Behringer MX2442A User Manual

Users Manual

Version 1.1 May 2002

ENGLISH

MX2442A

®

EURODESK

www.behringer.com

EURODESK MX2442A

SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove

the cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside;
refer servicing to qualified personnel.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not

expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts
you to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage inside the enclosure

- voltage that may be sufficient to
constitute a risk of shock.

DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:

All the safety and operation instructions should be read before the appliance is operated.

Retain Instructions:

The safety and operating instructions should be retained for future reference.

Heed Warnings:

All warnings on the appliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.

Follow instructions:

All operation and user instructions should be followed.

Water and Moisture:

The appliance should not be used near water (e.g. near a bathtub, washbowl, kitchen sink, laundry tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming pool etc.).

Ventilation:

The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
For example, the appliance 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 ventilation openings.

Heat:

The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliance (including amplifiers) that produce heat.

Power Source:

The appliance should be connected to a power supply only of the type described in the operating instructions
or as marked on the appliance.

Grounding or Polarization:

Precautions should be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.

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 and plugs, convenience receptacles and the point
where they exit from the appliance.

Cleaning:

The appliance should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.

Non-use Periods:

The power cord of the appliance should be unplugged from the outlet when left unused for a long period of time.

Object and Liquid Entry:

Care should be taken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosure through openings.

Damage Requiring Service:

The appliance should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:

- The power supply cord or the plug has been damaged; or

- Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or

- The appliance has been exposed to rain; or

- The appliance does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in performance; or

- The appliance has been dropped, or the enclosure damaged.

Servicing:

The user should not attempt to service the appliance beyond that is described in the Operating Instructions. All
other servicing should be referred to qualified service personnel.

This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts
you to important operating and
maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature. Read the
manual.

2

EURODESK MX2442A

FOREWORD

Dear Customer,

Welcome to the team of EURODESK users and thank you very much for expressing your confidence in
BEHRINGER products by purchasing the MX2442A.

It is one of my most pleasant tasks to write this letter to you, because it is the culmination of many months of
hard work delivered by our engineering team to reach a very ambitious goal: creating an outstanding device that
will become a standard tool used by studios and PA companies. The task to design the MX2442A certainly
meant a great deal of responsibility, which we assumed by focusing on you, the discerning user and musician.
It also meant a lot of work and night shifts to accomplish this goal. But it was fun, too. Developing a product
usually brings a lot of people together, and it really is a great feeling when everybody who participated in such
a project can be proud of what weve achieved!

It is our philosophy to share our joy with you, because you are the most important member of the BEHRINGER
family. With your highly competent suggestions for new products youve greatly contributed to shaping our
company and making it successful. In return, we guarantee you uncompromising quality (manufactured under
ISO9000 certified management system) as well as excellent technical and audio properties at an extremely
affordable price. All of this will enable you to fully unfold your creativity without being hampered by budget
constraints.

We are often asked how we are able to produce such high-grade devices at such unbelievably low prices.
The answer is quite simple: its you, our customers! Many satisfied customers means large sales volumes
enabling us to get better conditions of purchase for components, etc. Isnt it only fair to pass this benefit back
to you? Because we know that your success is our success, too!

I would like to thank all people whose help on Project MX2442A has made it all possible. Everybody has
made very personal contributions, starting from the designers of the unit via the many staff members in our
company to you, the user of BEHRINGER products.

My friends, its been worth the trouble!

Thank you very much,

Uli Behringer

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EURODESK MX2442A

®

EURODESK

Professional, ultra low-noise design 24-channel 4-bus recording & live-mixing console

MX2442A

s

24 microphone/line inputs, 16 mono and 4 stereo

s

Ultra low-noise, discrete microphone preamps with +48 V phantom power and switchable low-cut filter

s

24 balanced line inputs and 16 balanced XLR microphone inputs with gold-plated contact surface

s

4 subgroups equipped with independent pan pots, separate soloing, main mix switches and individual insert
sockets

s

6 master aux sends with gain control and soloing function

s

2 multi-functional stereo aux returns featuring individual level and pan controls, solo and routing switches

s

Ultra-musical original EURODESK 4-band EQ (stereo channels) and 3-band EQ with semi-parametric mids
(mono channels)

s

2 pre/post fader switchable aux sends and 4 permanent post fader located aux sends for maximum flexibility
of monitoring functions and effects routing

s

Insert facility on all mono channels, subgroups and the main mix

s

Clear and easy comprehensible design as split console, input and main sections divided

