FREQUENTLY
ASKED QUESTIONS
1) What is the difference between the signals coming
from the two different types of output connections (DB-25
and TRS)? Are they at different operating levels? Which
one is higher quality?
There is no difference in the signal quality or operating
level available at the TRS and DB-25 connections. They are
electronically identical. Two different output connections
are provided to facilitate easy connection to a variety
of devices such as multitrack tape and disc recorders, mixer
line inputs, patch bays, etc. Also, the Precision 8 can
be used as an active mic splitter by routing, for instance,
the eight-channel DB-25 cable to your tape/disc recorder
and the TRS cables to your front-of-house mixing console.
2) How/where do I connect the microphones I want
to use for M/S recording?
Connect the forward facing "Mid" mic (usually
a cardioid pattern) to the MIC 1 input. Connect the figure
8 "Side" mic to MIC 2 input. Face the Side mic
toward the right side of the sound field (perpendicular
to the axis of the Mid mic). See pages 5 and 6 of the Operation
Manual.
3) I want to make my own cable for the DB-25 output.
How do I wire it?
The DB-25 output connector is wired according to the Tascam,
wiring convention for 8-channel audio. See page 5 of the
Operation Manual for a wiring diagram. (Note: the hold-down
screws on the Precision 8 DB-25 connector are 4-40 thread.)
4) Can I plug a TRS balanced cable into the DI jacks
on channels 7 and 8 so I can just use them for balanced
line inputs?
No. The DI connectors on channels 7 and 8 are intended for
unbalanced 1/4" plugs only. The DI will not operate
if a TRS plug is used.
5) Are the preamps on channels 7 and 8 the same
quality as the other six channels, or are they compromised
in some way because of the additional DI function on those
two channels?
Channels 7 and 8 are identical to the other preamp channels.
6) Does the Peak Reference selector switch change
the gain range or operating level?
No. The Peak Reference selector only changes the level at
which the LED indicators (PK, - 3, - 6) are activated. This
is used as a visual aid to assist in matching levels between
the Precision 8 and devices to which it is connected, but
has no effect on output levels or gain.
7) How can I connect both the DI inputs and the
channel 7 and 8 preamp inputs to my patch bay?
Sorry, this is not possible due to the dual-purpose connectors
used on channels 7 and 8. You must choose either mic inputs
or direct inputs to connect to your patch bay.
8) I'd like to try M/S recording for the first time
- but I don't quite understand how to do it. How do you
position the mics? How do you adjust the Precision 8?
We've included a basic discussion of the M/S technique on
page 11 of the Operation Manual. But, for an excellent reference
on M/S microphone techniques, as well as many other relevant
topics, we recommend The New Stereo Soundbook, by Ron Streicher
and F. Alton Everest. You can follow this link to the website:
www.stereosoundbook.com As for adjusting the Precision 8
in the M/S mode, please see the information starting on
page 5 of the Operation Manual.
9) Can you recommend a good source of information
on microphone placement techniques?
Check out The New Stereo Sound Book: www.stereosoundbook.com
10) What could be causing some channels of my Precision
8 to have low level hum sometimes? It seems to depend on
how I've got the patch bay set up.
Patch bays can be wired in many different ways. It frequently
happens that, as the patch setup is changed, ground loops
can be established between various pieces of equipment,
or even internally within the patch bay itself. While there
may be no problem routing line level signals through a patch
bay with minor ground loops occurring, extra care should
be taken when using a patch bay for mic inputs. It is a
good idea to use separate patch bay strips for line level
and mic level connections. Shields should not be commoned
(connected together) inside the patch bay. Keep line level
signal paths away from mic level signal paths. CAUTION:
When using a standard TT or TRS patch bay for mic cables,
be careful not to "hot-patch" the mic inputs.
That is, do not change patch connections while phantom power
is on and gain is up. This has the potential for damaging
your precious equipment (and your ears!). The best approach
is to use a separate XLR patch bay for mic cables.
11) I use the Precision 8 to record heavy rock drums.
My favorite mics happen to be very high output and, while
the Precision 8 does not overload, I sometimes peak out
on my A/D converter (even though gain is set at minimum).
What can I do to prevent overloading my A/D?
The maximum output level of the Precision 8 can reach +31dBu.
This level exceeds the input capability of some mixers,
signal processors, A/D converters, etc. (check manufacturer’s
specifications). And, since we elected not to include an
input pad (for reasons of sonic purity) it is possible for
the Precision 8 to produce a signal level that overloads
these devices. We offer two different Output Attenuators
for use in these situations. As an alternative to purchasing
one of our attenuators, you may wish to assemble your own
using the circuit diagram available in our DOWNLOADS sections.
12) Where is the voltage selector for changing the input
AC voltage from 120VAC to 230 VAC?
The current version of the Precision 8 is intended for operation
at 120VAC, 60Hz only. If you plan to use the Precision 8
in a locale using other AC mains voltage, it will be necessary
for you to acquire an appropriate power converter. Any power
converter used with the Precision 8 must provide a means
for earthing the chassis ground via the standard 3-wire
power cable. NOTE: In the summer of 2002, TRUE Systems will
be offering an international version of the Precision 8
that will operate on a variety of AC mains voltages.
CONTACT
TRUE Systems
for technical support: techsupport@true-systems.com
for product information: info@true-systems.com
TRUE Systems
1630 S. Research Loop, Suite 150
Tucson, AZ. 85710
Telephone: (520) 721-2735
Fax: (520) 722-4057
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