gemini DRP-1 Rack Mount Digital Recorder User Manual

gemini DRP-1 Rack Mount Digital Recorder

WARNING

PLEASE READ CAREFULLY BEFORE PROCEEDING
Always follow the basic precautions listed below to avoid the possibility of serious injury or even death from electrical shock, short-circuiting, damages, fire or other hazards.

• READ INSTRUCTIONS:
  • All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.
• RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS:
  • The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.
  • All the safety and operating instructions should be read before the product is operated.
• HEED WARNINGS:
  • All warnings on the product and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
• FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS:
  • All operating and use instructions should be followed.
• CLEANING:
  • The product should be cleaned only with a polishing cloth or a soft dry cloth.
  • Never clean with furniture wax, benzine, insecticides or other volatile liquids since they may corrode the cabinet.
• WATER AND MOISTURE:
  • Do not use this product near water, for example, near a bathtub, wash bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in a wet basement; or near a swimming pool; and the like.
• DO NOT OPEN:
  • Do not open the device or attempt to disassemble the internal parts or modify them in any way. The device contains no user- serviceable parts. If it should appear to be malfunctioning, discontinue use immediately and have it inspected by qualified GEMINI service personnel.
• REPLACEMENT PARTS:
  • When replacement parts are required, be sure the service technician has used replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or have the same characteristics as the original part. Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or other hazards

DRP-1 Diagrams

Front panel

Rear panel

Introduction

Congratulations on purchasing an Gemini DRP-1 RACK MOUNTED DIGITAL RECORDER. With this state of the art device, you can record and transfer recordings of any instrument or line signal: mixer, vocals, guitar, bass, keyboard, or electric instrument. This next generation recording device features the latest advancements in engineering and is backed by a One year limited warranty*. Prior to use, we urge that you carefully read all instructions.

Unpacking

Your Gemini DRP-1 has been carefully inspected and tested before packing and shipping. After unpacking, carefully inspect it for exterior damage and immediately report any physical damage during transit to your shipping carrier. Save the shipping boxes and all packaging materials in case the unit needs to be returned to your local dealer or GeminiTechnologies.

Additional Contents

• (1) AC/DC Power Adaptor
• (1) User Manual –
• (1) SD Memory Card
• (1) Cable for PC Connection

Features

• 19” 1U Rack Mount
• Full color LCD screen
• Records from any MONO or STEREO line source
• Records 128, 256 and 320 kbps MP3 files and WAV files
• Record direct to USB key drive (not included)
• Combo XLR and 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) Microphone inputs with Mic/Line switch
• Front 1/4” (6.35 mm) Mic and Line Inputs
• Stereo 1/4 inch (6.35mm) line inputs
• 1/4 inch (6.35 mm) headphone/line output
• Balanced XLR outputs

This list of sound levels is included for your protection.
30 Quiet library, soft whispers
40 Living room, refrigerator, bedroom away from traffic
50 Light traffic, normal conversation, quiet office
60 Air conditioner at 20 feet, sewing machine
70 Vacuum cleaner, hair dryer, noisy restaurant
80 Average city traffic, garbage disposals, alarm clock at two feet

The following noises can be dangerous at extended exposure:
90 Subway, motorcycle, truck traffic, lawn mower
100 Garbage truck, chain saw, pneumatic drill
120 Rock band concert in front of speakers, thunderclap 140 Gunshot blast, jet plane
180 Rocket launch pad

Information courtesy of the Deafness Research Foundation.

Overview of DRP-1 Connections & Controls

1. POWER (ON-OFF)
2. DC Power input (AC adapter included)
3. XLR/1/4” COMBO MIC IN
4. RCA input
5. 1/4” (6.35 mm) MIC IN
6. Dual L/R (Stereo) 1/4” (6.35 mm) LINE IN
7. Balanced XLR outputs
8. RCA output
9. PHONES/ LINE OUT
10. LCD Screen
11. RECORD LEVEL/ SEARCH
12. STOP/ BACK
13. PLAY/ PAUSE
14. RECORD
15. SD card slot (SD card included)
16. USB data port
17. TIME
18. FORMAT/ STEREO-MONO
19. PHONES/ LINE VOLUME
20. MIC/ LINE switch
21. INPUT GAIN [- o +] switch
22. INPUT SELECTION [REAR – FRONT] switch
23. USB to PC
24. USB to PC data transfer cable (included/ not pictured)

Getting Started
The Gemini DRP-1 is a digital rack mountable recorder that allows you to record, playback, and listen to audio files. XLR, RCA, and 1/4” (6.35 mm) inputs allow for virtually any type of sound device to be connected such as a microphone, guitar, bass, keyboard, drum machine or electric instrument. When finished recording, files can easily be transferred between the DRP-1 unit and your computer.
To begin using the Gemini DRP-1, you have to ensure that it has a working power supply and that the included SD card (SDHC compatible) is connected.

