The
Fredenstein Bento 8
is a 500 Series Module Carrier with 8x Slots and routing switches on the rear. The Link Switch allows the audio signal to be routed directly from one slot to the adjacent slot. The Comp Bus Switch, in turn, makes it possible to connect 2x adjacent Compressors of the same type to a Stereo Bus. The prerequisite for this is that Pin No.6 on the board of the Compressor Module is assigned.
The Bento 8 features a specially designed power supply, which delivers up to 500mA current per Module and consists of a Toroidal Transformer, analogue voltage regulators and capacitors from Nichicon. Even more sensitive or particularly power-consuming Modules are thus optimally supplied. Furthermore, the Power Supply is magnetically shielded from all audio paths, so that no interference is to be expected.
In case of a ground loop, a Ground Lift Switch is provided. This will disconnect the audio ground from the protective earth conductor, so this option should only be used if all others are exhausted (for your own safety, always ensure that at least one end of the ground line is connected to a protective earth).
The main features of the Fredenstein Bento 8 include:
I only have 2 preamps installed into the Bento 8 however I see the potential for great flexibility when I install more modules. Some people on forums complain of noise induced by the unit but so far I can't say I have experienced any issues. This is my first time installing 500 series modules and I did have to apply a fair amount of pressure to secure the pre's and it took a few goes as I didn't want to damage my preamp modules however I bit the bullet and they slotted in just fine.