MCAudioLab TP1ch user manual
Contents
1. Thank you for your purchase of the MCAudioLab TP1ch Microphone Pre amplifier MCAudioLab W4 o VOLTAGE MODEL SERIAL IMPORTANT Fill in the boxes above with voltage model and your serial number to personalize your unit The informations and serial number can be found on the back of the product The serial number must be quoted in all comunication in order to obtain technical support and spare parts Please register your new MCAudioLab product on product registration section in www mcaudiolab com web site TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction s 2 Waming 42m __ 2 Front and rear layout ccm 3 Features 4 7 4 Technical data 4 Functions 5 6 Signal flow schematic ou 7 Warranty Contacts 8 INTRODUCTION The MCA team have spent more than two years on researching and designing the TP1ch microphone preamplifier The TP1ch has the warmth character and funtionality required by modern recording studios The TP1ch is a valve class A single ended device It provides a high quality and preamp suitable for any type of microphone or high impedance sources TP1ch is typically used in recording studios for individual tracks When a quality microphone is connected to the input or an instrument to the Hi Z one the TP1ch provides a line level balanced output In most situations the TP1ch will feed directly to the input of the recorder The TP1ch prea2. and Output transformers One 12AX7 and one 6DJ8 Tubes Ground lift switch output only Earth lift with 4mm external plug earth connector 19 20 rack space UNIT SIZE Width Standard 19 inches for rack mount installation Height Standard 3 50 inches or 2U rack space Depth 30 cm 12 2 inches Weight 5 kg 13 2 Ibs TECHNICAL DATA TP1ch specifications Input Mic Impedance 1k Ohm Gain Range 20 75dB Mic Phantom Switchable 48 Volt Power Source Output Phase Switchable 0 180 Instrument Jack Input 1 4 phono Input Instrument Impedance 1 5M Ohm Instrument Gain Range 10 65dB Maximum Input Signal 0 775mV OdB Balanced XLR Output Recommended minimum load output Impedance 600 Ohm Maximum Level 19 dBu Output Low Z transformer balanced Frequency Response 10Hz 60kHz Distortion THD gt 02 1 Khz Power Requirements 230 Vac 160 Watts Dimensions W x H x D 19 x 3 5 x 122 Weight 6 kg Shipping weight 8 2 Kg In line with our company policy of continuous development the above specifications are subject to change without notice TP1ch Microphone Pre Amplifier 4 MCAudioLab FUNCTIONS OUTPUT The output knob is the master volume control attenuation control potentiometer It determines the amount of signal sent to the output stage The rang is from 20 knob hard left to the maximum amount of gain stage knob hard right INPUT The input selector determines which input is set active M
3. ic or Hi Z Mic Selects the rear panel XLR balanced input connector The mic inputis optimized for low impedance condenser microphones Each microphone connected may reveal different tonal quality and or gain Hi Z Selects the front panel 1 4 jack unbalanced as input This input is optimized for any instrument with a magnetic or acoustic pickup tipically bass and guitar both active or passive In general all musical instrument pickups need to work into a very high load impedance GAIN The Gain control switch sets the gain of input stage in 5dB step increment from 20dB pos 1 to 75dB pos max Turning the switch clockwise rise the gain The gain control alters the amount of tube armonic distortion a contribution to the warm sound of tube equipment To use The TP1ch as a clean high quality valve mic preamp set the output level control to maximum and use gain switch to obtain the right desired amount of signal PAD When active the green LED lights up The incoming signal from the rear XLR input connector is attenuated of 20dB Attenuate the input signal to accomodate very high signal to avoid distortion The input pad has effect on the rear input only PHASE The front panel toggle switch labeled phase determine the polarity of XLR balanced output connector When active the yellow led igth up and the pin2 of XLR out is negative The signal phase is inverted of 180 degree mirrored respect to zero Phantom power The
