Hello, I just read through the manual and have some questions about the inputs.

I am using a Metric Halo ULN-2 preamp. All my instruments and a computer (via firewire) plug into the preamp. I would prefer to connect the balanced line outs of this into inputs 1 and 2 rather than inputs 3 and 4 so that I can have remote control of those inputs. I have a choice of using balanced TRS or balanced XLR connectors to the L1.

1. Is there any problem connecting a preamp to these inputs?

2. The manual describes inputs 1 and 2 as unbalanced if you use TRS connectors. How are the TRS connections made internally to the L1? Is it connected to TS or TR? Why isn't it balanced TRS connection? Somewhere I read it is better to use an instrument cable to connect to these inputs and not a speaker cable. What is meant by this statement? My assumption is a speaker cable is a balanced TRS cable and an instrument cable is an unbalanced TS cable.

3. Assuming I connect to 1 and 2 using XLR connectors, to get the best sound, should I turn the input level all the way up on the L1 and use the preamp controls for level or something in between?

1. The preamp should connect just fine

2. Channel 1 and 2 are only balanced if you use XLR connectors. The 1/4" input is simply and unbalanced TS connector. It says TRS in the manual but this is a misprint (oops sorry about that).
You can use either a balanced or an unbalanced 1/4" instrument cable. You should not use speaker cables simply because they are not shielded and prone to be noisy. The difference between speaker cables and instrument cables is that speaker cables are not shielded and have a lot more copper in the wire. It has nothing to do with balanced or unbalanced. Sorry about the confusion.

3. The best way to connect your preamp is to hook it up through the XLR inputs and turn the trim on the power stand all the way down. You can then set the controls on your preamp to "middle" and adjust the gains and EQ at the Personalized Amplification System(tm) remote control directly from where you play.

Hope that helps

Hilmar

Thanks. That clears up most of my questions.

One other thing. Inputs 3 and 4 are described as 0.0db inputs. Most pro equipment outputs are switchable +4/-10 db. Consumer equipment outputs are -10db. So I assume if one uses inputs 3 and 4 that you should connect to -10db outputs. Correct?

What are the levels of inputs 1 and 2? Should I set my preamp outputs to +4 or -10db?

Channels 3 & 4 have a trim that allows
to adjust to either +4 dB or -10 dB (and
below or above that too).
That is similar to the 1/4" inputs of channel
1/2 except that these have an even larger gain range.
If you use XLR on channel 1/2 we recommend selecting -10dB on your output device.

if i use my mackie mixer (1202) as my controller and feed its output to cahnnels 3 and 4 (left and right respectively), if i run all levels on the mackie at no more than 0db. how hi should i set the channel 3 and 4 volumes on the ps1. I find i have much better control over eq,volume, effects etc using the mixer as a master controller and just feeding the ps1.can ch 3 and 4 be turned all the way up, and then id control how much signal is fed to the inputs from the mixer I also noticed when switching presets ch1 and ch2 there is a small delay. i take it that it is because the eq is software in the ps1. I also notice it seems a very slight delay when say boosting or cutting eq's from the remote. is this also controlling software eq? its not as pronounced as the actual preset switching delay. but seems like if i boost treble it maybe takes a hair before it kicks in all the way. depending how hi ill be able to set the trims on 3 nd 4 of the ps1 with the above scenario, i seem to get a much quieter signal.

For channel 3/4 trim settings please see my reply in this thread
You are correct: There is a very slight delay when you adjust the controls on the remote and when the actual change take place. Did you find that the delay made the adjustments more difficult or did you just notice it?
The preset switching delay is certainly bigger. The intend was to give you enough time to get to your final setting and not kick-in the new preset until you are done operating the switch.

Hilmar,
A couple of weeks ago I called the Tech staff to ask what position on the mic trims would correspond to a "unity gain" setting (i.e 1 volt in=1volt out) and haven't gotten a response. I've found that setting the mic trims @ 9 o'clock gives me my best S/N ratio using mixer outputs from a Mackie 1402 VLZ Pro. Is 9 o'clock about the "unity gain" area?
Thanks!
Johnx

the delay at the preset i didnt find that annoying. However, being used to a mixer i found the delay on the remote even though its slight, to be a little annoying and more difficult to adjust. felt to me kinda in the only comparison i can think of, like a steering wheel with too much play. like turning the wheel and the car doesnt turn right away. As i evaluate the system i may get used yo it. but i prefer a smoother approach as in the mixer. i think having the eq built into the bose is better than not having it, but i find the remote a bit cumbersome if thats the right word. the mixer is small and more easy for me to put different instruments in and eq each from the mixers channel. a master effect can easily be adjusted by the returns and sends at my fingertips. i guess its just a matter of choice but with good quality mixers available these days, at fairly low prices, its just what i prefer. thanks for your reply as i thought the delay may have been something that was just me hearing something that wasnt there.

Johnx,
sorry for the delayed answer to your question.
Unfortunately, I don't think that there is an easy answer to your question. Your are absolutely right in stating that "unity Gain" refers to 1V in = 1V out. But in our case, we dont output Volts but sound. The definition of "gain" really depends on what you define as your input and what as your output.
Maybe you are more concerned about matching the output level of an external device to the input of the Personalized Amplification System(tm) power stand. That again depends on the output level of your external device which can vary all over the place. The LEDs on the power stand and on the remote should help with this process.

Hope that helps

Hilmar

your reply was fast. thankyou. the delay i spoke of was not in your response, but was referring to the eq delay we were discussing. and i though i might have just imagined the eq's adjustment delay from the remote :-)

Nope, the EQ delay is no imagination. Your ears are working just fine

Thanks Hilmar!
I'd already used your suggestion and the system works wonderfully! I was just trying to make sure I was getting my gain staging as close to optimal as possible, but you're right-USE YOUR EARS! They've yet to let me down.
Thanks!
John›