIONS DE SECURITE IMPORTANTES
RITE IMPORTANTESRITE IMPORTANTES
RITE IMPORTANTES ................................
................................................................
............................................................
........................................................
............................ 8
88
8
INSTALLING YOUR DS80
INSTALLING YOUR DS80INSTALLING YOUR DS80
INSTALLING YOUR DS8000:
00:00:
00: ................................
................................................................
................................................................
................................................................
..........................................................
....................................................
.......................... 9
99
9
Unpac ing 9
Electrical Considerations 9
Mechanical Considerations 9
CONNECTING YOUR DS80
CONNECTING YOUR DS80CONNECTING YOUR DS80
CONNECTING YOUR DS8000:
00:00:
00: ................................
................................................................
................................................................
................................................................
.......................................................
..............................................
....................... 10
1010
10
Inputs 10
Outputs 10
External Supply 10
OPERATING YOUR DS800
OPERATING YOUR DS800OPERATING YOUR DS800
OPERATING YOUR DS8000:
0:0:
0: ................................
................................................................
................................................................
................................................................
..........................................................
....................................................
.......................... 11
1111
11
Front Panel Controls and Soc ets 11
Rear Panel Controls and Soc ets 12
Internal Bloc Diagrams and Description 13
INTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS
INTERNAL ADJUSTMENTSINTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS
INTERNAL ADJUSTMENTS OF YOUR DS8000:
OF YOUR DS8000:OF YOUR DS8000:
OF YOUR DS8000: ................................
................................................................
...........................................................
......................................................
........................... 16
1616
16
Grounding pin 1 on front panel transformer balanced outputs 16
Lifting grounds on pin 1 connections on inputs 17
AES Digital Output Options 18
Internal or External wordcloc 18
Permissive Cloc Mode 19
Internal Sample Rate 20
Wordcloc DC Ground Reference (Ground lift) 21
AES Outputs: Pinout and Drive Capabilities 22

DS8000 Operator’s Manual Page 4
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LOOKING AFTER YOUR D
LOOKING AFTER YOUR DLOOKING AFTER YOUR D
LOOKING AFTER YOUR DS8000:
S8000:S8000:
S8000: ................................
................................................................
................................................................
................................................................
.................................................
..................................
................. 23
2323
23
Maintenance 23
Warranty 23
Factory fit options 24
PERFORMANCE OF YOUR
PERFORMANCE OF YOUR PERFORMANCE OF YOUR
PERFORMANCE OF YOUR DS8000:
DS8000:DS8000:
DS8000: ................................
................................................................
................................................................
................................................................
............................................
........................
............ 25
2525
25
Technical Specifications 25
APPENDIX I:
APPENDIX I:APPENDIX I:
APPENDIX I: ................................
................................................................
................................................................
................................................................
................................................................
................................................................
.................................................
..................................
................. 26
2626
26
All about splitters 26