4. itch is in the up position The power toggle switch connect or disconnect the phase wire of main AC power supply IEC connector on rear When off the apparatus is not completely disconnected from AC power source Detach IEC power cord if preamp is unutilized for a long period GROUND LIFT When active unlink pin 1 from signal ground GND to avoid hum Ground lift act on XLR out connector only EARTH LIFT This will lift the mains earth connection of the chassis from signal ground GND thus avoiding hum loops Chassis is permanently earth connected via centarl pin of IEC socket The earth is always connected with standard 4mm plug on the rear of any TP1ch AC Plug TP1ch uses a standard detachable IEC power cord Insert the AC power cord firmly into this socket Caution please check to see which voltage your TP1ch is set to The voltage setting is marked on the serial badge on the rear panel Make sure the voltage is properly set for your area before applying AC power to the unit Check that this complies with your local supply if not please notify MCAudioLab before powering up Your TP1ch has been factory set to the correct mains voltage for your country If you plan to take the unit to countries with a different mains voltage you will need to send the TP1ch to the MCAudioLab Service Center for the correct transformer primaries wiring conversionand fuse changing Do not attempt to defeat the safety ground connection Fuse This unit em
5. mp is a vintage like classic tube preamps of the 60s updated with modern electronic components but its modern design and construction allows the TP1ch to exceed the performance of vintage vacuum tube preamps Vacuum tubes give to the TP ch a clarity transparency and warmth sound that the solid state can t give TP1ch is designed for the use in the professional recording environment and it accepts all low impedance balanced microphones It features a regulated 48 volt supply for phantom powering condenser microphones a switchable 20 dB input pad a phase reversal switch a true led level meter and a vintage VU meter All panel switch except gain control drive a low voltage relay to ensure the shortest path to signal Each unit is built for a great and to last All power supplies are solid state and fully regulated for long hum free operation Each mic preamp is hand built and meticulously tested and listened to before shipment to the customer WARNING Before you start your new MCA Tube Microphone preamp please read the following Any tube product is sensitive to a high sound pressure level environment This may cause microphonics in a recording situation Make sure you are able to fit and or place the unit in isolation if necessary Direct light will also effect tubes as well PLEASE be sure to have enough space between any stuff this will ensure your tube unit will not be over heat Over heating will cause damage to the tubes and shorte
6. n theirlife span Included in the box The TP1ch Microphone Preamplifier Power cord This instruction manual wel sl TP1ch Microphone Pre Amplifier 2 MCAudioLab Anan sanding us UNANO Svd 3N Rea BV Toranvow d 13 SOHO 30 ANDSIN N3dO LON OG TP1ch model layout Za _ MOOHS 7 2 103719 JO 5 ra ON WV V qvIuas oj NI 43MOd IN Y 7 no aima v v 39 j39VETOA Ea rie SVd Z3SOdX3N 19313 20HO xm i 37 1 VGeTOIPNVOW BAYS SIL HUM IYNLSION HO NIVY OL LONGOYd SIHL Y C Bag 3SOdX3 LON OQ 320HS 1V2IH12313 HO Q uid JO 3HL 39138 OL NOILOVO 3snd L mv Am 2 9 l asung avy ge ol b 3 9 m5 gt 3 4 000 jy ore wane TI W 5 Y 7n ET TANVd LNOYS MCAudioLab TP1ch Microphone Pre Amplifier FEATURES All vacuum tube design electronically optimized by SUTERA Out level volume control Hi Z input front panel Mic Hi Z switch selector 12 step gain control switch Pad switch Polarity switch Phantom switch True analog VU meter True led signal level XLR Input connector XLR Output connector Lundahl Input
7. phantom power become active when the toggle switch labeled 48V on the front panel is on and the red led lights up The 48Vdc supply is fed to the microphone through pin 2 and 3 of rear XLR input connector The phantom voltage is required by modern condenser mics to operate We recommend checking the requirements of your microphons before connecting them Always keep the phantom power off when connecting or disconnecting microphones when it is not required when ribbon microphones are used or any other equipment in the signal chain is connected to input XLR When you turn the Phantom Power Switch off there will be a few second delay before it is completely off METERS