American Audio Q-3433 User Manual

Q-3433 MKII

Rev. 4/05

User Guide

and Reference Manual

4295 Charter Street

Los Angeles Ca. 90058

www.AmericanAudio.us

Q-3433 MKII™ CONTENTS

MAIN FEATURES....................................................................................................................................2

ELECTRICAL PRECAUTIONS...............................................................................................................4

SAFETY PRECAUTIONS.......................................................................................................................5

INTRODUCTION....................................................................................................................................6

SET-UP PRECAUTIONS.........................................................................................................................6

UNPACKING.........................................................................................................................................7

QUICK START........................................................................................................................................7

FUNCTIONS AND CONTROLS

FRONT PANEL............................................................................................................................8

REAR PANEL............................................................................................................................12

CLEANING......................................................................................................................17

CROSSFADER REPLACEMENT.........

..................................................................................................17

TROUBLESHOOTING......................................................................................................................18

WARRANTY.........................................................................................................................................19

SPECIFICATIONS.....................................................................................................................20

Q-3433 MKII™ FEATURES

• Equipped with high quality Crossfader
(Replaceable)

• Optical Detecting Fader for Q-Start Control

• Multi-Channel Assignable Crossfader

• High Power Headphone Output

• Selectable Voltage 115v~230v

• 4 Channel Mixer

• 3 Phono, 4 Line, 4 Auxiliary Inputs

• 3 Microphone Input - (1) XLR/ 1/4" combo
plug, (2) 1/4" Input Jacks

• Volume Control for each Mic

• Master Balance Control

• 12V BNC Light Connector for Gooseneck
Light

• Fader "Q" Start on all four channels

• On/Off Switch Controls Fader "Q" Start
Function (for use with the American DJ CD
Players with Fader "Q" Start)

• Rotary Kills for Treble, Bass & Mids
on all four channels

• Individual Channel Gain Control

• Convenient "L" Shape Design

• Extremely clean signal to noise ratio

• Light Control Signal Output Jack

• Talk Over Button - Reduces channel output
gain by 14dB +/- 2 dB

• Independent Zone Level Output

• Stereo LED Level Indicator

• Split Cue Monitoring

• Cue Mixing

• Balanced XLR Master Output

• Stereo/Mono Output Switch

• 4 Signal Output Options - Master (RCA and
Balanced XLR), Zone (RCA)

and REC (RCA)

Specifications subject to change without notice.

©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - Q-3433 MKII User Instructions page 2

MADE IN CHINA

MODEL NO.: Q-3433 MKII
POWER SOURCE:
115/230V~ 50/60Hz 20W

MIN MAX

TRIM OUTPUT

Q-3433 MKII™ ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

WARNING: TO PREVENT FIRE OR ELECTRIC
SHOCK HAZARD, DO NOT EXPOSE THIS
UNIT TO RAIN, LIQUIDS, OR MOISTURE

CAUTION: TO PREVENT ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT USE THIS (POLARIZED) PLUG WITH
AN EXTENSION CORD, RECEPTACLE, OR
OTHER TYPE OF ELECTRICAL OUTLET
UNLESS THE WIDE BLADES CAN BE
CAREFULLY INSERTED INTO A MATCHING
WIDE SLOT.

ATTENTION: POUR PREVENIR LES CHOCS
ELECTRIQUES NE PAS UTILISER CETTE
FICHE POLARISEE AVEC UN PROLON­GATEUR, UNE PRISE DE COURANT OU
UNE AUTRE SORTIE DE COURANT, SAUF
SI LES LAMES PEUVENT ETRE INSEREES A
FOND SANS EN LAISSER AUCUNE PARTIE A
DECOUVERT.

LINE VOLTAGE SELECTION

• The desired voltage may be set with the
VOLTAGE SELECTOR switch on the rear
panel (using a flat head screw driver).

• Do not force the VOLTAGE SELECTOR
switch as this may cause damage

• If the VOLTAGE SELECTOR switch does
not move smoothly, please contact a quali­ fied service technician.

