Symetrix 202
Contents
1. Use the microphone input with unbalanced sources Use a direct box to feed an unbalanced source into the microphone input Worry about your tube condenser mics They re compatible although they can t be phantom powered Connections Controls and Switches 3 1 Block Diagram 3 NOILLISOd LNO NI NMOHS SSHOLIMS TIY c LNAdLNO G3ONVIVENN Q3O9NV IVH 2 LNdNI 3NOHdOUOIN LNO NI Z L LNdLNO Neb Wy GSONVIVaNn v H3MOd INO LNVHd Q3O9NV IVH bk LAdLNO GSONV1IVENnN Q39NV IVd JSu3AdH AllHV lOd E LAdNI 3NOHdOUOIN 0 08L LNO NI Rev 2 0 8 1 94 3 2 Rear Panel Connectors 5X202 DUAL MIC PREAMP POWER 16VAC z 5 e BALAN mer S trix o Oo mura o TPUT 1 THIS PRODUCT CONTAINS NO USER SERV CABLE PARTS FABRIQU AUX E U PAR SYMETRIX INC SEATTLE WASHINGTON REFEREZ TOUTE R PARATION A UN TECHNICIEN QUALIFI INPUT 2 INPUT 1 What POWER OUTPUTS LINE OUTPUT 1 2 LINE OUTPUT 1 LINE OUTPUT 2 INPUTS Description 5mm coaxial socket Use Symetrix PS 2 power supply 16V ac 500 mA included with domestic units The PS 2 is both UL and CSA certified Accepts plugs with 2 5mm center pin Switchcraft 760 1 4 inch TRS jack 24 dBm maximum level balanced 18 dBm maximum level unbalanced Sum of inputs 1 and 2 Individual outputs of each microphone preamp 3 pin XLR female connectors provide transfor2. Symetrix SX202 Dual Mic Preamp Owner s Manual Symetrix Inc 14926 35th Avenue West Lynnwood Washington 98037 Voice 425 787 3222 800 288 8855 Fax 425 787 3211 Copyright 1988 1994 Symetrix Inc All rights reserved Subject to change without notice Batteries not included This manual will not play in reverse Revision 2 1 8 8 97 Part Number 530102 No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means electronic or mechanical including photocopying recording or by any information storage and retrieval system without permission in writing from the publisher Production Information This document was written using Microsoft Word for Windows V2 0 and 6 0 The drawings and graphs in this manual were prepared using Corel Draw V2 0 Autocad V12 and Autoscript V5 then imported into Word for Windows via encapsulated PostScript files All page makeup occurred within Word for Windows Body text is set in Bookman 10pt and Section Heads are set in various sizes of Helvetica Bold Helvetica Narrow was used for Figure and Table captions This manual was printed directly from PostScript files generated by Word for Windows on a Xerox Docutech printer This unique device is actually a laser printer capable of 600 dpi resolution with a page throughput that rivals a high speed photocopier As a result every page is a first generation image Ain t technology grand T
3. able of Contents 1 INTFOGUGHON eee 1 2 Using the 9X202 usoei inunan un nuce cin Ue icis 2 2 1 The PreampliflGrs o aee er tma orte ces 2 2 2 Gain Controls Clip LEDs Pads sssessss 2 2 3 Polarity SWIG s ansias re tectus Dude naan 3 2 4 Powering for Condenser Microphones 3 3 Connections Controls and Switches 6 SN izilere SIBI clo T 6 3 2 Rear Panel Connectors 7 3 3 Front Panel Controls and Switches 8 4 Troubleshooting eeeeeeeeeeeee 9 5 SPECIICALONS issiria ieu keinona EE evi iu donoE 10 6 Repair Information eeeeessss 11 6 1 Return AUTON ZA OM sass taceat dert Soames 11 6 2 In Warranty Repairs rrt sande n nece 11 6 3 Out of Warranty Repairs eeessesseess 11 7 SX202 LIMITED WARRANTY e 12 This page is mostly blank ii 1 Introduction The Model SX202 Dual Microphone Preamplifier is an ultra clean two channel stereo mono preamp intended for use in the most critical digital and analog recording situations The SX202 delivers exceptional sonic performance even with extremely high input levels making it the ideal mate to the latest generation of transformerless condenser microphones Outputs provided are left right and left right Built around the same chip used
4. assed you ll be billed for all necessary parts labor packaging materials and any applicable freight charges Remember you must call for an RA number before you send the unit to Symetrix Rev 2 0 8 1 94 11 7 SX202 LIMITED WARRANTY The Symetrix SX202 is designed and manufactured for use in professional and studio audio systems Symetrix Inc warrants that the SX202 manufactured by Symetrix when properly installed used and maintained in accordance with instructions contained in the manufacturer s operator s manual will perform according to the specifications set forth in the operator s manual Symetrix expressly warrants that SX202 will be free from defects in material and workmanship for ninety 90 days Symetrix obligations under this warranty will be limited to repairing and replacing at Symetrix option the part or parts of the SX202 which prove defective in material or workmanship within ninety 90 days from the date of purchase provided that the Buyer gives Symetrix prompt notice of any defect or failure and satisfactory proof thereof Products may be returned by Buyer only after a Return Authorization number RA has been obtained from Symetrix and Buyer will prepay all freight charges to return any products to the Symetrix factory Symetrix reserves the right to inspect any products which may be the subject of any warranty claim before repair or replacement is carried out Symetrix may at its option require proof of the