s

State of the art 4580 ICs and high-quality components guarantee crystal-clear audio performance and
excellent noise figures

s

RCA sockets for 2-track recorders (input and output), input assignable to main mix or monitor section

s

Extremely high headroomoffering more dynamic range

s

External power supply design provides endless power resources, superior transient response and noise­free audio

s

Balanced inputs and main mix outputs for highest possible signal quality

s

LED indicators for Mute, Solo-In-Place and Pre-Fader-Listen functions

s

Individual outputs for main mix, control room and headphones

s

Extremely versatile headphones and talkback section

s

High-precision, 8-digit LED metering device for input channels, main mix and subgroups

s

Highest quality faders for main mix, channels and subgroups as well as sealed potentiometers

s

BNC connector for 12 V gooseneck lights

s

Extremely rugged construction ensures long life even under the most demanding conditions

s

Manufactured under ISO9000 certified management system

4

EURODESK MX2442A

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. THE MANUAL .......................................................................................................................... 6

1.1 Nomenclature .................................................................................................................................. 6

1.2 Structure ......................................................................................................................................... 6

1.3 The Separate View Sheet................................................................................................................ 6

2. EURODESK OVERVIEW ........................................................................................................ 6

2.1 Architecture .................................................................................................................................... 6

2.2 Metering .......................................................................................................................................... 7

2.3 Power Supply Unit (PSU) ................................................................................................................ 8

3. MONO INPUT CHANNELS .................................................................................................... 8

3.1 Input Level Setting ........................................................................................................................... 8

3.2 Equalizer......................................................................................................................................... 9

3.3 Aux Sends ...................................................................................................................................... 9

3.4 Routing & Muting ............................................................................................................................ 9

4. STEREO INPUT CHANNELS ............................................................................................... 10

4.1 Input Level Setting ......................................................................................................................... 10

4.2 Equalizer....................................................................................................................................... 10

4.3 Aux Sends .................................................................................................................................... 10

4.4 Routing & Muting .......................................................................................................................... 10

5. SUBGROUPS AND INSERTS .............................................................................................. 11

5.1 Subgroups ..................................................................................................................................... 11

5.2 Insert Points .................................................................................................................................. 11

6. MAIN SECTION ..................................................................................................................... 13

6.1 Aux Masters ................................................................................................................................. 13

6.2 Monitoring ..................................................................................................................................... 14

6.3 Headphones .................................................................................................................................. 14

6.4 SOLO/PFL .................................................................................................................................... 14

6.5 2-Track In- and Output .................................................................................................................. 14

6.6 Talkback ....................................................................................................................................... 15

7. CONNECTIONS .................................................................................................................... 15

7.1 EURODESK MX2442A Back Panel/Serial Number ........................................................................ 15

7.2 EURODESK MX2442A Patchfield and Plug Wiring Scheme .......................................................... 16

7.3 Audio Connections ........................................................................................................................ 16

8. SETTING UP ......................................................................................................................... 18

8.1 Selecting Inputs ............................................................................................................................ 18

8.2 Initializing Channels for Gain Setting ............................................................................................. 18

8.3 Auditioning a Signal and Setting Up a Channel ............................................................................. 18

8.4 Desk Normalization ....................................................................................................................... 19

9. MIXING TOPICS ................................................................................................................... 19

9.1 Equalization .................................................................................................................................. 19

9.2 Gain Optimization ......................................................................................................................... 20

10.MODIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................. 21

11.SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................. 22

12.WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................... 23

5

EURODESK MX2442A

1. THE MANUAL

Thank you for expressing your confidence in us by purchasing the EURODESK MX2442A. Our first task in
writing this manual is to make you feel comfortable with the special terms that are used to describe your
EURODESK MX2442A and its proper use.

+ Reading this manual will make you aware of the many possibilities the EURODESK MX2442A

offers you. Please keep this manual safely for future reference.

Your BEHRINGER MX2442A was carefully packed in the factory and the packaging was designed to protect
the unit from rough handling. Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully examine the packaging and its
contents for any signs of physical damage, which may have occurred during transit.

+ If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to BEHRINGER, but notify your dealer and the

shipping company immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement may not be
granted. Shipping claims must be made by the consignee.

