Manual Creon High Performance USB Audio Interface & Monitor Controller
Content Content 2 Connections 12 Version 1.
Content Control Elements 26 Declaration of CE Conformity 46 Mic Gain 27 Notes on Environmental Protection 46 48 V 28 Contact 47 High-Pass Filter 29 Instr Gain 30 LED Indicators 31 Special note regarding the OVL LED: 32 Status LEDs 32 Analog Inputs 33 DAW Returns 33 Sources 34 Speaker DIM 34 Monitor Mix 35 Phones 36 Volume 37 Calibration of the Monitoring System 38 Symbols 40 Security Advices Creon 41 3
Version 1.1 – 11 / 2015 Developer: Jens Gronwald This manual contains a description of the product SPL Creon, Model 1410. In no way it represents a guarantee of particular characteristics or results of use. The information in this document has been carefully compiled and verified and, unless otherwise stated or agreed upon, correctly describes the product.
Scope of Delivery Scope of Delivery Creon (Black: Model 1410, White: Model 1412) 12 V power supply USB cabel Product Overview Measurement & Weight Height x Width x Depth in mm: 67 x260 x 175 (2.64x10.2x6.9 inch) Weight: 2,7 kg (without external power supply) Please keep the original packaging. In case of a service procedure the original packaging ensures a safe transport. It also serves as a safe packaging for your own transports if you do not use special transportation cases.
Introduction Welcome and thank you for purchasing the Creon. It combines a high-performance USB audio interface with high-quality preamps and a separate, fully-featured analog monitor controller. You can play and play back, record and convert, control and listen with one single device. So all you essentially need for a truly professional recording setup is the Creon and a DAW. With and without DAW Creon is designed to operate with your Digital Audio Workstation.
USB Interface Hardware USB 2-Audio-System High-performance, 32 bit microcontroller 24 bit audio processing 2 input and 2 output channels Sample rates (kHz): 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4 or 192 Fixed master clock for lowest jitter True 1:1 audio, no sample rate conversion or clock recovery Software Windows XP/7/8/10 (32 & 64 Bit), Mac OS X 10.6 or higher, iOS 6 or higher Info: Download the latest drivers and firmware from www.creon.spl.info.
AD/DA Conversion AD Conversion Dynamic Range THD+N ratio at 1 kHz (-1 dBFS): 44.1 / 48 kHz: 128 dB 44.1 / 48 kHz: 0,002% 88.2 / 96 kHz: 123 dB 88.2 / 96 kHz: 0,0025% SNR: 0 dBFS = +15 dBu 44.1 / 48 kHz: -113 dB 88.2 / 96 kHz: -110 dB Sample Rates (kHz): 44.1, 48 , 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 DA Conversion Dynamic Range 44.1 / 48 kHz: 124 dB 88.2 / 96 kHz: 122 dB SNR: 44.1 / 48 kHz: -109 dB 88.
Hook Up Placement Place the unit on a leveled and stable surface or mount it in a dedicated rack frame. The unit’s enclosure is EMC-safe and effectively shielded against HF interference. Nonetheless, you should carefully consider where you place the unit to avoid electrical disturbances. It should be positioned so that you can easily reach it, read the meters and status LED‘s well, but there are other considerations as well.
Front Panel: Wiring Diagram Instrument Headphones Content Creon 10
Rear Panel: Wiring Diagram Balanced Source Power Supply DAW e.g. CD-Player analog Speaker Set Microphone e.g.
Connections USB Connect here your computer. Alternatively you can connect an iPad or iPhone with the original Apple camera adapter. The USB port complies with the Hi-Speed USB 2.0 specification with a data transfer rate of 480 MBit/s, and is Apple Class 2 compliant as well. USB 3 is backward compatible with USB 2, which means that the Creon can also be connected to any USB 3 port. The Hi-Speed USB 2 specification is enough to provide the Creon with the necessary data throughput.
Connections Power Connection Connect the DC connector of the external power supply to the rear DC IN socket of the Creon. Plug the power supply to a wall power socket. The PSU comes with an appropriate mains adapter for the country where the Creon is bought. You can find detailed information in the separate sheet along with the safety instructions.
