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Mini-Pre

Vacuum Tube

Microphone PreAmp

User Manual

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

C A U T I O N

R I S K O F E L E C T R I C S H O C K

D O N O T O P E N

A T T E N T I O N :

R I S Q U E D E C H O C E L E C T R I Q U E - N E P A S O U V R I R

W A R N I N G :

T O R E D U C E T H E R I S K O F F I R E O R E L E C T R I C

S H O C K D O N O T E X P O S E T H I S E Q U I P M E N T T O R A I N O R M O I S T U R E

The symbols shown above are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical products.

The lightning flash with arrowpoint in an equilateral triangle means that there are dangerous voltages present within the unit. The exclamation point in an equilateral triangle indicates that it is necessary for the user to refer to the owner’s manual.

These symbols warn that there are no user serviceable parts inside the unit. Do not open the unit. Do not attempt to service the unit yourself. Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Opening the chassis for any reason will void the manufacturer’s warranty. Do not get the unit wet. If liquid is spilled on the unit, shut it off immediately and take it to a dealer for service. Disconnect the unit during storms to prevent damage.

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

NOTICE FOR CUSTOMERS IF YOUR UNIT IS EQUIPPED WITH A POWER CORD.

WARNING: THIS APPLIANCE MUST BE EARTHED.

CAUTION: EQUIPMENT IS NOT DISCONNECTED FROM MAINS WHEN SWITCH IS

IN THE OFF POSITION

The cores in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:

GREEN and YELLOW - Earth BLUE - Neutral BROWN - Live

As colours of the cores in the mains lead of this appliance may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:

• The core which is coloured green and yellow must be connected to the terminal in the plug marked with the letter E, or with the earth symbol, or coloured green, or green and yellow.

• The core which is coloured blue must be connected to the terminal marked

N or coloured black.

• The core which is coloured brown must be connected to the terminal marked

L or coloured red.

This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installation. If the attachment plug needs to be changed, refer servicing to qualified service personnel who should refer to the table below. The green/yellow wire shall be connected directly to the units chassis.

L

N

E

CONDUCTOR

LIVE

NEUTRAL

WIRE COLOR

Normal

BROWN

BLUE

EARTH GND GREEN/YEL

Alt

BLACK

WHITE

GREEN

WARNING: If the ground is defeated, certain fault conditions in the unit or in the system to which it is connected can result in full line voltage between chassis and earth ground. Severe injury or death can then result if the chassis and earth ground are touched simultaneously.

WARNING FOR YOUR PROTECTION PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING:

KEEP THESE INSTRUCTIONS

HEED ALL WARNINGS

FOLLOW ALL INSTRUCTIONS

CLEAN ONLY WITH A DAMP CLOTH.

DO NOT BLOCK ANY OF THE VENTILATION OPENINGS.

INSTALL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE MANUFACTURERS

INSTRUCTIONS.

DO NOT INSTALL NEAR ANY HEAT SOURCES SUCH AS RADI-

ATORS, HEAT REGISTERS, STOVES; OR OTHER APPARATUS

(INCLUDING AMPLIFIERS) THAT PRODUCE HEAT.

ONLY USE ATTACHMENTS/ACCESSORIES SPECIFIED BY THE

MANUFACTURER.

UNPLUG THIS APPARATUS DURING LIGHTNING STORMS OR

WHEN UNUSED FOR LONG PERIODS OF TIME.

WATER AND MOISTURE: Appliance should not be used near water (e.g. near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc). Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.

POWER SOURCES: The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.

GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION: Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.

POWER CORD PROTECTION: Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance.

SERVICING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, the user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

FOR UNITS EQUIPPED WITH EXTERNALLY ACCESSI-

BLE FUSE RECEPTACLE: Replace fuse with same type and rating only.

MULTIPLE-INPUT VOLTAGE: This equipment may require the use of a different line cord, attachment plug, or both, depending on the available power source at installation.

Connect this equipment only to the power source indicated on the equipment rear panel. To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, refer servicing to qualified service personnel or equivalent.

POWER ON / OFF SWITCH: The Power Switch used in this piece of equipment DOES NOT break the connection from the Mains.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

LITHIUM BATTERY

WARNING

CAUTION!

