QSC CM16a Hardware Manual - page 11
11
CONNECTING AUDIO INPUTS
The audio inputs are located on the rear panel. The CM16a uses terminal
block connectors for the audio inputs. They are sometimes called “Phoe-
nix” or “Euro”connectors. These connectors allow the installer to pre-
wire the input terminations before the CM16a is installed in the rack. It
also allows for re-routing of audio inputs by simply interchanging connec-
tor locations without the need for any tools. See Appendix for connector
manufacturer’s part number reference.
Balanced connection is recommended for all inputs.
The illustrations to the right show the proper connection of audio pro-
gram input sources for both balanced and unbalanced inputs.Use bal-
anced connections whenever possible. If unbalanced audio sources are
used, it is preferable to use an appropriate audio transformer (or other
unbalanced-to-balanced “converter”) to provide a balanced input to the
CM16a. If this is not possible, then it is recommended the negative ter-
minal and shield terminal be connected to one another with a jumper
wire.
Terminal Block Connector Hints-
•Strip length: 6 to 8 mm (1/4 to 5/16 inch).
•Be careful not to nick or cut the conductor strands.
•After each conductor has been stripped, insert it fully into the
connector and tighten the retaining screw. When stranded wire is
used, carefully twist the conductor strands together so when they
are inserted into the connector assembly, no loose strands short
adjacent terminals.
•For heavy-duty input cables, the use of connectors with integral
strain relief is recommended. These connectors have a large
plastic tab molded as part of the assembly which provides an
area to tape or tie-wrap the cable to. At the time of this writing,
only the 3-pin with the strain relief was available through QSC.
See Section 6 (Appendix) for connector part numbers.