Page 5 DS8000 Operator’s Manual
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DECLARATION OF CONFO
DECLARATION OF CONFODECLARATION OF CONFO
DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY
RMITYRMITY
RMITY
We, the manufacturer:
XTA Electronics Limited,
The Design House
Vale Business Par
Worcester Road
Stourport on Severn
Worcestershire
England
DY13 9BZ
ac nowledge our responsibility that the following products:
Kind of equipment: Audio Splitter
Commodity Code: 8518408990
Type Designation: DS8000
is manufactured:
in accordance with EMC Directive 2004/108/EC,
in compliance with the following norm(s) or document(s):
Technical Regulations: EN55103-1:1996, EN55103-2:1996
and
in accordance with the Low Voltage Directive 2006/95/EC,
in compliance with the following norm(s) or document(s):
Technical Regulations: EN/IEC60065:2002 7th Edition
Signed: ……………………………………………………………………
Name: Alex Cooper
Position: Research and Development Manager
Date: May 2012
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DS8000 Operator’s Manual Page 6
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THANKS
THANKSTHANKS
THANKS
Than you for choosing a DS8000 audio distribution system for your application.
Please spend a little time reading through this manual, so that you obtain the best possible
performance from the unit and become familiar with its operating requirements.
All XTA products are carefully designed and engineered for cutting-edge performance and
world-class reliability. If you would li e further information about this or any other XTA
product, please contact us.
We wish you many years of flawless service from this unit and loo forward to hearing from
you in the near future.
INTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTIONINTRODUCTION
INTRODUCTION
Ta ing on board all the welcome feedbac we have received over the years about the DS800,
we’ve redesigned our famous mic/line distribution system “from the ground up”, and are
proud to introduce the DS8000.
Featuring all new microphone pre-amps designed by Gottlier award winning Alex Cooper, the
DS8000 offers many novel facilities including a dual redundant power supply, simple Outside
Broadcast “one to many” split switching and 48V “safe” functions to prevent tampering.
Subtle panel lighting for dar under-stage environments and the option of adding an ADC
card for integration into digital networ s, plus bespo e new output transformers all combine
to produce a pac age that enhances its predecessor’s reputation as a flexible, rugged high
quality distribution system.
The DS8000 is a 2U, 8 input to 32 output mic/line distribution system with 16 transformer
balanced isolated outputs, and 16 electronically balanced outputs fitted as standard. Input
transformers can be ordered as an option, as can the replacement of the electronically
balanced outputs with transformer balanced outputs.
Additionally, the “D” version of the unit can be factory fitted (non-retrofittable) with an AES
output card that combines “XTA-grade” performance analogue to digital converters with
microprocessor controlled digital output capabilities, providing two sets of independent AES
digital outs with adjustable sample rate, and internal/external word cloc sync capability.
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Page 7 DS8000 Operator’s Manual
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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONSIMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK.
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: Apparatus with CLASS I construction shall be connected to a MAINS soc et outlet with a protective
earthing connection.
WARNING: To prevent injury, this apparatus must be securely attached to the rac in accordance with the
installation instructions.
1.
Read these instr
uctions.
2. Keep these instructions.
3. Heed all warnings.
4. Follow all instructions.
5. Do not use this apparatus near water.
6. Clean only with a dry cloth.
7. Do not bloc any ventilation openings, install in
accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
8. Do not install near any heat sources, such as
radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus
(including amplifiers) that produce heat.
9. Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or
grounding-type plug. A polarized plug has two blades
with one wider than the other. A grounding-type plug
has two blades and a third grounding prong. The wide
blade or the third prong are provided for your safety. If
the provided plug does not fi t into your outlet, consult
an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
10. Protect the power cord from being wal ed on or
pinched particularly at plugs, convenience
receptacles and the point where they exit from the
apparatus.
11. Only use attachments/accessories specified by the
manufacturer.
12. Use only with the cart, tripod, brac et or table
specified by the manufacturer, or sold with the
apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when
moving the cart/apparatus combination to avoid injury
from a tip over.
13. Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or
when unused for a long period of time.
14. Refer all servicing to qualified service personnel.
Servicing is required when the apparatus has been
damaged in any way, such as if the 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.
15. Do not expose this equipment to dripping or
splashing and ensure that no objects filled with liquids,
such as vases, are placed on the equipment.
16. To completely disconnect this equipment from the
AC mains, disconnect the power cord from the mains
circuit brea er.
17. This unit is fitted with a 3-wire power cord. For
safety reasons, THE EARTH LEAD SHOULD NOT BE
DISCONNECTED IN ANY CIRCUMSTANCE.
The lightning flash with arrowhead
symbol within an equilateral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence
if uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within
the product’s enclosure that may be of
sufficient magnitude to constitute a ris
of electric shoc to persons.
The exclamation point within an
equilateral triangle is intended to alert
the user of important operating and
maintenance (servicing) instructions in
the literature accompanying the
appliance.

