Heritage Audio RACK 2
2-SLOT 80 SERIES
USER MANUAL
August/2022 Rev. 1.0.
Introduction
Thank you for choosing the 80 Series RACK 2. Heritage Audio is dedicated to bringing you 'the sound of yesterday for tomorrow'. We specialize in capturing that unique, enticing sound that everybody has fallen in love with. For years engineers, producers and musicians have been yearning for that classic vibe. Usually the only option is to search for old, used original equipment that is almost always in a questionable state of operation. This brings with it a whole lot of other issues, making the experience less than desirable. Not to mention the very high prices asked for this equipment, which makes them virtually unobtainable for the great majority. Now it's possible to obtain that same sound with a brand new piece that will give you all the problem-free, heavy-duty use you'll need for years of music making history.
Peter Rodriguez
CEO
Heritage Audio - Madrid, Spain
© 2022 Heritage Audio S.L. is the sole owner of the copyright of all information and drawings contained in this manual which are not to be copied or reproduced by any means or disclosed in part or whole to any third party without written permission. Heritage Audio reserves the right to alter specifications without notice. The information in this manual has been carefully checked and is believed to be accurate at the time of publication. However, no responsibility is taken by us for inaccuracies, errors or omissions nor any liability assumed for any loss or damage resulting either directly or indirectly from use of the information contained within it.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- Contents
- Description
- Getting Started
- Applications
- Specifications
- Trouble Shooting
- Warranty Statement
- Registration
- Recall Sheets
Included items: RACK 2, AC POWER CORD EU & US.
Description
Our Rack 2 is handmade in the EU employing the same exact ISEP mechanical components used in the Series 80 consoles with aluminium rails, guides, etc. This will ensure your original vintage modules, as well as any of the currently made modules, will fit like a glove.
Every channel has its own output control to attenuate the signal before the output transformer as well as an illuminated phantom switch to provide 48 V.
In addition, 2 discrete Class-A ultra high impedance JFET Direct Inputs have been implemented, allowing for direct injection of hi impedance instruments. These take priority over the MIC inputs and are before the input transformers.
The Rack 2 is also ready for linking up to two 2264E (Legacy Product) compressors.
Back panel features Neutrik gold plated XLR connectors for MIC and LINE inputs, as well as LINE outputs.
External power is connected via a popular IEC type connector. It accepts voltage from 90V-240 V. A power cable is included with the Rack 2.
Image of the Heritage Audio RACK 2 unit with two slots, featuring front panel controls including input gain, output attenuation, phantom power switches, and DI inputs. The unit is dark grey with red and blue illuminated buttons and knobs. The text '*8173 Modules not included' is present below the image.
Getting Started
Front Panel
Diagram illustrating the front panel of the RACK 2. Numbered callouts point to:
- 1. SECURITY RAIL: To fasten and secure the 80 Series Modules in place.
- 2. 2 x EDGE CONNECTOR: To connect and power the 80 Series Modules.
- 3. Impedance Switch Space: Opening to allow the Impedance Switch through.
- 4. 2 x D.I. JACK INPUT: Discreet Class A JFET Instrument Input.
- 5. OUTPUT ATTENUATOR: Attenuates from 0 to -inf.
- 6. PHANTOM POWER SWITCH: Activates the 48 V power for Condenser MICs.
- 7. POWER SWITCH: Front panel easy access.
D.I. Jack: Tip: Signal, Sleeve: Ground/Shield.
Diagram showing a D.I. Jack connector. The tip is labeled 'Signal' and the sleeve is labeled 'Ground/Shield'.
Edge Connector Pin Out
Diagram showing the RACK 2 Edge Connector Pin Out. It details connections for:
- Pin 1: To Pin V
- Pin 2: Hi Mic I/P
- Pin 3: Lo Mic I/P (-20dBu)
- Pin 4: 0V
- Pin 5: Hi Line I/P
- Pin 6: Lo Line I/P (0dBu)
- Pin 7: To Pin V
- Pin 8: Unbalanced O/P (-3dBu)
- Pin 9: LINK
- Pin 10: Hi BAL O/P (0dBu)
- Pin 11: Lo BAL O/P
- Pin 12: 0V
- Pin 13: Technical Earth Link
- Pin 14: To Pin V
- Pin 15: +24V
- Pin 16: (No label)
- Pin 17: (No label)
- Pin 18: (No label)
Rear Panel
Diagram illustrating the rear panel of the RACK 2. Numbered callouts point to:
- 1. POWER CONNECTOR: Standard IEC connects the external power supply. Accepts 90-240 V AC.
