These are rack-mounting, active, audio line converters. Three models are available; two eight channel versions either interface the outputs or the inputs of unbalanced equipment to professional balanced lines, a third model offers four channels for inputs and four for outputs. Inputs can also be linked to create distribution amplifiers.
The front panel of all units has a recessed power switch with red LED indication, and a preset trim control and green ‘signal presence’ LED for each channel. Connectors are on the rear panel, RCA (phono) sockets for all unbalanced inputs or outputs, 3-pin male XLR connectors for balanced outputs and 3-pin female XLR connectors for balanced inputs. Each balanced input or output has a ground-lift switch, and there is a further switch which lifts the grounds at all balanced connectors. An ‘LED’ switch disables the signal presence indicators on the front panel. AC input is via an IEC socket. Further slide switches are located on the bottom of the unit; there are per-channel switches selecting the balanced side of the interface to +4dBu or -20dBu nominal level, and the input-linking switches, seven on the LA80MkII and LA81MkII, six on the LA40MkIII, which reconfigure the units as distribution amplifiers.
Input: +30dBu maximum, 54000 ohms, balanced inputs, with no input linking; +4.8dBV, 23000 ohms, unbalanced inputs, with no input linking. Output: +23dBu maximum , 94 ohms, balanced outputs; +18dBV, 200 ohms, unbalanced inputs. Response: 20Hz-100kHz, +/-3dB; Noise: -87dB, A-weighted, 20 to 2000Hz; Distortion: 0.005%, 1kHz, nominal level. Dimensions: 483 x 44 x 280(w x h x d)mm, 1U rack mounting. Weight: 3kg.
LA80MkII - Output - Eight Channels
The LA80MkII provides 8 unbalanced inputs and 8 balanced outputs. Balanced outputs are normally at +4dBu nominal level, and unbalanced inputs are at -10dBu nominal level. Trim adjustment of +/-12dB and ground lift are provided per-channel. The nominal level at each balanced inputs or output may be reduced to -20dBu. Inputs can also be linked to create distribution amplifiers such as 1-to-8 and 2 x 2-to-4, with the level shifting and balancing/unbalancing functions remaining effective.
Included accessories: Manual, AC power cable.
LA81MkII - Input - Eight Channels
This provides 8 balanced inputs and 8 unbalanced outputs. Balanced inputs are normally at +4dBu nominal level, and unbalanced outputs are at -10dBu nominal level. Otherwise, the LA81MkII is similar to the LA80MkII, with the same accessories included.
LA40MkIII - Bi-directional - 2x Four Channels
This offers 4 channels of unbalanced-to-balanced conversion and 4 channels of balanced-to-unbalanced conversion in one unit. It is otherwise similar to the LA80MkII, with the same accessories included.