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dBDI-2

1. 16 Applications The following pages illustrate some typical applications for the dBDI 2 1 Obtaining a recording or FOH feed from an electric guitar Plug the guitar into Channel 74 jack socket with a standard guitar lead If using FX pedals take the output from the last pedal instead if you want the effects to be sent to the mixing console as well Use another to connect Channel LINK connector to the usual input of your guitar amplifier Connect the output of Channel A at the rear of the dBDI 2 to an input channel of the mixing console with an XLR cable Depending on the situation this may be a direct connection or via a stage box or a studio mic input panel Set the controls on your guitar and amplifier in the usual way and set the Pad switch to either 20dB 0dB while adjusting the input gain on the mixing console channel The aim is to ensure that no clipping occurs at the mixing console with the guitar s volume control at maximum and you re playing the loudest passages You can set the amplifier controls as you want as they do not affect the signal being sent to the mixing console GUITAR BASS GUITAR GUITAR AMPLIFIER REAR Bo MIXING CONSOLE PEDAL 000000000 OO
2. KEYBOARD 1 27 Electrical specifications Unbalanced input Connect Attenuator Impedance Max input level Technical specifications 1 4 TRS jack Tip hot Ring Sleeve ground 3 pin XLR Pin 2 hot Pin 1 Pin 2 ground RCA Phono Tip hot Sleeve ground Parallel output 1 4 TRS 0dB 20dB 40 dB 1 M ohm gt 40k ohm gt 40 k ohm 9 dBu 29 dBu 33 dBu Transformer balanced output Connector Impedance Max output level 3 pin XLR Pin 1 ground Pin 2 hot Pin 3 cold lt 50 9dBu into 600 ohm load Audio performance Frequency response Signal to noise ratio S N Total Harmonic Distortion Noise THD N Channel separation Crosstalk 20 Hz 20 kHz 0 0 5 dB into gt 1k5 load 110 dB ref 0 dBu 22 kHz BW unity gain unweighted less than 0 005 0 dBu 30Hz 20 kHz unity gain 22 kHz BW 75 dB 20 Hz 20 kHz 0 dBu Phantom power requirements Voltage Current drain 48 less than 10 mA per channel External AC adapter requirements Voltage Current drain 9Vdc to 12 less than 18 mA total Netto weight 870g Packaging width 200 mm depth 120 mm height 60 mm Shipping weight 1kg
3. 20 Obtaining recording or feed from the output of a guitar amplifier Many guitarists wish to retain their amp sound during recording or when playing with large PA systems particularly when using valve tube amps The dBDI 2 s ability to be inserted in circuit between the output of the guitar amp and the speaker cabinet assuming not using a combo amp lets you do this Use a normal speaker cable to connect between the amp s output and the jack input of one channel and run another from the LINK output of the same channel to the speaker cabinet The rear XLR output of the channel in use goes to the mixing console in the normal way Always set the Pad switch to 40dB when using this configuration The volume and tone of the guitar sound sent to the console is now determined by the amplifier settings and will include amplifier imparted characteristics such as valve tube and output transformer saturation GUITAR BASS GUITAR SPEAKER CABINET MIXING CONSOLE 2000000000 gt 000000 h 21 22 Hooking up laptop to DJ mixer Attemp
4. REAR Balanced XLR PIN 2 DJ CONSOLE OOOO AC ADAPTER 0 AC MAINS gt 0000 oc 24 Using the dBI 2 as line level splitter This example is an extension of Example 1 The guitarist is using the dBDI 2 to send the raw guitar signal to the FOH mixing console as before but by setting the Dual Sum switch to Sum a second output completely independent of and isolated from the first is available at Output B to feed the monitor mixing console This configuration can also be used to generate an isolated instrument feed for live recording or broadcast purposes When the Dual Sum switch is set to Sum it is important to ensure that the position of the ground lift switches on both channels are identical This ensures a common ground potential between the channels resulting in improved performance GUITAR BASS GUITAR SET DUAL SUM SWITCH TO SUM N wa e Q input input GUITAR AMPLIFIER STAGE MONITORS MIXING CONSOLE FOH MIXING CONSOLE OO
5. Oe 000000 gt 000000 gt 000000 oOo 26 Using two dBDI 2s with stereo keyboards to reduce the number of mixer channels required This example shows a convenient way of reducing the number of channels required at the mixing console from four to two when using two stereo keyboards on stage The two keyboards are connected to the two dBDI 2s as follows Keyboard 1 L to dBDI 2 1 Input A Keyboard 1 to dBDI 2 2 Input A Keyboard 2 L to dBDI 2 1 Input B Keyboard 2 R to dBDI 2 2 Input B The stereo output to the mixing console is taken from Output A of dBDI 2 1 L and Output A of dBDI 2 2 R The output levels of the two keyboards should be matched during sound check to avoid the FOH engineer having to adjust his input gains when the player switches from one keyboard to another When the Dual Sum switch is set to Sum it is important to ensure that the position of the ground lift switches on both channels are identical This ensures a common ground potential between the channels resulting in improved performance SET DUAL SUM SWITCHES TO SUM FRONT TINK POWER O 19801 2 LINK REAR BOE REAR of Bo a PIN 2 HOT OMER PINS GND Balanced LR PIN2 HOT PIN COLD PIN 1 GND
