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APB-DYNASONICS FAQ PAGE
APB-DynaSonics sells its products in the U.S. exclusively through a network of Sound
Contractors and Pro Audio dealers. Internationally, APB has appointed Distributors
in most countries to manage the sales of APB-DynaSonics consoles to their own dealer
network. Call Irene Taylor at APB-DynaSonics at 973-785-1101 (Ext 115) for the name
of your nearest dealer, representative or distributor.
Literature can be downloaded from our websites PRODUCTS page for Spectra™,
ProRack™, MixSwitch™ and ProDesk™-4 and ProDesk™-8 products.
They also should be available soon for ProSpec products. Should you require a hard
copy of our literature, please send an e-mail to
info@apb-dynasonics.com
or call us a 973-785-1101 Ext 115.
We have chosen not to sell road cases; we would need to purchase cases from an outside
manufacturer and would have to add additional fees. This would result in a higher
cost than if you purchased an equivalent case from your favorite case manufacturer.
We always suggest that you purchase your road case from your favorite case manufacturer.
We work with case manufacturers and provide them with engineering drawings to properly
size your road case and can talk them through any design questions. We can also
ship your console directly to your case manufacturer. All of this is to help save
you money.
Detailed console drawings intended for case manufacturers can be downloaded from
our PRODUCT section DIMENSIONAL INFORMATION (PFD).
All Spectra Consoles are shipped in a "P" configuration. This includes a 2nd (redundant)
power supply as well as Littlites and console cover. These are the items that are
usually included in other companies Tour Packages. So adding your own road case
gives you the equivalent of other manufacturers "Tour Package" but without the high
costs associated with these packages. ProDesk consoles are shipped with a single
Power Supply but an OPTIONAL second (redundant) power supply can be inserted into
all but the ProDek-416. This can be at time of order or easily installed in the
field.
APB products are manufactured in the United States. We make use of U.S. based contract
manufacturing wherever practical to build our electronic modules and metalwork.
A good amount of this contract manufacturing occurs within the same building where
APB-DynaSonics is located in Totowa, New Jersey enabling us to have better control
of the manufacturing process. All final assembly and testing is performed within
our New Jersey facility where we maintain strict quality control over the final
product. Electronic componentry used in APB products are purchased from various
vendors who source or manufacture their parts in a worldwide market that does include
Asia, Latin America and Europe.
It is best to call APB-DynaSonics directly at 973-785-1101 and speak to engineering.
They will either advise you how to get any necessary service complete or make arrangements
with you to get service performed directly by APB.
The only differences between these two models are within the EQ and Insert section
of the console. All other features of the console are the same.
While both models have a channel insert jack, only Spectra-T has a front panel INSERT
ON switch with LED status indicator allowing the insert point to be turned on and
off. Spectra-C has the same insert point but it is in-circuit at all times.
Spectra-C and Spectra-T include a continuously variable high pass filter (20Hz-400Hz)
at -12dB per octave on mono input channels.
Spectra-C incorporates a 4-band EQ on mono input channels:
- Hi Freq is switchable between 8 kHz and 12 kHz.
- Hi-Mid Freq is sweepable from 400Hz to 8 kHz with a 1 octave bandwidth.
- Low-Mid Freq is sweepable from 100Hz to 2 kHz with a 1 octave bandwidth.
- Low Freq is switchable between 60Hz and 120Hz.
- An EQ ON switch is provided with LED
Spectra-T incorporates 4-band sweepable EQ on mono input channels: Hi Freq is sweepable
from 800Hz to 16 kHz and switchable between shelving and asymmetrical bell with
a 2/3 octave bandwidth in boost mode and 1/4 octave in cut mode. Hi-Mid Freq is
sweepable from 400Hz to 8 kHz and switchable between 1 octave and 1/3 octave. Low-Mid
Freq is sweepable from 100Hz to 2 kHz and switchable between 1 octave and 1/3 octave.
Low Freq is sweepable from 20Hz to 400Hz and switchable between shelving and asymmetrical
bell with a 2/3 octave bandwidth in boost mode and 1/4 octave in cut mode.
The Spectra-T EQ is intended for operation by more experienced operators while the
Spectra-C EQ is kept simple, but with enough variables to help the less experienced
operator maintain control of the mix.
