Furman HDS6

Following up on the tremendous success of its HDS-6/ HR-6 Headphone/Audio Distribution System, Furman introduces an enlarged and enhanced system, the HDS-16/HRM-16 Headphone/Audio Distribution System.

The HDS-16 Headphone/Audio Distribution System and HRM-16 Headphone/Audio Remote Mixer are the logical extension to Furman's very popular headphone amp/audio distribution lineup. These models are designed to function equally well for both live (in-ear or stage monitors) and studio applications, allowing greater flexibility and ease for both the user and the engineer.

The HDS-16/HRM-16 Headphone/Audio Distribution System cleanly routes 8 mono and 4 stereo signals to remote mixing locations via Centronics 50 pin cables. Up to eight HRM-16's can be connected directly or daisy chained to a single HDS-16, allowing as many as sixteen users (two per each HRM-16) to customize eight different mixes. A unique talkback system allows each user to communicate with other users and the main mixing location. Additionally, a SOLO system allows the engineer to mute all but one stereo send from the mix location -- very handy for reviewing recent takes or rough mixes. Additional HRM-16 features include local effects send/return, line out, overall bass/treble controls, talkback level, and a master level control.

The double rack-space HDS-16 provides full patching functions on its front panel via 1/4" and TT input jacks, and is intended to be installed at the mixing console location. The HDS-16 provides power and signal conditioning to drive the HRM-16 Remote Mixers. There is no power cord or wall wart required for the HRM-16's. In addition, it includes two 1/4" jacks for the two-way talkback functions, and a SOLO REMOTE switch with an indicator that allows muting of all but one stereo feed at all HRM-16's. This comes in handy for isolating tracks for critical listening without having each HRM-16 user turn down all but one channel. The SOLO function also includes a 1/4" jack so actuation can be done with a footswitch. Front panel indicators include POWER ON and SOLO ON. The rear panel includes six Centronics 50 pin connectors to link up to six HRM-16's (more if daisy chaining is used), and the standard Furman ON/OFF and GROUND LIFT switches.

The unique talkback system is extremely versatile. It can be configured two different ways by moving a jumper on the circuit board in the HDS-16. One way allows the talkback mic on each HRM-16 to be fed to all of the other HRM-16 units as well as the HDS-16. The other configuration allows communication to the HDS-16 only. This is particularly useful for stage use where the user's talkback mic should not feed into all of the monitors (including the user's own monitor).

The HRM-16 Remote Mixer may either attach to a mic stand with the included mic stand clip and hardware, or be placed on a table or shelf. The unit requires no external power, and allows full volume/low distortion headphone mixes to be created on the fly.

The eight mono and four stereo signals each have level controls. Each mono channel also has a pan control and an effects send control which feeds its own rear panel 1/4" send/return jacks; the affected signal is returned into the mix and controlled via a stereo effects return knob. Also on the rear panel of the HRM-16 is a mono line out 1/4" jack to drive stage or in-ear monitors, a jack for a talk-back footswitch, and two 50 pin Centronics connectors to allow daisy chaining of up to four HRM-16's.

Connecting HDS-16 and HRM-16's is easy, as each mixer is supplied with a 25-foot super-flexible interconnect cable which can easily be extended or routed through walls and daisy chained to other HRM-16s. Cable extenders and thru-wall installation kits are available as well (see below).

The HDS-16 and HRM-16 are sold separately.

Features:

• Every performer in a studio or live sound setting can have a personalized mix without any adjustments at the board
• Perfect for use as a headphone system in the studio, plus drives powered monitors in live sound applications
• HDS-6 rackmount audio distribution system connects to the mixer/console to provide interface and power supplies to drive a group of HR-6 remote mixers
• HR-6 remote mixer provides each musician with five volume controls: four monaural (for mixer channels or busses), plus one for an overall stereo mix or a stereo effects return
• HDS-6 to HR-6 linking cables are included with the HR-6, as is a universal mic stand clamp
• HDS-6 provides gain trims and overload LEDs for each input, ground lift and on/off switch, and system status LEDs

Specifications:

• Input Impedance: 20K ohms
• Sensitivity: Variable, -10 to +4 dBu for rated output.(adjustable with trimpot on each input)
• Power Output: 400 mW at 32 ohms (200 mW at 600 ohms, 500 mW at 100 ohms) from 20 Hz to 20 KHz.
• Connectors: Inputs: 1/4" phone, balanced or unbalanced. Outputs: RJ-45 jacks.
• HDS-6 / HR-6 Connecting Cable: 2 each: 10Base-T UTP Ethernet computer cables, Cat. 3 or better.
• Distortion: 0.008% THD at full rated power at 1 KHz; 0.05% THD 20Hz to 20 KHz.
• Dynamic Range: Greater than 96 dB
• Frequency Response: +0, -1 dB from 20 Hz to 20 KHz, 400 mW output
• Power Requirement: 120 VAC, 60 Hz, 20 watts
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 19" x 1.75" x 7.25"
• Weight: 6.8 lbs. (3.1 kg)