Pro-Ject AD Box S2 Phono User Manual

Introduction

Thank you for purchasing the AD Box S2 Phono from Pro-Ject Audio Systems. The AD Box S2 Phono is a high-quality phono preamplifier for turntables with Moving Magnet or Moving Coil (MM or MC) cartridges. The device allows for the digitalization and storage of vinyl records and analog signals from high-level sources such as a tape machine or cassette recorder as a file with a computer.

Important Safety Instructions

Warning: This section contains important information regarding the safe operation of the device and the user.

• Only connect the device's power supply to a mains socket if you have ensured that the mains voltage of the socket corresponds to the voltage specified on the power supply unit.
• To interrupt the connection to the power supply in a hazardous situation, the power supply unit must be pulled from the mains socket. Ensure unobstructed access to the mains socket at all times.
• Always grasp the power supply unit by its housing. Do not pull the cable itself. Never touch the power supply unit or the device with wet or damp hands.
• Ensure that no liquid gets into the power supply unit or the device, or is dripped or splashed onto it. Never place water containers (e.g., vases) or burning objects (e.g., candles) on or next to the device. Operation in a damp or wet environment is not permitted.

Connections

Make all connections and disconnections with the device disconnected from the mains, with the exception of the computer connection.

A phono input (e.g., marked with RIAA or PHONO) is not a high-level input!

• Ensure correct channel assignment. Red sockets carry the right channel signal, white sockets carry the left channel signal.
• Use only the DC power supply supplied with the device.

Connecting a Turntable or High-Level Source: Connect the turntable's signal cable to the Phono In input sockets and the ground wire's lug to the ground terminal of the phono preamplifier. An analog high-level source can be connected to the Line In socket.

Selecting MM or MC Operation Mode

Depending on the design principle of the cartridge used, the phono preamplifier is to be used in MM mode for MM (or High-Output MC) cartridges or MC for Low-Output MC cartridges. Since most cartridges operate according to the MM principle, the phono preamplifier is preset to MM mode. Please refer to your cartridge's operating manual to determine which principle your cartridge operates on. If in doubt, consult your dealer.

The switch on the back of the device selects the corresponding operating mode. Disconnect the device from the amplifier and the power supply before switching the operating mode.

Connection to Amplifier

Connect the output (Out) of the phono preamplifier to one of the high-level inputs (e.g., AUX, CD, Tuner, Tape, or Video) of the amplifier.

Power Connection

The device is connected to the mains via the supplied plug-in power supply. First, connect the plug of the supply cable to the Power 5VDC socket on the back of the device. Then, establish the connection to the mains.

Front Panel Controls

Power Button: The button on the left of the front panel switches the device on and off (Stand-by). The blue LED above the Stand-by button indicates that the device is switched on.

Input Selection: Repeatedly pressing the button next to the two LEDs switches between inputs 1 (Turntable) and 2 (High-Level Source). A blue LED indicates the selected input.

Gain Adjustment: The rotary control (Gain) on the front of the device can be used to set the recording level to an optimal, distortion-free level to ensure distortion-free playback of the recorded music.

Connecting to a Computer

The following settings must be made on the computer to ensure the desired function (example with Windows 7, 8.1, 10):

• Open Control Panel -> Hardware and Sound -> Manage Audio Devices and select the Recording tab.
• Select "USB Audio CODEC" and click Properties → Advanced: 2 Channel, 16 bit, 48000 Hz (DVD Quality).

The connection must be made directly to a USB port on the computer. Connecting to a USB hub or USB switch may impair functionality.

Recording Software

If no recording software is installed on your computer, you can download it free of charge from the internet. Search engines like Bing and Google can help you find it. Pro-Ject Audio Systems assures that the digital signals output comply with the USB standard, but does not guarantee that specific software will function with the device.

With some recording programs, "Microphone USB Audio CODEC" must be selected as the source.

No liability is assumed for damages incurred through the download, installation, and operation of a recording program. Pro-Ject Audio Systems does not provide support for your recording program. For problems, please contact the provider's hotline.

Technical Data

A: Typical for Low-Output MC-tonearms, B: Typical for High-Output MC- and MM-tonearms

Possible Operational Errors and Faults

No signal on one or both channels:

• The plugs of the turntable connection cable or another signal cable in the signal path of the components are not firmly plugged into the sockets and have no signal contact.
• The signal connection between the turntable and the phono preamplifier's input sockets or the high-level input on the amplifier is interrupted due to a broken cable or a faulty solder joint on the connectors.

Loud hum during playback:

• The ground line to the ground terminal of the phono preamplifier is not connected or not correctly connected.
• The ground contacts of the cartridge pins or the RCA plugs have no contact.

Too quiet or too loud and distorted sound playback:

• The MM/MC operating mode on the phono preamplifier is incorrectly set.

In Case of Service

If you cannot resolve or determine an error despite following the above instructions, please first consult your dealer. Only if the error is confirmed there and cannot be remedied should you send the device to the representative responsible for your country:

• Audio Trade GmbH
  Schenkendorfstraße 29
  D-45472 Mülheim an der Ruhr
  Tel.: 0208-882 660
  Fax: 0208-882 66 66
  E-Mail: service@audiotra.de
  Internet: www.audiotra.de
• Audio Tuning GmbH
  Margaretenstraße 98
  A-1050 Wien
  Tel.: 01-544 85 80
  E-Mail: service@audiotuning.at
  Internet: www.audiotuning.com
• Marlex Audiophile Produkte
  Stampferbacherstraße 40
  CH-8006 Zürich
  Tel.: 044-350 49 35
  Fax: 044-350 49 35
  E-Mail: mail@marlex.ch
  Internet: www.marlex.ch

We recommend keeping the original packaging for safe transport of your device at all times. Warranty services will only be provided for devices received in original packaging.

Pro-Ject Audio Systems © 2017. All rights reserved. The published information corresponds to the state of development at the time of printing. Technical changes are reserved and will be incorporated into production without further notice.

Copyright, Trademarks

Windows 7, Windows 8®, and Windows 10® are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the USA and/or other countries. Mac and Mac OS are registered trademarks of Apple Corporation, registered in the USA and/or other countries.

If this device is no longer to be used and is to be disposed of, please use the municipal collection points set up for this purpose in Germany and Austria. In Germany, you can also use the distributor's individual disposal service; for information, see www.audiotra.de/entsorgung. In Switzerland, the device can be handed over to any electrical/TV retailer for disposal.