DS8000 Operator’s Manual Page 8
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INSTRUCTIONS DE SECURITE IMPORTANTES
INSTRUCTIONS DE SECURITE IMPORTANTESINSTRUCTIONS DE SECURITE IMPORTANTES
INSTRUCTIONS DE SECURITE IMPORTANTES
ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE.
NE PAS OUVRIR
ATTENTION: Appareils de construction de CLASSE I doit être raccordé au réseau électrique via une prise de courant
reliée à la terre.
ATTENTION: Pour éviter toute blessure, cet appareil doit être solidement fixé à la torture, conformément aux
instructions d'installation.
1.
Lisez ces consignes.
2. Conservez ces consignes.
3. Respectez tous les avertissements.
4. Respectez toutes les consignes d’utilisation.
5. N’utilisez jamais l’appareil à proximité d’un liquide.
6. Nettoyez l’appareil avec un chiff on sec.
7. Veillez à ne pas empêcher la bonne ventilation de
l’appareil via ses ouïes de ventilation. Respectez les
consignes du fabricant concernant l’installation de
l’appareil.
8. Ne placez pas l’appareil à proximité d’une source
de chaleur telle qu’un chauff age, une cuisinière ou
tout appareil dégageant de la chaleur (y compris un
ampli de puissance).
9. Ne supprimez jamais la sécurité des prises
bipolaires ou des prises terre. Les prises bipolaires
possèdent deux contacts de largeur diff érente. Le
plus large est le contact de sécurité. Les prises terre
possèdent deux contacts plus une mise à la terre
servant de sécurité. Si la prise du bloc d’alimentation
ou du cordon d’ali-mentation fourni ne correspond
pas à celles de votre installation électrique, faites
appel à un électricien pour eff ectuer le changement
de prise.
10. Installez le cordon d’alimentation de telle façon
que personne ne puisse marcher dessus et qu’il soit
protégé d’arêtes coupantes. Assurez-vous que le
cordon d’alimentation est suffisamment protégé,
notamment au niveau de sa prise électrique et de
l’endroit où il est relié à l’appareil; cela est également
valable pour une éventuelle rallonge électrique.
11. Utilisez exclusivement des accessoires et des
appareils supplémentaires recommandés par le
fabricant.
12.
Utilisez exclusivement
des chariots, des diables, des
présentoirs, des pieds et des surfaces de travail
recommandés par le fabricant ou livrés avec le produit.
Déplacez précautionneusement tout chariot ou diable
chargé pour éviter d’éventuelles blessures en cas de
chute.
13. Débranchez l’appareil de la tension secteur en cas
d’orage ou si l’appareil reste inutilisé pendant une
longue période de temps.
14. Les travaux d’entretien de l’appareil doivent être eff
ectués uniquement par du personnel qualifié. Aucun
entretien n’est nécessaire sauf si l’appareil est
endommagé de quelque façon que ce soit (dommages
sur le cordon d’alimentation ou la prise par exemple), si
un liquide ou un objet a pénétré à l’intérieur du châssis,
si l’appareil a été exposé à la pluie ou à l’humidité, s’il
ne fonctionne pas correctement ou à la suite d’une
chute.
15. N'exposez pas cet équipement au fait de tomber
goutte à goutte ou au fait d'éclabousser et garantissez
qu'aucun objet rempli des liquides, comme les vases,
n'est placé sur l'équipement.
16. Pour complètement débrancher cet équipement de
la conduite principale de courant alternatif, débranchez
la corde de pouvoir du disjoncteur de conduite
principale.
17. Cette unité est correspondue avec une corde de
pouvoir de 3 fils. Pour les raisons de sécurité, L'AVANCE
DE TERRE NE DEVRAIT ÊTRE DÉBRANCHÉE DANS
AUCUNE CIRCONSTANCE.
Le symbole repr
é
sentant un éclair fl
é
ch
é
dans un triangle équilatéral a pour but
d’alerter l’utilisateur de la présence
d’une “tension dangeruese” non isolée à
l’intérieur du boitier, pouvant être d’une
force suffisante pour constituer un risqué
d’électrocution.
Le point d’exclamation dans un triangle
équilatéral a pour but d’alerter
l’untilisateur de la présence
d’instructions importantes concernant le
fonctionnement et la maintenance, dans
la documentation qui accompagne
l’appariel.