6. 9 980 2 LINK In the interest of product development Apex reserve the right to modify or improve specifications of this product at any time without prior notice and without any obligation to change or update equipment already delivered 29 Limited warranty Apex N V Apex warrants you the original purchaser or any party that purchases the device from you that its products are free from defects in material and workmanship under normal use for a period of two 2 years from the date of original purchase The date of purchase is the date which appears on the first invoice or any other proof of purchase provided by an Apex approved dealer Subject to the conditions and limitations set forth below Apex will at its discretion either repair or replace any part of its products that prove to be defective provided that the product is returned with proof of purchase shipping prepaid to an authorised Apex approved service facility Warranty cover of any repairs will only extend to the end of the original warranty period We will be happy to provide you with a list of authorised dealers to whom you can return the defective unit or who will give you a returns note to enable you to send the unit to the factory Service turn around time will be as fast as reasonably possible If you are not satisfied with the repair contact Apex Exclusions and li
7. BOARD IN PEDAL BOARD OUT gt 18 Obtaining a recording feed from stereo keyboard Many keyboards have stereo outputs so you can use the two channels of a single dBDI 2 to interface a keyboard or sampler etc to mixing console in a stage or recording situation Connect the L and R outputs of the keyboard usually on 1 4 jacks to the 1 4 jack inputs of the two channels of the DI box Then connect the two outputs to the mixing console directly or otherwise using XLR cables The most likely setting for the Pad switch in this setup will be 20dB Foldback for the keyboards player can be derived from the mixing console in a studio situation KEYBOARD SAMPLER DRUMPAD DJ MIXER CD or MP3 PLAYER oo000000 MONITOR SPEAKER AMPLIFIER MIXING CONSOLE 5
8. the unit if both phantom power and an external DC supply are connected simultaneously Features and functions Choice of inputs The three inputs XLR3F 7 jack and phono RCA all in parallel and any one may be used depending on connector convenience Do not connect audio sources to more than one per channel simultaneously The inputs are all unbalanced and have the same impedance and sensitivity Note that pins 1 and 3 of the XLR are shorted and thus a balanced signal connected to it will become unbalanced LINK connector The LINK connector is in parallel with all three inputs It lets you use your existing instrument amplification e g a guitar amp while sending the instrument signal to the mixing console or other equipment that the dBDI 2 s output is feeding You can either insert the dBDI 2 between your instrument the amp s input or if your amp top and speaker cabinet are separate between the amp s output and the speaker Examples are given in the Applications section Output The output of each channel is on an XLR3M connector the output is balanced and isolated by a transformer providing a very low source impedance This makes the dBDI 2 suitable for driving very long cable runs without significant signal loss Another advantage of the transformer is that it provides full electrical isolation between the equipment connected to the DI 5 inputs and the console or recor
9. afe place Product highlights Two independent channels ideal for use with stereo keyboards DJ consoles etc Low noise and distortion audio design with excellent headroom Low inter channel crosstalk High quality output transformers providing excellent output balance and true galvanic isolation Very low output impedance allows use of long cable runs XLR jack and phone RCA inputs Ground lift switch per channel 3 position pad switch per channel permits matching of all signal levels Mono mix mode channels are summed mix feeds both outputs Can be powered from mixing console via phantom power or optional external AC adapter Speaker interface allows amplifier sound to be retained Power LED per channel Rugged all metal chassis Professional quality connectors Optional rack kit available mounts two units in 19 rack Kensington security lock Introduction Thank you for buying the Apex dBDI 2 The dBDI 2 is a professional quality two channel active direct injection DI box which provides a simple method of connecting analogue audio signals of all types to professional amplification or recording systems The dBDI 2 has a number of unique features which distinguish it from other active 01 boxes even if you are familiar with this type of equipment you are recommended to read this manual carefully to obtain the maximum benefit from the dBDI 2 Overview The Apex dBDI 2 can be used in any live perf
