V700 & INTEGRATOR
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is the difference between Integrator and V700?
What can I do with this system?
What power supply unit do I need for my modules?
Can I use my own power supply unit?
Can I use a single module without a frame?
Is the adt-audio system proprietary?
Can I use adt-audio modules with an existing console?
How can I wire and install the modules?
How can I rearrange the modules?
What, if I would like to combine Integrator units and V700's?
Are there digital converters available?
If I build a console with these modules - will I have full console features?
Your question not listed here?
What exactly is the difference between Integrator and V700?
The premium quality V700 System was designed to offer the best possible performance with no regard to cost. Very expensive torodial transformers, the high expense of the dual balanced technique, the very high output power; all this squeezes out the last available dB of dynamic range and sonic performance. However, of course, this level of performance has a corresponding price.
The affordable Integrator system uses the same basics of circuit layout, the same components and the same audio technology, but without the "cost is no object" mandate. Transformers for all the inputs and outputs are not standard but optional, the circuits are not dual balanced and the maximum load is 600 Ohms instead of 300 Ohms. With these differences, the total dynamic range is more than 116 dB instead of more than 120 dB with the V700's for most of the processing devices. Though these performance differences are rather small, they result in a price difference that amounts to 50 % for most of the modules.
What can I do with this system?
You can build up your own audio system by using cassette modules to implement your desired functions. The range of application ranges from a single mic-pre or a small mixing and processing system, to a full-blown custom build console. You can use our standardized frames and power supplies to build up and rearrange your system, just by connecting the modules/frames together.
Yes, we have been making custom consoles and custom equipment for more than a quarter of a century. If you have any idea what you would like us to do, feel free to ask.
The price of a custom construction is always connected to the preliminary work that has to be done. It is therefore easier and less expensive to make modifications to existing modules. Different control ranges, an additional switch or anything like that, is in most cases not a real problem and can be done without high cost. Anything that cannot be covered by a modification of an existing device remains in a reasonable price range as long as it is based on the existing mechanical format.
What power supply unit do I need for my modules?
The only rule about that is that there is no rule. The current consumption differs from module to module and, in addition, depends on the output load and the output level. This is more important with the V700 system than with Integrator devices. A stereo V700 unit for e.g., has a standby current consumption of about 300 to 400 mA, depending on the module. If the output load is high, there is even no increase in the supply current with high levels. If the outputs are loaded with the nominal 300 Ohms, the nominal output power with + 30 dBu is about 2 Watts per output. Therefore, the current consumption for the same device is about 600 to 700 mA with this condition. If several devices are connected in series, of course the nominal load does not have to be considered for all the devices.
The supply current of the Integrator devices is much lower in any condition. These devices are not internally balanced (which means that there are only 50 % of semiconductors) and the nominal load is 600 Ohms instead of 300 Ohms. Therefore, the current consumption is only 30 to 50 % of the consumption of the V700's.
A simple rule of thumb:
Mono V700 devices need 250 mA unloaded and 400 mA loaded, stereo V700 devices need 500 mA unloaded and 800 mA loaded.
Mono Integrator devices need 100 mA unloaded and 150 mA loaded and stereo Integrator units need 200 mA unloaded and 300 mA loaded.
An IN3 unit is able to supply any constellation that can be installed in one V700 frame. An IN1 unit can supply most of the combinations of modules of the Integrator series.
These values are worst case. If you are in doubt if your constellation will meet with the capacity of your power supply, please ask.
Can I use my own power supply unit?
The adt-audio power supply devices are specially designed for the use with the cassette systems. The quality of the power supply partially determines the performance of the devices as far as headroom, noise, and interference free operation is concerned. If you use your own power supply, care must be taken, that the quality is appropriate. For most of the devices, three balanced 25 Volt DC sources and additional 48 Volt phantom supply are needed.
Can I use a single module without a frame?
Yes, there are several ways to do it. We offer a cable adapter with the stereo I/O connections (XLR) and a power cable for one of our power supply units. If you like to do the wiring yourself we deliver the modules with a mating plug. As every module is a self-contained device, you can build it into a desk or an existing mixer.
Is the adt-audio system proprietary?
