Front Panel Controls (continued)
The rotary “volume” control determines the gain setting, which ranges from ‘0.0dB’ (no output) to ’80.0dB’ (full output). This control does not function like a typical volume: When you rotate the dial, either clockwise to raise the volume or counter- clockwise to lower the volume, you are actually engaging a precision optical encoder which selects, via a relay network, very high quality metal-film resistors that the audio signal passes through. The result is a proprietary gain circuit, called M-eVOL, that doesn’t degrade the audio signal regardless of the setting, unlike all potentiometer based circuits. Since this circuitry operates in a fully balanced differential mode, no noise is introduced to the audio signal. Futhermore, since there are no actual moving parts, this technology has a minimum life expectancy of one million rotations.
The MOON P-7preamplifier provides a range of one-hundred and thirty (130) unique volume settings. This is achieved as follows: Within the 0.0dB to 30.0dB range, you can increase and decrease the volume in 1.0dB steps. From the 30.0dB to 80.0dB range, you can increase and decrease the volume by either 0.5dB or 1.0dB steps; By rotating the volume control slowly, the level will change by 0.5dB increments. A quicker rotation will change the volume in 1.0dB increments.
Note: To change the balance between the left and right channels, please refer to the section “Remote Control Operation”.
The “Input +” and “Input -” buttons allow you to choose which input source you wish to listen to. The MOON P-7dual-mono preamplifier has a total of seven (6) inputs; The first three (2) inputs are fully-balanced and use XLR connectors labeled B1 and B2. The next four (4) inputs are single-ended and use RCA connectors labeled S1, S2, S3 and S4. Assuming that you’re currently listening to a source component connected to input B1, the “+” allows to sequentially scroll forward through the available inputs from B2 to S4. The “-” button allows you to sequentially scroll backwards from S4 to B2. Holding down either the “+” or “-“ button will allow only a single change of the selected input. You must press the button again to select the next or previous input.
The “Setup” and “OK” buttons are used for programming the numerous software functions available on this preamplifier. The next section, entitled “Software Setup”, explains their usage in detail.
Software Setup
The MOON P-7preamplifier includes powerful software that allows you to configure it to meet your specific needs. For each of the seven (7) inputs, you can assign a label to replace the factory assigned name (i.e. B1, S1, etc.), assign a maximum volume level of less than 80.0dB, create an offset volume level ranging from –10.0dB to +10.0dB, bypass the volume control (to exclusively use the source component’s volume instead) and disable the input completely when it’s not in use. As well, you can assign any and all inputs to activate each of the P-7’s two 12 Volt triggers. Finally, there’s a facility to reset all software settings back to their factory defaults. Please refer to the accompanying quick reference diagram for a snapshot of the entire Setup menu layout.
When you are in Setup mode, there are three (3) front panel items used to program this preamplifier; The “Setup” button for navigating up and down through the various menu levels, the rotary volume control for scrolling through the available choices within each programmable item, and the “OK” button for confirming and saving your selections.
What follows are step-by-step examples of how to configure an input, assign the two 12 Volt triggers and reset the software back to the factory default.
____________________________________________________________________________________________________
