Radial Engineering ProAV2 - User Manual

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INPUT PANEL
¼" INPUTS - left and right stereo
inputs for instruments.
RCA INPUTS - left and right stereo
inputs for -10dB consumer audio
electronics.
3.5mm TRS - input connection
for stereo -10dB consumer audio
electronics.
-15dB PAD - reduces the input level
by 15dB to prevent overload from
high output devices.
LIFT - disconnects the transformer
ground for the right channel only.
OUTPUT PANEL
XLR OUTPUTS - left and right
balanced 600 ohm, mic-level outputs
are 100% transformer-isolated.
GROUND - disconnects pin-1 on
both XLR outputs to reduce noise
caused by ground loops.
CONSTRUCTION
BOOK-END DESIGN - 14 gauge
steel outer shell provides a
protective zone for the switches and
connectors.
FULL BOTTOM PAD - neoprene
covers the entire bottom and
provides electrical isolation and
plenty of friction to stay put on
hectic stages.
WELDED I-BEAM CASE - inner
steel enclosure is made extremely
rigid with I-beam profi le. Eliminates
stress that could torque the PCB and
cause solder joint failure.
MIILITARY-GRADE double-sided
PCB is bolted to steel standoff s for
toughness.
RADIAL TRANSFORMER - linear
freq. response from 20Hz to 18KHz
for natural sound. Mu-metal shield
to eliminate electromagnetic
interference.
ISOLATED CONNECTORS are
made from extremely tough glass-
fi lled nylon for true electrical isolation
from chassis ground.
www.radialeng.com
ProAV2 Stereo Direct Box
Users Guide
True to the Music
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Radial Engineering Ltd.
1845 Kingsway Ave., Port Coquitlam, BC V3C 1S9, Canada
Tel: 604-942-1001 • Fax: 604-942-1010
email: info@radialeng.com
Radial ProAV2 users guide v2.2 - Part #: R870 1145 00
Subject to change without notice
ProAV2 User Guide
Radial Engineering Ltd.
ProAV2 User Guide
Radial Engineering Ltd.
RADIAL LIMITED THREE YEAR
TRANSFERABLE WARRANTY
Radial Engineering Ltd. (“Radial”) warrants this product to be free from defects in
material and workmanship and will remedy any such defects free of charge according
to the terms of this warranty. Radial Engineering will repair or replace at its option
any defective component(s) of this product, excluding the fi nish, the bottom foam pad
and wear and tear from normal use, for a period of three (3) years from the original
date of purchase. In the event that a particular product is no longer available, Radial
Engineering reserves the right to replace the product with a similar product of equal
or greater value. To make a request or claim under this limited warranty, the product
must be returned prepaid in the original shipping container (or equivalent) to Radial
Engineering or to an authorized repair centre and you must assume the risk of loss
or damage. A copy of the original invoice showing date of purchase and the dealer
name must accompany any request for work to be performed under this limited
warranty. This limited warranty shall not apply if the product has been damaged due
to abuse, misuse, misapplication, accident or as a result of service or modifi cation
by any other than an authorized repair centre.
THERE ARE NO EXPRESSED WARRANTIES OTHER THAN THOSE ON THE FACE
HEREOF AND DESCRIBED ABOVE. NO WARRANTIES, WHETHER EXPRESSED
OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO, ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE, SHALL
EXTEND BEYOND THE RESPECTIVE WARRANTY PERIOD DESCRIBED ABOVE
OF THREE YEARS. RADIAL ENGINEERING SHALL NOT BE RESPONSIBLE OR
LIABLE FOR ANY SPECIAL, INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES OR
LOSS ARISING FROM THE USE OF THIS PRODUCT. THIS WARRANTY GIVES
YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS,
WHICH MAY VARY DEPENDING ON WHERE YOU LIVE.
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ProAV2 SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency response 20Hz to 18kHz +/- 0.5dB
Total harmonic distortion 0.01% THD 20Hz to 20kHz
Stereo Inputs Unbal. high-Z -10dB
RCA, ¼", and 3.5mm TRS
Outputs Balanced 600-Ohm, mic-level, pin-2 hot
Input pad -15dB
Power requirement None, completely passive
Size 3.25" x 5" x 1.875"
Weight 1.8 lbs.

Summary

Overview and Setup

Connecting the ProAV2

Instructions for safely connecting the ProAV2 to a sound system, ensuring all levels are zero.

ProAV2 Block Diagram

Illustrates the signal flow from inputs to outputs, highlighting paralleled stereo inputs.

Input and Output Panels

Input Panel Details

Description of the 1/4", RCA, and 3.5mm input jacks and the -15dB PAD and LIFT controls.

Output Panel Details

Description of the balanced XLR outputs and the GROUND lift switch.

Construction and Features

Construction Details

Details on the book-end design, welded I-beam case, PCB mounting, and isolated connectors.

Transformer Isolation

Explanation of how transformers convert signals and provide isolation against ground loops and EMI.

Grounding Options and Outputs

Grounding Options

Explanation of the GROUND and LIFT switches for flexible noise elimination from ground loops.

XLR Output

Details on the balanced, mic-level XLR outputs compatible with microphone snakes and preamps.

Specifications and Warranty

ProAV2 Specifications

Technical specifications including frequency response, distortion, inputs, outputs, size, and weight.