VOLTAGE SELECTOR SWITCH

NOTE: This product satisfies FCC
regulations when shielded cables
and connectors are used to con

­nect the unit to other equipment.
To prevent electromagnetic inter

­ference with electrical appliances
such as radios and televisions, use
shielded cables and connectors
for connections.

The serial and model number for this unit is
located on the rear panel. Please write down
the numbers here and retain for future refer

-

ence.

Model No._____________________________

Serial No._____________________________

Purchase Notes:

Date of Purchase_______________________

Dealer Name__________________________

Dealer Address_________________________

_____________________________________

_____________________________________

Dealer Phone__________________________

©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - Q-3433 MKII User Instructions page 3

Q-3433 MKII™ ELECTRICAL SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

ELECTRICAL PRECAUTIONS

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOC K

DO NOT OPEN

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the
presence of uninsulated "dangerous voltage" within the
product's enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude
to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

CA UT IO N: T O RE DUC E TH E RI S K OF ELE CT RIC
SHOCK, D O NOT REMOVE THE CO VER (OR BACK).
T H E R E A RE NO US E R S E RV I CE A BL E PA RT S
INS ID E R EF ER SERVI CE TO YO UR AUTHO RI ZED
AMERICAN A UDIO® SERVICE TECHNICIAN.

The exclam ation point within an equilate ral triangle is
intended to alert the user to the presence of important
operatin g and maintenance (servicing) instru ctions in
the litera ture accompanying the applia nce.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

READ INSTRUCTIONS — All the safety and operating

instructions should be read before the product is
operated.

RETAIN INSTRUCTIONS — The safety and operatin

instructions should be retained for future reference.

HEED WARNING

in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

FOLLOW INSTRUCTIONS — All operating and use

instructions should be followed.

CLEANING

a polishing cloth or a soft dry cloth. Never clean with
furniture wax, benzine, insecticides or other volatile
liquids since they may corrode the cabinet

ATTACH MENTS — D o not use a ttach ments not

recommended by the product manufacturer as they
may cause hazards.

WATER AND MOISTURE

near
bowl, kitchen sink, or laundry tub; in
or near a swimming pool; and the like.

ACCESSORIES

unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. Th
product may
adult, and serious damage to the product. Use only
wit h a ca rt, stan d, tri pod , bra cke t, or table
recommended by the manufacturer, or sold
the product. Any mounting of the product shoul
follow the manufacturer’s instructions, and should
use
manufacturer

CART — A product and cart combination should be

moved
uneven surfaces may cause the product and car
combination to overturn

VENTILATION

provided for ventilation and to ensur e reliabl
operation of the product and
overheating, and these openings must not be
blocked or covered. The openings should never be
blocked by placing the product on
or other
placed
rack unless proper ventilation
manufacturer’s instructions have been adhered

POWER SOURCES

only from the type of power source indicated on
marking label.
power supply
dealer or local power company.

LOCATIO

stable location.

NONUSE PERIOD

should be unplugged from the
used for a long period of time.

S — All warnings on the product and

— The product should be cleaned only with

.

water — for example, near a bathtub, wash

a mounting accessory recommended by the

with care. Quick stops, excessive force, and

— Slots and openings in the cabinet are

similar surface. This product should not be

in a built-in installation such as a bookcase or

N – The appliance should be installed in a

— Do not use this product

a wet basement;

— Do not place this product on an

fall, causing serious injury to a child or

with

.

.

to protect it from

a bed, sofa, rug,

is provided or the

— This product should be operated

If you are not sure of the type of

to your home, consult your product

S – The power cord of the appliance

outlet when left un-

the

GROUNDING OR POLARIZATION

• If this product is equipped with a polarized alternating

g

e

d

t

e

to.

current line plug
the other),
is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the plug
fully into the outlet, try reversing the plug. If the plug
should
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the polarized plug.

• If this produ ct is equip ped with a three-wire
grounding type plug,
pin,

it will only fit into a grounding type power outlet.

This

is a safety feature. If you are unable to insert the
plug
replace your obsolete outlet. Do not defeat the
safety purpose of the grounding type plug.

