Headphone Amp Distributor

Owner's Manual

Thank you for purchasing our Fostex product. The model PH-50 is a headphone distributor. It has three inputs and five high power (500mW) headphone outputs whose output level can be separately controlled. In addition, it contains a matrix box function for five inputs and five outputs. For inputs to the headphone distributor, it has two balanced lines and one unbalanced line. The balanced input level can be switched for receiving +4dBu or -10dBV levels. Also, the CUE box function can be employed by using the AUX inputs, and the multi-channel operation by cascade connection of a multiple number of PH-50's. Please carefully read through this manual for many years of good service.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION:

TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK, MATCH WIDE BLADE OF PLUG TO WIDE SLOT, FULLY INSERT.

ATTENTION:

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK). NO USER - SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
POUR EVITER LES CHOCS ELECTRIQUES, INTRODUIRE LA LAME LA PLUS LARGE DE LA FICHE DANS LA BORNE CORRESPONDANTE DE LA PRISE ET POUSSER JUSQU' AU FOND. The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

"WARNING"

"TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPLIANCE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE."

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

1. Read Instructions - All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the appliance is operated. 2. Retain Instructions - The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference. 3. Heed Warnings - All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to. 4. Follow Instructions - All operating and use instructions should be followed. 5. Water and Moisture - The appliance should not be used near water - for example, near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, and the like. 6. Carts and Stands - The appliance should be used only with a cart or stand that is recommended by the manufacturer. 9. Heat - The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliances (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 10. Power Sources - The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance. 11. Grounding or Polarization - The precautions that should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated. 12. Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords at plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the appliance. 13. Cleaning - The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer. 14. Nonuse Periods - The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time. 15. Object and Liquid Entry - Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings. 16. Damage Requiring Service - The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when: A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or C. The appliance has been exposed to rain; or D. The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or E. The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged. 17. Servicing - The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that described in the operating instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

An appliance and cart combination should be moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and uneven surfaces may cause the appliance and cart combination to overturn. 7. Wall or Ceiling Mounting - The appliance should be mounted to a wall or ceiling only as recommended by the manufacturer. 8. Ventilation - The appliance should be situated so that its location or position dose not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.

Notes On Operation

1. Do not use headphones for long hours at high sound levels.
If the headphone is used under such condition, it could injure your hearing. Also, be careful not to rapidly raise the output control when using the headphone. Please use good sense to protect your hearing.
3. Retard the sound volume control when the headphone plug is connected or disconnected from the jack.
Always turn down the sound volume control before the headphone is plugged or unplugged to the PHONES jack. If it is plugged or unplugged while the volume control is set too high, it could create noise and have hurt your ears.
2. Turn down all sound volume controls before switch on power.
Be sure to fully turn off all sound volume controls when switching on/off power to the PH-50.
4. Switch off power when connecting external equipment to PH-50.
Always switch off power to the PH-50 when connecting external equipment to it.
Names and Functions of the Controls and Jacks

Front Panel

HEADPHONE AMP DISTRIBUTOR

AUX IN

ST MONO PHONES
1. Headphone output level control knob [PHONES 1 ~ 5]
For adjusting sound volume of the headphone plugged into PHONES jack 1 ~ 5.
5. Input master level control knob [INPUT]
Adjusts the input signal level of equipment connected to the rear panel balanced input connectors (XLR or PHONE) or the unbalanced input jacks. Standard input level is obtained when the knob is set to CAL.
2. AUX input level control knob [AUX IN]
This adjusts the input level of the external equipment connected to the rear panel AUX IN jacks. The signal, whose level is adjusted by this knob, is mixed with the signal whose level is adjusted by the INPUT knob and thus output from both the PHONES jack and CASCADE OUT jack.
6. Input image position selector switch [ST/MONO]
Image position, of input signals from equipment connected to the rear panel balanced input connectors (XLR or PHONE) or the unbalanced input jacks (RCA), is selected by this switch. If switched to ST, the input signal will be output from the PHONES output jack or the CASCADE OUT jack, in stereo if switched to ST, or in monaural if switched to MONO.

3. Peak LED [PEAK]

This will light when input is overloaded. Should this light frequently, turn down the INPUT knob.
7. Headphone jacks [PHONES 1 ~ 5]
Headphones are plugged in here. Sound volume for each are adjusted by the headphone output level control knob located above each jack.

4. Power switch [POWER]

This switches on/off power to this equipment (LED will light at ON). When switching on/off power to this equipment, turn down the level control knobs on this and also on the external equipment.

