I N S TA L L A TI O N I N S T R U C TI O N S
Grounding (continued)
4.8
GROUNDING THE MARC-15 CONSOLE
1) CONSOLE CHASSIS GROUND
The chassis of the MARC-15 is floating. It is NOT connected to ground at all. This is because the power for the console is provided
by an external power supply and only low voltages exist in the console. However, to maximize safety, minimize static shock prob-
lems, as well as for RF shielding reasons, the console chassis should be grounded. This is accomplished by grounding the console
to station ground via a screw on the mainframe mounting panel under the meter panel. (refer to ‘Mainframe Grounding’ in Section
4.5. ).
2) AC POWER GROUND
Be certain that the entire studio is on the same branch of AC power. The easiest way to do this is to use only a single power strip
for the studio. Different studio equipment on different branches of AC power often causes a ground loop and hum. Do not have
lights or any other equipment on the same branch as the studio power.
3) CABLE SHIELD GROUNDS & PUNCH BLOCKS
If punch blocks are used, the shield drain wire from the RJ45 cables provided with the console should be grounded at the punch
block, not the console. The punch block can then be grounded to the main station ground.
4) CABLE SHIELD GROUNDS & WIRING DIRECTLY TO EQUIPMENT
If the console is wired directly to source or other equipment, ground the shield drain wire at the equipment end, not the console.
Never ground the shield at both ends. This usually causes a ground loop and hum.
5) AUDIO SIGNAL GROUND AND BALANCED EQUIPMENT
If at all possible, use only professional balanced audio equipment. With this equipment, audio signal grounds are not connected and
only balanced signals pass between them. The balanced amplifiers in the system null out the noise introduced in the cables.
6) AUDIO SIGNAL GROUND AND UNBALANCED (CONSUMER) EQUIPMENT
If unbalanced consumer equipment is used, then the audio signal ground of the consumer product and the console audio signal
ground are connected. In these cases, try to keep wiring short (less than 10 feet). Also, try to purchase equipment that is double
insulated (does not have a 3rd prong on the AC power plug). If there is a third prong on the consumer equipment, then the audio
signal ground is also connected to the AC safety ground of the building which can introduce noise and cause ground loops.
7) STATION GROUND
In general, the station will have a copper rod driven several feet into the ground as the main station ground point. A copper
ground strap (2-4") or large ground cable (#14 or larger) runs from the station ground to EACH studio separately. This forms a
‘STAR’ ground system. More than one studio should not be on the same ground cable.
8) MORE INFORMATION...
For much more information on studio wiring systems, go to to the Console section of the Arrakis website (www.arrakis-
systems.com)
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