Allen&Heath XB-10 User Manual
USER GUIDE
Publication AP8810
CONTENTS
Thank you for purchasing your Allen & Heath XB-10 mixer. To ensure
that you get the maximum benefit from the unit please spare a few
minutes familiarizing yourself with the controls and setup procedures
outlined in this user guide. For further information please refer to the
additional information available on our web site, or contact our technical
support team.
http://www.allen-heath.com
http://www.allen-heath.com/xb
Warranty .............................................. 4
Packed Items ........................................ 5
Safety Instructions .............................. 6
Panel Drawings .................................... 8
Introduction to XB-10 ....................... 9
Specifications ....................................... 11
Dimensions .......................................... 13
Block Diagram ..................................... 14
Mono Input Channel .......................... 15
TELCO Channel ................................. 18
Stereo Input Channels ....................... 21
Outputs ................................................. 23
Output Selection ................................ 24
Master Section .................................... 25
Remote Interface Connector .......... 27
Connecting to a Computer .............. 29
Application Diagram - Self Op......... 30
Application Diagram - Studio........... 31
Application tip : VOIP caller ............ 32
Wiring notes ........................................ 33
Product Support ................................. 34
Allen & Heath 3 XB-10 User Guide
Limited One Year Warranty
This product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or
workmanship for 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
The equipment has been installed and operated in accordance with the
instructions in this User Guide.
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.
Any necessary adjustment, alteration or repair has been carried out by
ALLEN & HEATH or its authorised agent.
This warranty does not cover fader wear and tear.
The defective unit is to be returned carriage prepaid to ALLEN &
HEATH or its authorised agent with proof of purchase.
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 directive 2004/108/EC
and the European Low Voltage directive 2006/95/EC.
This product has been tested to EN55103 Parts 1 & 2 2009 for use in
Environments E1, E2, E3, and E4 to demonstrate compliance with the
protection requirements in the European EMC directive 2004/108/EC.
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.
Allen & Heath XB-10 User Guide AP8810 Issue 2
Copyright © 2012 Allen & Heath Limited. All rights reserved
Allen & Heath Limited
Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK
http://www.allen-heath.com
Allen & Heath 4 XB-10 User Guide
PACKED ITEMS
Check that you have received the following:
AUX OUT
-15
HF
LF
LEV
-30
PK !
SIG
-15
-15
LR
-20
0
L
R
RLR
5
-15
+15
HF
-15
+15
LF
-15
+15
AUX
0
+6
BAL
-20
-10
LEV
-30
0
PK !
PFL PFL
SIG
0
LR
L
R
+15
+15
+15
+6
PRE
0
L
USB IN L
USB IN R
CLF-TELCO
5
AUX-ALT
RECORD OUT
SOURCE
AUX-MONO
AUX
0
MASTER
-10
ALT OUT
USB
Guest
Phones
LR
MAIN
PGM
-20
PROG
-10
LEVEL
-30
0
LR
PGM
GUEST
PHONES SELECT
+6
MAX
MIN MAXMIN MAXMIN
LR
OPERATOR
PHONES SELECT
Operator
Phones
+16
+9
+6
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12
-16
-20
-30
Mic Mic
Mic
Line
Line
Line
5
0
20
GAIN
- 10 10
HF
-15
500
200
f
120
MID
-15 +15
LF
-15 +15
AUX
PAN
LR
-20
LEV
-30
PK !
SIG
M1
0
0
30
20
GAIN
40
60
- 10 10
60
COMP
COMP
HPF
HF
-15
+15
650
650
500
1k
200
2k
f
3k
120
4k
MID
-15 +15
LF
-15 +15
AUX
0
+6
PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE PRE
PAN
LR
-20
-10
LEV
-30
0
PK !
PFL
PFL
SIG
M2
0
20
30
30
GAIN
10
GAIN
-5
20
40
- 10 10
60
-1O
40
HPF
+15
1k
2k
3k
4k
0
+6
-10
0
26
TEL IN
COMP
USB
HPF
HPF
HF
HF
12kHz
-15
500
200
f
120
MID
-15 +15
LF
-15 +15
AUX
PAN
LR
-20
LEV
-30
PK !