10. dBDI 2 E APEX www apex audio eu APEX NV Schoebroekstraat 62 3583 Beringen Paal BELGIUM Tel 32 0 11 28 61 91 Fax 32 0 11 25 56 38 e mail info apex audio eu website www apex audio eu A Trademarks The APEX trademark is owned by APEX N V All other brand product and company names and any other registered names or trade marks mentioned in this manual belong to their respective owners Disclaimer APEX N V has taken all possible steps to ensure that the information given here is both correct and complete In no event can APEX accept any liability or responsibility for any loss or damage to the owner of the equipment any third party or any equipment which may result from use of this manual or the equipment which it describes The information provided in this document may be modified at any time without prior warning Specifications and appearance may differ from those listed and illustrated Any complaint against APEX N V shall be governed by the laws of Belgium dBDI 2 November 2009 Serial number of this product 2009 APEX N V rights reserved This manual may not be reproduced or transmitted either in part or as a whole by any means be they mechanical or electronic without the express written permission of APEX N V Intended use The equipment may only be used for the purpose described in the operation instructions Never carry out any work on the equipment other
11. ding device at the output This minimises the likelihood of hums and buzzes Always use XLR XLR cables usually referred to as mic cables with all 3 pins connected at both ends 40 20 0 Pad Switch The Pad switch lets you set the unit s input sensitivity to suit the various signal levels that different items of audio equipment can produce The highest sensitivity i e that suitable for low level sources such as some types of instrument pickups is obtained with the switch in the 0dB position Sources such as consumer CD players and laptops are more likely to require a setting of 20dB When using high level sources such as guitar amplifier outputs always set the Pad switch to 40dB If in doubt about the output level of the equipment you are connecting to the 4801 25 input always set the switch to 40dB initially and check whether the signal being received at the mixing console or other equipment is sufficient if not increase the sensitivity by setting the pad to 20dB and check again The switch should be set so that no clipping is evident at the mixing console or other equipment on signal peaks 12 Ground Lift switch Hum loops can occur in interconnected audio equipment when different grounding earthing practices are employed equipment or systems which operate cleanly in isolation generate a system wide hum when connected together The problem can usually be resolved b
12. mitations This limited warranty covers only repair or replacement for defective products manufactured by Apex Apex is not liable for and does not cover under warranty any loss of data or any costs associated with determining the source of system problems or removing servicing or installing Apex Limited warranty products This warranty excludes 3rd party software connected equipment or stored data Apex does not warrant that the operation of the product will be uninterrupted or error free In the event of a claim 5 sole obligation shall be replacement of the hardware This limited warranty does not cover 1 any damage to this product that results from improper installation accident abuse misuse natural disaster insufficient or excessive electrical supply abnormal mechanical or environmental conditions or other external causes 2 any damage caused by operating the product outside the permitted or intended uses described by Apex 3 any damage caused by any unauthorized disassembly repair or modification 4 consumable parts such as batteries 5 any cosmetic damage Apex is not liable for consequential damages This limited warranty also does not apply to any product on which the original identification information including serial number has been altered obliterated or removed or any product that has not been handled or packaged correctly Warranty services will be furnished only if the product is accompa