LED METER Three led indicates the amount of signal present at the XLR output according to 4dB standard The sgn green led indicates that a signal of atleast 15dB is on XLR out The orangeled indicates that a signal of 4dB is on XLR out The ovr red led indicates that a signal of 15dB or more is XLR out Values of amount signal are given by IC comparator VU analog METER It s useful when you want a visual and continous approch to the amount of signal present at the XLR output The 0 on the scale represent a 4dB level on pin 2 and of XLR output TP1ch Microphone Pre Amplifier 5 MCAudioLab Power Use this switch to turn the unit on and off Controls primary AC power to the unit Primary power is applied to the TP1ch circuits when the Power sw
8. ploys an external AC line fuse easy access to change your fuse as necessary to help protect it from damages due to overload conditions If the fuse fails replace it If the fuse fails repeatedly discontinue use of the unit and contact MCAudioLab for service information Remove the power cord before checking or changing the fuse To avoid any permanent damage replace fuse with the same rate and type only a 2A 5 x 20mm type fuse is required for operation at 230V a 4A 5 x 20mm type fuse is required for operation at 115V Survival Tips For Tube Preamps To prolong tube life observe these simply recommendations After using the preamplifier allow sufficient time for it to properly cool down prior to moving it A properly cooled preamplifier prolongs tube life due to the internal components being less susceptible to the damage caused by vibration Allow the preamplifier to warm up to room temperature before turning it on The heat generated bythe tube elements can crack a cold glass housing Protect the preamplifier from dust and moisture If liquid gets into the preamplifier proper or if the preamplifier is dropped or otherwise mechanically abused it must be checked outin an authorized service center before using it Proper maintenance and cleaning in combination with routine checkups by your authorized service center or dealer will ensure the best performance and longest life from your preamplifier CAUTION Tube replacement
9. should be performed only by qualified service personnel who are familiar with the dangers of hazardous voltages that are present in tube circuitry TP1ch Microphone Pre Amplifier 6 MCAudioLab TP1ch signal flow schematic 59 gc 5 OF 5 5 e E l Sc 0 g A Mic Hi z Selector Input All XLR connectors are wired according to AES standard pin 1 is ground GND pin 2 is high or and pin is ow or A positive voltage on pin 2 of the input will result in a positive voltage on pin 2 of the output with the Phase Reverse switch setto Normal Grounding and Shields The Input XLR connector pin 1 GND is directly connected to equipment ground The GND is connected to pin 1 of the output connector and to earth depending on earth lift switch position TP1ch Microphone Pre Amplifier 7 MCAudioLab Limited 1 year Warranty During the warranty period MCAudioLab will repair or replace defective parts with new ones at no additional charge This warranty does not extend to any equipment that has been damaged or rendered defective as a result of accident misuse or abuse by the use of parts not manufactured or supplied by MCAudioLab or by unauthorized modification of the equipment Vacuum tubes are excepted from the warranty but are warranted for 90 days from date of purchase Except as expressly set forth in this Warrant
10. y MCAudioLab makes no other warranties express or implied including any implied warranty of merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose Warranty Repair If the TP1ch should develop a problem during the warranty period contact the factory to return shipping instructions We will repair and return your MCAudioLab equipment quickly Note that the warranty does not cover vacuum tubes which mustibe periodically replaced How to contact us MCAudioLab 84 86 Viale della Rinascita 93017 San Cataldo CL ITALY info mcaudiolab com www mcaudiolab com MCAudioLab shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions in this manual nor for incidental or consequential damages resulting from the use of this material Characteristics may change without notice TP1ch Microphone Pre Amplifier 8 MCAudioLab
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