RME MICSTASY Preamp / Converter A/D

Micstasy is an 8-Channel hi-end mic/line preamp and AD-converter combining typical RME features with a number of previously unseen features. It can be used analog (Mic/Line In to Line Out) and digital (Mic/Line In to Digital Out), with both signal paths operating simultaneously. Special highlight: the device is fully remote-controllable via MIDI (also MIDI over MADI).

The Micstasy's innovative concept allows for amplification and digitization of ALL analog signal sources. Be it high-level stage signals, typical studio signals, lower level and high-impedance instruments, or dynamic, condenser or ribbon microphones: Micstasy understands them all - in a way that is simply thrilling.

The signals amplified by the Micstasy are available at the analog outputs for passing them on, making an expensive splitter box on stage obsolete. All functions can be remote controlled via MIDI and MIDI over MADI, allowing the device to be placed near the microphones, ensuring highest sound quality. Adding the optional MADI Card results in even more options. The I64 MADI Card provides serial pass-through capability from one Micstasy to the next (up to 8). All up to 64 audio signals are then available at the last device on one single line.

• • Ultra-high quality 8-channel A/D and D/A interface for virtually any digital recording/mixing environment
  • 8 state-of-the-art MIDAS designed Mic Preamplifiers
  • Phantom power on all microphone inputs
  • Reference-class Cirrus Logic 24-bit converters for ultimate signal integrity
  • Processes 48 and 44.1 kHz sample rates
  • External sample rate synchronization via word clock or ADAT input

• Optical ADAT in/out interface for ultimate compatibility
• All mic/line inputs routed to the ADAT output
• ADAT input routed to all Line outputs
• “Planet Earth" switching power supply for maximum flexibility (100 - 240 V~), noise-free audio, superior transient response plus low power consumption for energy saving
• High-quality components and exceptionally rugged construction ensure long life
• Conceived and designed by BEHRINGER Germany

Applications

Console input extending for both Digital and Analog mixing
consoles in Studio, Live and Broadcast
Mic Pre-amps for ADAT/ Hard Disk/ Multitrack Recording
 
Innovation
If you love your compact Digital (or Analog) mixing console, but wish it had
more microphone inputs, ARX has the solution ? the 8 Pre: eight channels
of superb sounding Microphone Pre-amps in a compact 1 RU chassis.
The 8 Pre is the ideal console extender for those times when you need more
microphone inputs. Now you can put those unused line inputs to good use,
and who knows - the 8 Pre pre-amps sound so good that you?ll probably end
up using them all the time instead of the ones that came with your mixer!
Superb Audio Quality
The 8 Pre?s ultra low noise figures come from extensive use of premium
components plus care and attention to board design and layout. The result is
superb, transparent audio quality and the headroom to handle anything that a
mic can throw at it.
Gain is adjustable from 20 db through to 60 dB via a trim control on the front
panel, plus we?ve included a ?20dB Pad switch to tame the hottest condenser
mic output if required. The Clip status LED lights up 1 dB before the onset of
clipping, just to warn you you?re getting close.Phantom power is switchable in
banks of four channels: 1 through 4, 5 through 8. A Phase reverse switch is also
provided on each pre-amp channel to eliminate any close miking problems.
In short, the ARX 8 Pre is the mic Pre-amp that you?ll wish the console manufacturer
had used. It provides a unique solution to today?s multiple Mic Pre-amp requirements.

T E C H N I C A L S P E C I F I C A T I O N S
Input Gain 20dB to 60dB
Input Pad ?20dB
Input Impedance 4 KOhm
Input Headroom +23dB
Output Impedance 300 Ohm
Output Level (Max) +23dB
Frequency Response 20Hz ? 20KHz ±0.2 dB
Signal to Noise ratio (Gain set @ 20 dB)
?93dB Unweighted, ?99dB ?A? weighted
Distortion @ Unity Gain .004%, 20 Hz ? 10 KHz
Dynamic Range 116 dB
Phantom Power 48 VDC
Input Connectors Balanced XLR
Output Connectors Balanced TRS jack
Clip Indicator Illuminates 1 dB prior to clipping
Power Requirements 100/120 V AC, 220/240 V AC
Weight 5 lbs/2.2 Kg
Dimensions 19“W x 1?“H x 6“D, 482 x 44 x 155mm

The U5 high-voltage DI-preamp combines a unique passive tone selector with a variable
gain preamp and filter. The high input impedance accepts a wide variety of signal levels
and instruments from acoustic guitars to high-output active bass guitars and keyboards.
The U5 direct box is loaded with sonic character and user features professionals demand.

