CLM's DB8000s 8-Channel Mic Pre Arrives in US

(Click for a close-up)

Wave Distribution will be the exclusive distributor of the new CLM Dynamics DB8000s eight-channel microphone pre-amplifier in North America.

This system contains eight independent pre-amplifiers for use with all types of balanced, low impedance microphones. Composite digital outputs make it ideal for direct-to-ADAT or direct-to-disc recording. Additional high impedance inputs allow direct injection of instruments or other line-level signals and Mid and Side decoding is also catered for.

Each pre-amplifier has a balanced direct output, capable of driving long lines without degradation of audible quality. It is also has two additional outputs from each channel making a total of 3 outputs. This enables the DB8000s to act as an active mic splitter for use where multiple feeds are required, for example to Monitor, Front Of House and Broadcast consoles.

Each pre-amplifier is also equipped with a SoftStop protection circuit with variable threshold, to protect recorders or amplifiers from overload and consequent distortion. The control paths of the SoftStop protectors may be linked in pairs to prevent image shifting in stereo or surround sound recordings. Operating levels of -10dBV may be selected for outputs B and C.

The DB8000s is rack-mountable and internally powered.

Pre-amplifiers

Each channel has a 12 position switched GAIN control, giving up to 66dB of gain. The Pad switch gives 20dB attenuation, while a separate TRIM control provides -14dB to +6 dB of gain. The balanced input provides a high level of common mode rejection and the equivalent input noise is better than -128dBm unweighted at all gains.

Individual switches (with LED indication) select 48V phantom power and phase reverse. The 80Hz high pass filter may be switched in to remove unwanted low frequency handling and other noise.

Mid & side

Channels 1 and 2 may be used in conjunction with M/S (Mid and Side) microphones, to provide a decoded stereo signal at their outputs. The Mid mic is connected to Channel 1, the Side mic is connected to Channel 2 and the M&S button on Channel 2 is pressed. Channel 1 provides the decoded left hand signal while Channel 2 provides the decoded right hand signal. Varying the relative levels of Mid and Side allows the spatial width of the decoded stereo to be varied. Channels 3 and 4, 5 and 6, 7 and 8 may similarly be used for additional M/S set-ups.

Protection

Pressing the SoftStop ON switch allows a threshold to be set anywhere from -6dBu to +21dBu, referenced to the selected output operating level. A signal approaching overload is gently compressed but if it exceeds the threshold it is effectively clamped to prevent the level rising further. For stereo, M&S or surround sound operation the SoftStop side chains may be linked, while output A may optionally be selected pre-SoftStop.

Metering

Peak-reading bargraphs with peak-hold, display signal level relative to the selected output operating level of either +4dBu or -10dBV.

Outputs

Each microphone pre-amplifier output is electronically balanced and can drive cables up to 100 metres in length. Output A is fixed at +4dBu and may optionally be transformer balanced. A switch on the rear of each channel changes outputs B and C from +4dBu to -10dBV. All 8 channels are available on a Tascam compatible multipin connector. Digital output options will also be available, including T/DIF, SP/DIF, ADAT and AES/EBU.

Stereo Width Management

The DB8000s can be used to widen or narrow the sound stage of previously recorded stereo signals. Feeding the stereo signal into Channels 1 and 2, the outputs of which are fed into Channels 3 and 4, configures the M&S circuitry as a WHIPTM matrix. Channel 4's TRIM control then varies the stereo width from mono, through stereo to wide stereo without phasing or "hole in the middle" effects.

Power

The unit has an extremely low noise and hum field internal mains power supply, making the DB8000s completely self-contained.

Mechanical

The DB8000s is housed in a standard 19" rack case, 3U high by 177mm deep.

The DB800s has a Suggested US Retail Price of $1995.00.