Power Supply
Connect the power adapter to the DC input (2) located on the left side of the unit and connect the other end into an electrical outlet.

SD Card Connection
The DRP-1 comes with a 1 GB SD card which stores the recordings. Before turning on the unit, ensure the card is inserted into the slot (15) located on the front of the DRP-1. To connect the card, push the card completely in the slot until it clicks into place.

Insert card the way it is shown

Note: DO NOT FORCE THE CARD IN. To remove the card, slightly push the bottom of the card. It will slide out partially, and then can be pulled out.

Using the USB Drive
On the front of the device is a USB drive slot (16) where a USB memory stick can be connected. The DRP-1 can both read files for playback and record directly to a USB device connected to this area.

The DRP-1 unit will only interact with one memory device at a time, and the USB drive gets priority over the SD card. What this means is that when a USB memory stick is connected, only files stored on that device will be viewable. As well, all recordings will be stored on just the USB drive when it is connected.
When there is no USB drive connected, the DRP-1 uses the SD card to read files and store recordings.

Turning on the Unit
Now that the SD card and power source are connected, the unit can be turned on by setting the POWER (1) button.

Navigating the DRP-1

After the unit is turned on, a menu appears listing all of the files and folders on the memory device. Use the RECORD LEVEL/SEARCH (11) jog wheel to scroll through these folders & files.
Scrolling clockwise will search downwards through the file menu & scrolling counter clockwise will search upwards. Press PLAY/PAUSE (13) when a folder is highlighted to view its contents. All recordings are stored in the folder labeled RECORDS in the Gemini menu. Press the STOP/BACK (12) button to return to the previous folder.

Playing Files
To engage a file, press the PLAY/PAUSE button when it is highlighted in the file menu (*Note: When connecting a new card no files will be viewable as no media is yet on the device).
Pressing this button again will pause the playing file. To fast-forward within a track, scroll the RECORD LEVEL/SEARCH jog wheel clockwise. Conversely, to rewind, scroll the jog wheel counterclockwise.
To stop a file that is playing and return the unit to the file menu, press the STOP/BACK (12) button.

Play Mode

The full color LCD screen (10) displays the files, folders, recordings, play mode, and record mode for the DRP-1 unit.

Recording Setup with the DRP-1 (Input / Output Connections)

The following is a list of the inputs and outputs contained on the unit and a their appropriate connectors.

INPUT (Back)

(Front)

OUTPUT (Back)

(Front)

• Stereo RCA Line In (4) is where you input the signal coming from a line source via a stereo RCA connection.
• XLR Mic Input (3) is where you connect the signal coming from a microphone source via a 1/4” (6.35mm) input.
• 1/4” (6.35mm) Stereo Line Input (6) is where you input the signal coming from a stereo line source via a dual 1/4”
• (6.35mm) connection.
• 1/4” (6.35mm) Mic Input (5) is where you input the signal coming from a Mic source via a 1/4” (6.35mm) connection.
• Stereo RCA Line Outputs (8) send a stereo RCA signal to an
• output source.
• Balanced XLR Outputs (7) send a balanced XLR signal to an
• output source.
• 1/4” (6.35mm) Phones/ Line Out (9) sends the signal to
• headphones or an output source through an 1/4” (6.35mm)
• output and has a dedicated volume control.

*Note: MIC and LINE signals can only be read one at a time when re- cording. If they are both connected to the unit at the same time, only the MIC connection will be recorded.

MIC/LINE & FRONT/BACK Switches
On the front of the DRP-1 unit are two switches that are set to define what type of signal is being input and where it is connected on the unit. This ensures that every time a recording is made all other connections do not have to be removed.