Page 9 DS8000 Operator’s Manual
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Installing your DS8000:
Installing your DS8000:Installing your DS8000:
Installing your DS8000:
Unpac ing
After unpac ing the unit, please chec it carefully for any damage. If any is found,
immediately notify the carrier concerned - you, the consignee, must instigate any claim.
Please retain all pac aging in case of future re-shipment.
THIS WAY UP
The D esign Ho use
Vale Busin ess P ark
Worcester Ro ad
Stou rpo rt on Seve rn
Worcs.
England
Tel +44 ( 0) 12 99 8 79977
Fax [phone]
Electrical Considerations
The unit is fitted with a universal power supply that will operate from 100V to 240V AC mains.
Ma e sure power outlets conform to the power requirements listed on the bac of the unit.
Damage caused by connecting to improper AC voltage is not covered by the warranty.
Mechanical Considerations
To ensure that this equipment performs to specification, it should be mounted in a suitable
rac or enclosure. As this unit is convection cooled, ensure that there is adequate clearance
around the vents on the sides of the unit to allow air to circulate.
Ma e sure that the rac unit has a separate earth connection (technical earth).
Please also see the notes regarding maintenance on page 23.

DS8000 Operator’s Manual Page 10
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Connecting your DS8000:
Connecting your DS8000:Connecting your DS8000:
Connecting your DS8000:
Inputs
The inputs are made via 3-pin XLR connectors, which are electronically balanced as standard,
and should be connected via a high grade twin core screened cable, as follows:
PIN1: Screen (see note)
PIN2: Hot (signal +)
PIN3: Cold (signal -)
The unit is designed to operate with fully balanced equipment and ground loops or loss of
performance may be experienced if connected to unbalanced sources. If it is unavoidable
however, the following wiring should be used. The cable should still be twin core plus screen.
PIN1: Screen - connected to the chassis of the unbalanced equipment - or left disconnected
at the unbalanced end.
PIN2: Hot (signal +)
PIN3: Cold (ground 0V)
NOTE: This unit is wired to the latest industry recommendations. PIN1 is connected directly
to the chassis/mains earth on the FOH and MON outputs only. If ground loops (mains hum)
are encountered try using the ground lift switches on the rear panel. If problems persist,
consult your dealer/supplier.
DO NOT TAMPER WITH OR ALTER ANY GROUND (EARTH) CONNECTIONS INSIDE THE UNIT.
Outputs
Outputs are also made via 3-pin XLR connectors wired as follows:
PIN1: Screen (see note)
PIN2: Hot (signal +)
PIN3: Cold (signal -)
Note that the rear panel outputs are electronically balanced and so are not galvanically
(electrically) isolated. Front panel outputs are transformer balanced and so are isolated.
External Supply
This soc et must only be used to connect directly to another DS8000 and NOT as an input
from a separate supply. Attempting to connect another supply to this soc et will damage the
unit and invalidate the warranty.
Connection to another DS8000 is via a standard 5-pin to 5-pin XLR cable wired 1-1. Please
eep this cable as short as possible (ideally 1-2 metres maximum) to prevent voltage drop
affecting both units’ performance in the event of a bac -up situation.
X
L
R
M
A
L
E
X
L
R
F
E
M
A
L
E

