Alpha VHD Pre - Receiver Solid State Logic - Free user manual and instructions

Technical Features	Tube microphone preamp, 4 channels, 24-bit A/D conversion, sampling rate up to 192 kHz.
Usage	Ideal for studio recordings, compatible with audio interfaces and mixing consoles.
Maintenance and Repair	Regularly check connections and clean contacts. In case of failure, consult a qualified technician.
Safety	Use only with appropriate power supply. Avoid exposure to moisture and extreme temperatures.
General Information	Product from the Solid State Logic brand, known for professional audio quality and durability.

Frequently Asked Questions - Alpha VHD Pre Solid State Logic

How can I connect the Solid State Logic Alpha VHD Pre to my audio interface?

Use XLR cables to connect the audio output of the Alpha VHD Pre to the input of your audio interface.

Does the Alpha VHD Pre preamp work with dynamic and condenser microphones?

Yes, the Solid State Logic Alpha VHD Pre is compatible with dynamic and condenser microphones.

I don\'t hear any sound when using the Alpha VHD Pre, what should I do?

Check that the preamp is properly powered, the gain level is set, and the cables are correctly connected.

How do I adjust the gain level on the Solid State Logic Alpha VHD Pre?

Use the gain knob on the front panel to adjust the gain level as needed.

Is there a way to control the VHD on the Alpha VHD Pre?

Yes, the Alpha VHD Pre has a VHD button that allows you to control harmonic saturation.

Can I use the Alpha VHD Pre with a laptop?

Yes, as long as you have a compatible audio interface and appropriate cables, you can use it with a laptop.

How can I troubleshoot noise or crackling issues?

Check all cables for loose connections, try a different power outlet, and reduce the gain level if necessary.

Does the Solid State Logic Alpha VHD Pre require specific drivers?

No, the Alpha VHD Pre does not require specific drivers; it operates as an analog device.

What type of power supply does the Solid State Logic Alpha VHD Pre use?

The Alpha VHD Pre operates with a standard mains power supply provided with the device.

Where can I find the user manual for the Solid State Logic Alpha VHD Pre?

You can download the user manual from the official Solid State Logic website in the support section.

USER MANUAL Alpha VHD Pre Solid State Logic

Safety and Installation Considerations

This section contains definitions, warnings, and practical information to ensure a safe working environment.

Please take time to read this section before installing or using this unit. Please do not dispose of these instructions.

General Safety

- Read these instructions.

- Keep these instructions.

- Heed all warnings.

- Follow all instructions.

- Do not use this apparatus near water.

- Do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

- Clean only with dry cloth.

- Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions.

- Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

- There are no user-adjustments, or user-servicable items, inside this apparatus. Do not remove the covers of this apparatus; doing so will invalidate your warranty.

- Refer all servicing to qualified personnel. Servicing is required when the power supply has been damaged in any way, liquid has been spilled or objects have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally or has been dropped.

- Adjustments or alterations to this apparatus may affect the performance such that safety and/or international compliance standards may no longer be met.

Power Safety

• This apparatus is supplied with a universal power supply, approved and certified for operation in this apparatus. There are no user-replaceable fuses.
• A power cord is supplied with this unit. Alternative power cords may be used if rated 2.5A or above and fitted with a 3-pin IEC320 connector.
• Use only the Solid State Logic provided power supply. Use of any other power supply is not covered by your warranty and may cause fire or explosion.
• Any external power supply may become hot during normal operation of the unit. Use care when handling the power supply.
• Do not attempt to modify the power supply unit in any way.
• If an extension power cable or adaptor is used, ensure that the total power rating of the power cable and/or adaptor is not exceeded.
• The power socket used for this apparatus should be located nearby and be easily accessible.
• Unplug this apparatus during an electrical storm or when unused for long periods of time.

stallation Notes

• When installing this apparatus, place the apparatus on a secure level surface.
• Ensure that no strain is placed on the cables connecting to this apparatus. Ensure also that such cables are not placed where they can be stepped on, pulled or tripped over.
• Do not operate this apparatus whilst it is covered or boxed in any way.
• Do not operate this unit with the covers removed. Performance may be adversely affected.