The FRONT-BACK switch is set according to where the signal to be recorded is connected to the unit, namely the back of the unit or the front. (FRONT-BACK Switch (22))

The MIC-LINE switch represents what type of signal is coming in to be recorded, and it corresponds to where it is connected on the unit. If the signal is connected to a Line input then the switch should be set to LINE, and if it is connected to a Mic signal the switch should be set to MIC. (MIC-LINE Switch (20))

Recording Options

With the DRP-1, several different types of recordings can be made. The FORMAT /STEREO-MONO (18) button is used to set what bit rate format to record as, and whether to record in Stereo or Mono.

*Note: These settings can only be selected when you first enter record mode, and cannot be changed once a recording has begun.
To enter record mode, press the RECORD (14) button. Before record-ing, push the FORMAT/STEREO-MONO button down to alternate between bit rate formats.

(Included bit rate formats are listed as follows)

Bit Rate                Format         Quality Memory Usage

To switch between Stereo & Mono settings, press and hold the FORMAT/STEREO- MONO button down in record mode.

*Note: When using a mono signal source, such as a guitar, be sure to set the unit to MONO mode, otherwise only the left channel will be recorded and heard upon playback.

Setting Recording Levels

(Screen shows unit in record mode)

If a recording is set as stereo (pictured), there will be two bars present in the STEREO-MONO Signal gauge section. If it is set as mono, there will be one bar present.
When a signal is too loud, distortion and clipping can occur. However, a signal that is too low may sound muffled or not be audible at all.
To get the best recordings, you must apply the maximum possible signal that the unit can accept without overloading. When a signal becomes too loud for the unit, the Stereo-Mono Signal gauge (shown in record mode) appears Red.

To find the max possible recording level follow these steps:

1. Raise the level to where it just begins to overload/ distort/ clip (appear red).
2. From there slightly lower the level with the Rec Level Jog wheel un-til it does not overload (*Note: turning the jog wheel clockwise raises the signal & counterclockwise lowers the signal level).

The Input Gain switch (21) is also used to get a maximum signal level. The switch changes the overall level of an incoming signal between 3 padded levels: –20 dB [-], 0 dB [o] and +10 dB [+]. If a signal is too low, try to raise it by switching from [-] to [o] or [o] to [+]. If a signal is too high, try to lower it by switching from [+] to [o] or [o] to [-].

Solution- Slightly scale back Rec. Level jog wheel so the meter does not appear red

Solution- Raise the Rec. Level jog wheel all the way and lower the input gain until the signal barely peaks and can be scaled back so it does not appear red

Solution- Turn the Rec. Level jog wheel all the way up and raise the input gain until the signal barely peaks and can be scaled back

*Note: If your recording is not being stored correctly, you may have to raise or lower the signal coming from your source directly if possible.

Recording a File
Note: Due to limitations in the FAT file system, when a recording file exceeds 2 GB in length, it will continue recording as a separate file.
Once your bit rate format, levels and stereo/mono settings have been made, you are ready to record. In record mode, simply press the RECORD button to start recording. A light will flash below the record button to indicate that the unit is recording.
To pause a recording, press the RECORD button again.
To continue a recording, press the RECORD button once more.
To stop recording, and return to the previous menu, press the STOP/BACK button (Note: Files that were recorded by the Gemini DRP-1 are named according to the format of the file and are numbered according to the sequence in which they were recorded. For instance, Gemini_001.MP3, Gemini_001.WAV, Gemini_002.MP3, Gemini_002. WAV).

Transferring Files Between the DRP-1 and your Computer
Files recorded on the SD card can easily be transferred between the DRP-1 and your computer using the included USB cable (24). First, ensure your unit is powered off.
Connect the small end of the USB cable to the USB TO PC (23) slot on the DRP-1 unit, and connect the other end to the USB port on the back of your computer.

*Note: For best results, connect the USB cable to the back of your computer and do not use a hub.

Once the cable is connected to both the unit and the computer, turn on the DRP-1. Wait for the card to be recognized by your computer.

Mac : When an icon appears on your computer, click on it to view thcontents of the card.
PC: Click on the USB device that appears in the My Computer folder.

To copy audio files from the computer to the Gemini DRP-1, select the files to be copied and drag them to the icon that appears when the DRP-1 is connected.
The files associated with the last recording session will be stored as
a playlist entitled lastrec.m3u. They can be opened on the computer simply by clicking on the playlist icon, or transferred by dragging the playlist icon to the computer.
To copy audio files from the computer to the Gemini DRP-1, select the files to be copied and drag them to the icon that appears when the DRP-1 is connected.

