User guide

Radial Engineering Ltd.
PowerPre 500 Module
True to the Music
®
High Pass Filter
World class engineers always think in terms ‘layers’ when they record. In other words, they
will position the bass in the lower octaves, guitars in the mid-range and cymbals in the
upper registers. This allows each instrument to cut through the mix without overwhelming
the others. To help focus the instruments, the PowerPre is equipped with a high-pass fi lter
that gently rolls off bass frequencies below 100Hz. This is particularly useful with acoustic
instruments that tend to resonate. With the high-pass fi lter engaged you can clean up the
mix without affecting the overall sound of the instrument. This helps eliminate mud and will
ultimately increase the dynamics of your recording.
-20
-15
-10
-5
+0
+5
+10
20 20k50 100 200 500 1k 2k 5k 10 k
Hz
High Pass Filter Response
Recording In Stereo
When recording an instrument, you may want to use two microphones at the same time
to create a stereo fi eld. One may be positioned near the instrument while the second may
be set further away to capture some of the room’s natural ambiance. Engaging the 180º
polarity reverse switch can often help focus the signal to bring certain frequencies in phase.
(Devices like the Radial Phazer take this to another level by allowing you to adjust the phase
incrementally.) The 180º polarity reverse can also be used to correct the phase of older
vintage equipment that may have been made before the AES standard was established.
Most equipment today employs the standard with pin-1 ground, pin-2 hot (+), and pin-3 (-).
Depressing the 180º polarity reverse switch will toggle pins 2 and 3.
Direct Recording
The PowerPre is not only designed for microphones, it is also well
suited for instruments of all types. The most common application
in the studio is recording a bass guitar ‘direct’. When used with
the Workhorse, the PowerPre is equipped with an instrument
input that is accessed via the Omniport jack. This ‘switching jack’
automatically reroutes the signal from the front panel XLR input
to the Omniport as soon as a jack is connected.
You can also use the PowerPre for high output devices like digital
pianos, samplers or drum machines. Even though the PowerPre
is capable of tremendous signal handling, a ‘traditional’ input
pad has been added that attenuates the signal by -15dB. Simply
connect your instrument, turn up the volume and check the LED
bar meter. If the signal seems to be pushing the red, depress
the pad.
6
INPUT
OMNIPORT
FEED
LINK
1
OFF
OFF
CARD SLOT 1
OUTPUT
OUTPUT
INPUT
OMNIPORT INPUT
(WORKHORSE)