Sonic Studios™

 

Single Stage DSM Stereo Mic Preamplifier

 

model PA-3SX owners manual

DOWNLOAD as .pdf file

Introduction

   
 
Model PA-3SX is designed to power/amplify DSM-1S/6S series microphones.
       
   

The PA-3SX is a very small size, affordable cost, low noise, precision mic - to - line level stereo mic preamplifier with 600+ hour running time on 2 AA cells

Short-corded inline 3.5mm stereo jack/plug is standard input/output; makes for easy connections to standard DSM mics and minidecks.

Belt clip facilitates attachment to equipment straps.

MiniXLR input jack, dual XLR/TRS/RCA output plug upgrade option

 
       
   

User settings are 1/2/3 switch gain choice, and a slide ON/OFF power switch. 

A single red LED shows low battery, and near clip indications.

Expect exceptional long running time of over 600 hours using just two AA Energizer brand L91 photo lithium cells.

 
 

Operation

   
  The PA-3SX preamplifier’s high quality, long battery life, small size is most practical for direct connection to any recorder with Mini-Stereo line input. Optional adapters from Sonic Studios both extend up to 10’ and/or connect to any type deck line input.  
       
  3.5mm MIC IN JACK and LINE OUT PLUG are on rear panel inline short-cords.  
The POWER ON-OFF slide-switch is located on the right side panel.
1-2-3 position gain toggle switch is located on the front panel.
A single red LED indicator shows low battery, and near clip conditions.
       
 

Two AA cell powering

   
       
 

The PA-3SX uses a total of 2 AA cells to power all functions. 

When purchased, the preamplifier is ready to use with long life Energizer L91 lithium cells. 

Expect up to 10 years of standby (power OFF storage), or 600+ hours of power ON recording. Other types of AA NON-rechargeable battery may be used, but expect shorter run/storage time.

 

When the red LED glows steady, the batteries need replacing. 

Remove the screw from the top (clip side) cover with supplied Phillips screwdriver.

Slide the cover backwards to access the battery compartment.

 
 

Push (using fingertip) against each + battery terminal to slightly compress the -NEG contact spring.  Then lift up the + cell end to remove as shown above.

 

Suggest wiping the fresh battery ends with a clean cloth to remove lint/oils.

Replace with two fresh L91 type AA cells by inserting – negative battery terminal first against the spring, while inserting the cell fully into each holder.

After replacing, check that battery spring contacts are centered on cell’s - end. To insure good contact, give each cell a half spin in the holder, replace/secure cover.

 
 

RECORDING TIPS

   
       
 

With 3.5mm mic/preamp OUTPUT plugs, reliable noise-free recording is suggested with ALWAYS wiping these plugs 'mirror-bright shiny' with clean cloth (your shirt?) BEFORE inserting.

This removes likely chance of dust, grease, fingerprint interfering-corroding residue from collecting inside delicate minijack connector surfaces.

 
       
  Set the deck for analog LINE input recording. Turn ON preamplifier power after connecting to the recorder’s LINE input.

NOTE: Turn OFF preamplifier ONLY after unplugging from deck. This avoids likely error of not recording with preamplifier being powered off.

 
       
  Select highest preamplifier GAIN setting NOT showing RED (near) CLIP LED indications. Allow generous headroom (overload avoiding margin) for loudest expected sounds.  
       
 

SPECIFICATIONS

   
       
 
INPUT:
  ~1500 ohms;1.6 volts for powering/ amplifying DSM-1S/6S mics
 
OUTPUT:
  +2.2 dBv (~1Vrms), drives full output into 250 W load impedance.
 
-3 dB BANDWIDTH:
  10 – 75,000 in 1 setting (20 dB Av), 10-55,000 in 2/3  (29/34 dB Av)
 
NOISE:
  <-96 dBv = 4mv (unweighted)
 
BATTERY POWER:
  (2) AA L91 for best performance (Energizer photo lithium)
 
RUN TIME:
  600+ hours (two L91 cells), ~200 Hrs. Alkaline type cells
 
LOW BATTERY:
  2.65 volts; = ~1.35Volts/cell.
 
NEAR CLIP:
  -2.5 dBv below maximum output
       
 

WARRANTY & SERVICE

   
 

Full 2 year limited warranty for repair/replacement. Shipping cost not included.

   


Sonic STUDIOS
DSM mic Preamplifier

model PA-3SX owners manual

 

Sonic Studios

1311 Sunny Court

Sutherlin, OR 97479-9496 USA

Phone (541) 459-8839

USA Free: 1-877-347-6642

WEB: www.sonicstudios.com

E-mail: GuySonic@aol.com

 
 

© 2006 Sonic Studios, All rights reserved; version 4/1/2006 (no fooling!)

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