Page 11 DS8000 Operator’s Manual
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Operating your DS8000:
Operating your DS8000:Operating your DS8000:
Operating your DS8000:
Front Panel Controls and Soc ets
POWER
SUPP LY
O/B
SPLIT
EXT.
-6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6 -6
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
0
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12
18 18 18 18 18 18 18 18
24 24 24 24 24 24 24 24
30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30
36 36 36 36 36 36 36 36
42 42 42 42 42 42 42
42
GAIN
SOLO
+18
0
-24
+12
GAIN
SOLO
+18
0
-24
+12
GAIN
SOLO
+18
0
-24
+12
GAIN
SOLO
+18
0
-24
+12
GAIN
SOLO
+18
0
-24
+12
GAIN
SOLO
+18
0
-24
+12
GAIN
SOLO
+18
0
-24
+12
GAIN
SOLO
+18
0
-24
+12
INT.
1 1-4
5-8
5
10
LEVE L
DS8000 AUDIO DISTRIBUTION SYSTE
TRANS FOR E R
BALAN CED
OUTPUT S
1 32 4 5 6 7 81 32 4 5 6 7 8
H
E
A
D
P
H
O
N
E
S
1: Transformer balanced outputs: These are post gain control and are galvanically isolated.
Pin 1 on the XLR soc ets is NOT connected by default, but this can be changed if required —
please see notes on page 17 for more information.
2: 48V phantom power switch and indicator: Press this to send 48V phantom power to this
input soc et. Note that the indicator will illuminate even if the rear “PANEL SAFE” switch has
been pressed. Please chec this switch if no phantom power seems to be present.
3: Solo listen switch and indicator: Press this to send the respective input channel signal to
the solo bus, and to the headphone amp (on this unit). Solo switching is additive so more than
one may be enabled at once and they will mix on the bus. It’s good practice to ma e sure you
turn solos off even if you unplug your headphones, especially when you have the solo bus
connected between units, as a stray solo left on can waste hours loo ing for the odd signal
you can hear in your headphones if it is on a different but connected unit! Note that if an “O/B
Split” is enabled then the solo switch on a “slave” channel will STILL route the respective
input to the solo bus.
4: Channel output meter: This meter shows output level respective to the electronic MON
and FOH outputs. It is affected by the gain control.
5: Gain control: This rotary switch allows the input gain for the respective channel to be
adjusted and has a wide enough range to cater for microphone level signals (and amplify
them to line level) as well as padding down “very hot” line level signals if required.
6: O/B Split indicators: These LEDs show the status of the rear panel “O/B Split” switches —
if illuminated, then the respective input (1 or 5) is routed to multiple channels’ outputs (for
input 1 this is all outputs on channels 1-4, and for input 5, this is all outputs on channels 5-8).
For more information on this feature please see page 14.
7: Headphone volume: This control adjusts the level fed to the headphones — remember if all
solo switches are OFF, nothing will be heard so it’s advisable to turn this down before
“soloing” any channel as it may suddenly be very loud!
8: Power supply status indicators: Under normal circumstances, only the green INT.
(Internal) LED should be illuminated, even when two units are interconnected via the external
supply soc ets on the rear. Should one unit’s power fail, the other will supply power to both,
and the red EXT. (External) LED will illuminate instead on the “failed” unit.
9: Headphone soc et: connect headphones to monitor the solo bus. The headphones
channels are driven separately but are mono.