POWER-CORD PROTECTION

should be routed so that they are not likely
walked on or pinched by
against them, paying particular attention
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where
they exit from the product

OUTDOOR ANTENNA GROUNDING

antenna or cable system is connected to the product
be sure the antenna or cable system
as to provide some protection against voltage surges
and built-up static charges. Article 810 of the National
Electrical Code, ANSI/NFPA 70, provides informatio
with regard to proper grounding of the mast and
supporting structure, grounding of the lead-in wire
to an antenna discharge unit, size of grounding
conductors, location of antenna-discharge unit,
co nn ecti on to g roun ding el ectr odes, a nd
requirements for the grounding electrode. See Figure
A.

LIGHTNING

during
and unused for long periods of time, unplug it from
the

wall outlet and disconnect the antenna or cable
system. This
due to lightning and power-line surges.

POWER LINES

not be located
or other electric light or power circuits, or where it

fall into such power lines or circuits. When

can
installing an outside antenna system, extreme car
should be taken
lines or circuits as contact with them might be

OVERLO ADING — Do not overloa d wall outlet s,

extension cords, or integral convenience receptacles
as this can result in a risk of fire or electric shock.

(a plug having one blade wider than

it will fit into the outlet only one way. This

still fail to fit, contact your electrician to

a plug having a third (grounding)

into the outlet, contact your electrician to

- Power-supply cords

items placed upon or

.

— For added protection for this product

a lightning storm, or when it is left unattended

will prevent damage to the product

— An outside antenna system should

in the vicinity of overhead power lines

to keep from touching such power

to be

to cords at

— If an outside

is grounded so

fatal.

ELECTRI
SERVICE
EQUIPMENT

Fig.

A

,

n

e

C

OBJECT AND LIQUID ENTRY

any kind

into this product through openings as they
may touch dangerous voltage points or short-out
parts that could result
Never spill liquid of any kind on the product.

SERVICING

DAMAGE REQUIRING SERVICE

• When the power-supply cord or plug is damaged.

• If liquid has been spilled, or objects have fallen into

• If the product has been exposed to rain or water.

• If the product does not operate normally by following

• If the product has been dropped or damaged in any

• When the product exhibits

REPLACEMENT PARTS

SAFETY CHECK - Upon completion of any service or

WALL OR CEILING MOUNTING

HEAT

GROUND
CLAM

P

— Do not attempt to service this product
yourself as opening or removing covers may expose
you

to dangerous voltage or other hazards. Refer all

servicing to qualified service personnel

from the wall outlet and refer servicing to qualifie
service personnel under the following conditions:

the product

the operating instructions. Adjust only those controls
that are covered by the operating instructions as an
improper adjustment of other controls may result
damage and will often require extensive work by
qualified technician
normal operation.

way.

performance — this indicates a need for service.

are required, be sure the service technician has used
replacement parts specified by the manufacturer or
have the same characteristics as the original part.
Unauthorized substitutions may result in fire, electri
shock, or other hazards.

repairs
perform safety checks
is in proper operating condition.

not be mounted to a wall or ceiling.

sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or
other products (including
heat

.

to this product, ask the service technician to

— The product should be situated away from heat

.

GROUND CLAMPS

POWER SERVICE GROUNDING
ELECTRODE SYSTEM
(NEC ART 250, PART H)

- Never push objects of

in a fire or electric shock.

to restore the product to its

-- W hen replacement parts

to determine that the product

amplifiers) that produce

ANTENNA
LEAD IN
WIRE

ANTENNA
DISCHARGE UNI
(NEC SECTION 810-20)

GROUNDING CONDUCTOR
(NEC SECTION 810-21)

.

- Unplug this product

a distinct change in

— The product should

T

S

d

in

a

c

NEC — NATIONAL ELECTRICAL CODE

©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - Q-3433 MKII User Instructions page 4

Q-3433 MKII™ SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

1. For adult use only - Keep out of the reach
of children.

2. Water and Moisture - The player should not
be used near water - for example, near a bath
tub, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
ment or near a swimming pool, etc.

base-

Do not
spill water or other liquids in to or on to your
mixer.