The "i" within the Spectra-Ci and Spectra-Ti part number indicates that all insert
points on these consoles consist of a separate impedance balanced TRS insert send
connector and a balanced TRS insert return connector. There are the same number
of insert locations on Spectra-C, Spectra-Ci, Spectra-T and Spectra-Ti. The reason
for these two variations is so that a user may be able to better match an insert
wiring system that may already exist. The "i" version as Spectra-Ci and Spectra-Ti
are considered more robust as they are balanced in both send and return circuitry
and are usually the choice configuration for most production company applications.
Spectra consoles are designed to work on a single APB designed PLUG- IN power supply.
BUT - all APB Spectra consoles are supplied standard with the "P" option that includes
a 2nd PLUG-IN power supply. We always suggest the use of a redundant power supply,
so instead of offering it as an option, we provide it with all units as a standard
feature. The Spectra power supplies are designed to current-share when used together
in a console; this feature lets each supply operate at a reduced load for longer
life. However, at any point, a single supply can seamlessly take over the full load
of the console (simultaneously informing the operator of the status with the individual
top panel PSU- LEDs).
ProRack-House and ProRack-Monitor products have rotatable rear panel connector panels
that allow this panel to be rotated to a position of 90 degrees or 180 degrees to
the front panel, or half way between these two positions. When in the 90 degree
position, the angle is set properly to operate comfortably as a table top mixer.
Unlike competing products, the rear panel of ProRack DOES NOT require disassembly
to change the position of its connector panel. Removing two Philips head screws
on each side of the panel allows this panel to rotate freely without putting any
strain on its input wiring. The panel will rotate freely between a 90 and 180 degree
position but it is suggested that the screws be installed in one of three locking
positions prior to transport of any ProRack mixer.
All inputs and outputs of ProRack-House can be linked, even beyond two mixers using
a short balanced XLR to balanced 1/4" TRS cable for each signal except SOLO. A Midi
cable will all 5 pins connected is required for linking the solo system between
multiple connectors. The cheaper Midi cables that only wire three of the pins WILL
NOT WORK. It requires higher quality cable that indicate that all five wires are
connected for the solo systems to link properly together. We are currently compiling
a list of part numbers of usable cables.
ProRack-Monitor links together in the same way except for Outputs A and B. See the
owner’s manual for this product (or call APB engineering) for a external method
for linking these two signals together.
Another solution for those desiring more input channels than provided on ProRack-House
is to consider a ProDesk-4 consoles. These use a near identical input channel but
with the inclusion of a 4 channel mute-group system and is available in 16, 24,
32, 40, and 48 input configuration, with each version also includes additional 4
stereo line input channels.
We chose to stick to a single power supply design for all of our current Desktop
consoles. The Spectra power supply has proven to be so reliable that it was felt
that it was the best and most reliable option for all ProDesk consoles. As it was
designed to power up to a 56 input VCA based Spectra console, it is just gliding
when powering a console as small as our ProDesk-416, further increasing its reliability.
For those who use multiple APB console, it also means that power supplies are interchangeable
and if the purchase of a spare supply is desired, it will fit all desktop APB products
minimizing the users inventory requirements.
In addition to the obvious difference of having 8 sub-group channels in place of
4, ProDesk -8 also includes 8 Aux (+1 Aux System for Subs feeding the Mono Bus),
8 Mute Groups, and 8 Matrix Outputs. ProDesk-8 EQ is identical to the Spectra-C
console by replacing the fixed HF/LF EQ with switchable HF EQ (8KHz /12kHz) and
LF EQ (60Hz/120Hz).
No. ProDesk-8 is a non-VCA console that was derived from our VCA based Spectra consoles.
Customers looking for VCA based consoles should consider our Spectra-C or Spectra-T
consoles.
We apologize to our customer that ProDesk-8 along with our ProSpec contractor series
products have run into delays due to longer than expected parts delivery lead times.
It is expected that manufacturing will begin on ProRack-8 in Mid-February of 2011
along with ProSpec 1U products. ProSpec 2U products will follow shortly behind the
1U products.
We build APB products to one quality and performance standard. When comparing any
APB model, be it Spectra, ProDesk, ProRack, MixSwitch, or ProSpec, only the feature
sets change. Construction methods remain the same, as does the use of identical
components including the use of identical mic pre amps and circuits. So if you are
familiar with any one APB product, you know the high standard to which all APB-DynaSonics
products are built.
These are last name initials of the founding member of APB; Chuck Augustowski.
John Petrucelli, and Taz Bhogal.
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