AVE MX 4 User Manual

Audio Vertriebs­Entwicklungsgesellschaft
mbH

MX 4

Analogue/digital 4-channel mixer

User guide

Table of contents

User guide MX-4 page 2

1. Introduction ................................................................................................................. 3

1.1 Security advice ................................................................................................... 3

2. Description of front and rear panel ............................................................................. 4

3 Basic operation of the MX-4 ....................................................................................... 5

3.1 Programmable settings („presets“) .................................................................... 5

3.2 Changing between presets ................................................................................ 5

3.3 Temporarily changing an existing preset ........................................................... 6

4 Extended functions ..................................................................................................... 6

4.1 Programming a new preset (or reprogramming an existing one) ...................... 6

4.2 Programming the MX-4 / The parameter menu ................................................. 7

4.2.1 Preset ........................................................................................................ 8

4.2.2 Parameters ................................................................................................ 8

4.2.3 Config ........................................................................................................ 9

4.2.4 Service ....................................................................................................... 9

4.2.5 Quick reference: Table with all programmable parameters .................... 10

4.3 Internal modifications ....................................................................................... 10

4.3.1 Phantom voltage, microphone/line, high-pass filter ................................ 11

4.3.2 Automatic threshold reduction, transmission matrix ................................ 11

4.3.3 3-band equalizer, compressor/limiter, gain, threshold ............................ 12

4.3.4 Microprocessor Gate control ................................................................... 13

5 Specifications ............................................................................................................ 13

User guide MX-4 page 3

1. Introduction

Thank you for choosing the A.V.E. analogue/digital 4-channel mixer MX-4 with four
microphone/line inputs; an outstanding unit that was designed particularly for superior audio
quality in churches.

Each microphone/line input is equipped with a compressor/limiter, 3-band equalizer, as well as
indicators for volume, operating status, and peak, respectively. An automatic processing unit
controls additional functions, such as priority, ducking, number of activated microphones, or the
hold time. Furthermore, a variable graphic equalizer with 48 bands (12 per output) allows an
optimisation for every application. 16 fully parametric equalizers (4 per output), each with an
individually adjustable Q-factor of up to 100, as well as an automatic gain adjustment when
additional microphones are activated provide an optimum feedback elimination.

The MX-4 is equipped with its own software. This makes programming simple and straightforward
– Laptop or PC are no longer required. Up to 20 different sets of settings, so-called „presets“, can
be programmed and can easily be recalled by the user for each occasion as required.

This manual adresses users in sections 2., 3., and 4.1. These parts of the manual deal with
explaining the components of the unit and describe the basic operation. The following part is
addressed to the qualified technical personnel in charge of extended programming and internal
modifications.

1.1 Security advice

 Please read the information provided in this manual before starting up the unit.

 WITHIN THIS UNIT THERE IS DANGEROUS VOLTAGE PRESENT CONSTITUTING A

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK. DO NOT OPEN THE COVER. INTERNAL
MODIFICATIONS ARE TO BE COMPLETED BY AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY.

THERE ARE NO USER- SERVICABLE PARTS INSIDE.

 The MX-4 is equipped with a power cord for connecting the three-pin inlet connector

of the unit to a 230 V / 50 Hz AC voltage source. Make sure this cable is not damaged.
Do not use any defective or damaged power cords!

User guide MX-4 page 4

2. Description of front and rear panel

1. Volume control (for channels 1 – 4): Allows adjustment of the level of the signal sources
connected to the microphone/line inputs (26.). During installation by the technician, the optimal
level will be marked on the unit.

2. Level indicator (for channels 1 – 4): 4-level LED indicator. The maximum level of +5 dB
indicates that the input is overdriven.

3. Gate indicator (green LED; for channels 1 – 4): Optically indicates an activated input. The
processor automatically determines which of the inputs is activated. The level difference at
which an additional microphone is opened, can be set by an internal modification (see section

4.3.4).

4. Channel selector CD/tape: Choose between music rendition via CD or tape. The selection is
indicated by one of the LEDs (5. or 6.). Consumer-level audio equipment such as CD or
cassette player are connected on the back to inputs (24.) or (25.), respectively.

5. LED indicator CD: Music rendition via CD

6. LED indicator tape: Music rendition via tape

7. Volume control for CD/tape

8. Level indicator for CD/tape: A level of +5 dB indicates that the input is overdriven.

9. Low-frequency level control for CD/tape: Controls (9.) and (10.) allow an optimisation of the
sound characteristics of the music rendition.

10. High-frequency level control for CD/tape

11. Volume control for headphones: Input (12.) allows the connection of headphones for
monitoring purposes, the volume of which can be adjusted with this control. Which of the 4
outputs is to be directed to the headphones can be selected in the parameter menu (as
described in section 4.2.3).

12. Connection for headphones

13. LCD display: The bright display contributes to the clear and user-friendly operation of the MX-

4. (The contrast of the display can be adjusted in the parameter menu as described in section

4.2.3.)

14. Volume/Value knob: Rotary encoder with integrated pushbutton. This knob is used, among
others, to set the overall volume or set other values.

15. Preset/Parameter knob: Rotary encoder with integrated pushbutton. This knob is used,
among others, to switch from one preset to another.

User guide MX-4 page 5

1 Power connector: Connector for power cord to a 230 V / 50 Hz AC voltage source.

2 Fuse: 315 mA
3 Main on/off switch
4 Output: Output connectors (to power amplifiers, etc.)
5 Direct OUT: Direct output without any signal processing. This output can be used for capturing

and transmitting the ambiance of e.g. a mass to external rooms.

6 Level Direct OUT: Controls the output level of the direct output
7 Link in: Permits multiple mixers to be linked, creating additional inputs.
8 Link out: Output when linking multiple mixers
9 Tape-recording: Phono connectors for tape-recording
10 Tape rendiction: Phono connectors for music rendition via tape
11 CD rendition: Phono connectors for music rendition via CD
12 Microphone/line inputs

Basic operation of the MX-4

3.1 Programmable settings („presets“)

The MX-4 combines numerous integrated functions with very simple operation. Even in
acoustically difficult environments, best results are achieved. So-called „presets“ can easily be
programmed. No less than 20 of these preset slots enable programming for any application
and make them available to the user at the touch of one’s fingertips.

For each preset, the following 3 parameters are programmed:

 the master volume
 which of the 4 outputs are to be active
 a preset name. This way the different settings are immediately distinguishable.

3.2 Changing between presets

 Turn the unit on with the main on/off switch in the back.
 The welcome message will appear in the display. After a few seconds, it will

disappear again and the settings of the current preset will show up. Below, an
example is given.

Here one can see the current preset