Allen&Heath MIXWIZARD3 20S User Manual

MixWizard WZ320S

USER GUIDE

Publication AP6318

Limited One Year Warranty

This product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for
a period of one year from the date of purchase by the original owner.

To ensure a high level of performance and reliability for which this equipment has
been designed and manufactured, read this User Guide before operating. In the
event of a failure, notify and return the defective unit to ALLEN&HEATH Limited
or its authorised agent as soon as possible for repair under warranty subject to
the following conditions

Conditions Of Warranty

1. The equipment has been installed and operated in accordance with the
instructions in this User Guide

2. The equipment has not been subject to misuse either intended or accidental,
neglect, or alteration other than as described in the User Guide or Service
Manual, or approved by ALLEN&HEATH.

3. Any necessary adjustment, alteration or repair has been carried out by
ALLEN&HEATH or its authorised agent.

4. This warranty does not cover fader wear and tear.

5. The defective unit is to be returned carriage prepaid to ALLEN&HEATH or its
authorised agent with proof of purchase.

6. Units returned should be packed to avoid transit damage.

In certain territories the terms may vary. Check with your ALLEN&HEATH agent
for any additional warranty which may apply.

This product complies with the European Electromagnetic
Compatibility directives 89/336/EEC & 92/31/EEC and the
European Low Voltage Directives 73/23/EEC & 93/68/EEC.

This product has been tested to EN55103 Parts 1 & 2 1996 for use in
Environments E1, E2, E3, and E4 to demonstrate compliance with the
protection requirements in the European EMC directive 89/336/EEC.
During some tests the specified performance figures of the product
were affected. This is considered permissible and the product has
been passed as acceptable for its intended use. Allen & Heath has a
strict policy of ensuring all products are tested to the latest safety and
EMC standards. Customers requiring more information about EMC and
safety issues can contact Allen & Heath.

NOTE: Any changes or modifications to the console not approved by
Allen & Heath could void the compliance of the console and therefore
the users authority to operate it.

WZ320S User Guide AP6318 Issue 1

Copyright © 2005 Allen & Heath Limited. All rights reserved

ALLEN&HEATH Limited

Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK
http://www.allen-heath.com

2 WZ320S User Guide

Important Safety Instructions

WARNINGS

- Read the following before proceeding :

CAUTION

ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE – NE PAS OUVRIR

Read instructions: Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Adhere

to all warnings printed here and on the console. Follow the operating
instructions printed in this User Guide.

Do not remove cover: Operate the console with its covers correctly fitted. Disconnect mains

power by unplugging the power cord if the cover needs to be removed for
setting internal options. Refer this work to competent technical personnel
only.

Power sources: Connect the console to a mains power unit only of the type described in

this User Guide and marked on the rear panel. Use the power cord with
sealed mains plug appropriate for your local mains supply as provided with
the console. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet consult your
service agent for assistance.

Power cord routing: Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on, stretched or

pinched by items placed upon or against it.

Grounding: Do not defeat the grounding and polarisation means of the power cord

plug. Do not remove or tamper with the ground connection in the power
cord.

WARNING: This equipment must be earthed.

Water and moisture: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock do not expose the console to

rain or moisture or use it in damp or wet conditions. Do not place
containers of liquids on it which might spill into any openings.

Ventilation: Do not obstruct the ventilation slots or position the console where the air

flow required for ventilation is impeded. If the console is to be operated in
a rack unit or flightcase ensure that it is constructed to allow adequate
ventilation.

Heat and vibration: Do not locate the console in a place subject to excessive heat or direct

sunlight as this could be a fire hazard. Locate the console away from any
equipment which produces heat or causes excessive vibration.

Servicing: Switch off the equipment and unplug the power cord immediately if it is

exposed to moisture, spilled liquid, objects fallen into the openings, the
power cord or plug become damaged, during lightening storms, or if
smoke, odour or noise is noticed. Refer servicing to qualified technical
personnel only.

Installation: Install the console in accordance with the instructions printed in this User

Guide. Do not connect the output of power amplifiers directly to the
console. Use audio connectors and plugs only for their intended purpose.

WZ320S User Guide 3



Important Mains plug wiring instructions.

The console is supplied with a moulded mains plug fitted to the AC
mains power lead. Follow the instructions below if the mains plug has
to be replaced. The wires in the mains lead are coloured in
accordance with the following code:

TERMINAL

L

LIVE BROWN BLACK

N

NEUTRAL BLUE WHITE

E

EARTH GND GREEN & YELLOW GREEN

The wire which is coloured Green and Yellow must be connected to the
terminal in the plug which is marked with the letter E or with the Earth
symbol. This appliance must be earthed.