Rear Panel

CHANNEL IN 3

(-10dBV)

INPUT 5 L

(+4dBu/-10dBV)

L (-10dBV) R CASCADE OUT L R L/MONO AUX IN R

(-10dBV) +4dBu -10dBV

XLR PHONE 2 T HOT 3 R COLD 1 S GND
11. AUX input jack [AUX IN] (RCA: -10dBV)
This is a spare input jack. For an external equipment of monaural output, it must be connected to L/MONO (the same signal will also be applied to R). Signals input here are adjusted in level by the AUX IN knob.
8. Channel input jacks [CHANNEL IN 1 ~ 5] (RCA: -10dBV)
These jacks are used to directly assign external signals (monaural) to each headphone output. Signal input to these jacks will not be affected by the INPUT knob.
9. Balanced input connector [INPUT] (XLR, PHONE: -10dBV/+4dBu)
The balanced line is connected here. Two types of connectors XLR-3-31 and PHONE - are provided. Input level is adjusted with the INPUT knob and the +4dBu/-10dBV switch is set to match the output level of the equipment connected here.
12. Unbalanced input jack [INPUT] (RCA: -10dBV)
Unbalanced outputs are connected here. In the same way as for balanced inputs, the input level is adjusted with the INPUT knob. When making a cascade connection, this is connected to CASCADE OUT of the other PH50.
10. Balanced input level selector switch [+4dBu/-10dBV]
When using the balanced input, this is switched to match the output level of the equipment that is connected. The input level can be selected for -10dBV or +4dBu.
13. Cascade output jack [CASCADE OUT] (RCA: -10dBV)
When using PH-50 in the cascade connection, this jack is connected to the unbalanced input jack of the next PH-50. This output can also be used for recording by applying it to the INPUT of a recorder.

PH-50 Operating Examples

Monitoring System by Cascade Connection

CUE BOX

XLR PHONE HOT 2 T COLD 3 R GND 1 S

Unit #1

CUE OUT #1

L (-10dBV) R CASCADE OUT

L/MONO AUX IN

-10dBV

CUE OUT #2

Input Signal

MON OUT

Unit #2

HEADPHONE AMP DISTRIBUTOR PEAK

Unit #3

To INPUT jack (unbalance)
A system for monitoring a single stereo source to the PHONES OUT up to a maximum of 50 persons. CASCADE OUT of Unit #1 is connected to INPUT (unbalance) of Unit #2, and so forth from Unit #3. If the INPUT knob of Unit #2 and later units are set to CAL, the output level of all headphones can be changed simultaneously by simply adjusting the INPUT knob of Unit #1 (Cascade connection must be limited to a maximum 10 units. Fostex cannot guarantee correct operation if this number is exceeded.).
This is a system for locating a PH-50 in each musician's booth, in which each musician can adjust the monitor balance to their preference during recording sessions. A monitor send exclusive for each musician is connected to AUX IN and monitor signals other than this is returned to the INPUT. Each musician can thus set balance of the two monitor mix by adjusting the AUX and INPUT knobs of the PH-50. * The PH-50 can also be rack mounted by utilizing the separately sold rack mount adaptor. The ROLAND CO., Model RAD-50 adaptor is recommended.

Recording Studio

During multitrack recording, a system can be made for sending the monitor signal from the MIXER to the musician's headphones and at the same time, send them talkback individually from the MIXER.

CUE OUT

Block Diagram
INPUT L PHONES 1 +4dBu/-10dB BALANCE IN R ST/MONO OUTPUT LEVEL 2 PEAK OUTPUT LEVEL 1

PHONES 2 OUTPUT LEVEL 3

L UNBAL IN R AUX IN L/MONO R CHANNEL IN 5 OUTPUT LEVEL 5 OUTPUT LEVEL 4

PHONES 3

PHONES 4

PHONES 5

L CASCADE OUT R

Specifications

INPUTS/OUTPUTS
INPUT (Balance) INPUT (Unbalance) AUX INPUT CHANNEL INPUT PHONES OUTPUT Input level: +4dBu/-10dBV (switchable) Input impedance: 10kor more Input levela-10dBV Input impedance: 10k or more Input level: -10dBV Input impedance: 10k or more Input level: -10dBV Input impedance: 10k or more Maximum Output level: 500mW Load impedance: 8~50 Frequency response: 30Hz ~ 20kHz 1dB CASCADE OUTPUT Output level: -10dBV Frequency response: 30Hz ~ 20kHz1dB

GENERAL

Dimensions Weight Power supply Power consumption 210 (W) x 200 (D) x 43 (H) mm Approx. 1.9 kg 120VAC 60Hz 230V ~ 50/60Hz Approx. 8W
* Specifications and appearance are subject to change without notice for product improvement.

