Simaudio P-7 User Manual

Page of 14
MOON P-7 Dual-Mono Preamplifier 
 
Front Panel Controls   (continued) 
 
The rotary “volume” control determines the gain setting, which ranges from ‘0.0dB’ (no output) to ’80.0dB’ (full output).  This 
control does not function like a typical volume:  When you rotate the dial, either clockwise to raise the volume or counter-
clockwise to lower the volume, you are actually engaging a precision optical encoder which selects, via a relay network, very 
high quality metal-film resistors that the audio signal passes through.  The result is a proprietary gain circuit, called M-eVOL
that doesn’t degrade the audio signal regardless of the setting, unlike all potentiometer based circuits.  Since this circuitry 
operates in a fully balanced differential mode, no noise is introduced to the audio signal.  Futhermore, since there are no 
actual moving parts, this technology has a minimum life expectancy of one million rotations.   
 
The MOON P-7 preamplifier provides a range of one-hundred and thirty (130) unique volume settings. This is achieved as 
follows: Within the 0.0dB to 30.0dB range, you can increase and decrease the volume in 1.0dB steps. From the 30.0dB to 
80.0dB range, you can increase and decrease the volume by either 0.5dB or 1.0dB steps; By rotating the volume control 
slowly, the level will change by 0.5dB increments. A quicker rotation will change the volume in 1.0dB increments. 
 
Note:  To change the balance between the left and right channels, please refer to the section “Remote Control Operation”. 
 
The “Input +” and “Input -” buttons allow you to choose which input source you wish to listen to. The MOON P-7 dual-mono 
preamplifier has a total of seven (6) inputs;  The first three (2) inputs are fully-balanced and use XLR connectors labeled B1 
and B2.  The next four (4) inputs are single-ended and use RCA connectors labeled S1, S2, S3 and S4. Assuming that you’re 
currently listening to a source component connected to input B1, the “+” allows to sequentially scroll forward through the 
available inputs from B2 to S4.  The “-” button allows you to sequentially scroll backwards from S4 to B2.  Holding down either 
the “+” or “-“ button will allow only a single change of the selected input.  You must press the button again to select the next 
or previous input. 
 
The “Setup” and “OK” buttons are used for programming the numerous software functions available on this preamplifier. The 
next section, entitled “Software Setup”, explains their usage in detail. 
 
 
Software Setup
 
 
The MOON P-7 preamplifier includes powerful software that allows you to configure it to meet your specific needs.  For each 
of the seven (7) inputs, you can assign a 
label
 to replace the factory assigned name (i.e. B1, S1, etc.), assign a 
maximum 
volume
 level of less than 80.0dB, create an 
offset volume
 level ranging from –10.0dB to +10.0dB, 
bypass
 the volume control 
(to exclusively use the source component’s volume instead) and 
disable
 the input completely when it’s not in use.  As well, 
you can assign any and all inputs to activate each of the P-7’s two 
12 Volt triggers
.  Finally, there’s a facility to reset all 
software settings back to their factory defaults.  Please refer to the accompanying quick reference diagram for a snapshot of 
the entire Setup menu layout. 
 
When you are in Setup mode, there are three (3) front panel items used to program this preamplifier; The “Setup” button for 
navigating up and down through the various menu levels, the rotary volume control for scrolling through the available choices  
within each programmable item, and the “OK” button for confirming and saving your selections.  
 
What follows are step-by-step examples of how to configure an input, assign the two 12 Volt triggers and reset the software 
back to the factory default. 
 
____________________________________________________________________________________________________ 
 
Front Panel Controls  /  Software Setup                                           
 
 
       8