The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal in
the plug which is marked with the letter N.

The wire which is coloured Brown must be connected to the terminal in
the plug which is marked with the letter L.

Ensure that these colour codes are followed carefully in the event of
the plug being changed.

General Precautions

WIRE COLOUR

European USA/Canada

Damage : To prevent damage to the controls and cosmetics avoid placing heavy

objects on the control surface, scratching the surface with sharp objects,
or rough handling and vibration.

Environment : Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat and vibration when operating and

storing. Avoid tobacco ash, smoke, drinks spillage, and exposure to rain
and moisture. If the console becomes wet, switch off and remove mains
power immediately. Allow to dry out thoroughly before using again.

Cleaning : Avoid the use of chemicals, abrasives or solvents. The control panel is

best cleaned with a soft brush and dry lint-free cloth. The faders, switches
and potentiometers are lubricated for life. The use of electrical lubricants
on these parts is not recommended. The fader and potentiometer knobs
may be removed for cleaning with a warm soapy solution. Rinse and allow
to dry fully before refitting them.

Transporting : The console may be transported as a free-standing unit or mounted in a

rack or flightcase. Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use
adequate packing if you need to ship the unit.

Hearing : To avoid damage to your hearing do not operate any sound system at

excessively high volume. This also applies to any close-to-ear monitoring
such as headphones. Continued exposure to high volume sound can



cause frequency selective or wide range hearing loss.

4 WZ320S User Guide

Introduction

Welcome to the Allen & Heath WZ
MixWizard series of compact audio mixing consoles. We have tried to keep this user guide

brief and to the point. Please read it fully before starting. Included is information on
installing, connecting and operating the console, panel drawings, system block diagram and
technical specification. For further information on the basic principles of audio system
engineering, please refer to one of the specialist publications and resources available from
bookshops, audio equipment dealers and the Internet.

Whilst we believe the information in this guide to be reliable we do not assume responsibility
for inaccuracies. We also reserve the right to make changes in the interest of further product
development.

We are able to offer further product support through our world-wide network of approved
dealers and service agents. You can also access our Web site on the Internet for
information on our full product range, our company pedigree, assistance with your technical
queries, our contact details or simply to chat about matters audio. To help us provide the
most efficient service please keep a record of your console serial number, and date and
place of purchase to be quoted in any communication regarding this product.

3

20S, one of the latest generation of the popular

www.allen-heath.com

Contents

Warranty ................................................ 2

General Precautions.............................. 4

Introduction to this Guide...................... 5

Front Panel Layout ................................ 6

Introducing the MixWizard .................... 7

Installing the Console............................ 8

Connecting Power................................. 9

Connecting a Backup Supply ...............9

Connector Pinouts and Cables ........... 10

Audio Connections.............................. 11

Connector Panel Layouts.................... 12

EQ curves ............................................15

Stereo Input Channel........................... 17

EXT1 and EXT2 Inputs......................... 18

Master Section..................................... 19

AB Output ............................................20

Gain Structure...................................... 21

Application Notes ................................22

Specifications ......................................24

Part Numbers....................................... 25

System Block Diagram ........................26

User Options – Channel Cards ...........28

Console Connectors ........................... 13

Wiring Inserts....................................... 13

Mono Input Channel............................ 15

Sys-Link V2 Option ..............................29

User Options – AB Relay switch..........30

Cue Sheet ............................................ 31

WZ320S User Guide 5

GAIN

- 10 10

HF

HM

LM

LF

AUX

1

AUX

2

AUX

3

AUX

4

AUX

5

AUX

6

PAN

LAMP

0

-5

+48V

PAD

(LINE)

30

40

0

20

50

40

60

HPF

GAIN

0

- 10 10

+48V

PAD

(LINE)