Declaration of EC Directive
This equipment is compatible with the EMC Directive (89/336/EEC) - Directive on approximation of member nation's ordinance concerning the electromagnetic compatibility and with the Low Voltage Directive (73/23/EEC) - Directive on approximation of member nation's ordinance concerning electric equipment designed to be used within the specified voltage range.
The Affect of Immunity on This Equipment
The affect of the European specification EN50082-1 (coexistence of electromagnetic waves - common immunity specification) on this equipment are as shown below. * In the electrical fast transient / burst requirements, radiated electromagnetic field requirements and static electricity discharging environment, this could be affected by generation of noise and distortion in some cases.
FOSTEX DISTRIBUTORS LIST IN EUROPE

<AUSTRIA>

NAME: ATEC Audio-u. Videogeraete VertriebsgesmbH. ADD: Im Winkel 5, A-2325 Velm, Austria TEL: (+43) 2234-74004, FAX: (+43) 2234-74074
* Including non - EU countries. * underlined: contracted distributors (as of November, 1997)

<ITALY>

NAME: Recoton Italia SrL. ADD:V. 1 Maggio, N 18, 40050 Quarto Inferiore, (BO) Italy TEL: (+39) 51-768576, FAX: (+39) 51-768336

<BELGIUM>

NAME: EML N. V. ADD: Bijvennestraat 1A, B3500 Hasselt, Belgium TEL: (+32) 11-232355, FAX: (+32) 11-232172

<THE NETHERLANDS>

NAME: IEMKE ROOS AUDIO B. V. ADD: Kuiperbergweg 20, 1101 AG Amsterdam, The Netherlands TEL: (+31) 20-697-2121 FAX: (+31) 20-697-4201

<DENMARK>

NAME: SC Sound ApS ADD: Malervej 2, DK-2630 Taastrup, Denmark TEL: (+45) 4399-8877, FAX: (+45) 4399-8077

<NORWAY>

NAME: Siv. Ing. Benum A/S ADD: P. O. Box 145 Vinderen, 0319 Oslo 3, Norway TEL: (+47) 22-139900, FAX: (+47) 22-148259

<FINLAND>

NAME: Noretron Audio ADD: Tonttumuorinkuja 4, FIN-02200 Espoo, Finland TEL: (+358) 0-5259330, FAX: (+358) 0-52593352

<PORTUGAL>

NAME: Caius - Tecnologias Audio e Musica, Lda. ADD: Rua de Santa Catarina, Porto, Portugal TEL: (+351) 2-2084456/325400 FAX: (+351) 2-314760

<FRANCE>

NAME: Musikengro ADD: ZAC de Folliouses, B. P. 609, 01706 Les Echets, France TEL: (+33) 27 00, FAX: (+33) 27 01

<SPAIN>

NAME: Multitracker, S. A. ADD: C/Garcilaso No.9, Madrid 28010, Spain TEL: (+34) 1-4470700, 1-4470898 FAX: (+34) 1-5930716

<GERMANY> NAME: Studiosound & Music GmbH
ADD: Scheppe Gewissegasse 8, D-35039 Marburg, Germany TEL: (+49) 6421-12071, FAX: (+49) 6421-15522

<SWEDEN>

NAME: TTS Tal & Ton Studioteknik AB ADD: Gelbgjutarevagen 4, S-Solna, Sweden TEL: (+46) 8-7340750, FAX: (+46) 8-824476

<GREECE>

NAME: Bon Studio S. A. ADD: 6 Zaimi Street, Exarchia, 106.83 Athens, Greece TEL: (+30) 1-3809605-8, 3302059 FAX: (+30) 1-3845755

<SWITZERLAND>

NAME: Audio Bauer Pro AG ADD: Bernerstrasse-Nord 182, CH-8064 Zurich, Switzerland TEL: (+41) 1-4323230, FAX: (+41) 1-4326558

<ICELAND>

NAME: I. D. elrf. electronic Ltd. ADD: Armula Reykjavik, Iceland TEL: (+354) 588 5010, FAX: (+354) 588 5011

<UK>

NAME: SCV London ADD: 3A 6-24 Southgate Road, London N1 3JJ, England, UK TEL: (+44) 171-923-1892, FAX: (+44) 171-241-3644