Connections Signal Connections Remove the DC plug from the Creon and make sure all connected gear is switched off before tinkering with the cables. We recommend to connect the Creon and all other audio devices in the same network to a high-quality and appropriately rated multi-outlet power strip from where you can cut-off and restore the power supply.
Connections Speaker Outputs (Speaker | Main Out) You can connect one set of active stereo speakers or a power amplifier to Creon. Specifications: XLR balanced (Pin 1=Ground, Pin 2=cold, Pin 3=hot) Output impedance 75 Ohm unbalanced, 150 Ohm balanced Maximum output level +22.5 dBu.
Connections Sources 1 and 2 You have two stereo source inputs with different connectors at your disposal: Source input 1 via two mono jacks (balanced), Source input 2 via two RCA connectors. IMPORTANT: The source inputs are conventional playback channels. Their signal cannot be recorded with a DAW. This means you can connect two audio devices as playback sources, be it a CD or MP3 player, a tape machine or even a smartphone.
Connections Source 1: Jack Connect here signal sources with balanced connections, for example, a DA converter. If you only connect the left channel, the signal is automatically placed as mono in the monitoring path (in the center of the stereo image). Specifications: 1/4“ jack, balanced (Sleeve=Ground, Tip=hot, Ring=cold Input impedance: 10kOhm unbalanced, 20kOhm balanced Maximum input level +22.5 dBu.
Connections Source 2: RCA RCA connectors are ideal for any type of consumer devices with unbalanced connections, for example CD/DVD/BluRay player, AV receiver, Sat receiver, cable receiver, etc. Input level is boosted to pro level (0 dBu) by default. Specifications: RCA connector Input impedance: 10kOhm Maximum input level +22.
Connections Input Selection: Microphone-, Instrument- und Line Inputs IMPORTANT: Taking into account both microphone inputs, the instrument and four line inputs, you have five analog inputs at your disposal. Two of the five inputs can be used simultaneously for recording purposes. To record microphone signals, Line 1 and/ or Line 2, Instrument ought to be free. If you cannot hear a microphone signal, check whether Line 1, Line 2 or Instrument input are free or not.
Connections XLR Sockets Mic Inputs You can connect dynamic, condenser, tube, and ribbon microphones to the mic inputs. Use the Phantom switch to provide phantom power to the microphones that require it. For more information, read the „48 V“ section on page 28. Specifications: XLR connectors Input impedance 10 kOhm Maximum input level +14.5 dBu (Gain knob hard left). Frequency Response: 10 Hz - ›200 kHz The image below shows the XLR connectors pinout. They are balanced and have three conductors or wires.
Connections Line Inputs You can connect and record two line signals. Besides keyboards and synths you can connect here other external sources like preamps or channel strips. Both balanced line inputs are routed 1:1 to the converter and monitoring section. Level adjustment is not possible. Specifications: Ring 1/4“ stereo jacks, unbalanced Input impedance 10 kOhm, balanced input impedance 20kOhm Maximum input level +22.
Connections Instrument Input The Instrument input is on the front panel so it can be reached directly. It supports high levels to allow the connection of active or passive instruments, and it has a corresponding high impedance. Active instruments already feature a preamp circuit, passive do not (only pickups). Connection examples: electric guitars and basses, acoustic guitars with pickups, etc. IMPORTANT: Low impedance line signals (D/A converter, sampler, synthesizer, etc.
Connections Phones IMPORTANT: Use the Phones jack on the front panel to connect your headphones. You can connect all types of headphones with impedances from 20 to 600 Ohm. This wide range entails big volume differences between low- and high-impedance headphones. In order to keep under control low impedance headphones, we set a comparatively high impedance of 33 Ohms at the output. When connecting them, make sure that the plug is completely in and that is firmly attached. Specifications: Power max.
