Chameleon Labs 500 Series - Manual (Page 6)

First time users
Set up of the Model 581
1- Select 40 dB on the Gain control. Turn the Output control
fully counter clockwise. Make certain that the DI, 48V and
Phase buttons are all out.
2- If the microphone requires Phantom Power, press in the 48V
button. The normal position for the 1.2K/300Ω button is 1.2K,
this matches most professional microphones used today. If you
have microphones that require a lower impedance you may
select 300Ω. You can change between the values without
damage to the microphone in order to determine which
impedance performs best for your application.
3- Use the Gain control to adjust to amount of amplification
that your card will produce. The standard gain is 50dB, with
some ribbon microphones requiring as much as 70dB gain.
4- Turn the Output control clockwise until you can see level on
the input of your recording device. Increase until the desired
level is achieved.
(Vintage Hint: Adjusting the Gain control along with the Output
control can provide a variety of different sounds by overdriving
the amplifier circuits while lowering the final output level in
order to not overdrive the recorder.)
5- When an electronic instrument such as an electric guitar is
used, it may be plugged directly into the ¼” DI plug located on
the front of the card. Press the DI Button to select this input
device.
6- If phase reversal is needed, press the Ø button.