Torrance, California 90505 USA

23775 Madison Street

DISTRIBUTED BY PMI AUDIO GROUP
STUDIO PROJECTS
Here
Stamp
Place
V T B 1 M I C R O P H O N E P R E A M P L I F I E R
v i s i t o u r w e b s i t e a t s t u d i o p r o j e c t s u s a . c o m
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INSTRUCTION BOOK CONTENTS
What is Studio Projects............................................................................................2
Why do I need a microphone preamplifier.................................................................3
Description, Care .....................................................................................................3
Connecting up..........................................................................................................3
Feature Control Descriptions....................................................................................4
Specifications ..........................................................................................................4
Circuit Topology........................................................................................................5
Problems ……………………………………………….........……………………….…..6
Origins and manufacture..........................................................................................6
Declarations of conformity........................................................................................6
Troubleshooting........................................................................................................6
User Specified Settings.............................................................................................9

WHAT IS STUDIO PROJECTS?

Studio Projects is manufactured and marketed
under the direction of: Studio Projects is a technology company. Armed with the idea that quality products do not have to
be expensive, Studio Projects set out to design and offer quality audio products at a price that is
affordable to most users. As a small sized company with lower expenses than its competitors,
PMI AUDIO GROUP Studio Projects is able to pass extra savings onto the end user, and provide a high level of quality
23775 Madison Street at a very competitive price.
Torrance, CA 90505
When Studio Projects introduced its "C" Series microphones in 2001, both end users, reviewers,
voice (310) 373-9129 and audio professionals acclaimed the quality and sound as nothing short of amazing. With the
facsimile (310) 373-4714 introduction of the new "B" Series microphones in 2002, Studio Projects has pushed the envelope
even further supporting its quality and performance for an affordable price.
toll-free USA (877) 563-6335
Email info@pmiaudio.com Now we are entering the electronic market and offer our first electronic product, the VTB1. This
unique product will offer the best possible quality and feature set in its price class. We hope you will
enjoy your new VTB1 as much as we have enjoyed making it for you.

3
WHY DO I NEED A
MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
A microphone preamplifier takes audio signals from any microphone (XLR Before you connect anything to your new VTB1, be sure to turn down
socket), musical instrument or high level source (1/4 inch jack sockets), and all of the input and output levels. Plug in the supplied power adaptor.
amplifies them up to 'line' level; that is, from a few millivolts, up to about a Be sure to plug the barrel connector into the VTB1 first, and then plug
volt. The phantom power supply (push-button switch) provides power to it into an electrical supply outlet. Using a good quality XLR cable, con-
capacitor microphones. Dynamic or ribbon microphones should be used nect your microphone to the VTB1 XLR input on the back of the VTB1.
with the phantom power turned off, then full advantage can be taken of the Using either the XLR, or the 1/4" output, hook this into your recorder,
extreme low noise performance of this preamplifier. computer card, or whatever you are recording or playing into. Be sure
to turn the 48V phantom power switch to on if you are using a mic that
DESCRIPTION / CARE requires phantom power. Wait at least 60 seconds for the power to
charge your mic before turning up any gains. Set the meter selection
switch to input, and adjust the GAIN control to get a meter reading with-
Your new VTB1 is a sturdy piece of equipment. It should not require much in the 0 to +8 range. Then turn up the output control to feed your
care other than common sense. The VTB1 is built to stand up to the demanding recorder. When changing microphones or powering down, be sure to
use of the professional. If you follow a few simple procedures, it will provide turn down both input and output levels first. Then turn off the 48V
you with years of trouble free service. power and wait 60 seconds. Then it will be safe to turn unplug the unit,
or to change microphones. Use this method of powering up and down
1) Keep the VTB1 in a dry dust free environment each time you use the VTB1. It is best to wait about 30 minutes before
2) Avoid blocking the air vents on the side panels using the VTB1 to let the internal tube heat up to get the best out of the
3) Never use an incorrect power supply other than the correct unit.
voltage and amp rating
CAUTION. When using UNBALANCED MICROPHONES DO NOT
CONNECTING THE VTB1 USE PHANTOM POWER, It could damage the microphone and will
certainly cause noise on the output. An LED light shows on the front
The VTB1 can be used in many applications, from recording to live panel as a warning that the phantom power is turned on.
applications. This section will help you get your new VTB1 connected as
well as explain the connections on the VTB1 to help you get the most from
your new unit.