This product may contain a lithium battery.There is danger of explosion if the battery is incorrectly replaced. Replace only with an Eveready CR 2032 or equivalent. Make sure the battery is installed with the correct polarity. Discard used batteries according to manufacturer’s instructions.

ADVARSEL!

Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosjonsfare.Ved utskifting benyttes kun batteri som anbefalt av apparatfabrikanten. Brukt batteri returneres apparatleverandøren.

ADVARSEL!

Lithiumbatteri - Eksplosionsfare ved fejlagtig håndtering.

Udskiftning må kun ske med batteri av samme fabrikat og type. Levér det brugte batteri tilbage til leverandøren.

VAROITUS!

Paristo voi räjähtää, jos se on virheellisesti asennettu.Vaihda

paristo ainoastaan laitevalmistajan suosittelemaan tyyppin.

Hävitä käytetty paristo valmistajan ohjeiden mukaisesti.

VARNING!

Explosionsfara vid felaktigt batteribyte. Använd samma batterityp eller en ekvivalent typ som rekommenderas av apparattillverkaren. Kassera använt batteri enligt fabrikantens instruktion.

ELECTROMAGNETIC

COMPATIBILITY

This unit conforms to the Product

Specifications noted on the Declaration of

Conformity. Operation is subject to the following two conditions:

• this device may not cause harmful interference, and

• this device must accept any interference received, including interference that may cause undesired operation.

Operation of this unit within significant electromagnetic fields should be avoided.

• use only shielded interconnecting cables.

U.K. MAINS PLUG WARNING

A molded mains plug that has been cut off from the cord is unsafe.

Discard the mains plug at a suitable disposal facility. NEVER UNDER ANY

CIRCUMSTANCES SHOULD YOU INSERT A DAMAGED OR CUT MAINS

PLUG INTO A 13 AMP POWER SOCKET. Do not use the mains plug without the fuse cover in place. Replacement fuse covers can be obtained from your local retailer. Replacement fuses are 13 amps and MUST be

ASTA approved to BS1362.

DECLARATION OF

CONFORMITY

Manufacturer’s Name:

Manufacturer’s Address: dbx Professional Products

8760 S. Sandy Parkway

Sandy, Utah 84070, USA declares that the product:

Product name: dbx Mini Tube Pre

Note: Product name may be suffixed by the letters EU, JA.

Product option:all (requires Class II power adapter that conforms to the requirements of EN60065, EN60742, or equivalent.) conforms to the following Product Specifications:

Safety: IEC60065 (1998)

EN 60065 (1993)

EMC: EN 55013 (1990)

EN 55020 (1991)

Supplementary Information:

The product herewith complies with the requirements of the Low Voltage

Directive 73/23/EEC and the EMC

Directive 89/336/EEC as amended by

Directive 93/68/EEC.

dbx Professional Products

Vice-President of Engineering

8760 S. Sandy Parkway

Sandy, Utah 84070, USA

June 7, 2001

European Contact: Your Local dbx Sales and Service

Office or

Harman Music Group

8760 South Sandy Parkway

Sandy, Utah

84070 USA

Phone:(801) 568-7660 fax:(801) 568-7662

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Mini-Pre

Service Contact Information

Service Contact Information

If you require technical support, contact dbx Customer Service. Be prepared to accurately describe the problem. Know the serial number of your unit - this is printed on a sticker attached to the bottom of the unit. If you have not already taken the time to fill out your warranty registration card and send it in, please do so now.

Before you return a product to the factory for service, we recommend you refer to the manual. Make sure you have correctly followed installation steps and operation procedures. If you are still unable to solve a problem, contact our

Customer Service Department at (801) 568-7660 for consultation. If you need to return a product to the factory for service, you MUST contact Customer Service to obtain a Return Authorization Number.

No returned products will be accepted at the factory without a Return

Authorization Number.

Please refer to the Warranty below, which extends to the first end-user. After expiration of the warranty, a reasonable charge will be made for parts, labor, and packing if you choose to use the factory service facility. In all cases, you are responsible for transportation charges to the factory. dbx will pay return shipping if the unit is still under warranty.

