Allen & Heath Xone:DB4 User Guide

USER GUIDE

Publication AP7977

Allen & Heath XONE:DB4 User Guide

Limited One Year Manufacturers 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 the place of purchase.
If this is not possible then please contact the authorised ALLEN & HEATH distributor or agent in your country 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 an authorised ALLEN & HEATH distributor or
agent.
This warranty does not cover fader wear and tear.
The defective unit is to be returned carriage prepaid to the place of purchase, an authorised ALLEN & HEATH dis­tributor or agent with proof of purchase.
Please discuss this with the distributor or the agent before shipping.
If the unit is to be repaired in a different country to that of its purchase the repair may take longer than normal,
whilst the warranty is confirmed and parts are sourced.
Units returned should be packed to avoid transit damage.
In certain territories the terms may vary. Check with your ALLEN & HEATH distributor or agent for any additional
warranty which may apply.

If further assistance is required please contact Allen & Heath Ltd.

IMPORTANT- PLEASE READ CAREFULLY:

By using this Allen & Heath product and the software within it, you agree to be bound
by the terms of the relevant End User Licence Agreement (EULA), a copy of which can
be found on the Allen & Heath website in the product's pages. You agree to be bound

by the terms of the EULA by installing, copying, or otherwise using the software.

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 1996 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.

XONE:DB4 User Guide AP7977

Copyright © 2010 Allen & Heath Limited. All rights reserved

Allen & Heath Limited

Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK

http://www.allen-heath.com http://www.XONE.co.uk

Allen & Heath 2 XONE:DB4 User Guide

PACKED ITEMS

Check that you have received the following:

USB

Safety Sheet.
Important ! Read this sheet

before starting.
Retain for future reference.

XONE:DB4 mixer.

Mains Lead

Check that the correct
mains plug is fitted.

XONE:DB4 resource
CD-ROM.

Carry Case.

Custom Allen & Heath protec­tive soft bag for the
XONE:DB4.

NOTE Always pack the mixer
with the rear connector at the

Type A-B USB Lead.

To connect the XONE:DB4

Spare knobs.

handle end to prevent damage
if the bag is dropped heavily.

to your computer.

Allen & Heath 3 XONE:DB4 User Guide

PANEL DRAWINGS

USB

Allen & Heath 4 XONE:DB4 User Guide

APPLICATION DIAGRAM

Allen & Heath 5 XONE:DB4 User Guide

INTRODUCTION TO THE XONE:DB4

Congratulations on the purchase of your new XONE:DB4

The XONE:DB4 is a ground-breaking mixer featuring studio quality effects and performance
features that blur the boundary between DJ’ing and live production. Every feature has been
meticulously researched with a view to providing you, the DJ, with the ultimate creative tool.

The DB4’s quad FX core is based on the Allen & Heath iLive pro-touring console, but with FX
algorithms further developed for BPM conscious parameters and tight spectral control. Many of
the FX are new and unique to the DB4, and have been specifically designed to perfectly fit the DJ
environment.

All the loops and FX are automatically synchronised to the tempo of the song, so it is very easy
to build some amazing grooves and soundscapes without the problems of latency, low fidelity
and general hassle often associated with using software and laptops.

With the flexible input matrix, any audio source can be selected on any or all of the channels;
this allows for different processing to be applied to the same track on separate channels, or a
phrase sampled in the looper on one channel can be added to the mix later in the track.

The XONE:DB4 is more than a mixer with an effects unit; many parameters of each effect can
be altered and, along with the built in library of effects, this means that the scope for audio
manipulation is almost unlimited, allowing you to develop a totally unique sound in your mixes.
It is also perfectly at home in your production studio, where it can be used as a stereo multi­channel effects processor, digitally inserted into your chosen DAW, using the flexible routing
options available on the built in 16 channel USB2.0 soundcard.

The XONE:DB4 is designed to be intuitive and easy to use. However, it is worth spending time
reading this manual to ensure you get the maximum from it.

