Specifications
Chapter 2: Hardware Overview and Stand-Alone Operation 13
Using PRE in Stand-Alone
Mode
PRE can be used without Pro Tools as a stand-
alone microphone preamplifier. PRE stand-
alone operation requires power and audio
connections.
Powering Up PRE
To use PRE as a stand-alone microphone
preamplifier:
1 Connect AC power to PRE.
2 Power on PRE.
At power up, PRE units will default to the last
settings they had at power down.
Making Signal Connections to PRE
Depending on how you plan to use PRE, the way
you connect it to your studio will vary.
While you can use PRE with a variety of audio
setups, all you really need is a line input device
(such as a mixer or an A/D converter) to monitor
PRE outputs.
Connecting Audio Sources
To connect a microphone:
1 Press the Channel Select switch for the Mic In-
put you will be using.
2 Change the input source to Mic, by pressing
Source one or more times.
3 Make sure the gain is turned down, especially
if the monitors are up.
4 Verify that phantom power (48V) is disabled.
Press the 48V switch, so that the 48V LED is off.
5 Plug a microphone directly into the Mic Input
on the back of PRE. These inputs accept XLR
connectors.
6 If your microphone requires phantom power,
press 48V.
7 Turn the Gain/Param control to raise the gain.
Use the Peak Meter to determine the proper
level.
If the output trim has been calibrated to the in-
put trim of your HD I/O, the pre-fader meter in
Pro Tools should accurately reflect the Peak Me-
ter of the PRE, allowing you to use the on-screen
meters to set your levels.
8 Repeat these steps for additional microphone
connections.
To prevent damage to PRE or your monitor-
ing system, mute your monitoring system or
set levels to their minimums before making
audio connections. This will prevent sudden
spikes and surges, as well as possible feed-
back if a microphone is connected and left
“open.”
Although phantom power (48V) can be
used safely with most microphones, some
ribbon microphones can be destroyed by it.
You should always turn off phantom power,
and wait for the red light to go completely
off before connecting or disconnecting a
ribbon microphone.