CHORD Alto Electronics Introduces Headphone Instruction Manual
- June 1, 2024
- chord
Table of Contents
CHORD Alto Electronics Introduces Headphone
Specifications
- Model: Chord Electronics Alto V1
- Power Output: 12 V
- Speaker Outputs: 4 mm banana connectors
- Input Options: RCA, XLR balanced
- Headphone Outputs: 2x 3.5 mm, 2x 6.35 mm (1/4 inch)
- Remote Control: Included (2x AAA batteries supplied)
Product Usage Instructions
Safety and Care
Place the Chord Electronics Alto in a well-ventilated area away from direct
sunlight and heat sources. Ensure there is sufficient space around the unit
for proper airflow.
Connections and Controls
Rear and Front Panels
Refer to the user manual for detailed information on the rear and front panel
connections and controls. Make sure all system devices are switched off and
volumes set to zero before making any connections.
Remote Control
The remote control allows you to power on/off, adjust volume,select inputs and
outputs conveniently. Ensure to use the provided AAA batteries for the remote
control functionality.
Operation
Power On/Off
Before powering on the unit, ensure all connections are correctly made and the
volume is set to zero. Press the power button to turn on the unit; the front
ball will turn teal when the unit is ready for use.
Input Selection
You can cycle between XLR and RCA inputs using the input button on the unit or
the remote control. Select Line 1 for XLR and Line 2 for RCA input.
Output Selection
You can switch between speaker, headphone, and XLR outputs using the output
button on the unit or the remote control. The balanced output can be used with
either the headphone or speaker output simultaneously by pressing and holding
the output button.
Note: When connecting headphones, there might be a short delay before the output becomes active to protect the amplifier.
The Pumphouse, Farleigh Lane, East Farleigh, Kent,
ME16 9NB. Great Britain.
+44 (0) 1622 721 444
[email protected]
chordelectronics.co.uk
Introduction
The Alto is a technology-rich pro audio headphone and nearfield monitor
amplifier capable of driving up to four pairs of headphones. The Alto is the
perfect tool for monitoring in today’s high-resolution environment. It offers
50 watts per channel for nearfield monitoring, plus enough drive for its four
headphone outputs simultaneously, via two front-panel 3.5 mm and two 6.35 mm
outputs.
Designed to fit into 19-inch racking, the 1U-tall Alto also benefits from both
balanced and unbalanced inputs, plus a pair of balanced XLR outputs for
bypass/external monitor control.
Safety and care
- Do not allow the device to come into contact with water or liquids.
- Do not spray cleaning products onto the device. Use a clean microfibre cloth to clean the casework.
- A further safety document is included in the box.
- The device does not contain any user-serviceable components. Do not attempt to open, dismantle or apply internal third-party devices to it. Doing so will void the warranty.
- The device benefits from extensive casework ventilation, however, always ensure the Alto is used in a well-ventilated setting, away from direct sunlight and heat sources, and has sufficient space around the unit.
Support and warranty
For support, please contact the supplying retailer or if you purchased through
Chord Electronics you ca send us an email at:
[email protected]
At the point of sale, Chord Electronics Ltd. provides the Alto with a
comprehensive three-year warranty,which covers defects in materials and
workmanship through fair usage.
The warranty is transferable with proof of purchase, however, the warranty on
ex-demonstration units begins from the retailer‘s date of purchase. Warranty
claims must be made via the supplying retailer.
Connections and controls
Rear and front panels
| A | 12 V output | B | 12 V DC power input (supplied) | C | XLR balanced output |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| D | 4 mm banana speaker outputs | E | RCA input | F | XLR balanced input |
| G | Volume control | H | Input selector | J | Power on/off |
| K | IR remote window | L | Output selector | M | Headphone outputs: 2x 3.5 mm; 2x |
6.35 mm (1/4 inch)
If you’re using Alto in a rack-mountable system, the feet are removable for ease of use, unscrew to remove the feet.
WARNING: Ensure all system devices are switched off and any volumes are set to zero before making any connections.
Remote control
NOTE: Greyed buttons are not functional on Alto
Operation
WARNING: Always set the volume to zero before switching on/playback and before connecting/ removing headphones/speakers.
Power on/off
With desired connections from the source and to speakers/headphones
successfully made (as per section 4.1), and with volume set to zero, press the
power button, it will turn green from red. The unit will carry out a quick
safety check whilst the rails are powering up, once finished, the front ball
will turn teal to indicate that the unit is ready to use.
Input selection
Press the input button sequentially to cycle between XLR (input button
displays blue) or RCA (input button displays red). Alternatively, use the
remote control to select the input: Line 1 for XLR, Line 2 for RCA.
Output selection
Press the output button sequentially to cycle between speaker (button displays
red), headphone (green) and XLR (blue). Alternatively, use the remote control
to select output: TP-01 for headphone, TP-02 for speaker and TP-03 for XLR.
The Alto’s 2 x 6.35 mm (1/4 inch) and 2 x 3.5 mm headphone outputs can be used
simultaneously with up to four pairs of headphones.
The balanced output can be used in conjunction with either the headphone
output or the speaker output. To enable this joint output mode, press and hold
the output button. The button will display either cyan (headphones with XLR)
or purple (speakers with XLR).
NOTE: If connecting headphones when the headphone output is selected, a short delay will be experienced before the headphone output becomes active (to protect the amp). Removing the headphones will also disable the output from the amplifier for a short period, before re-enabling.
Line level bypass
Line level bypass allows the XLR outputs to bypass the volume control on the
front of the unit. This allows you to connect another Alto in the chain or
send the signal on further down the line to an alternative piece of equipment.
To enable line level bypass, press and hold the input button. It will then
illuminate either cyan when the XLR input is being used or purple when the RCA
input is selected.
NOTE: The line level bypass is only available on the XLR outputs. The XLR output will need to be selected in order to use it.
WARNING: line level is full volume without attenuation, double check connections before activating.
Below is a useful guide which you can print out to use with the unit.
Technical specifications
Please go to our website for the most recent specifications: www.chordelectronics.co.uk
- Dimensions 200 mm (W) x 44.45 mm (H) x 215 mm (D)
- Frequency response 6 Hz-60 kHz
- Output power (Speakers) 50 W into 4 Ω
- Output power (Headphones) 2250 mW into 100 Ω
- Signal-to-noise ratio 119.6 dB
- THD (Speakers) 0.003 % into 4 Ω
- THD (Headphones) 0.001 % into 100 Ω
- Input maximum voltage 6 V RMS
- Output maximum voltage 15 V RMS
- Operation voltage 80-250 V AC auto-switching
- Crosstalk -95 dB
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I use multiple headphones with the Chord Electronics Alto?
Yes, you can use up to four pairs of headphones simultaneously with the Alto's headphone outputs.
How do I know when the unit is ready for use after powering on?
The front ball will turn teal to indicate that the unit is ready for use after completing a safety check.
What should I do before switching inputs or outputs?
Always ensure the volume is set to zero before changing inputs or outputs to prevent sudden loud sounds or potential damage to your equipment.