Behringer MX3282A User Manual

EURODESK® MX3282A

User’s Manual

Version 1.1 March 2001

ENGLISH

www.behringer.com

EURODESK MX3282A

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside; refer servicing to qualified personnel.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure - voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Read the manual.

DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:

All the safety and operation instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.

Retain Instructions:

The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

Heed Warnings:

All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

Follow instructions:

All operation and user instructions should be followed.

Water and Moisture:

The appliance should not be used near water (e.g. near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet basement, or near a swimming pool etc.).

Ventilation:

The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation. For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa rug, or similar surface that may block the ventilation openings, or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the flow of air through the ventilation openings.

Heat:

The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other appliance (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Power Source:

The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions or as marked on the appliance.

Grounding or Polarization:

Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.

Power-Cord Protection:

Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords and plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the appliance.

Cleaning:

The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.

Non-use Periods:

The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.

Object and Liquid Entry:

Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.

Damage Requiring Service:

The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:

-The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or

-Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or

-The appliance has been exposed to rain; or

-The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or

-The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

Servicing:

The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that is described in the Operating Instructions. All other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

2

EURODESK MX3282A

FOREWORD

Dear Customer,

Welcome to the team of EURODESK users and thank you very much for expressing your confidence in BEHRINGER products by purchasing the MX3282A.

It is one of my most pleasant tasks to write this letter to you, because it is the culmination of many months of hard work delivered by our engineering team to reach a very ambitious goal: creating an outstanding device that will become a standard tool used by studios and PA companies. The task to design the MX3282A certainly meant a great deal of responsibility, which we assumed by focusing on you, the discerning user and musician. It also meant a lot of work and night shifts to accomplish this goal. But it was fun, too. Developing a product usually brings a lot of people together, and it really is a great feeling when everybody who participated in such a project can be proud of what we’ve achieved!

It is our philosophy to share our joy with you, because you are the most important member of the BEHRINGER family. With your highly competent suggestions for new products you’ve greatly contributed to shaping our company and making it successful. In return, we guarantee you uncompromising quality (manufactured under ISO9000 certified management system) as well as excellent technical and audio properties at an extremely affordable price. All of this will enable you to fully unfold your creativity without being hampered by budget constraints.

We are often asked how we are able to produce such high-grade devices at such unbelievably low prices. The answer is quite simple: it’s you, our customers! Many satisfied customers means large sales volumes enabling us to get better conditions of purchase for components, etc. Isn’t it only fair to pass this benefit back to you? Because we know that your success is our success too!

I would like to thank all people whose help on “Project MX3282A” has made it all possible. Everybody has made very personal contributions, starting from the designers of the unit via the many staff members in our company to you, the user of BEHRINGER products.

My friends, it’s been worth the trouble!

Thank you very much,

Uli Behringer

3

EURODESK MX3282A

EURODESK®

Professional 32-channel 8-bus recording & live-mixing console in ultra low-noise design

s32 microphone/line inputs, 24 mono and 4 stereo

sUltra low-noise, discrete microphone preamps with +48 V phantom power and switchableMX3282Alow-cut filter

s32 balanced line inputs and 24 balanced XLR microphone inputs with gold-plated contact surface

s8 subgroups equipped with independent panpots, separate soloing, main mix switches and individual insert sockets

s8 master aux sends with gain control and soloing function

s4 multifunctional stereo aux returns featuring individual level and pan controls, solo and routing switches

sUltra-musical original EURODESK 4-band EQ (stereo channels) and 3-band EQ with semi-parametric mids (mono channels)

s4 pre/post fader switchable aux sends, two permanent pre fader and two permanent post fader located aux sends for maximum flexibility of monitoring functions and effects routing

sInsert facility on every single mono channel, subgroup and main channel

sClear and easy comprehensible designed as split console, input and main sections divided

sState of the art 4580 ICs and high-quality components guarantee crystal-clear audio performance and excellent noise figures

sRCA sockets for 2-track recorders (input and output), input assignable to main mix or monitor

sExtremely high headroom—offering more dynamic range

sExternal power supply design provides endless power resources, superior transient response and humfree audio