FOSTEX CORPORATION

3-2-35 Musashino, Akishima-shi, Tokyo, Japan 196-0021
FOSTEX CORPORATION OF AMERICA
15431, Blackburn Ave., Norwalk, CA 90650, U. S. A.
C PRINTED IN JAPAN AUG. FX

T20RPmkII

T40RPmkII

technology

Stage & Studio Headphones

RP Series

PROFESSIONAL

Main features

s Patented RP Technology s Newly developed RP Diaphragm with copper foil etched polyimide film and neodynium magnet construction for accurate and natural acoustic sound reproduction s Single entry locking 3 metre copper construction cord s Padded ear cushions for maximum sound isolation and deep bass reproduction s Wide, self-adjusting headband for superb comfort and extended wearing periods s Compatible with all analog and digital formats
RUGGED CONSTRUCTION To minimize unwanted resonances and to increase rigidity, the drive unit is securely adhered to the housing by using a joint pole which has anti-vibration material bonded on its contact surfaces. High sound pressure levels are handled with ease.
s Frequency Response: 20Hz - 30kHz s Semi-open type construction offers rich low frequency sound whilst maintaining all the nuances of vocal performance s Excellent transient characteristics s Ideal for professional use in commercial recording studios
s Frequency Response: 15Hz - 30kHz s Enclosed type for excellent sound reproduction. Also prevents feedback into the mic at recording sessions s Ideal for professional use in noisy environments, the first choice for DJ work and broadcast sound engineers
s Frequency Response: 15Hz - 35kHz s Damped semi-open type for extended low-frequency and clear mid / high frequency reproduction s Superb quality and perfect for commercial recording use and critical listening applications
ULTRA COMFORTABLE EVEN FOR LONG PERIODS When youre on one of those roundthe-clock sessions, the last thing you need is ill-fitting, clunky headphones. Rest assured, that the wide selfadjusting headband and padded leatherette ear cushions make the RP Series some of the most comfortable headphones around.

Professional Headph

The new Fostex T20RPmkII and T40RPmkII now join the acclaimed T50RP in offering the true and accurate headphone monitoring crucial for recording studios, post houses, remote broadcast facilities, project studios and DJ. Here is a range of headphones which have been designed from the outset to offer the widest frequency range, to minimise listening fatigue and to allow you to accurately pinpoint and analyse all aspects of your creative output. Headphones which faithfully reproduce all aspects of the program material, free from any sonic coloration and distortion. And headphones which combine supreme clarity and audio performance in a comfortable, sophisticated design.

CLEAR, TRANSPARENT SOUND

All RP Series headphones deliver this uncolored reproduction and natural clear sound right across the full frequency range with full bass and sparkling highs. But its the sonic quality at high sound pressure levels which really sets these headphones apart. Whereas lesser headphones struggle at high sound pressure levels, the RP Series have no such problems. The bass is always powerful and distortion-free even at high levels. - Essential when headphone monitoring in noisy environments recording, DJ such work, as ENG in and
UNIQUE RP TECHNOLOGY RP stands for Regulated Phase, a transducer technology which has earned Fostex over 20 international patents. It has been applied to headphones, microphones and loudspeakers used in professional and commercial recording sound installations the world over.

RP Diaphram Technology

All RP Series headphones utilize a newly designed development called an RP Diaphragm. This unique Fostex technology employs a copper foil etched polyimide film to provide resistance to high level input peaks of up to 3000mW combined with a neodynium magnet for high sensitivity and excellent transient handling. This combination lifts quality of the audio reproduction above that of lesser headphones based on old technologies. In short, the Fostex RP Series offer perhaps the most natural and uncolored sound yet heard from studio headphones.
MAGNETIC CIRCUIT The design of the magnet and its neodymium construction means that the RP Series realizes three-times more flux density than usual. In addition flux vectors are efficiently distributed inside the circuit with minimal leakage. Its these technological advancements and attention to detail which sets the RP Series apart. By utilizing a Zigzag coil pattern less peaks are present in the mid to high frequencies. Zigzag coil pattern Straight line coil pattern STRAIGHT LINE PATTERN The Doppler Vibration Laser Analysis diagram clearly shows that a straight line coil pattern exhibits unwanted peaks and troughs. ZIGZAG PATTERN A zigzag coil pattern meanwhile results in much smoother results. Magnified pattern RP DIAPHRAGM - ZIGZAG PATTERN By making the pattern of the coil a zigzag pattern, the stiffness of vertical and horizontal directions is well balanced reducing unwanted peaks in high frequencies and resulting in a very natural sound. By using copper foil rather than conventional aluminium foil and by using a base film constructed of polyimide instead of conventional polyester, the RP Series superbly handles high sound pressure levels with minimum distortion.

