Allen&Heath Xone 32 User Manual

P R O F E S S I O N A L D J M I X E R

USER GUIDE

Publication AP4264

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 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 h as 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 crossfader 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.

XONE:32 User Guide AP4264 Issue 6

Copyright © 2004 Allen & Heath Limited. All rights reserved

Allen & Heath Limited
Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK

http://www.allen-heath.com

2 XONE:32 User Guide

Important Safety Instructions – Read First

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 open: Operate the console with its front and crossfader panels correctly fitted. Disconnect

mains power by unplugging the power cord if a panel needs to be removed for
servicing. Refer this work to competent technical personnel only.

Power sources: Connect the console to a mains power only of the type described in this User Guide and

marked on the rear panel. The power source must provide a good ground connection.

Power cord: 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. 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.

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.

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.

Heat: 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 such as power supplies, power amplifiers and heaters.

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

tobacco ash, drinks spillage, and smoke, especially that associated with smoke
machines.

Handling: 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. Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use adequate packing if you
need to ship the unit.

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.

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 wire which is coloured Green/Yellow or Green 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 or White must be connected to the terminal in the plug
which is marked with the letter N.

The wire which is coloured Brown or Black 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.

XONE:32 User Guide 3

Contents

Important Safety Instructions ................ 3

Introduction ........................................... 4

Quick Start............................................. 5

Connectors and Panel Controls ........... 6

Installation ........................................... 10

Cable diagrams ................................... 11

Introduction

Welcome to the XONE:32 professional DJ mixer. This stylish and solidly built 3 channel club format console
presents a unique combination of performance tools for the professional DJ. Above all, it features a sound
quality second to none. XONE:32 has been designed and constructed using the same rigorous standards we
apply to our large format professional consoles used and respected by top engineers and performers throughout
the world. We have had great fun designing this new range. We are sure you will get even more enjoyment
using it.

We know you want to get started right away. For this reason we have kept this user guide concise and to the
point. We recommend you read it through first. However, if even that is too much then at least read the QUICK
START page before you plug up and go.

This user guide refers to the XONE:32. For further information on the basic principles of audio system
engineering and mixing technique please refer to one of the specialist publications available from bookshops
and audio equipment dealers. 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 deale rs and service
agents. You can also access our Web site on the Internet for information on our product range, assistance with
your technical queries 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.

Operating Instructions .........................12

Replacing the Crossfader....................14

Specification ........................................18

Glossary...............................................20

Order Codes ........................................ 22

Tips and Troubleshooting ...................23

Check out our home site
full product range and our design philosophy. We also have a site dedicated to the exciting XONE console

range

www.xone.co.uk.

Key Features

• 3 Stereo channels with switchable line and RIAA phono inputs

• DJ microphone input

• Separate main mix, record, booth and headphones monitor outputs

• Stereo Aux output for effects

• 3 Band +6/-26 asymmetric EQ with extended cut

• Removable VCA CROSSFADER with reverse and variable contour

• Crossfade position dependent TRANSMUTE buttons for transform and punch effects

• Analogue state variable VCF filter effects with filter type, frequency and resonance controls

• LFO filter frequency control with finger tap tempo select

• DRS™ Digital Recall System with 4 user programmable presets for filter effects

• Advanced cue system with interlock and cue/mix fader for performance preview

• Extensive channel and output metering

• Sensible layout of setup and performance controls across three surfaces

• High grade dual rail gold contact crossfader

• Universal internal power supply for any worldwide mains voltage

www.allen-heath.com for information on the company and its pedigree, our

4 XONE:32 User Guide

Quick Start 

1 Ensure your safet y Mains voltage is dangerous and can kill. First read and understand the Important
Safety Instructions printed on page 3. Make sure that all equipment in your system is set for your local mains
supply voltage and correctly grounded to ensure your safety. Do not turn anything on until you have checked
your system wiring and control settings.

2 Set all controls to their starting position Set all FADERS, GAIN, AUX, RESONANCE, HEADPHONES,
BOOTH and MAIN MIX controls minimum (anti-clockwise). Set BAL, EQ and CONTOUR controls to their centre
position. Set CROSSFADER to X (left), VCF slider to 20kHz (right) and CUE/MIX slider to cue (left). Set all
switches to their up position.

3 Plug in your sources and outputs Plug in two music sources, one to CH1 (X) the other CH3 (Y). Select
the rear panel switches according to line or RIAA turntable source. Plug in your microphone if you are using
one. We recommend you use a cardiod vocal dynamic type with built-in on/off switch. Plug the MIX OUT into
the amplifiers feeding the main speakers, the BOOTH OUT into the amplifiers feeding the local DJ speakers,
and plug in your stereo headphones. Good quality headphones of around 70 ohms impedance are
recommended. It is very important that the amplifier level controls are turned right down at this stage.

