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

PROFESSIONAL

Main features
s Ideal for studio, orchestral, education, multimedia, conference and exhibition applications s 10 headphone outs each with its own amplifier s Each input routes to its direct output, plus Aux 1 source (cue feed) s Multiple inputs: XLR, phone, RCA pin jacks s +4dBu or -10dBV switchable for balanced inputs s Individual level controls with peak reading LED s Stereo or mono input select s Cascade inputs & outputs for daisy chaining units s Aux In with level control for cue feed from main mixer

PH- 00 1

10-way Headphone Distributor
The new PH-100 is a remarkably quiet, 1U rackmount headphone distribution amplifier. Each output has its own amplifier as well as its own level control - so different individual listening requirements can be met with ease. Multiple PH-100s can also be cascaded to handle a large number of listeners making it ideal for orchestral, multimedia, education and trade show applications. The PH-100 is especially handy in the studio environment because an output from the mixer can send a talkback signal to the Aux input (complete with level control) of the PH-100 and be distributed to all headphone outputs. This great cue system makes for more effective communication between engineer/producer and musicians. Flexibility is further enhanced with all ten outputs being available both on the front and rear panels.
FRONT PANEL 1. Stereo headphone jack output with individual level control x 10 2. Main input level with stereo / mono switch and clip LED 3. Aux in level REAR PANEL 4. Stereo headphone jack output x10 5. Cascade out -10dBV 6. Channel input -10dBV x 10 7. Aux input L/R -10dBV 8. Unbalanced input L/R -10dBV 9. Balanced L/R input on XLR +4dBu or 6mm jack -10dBV
INPUT INPUT L, R (balanced) Connector Input Level Input Impedance INPUT L/MONO, R (unbalanced) Connector Input Level Input Impedance AUX IN L/MONO, R (unbalanced) Connector Input Level Input Impedance CHANNEL IN 1-10 (unbalanced) Connector Input Level Input Impedance

PH-100

XLR-3-31 x 2, phone x 2 +4dBU (XLR-3-31), -10dBV (phone) more than 10k ohm
RCA pin x 2 -10dBV more than 10k ohm
OUTPUT PHONES OUT 1-10 Connector Maximum Output Level Impedance Frequency Response Residual Noise THD CASCADE OUT L,R Connector Output Level Frequency Response S/N THD
FLEXIBLE OPERATION All stereo headphone outputs are available on the front and rear panels with individual rotary level controls. In operation, priority is given to the front outputs. CASCADE FUNCTION Multiple PH-100s can be cascaded together to accommodate larger listening groups. Ideal for classroom, orchestral, exhibition, conference and multimedia use.
Phone x 20 (10 each on front/rear priority on front outputs) 500mW ohm 30Hz 20kHz +/-1dB less than -65dBV less than 0.3%
RCA pin x 2 -10dBV 30Hz 20kHz +/-1dB less than -80dBV less than 0.1%

10 Outputs

PHYSICAL Dimensions Weight Power Power Consumption
484 (W) x 49 (H) x 267 (D) approx. 4kgs. 120V / 230V 18W
s Ideal for studio, orchestral, education, multimedia, conference and exhibition applications s 5 headphone outs - each with its own amplifier s Each input routes to its direct output, plus Aux 1 source (cue feed) s Multiple inputs: XLR, phone, RCA pin jacks s +4dBu or -10dBV switchable for balanced inputs s Individual level controls with peak reading LED s Stereo or mono input select s Cascade inputs & outputs for daisy chaining units s Aux In with level control for cue feed from main mixer
Like its big brother, the compact PH-50 is a supremely quiet headphone distribution amplifier with each output having its own amplifier as well as its own level control. The PH-50 is ideal in the studio as a mixer output can send a talkback signal to the Aux input (with level control) which can then be distributed to all headphone outputs. Multiple PH-50s can also be cascaded to handle a large number of listeners making it ideal for orchestral, multimedia, education and trade show applications. Flexibility is further enhanced with all five outputs being available both on the front and rear panels.

5 Outputs

5-way Headphone Distributor
INPUT INPUT L, R (balanced) Connector Input Level Input Impedance INPUT L/MONO, R (unbalanced) Connector Input Level Input Impedance AUX In L/MONO, R (unbalanced) Connector Input Level Input Impedance CHANNEL IN 1-5 (unbalanced) Connector Input Level Input Impedance
OUTPUT PHONES OUT 1-5 Connector Maximum Output Level Impedance Frequency Response Residual Noise THD CASCADE OUT L,R Connector Output Level Frequency Response S/N THD
Phone x 5 500mW ohm 30Hz 20kHz +/-1dB less than -65dBV less than 0.3%
FRONT PANEL 1. Stereo headphone jack output with individual level control x 5 2. Aux in level 3. Main input level with stereo / mono switch and clip LED REAR PANEL 4. Channel input -10dBV x 5 5. Cascade out -10dBV 6. Unbalanced input L/R -10dBV 7. Aux input L/R -10dBV 8. Balanced L/R input on XLR +4dBu or 6mm jack -10dBV
210 (W) x 43 (H) x 200 (D) approx. 1.9kgs. 120V / 230V 18W
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.