5. e gain always results in minimum noise and maximum headroom 2 Rev 2 0 8 1 94 The pad switch on the SX202 reduces the input level by 15dB When a very high output mic is used or for any reason the incoming signal is so hot that the clip indicator is lighted with the gain control at minimum use the pad As previously mentioned the SX202 uses gain controls not volume controls or faders It is not necessary to use the pads to reduce input levels to get the gain controls to operate in some theoretical best position The only best operating position for a gain control is the minimum gain that delivers the required output level In addition to its more common use in reducing input signal strength the pads can also give the user a wider gain control adjustment range for a more accurate channel to channel level matching For very close level matching the resolution of the gain controls at the very lowest end of their range may be too coarse There is a trade off here however when using pads the apparent noise floor is higher 2 3 Polarity Switch Channel 1 includes a polarity switch In the normal out position signal source polarity is maintained to the output s In the 180 in position the wiring from the Channel 1 XLR connector Pins 2 and 3 is reversed This allows for correction of mis wired cables and for polarity matching of various manufacturers mics 2 4 Powering for Condenser Microphones All condenser micropho
6. ficulties that occured as a result of some other problem in the mic circuit 1 When XLR connectors are mated there is no guarantee that both pins 2 and 3 will make contact at exactly the same time It is possible that a damaging current could flow through the mic for a brief moment under these conditions However this is a connector problem not a problem with the mic itself or phantom power in general 2 In the past it was common practice to ground the center tap of the mic s output transformer This is a NO NO in phantom powered systems The solution locate the center tap and cut the connection between it and pin 1 of the XLR connector 3 Ifthe mic s output transformer has developed leakage the microphone may become noisy when phantom power is turned on Crackling sputtering or even humming noises may occur The leakage not the power is the problem The solutions are A Turn off the phantom power B Puta 1 1 transformer between the mic and the input C Get the mic repaired The dominant remote powering system in use today is the phantom power system which is compatible with both condenser and non condenser microphones dynamics ribbons etc If your microphone s data sheet says that it is phantom powered the SX202 can power it The technical requirements for operation and or compatibility are 1 The DIN specification DIN 45 596 covering phantom powering specifies the phantom powering voltage as an open circ
7. gnal Are your cables OK Are the output plugs fully inserted into the jacks If either of the CLIP LEDs are lighted reduce the setting of the corresponding GAIN control Use the 15 dB pad if necessary Try substituting a different microphone See Section 2 4 Available from the factory 5 Specifications Item Inputs Type Input Impedance Maximum Input Level Connector Clip Indicators Frequency Response THD Signal to Noise Ratio EIN Maximum Gain Minimum Gain Input Pad Outputs Type Source Impedance Minimum Load Impedance Maximum Output Level Connectors Power Requirements 10 Specification low Z balanced transformerless greater than 3kQ 13dBV pad in XLR 3 red LEDs fire 4dB below clipping 20Hz to 20kHz 0 1dB 007 1kHz OdBm 6000 balanced out 01 kHz 24dBm 6000 balanced out 97dB 50dBV input 4dBV output peak clip to noise floor 22kHz bandwidth 127dBV 150Q source 22kHz bandwidth balanced output 66dB balanced input to balanced output 26dB balanced input to balanced output pad out 15dB low Z 50 unbalanced 100Q balanced 6000 balanced or unbalanced 24dBm balanced output 6000 1 4 TRS balanced unbalanced 16VAC 200ma Symetrix PS 2 included Rev 2 0 8 1 94 6 Repair Information Should you decide to return your SX202 to Symetrix for service please follow the following instructions 6 1 Return A
8. hird party including any dealer or sales representative to assume any liability or make any additional warranties or representation regarding this product performance on behalf of Symetrix This limited warranty gives the buyer certain rights You may have additional rights provided by applicable law LIMITATION OF LIABILITY The total liability of Symetrix Inc 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 any product will not exceed the price allocable to the product or part thereof which gives rise to the claim In no event will Symetrix Inc be liable for any incidental or consequential damages including but not limited to damage for loss of 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 sources 12 Rev 2 0 8 1 94