4 Tur n the system on Switch on the mixer and music sources first. Check that the CH1 CU E, filter LPF
and CROSSFADE ON indicators are on, the rest off. The LFO ON indicator should be flashing very slowly.
Then switch on the amplifiers with their level controls turned down. The system should be quiet. If you hear
any hum or buzz check the system for bad wiring, ground loops or missing grounds, in particular those
connecting to turntables.

5 Adjust the level trims and cue the chan nels Start the music playing and raise the LEVEL trim for eac h
channel until its meter reads an average ‘0’ with loud moments at ‘+5’. If the red ‘PEAK’ indicator flashes then
back off the trim slightly. Slowly raise the headphones level control. You should hear CH1 CUE feeding the
signal with the CUE/MIX fader set fully left for cue only. Press CH3 CUE to check the CH3 signal. If the music
sounds distorted, bassy or thin check that you have plugged it into the correct Line or Phono inputs.

6 Route the music to the main speakers With music playing and crossfader set to left hand X position,
raise the CH1 fader to its top ‘0’ position. Next, raise the MAIN MIX rotary master to maximum and check that
the main meters display the music level. These should average ‘0’ with loudest moments up to ‘+5’. If the red
PEAK indicator flashes then back off the channel gain. Now slowly raise the amplifier level trim. You should
start to hear the music through the main speakers. Set the amplifiers for the loudest volume you want to allow
in the room with console meters reading as described above. If you are using a microphone then switch it on
and raise its GAIN control until you hear it in the mix. Turn back the gain if the mic starts to feed back.

7 Route the music to the booth monitor speakers Now set the BOOTH level rotary to maximum and
slowly turn up the booth amplifier level trim until the monitor is as loud as you need it to be. Setting the levels in
this way prevents the DJ exceeding the allowed maximum by setting all the console faders and masters to
maximum. The meters provide an accurate display of the system capability. Access to the rear panel level trim
controls can be restricted by covering them if needed.

8 Experiment with the level and crossfader controls With two music sources playing (CH1=X, CH2=Y)
you can experiment with these important performance controls. Adjust the crossfade CONTOUR from a gentle
fade to very steep cut suitable for fast scratch mixing. You can reverse X and Y to suit your mixing style, and
turn the crossfader off if it is not required. The TRANSMUTE button allows fast performance effects,
transforming (muting) the signal if the crossfader is on its side, or punching the signal in if the crossfader is on
the opposite side. Also experiment with the small CUE/MIX fader which lets you preview your mix in the
headphones first.

9 Experiment with the EQ, VCF and LFO effects Now the creative fun bit. With one channel playing,
listen to the effect of cutting or boosting the three EQ controls. Press the channel FILTER switch to enable the
VCF, experimenting with the FREQUENCY slider, RESONANCE and HPF/BPF/LPF type controls to change
the sound. You can create subtle or dramatically sweeping effects. Watch the meters and pull back the fade r if
necessary to ensure you do not exceed the maximum volume allowed. Turn the LFO on and set its speed by
tapping the TEMPO button. The VCF slider now becomes a depth control for LFO to modulate the VCF.

10 Store and recall the user presets Once you have a VCF/LFO effect you like you can store this as a
user preset to be instantly recalled during performance. Simply press and hold the required pres et button for
longer than 2 seconds to store the settings. Tap the button to recall a preset. The preset remembers the VCF
and LFO settings as well as which channels are assigned to the filter.

Important Note about 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

82!

XONE:32 User Guide 5

sound can cause frequency selective or wide range hearing loss. Make sure that your
system complies with any venue sound level and noise regulations which may apply.

AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTR IQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR.

100 - 240V~

47-63Hz ~ 30W MAX

DRS DIGITAL RECALL SYSTEM

P R O F E S S I O N A L D J M I X E R

P R O F E S S I O N A L D J M I X E R

6 XONE:32 User Guide

Connectors and Panel Controls

1 LINE input 2x RCA phono. Connect stereo line level music sources such as CD, MD, DAT, drum
machines, keyboards or other instruments. Do not connect turntables which require RIAA equalisation.

2 PHONO input 2x RCA phono. Plug in turntables with magnetic cartridges requiring RIAA equalisation.
For non-RIAA turntables plug into the LINE input instead. Do not plug in line level sources to the phono inputs
as these will overload the preamp and cause severe high level distortion.

