Allen&Heath Xone S6 User Manual
ALLEN&HEATH
User Guide
Publication AP6296
XONE:S6 User Guide AP6296 Issue 1
Copyright © 2005 Allen & Heath Limited. All rights reserved
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.
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 user’s authority to operate it.
ALLEN&HEATH
Manufactured in the United Kingdom
Allen & Heath Limited
Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK
http://www.allen-heath.com
2 XONE:S6 User Guide
Important Safety Instructions – Read First
Read instructions: Read and retain these instructions for future reference. Read the instructions on the Safety Sheet
provided separately. Adhere to all warnings printed here and on the console and its power unit.
Covers: Do not remove the power unit cover. Operate the console with its cover correctly fitted. Disconnect
mains power by unplugging the power cord if you need to remove the console cover to set option
jumpers. Refer servicing work to competent technical personnel only.
Mains power: Connect the console power unit to a mains power supply only of the type described in this user guide
and marked on the unit. The power source must provide a good ground connection. Do not remove
or tamper with the ground connection in the power cord. Use the power cord with sealed mains plug
appropriate for your local mains supply as provided with the console. Route the power cord so that it
is not likely to be walked on, stretched or pinched by items placed upon or against it.
Installation: Install the console and its power unit 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.
Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation around the console and its power unit. Do not obstruct the ventilation
slots or position the unit where the air flow required for ventilation is impeded.
Moisture: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock do not expose the equipment 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.
Environment: Locate the units away from direct sunlight and any equipment which produces heat such as power
supplies, amplifiers and heaters. 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. Do not mount the power supply on any surface subject to resonance or vibration.
Handling: To prevent damage to the controls and cosmetics avoid placing heavy objects on the console
surfaces, 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.
XONE:S6 User Guide 3
Note: The XONE:V6 all-valve option must not be fitted to the XONE:S6. The valve option is
not available for the XONE:S6. The Allen & Heath MPS7 power unit provided with the console
should be used only to power the XONE:S6 Console.
Important Note on Mains Voltage Setting
The power unit is configured to operate at a mains voltage appropriate for the territory to which
it is supplied. Check that your unit is correctly set to work with your local mains voltage. This
is marked on the power unit rear panel. The setting cannot be changed by the user. Refer this
work to your service agent.
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.
4 XONE:S6 User Guide
Contents
Important Safety Instructions .....................................................3
Front and Rear Panel Drawings .................................................6
Welcome to the XONE:S6..........................................................7
Front Panel Controls ..................................................................8
Rear Connectors ......................................................................14
Installing the Power Supply......................................................21
Installing the Console...............................................................23
Grounding ................................................................................24
Wiring the Cables .....................................................................26
Connector Types......................................................................27
Switching the Console On........................................................28
Operating Level and Meters.....................................................29
Internal Option Jumpers........................................................... 30
Replacing the VU Meter Bulb ................................................... 34
Block Diagram.......................................................................... 35
Technical Specification ............................................................ 36
Performance Curves................................................................. 39
User Notes (blank page) ..........................................................42
XONE:S6 User Guide 5
INPUT 1 INPUT 3
LINE
PHONO
0
3
3
6
6
10
18
10
INPUT 2
LINE
PHONO PHONO
0
3
3
6
6
10
10
18
18
LINE
LINE A
INPUT 4
LINE B
INPUT 5
LINE B LINE B
LINE A
LINE A
INPUT 6
LEFT MIX LEVEL
RIGHT MIX LEVEL
0
3
3
6
6
10
10
0
3
3
6
6
10
18
10
0
3
3
6
6
10
18
10
0
3
3
6
6
10
18
10
Rotary Faders
LEVEL
100
60
40
30Hz
OFF
ON
CUE
5
4
3
2
1
0
CHANNEL 1
XLR
1
+OUT2+IN
GND
3 3
-OUT - IN
EXT CUE INPUT
CUE DC LINK
CHASSIS
PHONES 2
10
L
R
200
6
2
400
500
600Hz
7
8
1
GND
RECORD
-10dBV
400
500
3
2
8
11
MASTER
INSERT
MASTER OUT
-2dBu
MASTER OUT
WARNING!
LEVELLEVEL
100
60
40
30Hz
OFF
ON
CUE
5
4
CHANNEL 3
L
R
L
R
L
R
200
100
60
40
600Hz
30Hz
OFF
ON
CUE
5
4
6
7
99
00
10
CHANNEL 2
INSERT
TIP SEND
RING RETURN
MIC INPUT
MIC INSERT
MIC TO BOOTH
+4dBuBOOTH
DC POWER
INPUT
ONLY USE CORRECT
ALLEN&HEATH PSU
FOR BALANCED CONNECTION ONLY.
DO NOT SHORT PIN 2 OR PIN 3 TO GROUND.
