Zaehl IM1 500 Series Insert Master Unit

Product Overview Another AM1 Spin-Off
AM1 – our state-of-the-art pure analog mixing console – does not only stand for superb sound quality but also for elaborate functionality. The essence of AM1 Insert- and Stereo-stages has been extracted and then supplemented to form a unique stand-alone unit. IM1 has been designed for setting up a high end analog signal chain in conjunction with other analog equipment.

Typical Applications and Benefits
IM1 provides extended options when inserting outboard analog signal processors into your audio chain for post-processing, mastering, mixing or recording - whether in an analog or digital environment (with ADDA conversion).

In mid/side or conventional left/right stereo modes it offers control over gain, drive, impedance, stereo image and dry/wet balance for parallel processing at high end sound quality.

Connections
IM1 is a 2-slot 500 series module with stereo input, stereo output and stereo insert send and return. When installed in a Zähl Rack500 a dedicated rear panel provides all connections (8 XLR connectors). As the 500 series standard provides only one balanced I/O per slot, the enclosed additional breakout panel with 4 XLR connectors is needed to operate IM1 in a standard 500 series rack - requiring one additional slot.

All You Can Expect From an Insert
Dedicated level BOOST, DRY/WET Ratio control, MID/SIDE stereo conversion, individual I/O MONITORING.

Impedance Select switch (Z) on Insert Return.

Stereo Base Control
Classical circuitry based on MID/SIDE stereo technique, adapted to real-world applications

Adaptable
Compatibility to standard 500 frames (1-slot breakout panel providing stereo insert I/Os included). Special rear panel covering all connectors when operated in Zähl Rack.

Input stage
• electronically balanced, max. level > +26dBu
• INPUT GAIN range +/- 10dB, L/R BALANCE range +/- 2,5dB
• GAIN and BALANCE with trimmed zero position
• SIGNAL LED (green) level present, individual Left/Right
• O/L LED (red) overload warning, individual Left/Right

Insert
• SEND BOOST control with up to 20dB gain at INSERT send
• RETURN RATIO crossfader for DRY/WET mixing at INSERT return for parallel compressing, EQing etc.
• Z-Switch - impedance selection for Insert Returns. Optimum sound results by impedance matching, e.g. when inserting vintage equipment.
• switchable MID/SIDE STEREO conversion on INSERT SEND/RETURN allowing different processing of MID and SIDE signals – using mono EQs, compressors, etc.
• comprehensive MONITORING controls for L and R, or MID and SIDE signals at insert SEND and RETURN points
• ON/OFF switch bypasses all INSERT functions

Stereo Base
• Circuitry based on MID/SIDE technique provides continuously variable adjustment starting from center position (STEREO):
- Narrow STEREO BASE by turning counterclockwise towards MONO.
- Widen STEREO BASE by turning clockwise towards DIFFERENTIAL signal.
• Use CONSTANT MID option to “soften” the effect when turning clockwise to DIFFERENTIAL.
• ON/OFF switch bypasses STEREO BASE stage

Output Stage
• electronically balanced, max. level > +26dBu
• OUTPUT GAIN range +/- 10dB, L/R BALANCE range +/- 2,5dB
• GAIN and BALANCE with trimmed zero position
• SIGNAL LED (green) level present, individual Left/Right, also monitoring INSERT RETURN
• O/L LED (red) overload warning, individual Left/Right, also monitoring INSERT RETURN
• Overall BYPASS, also bridging I/O GAIN stages

More information can be found in the User Manual below: Features • Stereo design for mix & mastering as well as voices & instruments
• Highly musical design
• Intuitive, user-friendly, self-explaining layout
• Lowest noise and distortion signal paths built with highest quality components
• No microprocessor, no clock pulses, sequential logic only
• Individual power stabilization on each module, no switched power circuitry
• Number of I/Os exceeds API 500 standard, connector extension included:
- upgrade to special rear panel for Zähl Rack 500 series with additional XLR Insert I/Os or
- additional 1 slot front panel with 4 XLR Insert I/Os as adaption to standard 500 series rack
• All other specs compatible with API 500 series specs, basic unit occupying two slots