User guide

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Controls and Indicators continued…
the impedance seen by the source at the input of the
preamp. The microphone input impedance is 4k ohms
in the H (high) position and 1k2 ohms in L (low) position.
The correct position of this switch is purely subjective,
with some microphones (such as ribbon types) being
more susceptible to this change than others.
The instrument input is also affected by this switch with
an input impedance of 1Meg ohms in H position and
20k ohms in L position. The H position will be more
suitable for bass and guitar pickups introducing less
loading on these devices.
[6] INSTRUMENT INPUT A standard ¼” jack socket allows
you to connect pickup and keyboard outputs for
amplification. This socket will accept both balanced
(TRS) and unbalanced signals. Inserting a jack into the
socket automatically selects this input and the
microphone input is disconnected.
[7] +48V This switch will apply +48 volt DC phantom
power to the microphone input when switched to the I
(in) position. Power is removed in the O (out) position.
There can be loud splats generated when using this
switch so use the MUTE switch to prevent these
destroying your monitors (not to mention your ears!)
Please also see note below.
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[8] LED Meter Output level of the Elixir is displayed by this
peak reading meter with indication at -10, 0, +10 and
+20 decibel points. The Elixir module is capable of
delivering a hefty +34dBu of output signal, so even with
the +20dB LED flashing, it still has plenty of headroom.
However, the device following the Elixir (DAW, recorder,
or console) may not have this headroom available and
may be close to clipping at +20dB level.
4] Important Note on Switching
When operating the PHASE and PAD switches, a low
level click may be heard. As the GAIN is increased, so
will the volume of these clicks and using the MUTE switch
before operating these switches at very high gains is
suggested.
Also, for a 30-40 second period after the +48V power
has been switched both on and off, these clicks will be
LOUD. This is due to the time taken for the input
decoupling circuit to settle from the large transients the
48V introduces on the microphone input, and the
residual DC to dissipate.
Now, we could have added extra input coupling
capacitors to eliminate the clicks, but it is the view of
the Elixir designer that these components would
degrade the sound quality of the preamplifier and this
small inconvenience to the user is well worth the sonic
benefits of them not being there!