1. Un-pack

Your Alpha VHD Pre box should contain the following:

Solid State Logic N1000

The Alpha VHD Pre Unit

External Mains Adaptor 1 x Power Cord * or or * The cord supplied will territory where Alpha Solid

* The cord supplied will be correct for the territory where Alpha VHD Pre is purchased

Installation Guide (this document)

Solid State Logic SOUND | VISION XI Logic OFFICE Logic Post Solid State Logic XPO EN DE FR ES IT

2. Connect

Microphone Inputs Balanced, max. input: 0dBu (+20dBu with Pad) DC Power +5V, ±15Vdc from PSU ALPHA VHD Pre Puls. No: 200638A Serial No: 12345 MANUFACTURED IN U.K. OUTPUT Analogue Outputs Balanced, max. output: +24dBu

Rear Panel Connections
	5-pin 180° DIN 3-pin XLR-F 3-pin XLR-M
Pin 1 0V 0V 0V
Pin 2 0V +ve +ve
Pin 3 +5V -ve -ve
Pin 4 -15V
Pin 5 +15V

Front Panel Connections
Instrument 1/4"	Mono Jack
Tip Signal
Sleeve 0V

3. Play!

Input Switches

Hi Z Switches Mic Input impedance from 1kΩ to 10kΩ. Use with PAD for Line Level inputs.

PAD Fixed 20dB attenuation for high level signals. Glows 'red' when input is in 'overload' condition.

48V Switches +48V ('phantom power') to the Mic Input. Always switch OFF before connecting/dis-connecting microphone.

Input Gain

Provides +20dB to +75dB gain

Output Gain

Provides ±20dB of adjustment

Solid State Logic SOUND || VISION INSTRUMENT HI Z PAD 48V INPUT TM OUTPUT 2nd +3rd VHD INSTRUMENT HI Z PAD 48V INPUT TM OUTPUT 2nd +3rd VHD INST

Power/Standby

Bright when unit is on, dim when in standby

Instrument

Mono 14 " Jack for high impedance Instrument Input. Inserting a jack will automatically select this input in place of the standard microphone input (on the rear of the unit).

Variable Harmonic Drive™

Adds level dependent colouration; initially warm 2^nd harmonic then more aggressive 3^rd harmonic (see opposite)

Using VHD

VHD – Variable Harmonic Drive ^™ – allows a signal (microphone or line) to be over driven from subtle harmonic colouration through to full on distortion. The level of the incoming signal will have an affect on the VHD circuit, as will the PAD button which offers 20db of gain reduction for loud signals, allowing the Alpha VHD Pre to work with line as well as microphone level signals.

Each Alpha VHD Pre input features a control labelled 'VHD' with a range of adjustment indicated as 2^nd to 3^rd . Adjusting the VHD control changes the character of the added distortion from predominately 2^nd harmonic to almost entirely 3^rd harmonic when fully clockwise; interesting blends between the two can be achieved at intermediate settings. The character of 2^nd harmonic distortion is akin to the warmer sound produced by overdriven valves whilst 3^rd harmonic distortion is associated with the harder, brighter sound achieved from solid state devices.

The VHD control will have a far more noticeable effect at higher gain settings so the input gain should be used in combination with the VHD control to affect the amount of distortion being added to the input signal. The PAD button will glow red when the input stage is starting to overload; the VHD circuit is designed such that this is part of the normal operation, though this should be avoided for a cleaner signal.

An over driven pre-amp may obviously have an effect on the gain of all parts the signal chain which follow the unit and the output gain may need to be taken down to interface correctly with other equipment. The output level control makes this adjustment a simple process.

FCC Notice

This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A digital device, pursuant to part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is used in a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses, and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual, may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be required to correct the interference at his own expense.

Instructions for Disposal of WEEE by Users in the European Union

The symbol shown here is on the product or on its packaging, which indicates that this product must not be disposed of with other waste. Instead, it is the user's responsibility to dispose of their waste equipment by handing it over to a designated collection point for recycling of waste electrical and electronic equipment. The separate collection and recycling of your waste equipment at the time of disposal will help to conserve natural resources and ensure that it is recycled in a manner that protects human health and the environment. For more information about where you can drop off your waste equipment for recycling, please contact your local city office, your household waste disposal service or where you purchased the product.

