PRA-8 - Receiver Nady - Free user manual and instructions

Product Type	Wireless Microphone Receiver
Model	PRA-8
Brand	Nady
Number of Channels	8
Frequency Band	UHF (typically 500-900 MHz, depending on region)
Antenna Type	Detachable, two 1/2 wave antennas (BNC connectors)
Audio Outputs	8 individual balanced XLR outputs; 1 mixed unbalanced 1/4" output
Power Supply	External 12V DC power adapter (included)
Rackmount Size	19" standard, 1U height
Dimensions (WxHxD)	19 x 1.75 x 8.5 inches (48.3 x 4.4 x 21.6 cm)
Weight	5.5 lbs (2.5 kg)
Front Panel Controls	Individual volume knobs, power switch, squelch adjustments
Indicators	Power LED, RF/AF signal LEDs per channel
Frequency Stability	±0.005% quartz crystal controlled
Cleaning Instructions	Wipe with dry cloth; avoid solvents or moisture
Safety Warnings	Do not expose to rain or moisture; use only with supplied power adapter
Spare Parts / Repairability	Replacement antennas and power adapter available; service by qualified personnel

Frequently Asked Questions - PRA-8 Nady

How many microphones can I use with the Nady PRA-8?

The PRA-8 is an 8-channel receiver, so you can use up to 8 compatible Nady wireless microphones simultaneously.

Can I connect the PRA-8 to a mixer or sound system?

Yes, each channel has a balanced XLR output for connection to a mixer, and there is also a mixed 1/4" unbalanced output for easy connection.

What frequency band does the PRA-8 operate on?

It operates in the UHF band, typically between 500 and 900 MHz, depending on the specific model and region. Check the label on the receiver for exact frequencies.

How do I reduce interference?

Ensure all transmitters are set to different frequencies, keep antennas away from metal objects, and maintain line-of-sight between transmitter and receiver.

What power supply does the PRA-8 require?

It uses an external 12V DC power adapter (center positive). Only use the adapter provided by Nady to avoid damage.

Can I mount the PRA-8 in a rack?

Yes, the PRA-8 is designed for 19-inch rack mounting and occupies 1U of rack space. Rack ears are included.

How do I adjust the squelch?

Each channel has a squelch control on the front panel. Turn it clockwise to increase sensitivity (allow weaker signals) or counterclockwise to reduce noise.

What antennas does the PRA-8 use?

It uses two detachable 1/2 wave whip antennas with BNC connectors. You can replace them with directional antennas for extended range.

Can I use the mixed output with a single XLR cable?

The mixed output is 1/4" unbalanced. For balanced connection, use individual XLR outputs per channel.

How do I clean the receiver?

Unplug the power adapter and wipe the surfaces with a dry, soft cloth. Do not use any liquids or cleaning sprays.

USER MANUAL PRA-8 Nady

PRA-8

8 CHANNEL MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER

PRA-8

8 CHANNEL MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER

NADY® AUDIO

Front panel of a NADY audio amplifier with multiple knobs and dials (no visible text or labels)

Congratulations on your choice of microphone preamplifier — you have purchased one of the finest stereo microphone preamplifiers on the market today. This unit was developed using the expertise of professional sound engineers and working musicians. You will find that your new NADY AUDIO PRA-8 has superior performance and greater flexibility than any other microphone preamplifiers in its price range. Please read this manual carefully to get the most out of your new unit.

Thanks for selecting NADY AUDIO as your choice in microphone preamplifier.

FEATURES

The PRA-8 is a professional, multi-purpose 8-channel microphone preamplifier designed for the most exacting world class studio applications, yet affordable enough for home project studios.

• Solves many of the connectivity problems arising in studio and live sound applications from using increasingly popular digital audio interfaces which often only consist of unbalanced line inputs or very low (or no mic pre) gain structure for the balanced input stage and with no available phantom power
• Eight totally independent world-class preamps in one single rack (1RU) through package with servo-balanced XLR inputs and 1/4" TS outputs for each preamp

• Highest quality components and advanced design with ultra-linear, high bandwidth operational amps for no-compromise crystal clear audio with exceptionally low noise and negligible distortion

• Individual gain control and Peak LED indicator on each channel with up to 75dB of gain
  • +48V Phantom Power with individual Phantom On/Off switches and Phantom Power On LED indicators on each channel

• Rugged construction for maximum long-term reliability
• Shielded internal dual regulated power supply with \~115V(60Hz)/\~230V(50Hz) select switch and fused IEC power cord connector

TABLE OF CONTENTS

FEATURES 2

WARNING....3

INSTALLATION 4

FRONT & REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS .... 5

CONTROLS & INDICATORS .... 5

APPLICATIONS....6

1. Using the PRA-8 6

SPECIFICATIONS 6

NOTES....7

Date of Purchase

Dealer's Name

City ____

State ____ Zip ____

Model #

Serial # ____

WARNING

An equilateral triangle enclosing a lightening flash/arrowhead symbol is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the product's enclosure which may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock.