30

40

20

50

40

60

HPF

HF

-15

+15

3k

1k

4k

700

6k

500Hz

15k

+15

-15
180

70

250

45

400

35Hz

1k

-15

+15

-15

+15

EQ IN

+6

+6

+6

+6

POST
PRE

+6

+6

POST
PRE

=

-15

+15

3k

1k

4k

700

6k

500Hz

15k

HM

+15

-15
180

70

250

45

400

35Hz

1k

LM

-15

+15

LF

-15

+15

EQ IN

AUX

1

+6

AUX

2

+6

AUX

3

+6

AUX

4

+6

POST
PRE

AUX

5

+6

AUX

6

+6

POST
PRE

=

PAN

GAIN

A

ON

TO CHANNEL

GAIN

B

ON

HM

LM

AUX

AUX

AUX

AUX

AUX

AUX

BAL

5

-10
10

-20

16

TO

LR

0

-5
5

-10
10

-20

16

HF

-15

+15

-15

+15

-15

+15

LF

-15

+15

EQ IN

1

+6

2

+6

3

+6

4

+6

POST
PRE

5

+6

6

+6

POST
PRE

=

GAIN

-10

-20

A

ON

TO CHANNEL

GAIN

-10

-20

B

ON

HF

HM

LM

LF

AUX

1

AUX

2

AUX

3

AUX

4

AUX

5

AUX

6

BAL

0

-5

16

TO

LR

0

-5

16

-15

+15

-15

+15

-15

+15

-15

+15

EQ IN

+6

+6

+6

+6

POST
PRE

+6

+6

POST
PRE

=

AUX

5

5

1

10

+6

AUX

2

+6

AUX

3

+6

AUX

4

10

EXT2

LEV

+6

EXT1

10

5

0

5

10

PHONES

0

TO LR

RL

+16
+9
+6
+3

0

-3

-6

-9

-12

-16

-20

-30

20

30

POWER

PFL

PHONES

10

STEREO 1-2

STEREO 3-4

STEREO 5-6

0

AUX 1

AUX 2

AUX 3

AUX 4

AUX 5

AUX 6

EXT1

EXT2

M

ALL UP = LR

ALT LR OUT
MONITOR

AB

0

AUX

1

+4

AUX

2

+4

AUX

3

+4

AUX

4

+4

AUX

5

+4

AUX

6

+4

RLRL

MUTE

PK!

PFL

SIG

10

5

0

5 5

10

20

30

MUTE

PK!

PFL

SIG

10

5

0

10

20

30

LR LR

MUTE

PK!

PFL

SIG

10

5

0

5

10

20

30

PK!

SIG

10

5

0

5

10

20

30

MUTE

PFL

LR

10

5

0

5

10

20

30

10

5

0

5

10

20

30

6 WZ320S User Guide

+10

L+R
AUX 6

M

Introducing the MixWizard

The Allen & Heath MixWizard series of consoles includes several models. This user guide
describes the stereo input WZ

3

20S model. The WZ316:2, WZ312:2 and WZ314:4:2 consoles

are described in separate publications. For further information on the MixWizard series
please refer to the Allen & Heath web site.

3

The MixWizard WZ

20S is a compact console

designed for professional live sound and general
purpose mixing. It is built to the same high
standards as our top of the range consoles, with
individual circuit cards, potentiometers nutted to the
panel for absolute strength, steel chassis, and no
compromise circuit design ensuring the finest sonic
performance.

The WZ

3

20S provides 4 mono mic/line channels, 8

full feature dual stereo input channels and 2 stereo
return inputs, a total of 44 connections and 22
sources to the mix. It provides a compact solution for
mixing many stereo sources, for example small
broadcast studios, keyboard or effects sub mixing or
studio production. The two stereo inputs feeding
each strip mix together into the channel, or may be
split so that one feeds the channel and the other
routes directly to the main mix.

All channels feature a 4 band EQ (semi-parametric
with high pass filter on the mic/line channels) and 6
aux sends with combinations of pre/post switching
and 100mm faders. Also featured are a dedicated
mono output with separate fader and innovative
operating mode for aux fed sub systems, additional
AB stereo output, comprehensive metering and
engineers monitoring, dual redundant backup supply
input, and a lamp socket.

The console can be operated free standing or in a
19” rack or flightcase. It is supplied with protective
side trims fitted. These can be removed for rack
mounting. The rear connector pod can be easily
rotated for rear facing or underside connectors when
rack mounted.

The base of the console can be removed to access a
host of internal option jumpers. These set user
preference for the aux, direct output and AB sources.
The AB output features a relay which can be wired to
a switch to isolate its output, for example to mute a
studio monitor when its local mic channel is live.

The aux outputs are impedance balanced but may
be electronically balanced if required by fitting an
optional part. A kit is also available to fit the optional
Sys-Link II output card which allows the console to
be linked to other Allen & Heath consoles.
Replacement faders with fitted switches are available
for fader start and mic live mute applications.

Other accessories available include the Allen &
Heath MPS12 backup power supply and LEDlamp
gooseneck lamp with built-in dimmer.

WZ320S User Guide 7

Installing the Console

Free Standing

The console is supplied ready for free standing operation with its side trims fitted and
connector pod positioned for rear access. If you are converting from rack to free standing
then make sure the pod is correctly rotated and secured, and the side trims fitted as shown
below:

5

5

194

RELEASE M4 POZI SCREW EACH SIDE

ROTATE POD AND REFIT SECURING SCREWS

19” Rack Mount

For rack mounting, remove the two side trims and rotate the pod into the connector position
preferred. Allow enough space for the cables and connectors behind the console.

