PreSonus AudioBox USB - Manual (Page 8)

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PreSonus AudioBox ™ USB
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2 Hookup
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2.1 Front-Panel Connections
2.0 Hookup
2.1 Front-Panel Connections
Microphone/Instrument Inputs. Both channels of the AudioBox USB have Mic/
Instrument combo jacks. This convenient connector accepts either a ¼-inch phone
plug or an XLR plug.
• Microphone Inputs. The XLR inputs on channels 1 and 2 are equipped with two
custom PreSonus microphone preamplifiers. These preamps work great with all
types of microphones including dynamic, ribbon, and condenser microphones.
Power User Tip: Dynamic microphones and ribbon microphones (which are a special type of
dynamic mic) are generally lower-output devices that, with few exceptions, require no external
power source. Sending phantom power to a ribbon mic that doesn’t require it can cause severe
damage to the mic – usually beyond repair. Condenser microphones are generally more sensitive
than dynamic and ribbon microphones and typically require external +48V phantom power. Always
review your microphone’s documentation and follow its recommended operating practices.
• Instrument Inputs. The ¼-inch TS connectors on channels 1 and 2
are for use with instruments (guitar, bass, etc.). When an instrument
is plugged into the instrument input, the mic preamp is bypassed,
and the AudioBox USB becomes an instrument preamplifier.
Power User Tip: Active instruments are those that have an internal preamp or a line-level output.
Active instruments should be plugged into a line input rather than into an instrument input.
Plugging a line-level source into the instrument inputs on the front of the AudioBox USB not only
risks damage to these inputs but also results in a very loud and often distorted audio signal.
Please note: As with any audio input device, plugging in a microphone or an instrument, or
turning phantom power on or off, will create a momentary spike in the audio output of your
AudioBox USB. Because of this, we highly recommend that you turn down the channel trim before
changing connections or turning phantom power on or off. This simple step will add years to life of
your audio equipment.
48-volt Phantom Power. The AudioBox USB provides 48V phantom power for the
microphone input on each channel. Press the 48V button to enable phantom power
for all microphone inputs.
WARNING: Phantom power is only required for condenser micro phones and
can severely damage some dynamic mics, especially ribbon mics. Therefore,
switch phantom power off for all channels where it is not required.
XLR connector wiring for phantom power:
Pin 1 = GND
Pin 2 = +48V
Pin 3 = +48V