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FEATURE CONTROL DESCRIPTION VTB1 SPECIFICATIONS
This outline will familiarize you with all of the features and what they do. Maximum Gain:
Mic In to Bal Out: 72dB (60dB preamp gain, 12dB output gain)
Line In to Bal Out: 42dB (30dB preamp gain, 12dB output gain)

Distortion/Noise (THD + Noise):

-20dBu input-Mic; 0dBu input-Line
Both measured at +15dBu output
Mic or Line In to Bal or Line Out: <0.0015% (Blend set full CCW- no tube)
Mic EIN: -128dBu (150 ohm source, 60dB gain)

Frequency Response (20-20kHz, ref 1kHz):

-20dBu input, +15dBu output
Mic In to Bal Out: +0 /-0.25 dB
0dBu input, +15dBu output
Line In to Bal Out: +0 /-0.5 dB

Phase response (20-20kHz, either input): <+/- 15 degrees

Input Impedance:
Mic Input (Rear switch in 200 ohm position): 2000 ohms
Mic Input (Rear switch in 50 ohm position): 300 ohms
Line Input (Front panel TRS jack): 1.5 meg ohms

Output Impedance:
Male-XLR Balanced Output: 100 ohms (50 ohms each leg)
TRS Line Out: 300 ohms (Impedance Balanced)

Insert Jack (TRS):

Nominal level approx 0dBu
Located between SS preamp stage and tube/output stage
Tip=Send: 50 ohms output impedance
Ring=Return: 7500 ohms input impedance

CIRCUIT TOPOLOGY Tube Stage:

12AX7 vacuum tube with DC filament supply for minimum hum and
Mic Preamp:
noise. 1st half of tube is operated as a hi-gain amplifier stage, 2nd half
operates as a cathode follower to minimize loading of the first stage. A
Discreet, current-source fed, paralleled-transistor balanced input stage
low-voltage plate supply is used to create a "starved-tube" condition for
feeding a bipolar opamp balanced-unbalanced converter. Dual feedback
enhanced sound.
design for low distortion performance. 2-Stage design for increased
performance; transistor stage provides up to 45dB gain, 2nd stage contributes
Output Stage:
up to 15dB gain.
Bipolar, lo-noise, hi output-current opamp used for best performance.
Line Input:
1st stage is used to provide additional gain (6dB) and drives the Line
out jack and Pin-2 of the balanced out. The 2nd stage provides signal
FET-input opamp buffer with hi input impedance to avoid pickup loading
inversion and drive for Pin-3 of the balanced output (effectively an addi-
when used as an instrument preamp. 2nd stage provides adjustable gain
tional 6dB gain).
from 10dB to 30dB, constant hi-impedance is maintained.
For best Tube-Sound results:
Hi-pass filter:
The tube operates best when provided with a solid signal. The best
75Hz hi-pass filter for low-freq wind and rumble elimination (3-pole filter
way to accomplish this is to use the on-board metering to set the
@-18dB/oct).
internal levels. Press the Meter Select switch IN, the meter will now
display the signal level within the preamp, just before the tube stage.
Tube Blend:
Adjust the GAIN control to get a meter reading within the 0 to +8 range.
With the OUTPUT control at "0", start turning the BLEND control
Constant-level blend control allows the user to smoothly change from an all
clockwise until the desired sound is heard. Depending on the source
solid-state path to a tube-based preamp. This allows the user to add the
material, more or less BLEND will be needed. If the output level is too
desired amount of tube sound to the signal without having to deal with
high or low for your following equipment, adjust the OUTPUT control to
complicated "tube drive" controls and such. Alternately, it allows the user to
compensate. This won’t change the sound of the blended signal, just
use only the solid-state portion of the preamp to get a very low distortion,
the overall level.
un-colored sound when desired.