sBalanced inputs and main outputs for highest possible signal quality

sLED indicators for mute, solo in place and PFL-solo functions

sIndividual outputs for main mix, control room and headphones

sExtremely versatile headphones and talkback section

sHigh-precision, 8-digit LED metering device for input channels, main mix and subgroups

sHighest quality faders for main mix, channels and subgroups as well as sealed potentiometers

sBNC-connector for 12 V gooseneck lights

sExtremely rugged construction ensures long life even under the most demanding conditions

sManufactured under ISO9000 certified management system

4

EURODESK MX3282A

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. THE MANUAL..........................................................................................................................		7
1.1	Warranty .........................................................................................................................................	7
1.2	Nomenclature ..................................................................................................................................	7
1.3	Key .................................................................................................................................................	7

2. EURODESK OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................		8
2.1	Architecture ....................................................................................................................................	8
2.2	Metering ..........................................................................................................................................	8
2.3	Power Supply Unit (PSU) ................................................................................................................	9

3. MONO INPUT CHANNELS		....................................................................................................9
3.1	Input Level Setting ...........................................................................................................................	9
3.2	Equalizer.......................................................................................................................................	10
3.3	Aux Sends ....................................................................................................................................	10
3.4	Routing & Muting ..........................................................................................................................	10

4. STEREO INPUT CHANNELS...............................................................................................		11
4.1	Input Level Setting ..........................................................................................................................	11
4.2	Equalizer........................................................................................................................................	11
4.3	Aux Sends .....................................................................................................................................	11
4.4	Routing & Muting ...........................................................................................................................	11

5. SUBGROUPS AND INSERTS ..............................................................................................		12
5.1	Subgroups ....................................................................................................................................	12
5.2	Insert Points .................................................................................................................................	12
6. MAIN SECTION .....................................................................................................................		14
6.1	Aux Masters .................................................................................................................................	14
6.2	Monitoring .....................................................................................................................................	15
6.3	Headphones ..................................................................................................................................	15
6.4	Solo/PFL.......................................................................................................................................	15
6.5	2-Track Input and Output ...............................................................................................................	15
6.6	Talkback .......................................................................................................................................	16
7. CONNECTIONS ....................................................................................................................		16
7.1	EURODESK MX3282A Back Panel ...............................................................................................	16
7.2	Patchfield and Plug Wiring Scheme ..............................................................................................	16
	7.2.1 Soldering Guide ..................................................................................................................	17
8. SETTING UP .........................................................................................................................		19
8.1	Selecting Inputs ............................................................................................................................	19
8.2	Initializing Channels for Gain Setting .............................................................................................	19
8.3	Auditioning a Signal and Setting Up a Channel .............................................................................	19
8.4	Desk Normalization .......................................................................................................................	20
9. PATCHBAY ............................................................................................................................		20
9.1	Parallel .........................................................................................................................................	20
9.2	Half-normalled ...............................................................................................................................	20
9.3	Normalled .....................................................................................................................................	21
9.4	Open .............................................................................................................................................	21
9.5	Patchbay Organization ..................................................................................................................	21
9.6	Looming Problems ........................................................................................................................	23

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EURODESK MX3282A
10. APPLICATIONS ....................................................................................................................	23
10.1 Keyboard Submixing ...................................................................................................................	23
10.2 Live Concert with Simultaneous 8-Track Recording......................................................................	23
10.3 8-Track Studio Recording ............................................................................................................	25
10.4 16-Track Studio Recording...........................................................................................................	27
10.5 Multitrack Initialization .................................................................................................................	28
10.6 Recording Levels .........................................................................................................................	29
10.7 Track Sheet ................................................................................................................................	29
10.8 Auditioning a Mix .........................................................................................................................	29
11. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND .............................................................................................	29
11.1 Mixing .........................................................................................................................................	29
11.1.1 Equalization ......................................................................................................................	29
11.1.2 Gain Optimization ..............................................................................................................	30
12. EXPANDING .........................................................................................................................	30
13. MODIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................	31
14. SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................	32
15. WARRANTY ..........................................................................................................................	33

6

EURODESK MX3282A

1. THE MANUAL

Thank you for expressing your confidence in us and our work by purchasing the EURODESK MX3282A. Our first task in writing this manual is to make you feel comfortable with the special terms that are used to describe your EURODESK MX3282A and its proper use.