SIG
M3
-15
-15
+15
+15
650
1k
LF
80Hz
2k
HF
3k
-15
4k
+15
TALK
LF
CLF SCE
PGM
AUX
AUX AUX
AUX
0
0 0
+6
+6
BAL BAL
PAN
LR
-20
-10
-10
LEV
LEV
-30
-30
0
0
PK !
PK !
PFL
PFL
SIG
SIG
T1
L
R
L
R
0
5
+15
-15
+15
-15
+15
0
+6
LR
-20
-10
0
PFL
ST1 ST2 ST3
Mains Lead (or leads)
Check that the correct
mains plug is fitted.
XB-10 MIXER
This User Guide
Type A-B USB Lead
To connect the XB-10 to
your computer.
Allen & Heath 5 XB-10 User Guide
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
WARNING - 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
Do not remove cover: Operate the console with its covers correctly fitted.
Power sources: Connect the console to a mains power unit only of the type described in this User Guide and marked
Power cord routing: Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on, stretched or pinched by items placed
here and on the console. Follow the operating instructions printed in this User Guide.
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.
upon or against it.
Grounding: Do not defeat the grounding and polarisation means of the power cord plug. Do not remove or tam-
per 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.
Allen & Heath 6 XB-10 User Guide
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
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 WIRE COLO UR
European USA/Canada
LIVE BROWN BLACK
L
!
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.
NEUTRAL BLUE WHITE
N
EARTH GND GREEN & YELLOW
E
GREEN
General Precautions:
Damage : To prevent damage to the controls and cosmetics avoid placing heavy objects
Environment : Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat and vibration when operating and stor-
Cleaning : Avoid the use of chemicals, abrasives or solvents. The control panel is best
Transporting : The console may be transported as a free-standing unit or mounted in a rack
Hearing : To avoid damage to your hearing do not operate any sound system at exces-
on the control surface, scratching the surface with sharp objects, or rough
handling and vibration.
ing. 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.
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.
or flightcase. Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use adequate
packing if you need to ship the unit.
sively high volume. This applies particularly to close-to-ear monitoring such as
headphones and in-ear systems. Continued exposure to high volume sound
can cause frequency selective or wide range hearing loss.
Allen & Heath 7 XB-10 User Guide
PANEL DRAWINGS
OFF
ON
LIMITER R
ENGINEERED IN ENGLAND BY ALLEN & HEATH LIMITED. MADE IN CHINA
GAIN
AUX
Mic
Line
MID
LF
OFF
0 I
- 10 10
HF
200
f
ON
0
20
COMP
-15
650
500
120
-15 +15
-15 +15
LIMITER
THRESHOLD
30
60
40
HPF
+15
1k
3k
4k
+6
Line
GAIN
2k
MID
AUX
0
AC MAINS IN ~
100 - 240V~ 47-63Hz 22W
Mic Mic
0
20
30
- 10 10
60
40
COMP
HPF
HF
-15
+15
650
500
1k
200
2k
f
3k
120
4k
-15 +15
LF
-15 +15
0
+6
PRE P RE PRE PRE PRE PRE
LR
-20
0
-10
PAN
LEV
-30
LR
-20
0
-10
LEV
PAN
LEV
-30
OFF
ON
LIMITER L
REC OUT
REMOTE
GROUND CANCEL
This device complies with Part 15 of the FCC Rules.
Operation is subject to the following two conditions:
(1) this device may not cause harmful interference, and
(2) this device must accept any inter ference received,
including interference that may cause undesired operation.
Laite on liitettävä suojamaadoituskoskettimilla varustettuun pistorasiaan
Apparatet må tilkoples jor det stikkontakt
Apparaten skall anslutas till jordat uttag
Line
0
20
GAIN
- 10 10
60
COMP
0
30
GAIN
-5
40
-1O
HPF
AUX
PAN
HF
200
f
MID
LF
-30
-15
-15 +15
-15 +15
-20
+15
650
500
1k
2k
3k
120
4k
+6
LR
0
0
-10
HF
12kHz
LF
80Hz
AUX
PAN
LEV
-30
-15
-15
LR
-20
ON
OFF
5
HPF
+15
+15
TALK
CLF SCE
10
26
TEL IN
USB
PGM
AUX
+6
ON
OFF
MON OUT
GROUND CANCEL
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR.
REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
L
R
L
20
0 0
R
0
5
-15
+15
HF
-15
+15
LF
-15
+15
AUX AUX
0
+6
-15
HF
-15
LF
-15
CAUTION
RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING: THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED
CET APPAREIL DOIT ETRE MIS A LA TERRE
L
R
L
R
0
5
+15
L
R
L
R
0
5
-15
+15
HF
-15
+15
+15
LF
-15
+15
0
+6
AUX
+15
0
+6
ALLEN&HEATH
USB IN L
USB IN R
CLF-TELCO
AUX-ALT
RECORD OUT
SOURCE
AUX-MONO
AUX
MASTER
PRE
BAL BAL
-20
-10
LEV
-30
0
LR
-10
0
LEV
-30
LR
-20
0
BAL
LR
-20
-10
-10
LEV
-30
0
CONFORMS TO
CERTIFICATED TO CAN/CSA STD.
Serial No.
AUX
ALT
USB
Guest
Phones
LR
MAIN
PGM
LR
PGM
MIN MAXMIN MAXMIN
-20
PROG
LEVEL
+6
MAX
-10
-30
0
GUEST
PHONES SELECT
OPERATOR
ANSI/UL STD.
+16
+9
+6
+3
0
-3
-6
-9
-12
-16
-20
-30
LR
PHONES SELECT
60065-2003
Operator
Phones
60065-03
PK !
SIG
M1
PK !
PFL
SIG
M2
PK !
PFL
SIG
M3
PK !
PFL
SIG
PK !
PFL
SIG
T1
PK !
PFL
SIG
ST1 ST2 ST3
PK !
PFL PFL
SIG
Allen & Heath 8 XB-10 User Guide
INTRODUCTION TO THE XB-10
Background overview
The Allen & Heath XB-10 mixer has been carefully and lovingly designed in the beautiful county of Cornwall in the UK and is manufactured alongside a wide range of professional audio mixing consoles. Many of the components used in the XB-10 are exactly the same
as in the larger Allen & Heath products and the construction methods are also very similar — utilising individual vertically mounted
channel circuit boards with each rotary control fixed with a metal nut to the front panel. This provides a very robust product that will
resist damage and give years of reliable use. It also makes servicing much easier should it be required, with the ability to remove one
particular channel from the mixer at a time.
The audio circuitry is based on years of continual development and refinement , the performance of all the elements within the mixer
scrutinised and perfected to ensure the very best sound quality possible.
Multi-application:
The XB-10 is great for a range of applications from small radio or internet broadcast studios, or for larger studios with multiple
rooms, for hospital radio, university radio and community radio broadcast applications. The XB-10 has a wealth of features specifically
designed for broadcasters, things like a dedicated telco channel for telephone callers, mic channel on switch sensing for switching
external equipment and internal automatic muting of the speaker outputs, stereo channel start/cue outputs for CD deck transport
control, separate headphones mix & outputs for a guest, built in mic compressors and output limiters…. The list goes on!
Mic/Line Pre-amps:
Based on the pre-amps from the Mixwizard series, The XB-10 pre-amps use low noise discrete transistor circuitry to achieve high gain
(60dB max), low noise and good linearity.
Compressors
Each mic channel has its own compressor to constrain the dynamic range from the microphone inputs if required. Low level signals are
given a gain boost. Mid level signals are mildly compressed with a soft knee response. High level signals are limited. This automatic
compression is activated with a simple switch and indicator LED to show the level of compression.
EQ
The XB-10 is equipped with a 3-band equaliser circuit on each mono input and a 2-band EQ on the Telco & stereo channels. The frequency and response of each has been carefully chosen to give the maximum performance when using the EQ on a variety of sources.
Output Limiter
The main outputs on the XB-10 are equipped with a variable limiter to ensure that the final mix to air does not exceed a pre defined
level. Back panel option switches allow the limiter to be selected or bypassed. A trim pot is used to vary the threshold. There is also
an LED on the front panel that indicates when the limiter has triggered.
Telco channel
The XB-10 has a dedicated TELCO input channel with a mix-minus return feed. The mix-minus feed can be sent from the main program mix or using a separate aux mix. There is a talk button where an off-air conversation can be held with the caller using a user
selected comms mic channel.
By Selecting the USB input, the telco channel can be used directly from the USB connection and callers can be accessed via Skype or
similar VOIP applications. This means the use of costly hybrid units, that would normally be used to connect to the telephone system,
can be avoided.