Connections Important Recommendations Always reduce the volume before you connect or disconnect your headphones or headphone preamp, for example to change headphones. This way you will avoid loud crackling noises reaching your ears. Plus, it will also spare you unexpected surprises whenever the new headphones you connect have a lower impedance or a higher efficiency, which will make them sound louder when connected to the Creon and keeping the same volume setting.
Connections Unbalanced Connections XLR/Stereo Jack to Mono Plug/RCA Unbalanced connections are also possible without the need of an adapter. It is important to verify the polarity of the three balanced wires. The image shows the pinout of the XLR connectors, as well as the correct polarity for connections with unbalanced cables, whereby Pin 1 and 3 ought to be connected (for the stereo plug: ring and ground).
Control Elements Content Creon 26
Control Elements Mic Gain The Creon features two identical microphone preamps. The preamps are discrete, which means they use single transistors instead of ICs. This allows the preamp to be perfectly optimized for its task — such efforts are usually taken only in the production of high-end preamps. Use the Mic Gain control to adjust the microphone preamp level. The adjustable volume range spans from +3 to +60dB.
Control Elements 48 V Use the 48V switch above the Mic Gain knob to activate the 48 Volt phantom power to supply condenser microphones with an integrated preamp. To work correctly such microphones require a clean, noiseless voltage, which the Creon can provide. IMPORTANT: First connect the microphone to the Creon and then engage the phantom power. Now you can start to work. Once you are done, disengage the phantom power first.
Control Elements High-Pass Filter The high-pass filter passes high-frequency signals but filters out impact noise, rumble and other unwanted noises below 75 Hz. This first order filter has a 6dB/octave slope, which means it is soft and goes unnoticed acoustically speaking. Besides impact noise, other unwanted noises include the ones produced when handling the microphone.
Control Elements Instr Gain The Creon also includes an instrument preamp. Use the Instr Gain control to adjust the instrument preamp level in steps. The adjustable volume range spans from -6 to +31dB. The possibility to reduce the level -6dB allows for the direct connection of electric bass guitars. To achieve the best recording level, the -6dB LED should flash from time to time: you have enough headroom left.
Control Elements LED Indicators The central LED display panel provides information about the operating status and also helps you adjust better microphone and instrument signals. Level Adjustment with two LED sets Two traffic-light-like LED sets indicate the level of the four recording channels. Every set of LEDs is numbered: set 1 correspond to mic preamp 1 and set 2 correspond to mic preamp 2 and the instrument preamp.
Control Elements Special note regarding the OVL LED: this LED is directly connected to the converter and thus indicates the overloading of the converter. Make sure it never lights during a recording, otherwise you risk ending up with a useless take due to the presence of audible distortion. As a safety measure, the OVL LED remains lit for around a second. Status LEDs The PWR LED indicates the power supply of the unit.
Control Elements Analog Inputs The Creon allows the simultaneous recording of two analog inputs. Switch 1|2 engaged: you hear Mic or Line inputs 1 and 2. When recording a mono vocal track it makes sense to hear it in the center of the stereo image, so you should engage the Mono switch as well. DAW Returns The Creon has two DA converters that allow you to monitor a stereo signal (two channels) from the DAW. Switch 1|2 engaged: you hear the Mix from DAW outputs 1/2.
Control Elements Sources As a true monitor controller, you can also use the Creon as a preamp for two stereo sources. Use the two switches under Sources to manage the two source inputs, which are named after their connector format. For more information on the connectors refer to „Sources 1 and 2“ on page 16.
Control Elements Monitor Mix With the Monitor Mix control you create a monitor mix fast and easily. No need to fi ddle with gain controls or faders, just blend between the Inputs (mic, line, instrument) and the DAW/Sources. The analog monitoring of all analog inputs and sources is absolutely latency-free, it is as real-time as it gets. In the center position (1:1), the volume of the analog inputs (mic, line, instrument) and DAW returns and sources is balanced.
Control Elements Phones The Creon features a powerful headphone amplifier. Use the Phones volume control to adjust the level of the headphones signal. Headphones volume adjustment is also independent from that of the loudspeakers. The outputs and gain are designed for headphones with impedances from 20-600 Ohms. For more details regarding the connection of headphones, refer to „Headphone Outputs“ on page 23.