3. Ventilation - The Mixer should be situ

ated
so that its location or position does not inter
fere with its proper ventilation. For

example,
the Mixer should not be situated on a bed,
sofa, rug, or similar surface that may block the
ventilation openings; or, placed in a built-in
installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that
may impede the flow of air through the ventila
tion openings.

4. Heat - The Mixer should be situated away
from heat sources such as radiators, heat reg
isters, stoves, or other appliances (including
amplifiers) that produce heat.

5. Power Sources - The Mixer should be con
nected to a power supply (

wall outlet) only of
the type described in the operating instructions
or as marked on the Mixer.

8. Never plug this mixer in to a dimmer pack.

9. Do not let insecticides, benzene, or thinner
come in contact with the surface of the

unit.

10. This unit is intended for indoor use only, use
of this product outdoors voids all warranties.

11. Always mount this unit in safe and stable
matter.

12. Disconnect from main power before making

-

any type of connection.

13. Cleaning - The mixer should be cleaned
only as recommended by the manufacturer.
Use a soft cloth to wipe down the outside of the

For stubborn stains moisten a soft cloth

unit.
with glass cleaner or other mild detergent to

-

-

away any stains. Use a soft cloth to wipe

wipe

residual cleaner. Never use volatile clean-

any
ers such as benzene

unit, these cleaners will damage the units

your

, solvent, or thinner to clean

surface.

14. Handle the power supply cord carefully. Do

-

not damage or deform; it may cause electric
shock or malfunction when used. Hold plug
attachment when removing from wall outlet.
Do not pull on the cord.

6. Servicing -The user should not attempt to
service the Mixer beyond that described in the
operating instructions. There are no user ser
viceable parts

inside. All other servicing should
be referred to qualified service personnel. The
Player should be serviced by qualified service
personnel when:
A. The power-supply cord or the plug has
been damaged.
B. Objects have fallen, or liquid has been
spilled into the Mixer.
C. The Mixer has been exposed to rain
or water.
D. The Mixer does not appear to operate
normally or exhibits a marked change
in performance.

7. Never disassemble or modify your unit in
any way, doing so will void your manufactures
warranty.

©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - Q-3433 MKII User Instructions page 5

15. To avoid electric shock, do not open the
top cover when the unit is plugged in. If prob

-

lems occur with the unit, call American Au

-

dio®

customer support.

16. Do not place metal objects or spill any liq

­uids inside or on the mixer. Electric shock or
malfunction may occur.

17. Power Cord Protection - Power supply
cords should be routed so that they are not
likely to be walked on or pinched by items
placed upon or against them, paying particular
attention to cords at plugs, convenience recep

­tacles, and the point where they exit from the
mixer. Route your power cord out of the way of
foot traffic.

18. Always have the front gain controls set to
their lowest level during initial power-up to pre

­vent speaker damage.

Q-3433 MKII™ INTRODUCTION

Introductions: Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the American Audio® Q-3433 MKII™

mixer. This mixer is a representation of American Audio’s continuing commitment to produce the best
and highest quality audio products possible at an affordable price. Please read and understand this
manual completely before attempting to operate your new mixer. Please carefully read and understand
the instructions in this manual thoroughly before attempting to operate this unit. These instructions
contain important safety information regarding the use and maintenance of this unit. Take special care
to follow all warning symbols and labels both on the unit and printed in this manual. Also, Please keep
this manual with the unit, for future reference.

Customer Support:
American Audio® provides a toll free customer support line, to provide set up help and answer any
question should you encounter problems during your initial set up or operation. You may also visit us
on the web at www.americanaudio.us for any comments or suggestions. Service Hours are Monday
through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.
Voice: [phone]
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [e-mail]

To purchase parts online visit http://parts.americandj.com

Caution! There are no user serviceable parts inside this mixer. Do not attempt any repairs yourself,
without being instructed to do so by an authorized American Audio service technician. Doing so will
void your manufactures warranty. In the unlikely event your mixer may require service, please contact
American Audio® customer support.