U5 FEATURES
Pure Class A, 100% discrete design
Smooth musical detail and sonic excellence
Variable gain preamp to +30dB.
Dual microphone and line outputs
Hi-Z   3,000,000 ohm input impedance
Very low noise -100dB
High headroom +30dB
Six tone bank selections.
DC coupled Class A output for superior bass
High cut switch eliminates noise
LED active signal indicator
Headphone monitor output jack
Low distortion less than 0.5% THD and IMD
High level 400 watt speaker input
Active to thru selector - ground isolation switch
100% discrete power supplies for audio path
Internal toroidal power supply for low noise
Long lasting, stainless steel hardware
 
SONIC EXCELLENCE
The Avalon U5 Pure Class A instrument DI & preamplifier is the most powerful direct box
available today.  Designed to optimize absolute signal integrity and musical performance,
the U5 includes many features and sonic excellence unequaled by lesser designs. The
U5 is ideal for bass guitar and acoustic instruments, electric guitars, keyboards, synthesizers
and low output pickups. 
Features include state-of-the-art, high input impedance input stage for zero load effect on
sensitive pickups and keyboards, 100% discrete, Pure Class A signal amplifiers, practical
user features and rugged hardware designed to deliver true high performance audio for many
years. 
DESIGNED FOR DEEP & CONTROLLED BASS
Avalon U5 DI-preamps have been in use around the world since 1995. They have found their way
into the world's leading musicians rigs and recording sessions and been featured on thousands
of the best selling (and sounding) albums and live performances.
MINIMUM SIGNAL PATH DESIGN
The U5 includes a variable gain Class A preamplifier to boost low level pickup signals and a high
level speaker input for capturing the live sound of the instruments amplifier. Six passive tone-EQ
curves are also included to enhance a variety of acoustic and electric instruments. A high-cut switch
eliminates unwanted acoustic pickup and high frequency noise, while a  headphone monitor amp
has been included for personal listening. Twin DC coupled Class A output amplifiers drive both low
level microphone preamp inputs and high level +4dB inputs for direct to tape recording or processing.
The active-to-thru switch selects either the instrument input directly or sends the boosted-equalized
signal to the amplifier via the front panel jack. A ground isolation switch eliminates any possible earth
loop or AC buzz problems with complete safety.

U5 SPECIFICATIONS
Circuit Topology:  100% discrete, high-voltage Class A 
Gain:  Switched 3dB steps, maximum gain +30dB 
Input Impedance:  3 ,000,000 ohm unbalanced (single ended) 
Maximum Input Level  +24dBu unbalanced, 400w speaker input 
Output Connectors (2):  XLR type, pin 2 hot electronic balanced 
Maximum Output Level (Class A):  +30dBu DC coupled, balanced 600 ohms (mic and line out) 
Headphone Output:  0.5w into 600 ohms 
Noise 20kHz Unweighted:  -100dBu minimum gain position 
Distortion THD, IMD:  0.1% at +10dB 
Frequency Response, -/+0.5dB:  5Hz to 100kHz 
Frequency Response, -3dB:  1Hz to 500kHz (input band limited) 
High Cut Filter:  -3dB at 8kHz minimum phase design 
Tone Selector:  Six position rotary switch, all passive filters 
AC Power:  Internal toroidal AC supply 
Dimensions:  8.5 x 3.5 x 12 in (216 x 88 x 305mm) 
Weight-Packed:  12lbs (5.4kg) 
Rack mount kit (1) RM-1:  Single U5 19 inch rack mount kit (holds one half rack unit) 
Rack mount kit (2) RM-2:  Dual U5 19 inch rack mount kit (holds two half rack units) 