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PROBLEMS TROUBLESHOOTING
Studio Projects electronics are extremely resistant to physical damage, but 1) The microphone doesn't work!
if the unit fails to work after being dropped, it should be returned in adequate
packing to the supplier. A double test and inspection system means that Have you got something plugged into the INSTRUMENT input or is the
manufacturing faults are non-existent but should any fault occur, it will be mic/line set incorrectly? (this can disable the microphone input)
repaired (or replaced) free of charge except where the fault has been
caused by physical damage. (SEE WARRANTY INFORMATION) Is the phantom power on? (capacitor microphones).

ORIGINS AND MANUFACTURE If there is indication on the VU LED, is the output volume control turned
down?
Studio Projects Electronics are entirely designed in the USA. They are man-
2) Got signal going through but no output?
ufactured in China by 797 Audio to a specification created by Studio Projects,
Torrance, California. All Studio Projects electronics are inspected and tested
Is there enough signal? Use plenty of drive.
at the factory, then inspected and tested again at PMI Audio Groups facility
prior to shipping. Studio Projects electronics meet the requirements of elec-
Is the output gain control turned up, and do you have a properly
tronic equipment sold both in the USA, Canada, and the European Union. All
working monitor system?
Studio Projects products are CE Approved, and all power supplies are UL
rated.
3) I don’t get any power!

DECLARATION OF CONFORMITY Is the supplied power supply plugged in correctly? Make sure the
barrel connector is pushed all the way into the socket, and be sure you
This analog audio processing equipment conforms to the standards and have available power to the supply.
requirements of the
European Economic Community.
The EC Harmonized standards that have been applied are;
a) Electrical equipment (safety) Regulations 1994 (S.I. 1994/3260)
b) Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive (89/336/EEC) incorporating
(S.I. 1992/2372)

STUDIO PROJECTS LIMITED WARRANTY

rate. No repair or replacement by Purchaser of any Product or part

THIS PRODUCT IS FOR PROFESSIONAL USE ONLY thereof shall extend the warranty period as to the entire Product. The
specific warranty on the repaired part only shall be in effect for a period
PMI Audio Group warrants that all products will be free from defects in of ninety (90) days following the repair or replacement of that part or the
material or workmanship: remaining period of the Product warranty, whichever is greater.

A: For a period of (1) one year from the date of purchase (hereinafter the 2. Exclusive Remedy: Acceptance: Purchaser’s exclusive remedy and
labor warranty period), PMI Audio Group will repair or replace this Product if PMI’s sole obligation is to supply (or pay for) all labor necessary to
determined to be defective. After the expiration of the labor warranty period, repair any product found to be defective within the warranty period
the Purchaser must pay labor charges. and to supply, at no extra charge, new or rebuilt replacements for
defective parts. If repair or replacement fails to remedy the defect, then
and only in such an event, shall PMI exchange to Purchaser a new or
B: In addition, PMI Audio Group will supply, at no charge, replacements for reconditioned unit. Purchaser’s failure to make a claim as provided in
defective parts for a period of (one year) from the date of purchase. During paragraph 1 above or continued use of the product shall constitute an
the labor warranty period, to repair the Product, Purchaser must return the unqualified acceptance of such Product and a waiver by Purchaser of
defective Product, freight prepaid, or deliver it to PMI Audio Group Service all claims thereto.
Center. The product to be repaired is to be returned in either its original
carton or a similar package affording an equal degree of production. PMI 3. Exceptions to Limited warranty: PMI shall have no liability or obligation
Audio Group will return the repaired Product freight prepaid to the to Purchaser with respect to any Product subjected to abuse, improper
Purchaser. PMI Audio Group is not obligated to provide Purchaser with a use, negligence, accident, modification, failure of the end-user to follow
the operating and maintenance procedures outlined in the users manual,
substitute unit during the warranty period or at any time.
attempted repair by non-qualified personnel, operation of the unit
outside of the published environmental and electrical parameters, or
if such products original identification (trademark, serial number) markings
CONDITIONS have been defaced, altered, or removed. PMI excludes from warranty
coverage, Products sold AS IS and/or WITH ALL FAULTS and
1. Notification of claims: Warranty Service: If Purchaser discovers that the excludes used products which have not been sold by PMI to the
Product has proven defective in material or workmanship, then written Purchaser. PMI also excludes from warranty coverage consumables
notice with an explanation of the claim shall be given promptly by such as fuses and batteries, etc.
Purchaser to PMI but all claims for warranty service must be made within
the warranty period. If after investigation PMI determines that the reported 4. Proof of purchase: The dealer’s dated bill of sale must be retained as
problem was not covered by the warranty, Purchaser shall pay PMI for the evidence or the date of purchase and to establish warranty eligibility
cost of investigating the problem at its then prevailing time-and-materials

