User Manual

Crimson

Front Panel: Analog Connections

Instrument Inputs

Both Instrument inputs are on the front panel so they can be reached directly. They support

high levels to allow the connection of active or passive instruments, and they have a corre-

sponding high impedance. Active instruments already feature a preamp circuit, passive do

not (only pickups). Connection examples: electric guitars and basses, acoustic guitars with

pickups, etc.

Low impedance line signals (D/A converter, sampler, synthesizer, etc.) ought to be connected

to the line inputs on the rear panel.

Specifications: 1/4" mono jacks, unbalanced (Sleeve=Ground, Tip=hot/Signal), input impe-

dance 1.1 MOhm, maximum input level +24.0 dBu. We recommend using mono plugs, however

stereo plugs can also be used without causing any damage.

Phones 1 and Phones 2

Use the Phones 1 and Phones 2 jacks on the front panel to connect your headphones. When

connecting them, make sure that the plug is completely in and that is firmly attached.

You can connect all types of headphones with impedances from 20 to 600 Ohm. This wide

range entails big volume differences between low- and high-impedance headphones. In order

to keep under control low impedance headphones, we set a comparatively high impedance of

33 Ohms at the output — the best compromise for such a wide range: since the headphone

amplifiers have more than enough power, all headphones are sufficiently supplied, at the

same time the volume can be appropriately adjusted in all situations.

Specifications: 1/4“ stereo jacks (Sleeve=Ground, Tip=left channel, Ring=right channel),

output impedance 33 Ohm. For power ratings according to different load impedances, see

Technical Specifications on pages 20 and 21.

Important Recommendations

Always reduce the volume before you connect or disconnect your headphones or headphone

preamp, for example to change headphones. This way you will avoid loud crackling noises

reaching your ears. Plus, it will also spare you unexpected surprises whenever the new head-

phones you connect have a lower impedance or a higher efficiency, which will make them

sound louder when connected to the Crimson and keeping the same volume setting.

Warning

Never connect mono plugs to the Phones1 and Phones2 stereo jacks on the front panel.

Otherwise you can cause a short circuit that will damage the amplifier! Headphones always

have stereo plugs, which is the reason why you should always connect them directly.

Instrument Instrument Phones 1 Phones 2