DS8000 Operator’s Manual Page 12
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Rear Panel Controls and Soc ets
1: Mains input soc et: Supply voltage is 100-240V AC. This unit must be earthed.
2: Word cloc and Loc LED: This BNC soc et (when ADC option fitted) can provide either a
word cloc output or input, dependent on the ADC jumper setting). Please see the ADC option
set-up, starting on page 18.
3: 48V safe switches: These switches allow the disabling of three different 48V controls.
If the “MON” safe switch is enabled then sensing of phantom power via all MON output
soc ets will NOT enable on 48V on the inputs.
If the “FOH” safe switch is enabled then sensing of phantom power via all FOH output soc ets
will NOT enable on 48V on the inputs.
If the “PANEL” safe switch is enabled then pressing a “48V” switch on the front panel will
NOT enable on 48V on the inputs. Note the LED by the respective 48V will still illuminate,
even though 48V is not sent to the input soc et.
4: Ext. supply soc et: Two units can be connected together via a 5-pin to 5-pin XLR cable
(wired 1-1) so that, in the event of either unit losing its mains supply, the other unit can power
both. Further notes on this feature are given on page 10.
5: Solo bus input/output soc ets: The solo bus is externally accessible via these soc ets,
allowing multiple units to share the bus. When units are “daisy-chained” using this bus,
plugging headphones into any unit will provide monitoring of any input channel, without
needing to move the headphones from unit to unit.
6: Input XLR soc ets: The input channels are electronically balanced and accept signals up
to +26dBu. They have a high input impedance of over 10 ohms so will not “load” microphone
signals which can lead to dulling when combined with long cable lengths. For more on this
topic, see the section at the end of this manual starting on page 26.
7: O/B split switches: To provide more outputs from a single input, rather than have to
connect the output of one channel bac into the input of another (and in the process, sacrifice
performance by having to route some channels through cascaded preamps), this can be
performed internally by pressing one of these switches. Input 1 can be routed to drive all
outputs on channels 1 to 4 (so providing a 1 to 16 spilt), and input 5 can split to all outputs on
channel 5 to 8. Note that the meters on “slave” channels will show the same reading as the
“master” channel, and the gain controls on the slave channels won’t adjust their respective
output levels.

Page 13 DS8000 Operator’s Manual
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8: AES option: This DB25 soc et (not fitted unless option is present) provides multiple AES
digital output feeds and may be used in conjunction with the word cloc I/O BNC soc et.
Please see the ADC option set-up, starting on page 18.
9: Pin 1 lift switches: To isolate the ground connections of either the FOH outputs or MON
outputs, each ban of eight can have their ground (earth) connection isolated from the local
ground within the unit.
10: FOH and MON outputs: The “Front of House” and “Monitor” soc ets are electronically
balanced outputs with a maximum level of +20dB (into 600R) capable of driving long cables
with excellent CMR to minimise noise pic -up.
11: Sample rate LED: Tri-colour LED shows sample rate of AES outputs (if option fitted)
Please see the ADC option set-up, starting on page 18.
Internal Bloc Diagrams and Description
TX OPTION
DIFFERENTIAL
DISCRETE
IC PRE-A P
DIFF.
SWITCHED
GAIN STAGE
-6dB
+42
DE-BAL
STAGE
“O/B SPLI T”
BU S
“SO LO”
BU S
INV.
BUFFER
TX OPTION
PER PAIR
ELECTRONIC
OPTION
PER PAIR
+18dB
-20
“CH AN NEL ”
BU S
ETER
RECTIFIER
ETER
CO PARATORS
“SO LO”
SW ITC H
“O/B SPLI T”
SW ITC H
HEADPHONE
A PLIFIER
( ONO)
48V
SENSE
48V
SENSE
+5V
“ ON”
“FOH”
INPUT
+5V
48V “SAFE ” SWIT CHES
(REA R PAN EL)
FRO NT PA NEL CONTRO L
SENS E “ ON” CO NTRO L
SEN SE “F OH” C ONTROL
+12
0
PIN 1 LIFT
SW ITCHE S
(REA R PAN EL)
LIFT ON ITOR PIN 1’S
LIFT F RONT OF HO USE PI N 1’S
96K A-D
CONVERTER
OPTION
(PER PAIR OF INPUTS)
+48V
SW ITC HE S
(FR ONT P ANEL
PER CHAN NEL)
+48V
DB25
0dB
0dB
-10dB
-10dB
REAR PANEL
OUTPUTS
FRONT PANEL
OUTPUTS
One channel is shown above. The input signal is fed, still balanced, to a discrete transistor
pre-amplifier, which includes the gain switching control on the front panel. Following this,
the signal is debalanced and fed in parallel to a pair of CMOS soft switches. The front panel
“Solo” switch enables the addition of this channel’s signal to the solo bus (additive). The rear
panel “O/B Split” switch(s) toggle a changeover action between the signal going either
directly to an individual channel’s bus, or to the “O/B Split” bus which feeds the common bus
to a group of four output channels (with 1-4 or 5-8).
The output bus signal is split to individual output drivers in the case of the rear panel
electronically balanced outputs (FOH and MON) at 0dB, and a driver for the transformer
balanced outputs on the front panel. These outputs are two sets of taps from the same
transformer and operate at —10dB. The output bus signal also feeds a precision rectifier
stage to drive the channel metering.

