Central Station

THE ULTIMATE STUDIO CONTROL CENTER
The Central Station is the ultimate studio-monitoring interface for the modern digital studio. The Central Station features three sets of stereo analog inputs to switch between input sources such as: DAW, mixer, CD/DAT/Tape player, or keyboards/samplers. Two stereo analog inputs feature TRS balanced and the third stereo input features RCA inputs with trim control for level matching of input signals. In addition, the Central Station will accommodate two digital inputs via S/PDIF or TOSLINK providing D/A conversion up to 24Bit/192kHz. This allows you to monitor DAW and CD/DAT outputs through the same professional quality converter for the most accurate A/B comparison and highest quality monitoring environment. The digital to analog converter offers the highest possible audio quality with over 117dB dynamic range and ultra high quality analog circuitry. The Central Station features three sets of monitor outputs, each with their own set of passive trim controls. The monitoring section also provides MUTE, DIM and MONO switches. In addition, the Central Station includes a set of CUE outputs that can feed headphone amplifiers and a separate stereo MAIN line level output.

PURELY PASSIVE SIGNAL PATH
The Central Station features a PURELY PASSIVE SIGNAL PATH for ultimate sonic performance. The main audio path of the Central Station uses no amplifier stages including op amps or active IC's (integrated circuits) that add noise, color, distortion, and give that "pinched" sound. Distortion produced by op amps and IC's also gives added ear fatigue.

Signal routing in the Central Station is acheived utilzing 34 sealed mechanical relays (instead of active IC's) maintaining a minimal signal path design wherein extraneous electronics are hard-wire bypassed. Using relays ensures the most transparent signal path maximizing dynamic range, frequency range, and headroom, while minimizing noise and coloration. The Central Station uses the highest quality passive components including military grade 1% tolerance metal film resistors, multi-element potentiometers and ultra-durable connectors to deliver the highest sonic performance.

METERING
The Central Station features dual fast-acting 30-segment peak/hold LED's for accurate metering. The front panel of the Central Station includes both dBu and dBfs scale as well as peak/hold clear switch and meter alignment switch for addtional metering options.

TALKBACK
The Central Station has an onboard TALKBACK microphone which is routed through the CUE outputs for communication between artist and engineer. The Central Station also includes a Microphone XLR input on the rear panel for use with an external microphone. When TALKBACK is used the CUE mix is automatically "dimmed" for added ease of communication.

CSR-1 CENTRAL STATION REMOTE CONTROL (optional)
The Central Station Remote Control (CSR-1) can be connected to the rear of the Central Station via db15 connector to control VOLUME, TALKBACK, MUTE, input source switching and speaker output switching functions. Keep the Central Station in your rack with your gear and use the CSR-1 for ultimate control and flexibility.

  • Passive Audio Path - no op amps or IC's in main audio path
  • Five stereo inputs (2 digital and 3 analog)
  • 24-Bit/192kHz DAC (>117dB dynamic range) via SPDIF and TOSLINK
  • Three sets of monitor outputs; each with passive volume control
  • Talkback microphone with volume to feed headphone and cue output
  • Accurate dual 30-segment LED for metering
  • Two front panel headphone jacks with separate volume control
  • MAIN and CUE stereo output have independent input source
  • Optional console remote control with input, output, talkback, and volume

Pricing:
Central Station: $699.95 (Suggested Retail)

Central Station Remote Price: $199 (Suggested Retail)

Audio Inputs
TRS1&2Type¼" TRS Passive-Balanced
 Input Impedance2K-5K Ohm (Speaker load and Trim level dependent)
 S/N RatioGreater than 140dB
 THD+NLess than .0005% (1KHz @ 0dBu)
 Frequency ResponseGreater than 1MHz
AUX
 TypeRCA Active-Unbalanced
 Input Impedance8Kohm
 S/N RatioGreater than 115dB (1KHz @ 0dBu, Unity gain)
 THD+NLess than .002% (1KHz @ 0dBu, Unity gain)
 Frequency Response10Hz-50KHz, -.5dB
 Gain Range-90dB to +20dB
S/PDIF
 TypesRCA 75Ohm-coax and Toslink optical
 Dynamic Range117dB
 THD+N0.0025% (1KHz @ -1dBfs)
 Maximum output+18dBu (Active-Balanced)
 Sample Rates44.1K, 48K, 88.2K, 96K, 176.4K, 192K
Note: All Input specifications (except Input Impedance) measured at Speaker A output, Trim and Main Level set to maximum.
Audio Outputs
SpeakersType¼" TRS Passive-Balanced
 Type-Mono Activated¼" TRS Active-Impedance Balanced
 Trim Range-90dB to 0dB
 Main Level Range-90dB to 0dB
 Dim Attenuation-30dB
Main
 Type¼" TRS Active-Balanced
 Output Impedance51Ohm
 THD+NLess than 0.0025%
 Frequency Response10Hz-50KHz, -.5dB
Cue
 Type¼" TRS Active-Impedance Balanced
 Output Impedance51Ohm
 THD+NLess than .003% (1KHz @ 0dBu)
 Frequency Response10Hz-50KHz, -.5dB
 Gain Range-90dB to 0dB
 Dim Attenuation-30dB (Talkback activated)
Headphones
 Type¼" TRS Active Stereo
 Maximum Output150mW/channel @ 60 Ohm load
 THD+N0.015% (150mW/channel @ 60 Ohm load)
 Frequency Response10Hz-50KHz, +1dB
Talkback
Dynamic Microphone Input
 TypeXLR Female Balanced
 Input Impedance2400 Ohm
Internal Microphone
 TypeElectret Condenser
 Sensitivity-42dB
Mic Preamp
 Gain Range15-55dB
Input Meters
 TypeDual 30 segment LED w/ Peak Hold
 Range-48dB to +18dB (-66dBfs to 0dBfs)
 AccuracyBetter than .25dB
 Frequency Range10Hz-22KHz
 Calibrate Range+/- 18dB
Power Supply
 TypeExternal A.C. Transformer/Internal Linear
 Power Consumption40VA
Physical
Main Chassis
 Package Type1U - steel chassis
 Dimensions19(W) X 1.75(H) X 5.50(D) inches
 Weight5.0lbs
External Power Supply (factory configured)
 Package TypeMolded Plastic
 Dimensions2.5(W) X 2.3(H) X 4.0(D) inches
 Weight2.5lbs