3 CHASSIS earth A screw terminal is provided for connecting the earth straps from turntables. This
connection earths the metal parts of the turntable to reduce hum, buzz or similar audible noise getting into the
system. Make sure the terminal is fully tightened once the strap is in place.

4 INPUT SELECT switch Selects either the LINE input or the PHONO input as the source to the channel.
Press for PHONO, release for LINE. The select switches are positioned on the rear panel to prevent accidental
operation during performance.

5 INPUT LEVEL trim Rotary control to adjust the input gain to match the connected source to the console
operating level. Adjusts from fully off to +15dB gain. Use the channel meter 16 to ensure the trim is correctly
set for best performance. The trims are positioned on the rear panel so that they are protected from accidental
operation once set.

6 RECORD output 2x RCA phono. This provides a line level stereo mix output not affected by the main
mix master control. Connect to a stereo recorder such as MD, DAT or cassette to record the DJ’s set.

7 AUX o u t p u t 2x TRS jack. Provides a line level stereo output independently mixed from the channel AUX
sends 13 . You can use this to feed samplers and othe r effects units, an additiona l monitor, zone or recorder .
The output is impedance balanced so it can connect to balanced or unbalanced equipment.

8 BOOTH output 2x TRS jack. This is the stereo output that feeds the DJ’s local booth monitor system. It
has its own level control and is not affected by the main mix master control or the cue mix. The output is
impedance balanced so it can connect to balanced or unbalanced equipment.

9 MIX output 2x TRS jack. This is the main stereo output that feeds the house PA. The output is
electronically balanced so it can drive long cable runs to balanced equipment without interference pickup. It can
also be wired to connect to unbalanced equipment.

10 M AINS input IEC socket. Plug the AC mains supply in here. A country dependent mains lead with
moulded plug is provided with the console. Ensure the local mains voltage is within the range specified on
the panel and that the connection is correctly grounded.

11 FUSE This is the mains input protection fuse for the internal power supply. In the unlikely event of it
failing make sure you replace it with the same type and rating. If the replacement fails get the console checked
by your service agent.

12 POWER ON switch Turns the console on or off. To avoid loud thumps or damage to your speakers
always turn amplifiers off before turning the console or other equipment in the signal chain on or off. Turn
amplifiers on last and off first.

13 AUX SEND control Adjusts the level of the channel signal to the stereo Aux output. It is taken ‘post-fade’
which means that the channel fader affects the level sent to the aux control. Turn fully anticlockwise to turn the
signal off, fully clockwise for a maximum +6dB boost. The normal ‘0’ position is marked.

14 Channel EQ The equaliser has three controls to let the DJ creatively alter and shape the sound during
live performance. The music frequency spectrum is divided into 3 bands. HI (10kHZ) has a shelving response
and affects the high frequency (treble) sounds, MID (1kHz) has a peak/dip bell shaped response and affects mid
range (presence) sounds, and LO (100Hz) has a peak/dip bell shaped response and affects lo w (bass) sounds.
This type of equaliser is known as ‘asymmetric’ because the amount of boost and cut is not the same. Boost is
restricted to a safe +6dB to highlight selected sounds while preventing system overload through heavy use. Cut
on the other hand, is increased to a huge –26dB to completely suck out affected frequencies dramatically
changing the effect. Use cut rather than boost to create your dramatic performance effects.

15 CUE switch Press this momentary switch to listen to the channel signal in the headphones. The three
switches are interlocked so that pressing one or more cancels the previous. The LED illuminates so that you
can see at a glance which channel is cued. A cue selection is always active. Switch on default is CH1 cue
selected. You can preview the mix using the CUE/MIX slider 32 . Cue does not affect the house mix or booth
speakers and lets you check the signal or cue a track before bringing it into the mix. Cue is pre-fader and post­EQ so that you can preview and experiment with the EQ effects before going live.

16 Channel METER A 4 LED meter bar al ways shows the presence of the pre-fa der channel signal. Adjust
the level trim control for normal music averaging 0dB with loudest moments reaching +5. Reduce the trim if the
red PEAK LED flashes consistently. The PEAK LED lights at +8dB to warn that you are within 12dB of clipping.
Letting the signal clip will result in a harsh distorted sound that can damage the speakers and is very unpleasant
for the listener. A good DJ will not let this happen.

XONE:32 User Guide 7

17 BALANCE control Adjusts the balance between the channel left and right stereo signals. Each side
ranges from fully off to fully on. The control has unity gain in the centre equal position and +2dB boost when
fully panned to one side. It is typically used for performance effect.

