User guide

Radial Engineering Ltd.
PowerPre 500 Module
True to the Music
®
GETTING STARTED
Before making any connections, start by turning off your audio system and turning all
volume levels down. This helps protect equipment from turn-on transients that could damage
loudspeakers and other sensitive equipment. We recommend using a power bar with an on-
off switch as this makes it easy to turn on and off the 500 series rack, monitors and so on,
using a single switch. Carefully plug the PowerPre into your 500 series rack making sure to
avoid exessive stress on the card edge connector. Screw the module in to ensure it does not
accidentally get dislodged.
Your microphones can connect to the PowerPre at either the front panel XLR jack or at the
rear panel of your 500 series rack. Connecting the PowerPre output is done at the rear panel.
Most 500 series racks are equipped with XLR connectors. When you plug the PowerPre into
your 500 series rack, it will automatically route the input and output to the module and connect
48V phantom power. With the Workhorse, this is augmented with ¼” TRS connectors, D-
Subs and a signal to feed the Workhorse mixer. Using the PowerPre with the Workhorse also
activates the Omniport. In this instance with the Power Pre, the Omniport turns into a DI input
for high impedance instrument pickups.
Start by setting up the PowerPre panel controls as follows:
1. Set -15dB pad to off (switch outward).
2. Make sure the 180º is off (switch outward).
3. Filter should be turned off (switch outward).
4. Gain control should be off (fully counter-clockwise).
5. Set Vox control to the middle ‘LINEAR’ position.
6. Turn phantom power off (LED off).
Plugging In
Connect your microphone to the PowerPre using a standard 3-pin XLR cable. You can use
either the front or rear panel XLR as the input - both are wired in parallel. The PowerPre
follows the AES standard with pin-1 ground and pin-2 hot. Most devices are wired this way
but older vintage equipment should be checked to confi rm compatibility. To ensure the lowest
noise always use a high quality balanced cable from a reputable manufacturer.
FRONT PANEL
MIC INPUT
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
1
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
REAR PANEL INPUT
(WORKHORSE)
INPUT
OUTPUT
REAR PANEL INPUT
(500 SERIES RACK)
Depending on what type of microphone you are using, you may or may not need to engage
the 48V phantom power. This is designed for condenser microphones. If you are using a
dynamic microphone or ribbon microphone, leave the phantom power off. The switch is
recessed as a means to prevent accidentally turning it on which could harm some ribbon
microphones. An easy to see LED indicator tells you if phantom is on. For more details,
please read the phantom power note at the end of this manual.
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