FLAMINGO.1 OPERATOR'S MANUAL Version 1.1 20090110 LTD. 2117 East 5th Street Superior, WI 54880 USA tel: 715-398-3627 fax: 715-398-3279 www.cranesong.com © 2004, 2005, 2006, 2009 Crane Song, LTD. Subject to change without notice. U.S.A.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS 1. Read these instructions 2. Keep these instructions 3. Heed all warnings 4. Follow all instructions 5. Do not use this apparatus near water 6. Clean only with dry cloth 7. Install in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions 8. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat 9.
INTRODUCTION FLAMINGO, is a high quality 2 channel discrete class A microphone pre-amp. It can be operated as a musically transparent pre-amplifier, but is capable of emulating vintage sounds as well as creating distinctive new ones. The input gain is selected by a stepped switch for gain matching and repeatability. This is followed by a continuously variable attenuator to provide gain trim. Gain is adjustable in 6 db steps to 66 db gain and down to off by the attenuator.
CLASS A DISCRETE TOPOLOGIES Flamingo has a Class A audio path, which is significantly different than designs that use integrated circuits. Class A circuits sound better because their distortion components tend to be Second Harmonic; musically pleasing. IC Op-Amps do not have class A output circuits and their distortion components tend to be high order odd harmonics; not musical. The most important thing to remember about Class A circuits is that they sound better.
Note that the sound switch changes both channels. An audible pop may be heard when the switch is flipped. This occurs because a different amplifier is being switched into the audio path. Be aware that flipping this switch during a recording take is not advised. At any other time the audible pop is merely a momentary nuisance. Changing the circuit to eliminate the pop would compromise the audio path. THE IRON SWITCH “Iron” has a different distortion characteristic than an amplifier.
INPUT IMPEDANCE SWITCH This switch changes the impedance to a lower value from the standard Flamingo value. This lower value has been recommended by David Bock, of Soundelux Microphones. This will match Flamingo’s input impedance for optimum performance with the Soundlux Microphones. This will also work with other tube, and transistor type microphones that use an output transformer in the microphone. If the impedance is to low, the mic would have a loss of low frequency and, an increase in distortion.
I/O CONNECTORS INPUT: The maximum input level for the Flamingo is +18 dBm with the unit’s gain set at 6 db. The input is balanced with pin 2 being signal positive and pin 3 signal negative. The input connector is a XLR connector. OUTPUT: The maximum output level for Flamingo is +25 dBm. The XLR connector is wired with pin 2 hot or signal “+”, pin 3 signal negative and pin 1 signal ground. If it is necessary to run the output unbalanced, tie pin 3 to pin 1 at the XLR connector.
CRANE SONG LTD. 2117 E. 5th Street Superior, WI 54880 USA tel. 715-398-3627 fax. 715-398-3279 DISCRETE CLASS A MIC PRE-AMP REGISTRATION FORM Please fill out this form and return. It will be used for sending updates and pertinent information as it becomes available. Thank you.
