5
Balanced inputs and outputs are via XLR connectors. Single-ended inputs and
outputs are via RCA connectors. On the XLR connectors, pin 1 is grounded, pin 2 is
the positive signal, and pin 3 is the negative signal. Left channel RCA connectors are
marked with “L”. Right channel RCA connectors are marked with “R”. In a similar
fashion balanced XLR inputs and outputs are marked with “L” for left and “R” for right
channel.
Operation:
In use the XP-22’s front panel controls and alphanumeric display are quite straight
forward, and intuitive. We encourage you to become familiar with their operation
prior to establishing any input connections with this unit.
After all the inputs and outputs are connected and double checked, you can now
turn on the preamp by means of the power switch located next to the AC inlet, on
the rear of the power supply.
The left most button on the front panel is Mute. Pressing this button toggles between
mute on and mute off. Mute on removes signal from the output of the preamp.
The front panel mode switch cycles the preamplifi er display through 2 different levels
and off. These two functions are as follows: Bright, Dim and Off. Using any functions
with the display “off” will momentarily bring the display back up to its dim setting.
The two Select switches (designated by left and right pointing arrows) then alter the
displayed active input, 1 through 5.
Input 5 is unique in that it is linked with the Home Theater (Unity Gain) function. (The
HOME THEATRE FUNCTION is discussed at length later in this manual.) The two select
arrows logically control selections of the various inputs to the preamplifi er.
Before selecting the theatre pass through (pass thru) option, it is imperative that the
input device on input number 5 has its gain set to minimum. Failure to follow this
precaution could result in a volume level intolerable to both ears and speakers. (The
standard 2 volt source component, with the pre-amp set to 0 dB, will drive most power
amps to full rated output.)
As an added precaution when “pass through” is selected the volume ramps upto 89.
This is to prevent nasty surprises when “pass thru” is selected accidentally. The ramp
up sequence can be stopped at any time by hitting any button on the remote.
The theater pass through function bears special attention, this function is only
available as direct access through the hand held remote control. This function is
associated only with input number 5 and has two positions selected with the “pass
thru” button on the remote; those two positions, on and off. This function is useful in
that it allows the preamplifi er to function as a unity buffer (0dB gain at volume step
75) for use with components that best function with their own volume controls, such as
surround processors.
When the right-front and left-front outputs of the processor are routed through input
5 of the XP-22 (with the gain of the XP-22 set for Unity), the volume will be under full
control of the processor and the XP-22’s action will be totally transparent. When the