We have had a lot of fun designing the DB4, and we are sure you will have even more fun using
it.

Best wishes

The XONE:DB4 design team

Allen & Heath 6 XONE:DB4 User Guide

CONTENTS

To ensure that you get the maximum benefit from your XONE:DB4
please spare a few minutes familiarising yourself with the controls and
setup procedures outlined in this user guide. For further information
please refer to the additional content available on our web site, or contact
our technical support team.

http://www.XONE.co.uk

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

Packed Items ...................................... 3

Panel Drawings .................................. 4

Application Diagram ......................... 5

Introduction to the DB4 .................. 6

Mic/Line Channel ............................... 8

Music Channels ................................. 10

Filter System ....................................... 12

Master Section ................................... 13

The Input Matrix ............................... 15

The Music Channel EQ Section ..... 16

The Looper Section .......................... 17

The Channel FX Section .................. 18

Loading alternative FX ..................... 19

The FX Display and Focus ............... 20

Kill Send and Delay Millisecond .... 21

BPM Engines ....................................... 22

Mixer Setup Menu ............................. 23

Firmware Updating ........................... 26

USB Audio System............................. 27

PC Driver Installation ....................... 30

Mac Driver Installation ..................... 33

MIDI Control ..................................... 36

MIDI Control Messages ................... 37

Digital In/Out and X-Link ................ 40

Information on System Earthing ..... 41

Specifications ...................................... 42

Registration Card .............................. 43

Allen & Heath 7 XONE:DB4 User Guide

MIC / LINE CHANNEL

MICROPHONE INPUT CONNECTOR

1

1

2

3

2

4

Balanced XLR. Plug in a DJ, guest or announcement
microphone here. Use a good quality low impedance
dynamic mic such as those specifically designed for vocals.
Do not use high impedance or unbalanced microphones,
or condenser types which require phantom power.

Use the best professional grade balanced cables and
connectors you can afford, as these are typically subject to
intense use and abuse in the club environment.

MIC / LINE SELECTOR SWITCH

Selects the channel source between MONO Microphone
and STEREO Line input connectors

5

6

3

4

5

6

LINE INPUT CONNECTOR

Dual RCA sockets for connecting an external line level
source.

GAIN CONTROL

Sets the level of the source signal to the channel.

MIC EQ Controls

The MIC equaliser provides a tool to adjust the tonal
quality of the sound to correct source problems such as
microphone response, proximity effect, noise and
feedback, to help the voice cut through the mix, or to
adjust the overall ‘feel’. Start with the EQ controls set to
their mid (flat) position, then adjust to achieve the desired
sound.

CHANNEL PEAK LED

Illuminates if the channel signal is within 3dB of clipping.

Allen & Heath 8 XONE:DB4 User Guide

MIC / LINE CHANNEL

CHANNEL CUE SWITCH

7

8

9

Press the Cue switch to listen to the channel pre-fade signal
in the headphones and view its level on the main meters.
The backlit switch lights red when selected. Press the
switch again to deselect cue.

CHANNEL LEVEL CONTROL

Sets the level of the channel signal in the main mix.

CHANNEL ON SWITCH

Turns the channel on, allowing the channel signal to
be routed to the main mix. This feature is very
useful if a microphone is being used as it can be
switched in and out of the mix.

7

8

9

10

10

MIX / CH1 SWITCH

Selects where the channel output will be routed:

MIX - Routes the signal directly to the mix

CH1 - Routes the signal to the input of Channel 1

If the switch is set to CH1, the ‘MIC’ LED will illuminate in
Channel 1, overriding the matrix input to that channel.
This will enable loops and effects to be applied to the
microphone input.

Allen & Heath 9 XONE:DB4 User Guide

MUSIC CHANNEL

MATRIX INPUT SELECTOR

1

Please refer to Page 15 for further information
on how to use this feature.

