The HA-6AB is basically an economical 20 watt per channel stereo amplifier. Unlike a conventional power amp, however, it has six headphone outputs (stereo phone jacks) on the front panel, each with an associated volume control. When used for overdubbing or rehearsal, this provides more than adequate loudness in all headphones (even older low-impedance models), and allows each musician to set his or her own comfortable volume level. When the overdubbing is complete and the musicians remove their headphones, the HA-6AB can power the tape playback through either (or both) of two sets of studio monitor speakers, selected by pressing front panel pushbuttons. Without the HA-6AB, a separate amp would be needed for the studio speakers.
The HA-6AB also features a convenient input level control on the left side of the front panel. A pair of yellow LED's-one for each channel-light up whenever signal is present (threshold -28 dBu). Another pair of red LED's show an overload condition in either channel.
The Furman HA-6AB's 20 watts-per-channel make it ideal as a low distortion headphone driver for the most critical listening situations. While most headphone amps provide half a watt or less per headphone channel, the HA-6AB's higher power can drive headphones of any impedance to their full rated listening level, and do so with minimal noise and distortion. Its power capacity is also just right for the small "cube" reference speakers used in most recording studios as a comparison with the main control room monitors-it can power them without overpowering them. On the studio floor, a set of small monitor speakers driven by the HA-6AB can make a session progress more efficiently by giving the musicians a chance to hear a playback without needing to disconnect themselves from their equipment and walk into the control room.
The HA-6AB utilizes an efficient toroidal power transformer for silent operation and low magnetic leakage, as required in a studio environment. It is fully protected against thermal overload, and it can withstand a short circuit on any or all outputs for an indefinite time without damage.
OPTIONS
The HDS-16 Headphone/Audio Distribution System and HRM-16 Headphone/Audio Remote Mixer are the logical extension to Furman's very popular headphone amp/audio distribution lineup. These models are designed to function equally well for both live (in-ear or stage monitors) and studio applications, allowing greater flexibility and ease for both the user and the engineer.
The HDS-16/HRM-16 Headphone/Audio Distribution System cleanly routes 8 mono and 4 stereo signals to remote mixing locations via Centronics 50 pin cables. Up to eight HRM-16's can be connected directly or daisy chained to a single HDS-16, allowing as many as sixteen users (two per each HRM-16) to customize eight different mixes. A unique talkback system allows each user to communicate with other users and the main mixing location. Additionally, a SOLO system allows the engineer to mute all but one stereo send from the mix location -- very handy for reviewing recent takes or rough mixes. Additional HRM-16 features include local effects send/return, line out, overall bass/treble controls, talkback level, and a master level control.
The double rack-space HDS-16 provides full patching functions on its front panel via 1/4" and TT input jacks, and is intended to be installed at the mixing console location. The HDS-16 provides power and signal conditioning to drive the HRM-16 Remote Mixers. There is no power cord or wall wart required for the HRM-16's. In addition, it includes two 1/4" jacks for the two-way talkback functions, and a SOLO REMOTE switch with an indicator that allows muting of all but one stereo feed at all HRM-16's. This comes in handy for isolating tracks for critical listening without having each HRM-16 user turn down all but one channel. The SOLO function also includes a 1/4" jack so actuation can be done with a footswitch. Front panel indicators include POWER ON and SOLO ON. The rear panel includes six Centronics 50 pin connectors to link up to six HRM-16's (more if daisy chaining is used), and the standard Furman ON/OFF and GROUND LIFT switches.
The unique talkback system is extremely versatile. It can be configured two different ways by moving a jumper on the circuit board in the HDS-16. One way allows the talkback mic on each HRM-16 to be fed to all of the other HRM-16 units as well as the HDS-16. The other configuration allows communication to the HDS-16 only. This is particularly useful for stage use where the user's talkback mic should not feed into all of the monitors (including the user's own monitor).
Model HDS-16E: "E" suffix version is for use in countries with 220/240 VAC mains. Since HRM-16 units derive their power from the HDS-16, no special HRM-16 model is needed.
OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES
HRM-CABL: Replacement 25 foot (7.7m) Centronics cable for linking or daisy-chaining HRM-16's, or for extending existing cables. HRM-16EX: Extension adapter which allows two HRM-CABLs to be joined together to create extended cable lengths. Up to eight HRM-CABLs may be joined, making a total length of up to 200 feet (62m), using one HRM-16EX adapter per cable segment (see Cable Specifications below). HRM-THRU: Wallmount kit consisting of two Centronics connectors linked with an 18 inch flat cable. Includes two wall plates and gaskets. HRM-RAW: Raw HRM-16 cable, priced per foot, for those desiring to make their own cables in exact, custom lengths. HRM-CONN: Cable-mount Centronics connector, for making custom cables.
The system consists of two components: the rackmount HDS-6 Audio Distribution System, and one or more HR-6 remote mixers (please note that the HR-6 remote mixers are sold separately). Linking the distribution unit and remote mixers is as easy as plugging in cables -- multiple HR-6's are simply daisy-chained together. A pair of 25 foot linking cables is included with each HR-6, and other lengths are easily obtained at your local computer store or through mail order. For applications where daisy-chaining is not practical, a twelve port or larger ethernet patch panel can be wired to allow multiple HR-6 units to connect from a central location. Up to eight HR-6 remote mixers can be linked to an HDS-6, and two pairs of headphones may be plugged into each HR-6.
The HDS-6 rackmount distribution system connects to the mixer/console to provide interface and power supplies to drive a group of HR-6 remote mixers. Trimpots are provided on the HDS-6's front panel to match the console output levels to the HDS-6's inputs.
The HDS-6 is ideal as a low distortion headphone driver for the most critical listening situations. In addition to providing high current differential buffered signals, it also provides power and ground to the HR-6 remote mixers.
The HR-6 is a compact six-channel, five-pot remote mixer that clamps to any mic stand. When used with the HDS-6, the HR-6 allows musicians to customize their own headphone or monitor mix, and the engineer doesn't have to touch the board.
The HR-6 provides four mono pots and one stereo pot. The four mono pots allow each user to create a custom mix of four console channels or busses. The stereo pot will most often be used for a main control room mix, or for a stereo effects return. Features
USING THE HR-2
In rehearsals, headphones are often used to keep sound levels down to avoid disturbing neaighbors. In the recording studio, headphones are most often used in the overdubbing process, where new musical tracks are recorded in synchronization with previously recorded tracks. The musicians doing the overdub hear the already recorded tracks in their headphones, and play along with them. Because of the presence of open microphones, headphones are much preferred to speakers for cueing overdubs.
In many situations, it may be sufficient to plug all headphones directly into an HA-6A or other headphone amp. However, in a larger studio, or when each musician must have easy access to his or her headphone volume control, it is more practical to use several HR-2 Remote Stations at strategic locations around the room. In this case, the HA-6A (or the stereo power amplifier substituting for it) would most likely be installed in the control room.
The HR-2 Remote Stations connect in "daisy chain" fashion to the SPEAKER B-SATELLITE/REMOTE output on the rear panel of the HA-6A. This output is a male 3-pin XLR connector, so that ordinary microphone cables can be used. The HA-6A connects to the first HR-2 box; another mic cable connects the first HR-2 to the second HR-2; a third mic cable connects the second HR-2 to the third HR-2; and so on. If low impedance headphones are used, up to twelve HR-2's may be chained together. If medium or high impedance headphones are used, 25 or more Remote Stations may be chained.
The HR-2 Remote Stations are compact boxes which easily attach with a thumbscrew to any microphone stand. Each HR-2 has two stereo volume controlsand two headphone jacks, to accommodate two listeners. There are also two XLR connectors, one male and one female, for use in daisy-chaining units together. If desired, the clip on an HR-2 box may be hung on a belt if no microphone stand is convenient. Or, the clip itself may be popped off the box for tabletopuse.
The HR-6 provides four mono pots and one stereo pot. The four mono pots allow each user to create a custom mix of four console channels or busses. The stereo pot will most often be used for a main control room mix, or for a stereo effects return.
Features:
**The HDS-16 and HRM-16 are sold separately.
The benefits include: