Whirlwind AB-8 - User Manual

AB-8
Audio Switcher
8 Channel
Features
Eight channels of balanced A-B switching for line or mic level audio or MIDI signals
Each of the eight channels can be individually switched or assigned to a Master Control circuit
Master control through front panel pushbuttons, footswitch or automatically triggered
by loss of signal on channel one A input
Can be configured as two inputs to one output, one input to two outputs or a mixture of each
Multiple units can be ganged together under Master Control of the first unit or control voltage input
Indicator lights show status of each channel
Automatic switchover to redundant copy of backing tracks for live performance
Easily switch from tracking to mixing in recording setups
All signal paths are connected A to COMMON when AC power is removed
Internal DIP switches configure ground path switching and DC blocking requirements.
Auto trigger has sensitivity and hold time controls to accommodate input signal levels from -40dB to +20dB
Introduction
The AB-8 is an 8-channel, balanced, bidirectional signal switcher (1 in - 2 out or 2 in -1 out). Mic level audio, line
level audio, and MIDI signals can be routed with the AB-8. The AB-8 auto-senses loss of input on the primary
inputs, and automatically switches to secondary inputs for backup in live tracking applications. It can also be used
to manually switch between inputs and outputs when multi-tracking in a studio. Channels can be switched
individually or globally and AB-8 units can be master/slaved for switching large numbers of channels.
WARRANTY
99 Ling Road - Rochester, NY 14612
800-733-9473 / 585-663-8820 Fax: 585-865-8930
Website: http://www.whirlwindusa.com
Email: sales@whirlwindusa.com
This product is guaranteed to be free from defects in materials and workmanship to the
original purchaser for a period of 5 years from the date of purchase. Should service be
required, return the unit postage prepaid along with the original sales receipt to:
Whirlwind
Attention - Repair
99 Ling Road
Rochester, New York 14612
The warranty on this product shall not apply to defects or damage resulting from abuse,
abnormal use or from repairs or modifications performed by anyone other than Whirlwind. If it is
determined a manufacturing defect has occurred, Whirlwind will repair or replace the unit at our
option and pay the postage back to you.
A-B switches toggle connections from A and B to COMMON.
Footswitch (momentary) toggle connections from A and B to COMMON.
Autoswitch connects B channels to COMMON until signal from CH. One A
is over threshold of trigger.
LINK OUT
LINK IN
FOOTSWITCH
Link In connects to other AB-8 units or accepts external
control voltages. 0 VDC connects A to COMMON and
+5 VDC connects B to COMMON.
Link Out from first unit in chain makes it the Master.
DC BLOCKEDDC BLOCKED
A A GROUNDGROUND
CONNECTCONNECT
B B GROUNDGROUND
CONNECTCONNECT
Green - Over threshold
Red - In release cycle
MASTER CONTROL SECTION
Ground select switches route the shield wires from the A and B Dsub 25
jacks to be relay switched (factory setting) or permanently connected to
the Common jack. A and B shields can be routed independently.
DC blocking switches help eliminate small popping noises between the
A and B jacks and the Common by applying DC blocking circuitry
between them. This is caused when equipment being connected
through the AB-8 have small DC offset voltages between them. Factory
setting is with no DC blocking, which is the position required for passing
phantom power.
Internal DIP switches are provided to configure parameters for two switching options of the AB-8.
These switches are located on top of the circuit board.
INTERNAL HEADER
CONNECTS
POWER GROUND
TO EARTH GROUND
INTERNAL HEADER
CONNECTS
POWER GROUND
TO EARTH GROUND

Summary

Introduction to the AB-8

AB-8 Key Features

Configuration: Ground Path and DC Blocking

Ground Select Switches

Configures routing of shield wires from A and B Dsub 25 jacks to be relay switched or permanently connected.

DC Blocking Switches

Helps eliminate popping noises by applying DC blocking circuitry between A/B jacks and Common.

Controls and Functions Overview

Auto-switch and Threshold Control

Engages signal sensing for automatic switching and sets the signal level threshold for channel switching.

Trigger LED

Indicates signal level status on channel one A relative to the threshold level.

Hold Time Control

Adjusts the duration before automatic switching occurs after signal loss on channel one A.

Auto-switch LED

Illuminates when the auto-switch function is engaged.

Manual A-B Switches

Front panel buttons to manually switch all master-controlled channels between A and B.

A-B LEDs

Indicate whether A or B channels assigned to Master Controls are connected to COMMON.

Channel Select Switches

Individually control A-B connection to COMMON or assign to Master Controls.

Channel Status LEDs

Show individual channel switching status and master control connection.

Power Switch

Turns the main power on or off for the AB-8 unit.

COMMON Connector

Female D-sub 25 connector for eight channels of balanced audio I/O.

B Connector

Female D-sub 25 connector for eight channels of balanced audio I/O.

A Connector

Female D-sub 25 connector for eight channels of balanced audio I/O.

Link In;Out Jacks

Connect multiple AB-8 units or accept external control voltage for switching.

Footswitch Jack

Allows manual switching using a standard momentary N.O. footswitch.

Power Inlet

IEC inlet for incoming AC power (90-230 VAC, 50/60 Hz).

Tascam DA88 Pinout

Defines the pin configuration for the 8 Channel Balanced DB25 connectors.

Whirlwind AB-8 Specifications

General

Brand	Whirlwind
Model	AB-8
Category	Switch
Language	English