2

1

3

4

2

3

4

INPUT TRIM

Amplifies or attenuates the input signal by up to
±10 dB.

INPUT PEAK LED

Illuminates if input signal is within 3dB of
clipping. If this happens lower the Trim level.

EQ SECTION

Configured as either Three band EQ or High­Pass/Low-Pass filter depending on switch
position. Please refer to Page 16 for further
details on this feature.

6

7

5

8

9

5

6

7

8

LOOP RECORDER

Records and automatically loops input source
when activated. Display shows loop length, and
beat detection activity. Please refer to Page17
for further details on this feature.

FX TYPE SELECT BUTTONS

Selects one of the five basic effects types. Each
selection overrides the previous one. Buttons
will illuminate green to show effect selected or
orange when channel is in focus. Please refer to
Page 18 for further details on this feature.

FX SELECT

Press to move focus to channel. If the channel
has focus then press to open FX library Please
refer to Page 18 for further details on this
feature.

FX EXPRESSION CONTROL

Changes one parameter of selected FX, e.g.
regeneration if delay selected. Please refer to
Page 18 for further details on this feature.

9

FX WET/DRY CONTROL

The WET/DRY control sets the level of the
effect from no effect (DRY) when fully
anticlockwise to maximum effect (WET) when
fully clockwise. Please refer to Page 18 for
further details on this feature.

Allen & Heath 10 XONE:DB4 User Guide

MUSIC CHANNEL

FILTER ASSIGN SWITCH

10

11

12

Set the 3-position switch to its mid position to
route the signal direct to the mix, or to its left
or right positions to route the signal to Filter-1
or Filter-2 respectively. See page 12 for more
information on the filter system.

X-FADE ASSIGN SWITCH

Set the 3-position switch to its mid position to
route the signal direct to the mix, or to its left
or right positions to route the signal to
Crossfade-X or Crossfade-Y respectively.

CHANNEL CUE SWITCH

Press the cue switch to listen to the channel pre

-fade signal in the headphones and see its level
on the main meters. The button will illuminate
when selected.

10

11

13

1

13

Press the switch to deselect cue. The switches
are interlocked; pressing another one turns off
the previous selection.

Multiple cueing may be achieved in one of two
ways:

1. Pressing two or more cues simultaneously.

2. Holding down an active cue allows
momentary activation of any other cue
when pressed.

CHANNEL METER

Displays the channel signal level. It is post-EQ
post-FX, and pre-fader.

The channel level control should be set so that
the channel meter averages around ‘0’, with
loudest peaks no higher than ‘+6’. Turn down
the Trim control if the PK! indicator lights.

CHANNEL FADER

14

14

Allen & Heath 11 XONE:DB4 User Guide

A high quality, smooth travel, dual-rail fader
adjusts the channel signal level from fully off to
fully on.

FILTERS

The XONE:DB4 is equipped with a dual, swept filter system, that emulates the analogue filters that
have been a key feature on most XONE products. The filters can be used as a mix tool, or to create
dynamic effects. Each music channel has a 3-position toggle switch allowing the channel to be routed
to either one of the two filter systems, or directly to the mix.
On power up the filters always default to Low-Pass, but any combination of the three filters types can
be achieved by simultaneously pressing the filter type buttons. The frequency sweep control sets the
cut-off point of the filter, and the resonance alters the Q. A flat frequency response is achieved when
the Frequency Sweep control is fully clockwise (LPF) or fully anticlockwise (HPF), with the Resonance
control set to its midpoint.

Resonance Control

1

This produces the classic analogue VCF sound by feeding some of

1

the filter output back to its input. The control ranges from ‘mild’
producing a very subtle effect, to ‘wild’ producing a dramatic phase
effect.

2

HPF Button

2

Turns on the high pass (bass cut) filter slope. The button will

3

illuminate when selected.

BPF Button

4

5

6

Filter On Switch

6

Switches the filter on and off. The button will illuminate when selected.

