Pass Labs pre-amplifier owner manual

X0.2 Owner’s Manual

There are a total of five inputs, a separate tape loop and two outputs on each of the pre-amplifier chassis. One chassis is exclusively dedicated to right channel and the other exclusively left channel. Balanced inputs and outputs are via XLR connectors. Single- ended inputs and outputs are via RCA connectors. On the XLR connectors, pin 1 is grounded, pin 2 is the positive signal, and pin 3 is the negative signal.

If your signal source is unbalanced, input will occur through the RCA input connectors, which are in parallel with the XLR connections. When single-ended inputs are used, a shorting jumper, which is provided, should be inserted between pins 1 and 3 of the corresponding XLR connection. The supplied jumpers short the negative input to ground, and provide for optimal performance. The X0.2 preamplifier will function without these jumpers, but gain will be lower and performance will not be optimal.

The unbalanced input impedance of the pre-amplifier is 10K Ohms. In balanced mode, the input impedance is higher, with a differential impedance of at least 20K Ohms.

Next to the inputs on the rear panel of the gain stages, the pre- amplifier offers tape inputs through both XLR and RCA connectors. This output is a direct connection to inputs 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 when they are selected from the front panel. Input 6 (TAPE IN) is deliberately not available through the tape output connection. Tape input is designated for use with a tape recorder if you have one, and we have arranged that it will not place its output on the tape out, which will prevent you from accidentally creating a feedback connection with your tape machine.

The main outputs are located left-hand of center (viewed from the rear) of the rear panel, two male XLR connectors, and two RCA connectors. The RCA connectors’ ground is in parallel with pin 1 of the XLR outputs, and the RCA hot is fed from an independent summing junction that maximizes the X circuit benefits. The RCA, single-ended, outputs are buffered from the balanced outputs.

In an effort to accommodate a wide range of equipment we have configured this product so that you may use both single ended and balanced outputs at the same time. On the XLR, pin 1 is ground, pin 2 is positive output, and pin 3 is negative output.

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