+Reading this manual will make you aware of the many possibilities the EURODESK MX3282A offers you. Please keep this manual safely for future reference.

1.1Warranty

Please take the time to have the warranty card filled out completely, and return it within 14 days after the date of purchase, so as to be entitled to benefit from our extended warranty. You may also use our online registration option available on the Internet at www.behringer.com. You will find the serial number of your MX3282A on the rear panel.

Your EURODESK was carefully packed in the factory and the package was designed to protect the unit from rough handling. Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully examine the packaging and its contents for any signs of physical damage, which may have occurred while shipping.

+If the unit is damaged, please do NOT return it to us, but notify your dealer and the shipping company immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement may not be granted. Shipping claims must be made by the consignee.

+Before you connect your EURODESK and its external power supply unit (PSU) to the mains, please make sure that your local voltage matches the voltage required by the unit. On the PSU’s rear panel you will find the information required (see chapter 2.3).

+The PSU and the mixing console are getting warm while in use. This is a normal effect and no reason to worry.

+Operation and installation of the EURODESK and connected studio equipment should only be done by qualified personnel. Always be sure that operating personnel is sufficiently earthed to avoid trouble caused by electrostatic charge.

1.2Nomenclature

Most specialist subjects are not really all that difficult provided you understand the language used, and the vocabulary of mixing is pretty straight-forward. Nevertheless it is as well to be clear about what certain terms mean. A “slot” in a recorder will always be referred to as a track, while that in a mixer will invariably be a channel. A group will always refer to a sub-mix of channels. Similarly the term band will be mentioned only in conjunction with frequency.

1.3Key

On a separate sheet you will find some pages with drawings showing the front, the connector panel and the rear panel of your EURODESK. Always keep them available while studying this manual.

All EURODESK functions will be numbered consistently throughout the manual, whether they be in the text or in an illustration.

1. THE MANUAL

7

EURODESK MX3282A

2. EURODESK OVERVIEW

2.1 Architecture

The MX3282A is a conventional split console. By this we mean that the inputs and outputs occupy separate areas of the board. This makes for easier visualization of signal path compared to an in-line design, which uses combined input/output channels. The main section on the right hand side handles all the outputs (as well as 4 stereo aux returns and a 2-track tape input), input channels are located on the left.

The configuration is 32 into 8 into 2. This means that there are 32 channel inputs in total (there are 24 mono and 4 stereo channels), assignable to 8 subgroup buses (plus the main mix) which in turn may be blended into the main mix stereo output. The subgroups (configurable as stereo pairs if required) are provided for connecting to a multitrack tape recorder, or for use as a mixing aid during mix-down or during a live concert. Every channel, and two out of four stereo aux returns included in the MX3282A can access any or all of these subgroups, or the main mix directly, via comprehensive routing matrices. All channels also have access to eight aux send buses. Each channel can access 6 aux sends simultaneously. For each channel the 8 aux sends are switchable between two configurations: six preand two post-, or six postand two pre-fader, for live or studio operating environments respectively.

Input channels

The first 24 input channels are mono, with a choice of balanced mic (XLR, +48 V phantom power switchable) or line (1/4" TRS) inputs, both with exceptional gain architecture. A further 8 line inputs are configured as 4 stereo input channels, accepting all line level signals. Every channel has MUTE, SOLO/PFL and comprehensive EQ. A high-quality 60 mm fader feeds the main mix and/or subgroup buses via subgroupand mix-assign switches. A constant-power channel PAN also selects between odd and even-numbered subgroup buses.

Subgroups

For ease and flexibility of mixing, eight mono subgroups with PAN and SOLO are provided. Each has its own individual output, and each may also be assigned to the main mix.

Aux sends

There are eight master aux send outputs, each with SOLO and GAIN.