DS8000 Operator’s Manual Page 14
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-10dB
-10dB
0dB
0dB
-10dB
-10dB
0dB
0dB
INPUT
CHANNEL 1
INPUT
CHANNEL 2
INPUT
CHANNEL 3
INPUT
CHANNEL 4
INPUT
CHANNEL 5
INPUT
CHANNEL 6
INPUT
CHANNEL 7
INPUT
CHANNEL 8
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 1
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 2
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 3
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 4
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 5
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 6
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 7
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 8
Input to output paths with “O/B Split” features disabled.
-10dB
-10dB
0dB
0dB
-10dB
-10dB
0dB
0dB
INPUT
CHANNEL 1
INPUT
CHANNEL 2
INPUT
CHANNEL 3
INPUT
CHANNEL 4
INPUT
CHANNEL 5
INPUT
CHANNEL 6
INPUT
CHANNEL 7
INPUT
CHANNEL 8
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 1
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 2
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 3
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 4
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 5
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 6
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 7
OUTPUT
CHANNELS 8
Input to output paths with “O/B Split” features enabled.
The FOH and MON output soc ets also have sensing circuitry to detect the presence of 48V
phantom power being sent from a des . This can then enable the local 48V power to be
switched onto the respective input on the unit.
These sense signals are logically controlled — each has a respective rear panel “safe” switch
that has to be disabled to allow the remote echoing of the sensed phantom power to operate
the local source in the unit.
There is also a “safe” switch” to disable the front panel 48V switching if required. This facility
does NOT disable the 48V LEDs on the front panel — these will still operate as a safety
measure to show which channels will have phantom power applied should the “safe” switch
be disabled.

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Finally, the solo bus is directly connected to the headphone amplifier and anything switched
via the front panel “Solo” switches will be mixed onto this bus along with any incoming
signals on the external solo input on the rear panel.
As the monitoring point for the solo signal is before the “O/B Split” switching, enabling a
“Solo” on a channel whilst in “O/B Split” mode will still feed the local channel’s input signal
onto the bus, NOT the signal being derived from the master channel (and being fed to the
local channel’s outputs).
The metering monitor point is post the “O/B Split” switches so meters will always show the
master channel’s signal in split mode.

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Internal Adjustments of your DS8000:
Internal Adjustments of your DS8000: Internal Adjustments of your DS8000:
Internal Adjustments of your DS8000:
User options
The following options are adjustable by you, the user, without invalidating the warranty.
Please observe the safety warnings before you underta e any of these adjustments!
Grounding pin 1 on front panel transformer balanced outputs
By default, the front panel transformer isolated outputs do not have pin 1 on the XLR soc ets
connected. This is the most usual way to operate transformer balanced outputs — the
grounding use for a shield is derived from the “remote” device, to retain galvanic isolation
and prevent possible hum loops or potential differences across various grounds causing
other problems.
However, under certain circumstances, it may be preferable to connect this ground. This is
achieved by adding lin s on the rear of the front panel XLR PCB . There are two lin s — one to
connect the entire top row to ground, and one for the bottom row.
The diagram below shows the rear of the board, when viewed from behind (front panel facing
away from
you) with the lin positions highlighted.
SAFETY WARNINGS
Disconnect the unit from the mains supply before removing the cover!
Lethal voltages in excess of the mains input voltage are present — do not remove the
protective cover from the internal power supply!