Safe Removal of Device
Always be sure to properly disconnect your device from your computer by following the steps below for your operating system.
Mac: Select the Gemini DRP-1 icon. Drag-and-drop it into the trash.
Windows: Click the ‘safely remove hardware’ icon in the task bar.
Choose the Gemini DRP-1 as the device to remove.

Extra Features
(TIME Display) The TIME (17) button lets you select what mode the track time is displayed as in both play mode and record mode. In either mode, pressing the TIME button will alternate the track time function between Elapsed and time Remaining.

*Note: When playing or recording a track over one hour, the time indicator switches from m:s (minutes seconds) to h:m (hours minutes).
Elapsed represents how much time has gone by in a track, and Remaining represents the amount of time remaining.

• Note : In record mode, Remaining represents how much recording time is left on the memory device.
  (VOLUME) Use the VOLUME (11) along with the controls on your instrument to adjust Output level.
  (HOLD Mode) The unit is equipped with a HOLD function which freezes all buttons and the jog wheel from taking action when depressed. To enter this mode, press and hold the TIME (17) and FORMAT/STEREO-MONO (18) buttons simultaneously. The top right of the screen will indicate when the unit is in hold mode.
  To exit HOLD mode, press the TIME and FORMAT buttons simultaneously again.

Software Updates
Improvements are always being made to our products to increase usability and functionality. Occasionally, software updates come out for our Gemini Series units. Be sure to check the Gemini Web site (http://www.Gemini.com) regularly for updates.

To find out what software version you have on your unit, turn it on and as it powers up there will be a number that appears at the top of the LCD screen (10). This refers to the software version. If the Web site has a software update listed whose number is higher than the one on your unit, than this means the software on the site is more current and should be loaded onto your unit.

• Note: Be sure to load only the software listed for your unit specifically There are detailed instructions on how to update your unit’s software located on the Gemini Web site, however here is a quick guide:

• Note: It is very important to that your unit does not lose power while updating the software, which can take up to several minutes. A loss of power to your unit during an update can result in damage to your unit.

  1. Ensure that the software update located online is most up to date version, and that it is not currently running on your unit.
  2. Unzip and download the latest software version onto the root directory of your SD card.
  3. Load it onto your unit making sure it is first powered off and then turn it on.
  4. The software will update automatically.

Specifications

Channels…………………………………….2 (stereo)
Recording Format:………………….MP3: 128, 256, 320 Kbps; WAV: 44.1 kHz
Recording Media……………………..SD (64 MB-4GB) SDHC (4 GB-32GB)
Any supported FAT-USB drive
USB compatibility…………………..USB 1.0, 1.1, 2.0
Sampling Rate:………………………..44.1kHz, 16 Bit
Dynamic Range: ……………………..98 dB
THD+N:……………………………………..-91 dB
Freq Response:………………………..20Hz – 20KHz
Input Impedance:…………….………Line: 10K Ω Mic: 1K Ω
Nominal Input Levels:…………….Low Gain: 1V RMS (0 dBV)
Mid Gain: .5V RMS (-6 dBV)
High Gain: .13V RMS (-17 dBV)
Maximum Input Levels:………….Low Gain: 2.5V RMS (+8 dBV)
Mid Gain: .68V RMS (-3 dBV)
High Gain: .25V RMS (-12 dBV)
Output Impedance:…………………30 Ω
Maximum Output:……………………Line (10K Ω): 0.7V RMS (-3 dBV)
Phono (32 Ω): 0.35V RMS (-9 dBV)
Power Source……………………………1000mA DC adaptor
wWeight: 5.29Lbs/2.4kgs
Dimensions (W x H x D): 19” x 1.75” x 9.96”
Dimensions (W x H x D): 483 x 45 x 253 mm

Please register your warranty online at
WWW.GEMINIPROAUDIO.COM

WARRANTY AND REPAIR:

All Gemni products are designed and manufactured to the highest standards in the industry. With proper care and maintenance, your product will provide years of reliable service.

LIMITED WARRANTY

• A. Gemini warrants its products to be free from defects in materials and workmanship for One (1) year from the original purchase date.
  Exceptions: Laser assemblies on CD Players, cartridges, and crossfaders are covered for 90 days.

