REAR PANEL

The rear panel contains the input connectors LINE, MIC1, MIC 2.

XLR Line input

XLR Line input is an electronically balanced type with RF filter. A male and female connector allow a parallel connection to another unit.
The knob LINE/MASTER controls the general output level of the distro.
A toggle switch PIN 1 LIFT remove the ground from the line input source.
A toggle switch call INPUT SELECT is used to select between MIC1-MIC2 or LINE input.
A yellow LED indicates which input is selected.

XLR microphone input

Two electronically balanced inputs with RF filter.
Level control for gain up to 50db.
A limiter is used so the subsequent stage of amplifier will not be saturated.
Switch PAD attenuates the signal from the microphone of 20 db.
Switch ¨Phantom¨ , provides 15 volts on pin 2-3 for condenser microphones.
LEVEL, provides gain adjustment for MIC amplifier.

Switch TONE, will activate a 1K hertz tone generator for calibration of out pout level. A LED indicate that the tone is ON. The action of this switch cuts the signal going to the Master volume.

POWER SUPPLY

The DISTRO 5.5B is equipped with a universal power supply made by POWER ONE. It means that the power source could be in the range of 90 to 264 volts AC and between 47 to 67 Hz.

FRONT PANEL

The front panel contains all the connectors for the media to take the signal into the DISTRO 5 .5B. We see 8 XLR connectors, 2 jacks ¼ TRS, 2 jack 1/8 TRS. For each of these output we see a toggle switch to select the output level that the journalist needs for his recorder : MIC or LINE level. Also a toggle switch call PIN 1 LIFT is used to isolate the ground between the DISTRO 5.5B and the media recorder. This become necessary when we have some HUM or ground loops problems. We also find 2 RCA connectors for andy hook up to a cassette recorder. These outputs are –10db and they are not controlled by the master control level.

MONITORING

On the right side of the DISTRO 5.5B near the VU METER, a switch enable you to select the listening on phone output and monitor on the VU, the signal source, INPUT or OUTPUT. Indication on the VU BARGRAPH will be considered as a peak reading and the value on the meter as average.

Two LED V+ and V- will indicate that the power supply gives a +/- 15 volts

INSTALLATION

Place the DISTRO 5.5B on a table for easy access for the journalists.
Connect the power cord to appropriate AC outlet.
LED’s V+ and V- in the front and at the back will turn ON, indicating that the DISTRO in powered.

If you have an audio console, use a AUXILIARY out to feed the DISTRO into the line input.
Calibrate that AUX out for a 0 db on the console.
Position the INPUT SELECT switch on the DISTRO to LINE, a yellow LED will turn ON besides that XLR connector.

Position the INPUT/OUTPUT switch on the front panel to INPUT to check that your connection and cable are good. You should read 0db on the VU meters. ( 0VU is equal to +4dbm on professional console)
Position the INPUT/OUTPUT switch on the front panel to OUTPUT position and adjust the LINE
MASTER LEVEL for a reading of 0 db. You have now calibrated you console with the DISTRO and the reading on the console is identical on the DISTRO.

If you use the MIC input on the DISTRO : place the knob LINE MASTER LEVEL in the middle position.
Connect a microphone into the MIC1 or MIC2.
Adjust the knob LEVEL of that MIC to read 0 VU meter as nominal. If necessary, readjust the LINE MASTER LEVEL.
A PAD switch will attenuate the signal level of 20db.
A PHANTOM switch will give a 15 volts on pin2 and pin3 on MIC input if you are using condenser microphone.