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Lifting grounds on pin 1 connections on inputs
By default, the inputs have their pin connections grounded, but this can be lifted on an
individual input basis, by removing the zero Ohm lin s on the rear panel PCB .
The diagram below shows the rear of the board, when viewed from behind
(front panel facing you) with the lin positions by each input highlighted.

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AES Digital Output Options
The digital AES option has four user adjustable settings, all selected by internal lin s on the
AES option PCB. These are:
Internal or External wordcloc
The DS8000 can either generate the cloc for the AES digital outputs using its own internal
cloc , with adjustable sample rate (48 /96 /192 ), or be synchronised via an external cloc on
the BNC connector.
Default setting as shipped is Internal wordcloc (so BNC is an OUTPUT).
This selection is made by adjusting the lin on the digital option PCB as show below.
Additionally, when the wordcloc is set to internal, the BNC soc et becomes an output,
allowing additional DS8000s (or other units with a wordcloc input) to be synchronised to this
unit.

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Loc LED operation
When sync is set to external, the loc LED beside the BNC soc et will become active. It will
be illuminated when a valid cloc signal is being received, and flashing when an external
cloc is present but at an incorrect rate. If it is not illuminated then no signal is being
received.
Single flashing indicates external cloc at an incorrect sample rate — 5% tolerance for the
normally accepted sample rates (so 48/96/192). Unit will switch to internal sync under these
circumstances to prevent loss of audio.
Double flashing indicates loc ing to a cloc that is outside the 5% tolerance for the normally
accepted sample rates (so 48/96/192) — this is nown as permissive mode and is explained
below.
Permissive Cloc Mode
When sync is set to external, the DS8000 will only loc to an external wordcloc if it falls
within close tolerance of a standard professional sample rate — so 48 Hz, 96 Hz or 192 Hz,
+5%.
Default setting as shipped is Permissive Mode OFF.
Should there be a requirement to support a non-standard professional rate (such as 44.1 Hz
or 88.1 Hz), permissive cloc mode can be enabled which will permit synchronisation from
32 Hz up to 224 Hz.
This selection is made by adjusting the lin on the digital option PCB as show below.
Note: In this mode, the output sample rate will exactly follow the external wordcloc sample
rate — we recommend only enabling this mode if it is explicitly required, to avoid confusion
and synchronisation problems “downstream” from the unit.

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Internal Sample Rate
When sync is set to internal, the DS8000 will operate the AES digital outputs at one of three
professional rates — 48 Hz, 96 Hz or 192 Hz. The unit’s analogue bandwidth extends beyond
the typical Nyquist point for 48 Hz digital systems, ensuring that the higher sample rates’
wider bandwidth may be utilised.
Default setting as shipped is 96 Hz.
The rate is adjustable via lin s on the digital option PCB as show below.
f
s Sample rate LED operation
This tri colour LED will illuminate to show the sample rate being used by the AES outputs:
Red = 48 Hz
Yellow = 96 Hz
Green = 192 Hz
The table below summarises how it operates in both permissive and non-permissive mode.
1 In permissive mode, when external cloc is not within 5% of 48/96/192 , sample rate LED will show the
nearest
professional rate.
No External Cloc External Cloc +5% Ext. Cloc 32 -224
Permissive OFF
Loc LE
D: Off
f
s
LED: Int. rate
Loc LED: On
f
s
LED: Ext. rate
Loc LED: Single flash
f
s
LED: Int. rate
Permissive ON
Loc LED: Off
f
s
LED: Int. rate
Loc LED: On
f
s
LED: Ext. rate
Loc LED: Double flash
f
s
LED: Ext. rate1