Use the original packing material if it is available. Mark the package with the name of the shipper and with these words in red: DELICATE INSTRUMENT,

FRAGILE! Insure the package properly. Ship prepaid, not collect. Do not ship parcel post.

Mini-Pre User Manual

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Warranty Information

Mini-Pre

Warranty Information

This warranty is valid only for the original purchaser and only in the United

States.

1. The warranty registration card that accompanies this product must be mailed within 30 days after purchase date to validate this warranty. Proof-of-purchase is considered to be the burden of the consumer.

2. dbx warrants this product, when bought and used solely within the U.S., to be free from defects in materials and workmanship under normal use and service.

3. dbx liability under this warranty is limited to repairing or, at our discretion, replacing defective materials that show evidence of defect, provided the product is returned to dbx WITH RETURN AUTHORIZATION from the factory, where all parts and labor will be covered up to a period of two years. A Return

Authorization number must be obtained from dbx by telephone. The company shall not be liable for any consequential damage as a result of the product's use in any circuit or assembly.

4. dbx reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this product without incurring any obligation to install the same additions or improvements on products previously manufactured.

5. The foregoing is in lieu of all other warranties, expressed or implied, and dbx neither assumes nor authorizes any person to assume on its behalf any obligation or liability in connection with the sale of this product. In no event shall dbx or its dealers be liable for special or consequential damages or from any delay in the performance of this warranty due to causes beyond their control.

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Mini-Pre User Manual

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Mini-Pre

Introduction and Features

Introduction and Features

Congratulations

on your purchase of the dbx Mini-Pre! For 30 years, dbx has been the industry leader in dynamics processing. With the introduction of the

MINI-PRE, we are now able to offer our superior dynamics processing technology in a compact and affordable product design.

This manual will be your guide to understanding the full functionality of the Mini-

Pre. After you have become familiar with the unit, we encourage you to experiment and find creative ways that the MINI-PRE can help you make a better sounding mix.

Mini-Pre Features-

• Hand-Selected 12AX7 Pre Amp Tube

• 60 dB of Gain and -

∞

to +10dB of Output Level

• Input Gain Control

• Output Gain Control

• Phase Reverse

• 20dB Pad Switch

• Selectable +48 volt Phantom Power

• Balanced XLR Input and Output

• Impedance-balanced 1/4” TRS Output

• 1/4” TS Input

• Neutrik (locking) XLR connectors

• SMT™ Technology

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Connections\Operation

Mini-Pre

Rear Panel Descriptions (from left to right)

Power Supply Connector

Connect the included PS 0913 power supply at this point.

Power Supply Cord Strain Relief

To prevent any untimely power supply interruptions, it is recommend that the power supply cable be looped over the hook of the power supply cord strain relief.

XLR Output Connector

The XLR output of the Mini-Pre is balanced. The XLR output is ideal for running from the Mini-Pre directly into the input of a XLR input of a mixing console.

Note:

The XLR and 1/4” output connectors can be used simultaneously.

XLR Pin configuration: Pin 1 = Ground, Pin2 = Positive and Pin3 = Negative

1/4” Balanced TRS Output Connector

The 1/4” output connector of the Mini-Pre is impedance-balanced TRS. The 1/4” output is ideal for running from the Mini-Pre directly into 1/4” inputs of mixing consoles and\or power amplifiers.

Note:

The XLR and 1/4” output connectors can be used simultaneously.

XLR Input Connector

The XLR Input connector of the Mini-Pre is balanced. The XLR input is ideal for microphone connections.

XLR Pin configuration: Pin 1 = Ground, Pin2 = Positive and Pin3 = Negative

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Mini-Pre

Connections\Operation

1/4” Balanced TRS Input Connector

The 1/4” input connector of the Mini-Pre is unbalanced TS. The 1/4” input is ideal for running instrument cables directly into the Mini-Pre.

Front Panel Descriptions (from left to right)

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Input Gain Control +24 to +60dB

Use the Input gain control to set the overall amount of input gain being fed into the Min-Pre. Turning the Gain control clock wise will increase the gain from +24 to +60dB. Stages include: +24 to 60dB and +6 to +40dB (+20dB pad).

