Balanced or Unbalanced
To run the XLR output unbalanced, it will be necessary to ground pin 3 of the
cable connector.
To run the1/4” jack output unbalanced, just plug in a mono jack plug. Either
way, this increases the gain of the “+” signal by 6dB, so there is no drop in level
compared with balanced gear.
All outputs on all NextGen Joemeek products are properly balanced, which is to
say there is a signal on both pins! In this way the maximum possible common-
mode rejection of interference, can be achieved at the receiving end.
VU METER
The LED VU
Meter shows signal level at the outputs, after the Output Gain
fader. It covers the range -24dB to +12dB in eight steps. Note that this
is relative to the selected operating level of “+4dBu” or “-10dBv”. In other
words if you have selected “4dBu” and the meter reads “0”, then you have
+4dBu coming out of the output sockets. If you have selected “-10dBv”
and the meter reads “0”, then you have -10dBv coming out of the output
sockets.
Digital Interface
The Joemeek Digital Audio Interface provides high quality digital audio
outputs compatible with most digital recorders, as well as Digital Audio
Workstations and mixers. S/PDIF format is available from the optical and
RCA phono connectors, while the transformer coupled XLR connector
provides an AES3 compatible output.
The Joemeek Digital Interface has highly stable onboard master clocks for
low-jitter, hi-fi results. Internal sample rates of 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz or
96kHz are selected by means of rear panel switches. 44.1kHz is the
standard used for audio CD’s, while 48kHz and 96kHz are widely used
in recording studios. In general, the higher the sample rate, the better
the audio fidelity, but the more disk space is required for the recording.
For example, recording at 96kHz requires twice as much storage as
48kHz. Consult the manual of your recorder or DAW as to what sample
rates it will accommodate.
To avoid distortion, care should be taken not to overdrive the input to
the Digital Interface. The red LED next to the Output Gain control is
labeled “PEAK FSD” which stands for “Full Scale Digital”. Occasional
flashes are OK but if it is on all the time, turn something down!
Note that the Digital Interface is a two-channel device, with channel one
fed by the sixQ’s internal circuitry. In order to utilize the second digital
channel, an external analog input is provided in the form of a balanced
1/4” jack on the rear panel wired as follows:
Tip: + (hot)
Ring: - (cold)
Sleeve: ground
In this way the output of the sixQ and another analog source can be fed
into one digital input of a recorder or digital workstation.
Using the sixQ
GETTING CONNECTED
The figure shows the sixQ being used instead of a mixing desk in a
recording setup:
• A microphone is connected to the Mic Input
• A guitar is connected to the Instrument Input
• The insert point is being used to divert the preamplified signal through
an external effects processor
• The recorder output is connected to the Line Input for playback.
Previously recorded tracks may also be replayed via the Line Input,
to permit compression and equalization
POWER SUPPLY
Connect the sixQ power cord to the AC connector on the rear panel
and switch on the mains supply. NB: ensure that the sixQ is set to the
correct mains voltage for your region – either 115V or 230V. Orientate
the fuse holder / mains voltage selector draw so that the required
voltage appears at the top. If in doubt consult a competent engineer.
Using the Preamp
Turn the ‘INPUT GAIN’ control to minimum and connect the input
source. If you are using a condenser microphone, remember to switch
on the 48V Phantom Power. Set the ‘OUTPUT GAIN’ to “0dB”. Turn
up the ‘INPUT GAIN’ until the microphone sound registers on the VU
Meter, adjusting it so that the meter reads between “0” and “+3” on
sound peaks. When the red LED (labeled “Peak”) lights, the sixQ is
within 6dB of clipping. Occasional flashes are OK but if it is on all the
time, turn the Input Gain down!
Remember you can check the preamp gain at any time by pressing the
“Meter Pre” button.
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