• B. This limited warranty does not cover damage or failure caused by abuse, misuse, abnormal use, faulty installation, improper maintenance or any repairs other than those provided by an authorized Gemini Service Center.

• C. There are no obligations of liability on the part of Gemini for consequential damages arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the product or other indirect damages with respect to loss of property, revenues, of profit, or costs of removal, installation, or reinstallation. All implied warranties for Gemini, including implied warranties for fitness, are limited in duration to One (1) year from the original date of purchase, unless otherwise mandated by local statutes.

RETURN/REPAIR

• A. In the U.S.A., please call our helpful Customer Service Representatives at (732)738-9003, and they will be happy to give you a Return Authorization Number (RA#) and the address of an authorized service center closest to you.
• B. After receiving an RA#, include a copy of the original sales receipt, with defective product and a description of the defect. Send by insured freight to: GCI Sound Products Corp, and use the address pro-vided by your customer service representative. Your RA# must be written on the outside of the package, or processing will be delayed indefinitely!
• C. Service covered under warranty will be paid for by Gemini and returned to you. For non-warrantied products, Gemini will repair your unit after payment is received. Repair charges do not include return freight. Freight charges will be added to the repair charges.
• D . On warranty service, you pay for shipping to Gemini, we pay for return shipping within the continental United States. Alaska, Hawaii, Puerto Rico, Canada, Bahamas, and the Virgin Islands will be charged for freight.
• E. Please allow 2-4 weeks for return of your product. Under normal circumstances your product will spend no more than 10 working days at Gemini. We are not responsible for shipping times.

IN THE UNITED KINGDOM
In the event that you need service on your Gemini product under warranty, simply write a letter describing the problem, along with your contact information. Make sure to enclose a copy of your receipt for proof of warranty information. A return number is not required. You will be responsible for shipping charges to Gemini UK, and Gemini UK will pay to return the unit to you if it is considered under warranty.

Gemini Sound Products
Unit 44
Brambles Enterprise Centre
Waterlooville P07 7TH, UK
Tel: 087 087 00880
Fax: 087 087 00990

REGISTER YOUR PRODUCT ONLINE AT
WWW.GEMINIPROAUDIO.COM TO BE ELIGIBLE

FOR GREAT PRIZE GIVEAWAYS!
If you do not have internet access, fill out the form below and mail it to the appropriate address listed at the left side of this page.

First and Last Name
Address (Number and Street) Apartment Number
City and State or Province
Country
Zip Code or Postal Code
Email Address
Telephone Number
Date of Birth
Date of Purchase
Purchase Price (Excluding Tax)
City of Purchase
Model Number (Example: CDT-05) Serial Number (Located on the back of most units)

In the USA: if you experience problems with this unit, call 732-346-0061 for Gemini customer service. Do not attempt to return this equipment to your dealer.

Parts of the design of this product may be protected by worldwide patents. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. Gemini shall not be liable for any loss or damage whatsoever arising from the use of information or any error contained in this manual. No part of this manual may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, electrical, mechanical, optical, chemical, including photocopying and recording, for any purpose without the express written permission of Gemini It is recommended that all maintenance and service on this product is performed by Gemini or its authorized agents. Gemini will not accept liability for loss or damage caused by maintenance or repair performed by unauthorized personnel.

Gemini Worldwide Headquarters
280 Raritan Center Parkway, Edison, NJ 08837, USA
Tel: 732-346-0061 • Fax: 732-346-0065

Latin America, Mexico, and Caribbean • Gemini
8320 NW 68 Street
Miami, FL 33166, USA
Tel: 305-592-4746 • Fax: 305-592-4746

UK • Gemini
44 The Brambles Enterprise Centre, PO7 7TH Waterlooville, UK
Tel: 087 087 00880 • Fax: 087 087 00990

Spain • Gemini S.A.
Caspe, 172 – 5º A
08013 Barcelona, Spain
Tel: 34 93 436 37 00
Fax: 34 93 347 69 61

France • Gemini France S.A.R.L
2bis, rue Léon Blum, 91120 Palaiseau, France
Tél: + 33 1 69 79 97 70 • Fax: + 33 1 69 79 97 80
Germany • Gemini GmbH
Lerchenstraße 14, 80995 München, Germany
Tel: 089 – 319 019 8 – 0 • Fax: 089 – 319 019 8-18

References

• ProAudio.com

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