ADVANCED BUTTON MODES

Any frequency band select button ([2], [3] and [4]) can be momentarily selected along with the currently
active band. To do this, hold down the button of the band that is currently active and then press the but­ton of the band to be momentarily selected. Multiple filter bands may be selected by pressing the band
buttons simultaneously. Releasing the band buttons simultaneously will store the selection.

To turn on the filter, press the relevant FILTER ON switch
operation, latching and momentary. To latch the switch ON, tap once. To briefly switch ON a
filter, press and hold the button; the filter will turn off on release. This function also works the
other way, so if a filter is ON, pressing and holding the button will turn the filter off until the but­ton is released.

3

Turns on the band pass (bell shaped) filter slope. The button will
illuminate when selected.

LPF Button

4

Turns on the low pass (treble cut) filter slope. The button will
illuminate when selected.

Frequency Sweep Control

5

This control sets the cut-off frequency of the filter. It ranges from
very low frequency (20Hz) to very high (20kHz).

[6].

This switch has two modes of

Allen & Heath 12 XONE:DB4 User Guide

MASTER SECTION

USB A TYPE SOCKET

1

Allows insertion of a USB memory stick for the purposes of

1

loading and saving settings and for Firmware updates. See Page
26 for information on Firmware updating.

2

3

4

5

6

We strongly recommend that you use a dedicated
USB flash drive for loading and saving settings.

MIX / MONITOR METERS

2

The main meters follow the selected monitor source. The
meter reads ‘0’ for an XLR output of +4dBu. The mixer
should be operated with these meters averaging around ‘0’
with loudest peaks no higher than ‘+6’.

In SPLIT CUE mode, whilst a channel cue button is pressed,
the left meter will display the CUE level and the right meter
will display the PROGRAM (PRG) level. For more about CUE
modes please see “Headphone Setup” on Page 24.

MIX MASTER LEVEL CONTROL

3

A rotary master control adjusts the level of the main mix XLR
outputs feeding the house sound system. This does not affect
the monitor output or the meter reading.

BOOTH MASTER LEVEL CONTROL

4

Adjusts the level of the signal to the stereo monitor RCA
output. This does not affect the headphones. The monitor
output could be used for a booth monitor, recording or an
additional zone feed.

CUE / ADD MIX CONTROL

5

Pans between Cue signal and the Main Mix output. Turned
fully anti-clockwise, only the active Cue signal is heard through
the headphones when a Cue is selected. Gradually turning
clockwise introduces the Main Mix output to the Cue signal
until, fully clockwise, only the Mix is heard. This does not
affect the meters. Split Mode pans Left (Cue) to Right (Mix),
see Page 24.

MONTOR LEVEL CONTROL

6

Adjusts the level of the headphone signal. The head­phone level can be further trimmed up or down in level
in the Setup Menu: see Page 24.

Warning ! To avoid damage to your hearing do not

!

Allen & Heath 13 XONE:DB4 User Guide

operate the headphones or sound system at excessively
high volume. Continued exposure to high volume
sound can cause frequency selective or wide range
hearing loss.

MASTER SECTION

HEADPHONES OUTPUTS

7

Stereo 1/4” TRS jack and 3.5mm mini-jack. Plug in good
quality stereo headphones intended for DJ monitoring.
Use closed-ear headphones that provide maximum acous­tic isolation when cueing your sources. We recommend
that you use high quality headphones rated between 30 to
100 ohms impedance. 8 ohm headphones are not recom­mended as their very low impedance may cause damage to
the headphone amplifier.

CHANNEL FADER CURVE SELECT

8

Sets the response of the Channel Up faders. Choose a
setting that best suits the style of music you play.

7

8

9

CROSSFADER CURVE SELECT

9

Sets the response of the Crossfader curve, from dipped,
dipless, and fast-cut, better suited to scratching.

Allen & Heath 14 XONE:DB4 User Guide