PREAMPLIFIER OWNER’S MANUAL

PRA-8
8 CHANNEL MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER
 PRA-8
8 CHANNEL MICROPHONE PREAMPLIFIER

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 • Individual gain control and Peak LED indicator on each channel
live sound applications from using increasingly popular digital with up to 75dB of gain
audio interfaces which often only consist of unbalanced line
inputs or very low (or no mic pre) gain structure for the • +48V Phantom Power with individual Phantom On/Off switches
balanced input stage and with no available phantom power and Phantom Power On LED indicators on each channel

• Eight totally independent world-class preamps in one single rack • Rugged construction for maximum long-term reliability
(1RU) through package with servo-balanced XLR inputs and • Shielded internal dual regulated power supply with
1/4" TS outputs for each preamp ~115V(60Hz)/~230V(50Hz) select switch and fused IEC power
• Highest quality components and advanced design with ultra- cord connector
linear, high bandwidth operational amps for no-compromise
crystal clear audio with exceptionally low noise and negligible
distortion

TABLE OF CONTENTS
FEATURES ................................................................................. 2
Date of Purchase ____________________________________
WARNING ................................................................................... 3
INSTALLATION .......................................................................... 4 Dealer’s Name ______________________________________
FRONT & REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS ................................ 5
City _______________________________________________
CONTROLS & INDICATORS ..................................................... 5
APPLICATIONS .......................................................................... 6 State _____________________ Zip _____________________

1. Using the PRA-8 ................................................................. 6 Model # ____________________________________________

SPECIFICATIONS ...................................................................... 6
Serial # ___________________
NOTES ........................................................................................ 7

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 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.
ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE NE PAS OUVRIR

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.
11. 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.

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 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.

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 FRONT & REAR CONNECTIONS
(1) (2) (4)
FRONT PANEL

(3) (9)
REAR PANEL

(6) (7) (8) (5)

FRONT PANEL REAR PANEL

(1) AUDIO INPUTS (5) AUDIO OUTPUTS
Eight balanced XLR audio input jacks 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 REAR PANEL
The PRA-8 has eight independent pre-amplifier channels. The (8) POWER SWITCH
unit provides variable rotary gain controls, phantom power and To turn the unit ON or OFF, press the upper or lower portion of
peak indicator lights per channel. this button as indicated. The front panel POWER LED
(2) GAIN CONTROLS INDICATOR (4) will illuminate when the power is “ON”. Before
Each channel features a rotary gain control for variable turning on this unit, verify connection to the proper voltage AC
adjustment of the desired pre-amplifier level. source, check all connections and turn down the level controls of
(3) PHANTOM POWER SWITCHES equipment connected to the outputs.
If needed to power condenser microphones, each channel (6) AC VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH
features a phantom power switch for supplying +48VDC across Before plugging in the power cord, check to see that the unit is
pins 2 and 3 of the XLR input connector. If you don’t need set for the proper voltage for your area: ~115v (60Hz) or ~230V
phantom power, be sure to turn this switch to the “OFF” position. (50Hz).

(Note, It is safe to connect balanced dynamic mics even if this (Note: use at the improper voltage can damage your unit and
switch is on, but connecting unbalanced devices or devices void the warranty.)
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.

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 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 POWER SUPPLY

Connectors ............................................................................. XLR Power Requirements ....................... selectable, ~ 100-120 VAC,
Type ............................................................................... Balanced ~ 200-240 VAC, 50-60 Hz
Impedance ..................................................................... 2k Ohms Fuse ...................................... 100-120 VAC: 630 mA (slow-blow)
Min Sensitivity ..................................................................... -40dB 200-240 VAC: 315 mA (slow-blow)
Peak input level .................................................................... +5dB 100-240 VAC: 500 mA (slow-blow)
Gain control range ............................................................... 50dB 5X20mm glass type
Peak amplification ................................................................ 74dB Power cord connector ........................... Standard IEC receptacle
Phantom power ..................................................+48V, switchable with built-in fuse holder

AUDIO OUTPUTS PHYSICAL

Connectors ...................................................................... 1/4" jack Dimensions .................... 1.75"X 19"X 8.5” (44.5X482.6X217mm)
Type ...................................................................... TRS Balanced Weight .................................................................. 7.48lbs (3.4Kg)
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

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.

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NOTES

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SERVICE FOR YOUR NADY AUDIO PRODUCT

(U.S.) Should your NADY AUDIO product require service, please contact the Nady Service Department via telephone
at (510) 652-2411, or e-mail at [email protected].

(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.

NADY SYSTEMS, INC. • 6701 SHELLMOUND STREET, EMERYVILLE, CA 94608

Tel: 510.652.2411 • Fax: 510.652.5075 • www.nady.com