FOR UNBALANCED OPERATION USE JACK OUTPUTS
LINE IN/OUT
3
2
TIP
TIP +
RING
RING -
L
R
200
600Hz
LEVEL
200
400
500
100
60
40
30Hz
600Hz
HI-PASSHI-PASSHI-PASSHI-PASS
OFF
ON
CUE
5
6
10
L
A
INPUT 6
INSERT 6
4
0
CHANNEL 4
LINE
LINE
6
7
99
10
L
A
B
3
7
2
8
R
INPUT 5
CAUTION
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
WARNING - THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED. REFER TO USER GUIDE BEFORE CONNECTING SUPPLY.
NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
L
R
SND
INSERT 5
L
LEVEL
200
400
500
100
60
40
600Hz30Hz
OFF
ON
CUE
5
4
6
3
2
8
11
0
10
CHANNEL 5
R
A
LINE
BB
LINE
INPUT
SERIAL No:
MADE IN ENGLAND BY ALLEN & HEATH LIMITED
R
SND
RTNRTN
LEVEL
200
3
2
1
R
R
100
60
40
30Hz
OFF
ON
CUE
5
4
0
CHANNEL 6
LINE
SND
400
500
600Hz
HI-PASSHI-PASS
-6
MASTER EQ
6
7
99
10
L
A
B
L
4
3
2
8
1
0
MASTER
R
PHONO/
LINE
LINE
R
SND
400
500
7
8
L
INSERT 4
L
RTN RTN RTNRTN
10kHz
+6-6
+6
5
6
7
8
9
10
L
A
2.5kHz
+15
-15
+15
-15
5
6
4
3
7
8
2
9
1
0
10
MIC
OFF
ON
ALLEN HEATH
&
R
PHONO/
LINE
B
INPUTINPUT4321INPUT
&ALLEN HEATH
INSERT 2INSERT 3
L
R
SND
-6 +6
-6
4
3
2
1
0
BOOTH
A
B
5
6
L
INSERT 1
+6
11
L
10kHz
100Hz80Hz 120Hz
7
8
9
10
LF
CUE
56
4
3
2
1
0
PHONES
R
PHONO/
LINE
LINELINELINE
R
SND
TONE
HF
CUE/MIX
MIX
7
8
9
10
11
6 XONE:S6 User Guide
Welcome to the
The XONE:S6 is an audiophile rotary club mixer that sets a new
quality benchmark. It is an echo of the earliest days of pro audio
when pioneering individuals hand crafted outstanding products
free from the constraints of cost and time. We revisited the basics
of audio circuit design restoring the simple purity of a minimum
signal path meticulously constructed from the finest discrete
components. The result is a console that gives great recordings
the space and freedom to express their true warmth and clarity.
The main circuits use carefully selected transistors instead of ICs
to ensure the shortest signal path and high voltage rail operation
for massive headroom. The lower open loop stage gain means
minimum negative feedback resulting in reduced intermodulation
distortion of the complex waveforms typical of music. The all
important RIAA input stage uses paralleled audio grade JFETS
and a composite passive equalisation network which maintains
low noise and very high input impedance constant with frequency.
Similar care has been taken with the input preamps using JFETS
in a classic long tailed pair configuration and a Class A mosfet
output stage which replaces the busy integrated op-amp typically
found in modern preamps. As much time has been spent
carrying out ‘golden ear’ listening tests as performance logging in
the laboratory. The result is the simple assurance that you will
hear every nuance of the music you mix.
The same attention to quality detail is applied to the construction.
The face plate is machined from 6mm thick bead blasted
aluminium. The main VU meters are a very rugged and accurate
original 1950’s British telecom design. The vintage durability is
also reflected in the choice of the knobs and switches.
The XONE:S6 also features the best in modern technology and
engineering excellence. The top of the range, oil damped rotary
faders are made by Penny & Giles, a British company renowned
for its fader expertise. Not only are the controls guaranteed to
give you the finest mix precision, they will also give you the
longest term service. The power unit also benefits from the finest
in linear design for a rock solid bottom end and utmost clarity.
The 6 input channels each have two selectable stereo inputs.
CH1-3 include selectable RIAA and line inputs. Rear panel inserts
are provided for patching in external processing. The channel hipass filters use large rotary controls for performance mixing. The
microphone channel has a balanced XLR input with selectable
phantom power, vocal optimised EQ, insert point, on/off switch,
and the ability to route to the booth if required.
Balanced XLR master and booth stereo outputs are provided. The
master output is also available on unbalanced TRS jack, and
includes an insert point. The recording output is taken from the
booth mix. Two band EQ is available on both the master and
booth outputs. The cue system feeds both front and rear
headphones sockets. The channel cue switches auto-cancel for
fast action, and the cue/mix rotary fader lets you audition how a
source will sound when added to the mix. The tone control helps
you lift the sounds you want to check in your headphones.