13. n stage The rubber side cheeks are specially designed to facilitate this with the protrusions forming the feet slotting into the grooves on the top of the cheek of another unit as shown Several units may be stacked in this way forming a stable assembly _ J TE LO 6 225 PET Os umo Ole J TNK O gori 6 TNK ry 5 2 Oper Gd Li 5 ve Security Lock The rear of the dBDI 2 unit is equipped with a K standard Kensington computer style security lock anchor point This can be used with a Kensington MicroSaver Security cable available from most computer suppliers to secure the DI box to a convenient immovable object If units are rack mounted the cable anchor point can be a point within the racks internal structure which will prevent the units from being removed even if the rack mount assembly is removed from the rack 13 14 Optional Rack Mount Panel Individual dBDI 2 units are intended to be used free standing however two dBDI 2 units may be mounted side by side in the optional 19 rack mount adapter The rack adapter is a standard 19 1U panel with apertures for two dBDI 2 uni
14. nied by a copy of the original retail dealer s invoice Warranty claims other than those indicated above are expressly excluded www apex audio eu info apex audio eu Copyright 2009 APEX N V All rights reserved This manual may not be reproduced transmitted either in part or as a whole by any means be they mechanical or electronic without the express written permission of APEX N V amp Please recycle
15. ormance or recording situation where you need to interface electric or electronic musical instruments or consumer audio equipment with professional or broadcast equipment Examples of electric or electronic musical equipment are electric guitars synthesisers samplers and electronic keyboards of all types Consumer audio equipment might include domestic CD amp DVD players computer sound cards MP3 players and DJ consoles By professional or broadcast equipment we mean touring or fixed venue PA systems recording studio mixing consoles TV or radio OB trucks and so on Overview Using the dBDI 2 gives you two main advantages Most of the audio sources mentioned above are low level high impedance or unbalanced and often all three These make them unsuitable for direct connection to professional equipment Putting a dBDI 2 box in circuit means that they are correctly matched to the balanced inputs such equipment invariably has e The dBDI 2 additionally provides complete electrical isolation between the audio sources and the professional equipment thereby removing at a stroke all the usual causes of hums and buzzes when different audio systems are interconnected In addition the dBDI 2 s dual channel architecture and its unique sum mode switch opens up further applications such as acting as a splitter This would allow a sound source to be sent to two separate audio systems such as FOH and monitor desks o
16. r PA system and recording truck with full signal isolation between all three connected systems Block diagram Jack In Isolation Transformer Link Thru RCA Q Chn A Gnd CHANNELA X DC DC Isolation Transformer Link Thru RCA In Gnd CHANNEL Chn Gnd The diagram on the left shows a simplified block diagram of the dBDI 2 The signal path is identical for the two channels Front and rear panel description FRONT PANEL REAR PANEL ITEM CHANNEL A CHANNEL B Unbalanced inputs 1 4 mono jack Unbalanced input link connector 1 4 mono jack DZ ii an ae Unbalancedinput ohone T coms 10 Power requirements This dBDI 2 can operate either from phantom 48V power supplied by a mixing console or other equipment connected to the unit s output or an external AC mains adapter rated at 12 V DC Each channel has completely independent internal power circuitry and draws phantom power from its respective output connector Optional universal AC adapter A universal useable worldwide AC adapter delivering 12 Vdc may be ordered separately from the dBDI 2 Order code APX OADAPTER 12V No damage will result to
17. than as specified in the operating manual Environmental precaution Electrical and electronic equipment may contain hazardous substances for humans and their environment The crossed out wheelie bin symbol present on the device and represented above is there to remind one of the obligation of selective collection of waste This label is applied to various products to indicate that the product is not to be thrown away as unsorted municipal waste At the end of life dispose of this product by returning it to the point of sale or to your local municipal collection point for recycling of electric and electronic devices Customer participation is important to minimize the potential affects on the environment and human health that can result from hazardous substances that may be contained in this product Please dispose of this product and its packaging in accordance with local and national disposal regulations including those governing the recovery and recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment Contact your local waste administration waste collection company or dealer Register your product Please take the time to register your product on line by typing the following URL in your browser http productregistration apex audio eu As well as registering the product on line please take the trouble to record the serial number of the unit in the space provided on page 3 of the manual and keep the manual in a s