9. in a well known recording console widely acclaimed for its exceptional sound quality the SX202 makes world class performance affordable In place of older preamp designs the SX202 offers substantial sonic improvements with its solid stereo imaging less than 10 phase shift at 20kHz excellent transient handling its positive and negative slew rates are symmetrical very low noise approaching the theoretical limit and almost unmeasurable distortion 007 Variable gain inputs with 15dB pads allow the SX202 to handle any input level up to 14dBV 48 volt phantom power is available at both inputs In addition channel 1 includes a polarity switch to correct for improperly wired cables or unresolvable mic placement problems Balanced low Z line drivers are on 3 conductor 1 4 TRS connectors and are capable of 24dBm maximum output The output stage can also drive unbalanced lines 18 dBm maximum output Rev 2 0 8 1 94 1 2 Using the SX202 CAUTION Do not use any AC adapter other than the Symetrix PS 2 or an exact equivalent supply rated at 16V ac 10va 2 1 The Preamplifiers The SX202 s ultra low noise low distortion mic preamps provide direct coupled balanced low Z inputs for optimum transient response and phase coherency The positive going and negative going slew rates are symmetrical ensuring sonic intergrity 2 2 Gain Controls Clip LEDs Pads The SX202 offers 40dB overall gain variation from 20dB t
10. merless balanced low impedance mic level input With polarity switch in Normal position pin 1 ground pin 2 high pin 3 low Maximum input level 1 dBV or 14 dBV pad in CAUTION Do not use any AC adapter other than the Symetrix PS 2 Do not short the outputs Do not stick your finger s into a light socket Rev 2 0 8 1 94 3 3 Front Panel Controls and Switches MICROPHONE 1 MICROPHONE 2 yam A Ee What Description POWER LED Yellow LED indicates power on POLARITY Allows the polarity of mic input Channel 1 to be inverted with respect to mic input Channel 2 15 dB PAD Reduces the input signal by 15 dB CLIP Red LED lights when any individual preamp output is within 4 dB of clipping GAIN Sets the gain of the preamplifier from a minimum of 20 dB to a maximum of 60 dB PHANTOM Turns on off 48V phantom powering at both POWER microphone inputs See Section 2 4 for additional details 8 Rev 2 0 8 1 94 4 Troubleshooting Use the following guide in case of difficulty preferably before calling the factory for assistance Problem No output Distortion or Clipping at the Output Sputtering or crackling noise when phantom power is on Schematic diagram Rev 2 0 8 1 94 Check or Try This Is the PS 2 connected to both the SX202 and a source of AC power If you are using a condenser microphone is the phantom power switch and LED on Is the GAIN control set too low for the si
11. nes require some kind of electrical power This power may be supplied by internal batteries an external power supply that s connected to the microphone by a special multi wire cable or through a standard microphone cable by phantom or T System powering Phantom powering and T system powering are incompatible systems The front panel phantom power switch applies 48V phantom power via pins 2 and 3 of the mic input XLR connectors Phantom power is so named because it is invisible to audio signals even though the microphone cable carries both phantom power as direct current and audio signals as alternating current Specifically the term phantom power means a positive DC voltage sent to the microphone on both audio leads through current limiting resistors which also serve to isolate the audio leads from one another The phantom power technique uses the two signal conductors in a standard mic cable to deliver the power required by the Rev 2 0 8 1 94 3 microphone eliminating the need for external power supplies or internal batteries Because the voltage is applied equally to both sides of a floating balanced circuit no current flows through the microphone s transformer or through the microphone element itself It is often said that the sound of some dynamic microphones is affected by phantom power and that ribbon mics cannot be plugged into an input that is phantom powered For the most part these are myths that grew out of dif