AUX / ALT bus
The XB-10 has 2 mono buses that can be used for external processing, effects, recording or auditioning.
Remote Control
The XB-10 has a 25 way D connector on its rear panel to allow a number of extra functions.
The mic and telco channels have ON switch logic that can be used to remotely control external equipment, they can also be muted
from an external “cough” switch or similar.
The stereo channels have start and cue logic outputs that can be used to operate external equipment such as CD players. Power for
remote circuitry is also available on the rear panel and a post-fade program output is available for metering.
Allen & Heath 9 XB-10 User Guide
INTRODUCTION TO THE XB-10
USB
Getting audio to and from a computer easily is now a common requirement for sound and music production and broadcast applications. The way we have implemented this on XB-10 is super-flexible and super-easy! No longer do you need to fiddle around the
back of your computer to get to the soundcard inputs, only to find that the levels are all wrong and noisy. Just plug in a USB lead to
your XB-10, select the USB routing on the mixer and the device on your computer and that’s it! Quality audio to and from your PC
or MAC.
The USB connection can be used for VOIP telephone calls, Recording program material, playing jingles etc.
Guest Headphones
The XB-10 has a dedicated headphone socket for studio guests with its own routing matrix. Guests can be fed the main program mix
or a bespoke mix via the AUX bus. There is also a talk button to communicate off air via the user selected comms mic channel.
Output Matrix
Both the operator and guest headphone outputs have an output matrix with additive feeds. This means that the operator could, for
example, listen to a mix of the main program feed and an external monitor input.
Electronically Balanced Outputs
The main program outputs are from XLRs with an electronically balanced output circuit. The phono outputs have a ground cancelled
earth return to ensure low noise and provide some isolation from equipment with a noisy earth such as laptop computers.
Self operation or Producer operated:
Whether you need a mixer for a self operated broadcast situation, or whether you have a separate studio and engineer, the XB-10
has the features to fit. Separate monitor mixes can be created for operator and guests or presenter so the engineer can check levels
and cue sources while the presenter or guest can listen to a different source. The engineer/producer can communicate to the guest
or presenter using the Talk feature, as well as off-air communication to telephone callers.
There is also the facility for remote control of channel mutes from the studio using the remote interface connectors, ideal for studio
situated mute switches.
Allen & Heath 10 XB-10 User Guide
SPECIFICATIONS
Operating Levels
Input
Mono channel Mic input (XLR) -10 to -60dBu for nominal (+11dBu in max)
Mono channel Line input (TRS Jack socket) +10 to -40dBu (+30dBu maximum)
Stereo input (TRS Jack sockets) 0dBu nominal (control = Off to +15dB)
Stereo input (RCA phono sockets) 0dBu nominal (control = Off to +15dB)
Telco channel input (TRS) +10 to -26dBu (+30dBu maximum)
External monitor input (RCA phono sockets) 0dBu Nominal
Output
PGM L & R outputs (XLR) +4dBu nominal. +25dBu maximum.
PGM L & R inserts (TRS jack sockets) -2dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum
Aux output (RCA phono socket) 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum.
Alt output (RCA phono socket) 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum.
Rec outputs (RCA phono sockets) 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum.
Telco cleanfeed output (TRS Jack socket) 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum.
CRM Speaker outputs (RCA phono sockets) 0dBu nominal. +21dBu maximum.
THD+n
Mic in to PGM L/R Out, 15dB gain, 1kHz, +10dBu out 0.002%
Mic in to PGM L/R Out, 30dB gain, 1kHz, 0dBu out 0.006%
Line in to PGM L/R out, 0dB gain, 1kHz, 0dBu out 0.005%
Telco in to PGM L/R out, 0dB gain, 1kHz, 0dBu out 0.004%
Stereo in to PGM out, 0dB gain, 1kHz, +10dBu out 0.002%
USB Audio CODEC (Coder/Decoder)
USB Audio In/Out USB 1.1 compliant 16bit.
Sample Rate 32, 44.1, or 48kHz
Noise
Mic Pre EIN @ max gain 150R input Z 22-22kHz -126dBu
PGM out, PGM fader = 0, 22-22kHz -103dBu
Aux out, Alt out, Rec out = 0, 22-22kHz < -93dBu
Allen & Heath 11 XB-10 User Guide
Loading...