An equilateral triangle enclosing an exclamation point is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and service instructions in the literature enclosed with this unit.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

When using this electronic device, basic precautions should always be taken, including the following:

1. Read all instructions before using the product.
2. Do not use this product near water (e.g., near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool, etc.).
3. This product should be used only with a cart or stand that will keep it level and stable and prevent wobbling.

4. This product, in combination with headphones or speakers, may be capable of producing sound levels that could cause permanent hearing loss. Do not operate for a long period of time at a high volume level or at a level that is uncomfortable. If you experience any hearing loss or ringing in the ears, you should consult an audiologist.

5. The product should be positioned so that proper ventilation is maintained.

6. The product should be located away from heat sources such as radiators, heat vents, or other devices (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

7. The product should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the product. Replace the fuse only with one of the specified type, size, and correct rating.

8. The power supply cord should: (1) be undamaged, (2) never share an outlet or extension cord with other devices so that the outlet's or extension cord's power rating is exceeded, and (3) never be left plugged into the outlet when not being used for a long period of time.

9. Care should be taken so that objects do not fall into, and liquids are not spilled through, the enclosure's openings.

10. The product should be serviced by qualified service personnel if:

A. The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged.
B. Objects have fallen into, or liquid has been spilled onto the product.
C. The product has been exposed to rain.
D. The product does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance.
E. The product has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

1. Do not attempt to service the product beyond what is described in the user maintenance instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

INSTALLATION

To ensure years of enjoyment from your NADY AUDIO PRA-8, please read and understand this manual thoroughly before using the unit.

INSPECTION

Your PRA-8 was carefully packed at the factory in packaging designed to protect the units in shipment. Before installing and using your unit, carefully examine the packaging and all contents for any signs of physical damage that may have occurred in transit.

(Note: Nady Systems is not responsible for shipping damage. If the unit is damaged, do not return to us, but notify your dealer and the shipping company immediately to make a claim. Such claims must be made by the consignee in a timely manner.)

CONTENTS:

• Instruction manual
• PRA-8 (verify that the unit's serial number is same as shown on shipping carton)
• AC Power cord
• Warranty Card

RACK MOUNTING

The PRA-8 fits into one standard 19" rack unit of space (1 3/4"). Parts of the unit can become very warm during use. This is normal during operation. Care should be taken to ensure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling (at least 12" or 30cm). Do not place the PRA-8 on high temperature devices such as power amplifiers, etc., or the unit may overheat in operation. Also, do not place the unit on speakers as this may cause them to move and/or fall due to speaker vibrations.

Although the unit's chassis is shielded against radio frequency (RF) and electromagnetic interference (EMI), extremely high fields of RF and EMI should be avoided.

POWER CONNECTION

The PRA-8 has an internal power supply and is designed to operate from an external AC source. Power requirements for electrical equipment differ from area to area. Be sure to confirm that the voltage selected by the voltage selector switch on the back panel is proper for your area (120VAC/60 Hz or 230VAC/50Hz) per the information below:

Europe (except UK): 230V, 50Hz

UK and Australia: 240V, 50Hz

USA and Canada: 120V, 60 Hz

For other areas, please check with local authorities.

When ready to operate, plug the AC cord into the power source. Make sure that the unit is turned off before connecting to the AC power source to avoid possible loud transients which can damage your speakers or your ears, especially when monitoring with headphones.

FRONT & REAR CONNECTIONS

REAR PANEL

FRONT PANEL

(1) AUDIO INPUTS

Eight balanced XLR audio input jacks

REAR PANEL

(5) AUDIO OUTPUTS

Eight balanced output 1/4" TRS jacks

(6) POWER CONNECTOR WITH FUSE HOLDER

This standard IEC power cord receptacle is used to connect the AC power to your unit. It features a built-in fuse holder for a 5X20mm, 0.5A/250V slow-blow fuse. If the fuse continuously blows, shut off the unit and have it serviced by qualified service personnel.