Limited Three Year Transferable Warranty

Information on the warranty terms, coverage, and claim procedures.

Overview

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

The Radial ProAV2 is a two-channel passive stereo direct box designed for professional AV integrators and rental companies. It serves as a versatile interface for connecting various audio devices to microphone snakes and mixing consoles, effectively converting high-impedance, unbalanced signals to balanced, low-impedance, mic-level signals.

Function Description:

The core function of the ProAV2 is to provide transformer isolation and signal conversion for stereo audio sources. It features two custom Radial transformers that are crucial for converting high-impedance inputs to balanced low-impedance outputs, while simultaneously isolating noise caused by ground loops. This isolation is a key benefit, preventing hum and buzz by blocking stray DC current between the input and output grounds. The device is entirely passive, meaning it does not require any external power, including phantom power, to operate.

Important Technical Specifications:

• Frequency Response: 20Hz to 18kHz +/- 0.5dB, ensuring a natural and accurate sound reproduction across the audible spectrum.
• Total Harmonic Distortion (THD): 0.01% THD 20Hz to 20kHz, indicating very low distortion even at high input levels.
• Stereo Inputs: Unbalanced high-Z -10dB, supporting RCA, 1/4", and 3.5mm TRS connections.
• Outputs: Balanced 600-Ohm, mic-level, with pin-2 hot configuration, compatible with standard microphone snakes and console preamps.
• Input Pad: -15dB, designed to prevent overload distortion from high-output devices.
• Power Requirement: None, completely passive operation.
• Size: 3.25" x 5" x 1.875" (82.55mm x 127mm x 47.625mm).
• Weight: 1.8 lbs (0.82 kg).
• Transformer: Custom Radial transformers with linear frequency response (20Hz to 18KHz) and mu-metal shielding to eliminate electromagnetic interference.

Usage Features:

The ProAV2 is designed for ease of use and versatility, offering a "Swiss army knife" of input options:

• 1/4" Instrument Inputs: Left and right stereo inputs for connecting instruments like keyboards and drum machines. Mono instruments can also be connected to one channel.
• RCA Inputs: Left and right stereo inputs for -10dB consumer audio electronics, such as CD players.
• 3.5mm TRS Input: A stereo input connection for consumer -10dB audio electronics, including MP3 players and computer sound cards.
• Paralleled Inputs: All input jacks are paralleled in stereo, allowing for flexible patching. For example, a CD player can connect to RCA jacks, and the signal can simultaneously be sent to a computer sound card via the 3.5mm jack, in addition to the balanced XLR outputs.
• -15dB Pad: A switchable input pad that reduces the input level by 15dB, preventing overload distortion when interfacing with high-output devices.
• XLR Outputs: Left and right balanced 600-ohm, mic-level outputs that are 100% transformer-isolated. These outputs can drive long cables without significant noise or signal loss.
• Grounding Options:
  • GROUND Switch (Output Panel): A global ground lift that disconnects pin-1 on both XLR outputs, ideal for stereo applications to reduce noise from ground loops.
  • LIFT Switch (Input Panel): Disconnects the transformer ground for the right channel only. This is useful for dual mono applications where one source device may require a ground path through the ProAV2 while the other does not. The global GROUND switch supersedes the LIFT switch, disconnecting the ground path for both channels regardless of the LIFT switch's position.
• Setup Procedure: Before connecting, ensure the sound system is off and all levels are at zero to prevent pops that could damage loudspeakers. Confirm that the GROUND, PAD, and LIFT buttons are in their "out" positions.

Maintenance Features:

The ProAV2 is built for durability and reliability, particularly for touring and rental environments:

• Construction:
  • Book-End Design: A 14-gauge steel outer shell provides a protective zone for the switches and connectors, shielding them from damage.
  • Welded I-Beam Case: The inner steel enclosure features an I-beam profile, making it extremely rigid. This design eliminates stress that could torque the PCB and cause solder joint failure.
  • Full Bottom Pad: A neoprene pad covers the entire bottom, offering electrical isolation and providing friction to keep the unit stable on surfaces.
  • Military-Grade PCB: A double-sided PCB is bolted to steel standoffs, enhancing toughness and resistance to impact.
  • Isolated Connectors: Made from tough glass-filled nylon, these connectors provide true electrical isolation from the chassis ground.
• Warranty: Radial Engineering Ltd. offers a Limited Three-Year Transferable Warranty. This warranty covers defects in material and workmanship for three years from the original purchase date. Radial will repair or replace defective components, excluding the finish, bottom foam pad, and normal wear and tear. The warranty does not cover damage from abuse, misuse, misapplication, accident, or unauthorized service/modification.
• Service: To make a warranty claim, the product must be returned prepaid in its original shipping container (or equivalent) to Radial Engineering or an authorized repair center, along with a copy of the original invoice showing the purchase date and dealer name.

Optional Accessories:

• J-RAK: A high-density 2RU rack shelf that can mount up to 8 Radial DIs and splitters in a 19" rack, ideal for studio or touring setups.
• J-CLAMP: A mounting bracket that allows a single Radial device to be attached to virtually any surface, perfect for discreet installations inside racks, on podiums, or under tables.

Radial Engineering ProAV2 Specifications