Aux returns

Four line-level stereo aux returns, each with SOLO and GAIN, are located above the subgroup faders. Note that AUX RETURNS 1 and 2 are assignable to any mix bus.

Stereo aux returns

At the main sections top end (middle) you will find four stereo aux returns, each with SOLO and LEVEL control. AUX RETURN 3 and 4 are hard-wired to the main mix, while AUX RETURNS 1 and 2 can be switched to either main mix or the subgroups and therefore are equipped with a BALANCE control.

Main mix output / additional features

Main mix output level is being controlled via a pair of high-quality 60 mm faders. The main section also includes an assignable headphones output with LEVEL, a 2-track tape return assignable to the control room/monitors, and a solo output, adjustable for audition level and switchable between the solo and PFL function. The monitor (or control room) output is independently adjustable for level, and the integral TALKBACK mic is routable to 6 of the 8 aux buses, i.e. all possible pre-fader (cue) sends. A BNC connector is provided for a gooseneck lamp for those dark winter’s night mixes.

Inserts

Mono channels, subgroups and the main mix all have insert points for patching in dynamics processors etc.

2.2 Metering

All input channels have signal and overload LEDs, while the L and R output has a pair of 12 digit bargraph meters. The main mix (L/R) meters also have clip LEDs (+28/22 dB: balanced/unbalanced), and double up as mono PFL or stereo solo meters, or 2-track return meters (in general, what you hear is what you see). During Solo/PFL only the main mix bargraph meters illuminate.

8	2. EURODESK OVERVIEW

EURODESK MX3282A

+The master clip LEDs (+22 dBu) should never be allowed to illuminate. If they do, reduce either the MAIN MIX fader or the group(s) and/or channel fader(s), or (as a last resort) the channel input gain(s). Maybe it’s time to do a round of PFL metering.

+In Solo/PFL mode a 0 dB meter reading matches an internal operating level of 0 dBu (0.775 V). However, when looking at the mix, 0 dB is referenced to +4 dBu, the 2-track operating level. I.e. if only one signal is present in the main mix bus, soloing that signal will cause the meter reading to increase by +4 dB.

2.3Power Supply Unit (PSU)

Any amplifier circuit is limited in its transient response by the available current. In common with most desks of this size, the EURODESK has several hundreds of line level operational amplifiers (op-amps) inside. When being driven hard, many desks begin to show signs of stress due to power supply limitations. Not so with the EURODESK. Due to the vast power resources of its external power supply unit, the sound should stay clean and crisp and tight right up to the operating limits of the op-amps themselves.

The EURODESK remote PSU connects to the desk at the rear of the console via a multiway connector. Give an extra 1/2 U of rack space to allow air to circulate around the heatsinks employed for heat dissipation. The EURODESK PSU chucks out a massive 100 Watts.

Please note:

On the rear of your PSU you will find the mains connector / fuse holder / voltage selector. Before you connect the unit, please make sure that the displayed voltage corresponds to your mains supply.

If you intend to change the operating voltage, remove the fuse holder and twist it by 180 degrees before you reinsert it. Matching the two markers indicates the selected voltage.

Note that the correct fuse type and rate must be installed corresponding to the mains voltage.

Connect the PSU to the mains power supply by the enclosed mains cable, then use the mains switch to power up your power supply unit and EURODESK.

+Never connect or disconnect your EURODESK and power supply unit when the power supply unit is “on”! Always start connecting your MX3282A to the PSU, check if the PSU is turned “off”, plug into mains and then power up the PSU and thereby your EURODESK.

3. MONO INPUT CHANNELS

Each channel comes with a balanced line input on 1/4" TRS jack, and an XLR mic input. Press the PHANTOM switch at the back panel if required. The mic amp circuit has an unusually wide gain range from 10 dB to 60 dB, is of extreme low-noise design, and utilizes high-current conjugate pair vintage transistor circuitry to deliver an incredibly warm and transparent sound.

When a jack is plugged into the balanced (self-unbalancing) line input, the gain structure is such that it can match any line level from +10 to -40 dBu. The crucial operating levels +4 dBu and -10 dBV are clearly and accurately legended ( ).