Peak LED

The red Peak LED is used to indicate that the input signal is severely clipping. It is recommended that the Input Gain control be set so that the Peak LED occasionally lights.

Power LED

The green Power LED indicates that power has been supplied to the Mini-Pre, and the unit is currently in operation mode.

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Mini-Pre User Manual

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Connections\Operation

Mini-Pre

+48volt Switch

The +48 volt switch (pushed in) is used to supply power to any microphone that requires +48volt phantom power.

+20dB Pad Switch

The +20dB Pad switch is used to select the desired gain range of the Mini-Pre.

When the switch is not depressed, the Mini-Pre is in normal +26 to 60dB mode.

When the +20dB Pad switch is pressed, the gain range of the Mini-Pre is +6 to

+40dB.

Phase Switch

The Phase switch of the Mini-Pre is used to adjust the phase output of the unit.

When the switch is depressed (out) the output is normal, or in phase. When the

Phase switch is engaged (pressed in), the output signal is out of phase.

Output Control -

∞

to +10dB

The Output control of the Mini-Pre is used to set the overall output signal of the

Mini-Pre being sent to a receiving device. When the control knob is turned completely to the left, there is no output signal being sent to a receiving device.

Adjusting the control knob to clockwise, output signal is being increased. The range is from ∞ to +10dB.

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Mini-Pre

Applications

Mini Tube Pre Applications

In addition to being designed specifically for portable desktop tube microphone preamp applications, the Mini Tube Pre is also ideal to be used in numerous other applications. These applications include the following:

Live Applications

The Mini-Pre is perfect for live vocal microphones and instruments. This is ideal to use with a vocal mic’ or instrument to warm the tone that can sometimes be sterilized by mixing consoles.

Hard Disk Applications

You can also use the Mini-Pre as a direct interface for digital audio workstations.

The Mini-Pre is ideal because digital recorders are notorious for having sterile sounding preamp sections.

The Mini-Pre as a direct box

You can also use the Mini-Pre as a direct interface for acoustic guitar applications.

Thanks to its portable chassis design, the Mini-Pre is the perfect tool for onstage acoustic guitar applications.

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Mini-Pre User Manual

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Microphone Input

Connector:

Type:

Impedance:

Maximum Input Level:

CMRR:

Equivalent Input Noise:

Line Input

Connector:

Type:

Impedance:

Maximum Input Level:

Gain

Outputs

Connector:

Type:

Impedance:

Maximum Output Level:

System Performance

Gain Control Range:

Output Level Control Range

Phantom Power:

PAD:

PHASE:

Frequency Response:

THD+Noise:

Power Supply

Operating Voltage:

EU:

Power Requirements:

Specifications

Mini-Pre

Female XLR Pin 2 Hot

Electronically balanced/unbalanced

2k Ω

-10 dBu or +10 dBu with 20 dB pad engaged

Typically >80dB at 1kHz

Typically -125 typical dBu with a 150 Ω source load

“A-weighted”

TS 1/4" Jack

Electronically unbalanced

>1 meg Ω

0 dBu or +20dBu with 20dB pad engaged

26dB to 60dB

Male XLR Pin 2 Hot and impedance balanced TRS 1/4"

Balanced/unbalanced

Balanced 600 Ω , unbalanced 300 Ω

(XLR) > +27dBu; (1/4”) > +21dBu

+26dB to +60dB for Mic Input

+16dB to +50dB for Line and Instrument Inputs

∞ to +10dB

+48V

20dB pad

Reverses pins 2 and 3 of the output XLR

10Hz to 45kHz (-3dB points)

0.08% typical at -10dBu out, 1kHz, 30 dB gain

“A-weighted”

230VAC 50/60 Hz

9VAC 1300ma (12 watt typical power consumption)

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A Harman International Company

8760 South Sandy Parkway

Sandy, Utah 84070

Phone: (801) 568-7660 Fax (801) 568-7662

Int’l Fax: (801) 568-7583

E-mail us at: [email protected]

or visit our World Wide Web home page at: www.dbxpro.com

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