CONTROLS & INDICATORS

FRONT PANEL

The PRA-8 has eight independent pre-amplifier channels. The unit provides variable rotary gain controls, phantom power and peak indicator lights per channel.

(2) GAIN CONTROLS

Each channel features a rotary gain control for variable adjustment of the desired pre-amplifier level.

(3) PHANTOM POWER SWITCHES

If needed to power condenser microphones, each channel features a phantom power switch for supplying +48VDC across pins 2 and 3 of the XLR input connector. If you don't need phantom power, be sure to turn this switch to the "OFF" position.

(Note, It is safe to connect balanced dynamic mics even if this switch is on, but connecting unbalanced devices or devices whose transformers are center grounded will cause hum or malfunctions. Shorting the +48VDC can also damage your PRA-8. Also, mute any connected Monitor/PA speakers when turning the phantom power on or off.)

(4) POWER LED INDICATOR

This LED indicator illuminates when the unit is powered on by the rear panel POWER SWICH (8).

(9) CHANNEL PEAK (CLIP) LED INDICATORS

This LED indicator illuminates when that channel's pre-amplifier is overloaded. To avoid distortion, turn down the GAIN (2) control for the selected channel until the peak clip light is no longer illuminated.

REAR PANEL

(8) POWER SWITCH

To turn the unit ON or OFF, press the upper or lower portion of this button as indicated. The front panel POWER LED

INDICATOR (4) will illuminate when the power is "ON". Before turning on this unit, verify connection to the proper voltage AC source, check all connections and turn down the level controls of equipment connected to the outputs.

(6) AC VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH

Before plugging in the power cord, check to see that the unit is set for the proper voltage for your area: \~115v (60Hz) or \~230V (50Hz).

(Note: use at the improper voltage can damage your unit and void the warranty.)

APPLICATIONS

USING THE PRA-8

It is as simple as ABC to use and operate the PRA-8. Each of the eight pre-amplifier channels has its own INPUT (1) and OUTPUT (5) and variable GAIN (2) control.

A. Connect a signal you wish to process to one of the XLR balanced INPUTS (1) on the front of the PRA-8.
B. Connect the corresponding channel OUTPUT (5) on the rear of the PRA-8 to your desired destination (mixer, recorder, etc).
C. Adjust the variable GAIN (2) control of that channel to the desired pre-amplified level. To ensure that you do not over pre-amplify your signal, a PEAK (CLIP) LED INDICATOR (9) has been provided on the front panel of the PRA-8 for each channel. When illuminated, this LED indicates that the pre-amplifier for that channel is overloaded and that distortion may result. Turn down the variable GAIN (2) control for the selected channel until the PEAK (9) LED is no longer illuminated.

SPECIFICATIONS

AUDIO INPUTS & PRE AMPS

Connectors	XLR
Type	Balanced
Impedance	2k Ohms
Min Sensitivity	-40dB
Peak input level	+5dB
Gain control range	50dB
Peak amplification	74dB
Phantom power	+48V, switchable

AUDIO OUTPUTS

Connectors	1/4" jack
Type	TRS Balanced
Impedance	600 Ohms
Peak output level	+18.5dB

DISTORTION, FREQUENCY RESPONSE, S/N RATIO & CROSSTALK

Frequency response	20Hz~20kHz, 0dB~-2B
Distortion	0.02%
S/N Ratio	Better than 80dB
Crosstalk rejection	>70dB@1kHz; -20dB input

POWER SUPPLY

Power Requirements ...... selectable, ~ 100-120 VAC,~ 200-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz

Fuse ...... 100-120 VAC: 630 mA (slow-blow)

200-240 VAC: 315 mA (slow-blow)

100-240 VAC: 500 mA (slow-blow)

5X20mm glass type

Power cord connector ...... Standard IEC receptaclewith built-in fuse holder

PHYSICAL

Dimensions	1.75"X 19"X 8.5" (44.5X482.6X217mm)
Weight	7.48lbs (3.4Kg)

The specifications above are correct at the time of printing of this manual. For improvement purposes, all specifications for this unit, including design and appearance, are subject to change without prior notice.

NOTES

SERVICE FOR YOUR NADY AUDIO PRODUCT

(U.S.) Should your NADY AUDIO product require service, please contact the Nady Service Department via telephone at [phone], or e-mail at [e-mail].

(International) For service, please contact the NADY AUDIO distributor in your country through the dealer from whom you purchased this product.

DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SERVICE THIS UNIT YOURSELF AS IT CAN BE DANGEROUS AND WILL ALSO VOID THE WARRANTY.