Standards Conformance

This apparatus fully conforms with the current protection requirements of the European community council directives on EMC and LVD.

Warranty

This product is warranted against failure resulting from faulty materials or workmanship for a period of 12 months from date of purchase.

In Warranty Repairs

In the event of a fault arising during the warranty period, please contact your local dealer or distributor who will arrange either for repair or replacement as appropriate (a list of dealers and distributors can be found on the Solid State Logic website: www.solid-state-logic.com). Note that no units will be accepted for repair by Solid State Logic unless accompanied by a valid RMA number, obtainable from Solid State Logic prior to shipping. All units should be shipped to Solid State Logic in their original packaging. Solid State Logic cannot be held responsible for any damage caused by shipping units in other packaging. In such cases Solid State Logic will return the unit in a suitable box, which you will be charged for. Do not include the power cable, manual or any other items – Solid State Logic can not guarantee to return them to you. Please also note that warranty returns will only be accepted as such if accompanied by the original receipt or other proof of purchase.

Out of Warranty Repairs

In the event of a fault arising after the warranty period has expired, return the unit in its original packaging to your local distributor for shipment to Solid State Logic. You will be charged for the time spent on the repair (at Solid State Logic's current repair rate) plus the cost of parts and shipping. Note that no units will be accepted for repair unless accompanied by a valid RMA number, obtainable from Solid State Logic prior to shipping.

Specifications

Physical \*

Depth 230mm / 9" casing only

Height 44.5mm / 1.75" (1 RU)

Width 438mm / 17.25" casing only

482mm / 19" inc' rack ears

Weight 2.6kg / 6 pounds

Power < 20 Watts

Boxed size 320mm x 550mm x 80mm

12.75" × 21.75" × 3.25"

Boxed weight 3.5kg / 8 pounds

* All values are approximate

Environmental

Temperature Operating: +5 to 30 deg. C

Non-operating: -20 to 50 deg. C

Max. gradient: 15 deg. C/hour

Relative Operating: 20 to 80 %

Humidity Non-operating: 5 to 90%

Max. wet bulb: 29 deg. C

(non-condensing)

Vibration Operating: < 0.2 G (3 - 100Hz)

Non-operating,

power off: < 0.4 G (3 - 100Hz)

Shock Operating: < 2 G (10ms max.)

Non-operating: < 10 G (10ms max.)

Altitude Operating: 0 to 3000m

(above sea level) Non-operating: 0 to 12000m

Connections

Power Supply IEC320 3-pin connector, 100 - 240 Vac, 50 - 60 Hz

Analogue I/O

Microphone Balanced, 3-pin XLR-F, Zin = 1kΩ (10kΩ for Hi Z)

Instrument Un-balanced, 3/4" Mono Jack, Zin = 1MΩ

Output Balanced, 3-pin XLR-M, Zo = 40Ω

Power 5-pin 180° DIN connector, +5Vdc, ±15Vdc

Solid State Logic V10000

Der Alpha VHD Pre

Höhe 44,5mm / 1.75 Zoll (1HE)

Solid State Logic V10000

Solid State Logic SOUND & Visions XI Logic Adobe 2000 Pos English Lab English Reading English Chemistry English Physics English Physics EN DE FR ES IT

2. Connect

Entrées microphone

Solid State Logic VL005

Salida Balanceado, 3-pin XLR-M, Zo = 40Ω

Alimentación

Conector DIN 180° de 5 pines, +5Vdc, ±15V de CC

Solid State Logic V1.0002

power off: <0.4 G (3 - 100Hz)

Visit SSL at URL: http://www.solid-state-logic.com

© Solid State Logic

All Rights reserved under International and Pan-American Copyright Conventions

VHD, VHD logo, Xlogic and Xlogic Alpha are trademarks of Solid State Logic

All other product names and trademarks are the property of their respective owners

No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form or by any means, whether mechanical or electronic, without the written permission of Solid State Logic, Oxford, OX5 1RU, England

As research and development is a continual process, Solid State Logic reserves the right to change the features and specifications described herein without notice or obligation

E&OE