Various internal jumpers are provided so you can set preferred
source selection and operating levels.
We hope you enjoy using the XONE:S6 as much as we have
enjoyed designing it.
Andy Rigby-Jones, the designer
XONE:S6 User Guide 7
INPUT 3
PHONO
10
18
LEVEL
60
Channel Controls
LINE
6 Input channels are provided. Each has switchable inputs for two stereo
sources. CH1-3 provide line and phono (RIAA) inputs. CH4-6 have two
switchable line sources each. All channels provide insert points for patching in
0
3
3
6
100
6
200
10
400
additional equipment. Internal jumper options let you change the gain settings
and switch out the RIAA equalisation.
Phono / Line select CH1-3 This toggle switch selects the PHONO input
in its left position, or the LINE input in its right position.
Line A / Line B select CH4-6 This toggle switch selects the LINE A
input in its left position, or the LINE B input in its right position.
40
30Hz
OFF
ON
500
600Hz
HI-PASS
RIAA
compensates for the response of the turntable pickup cartridge and results in
the desired flat frequency response. Note that the RIAA equaliser can be
bypassed using internal option jumpers if you want to use the inputs for
The PHONO input passes through an RIAA equaliser. This
additional line sources instead.
CUE
5
4
3
6
7
Meter
to the normal 0dB operating level. It is peak responding so that it can
This has 8 LEDs which display the level from -18dB to +10dB relative
accurately display fast music peaks. The stereo L and R signals are summed
2
8
to feed the meter display. Turn back the LEVEL control if the red ‘+10’ LED
lights. Although there is still plenty of headroom above this level, it is important
1
0
CHANNEL 3
9
10
to prevent very high channel levels which could overload the mix if several
sources are being mixed together.
8 XONE:S6 User Guide
INPUT 6
LINE A
10
18
LEVEL
60
40
LINE B
Level Adjusts the input sensitivity from fully off to its maximum +10dB gain.
Correct use of this control makes it impossible to overload the input preamp.
Adjust it so that the meter averages around ‘0’ with loudest peaks up to ‘+6’.
Note that there are internal option jumpers to reduce the maximum gain
0
3
3
6
6
10
available to +6 or 0dB.
Hi-Pass filter A variable frequency 12dB per octave filter can be switched
in or out of the channel signal path using the ON/OFF switch. The cut off
frequency can be swept from 30Hz to 600Hz. The large rotary provides fine
control during performance.
200
100
400
500
Cue Press this button to route the channel signal to the headphones. The
integral blue LED lights when it is active. An ‘intelligent’ cue system is provided
for quick and easy channel monitoring during performance. The cue switches
are cleared when the console is powered on. The following is possible:
30Hz
OFF
ON
600Hz
HI-PASS
Latching action - Press once to turn it on, press again to turn it off.
Momentary action - Press and hold for longer than 2 seconds. Cue
turns off when you release your finger.
Interlocking action - Press one to turn the previous selection off. This
CUE
5
4
3
6
7
Rotary Fader Each channel has a large rotary fader for precision control
way you can quickly switch from one to another channel.
Adding action - Press two or more at the same time.
of its level when mixing. This type of control provides far greater accuracy than
2
8
the typical linear fader found in most DJ mixers. It uses the renowned Penny &
Giles oil-damped potentiometer for smooth movement, accurate control and
1
0
CHANNEL 6
9
10
long life. The rotary ranges from fully off when anti-clockwise to fully on at unity
gain (0dB) when clockwise. For best performance operate these controls near
to their fully clockwise position for normal music level.
XONE:S6 User Guide 9
-15
2.5kHz
+15
Microphone Controls
A DJ microphone can be plugged in. A professional quality balanced dynamic
vocal type is recommended. Phantom power can be internally enabled if a
condenser type is preferred. The mic can be switched into the master mix,
booth mix, and routes to the cue monitor. An insert is available for patching in
processors such as a limiter or compressor.
Mic on/off Switch the microphone into the master mix using the ON/OFF
toggle switch. Depending on the position of the rear panel MIC TO BOOTH
switch, the signal may also appear in the booth mix. When the mic is switched
off, its post fade signal is automatically sent to the cue mix for monitoring.
2
OFF
ON
3
1
-15
4
0
5
MIC
120Hz
+15
6
7
8
9
10
Mic level Controls the level of the microphone from fully off to a maximum
+60dB gain. Typical operation with a dynamic vocal mic is around the 2 to 3
o’clock position.
Hi-pass filter A hi-pass filter is built in to help remove handling noise and
the popping associated with the close mic proximity effect.
Mic EQ Two controls adjust the frequency response of the mic channel.