Mic Inputs
• Frequency response at minimum gain (0dB): -0.35dB at 20Hz and –3dB at 122kHz
• Frequency response at maximum gain (60dB): –2.5dB at 20Hz and –3dB 103kHz
• Gain range: 0dB to +60dB in 10dB steps, plus 0dB to +20dB continuously variable trim
• Maximum headroom: +7.4dBu
• THD+N: 0.0009% (measured at 1kHz -20dBu input signal, at 30dB gain setting, with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Noise EIN: -126dB (measured at 60dB of gain with 150Ω termination and 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Noise at main output with unity gain: -98dBu (measured with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• SNR: 123dB (relative to max output 25dBu)
• SNR: 120dB (relative to 0dBFS (+22dBu)
• CMRR: 88dB.
• Input Impedance, variable: 600Ω, 1400Ω, 2400Ω, 6800Ω

Line Inputs
• Frequency Response at unity gain (0dB): -0.3dB at 20Hz and –3dB at 94kHz
• Gain range: -20dB to +10dB in 10dB steps, plus 0dB to +20dB continuously variable trim
• Maximum headroom: +25.4dBu
• THD+N: 0.002% (measured with +4dBu input signal, 0dB gain setting, with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Noise at main output with unity gain: -91dBu (measured with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• SNR: 116dB (relative to max output 25dBu)
• SNR: 113dB (relative to 0dBFS +22dBu). Input Impedance: 10kΩ

Instrument Inputs
• Frequency Response at +10dB gain: -0.2dB at 20Hz and 0dB at 200kHz
• Frequency Response at +40dB gain: -3dB at 20Hz and –3dB at 38.4kHz
• Gain range: +10dB to +40dB continuously variable
• Maximum headroom: +11.5dBu
• THD+N: 0.006% (measured with –20dBu input signal, at minimum gain (+10dB), with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Noise at main output with minimum gain (+10dB): -95dBu (measured with a 20Hz/22kHz bandpass filter)
• Input Impedance = >1MΩ

High Pass Filter
• Roll off = 18dB per octave 3 pole filter
• Frequency range: 16Hz to 420Hz (continuously variable, measured at the 3dB down point)

Meters
• 6 LED meter is calibrated 0dBFS = +22dBu (the maximum level which can be correctly converted by the optional internal A/D converter before overload occurs). The meter calibration points are as follows:

Meter panel calibration value in dBFS / Equivalent dBu value
0dBFS / +22dBu
-2dBFS / +20dBu
-6dBFS / +16dBu
-12dBFS / +10dBu
-18dBFS / +4dBu
-42dBFS / -20dBu



Front and rear connectivity

Analogue Channel Inputs (Inputs 1-4)
• 4 instrument 1⁄4” TS jack inputs on front panel
• 4 microphone XLR inputs on rear panel
• 4 line 1⁄4” TRS jacks on rear panel
• 4 insert return 1⁄4” TRS jacks on rear panel
• 4 ADC XLR inputs on rear panel

Analogue Audio Outputs (Outputs 1-4)
• 4 line XLR outputs on rear panel
• 4 insert send 1⁄4” TRS jacks on rear panel

Other I/O
• IEC power input connector 100Vac – 240Vac

Front Panel Indicators
• 8 output meters, 6 segment
• 4 30-60 mic gain range selection indicator
• 4 +48V phantom power indicator
• 4 Phase indicator
• 4 Insert In indicator
• 4 Filter In indicator
• 4 Input selection indicators (Mic, Line, Inst)
• 4 Z In microphone input impedance selection indicators (Low, ISA110, Med, High) Clock select indicators (44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192)
• Ext clock indicators (Lock, Word clock, 256X)

Weight
5.5kg
12.2lbs

Dimensions (W x H x D)
480mm (W) x 88mm (H) x 280mm (D)
19" (W) x 3.5" (H) x 11" (D)