SM Pro Audio EP84: 8 channel microphone preamp - Manual (Page 9)

Make the necessary connections
- Connect your desired source signals to the EP84 via the front panel COMBO connectors (either
XLR or 1/4” jack connector).
- If you would like to insert an external processor (ie. Compressor, EQ, etc) in the channels audio
signal path, connect the outboard device using a standard 1/4” TRS insert cable.
- Make the necessary connections from the corresponding channel outputs on the rear of the EP84
to your desired destination inputs (Mixer, recorder, etc). You can choose between either the XLR
balanced +4dB outputs or the unbalanced -10dB line level 1/4” jack outputs. Both outputs carry
signal simultaneously.
Configure your channel settings and gain structure appropriately
- Set all your gain controls to minimum. This is the best place to start prior to adjustment of all your
settings.
- Enable phantom power per channel as required. Typically, condenser microphones that do not
have a power supply or battery will require phantom power. Dynamic microphones or line level sig-
nals from a keyboards output will not require phantom power. Each respective channels phantom
power LED will illuminate to indicate the phantom power status as “enabled”.
- Enable the low-cut filter per channel if desired. If you decided that low-cut filtering was desirable
simply depress the respective channels low-cut filter switch. Each respective channels low-cut filter
LED will illuminate to indicate the filter status as “enabled”.
- Enable the phase reverse function per channel as required. This is especially important when
using multiple microphones in close proximity. If you require the signal to be phase inverted,
depress the phase reverse switch for the appropriate channel. Each respective channels phase
reverse LED will illuminate to indicate the phase reverse status as “enabled”.
- With the channel gain set to minimum, raise the rotary gain control slowly to reach the desired
input level. A good input level will illuminate the peak LED briefly on very strong input signals only.
Continuous peak LED illumination indicates an overloaded distorted signal and should be adjusted
accordingly to a more appropriate level.
- If a continuously overloaded channels input gain cannot be reduced sufficiently with the rotary
gain control alone, the -20 dB PAD switch will be required to compensate. With a -20dB reduction
in gain attenuating the signal, you will now have a greater ability to set an appropriate gain structure
with the rotary gain control.
- Setting levels on the pre-amp itself is important, however it is equally important to check the
incoming level at the inputs of your destination device (mixer, DAW recorder, etc.).
5.2 PR8IIA - Optional ADAT output module
The PR8IIA is an optional output module that can be fitted to the EP84 to provide pristine 24 bit
digital conversion of your analog preamplifier to an ADAT digital format stream. Perfect for use with
ADAT compatible mixers, multi-track recorders, ADAT PC audio cards, or other professional ADAT
compatible devices, the PR8IIA upgrades your EP84 to fit seamlessly into the digital world.
Many of today’s computer based digital recording interfaces
feature a mixture of both analog and digital inputs and out-
puts. Often systems may only be able to input 8 analog
sources to the system simultaneously. Additional inputs may
be provided in the form of an 8 channel digital ADAT format
input. This is where a unit like the EP84 fitted with the PR8IIA
module really shines. Simply connect the ADAT output of the PR8IIA to the ADAT input on your audio
interface to achieve another 8 channels of pristine input to your system. The PR8IIA offers internal or
external sync selectors, word clock I/O connections, and a sample rate selector switch (44.1/48kHz).
Image of PR8IIA above is subject to change.
9 Application