2.5kHz is a shelving HF control, 120Hz is a shelving LF control. Both provide
up to 15dB cut or boost. The response is flat at the centre positions. Where
possible use only small amounts of EQ, and cut rather than boost.
A small amount of HF boost can improve the intelligibility of vocals over the
mix, adding brightness. Use HF cut to remove harshness. A little LF boost can
add punch to the male voice. Use LF cut to reduce boominess and LF noise.
Phantom power An internal option jumper is provided to enable +30V
phantom power to the mic input XLR. Only use this if it is required, for example
with certain condenser mics. Do not use it with unbalanced connections.
10 XONE:S6 User Guide
LEFT MIX LEVEL
Master Controls
The Master is the main output that feeds the house sound system. An overall
level control together with 2-band equaliser is provided. External processing
equipment such as a limiter or house EQ can be inserted into the master mix
signal path.
Main meter Two lamp-illuminated moving coil VU meters display the left
and right signals. The needle movement accurately follows the VU (volume
unit) standard. It displays the average signal level. The meter is post master
EQ and pre MASTER level control so that you can keep a check on the console
mix level regardless of house volume. Refer to the notes on Operating Level
and meters later in this guide.
10kHz
+6-6
80Hz
-6
+6
MASTER EQ
5
4
3
2
1
0
6
7
8
9
10
MASTER
Master EQ Two controls adjust the frequency response of the overall mix.
10kHz is a shelving HF control, 80Hz is a shelving LF control. Both provide up
to 6dB cut or boost. The response is flat at the centre positions. Where
possible use only small amounts of EQ, or none at all. The LF control is tuned
very low to boost frequencies well below the 80Hz turning point. This lets you
bring out thumping lows from big system subs without wooliness.
These controls should be used for performance rather than room or equipment
compensation. If the system has been properly specified and installed then it
should reproduce the music with an accurate flat response. Rear panel insert
points are provided for patching in processing equipment such as equalisers
needed for room compensation.
Master level Controls the overall level of the house mix. It ranges from
fully off to 0dB unity gain. For normal operation it should be used near to or at
its fully clockwise position. The XLR delivers +4dBu output level when the
MASTER level is fully clockwise and the VU meters read ‘0’. This should match
most systems. Internal option jumpers are available for 0dBu operation if
preferred.
XONE:S6 User Guide 11
-6
10kHz
+6
100Hz
Booth Controls
The DJ’s local loudspeakers are fed from the console BOOTH output. The
booth mix is sourced from the master mix. It is derived post insert so that the
DJ hears exactly what is being fed to the house system. The DJ microphone
signal can be included or removed from the booth mix. The same mix feeds
the recording outputs.
Mic To Booth switch This rear panel switch is
recessed to protect it from accidental operation once
set. Use a pen or similar pointed object to change its
setting. Set the switch out (flush with panel) to
include the microphone signal in the booth and
recording mix. Set the switch in (pressed) for a
music only mix.
MIC INSERT
MIC TO BOOTH
-6
4
3
2
1
0
BOOTH
+6
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
Booth EQ Two controls adjust the frequency response of the overall mix.
10kHz is a shelving HF control, 100Hz is a shelving LF control. Both provide
up to 6dB cut or boost. The response is flat at the centre positions. Where
possible use only small amounts of EQ, or none at all. The LF control is tuned
slightly higher than the master EQ to better match the performance of the
speakers typically used. The booth EQ only affect the booth output. It does
not affect the headphones or recording feeds.
Booth level Controls the overall level of the booth mix. It ranges from fully
off to 0dB unity gain. For normal operation it should be used near to or at its
fully clockwise position.
12 XONE:S6 User Guide
Headphones Controls
The DJ headphones is sourced from the booth mix and switched cue system.
Headphone sockets are provided on both the front and rear panels.
LF
CUE
5
4
3
2
1
0
6
PHONES
TONE
HF
CUE/MIX
MIX
7
8
9
10
11
Tone control This combines the LF and HF equaliser into one, easy to use
control. At centre position the frequency response is flat. Turning clockwise
boosts the high frequencies while cutting the lows. Turning anti-clockwise
boosts the lows while cutting the highs. Use this to check the frequency makeup of the music you are cueing in the headphones.
Cue / Mix This control balances the level of cue signal and booth (music)
signal in the headphones. Fully anti-clockwise, only cue signal is routed. Fully
clockwise, only booth mix is routed. At centre position, equal cue and booth
signal is mixed together. Use the control when auditioning new tracks and
experimenting with how they may sound when added to the mix.
Phones level Controls the overall level of the headphones. It ranges from
fully off to maximum volume.
Headphones are available with different impedance specification, typically
between 8 and 600 ohms. The XONE:S6 is designed to operate with
headphones in the range 30 to 600 ohms. For best performance we
recommend the high quality 70 or 100 ohm type popular with top DJs.
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 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.
XONE:S6 User Guide 13
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