Harman Basic Operation, Connecting the 286s to Your System, Understanding the 286s Mic Preamp

Section 3 Basic Operation

286s

Section 3 - Basic Operation

3.1 Connecting the 286s to Your System

The 286s can be used with any low-level microphone signal (via the MIC INPUT) or any line-level device (via the LINE INPUT). Some common line-level devices include: mixing consoles, electronic musical instruments, patch bays, and signal processors. For all connections, refer to the following steps:

1.Turn Off all equipment before making any connections.

2.Mount the 286s in a rack. (Optional)

Caution: Never remove the cover. There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

The 286s requires one rack space (height) and one rack space (width). It can be mounted above or below anything that doesn’t generate excessive heat, since it requires no special ventilation. Ambient temperature should not exceed 113°F (45°C) when equipment is powered.

3.Make connections via rear panel jacks and connectors according to your requirements.

A.Connect a microphone to the MIC INPUT XLR connector or a line level source to the 1/4” LINE INPUT jack.

B.Important: DO NOT connect anything other than a microphone to the MIC INPUT.

C.Connect the load (e.g., mixer, recorder, etc.) to the 286s LINE OUTPUT jack.

D.Connect an external processor or effects device to the 1/4” INSERT jack. (Optional)

4.Connect the AC power cord to the AC power receptacle on the back of the unit.

Note: We recommend you always power on the unit with the MIC GAIN control set to its minimum level (fully counterclockwise). This will help in safeguarding your system against sudden spikes and surges, as well as possible acoustical feedback if a microphone is connected and left “open.”

Note: Check the line voltage (printed on 286s) and verify that it is correct.

3.2 Understanding the 286s Mic Preamp

The 286s Mic Preamplification Section includes support for phantom-powered mics, a highpass filter, and an input gain control. Note that these controls are applied to the input signal before the signal is processed by the 286s Processing Section.

Phantom power is available at the push of a button, providing +48VDC to phantom-powered microphones. The 286s phantom power is sufficient for most microphones, However, some vintage condenser mics may require a separate power source.

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