Do not discard the packing carton in the trash. Please recycle when ever possible.

Q-3433 MKII™ SET-UP PRECAUTIONS

Please be sure to make any connections before plugging the mixer in to an electrical outlet. All fader
and volume controls should be set to zero or minimum position, before the mixer is switched on. If the
mixer has been exposed to drastic temperature fluctuation (e.g. after transportation), do not switch on
the mixer immediately. The arising condensation of water might damage your device. Leave the device
switched off until it has reached room temperature.

Operating Determinations:

• When installing this mixer, please make sure that the device is not exposed or will not be
exposed to extreme heat, moisture or dust!

• Do not operate the mixer in extremely hot (more than 30°/100°F) or extremely cold (less than
5°C/40°F) surroundings.

• Keep the unit out of direct sunlight and away from heaters.

• Operate the mixer only after becoming familiar with its functions. Do not permit operation by
persons not qualified for operating the mixer. Most damages are the result of unprofessional
operation!

• Do not attempt to operate this mixer if the power cord has been frayed or damaged.

• Disconnect from main power before making any type of connection.

• Do not attempt to operate this mixer, if it becomes damaged in any way.

• Never operate this mixer when it’s covers are removed.

• To reduce the risk of electrical shock or fire, do not expose this mixer to rain or moisture.

• This mixer is intended for indoor use only, use of this product outdoors voids all warranties.

• During long periods of non-use, disconnect the mixer’s main power.

©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - Q-3433 MKII User Instructions page 6

Q-3433 MKII™ UNPACKING

Every Q-3433 MKII™ has been thoroughly tested and has been shipped in perfect operating condition.
Carefully check the shipping carton for damage that may have occurred during shipping. If the carton
appears to be damaged, carefully inspect your mixer for any damage and be sure all equipment neces­sary to operate the mixer has arrived intact. In the event damage has been found or parts are missing,
please contact our toll free customer support number for further instructions. Please do not return the
mixer to your dealer without first contacting customer support.

Q-3433 MKII™ QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS

QUICK START: American Audio® would like to thank you for your purchase of this great audio product.
For those of you that are too impatient to read the entire user manual we have compiled these quick
start instructions. We hope that you will at least read through these instructions to familiarize yourself
with the basics of this mixer. The Q-3433 MKII™ is part of American Audio’s continuing evolution in
audio technology. This unit has been built and designed to meet the needs of a typical DJ. We have
attempted to provide you with the most reliable product on the market by using only components con­structed of the finest material.

MASTER LEVEL - Use this level to control your main volume output. Try never to send an output of
more than +4dB to your system. Signal at levels higher than this will start to distort and may cause
damage to your system and speakers. Remember that a distorted signal from you mixer will only be
multiplied throughout your system.

CHANNEL GAIN LEVEL - The channel gain levels are not to be used as volume controls. Never use
the channel trim to set the output volume. These controls are used to aid in distortion control. Use
these control to preset your signal level before the crossfader. With your channel faders in the maxi­mum position, use the channel trim level to set an average output level of about +4dB on you master
level meter.

HEADPHONES - To avoid damaging your headphones always be sure the headphone volume level
(15) is set to minimum before plugging them in. To avoid sever hearing damage, never put the head­phone on without making sure the headphone level is turned down.

MAIN MIC - The main mic connector uses a combo plug that allows you to connect either a 1/4”
unbalanced jack or by a standard 3-pin XLR balanced connector. The main mic also has an indepen­dent volume control. When feedback occurs when using the mic, try lowering the level this may reduce
the feedback. Always leave the mic level to it’s minimum level when not in use. Note: We recommend

that you use a 500-600ohm microphone for the best sound quality.

PHONO/AUX LINE LEVEL SELECTOR SWITCH - This switch is used to change the selected input

from phono to line and vice versa. The switch selectors are on the rear panel.

©American Audio® - www.americanaudio.us - Q-3433 MKII User Instructions page 7