12. o 60dB when used without the pad Including the 15dB pad the total range is 75dB with a minimum overall gain of 5dB Any input level from the 60dBV to 80dBV levels common with ribbon mics to the near line level often experienced with transformerless condenser mics is easy to match with the SX202 s stepless gain control Input signals as high as 14dBV can be handled by the SX202 The front panel clip LEDs fire at 10dBV output The SX202 s gain controls set how much the signals are actually amplified by the preamp circuitry On the SX202 the gain controls operate like the trim controls found on most mixers On a mixer the trim controls set the initial amount of amplification for each mic input then the faders govern how much of the amplified signal is allowed to pass into the rest of the system With the SX202 the assumption is that somewhere downstream at the input of your tape recorder or perhaps at the aux input on your board there will be a volume control that functions much the same as the fader on a mixing console It s important to note that the controls on the SX202 set the amount of amplification gain Both source level and preamp gain are directly related to the noise floor as well as to headroom at the output The key to using the SX202 at its optimum is A use the maximum allowable source level B use only as much gain as necessary The combination of the highest possible input levels with the least possibl
13. original date of purchase dated copy of original retail dealer s invoice Final determination of warranty coverage lies solely with Symetrix Products repaired under warranty will be returned freight prepaid via United Parcel Service by Symetrix to any location within the Continental United States Outside the Continental United States products will be returned freight collect THE FOREGOING WARRANTIES ARE IN LIEU OF ALL OTHER WARRANTIES WHETHER ORAL WRITTEN EXPRESS IMPLIED OR STATUTORY SYMETRIX INC EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE OR MERCHANTABILITY SYMETRIX INC S WARRANTY OBLIGATION AND BUYER S REMEDIES HEREUNDER ARE SOLELY AND EXCLUSIVELY AS STATED HEREIN The Symetrix SX202 is designed and manufactured for use in professional and studio audio systems and is not intended for other usage With respect to products purchased by consumers for personal family or household use Symetrix EXPRESSLY DISCLAIMS ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE This limited warranty with all terms conditions limitations and disclaimers set forth herein shall extend to the original purchaser and anyone who purchases the product within the specified warranty period Warranty Registration must be completed and mailed to Symetrix Inc within thirty 30 days of the date of purchase Symetrix does not authorize any t
14. uit measurement If you attempt to measure the phantom voltage make sure that you do so with the microphone disconnected 4 Rev 2 0 8 1 94 output O The microphone must have a balanced low impedance O The balanced output must be floating with respect to ground If there is a center tap it must not be grounded In the past it was common to ground the center tap of the microphone s output transformer This was especially true of ribbon microphones In a nutshell here are the do s and don ts of phantom powering Verify that your microphone can be phantom powered only if it is a condenser mic Ensure that your microphone s output is low impedance balanced and floating This is especially important for ribbon mics like the RCA 77DX and 44BX Turn the phantom power off when connecting vintage ribbon microphones Mute your monitor speakers or headphones when turning the phantom power on or off If you don t there will be a loud nasty POP Mute your monitor speakers or headphones whenever you plug or unplug a phantom powered microphone If you don t there will be a loud nasty POP Rev 2 0 8 1 94 Plug in an A B powered microphone without a suitable adapter Worry about your dynamic or ribbon microphones as long as they are wired so that the output is balanced and floating Use the microphone input for line level sources especially those that are transformerless
15. uthorization Symetrix will service any of its products for a period of five years from the date of manufacture However no goods will be accepted without a Return Authorization number Before sending anything to Symetrix call us for an RA number just ask we ll gladly give you one call 206 787 3222 weekdays 8am to 4 30 pm pacific time 6 2 In Warranty Repairs To get your unit repaired under the terms of the warranty l Call us for an RA number 2 Pack the unit in its original packaging materials 3 Include your name address etc and a brief statement of the problem Your daytime telephone number is very useful if we can t duplicate your problem 4 Put the RA number on the outside of the box 5 Ship the unit to Symetrix freight prepaid Just do those five things and repairs made in warranty will cost you only the one way freight fee We ll pay the return freight If you choose to send us your product in some sort of flimsy non Symetrix packaging wel have to charge you for proper shipping materials We won t return the unit in anything but original Symetrix packaging Of course if the problem turns out to be operator inflicted you ll have to pay for both parts and labor In any event if there are charges for the repair costs you will pay for return freight All charges will be COD unless you have made other arrangements prepaid Visa or Mastercard 6 3 Out of Warranty Repairs If the warranty period has p
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