STATUS - AVAILABLE
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Description :
The Cello Audio Suite is an open architecture preamplifier which is a 10-bay mainframe and accepts up to 10 plug-in modules of different types providing different input and output control functions. This modular preamp is able to configure according to the particular requirements of its owner. There are two levels of modules available for the Audio Suite: "Basic" modules (beginning with the letter B) and "Premium" modules (beginning with the letter P). They provide two levels of performance and price. Premium and basic input modules may be used together in the same mainframe. However, Premium and Basic output modules may not. For example, the P603 Tape Head Preamp module takes 3 bays, the P301 Output section module takes 2 bays. Therefore, 5 bays remain for other uses, or two sets of electronics could be contained in one mainframe. Mastering systems for 3 channel or 4 channel tapes can be created with all mixing functions included. The output signal from the P301 module is balanced, +32dBV (5kOhms load or more). Ten nickel-plated copper bars on a rear delrin panel provide interconnections. Screws go through the bars and into threaded contacts on the modules for rock-solid DC, ground, and audio connections. Two bars provide grounds, two carry +/-30VDC from an external power supply, and 6 are audio lines. Normally, the audio lines are used as summing busses, terminated by summing amplifiers in the output module. The bars can be programmed to provide other functions as well.

The Cello Audio Suite can be used in live recordings as a mixer by inserting the desired number of microphone preamplifier, line input, and output modules. Two microphone channels fit into one bay. For example, eight bays provide sixteen microphone inputs and an output module requires two bays for live to 2-track recording. Cue and aux sends, line returns, and other features are available. The Audio Suite can also be used for monitoring. It functions as a control console by inserting line input modules and an output module. Up to forty single ended inputs or up to sixteen active balanced inputs can be accommodated. Multiple independent outputs are available by inserting additional output modules. For mastering purposes, Cello has developed the first new tape head playback circuitry in 30 years. Studios have been taking original analog tapes and making digital masters on very modern expensive equipment. Standard circuitry in tape decks between the playback head and the "real world" introduces audible sonic coloration, distortion, and noise which limit the quality of the final product. The Cello Audio Suite Mainframe can be equipped with P603/P301 modules which serve as state-of-the-art playback electronics for decks by Studer, Telefunken, Ampex, and other companies. Still this day, the musician/professional connection continues and many recording studios and engineers still use and acknowledge the sonic excellences of the Cello products in their work.

Specifications :
Output Level..........................................Accurately calibrated in 1dB steps
Balance Control.....................................Accurately calibrated in 0.25dB steps
P201 Line Module Input..........................2 MegOhms or 10 kOhms loading
P200 Line Module Input..........................100 kOhms or 10 kOhms loading
P100 Phono and B100 Phono Module......50 kOhms loading
P101 Phono Module...............................1 kOhms loading
Audio Ground Isolation...........................10 ohms (Float Position)
Gain of P200(switchable)........................12dB (10k Impedance - Single Ended)
                                    ........................0db (10k Impedance - Balanced)
                                    ........................5db (100k Impedance - Single Ended)
                                    ........................18db (100k Impedance - Single Ended)
Gain of P201(switchable)........................20dB (10k Impedance - Single Ended)
                                    ........................5db (10k Impedance - Balanced)
                                    ........................6db (1 Meg Impedance - Single Ended)
                                    ........................20db (1 Meg Impedance - Single Ended)
Main and Record Ouput..........................5 kOhms (Optional - 600 ohms drive)
AC & DC Protection...............................10 mf (on both Main and record outputs)
Dimensions(w x d x h)............................48.5 x 37 x 22 cm (Main)
                                ............................48.5, 34.5 x 10 cm (Master Power Supply)
Weight..................................................22kg

Miscellaneous :
Matching...............................................Cello Duet 350 Power Amplifier
Made in.................................................USA
Condition...............................................7/10

Product Information :
http://www.matthew-james.net/Customer-Content/WWW/CMS/files/cello-audio-suite-owner.pdf (Manual)
http://www.matthew-james.net/Customer-Content/WWW/CMS/files/Cello-Prof-Audio-Equip_v3.pdf.pdf

Reviews :
http://www.audioreview.com/cat/amplification/preamplifiers/cello/audio-suite/prd_118220_1591crx.aspx
http://audiophilereview.com/amps/the-cello-demo-and-why-it-worked-so-well.html