18 FI LTER ON switch Press this momentary switch to route the channel through the filter stage for amazing
analogue VCF (voltage controlled filter) effects. The blue LED lights when the VCF is enabled for the channel.
The state of the switch is stored and recalled by the DRS™ presets.

19 Channel FADER A high grade 60mm stereo fader adjusts t he channel signal level from off to the normal
‘0’ top position. It allows smooth fade ins and quick action live performance level effects. CH1 fader routes the
signal to the X side of the crossfader. CH3 routes the signal to the Y side of the crossfader. CH2 does no t
route through the crossfader. The fader also affects the AUX sends 13 .

20 CROSSFADER The crossfader lets you smoothly fade from one track into another using a single fader.
It is also used as a creative performance tool to layer or interact between two sounds when cut or scratch
mixing. It can be easily replaced if it becomes damaged or worn through exceptional mechanical operation.
Long life is assured as the XONE:32 uses a high quality dual rail gold contact crossfade type together with VCA
circuitry which means that no audio is passed through the fader itself. CH1 routes to X, CH3 routes to Y, CH2
does not route through the crossfader. The response of the crossfader can be adjusted to match your mixing
style using the CONTOUR and REVERSE controls 35 .

21 TRANSMUTE buttons The XONE:32 introduces this unique function which combines the familiar
‘transform’ and ‘punch’ DJ effects with an intelligence that opens up a new world of creative live performance
effects. The function of the button depends on the position of the crossfader. TRANSMUTE becomes a
transform
mute that turns the signal off while the button is held. TRANSMUTE becomes a punch
crossfader is right at the opposite side playing the other track. Here it punches the signal in (turns it on) on top
of the other track. For example, the CH1 track may be playing… Pressing X TRANSMUTE transforms (mutes)
that track, and pressing Y TRANSMUTE punches the CH3 track over the CH1 track.

button when the crossfade has moved away from the opposite side. It acts as a momentary action

button when the

22 VCF Filter Type Select Press one or any combination of the three momentary press buttons to select the
VCF response type. Default on power up is LPF (low pass filter) which cuts off all frequencies above the
selected frequency. Alternatively, you can select BPF (band pass filter) to cut off frequencies above and below,
or HPF (high pass filter) to cut off frequencies below, or press two or three buttons together to create different
effects. One or more types is always selected. The associated LED indicator is illuminated. The selected type
is stored and recalled by the DRS™ presets.

23 RESONANCE control Adjust this to change the ‘Q’ or ‘sharpness’ of the filters. This affects how they
respond around the cut-off frequency. At the minimum MILD setting the filters have a gentle roll-off ‘knee’ giving
a subtle, smooth response. At the clockwise WILD setting they produce a resonant feedback boost around cut­off resulting in some very dramatic performance effects. The sound varies according to the filter type selected.
To avoid unexpected results it is best to start experimenting with RESONANCE set to a low (mild) position.

24 LFO ON sw itch Press this momentary switch to let the LFO (low frequency oscillator) take over control of
the VCF by modulating its cut-off frequency. The LED indicator always flashes green to display the currently set
speed. It turns red when the LFO is switched in and continues to flash green to indicate speed. The V CF
FREQUENCY slider 28 changes function to become a depth control to determine how much modulation is
applied. The state of this switch is stored and recalled by the DRS™ presets.

25 x2 switch Doubles the speed of the LFO as set by tapping in the tempo. This lets you tap in the beat of
the track and create a double modulation per beat. The state of this switch is stored and recalled by the DRS™
presets.

26 TAP TEMPO button Tap this button with your finger to set the speed of the LFO. It automatically follows
your beat after two or three taps. You can double the speed by pressing the x2 switch 25 .

27 FILTER RECALL (DRS™ presets) This feature unique to Allen & Heath provides 4 preset buttons whic h
lets you store and recall your favourite VCF performance settings. This lets you punch in sophisticated filter
effects changes. When you first turn the console on there are no presets stored or recalled. Pre ss and hold
one of the preset buttons for longer than 2 seconds to store the current settings into that memory. Tap the
button during performance to instantly recall that preset. The presets do not store the VCF resonance,
frequency, LFO depth or speed. The parameters stored include:

• CH1-3 FILTER ON switch – Which channels have the VCF enabled

• VCF type – Which combination of HPF, BPF and LPF is active

• LFO ON switch – Whether the VCF is manually controlled or modulated by the LFO

• LFO x2 switch – Whether the LFO speed is 1x or 2x the current speed

8 XONE:32 User Guide