applications where you need to concentrate totally on your the program material. The Design of the leatherette padded ear cushions enhance the excellent sound isolation and superb deep bass reproduction This technology has been enhanced still further in a new RP Diaphragm (now standard across the range), which uses copper foil etched polyimide film to provide excellent resistance to high level input peaks of up to 3000mW, ensuring an accurate sound regardless of the volume. Fostexs eye for design and realworld usability can also be seen in the lockable, single entry jack which minimizes cord tangles and offers excellent serviceability.

THE LAST WORD

Whether youre monitoring analog or digital audio sources, work in a professional or project studio, mixing live, or need a great pair of cans for DJ work, you require headphones which offer solid bass, clear mids and sparkling highs. And faithfully reproduce all aspects of the program material, free from any sonic coloration and distortion. A pair of Fostex RP Series headphones will deliver all this. And then some.
LOCKABLE JACK All RP Series headphones feature single entry side jack with the plug point featuring a locking mechanism for secure operation. A single cord minimizes cord tangles and offers exceptional ease of service. The supplied quality 3 metre cable (copper construction) assures optimum audio quality.
UNIQUE FOSTEX RP TECHNOLOGY
Key to the transparent sound reproduction is Fostexs Regulated Phase Technology, a proprietory transducer and diaphragm design that has earned Fostex more than twenty international patents and has been successfully applied to microphones, headphones and loudspeakers used and relied upon in professional and commercial sound installations worldwide.

COMFORT AND DURABILITY

Manufactured to the most exacting standards with durable, tough and rugged materials and components, RP Series headphones are not only built to last. Theyre also built for comfort. Those padded ear cushions and wide, self adjusting headbands ensure maximum comfort and fit during extended wearing periods.

Specifications

Type Semi-open RP dynamic Frequency Response 15 Hz - 35 kHz Sensitivity 98 dB/mW Max Input 3000 mW Impedance 50 ohm Weight 330g (excluding cable)
Type Semi-open RP dynamic Frequency Response 20 Hz - 30 kHz Sensitivity 97 dB/mW Max Input 2000 mW Impedance 50 ohm Weight 330g (excluding cable) At a glance. s Semi open style - smooth vocal reproduction along with punchy low and well balanced mid/high frequencies s Lockable 3m headphone cord supplied s Head pad supplied for extra comfort
Type Enclosed RP dynamic Frequency Response 15 Hz - 30 kHz Sensitivity 96 dB/mW Max Input 2000 mW Impedance 50 ohm Weight 330g (excluding cable) At a glance. s Enclosed style for maximum feedback prevention and clear transparent reproduction off all audio frequencies. s Lockable 3m headphone cord supplied s Ultra comfortable with Head pad supplied

At a glance. s Damped semi open style. RP technology results in an extended low-frequency range plus crystalclear mid and high frequency reproduction s Lockable 3m headphone cord supplied s Ultra comfortable with Head pad supplied

Also available.

T -SERIES

Dynamic Headphones

Manufactured from ultra-light materials (these comfortable sets weigh in at under 230g) and featuring new diaphragms to maximize audio performance, these stereo headphones offer superb all-round capability. Ideal for less demanding applications.
T specs -5 s Impedance 44 ohm s Sensitivity 96dB/mW s Max input level 100mW s Weight 220g T 7 specs s Impedance 70 ohm s Sensitivity 98dB/mW s Max input level 100mW s Weight 230g

PH- 00 & PH-50 1

Headphone Distribution Amplifiers
The PH-100 (10-way) and PH-50 (5-way) are remarkably quiet headphone distribution amplifiers. +4dBu or -10dBV switchable balanced inputs are offered plus an addition unbalanced Aux In with separate level control for handy cue feed from main mixer. Each output (available both front and rear) has its own amplifier as well as its own level control and multiple PH-100 / PH-50s can also be cascaded to handle a large number of listeners.
Distributor / Authorised Dealer

www.fostex.co.jp

Fostex Corporation, 3-2-35 Musashino, Akishima, Tokyo, Japan 196-0021 Tel: +81 (0)42-546-4974 Fax: +81 (0)42-546-9222
In accordance with our policy of continuous development, we reserve the right to change specifications without notice. E&OE.