The ARREL Audio R-507 MID-SIDE unit is characterized by an outstanding sound quality and a number of new functions that are not available on other MID-SIDE units on the market. At present the R-507 is the first MID-SIDE unit available for the 500 series. The unit has been designed to comply with the demands of professional recording and mastering engineers and also for live applications.
On top of its amazing sound quality, the R-507 MS unit features a unique set of functions. The mode switch permits the use of the MID/SIDE unit in three different operative modes: L/R --> MID/SIDE where the M/S coding function is used (broadcast applications), L/R --> L/R, in this case the coding and decoding function are used (typically mastering applications) and M/S --> L/R, in this case the decoding function is used (useful in recording apps).
The unit is equipped with a solo function. This function is of primary importance for checking the effects on the inserts and to check the original sound field when MID/SIDE recording is used. The ON led blink and changes its color to indicate the activation of the solo function.
The R-507 is equipped also with a flexible metering system (VU). The scale is extended to +9 VU in order to measure up to +13 dBu so we can check the level of the typical reference on the dBFS scale of the converter. The VU meter can be switched for level measurements of the input, the output or of the MID and SIDE channels.
The main functions on the SIDE channel are: Send gain to obtain the maximum Signal to Noise ratio in the insert audio path. This fact is important when compressors/limiters are used as inserts in the SIDE audio path, High frequency BAX (Baxandall) filter (1.2, 4, 15 KHz), with emphasis/de-enphasis control over 8dB of dynamic range, HPF filter with 30-400 Hz (12 dB/Oct) control knob, Solo pre or post on the Side channel. Selectable INSERT points (insert switch) are available to connect outboards on the front panel (Bantam connectors) in order to elaborate the MID and SIDE channels. Wet and dry signals from the SIDE and MID channel can be mixed together. A very important function of the R-507 is the TRIM push button that permits a fine adjustment of the stereo width. The ON push button is used to activate the unit (LED PERMANENTLY ON).
The R-507 Mid Side Unit module has been designed to be compliant with the 500-series standard. Two slots are used to install the R-507.
Number of Channels: | 2 |
Power Supply | +/- 16 V DC |
Power Consumption | 120 mA |
Line Input | Electronically Balanced, Impedance 20KΩ, Input Level +4dBu, Max +24 dBu. |
Output Level | Electronically Balanced, Level +4 dBu, Max +26 dBu, Output Impedance 100 Ω |
Bandwidth | 5 - 200 KHz +/-1 dB, perfect square wave up to 20 KHz |
Distortion + Noise | <0.005% ( typical 0.001%). |
SIDE Filters | BAX high frequency filter with 3 frequencies (1.2 kHz, 4 kHz, 15 kHz), emphasis/de-emphasis +/- 8 dB HPF (LO-CUT): 30-400 Hz |
Front Panel Controls |
MODE SWITCH SOLO SWITCH VU METER SWITCH HPF (LO-CUT) SWITCH HPF KNOB BAX SWITCH BAX KNOB MID/SIDE DRY-WET KNOBS STEREO WIDTH KNOB TRIM PUSH BUTTON SIDE LEVEL KNOB MID/SIDE INSERT PUSH BUTTONS SIDE PRE/POST SOLO SWITCH |
Front Panel Connectors | two stereo bantam connectors |
Rear Panel Input Connectors | LEFT AND RIGHT XLR |
Construction | Compliant 500-series rack with PSU and external audio connections, Single 500-series rack slot required for each R-501 module. |
Dimensions | Standard API 500 double module |
Weight | 500 gr. |
LARGE BANDWIDTH (LBW) Large Bandwidth (LB) means a very fast transient response able to represent the original sound with the maximum temporal resolution. LB is required to improve the perception of a “real sound” and to represent the details of the original sound. |
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PERFECT SQUARE WAVE (PSW) Large bandwidth plus very low total harmonic distortion means a perfect square wave reproduction. |
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ULTRA LOW NOISE (ULN) Ultra Low Noise (ULN) active and passive components and ULN design techniques. This requirement is especially important when the audio bandwidth is large as in the case of ARREL Audio products. |
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HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE (HDR) High Dynamic Range (HDR) means that the saturation probability of the output stages is very low. This is obtained by using special rail to rail circuits and by increasing the power supply voltage of the analog circuits. |
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ELECTROMECHANICAL FAULT TOLERANCE (EFT) Electromechanical tolerance means that electromechanical components are doubled in every situation in which maximum reliability it is important due to a frequent use (switches, push buttons, potentiometers). |
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THROUGH-HOLE TECHNOLOGY (THT) Through Hole technology means the maximum reliability in terms of thermal and mechanical stresses especially for connectors and electromechanical components. |
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FRONT PANEL BANTAM INSERT TECHNOLOGY (FPBIT) This technology in the 500 compatible series means that the modules can be cabled on the front panel by using bantam connectors without accessing the launch-box back panel. This is very useful in the needs of “on the fly” connections. |