SMc Audio Virtual Reality Engine Preamplifier VRE-1 - Manual (Page 3)

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Preparing for use - locating your VRE-1:
Your VRE-1 has a lot of wonderful attributes, and one of them is the fact that
neither it nor its power supply produce appreciable heat. In addition, the Corian
chassis is fairly immune to heat, so the VRE-1 may be installed in an enclosed
cabinet. This means that you may locate your VRE-1 and its power supply pretty
much wherever you wish, although I recommend that you keep the VRE-1 at
least one foot from any piece of equipment that includes a transformer (including
its own power supply). This will minimize the possibility of picking-up any hum or
radiated noise. The power supply must be kept within the reach of its power link
cables (5 feet, or about 1.5M) but may be located at any angle as you deem
useful. Refer to the addendum at the end of this manual for more information
about the sonic effects of equipment racks and isolation bases.
Situate your VRE-1 and power supply, then attach the supplied power link
cables. Their connectors prevent you from making a mistake in alignment - they
will only mate one way. Both are locking. Align the key of the utility power link
cable with its mating connector (Power 2), press it in fully, and screw-down the
locking collar (do not over-tighten). The analog power link by Stealth (Power 1)
uses a special locking connection made by Neutrik. With the release tab in the
up position, line the connectors up and rotate the cable end slightly counter-
clockwise until it slides in. Press it in fully and rotate the cable end clockwise
until you hear the locking “click.” To disconnect, slide the locking tab back and
rotate the cable end counter-clockwise until it stops, and then pull it out.
Make sure the volume control is down (fully counter-clockwise) and the Mute
switch is also down (muted). Then plug-in the AC power cord. Your VRE-1 is
now on and ready for use. (Note: If you do not see the LEDs light on both the
power supply and VRE-1, please refer to the troubleshooting section at the end
of this manual.) There is no power switch because your VRE-1 is designed to
stay on continuously. Simply unplug the AC cord if you need to turn your preamp
off (engage Mute first).
Please Note: The VRE-1’s design includes a variety of practical safety features,
including a robust Mute and power system. You may connect or disconnect the
power cables in any sequence, even while the power supply is “live” (always be
sure that Mute is engaged). Both power link cables are required for operation,
but nothing bad will happen if only one is connected, since the VRE-1 simply
won’t work. So long as the VRE-1 is muted (Mute switch down), you won’t hear
anything from it. The Mute is designed as a true “brick wall.” When it is
engaged, nothing will escape the preamp (mute is engaged by default when the
power is off). Finally, even if the power goes off or on unexpectedly while the
VRE-1 is unmuted, you should hear little or nothing in the way of pops or thumps.