Control Elements Volume Use the Volume potentiometer to adjust the volume of both channels of the Speaker | Main Out outputs on the rear panel. The high-grade potentiometer regulates the audio signal directly to avoid any coloration/distortion typical of VCAs and DCAs, which require higher inter-channel tolerances and have a tendency towards higher distortion figures. The Volume control uses a relative dB scale referenced to the input level.
Calibration of the Monitoring System Calibration of the Monitoring System (Part 1) The input signal level of the Creon and the input sensitivity of the power amps or active speakers should be matched to ensure a proper overall gain. An inappropriate matching results, for example, in an extremely high monitoring level with a fairly low volume setting (at 9 o‘clock). Likewise, settings above two o‘clock should sound really loud, otherwise it is indicative of a matching problem.
Calibration of the Monitoring System Calibration of the Monitoring System (Part 2) Adjust the volume control until the SPL meter reaches 83dB with pink noise. Ideally, 83dB SPL should be reached when the volume control is near the 12 o‘clock mark. Write down the exact value for 83dB SPL at the listening position. If it only reaches 83dB SPL above two o‘clock, increase the power amps‘ or active loudspeakers‘ input sensitivity (higher dB value).
Symbols Exclamation mark within a triangle An exclamation mark within a triangle is intended to make you aware of important operational advice and/or warnings that must be followed. Be especially attentive to these and always follow the advice they give. Lightning symbol within a triangle In this Manual a lightning symbol within a triangle warns you about the potential for dangerous electrical shocks – wich can also occur even after the device has been disconnected from a power source.
Security Advices Connections Only use the connections as described. Other connections can lead to health risks and damage the equipment. Water and humidity Do not use this device anywhere near water (for example in a bathroom, a damp cellar, near swimming pools, or similar environments). Otherwise your are dealing with an extremely high risk of fatal electrical shocks! Insertion of objects or fluids Be careful to not insert any object into any of the chassis openings.
Security Advices Air ventilation Chassis openings offer ventilation and serve to protect the device from overheating. Never cover or otherwise close off these openings. Never place the device on a soft surface (carpet, sofa, etc.).. Electrical power Operate the device only from power sources that can provide proper power. When in doubt about a source, contact your dealer or a professional electrician. To be certain you have isolated the device, disconnect all power and signal connections.
Security Advices Power connection overloads Avoid any kind of overload in connections to wall sockets, extension or splitter power cords, or signal inputs. Always keep manufacturer warnings and instructions in mind. Overloads create fire hazards and risk of dangerous shocks!. Lightning Before thunderstorms or other severe weather, disconnect the device from wall power; do not do this during a storm in order to avoid life threatening lightning strikes.
Security Advices Controls and switches Operate the controls and switches only as described in the manual. Incorrect adjustments outside safe parameters can lead to damage and unnecessary repair costs. Never use the switches or level controls to effect excessive or extreme changes.
Security Advices Replacement/substitute parts Be sure that any service technician uses original replacement parts or those with identical specifications as the originals. Incorrectly substituted parts can lead to fire, electrical shock or other dangers, including further equipment damage. Safety inspection Be sure always to ask a service technician to conduct a thorough safety check and ensure that the state of the repaired device is in all respects up to factory standards.
Creon Declaration of CE Conformity The construction of this unit is in compliance with the standards and regulations of the European Community. Notes on Environmental Protection At the end of its operating life, this product must not be disposed of with regular household waste but must be returned to a collection point for the recycling of electrical and electronic equipment. The wheelie bin symbol on the product, user‘s manual and packaging indicates that.
Creon Contact SPL electronics GmbH Sohlweg 80 41372 Niederkrüchten Fon (0 21 63) 98 34 0 Fax (0 21 63) 98 34 20 E-Mail: info@spl.info Or follow us on our Blog, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube: Website & Blog: spl.info Videos: youtube.spl.info Twitter: twitter.spl.info Facebook: facebook.spl.