7
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DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTY
OWNERS REGISTRATION CARD
EXCEPT FOR THE FORGOING WARRANTIES, PMI HEREBY DISCLAIMS AND
T O B E C O M P L E T E D AT T I M E O F P U R C H A S E
EXCLUDES ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR LIMITED, INCLUDING, BUT
NOT LIMITED TO ANY/OR ALL IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF MERCHANT ABILITY,
Name _____________________________________________
FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND/OR ANY WARRANTY WITH
REGARD TO ANY CLAIM OF INFRINGEMENT THAT MAY BE PROVED IN SECTION
2-312(3) OF THE UNIFORM COMMERCIAL CODE AND/OR IN ANY COMPARABLE Date of Purchase ____________________________________
STATE STATUE. PMI HEREBY DISCLAIMS ANY REPRESENTATIONS OR WARRANTY
THAT THE PRODUCT IS COMPATIBLE WITH ANY COMBINATION OF NON-PMI Serial Number ______________________________________
AUDIO PRODUCTS PURCHASER MAY CHOOSE TO CONNECT TO THE PRODUCT.

LIMITATION ON LIABILITY Dealer’s Name ______________________________________

THE LIABILITY OF PMI, IF ANY, AND PURCHASER’S SOLE AND EXCLUSIVE REMEDY
FOR DAMAGES FOR ANY CLAIM OF ANY KIND WHATSOEVER, REGARDLESS OF R E TA I N F O R Y O U R R E C O R D S
THE LEGAL THEORY AND WHETHER ARISING IN TORT OR CONTRACT, SHALL
P L E A S E D I S PAT C H A N D R E T U R N
NOT BE GREATER THAN THE ACTUAL PURCHASE PRICE OF THE PRODUCT WITH
Y O U R R E G I S T R AT I O N
RESPECT TO WHICH SUCH CLAIM IS MADE. IN NO EVENT SHALL PMI BE LIABLE
TO STUDIO PROJECTS
TO PURCHASER FOR ANY SPECIAL, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, OR CONSEQUEN-
W I T H I N 1 4 D AY S O F P U R C H A S E
TIAL DAMAGES OF ANY KIND INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, COMPENSATION,
REIMBURSEMENT OR DAMAGES ON ACCOUNT OF THE LOSS OF PRESENT OR
PROSPECTIVE PROFITS OR ANY OTHER REASON WHATSOEVER.

Specifications and model numbers are subject to change without notice

9
NOTES

PRODUCT REGISTRATION INFORMATION

PLEASE FILL THE BELOW SECTIONS AND RETURN

Name:

Address:

City: State: Zip Code:

Telephone Number: email Address:

Model Purchased: Date Purchased:

Serial Number: Dealer:

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