Franklin RA-100 - User Manual

RA-100 Studio Re-Amplifier
User Guide and Setup Suggestions
Franklin Audio Devices RA-100 Re-Amplifier + Return - User Guide
1

Summary

Powering the RA-100

Recommended Power Supply

Details using the dedicated 24V DC power supply for optimal headroom.

Alternative Powering Options

Lists compatible 18V pedal power supplies and voltage doubler methods.

Connections

Input and Output Jacks

Explains BAL. LINE INPUT, SEND, RETURN, and BAL. LINE OUTPUT connections.

Power Connection

Describes the 9-24V DC power jack and its requirements.

Controls

Input Level Control

Adjusts the amount of signal fed to the effects or amplifier.

Z Impedance Control

Modifies the re-amplifier section's output impedance for different loads.

Ground Switch

Disengages pin 1 of the XLR input to reduce ground loop hum.

Output Level Control

Adjusts the gain added at the instrument preamp stage.

Typical Applications

Inserting Effects with a DAW

Workflow for processing audio through effects using a DAW.

Traditional Re-Amplifying

Technique for capturing and re-amplifying instrument signals.

Microphone Recording Through Pedals

Method for capturing microphone signals through guitar effects.

Direct Instrument Recording

Process for capturing clean DI guitar or bass signals.

Care and Maintenance

Warranty Information

Overview

1. Function Description
2. Important Technical Specifications
3. Usage Features
4. Maintenance Features

The Franklin RA-100 Studio Re-Amplifier is an all-in-one solution designed to integrate instrument effects like guitar pedals and tape echoes into modern pro audio applications. It features a high-quality transformer-balanced re-amplifier section and an active instrument-to-line-level preamp section.

Function Description:

The RA-100 serves two primary functions: re-amplification and direct instrument recording/pre-amplification.

Re-Amplification: This section allows users to send a line-level signal (e.g., from an audio interface or mixer) to instrument-level effects (pedals, amplifiers) and then capture the processed sound. The RA-100's BAL. LINE INPUT accepts a 3-pin male XLR or balanced TRS jack cable for the incoming line-level signal. An unbalanced TS instrument cable can also be used for unbalanced sources. The SEND jack provides an unbalanced ¼” instrument-level output, which should be connected to the input of pedals, effects, or amplifiers. The INPUT LEVEL control adjusts the amount of signal fed to these external devices, with a recommended starting point around '7'. A unique feature is the 'Z' impedance control, which adjusts the re-amplifier section's output impedance from approximately 600Ω to 50kΩ. This allows users to "load" their amp and pedal inputs, mimicking different styles of guitar pickups (e.g., "active pickups" to the left, "Telecaster" to the right). This control can introduce varied frequency responses and distortion characteristics, offering creative sound-shaping possibilities. The re-amplifier section is passive, meaning it will function even without power.

Instrument Pre-Amplification / Return Section: This section is designed to take an instrument-level signal (from effects, a guitar, or bass) and boost it to a balanced line-level output suitable for an audio interface, mixer, or recorder. The RETURN jack is an unbalanced ¼” input for instrument-level signals. The BAL. LINE OUTPUT is a Neutrik male 3-pin XLR connector providing a balanced, line-level output. It's crucial to connect this output to a true LINE INPUT on an audio interface, mixer, or recorder, not a mic preamp, as the RA-100's return section acts as an instrument preamp, not a DI box. The OUTPUT LEVEL control adjusts the gain added at this preamp stage, offering up to 20dB of gain. This control is logarithmic, providing greater resolution at more common positions.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Power: Operates on DC voltage between 9V and 24V.
• Current Draw: Approximately 200mA.
• Connector Type: 2.1mm center negative DC jack.
• Recommended Power: Highly recommended to run on at least 18V DC, or preferably 24V DC, for significantly greater headroom and to prevent clipping, especially with modern high-output pedals.
• Re-amplifier Output Impedance: Adjustable from approximately 600Ω to 50kΩ via the 'Z' control.
• Preamp Gain: Up to 20dB via the OUTPUT LEVEL control.
• Re-amplifier Section: Passive operation (functions without power).

Usage Features:

• Versatile Connectivity: Features Neutrik "Combo" connector for BAL. LINE INPUT (accepts XLR or TRS), unbalanced ¼” SEND and RETURN jacks, and a balanced 3-pin XLR BAL. LINE OUTPUT.
• Ground Lift Switch: The GROUND switch disconnects the XLR input pin 1 from ground, helping to alleviate low-frequency hums or buzzes caused by "ground loops." This is particularly useful when re-amplifying through an amplifier on the studio floor from a control room source.
• Powering Options:
  • Recommended: Franklin Audio RA-24V DC power supply (provided), offering maximum clean headroom.
  • Alternative 1: Pedal power supplies with 18V outputs (e.g., Strymon Zuma, MXR Isobrick, Truetone 1spot Pro, Walrus Audio Phoenix 15, Vitoos ISO8).
  • Alternative 2: Voltage doubler Y-cable with 2x 9V DC isolated supplies for 18V DC (e.g., from Strymon or Voodoo Lab).
• DAW Integration: Facilitates inserting effects into a DAW signal chain by routing a DAW output to the RA-100's BAL. LINE INPUT, connecting effects via SEND/RETURN, and returning the processed signal to a DAW LINE INPUT via BAL. LINE OUTPUT.
• Traditional Re-Amping: Allows for capturing direct instrument signals (e.g., guitar/bass) and later re-amplifying them through an amplifier, providing flexibility for recording in various environments and precise editing.
• Microphone Recording Through Pedals: Enables routing microphone signals through guitar effects on the way to an audio interface, expanding creative possibilities for vocal and other sound processing.
• Direct Instrument Recording: Provides a clean way to capture DI guitar or bass by connecting the instrument to the RETURN jack and the BAL. LINE OUTPUT to a line input on an audio interface, bypassing the need for a mic preamp.

Maintenance Features:

• Low Maintenance: Designed for a lifetime of hassle-free use with minimal maintenance required.
• Rotary Control Exercise: If unused for extended periods, it's advisable to "exercise" the rotary controls by turning them a few times before connection.
• Cleaning: For cleaning, use a lint-free cloth dampened with a mild dish soap diluted in water. Avoid harsh chemicals such as acetone or isopropyl alcohol.
• Warranty: Franklin Audio Devices ("Franklin") offers a three (3) year warranty from the original purchase date, covering defects in material and workmanship (excluding finish and normal wear and tear). The product must be returned prepaid to Franklin Audio Devices, Sydney Australia, with a copy of the original invoice for warranty claims. The warranty does not cover damage due to abuse, misuse, misapplication, accident, or unauthorized service/modification. The goods come with guarantees that cannot be excluded under Australian Consumer Law, including rights to replacement or refund for major failures and compensation for foreseeable loss or damage, and repair or replacement for failures not amounting to a major failure.

Franklin RA-100 Specifications

General

Brand	Franklin
Model	RA-100
Category	Amplifier
Language	English