FIT SIDE TRIMS - 4x M4 POZI SCREWS PER SIDE

514

530

CONSOLE WIDTH = 507mm

1

2

58

193

122

193

101.6165.1101.637.7

497

(11.2U)

444

(10U)

SECURE IN RACK USING 8x M6 BOLTS
USE PLASTIC CUP WASHERS TO PROTECT THE PANEL

482.6 (19" RACK)

Do not transport the console with its connector pod securing screws removed. Do not
attempt to remove the connector pod from the console. Do not obstruct the ventilation slots.
Allow adequate space around the console for air flow. If the side-trims are to be removed,
do not re-fit the (2x M4x10 and 6x M4x8) fixing screws to the unit. Please retain and store
these screws in case the side-trims need to be re-fitted in the future.

8 WZ320S User Guide

Connecting Power

EXTERNAL DC IN

BACKUP SUPPLY

ONLY USE RECOMMENDED ALLEN&HE ATH POWER SUPPLY.

REFER TO USER GUIDE FOR DETAILS.

Read and understand the Important Safety Instructions printed at the start of this guide,
and the warnings printed on the rear of the console. Check that your local mains supply is
within the 100-240V operating voltage range allowed. Check that the correct mains lead
with moulded plug has been supplied with your console. Make sure that the IEC mains plug
is pressed fully into the panel socket before switching on.

Grounding

The connection to ground in an audio system is important for two reasons:

1. SAFETY - To protect the operator from high voltage electric shock, and

2. AUDIO PERFORMANCE - To minimise the effect of ground (earth) loops which result in
audible hum and buzz, and to shield the audio signals from interference.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR.

CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE
ATTENTION: REMPLACER PAR UN FUSIBLE STRICTEMENT IDENTIQUE EN VALEURS.

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIE D SERVICE PERSONNEL.

ENGINEERED IN ENGLAND BY ALLEN & HEATH LIMITED

REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING.

DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RIS K OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

Serial No.

FUSE

T630mA L 250V 20mm

WARNING: THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED

AC MAINS IN ~

100 - 240V~ 47-63Hz 45W MAX

ON

OFF

0

I

For safety it is important that all equipment grounds are connected to mains ground so that
exposed metal parts are prevented from carrying high voltage which can injure or even kill
the operator. Do not disconnect the ground connection in the mains lead. It is
recommended that the system engineer check the continuity of the safety ground from all
points in the system including microphone bodies, turntable chassis, equipment cases, rack
metalwork and so on.

Switching the console on and off

It is good practice to turn power amplifiers off before switching the console and any other
connected equipment on or off. This prevents any unexpected clicks or thumps when the
equipment is powered up.

Turn amplifiers and powered speakers on last and off first.

To turn the console on, press the ON/OFF switch next to the IEC mains input socket. To
turn the console off, press this switch again.

Connecting a backup supply

A socket is included for plugging in an optional backup power supply. This provides the
reassurance of power supply dual redundancy, a feature usually found only in expensive top
end consoles. The console uses diode combining technology so that both supplies can be
powered at the same time. One will automatically take over should the other stop working.
The recommended backup supply for the MixWizard is the Allen & Heath MPS12 power unit.
Refer to the user guide which comes with this supply.

Only plug the recommended Allen & Heath power unit into this socket. Do not
attempt to modify any other power unit to work with the console. Do not attempt to modify or
extend the DC power cable that comes with the supply.

The console can work with just the internal supply powered by mains, or just the backup
supply, or with both powered at the same time. To ensure uninterrupted performance in the
unlikely event of a failure, we recommended that both supplies are powered.

WZ320S User Guide 9

13 GRP 4+

12 AUX 1+

11 AUX 2+

10 AUX 3+

9 AUX 4+

8 AUX 5+

7 AUX 6+

6 PFL+

5 AFL+

4 nc

3 PFL DC

2 AFL DC

14 GRP 3+

15 GRP 2+

16 GRP 1+

17 R+

18 L+

19 0V (CHS)

L- 37

R- 36

AUX 1- 31

GRP 4- 32

AUX 2- 30

GRP 3- 33

GRP 2- 34

GRP 1- 35

PFL- 25

AFL- 24

AUX 4- 28

AUX 5- 27

AUX 3- 29

AUX 6- 26

1 0V (PAFL)

nc 21

nc 23

nc 20

nc 22

10 WZ320S User Guide