3.1Input Level Setting

Channel input level is determined by the GAIN trimpot . Use SOLO/PFL to accurately monitor the channel input on the left/right master output bargraph meters. This also sends the Solo/PFL-ed signal to the left and right speakers. Channel SOLO has an associated LED .

+For level-setting (as opposed to localized listening) choose to use the Mono PFL bus rather than the post-fader (post-channel pan) stereo solo bus (CHANNEL MODE switch not depressed). SOLO/PFL never interrupts the mix at the main recording outputs. It follows that aux sends and subgroups must also be unaffected, since they contribute directly to the main mix.

3. MONO INPUT CHANNELS

9

EURODESK MX3282A

In addition to switchable Solo/PFL metering, a couple of channel LEDs ( / ) illuminate when a signal is present (-20 dB), or if a channel is going into overload. These LEDs are particularly useful when using extreme EQ settings, or adding a dynamics processor via an insert.

You do not want the overload light to come on except very intermittently during a take or a mix. If it does light persistently, reduce input gain (see also the essential section 8: “SETTING UP”).

3.2 Equalizer

All mono input channels are fitted with a semi-parametric 3-band EQ, plus a switchable low-cut filter for eliminating unwanted subsonics. The upper and lower shelving controls have their frequencies fixed at 12 kHz and 80 Hz respectively. The midrange control is semi-parametric with a peaking response, Q fixed at 2 octaves, sweepable from 100 Hz - 8 kHz ( ). All three bands have up to 15 dB of cut and boost, with a center detent for “off”. Thirdly, there is a steep high pass (low-cut) filter , slope @ 18 dB/oct, for reducing floor rumble, breath noise and popping, woolly bottom end etc.

+The combination of shelf boost at 80 Hz together with low-cut at 75 Hz results in a peaking response, useful for adding warmth to vocals and instruments, and a firm bottom to kick drums and basses, without losing control of low frequency speaker cones.

3.3 Aux Sends

All eight aux sends are mono and post-EQ. Aux sends 1 & 2 are fixed to be pre-fader for cueing purposes, while 3 & 4 are fixed post-fader for sending to effects etc. A SHIFT switch toggles the third pair of aux send potentiometers between two bus pairs (5 & 6 or 7 & 8). These four aux sends are switchable pre/post-fader en bloc using the PRE switch .

For almost all FX send purposes, you will want aux sends to be post-fader, so that when a fader level is adjusted, any reverb send from that channel follows the fader. Otherwise, when the fader is pulled down, the reverb from that channel would still be audible. For cueing purposes, aux sends will usually be set pre-fader, i.e. independent of the channel fader (depress PRE switch for aux sends 5/6/7/8).

+Most reverbs etc. internally sum up the left and right inputs. The very few that do not may be driven in true stereo by using 2 aux sends.

There is +15 dB of gain on every aux send. Such a high boost is usually only appropriate where the channel fader is set around -15 dB or lower. Here, an almost exclusively wet signal will be heard. In most consoles, such a wet mix requires the use of a pre setting for the channel aux send, losing fader control. With the EURODESK you can have a virtually wet mix with fader control.

Channels may be altered for pre-EQ aux sends (see section 13: “MODIFICATIONS”).

3.4 Routing & Muting

Routing means selecting which bus you want a channel to address. There are five stereo buses in the EURODESK MX3282A (plus a stereo solo bus). Main mix and the four subgroup pairs are selected by five assign switches . Solo/PFL we encountered in the section on input level setting (3.1).

Channel PAN positions the output of the channel in the stereo field. Its constant-power design ensures there are no level discrepancies whether a signal is hard-panned, center-stage, or somewhere in-between. Such pin-point accuracy will be a revelation if you have been working on consoles with lower quality circuits.

All stereo buses follow channel PAN. Usually, only one of L-R, 1-2, 3-4 etc. will be selected for a particular channel.

+An exception to this rule is when laying down voice takes. It is often convenient to have the mic channel(s) routed to all potential take tracks simultaneously, since you are often dropping in quickly between four or more tracks. It means one less button to press each time you switch tracks.

10	3. MONO INPUT CHANNELS