1.1 Nomenclature

Most specialist subjects are not really all that difficult provided you understand the language used, and the
vocabulary of mixing is pretty straight-forward. Nevertheless, it should be clear what certain terms mean.
A slot in a recorder will always be referred to as a track, while that in a mixer will invariably be a channel.
A group will always refer to a sub-mix of channels. Similarly the term band will be mentioned only in conjunction
with frequency.

1.2 Structure

Working with complex systems like live or studio mixing consoles, it is impossible to deal with all the features
and possibilities at the same time. Therefore, we have divided the EURODESK manual into separate chapters
to make it easier to find any kind of information and tips. Sometimes you will find cross references where
subjects overlap.

You will, for example, find information about channel EQs in chapters 3.2 and 4.2 while the general use of
equalizers has, according to its importance, its own chapter.

1.3 The Separate View Sheet

On a separate sheet you will find drawings showing the front, the connector panel and the rear panel of your
EURODESK. The block diagram is shown, too. Always keep this sheet available while studying this manual.

All EURODESK functions will be numbered consistently throughout the manual, whether they be in the text or
in an illustration.

2. EURODESK OVERVIEW

2.1 Architecture

The MX2442A is a typical split console. As such, the inputs and outputs occupy separate areas of the board.
This makes it easier to visualize the signal path compared to an in-line design which uses combined input/
output channels. The main section on the right hand side handles all the outputs (as well as 4 stereo aux
returns and a 2-track tape input) while the input channels are located on the left.

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2. EURODESK OVERVIEW

EURODESK MX2442A

The configuration is 24 into 4 into 2. This means that there are 24 channel inputs in total (there are 16 mono and
four stereo channels), assignable to four subgroup buses (plus the main mix) which in turn may be blended into
the main mix stereo output. The subgroups (configurable as stereo pairs if required) are provided for connecting
to a multitrack tape recorder, or for use as a mixing aid during mix-down or during a live concert. Every channel,
and both stereo aux returns can access at least one of the four existing subgroups, or the main mix directly,
via comprehensive routing matrices. Four out of six aux sends can be accessed simultaneously. Every single
input channel can be routed in two ways to the aux send buses: two pre- and four post-, or six post-fader, for
live or studio operating environments respectively.

Input channels

The first 16 input channels are mono, with a choice of balanced mic (XLR, +48 V phantom power switchable)
or line (1/4" TRS) inputs, both with exceptional gain architecture. Inputs 17/18 to 23/24 are configured as
stereo input channels, accepting all line level signals.

Every channel has MUTE, SOLO/PFL and comprehensive EQ. A high-quality 60 mm fader feeds the main mix
and/or subgroup buses depending on the assign switch position. A constant-power channel PAN also selects
between odd and even-numbered subgroup buses.

Subgroups

For ease and flexibility, four mono subgroups with PAN and SOLO functions are provided. Each has its own
individual output, and each may also be assigned to the main mix.

Aux sends

The MX2442A provides six master aux send outputs, each with separate SOLO switch.

Stereo aux returns

In the mid-upper section you will find two stereo aux returns, each of them equipped with a SOLO switch,
BALANCE and LEVEL controls.

Main mix outputs/additional features

The main mix output level is being controlled via a pair of high-quality 60 mm faders. The main section also
includes assignable headphones or control room outputs. The monitor (or control room) outputs are independently
adjustable in level, and the integral talkback mic is routable to 4 of the 6 aux buses, i.e. all possible pre-fader
(cue) sends.

A BNC connector is provided for a gooseneck lamp for those dark winters night mixes.

Inserts

All mono channels, subgroups and the main mix have insert points for the connection of dynamics processors
etc.

2.2 Metering

All input channels feature signal (- 20 dB) and overload LEDs, while the L and R output has a pair of 12 digit
bargraph meters. The main mix (L/R) meters also have clip LEDs (+28/22 dB: balanced/unbalanced).
Alternatively, the LEDs in the main section are used to display the mono PFL, stereo SOLO or the 2-track
input (in general, what you hear is what you see).

+ The master clip LEDs (+22 dBu) should never be allowed to illuminate. If they do, reduce either

the main mix faders or the group(s) and/or channel fader(s), or (as a last resort) the channel
input gain(s). Maybe its time to do a round of PFL metering.

+ In SOLO/PFL mode a 0 dB meter reading matches an internal operating level of 0 dBu

(0.775 V). However, when looking at the mix, 0 dB is referenced to +4 dBu, the 2-track operating
level. I.e. if only one signal is present in the main mix bus, soloing that signal will cause the
meter reading to increase by +4 dB.

2. EURODESK OVERVIEW

7