- 2. LINE OUTPUT: 2 x Male XLR, Gold Plated.
- 3. LINE INPUT: 2 x Female XLR, Gold Plated.
- 4. MIC INPUT: 2 x Female XLR, Gold Plated.
XLR Connector Pinouts:
All XLRs are:
- Pin 1: GND
- Pin 2: Hot
- Pin 3: Cold
Diagrams showing MALE and FEMALE XLR connectors. For both, Pin 1 is GND, Pin 2 is Hot (+), and Pin 3 is Cold (-).
Applications
Condenser Microphone
Diagram showing a 'Condenser Mic' application. Two condenser microphones are connected via XLR to MIC INPUT 1 and MIC INPUT 2 on the RACK 2. The +48V phantom power is activated. The RACK 2 outputs are connected to an audio interface, which is linked to a USB computer.
Direct Input (DI)
Diagram showing a 'D.I.' application. Two electric guitars are connected via D.I. JACK INPUT 1 and D.I. JACK INPUT 2 on the RACK 2. The RACK 2 outputs are connected to an audio interface, which is linked to a USB computer.
Line Input
Diagram showing a 'Line' application. A keyboard is connected via LINE INPUT 1 and LINE INPUT 2 on the RACK 2. The RACK 2 outputs are connected to an audio interface, which is linked to a USB computer.
Specifications
- Handcrafted in the EU employing the same mechanical components used in vintage Series 80 consoles.
- Neutrik gold-plated XLRs for Mic and Line inputs.
- Neutrik gold plated XLRs outputs.
- Illuminated red pushbuttons for +48 V phantom power (Less than 260 mA @ 48 V DC).
- 2 discrete Class A ultra-high-impedance JFET DI inputs.
- Prepared for Compression Linking of buses A and B.
- Separate output controls per slot.
- Dimensions (W x H x L): 315 mm x 128 mm (3U) x 482 mm.
Troubleshooting
A troubleshooting guide is presented with two columns: 'PROBLEMS' and 'SOLUTIONS'.
PROBLEMS | SOLUTIONS |
---|---|
There doesn't seem to be any power feeding the RACK 2. | Make sure it has been connected to an outlet. Accepts between 90 V-240 V. |
I'm trying to use a condenser microphone but it doesn't seem to recognise it. | Make sure you have activated the 48 V button for the corresponding channel. |
I'm getting too much signal at my DAW. | Try reducing the OUTPUT with the red knob on the right. |
I'd like to change the Impedance from 1200 to 300 Ω but don't know how. | There is a switch on the back of the modules that will allow this. You will have to remove the module first to access it. |
For any further doubts or questions please get in contact with us at: support@heritageaudio.com.
Warranty Statement
Limited 2 Year Warranty
Heritage Audio 80 Series RACK 2 is warranted by Heritage Audio SL to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for the period of 2 years to the original purchaser. In the event of such defects, the product will be repaired without charge or, at our option, replaced with a new one if delivered to Heritage Audio prepaid, together with a copy of the sales slip or other proof of purchase date. The warranty excludes problems due to normal wear, abuse, shipping damage or failure to use the product in accordance with the specifications.
Heritage Audio shall not be liable for damages based upon inconvenience, loss of use of the product, loss of time, interrupted operation or commercial loss or any other damages, whether incidental, consequential or otherwise.
This warranty is not transferable.
Heritage Audio and the Heritage Audio “H” logos are registered Trademarks owned and/or licensed by Heritage Audio.
Image of the Heritage Audio RACK 2 unit with modules installed, similar to the front panel image, with the text '*Modules 8173 not included' below.
Registration
Please visit our website: https://heritageaudio.com/registration/
Recall Sheets
Two blank recall sheet templates are provided, each with fields for 'Session / Title:', 'Date:', 'Track:', 'Instrument:', 'Connected Equipment:', and 'Notes:'. Each template also includes checkboxes for 'Switch ON' and 'Switch OFF'.