18. ting to interface computer sound cards to an audio system often generates hum buzzes and other extraneous digital noises due to the poor design of computer power supplies Laptops are particularly bad in this respect The dBDI 2 can be used to provide electrical isolation between the computer and the audio system which will resolve all noise problems in most cases Use a computer audio cable with a 3 5mm 3 pole jack at one end and two phono RCA plugs at the other Plug the jack end into the computer s sound card output use the line out connector rather than a headphone output if one is available and plug the other end into the phono sockets of the dBDI 2 s two channels If the DJ console has balanced XLR inputs available use two XLR cables to connect the DI box outputs to these If only unbalanced inputs on jacks or phonos are available either use two XLR to 1 4 mono jack or phono cables or standard XLR cables with XLR to jack or XLR to phono adapters In either case the output of the DI box will become unbalanced and thus long cable lengths should be avoided Satisfactory results should be obtainable with the Pad switch set to 20dB Note in this application that most DJ consoles do not provide phantom power at any inputs even if they are equipped with XLRs Thus it will generally be necessary to power the dBDI 2 from an external AC adapter as shown or LAPTOP SOUNDCARD OUTPUT
19. ts and four XLR3M connectors two per unit already fitted The XLRs come with flying leads terminated in XLR3M connectors Once installed in a rack the DI box rear panel output connectors will no longer be accessible so the connector cable assembly re situates them on the rack panel Fitting the dBDI 2 s in the rack adaptor 1 Remove the two rubber side cheeks from one of the dBDI 2s This is done by undoing the four hex socket screws securing the cheeks to the front panel and the four similar screws securing them to the rear panel screws are visible within the cheek rubbers Retain the screws 2 Fit the front panel of the DI box into the one of apertures in the rack panel make sure it s the right way up Use four of the eight screws removed in Step 1 to attach the unit to the panel inserting the screws through the four holes in the panel Fit the four remaining screws removed in Step 1 to the rear of the unit 3 Repeat Steps 1 amp 2 for the second DI box 4 Plug the four flying XLR cables into the four DI box outputs on the rear of the boxes Take care not to cross any leads 5 If external PSUs being used plug them in as well Cable ties attaching the DC power leads to one or more of the flying output cables may be helpful in providing some additional strain relief 6 The rack panel is now ready to mount in a rack flight case or other housing See illustration on next page
20. y separating the screen connection of the DI input signal and the screen pin 1 of the output XLR This is the purpose of the Ground Lift switch Set Ground Lift to GND by default only lift the ground to resolve a hum problem Dual Sum switch 225 With the Dual Sum switch set to Dual the dBDI 2 s two channels function independently as if you were using two completely separate DI boxes This is ideal for stereo sources such as most keyboards samplers DJ consoles etc Setting the switch to Sum connects the two channels together internally This lets you use the DI box in several extra ways You can use the dBDI 2 as a signal splitter whereby the input signal is sent to two completely separate destinations with full isolation between everything You re limited to a mono input though If running out of channels on the mixer you can use the dBDI 2 to mix two mono signals together to a single output If you re using two keyboards you can use two dBDI 2s to reduce your stage feed to just one stereo pair The FOH engineer will love you Important When the Dual Sum switch is set to Sum it is important to ensure that the position of the ground lift switches on both channels is identical This ensures a common ground potential between the channels resulting in improved performance Stacking several dBDI 2 s Multiple dBDI 2s may be stacked vertically to save space o

dBDI-2

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