Introduction To The Penta; Rear Panel Connections And Switches; Facilities And Controls; Discrete Transistor Input Stage - Focusrite Platinum Penta Preset Stereo Compressor Manuel D'utilisation

INTRODUCTION TO THE PENTA™

The Penta ™ is a stereo compressor with 16 preset compression settings. All presets can be
freely adjusted enabling the user to tailor their compression to their individual needs. The
Penta ™ also features a Class A mic preamp and high impedance instrument input (so you don't
need a DI box). This means that the Penta
recording a vocal or instrument, AND as a stereo compressor when mixing down. (When
necessary, the Penta ™ may also be used as a stereo compressor when recording, if it is inserted
across two channels of a mixing console, or when compressing e.g. a stereo keyboard signal.)
The Penta features an image width enhancer for altering the apparent image width of a stereo
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source. There is also an optional 24bit/96kHz high quality digital output available for the Penta
When recording, you don't necessarily have to route your signal through your mixing console;
simply connect a microphone or instrument to the appropriate input on the Penta
its outputs directly into your recorder (such as a PC soundcard, hard disk recorder, DAT
machine or other tape machine). This form of recording will ensure you record the cleanest
signal at the highest quality, since it removes the possibility of noise being added to the signal
when routing through a mixer.
The easiest way to learn how to use the Penta
compressors, is to try each control in turn. Finally, try them all together to enjoy the full
creative potential of your Penta !
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REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS AND SWITCHES

The Penta ™ features left and right line level stereo (balanced) TRS inputs, with a nominal
sensitivity of +4dBu. These inputs may also take mono (unbalanced) TRS connectors. The
corresponding line level outputs will take mono (unbalanced) or stereo (balanced) TRS
connectors, operating at either +4dBu, (to match professional equipment with balanced
outputs such as mixing consoles or professional recorders,) or –10dBV (to match semi-
professional or consumer equipment such as some DAT recorders or sound modules). +4dBu
sensitivities require connection via stereo TRS connectors for balanced operation, -10dBV
sensitivities may use either mono (unbalanced) or stereo (balanced) TRS connectors. For
guidance on wiring up balanced and unbalanced connections see Connectors diagram.
can be used as a mono compressor when
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, and feed
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The Penta's compressor features side chain inserts for each channel. They require a 'Y' cable
with a stereo (balanced) TRS connector at one end (to be connected to the side chain insert),
and two mono (unbalanced) TRS connectors at the other end to be used as send and return
connections for an external device. The returns may also be used on their own to feed an
external signal into the side chain for creative purposes (e.g. ducking).
In addition to the analogue outputs, a high quality 128 times oversampled 24 bit stereo digital
output (64 times oversampled at higher rates) may be fitted as an option. Rear panel switches
select a sample frequency of 44.1, 48, 88.2 or 96 kHz. The output may be synchronised to an
external wordclock if required via the BNC connector.
Digital output format is SPDIF on an RCA phono connector.
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FACILITIES AND CONTROLS

POWER – turns the unit on and illuminates the blue 'ON' LED. We recommend that the
unit is turned on before connecting to any equipment that it is feeding, to avoid clicks or
thumps which may harm output devices. It is best to allow the unit to stabilise for a couple of
minutes before use to ensure that internal circuitry is properly initialised.

Discrete Transistor Input Stage

This part of the unit is a preamplifier, for matching the level of a choice of incoming signals to
the internal working level of the compressor section which follows.
– this is used to select the front panel inputs (mic and instrument)
MIC/INST SWITCH
instead of the rear (line) inputs. When switched in, either the mic or instrument input may be
used (see below). When released, only the rear panel LINE INPUTs are selected. If a
microphone and instrument are connected simultaneously, the instrument input will override
the mic input.
INSTRUMENT INPUT
only. This is a high impedance input that allows you to connect an electric guitar or bass
without loading the pickups, and without the need for a DI box. A synth with a low output
may also be connected here. This input is only active when MIC/INST is pressed.
- this is the mono microphone input and feeds the left channel only. The
MIC INPUT
input is only active when MIC/INST is pressed. Inserting a jack in the INSTRUMENT
INPUT automatically disconnects the MIC input.
- this provides +48V phantom power for condenser mics when pressed. The other
+48V
inputs are not affected by this switch. If you are unsure whether your microphone requires
phantom power, refer to its handbook, as it is possible to damage some microphones by
providing phantom power.
– this is the mono instrument input and feeds the left channel
I n t r o d u c t i o n
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