Yes, mechanical and electrical characteristics are not compatible with systems of other manufacturers, as we do not accept to be restricted by an inappropriate supply concept, insufficient pin count of the connectors, inadequate available space, etc.
Can I use adt-audio modules with an existing console?
Yes, but the modules will not fit into a module slot of any existing console unless you have an adt-audio V700 or Integrator console. If you are able and willing to build the modules into any existing console and if there is enough space available, there is no reason why this should not work. All the inputs and outputs of the modules are balanced. If you install the power supply, there are no problems to connect the audio I/O to any other audio system.
What is the limitation of the arrangement of the units in the frame?
All the V700 units fit into any V700 frame. So there are no limitations.
All Integrator modules with mono or stereo inputs and outputs fit into any Integrator frame, but some of the modules need additional connections. These are the control room, select and talkback modules and the C41 Cascade mixing devices as well. One of these units can be installed into slot 9 of any frame. To install more than one module in one frame, the frame version 4HE/e (e=extended wiring) is needed, that has additional audio I/O's and control I/O's on every slot. With this frame, there are no limitations. The frame version 4HE/s (s=standard) is the best choice, if you use only preamps and processors gear, because it is cheaper than the 4HE/e frame.
With the 3U Integrator units and the 6U Integrator Mixing units, there are no limitations as far as the frames are concerned.
How can I wire and install the modules?
Just plug the module into frame and screw it on. Connect the inputs and outputs and start working. (See the FRAME pages of the V700 and Integrator system to see the rear panel of the frame). For C41-Cascade Mixer Units and Control-Room modules, you need besides standard XLR cables SubD25 Pin cables for additional inputs and outputs. The pin assignment is similar to the Tascam standard. Commonly available cables and adapters can be used.
How can I rearrange the modules?
In the same way you installed it. With the Integrator system the only thing you need to consider is, that C41-Cascade mixing modules and control room devices need slot 9 with the 4HE/s frame or any slot with the 4HE/e frame to be fully functional.
Is the number of channels for the mixers limited?
No. The limitation is only the number of modules that fit into one frame. With the Integrator Mixing Frame, you can add any number of additional frames to increase the number of channels. If you use the C41-Cascade 4-Channel Mixer modules to build up a larger system, you are also not limited to one frame. You may couple as many modules as you like.
With the C41 Cascade the answer is no. The answer is also no as far as the standard Integrator mixing modules are concerned, but the standard mixing frame contains all the necessary wiring for an automated operation of fader and mute. Though we can not see a demand for such a system right now, this does not mean that we will not offer automated versions of the Integrator input modules in the future.
Custom build Integrator and V700 console can include an automation system if this is required. The adt-audio CAS/CRS automation and recall computer system that is used with our 5MT and Magnum consoles is suited for Integrator and V700 consoles as well.
What, if I would like to combine Integrator units and V700's?
There is no problem to mix and connect V700 and Integrator frames in the same system. However, V700 modules will not fit into Integrator frames, and visa versa as the standard module size of both systems are different. As both systems use the same power supply units, you do not need an additional power supply for the V700 add on, if the capacity of your power supply unit is large enough.
With a couple of cassettes, it is obvious that a patch bay is necessary. Does adt-audio offer Integrator specific jack panels?
We offer the I14 Integrator cassette unit with 14 1/4" TRS jacks. This unit can be used if only a couple of routing facilities are needed inside a frame. As the selection of patch bays in any desired versions is very high, we see no reason to offer another version. Of course, as far as custom build consoles are concerned, we integrate a patch bay that meets your requirements if you want us to do that.
Are there digital converters available?
Not at the moment. As there is a new generation of converters available every 6 months and V700 and Integrator systems are designed to be used for decades, it does not make sense to build converters that belong on the scrap heap before the modules have left the factory. If this situation changes, we will change our minds.
If I build a console with these modules - will I have full console features?
a) As far as control room regulation and switching, source selection, metering, playback, and talkback are concerned - yes. There are V700 and Integrator modules available that cover all the needs and fit into the standard frame version. It is therefore not a problem to combine an Integrator or V700 mixing system in a way that includes all the necessary features.
b) As far as custom built consoles are concerned - yes. Since each console is a totally custom item that is unique and can include custom versions of modules - so all your features can be included - call us, we will help you to configure your system.