CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
1 Safety Notes
For more detailed information refer to the rear of the manual.
w
Do not expose the unit to water or moisture.
w
Do not expose the unit to naked flames.
w
Do not block or restrict any air vent.
w
Do not operate the unit in ambient temperatures above 35°C.
w
Do not touch any part or terminal carrying the hazardous live symbol ( ) while power is
supplied to the unit.
w
Do not perform any internal adjustments unless you are qualified to do so and fully
understand the hazards associated with mains operated equipment.
w
The unit has no user serviceable parts. Refer any servicing to qualified service
personnel.
w
If the moulded plug is cut off the lead for any reason, the discarded plug is a potential
hazard and should be disposed of in a responsible manner.
2 General Description
The Cloud CX163 is a stereo mixer zoner with two stereo zone outputs and a mono, fixed level utility
output. It has applications where up to six line level music signals and one microphone are required to
feed two separate zones (both stereo) and a utility zone (such as toilet areas etc.). The CX163 provides
microphone priorities, fire alarm music mute, paging microphone facilities and the possibility for Line 6 to
take priority over other music signals in Zone 1.
Front panel controls have been kept to a minimum. Most behavioural controls can be found close to their
respective inputs on the rear panel.
There are various optional accessories that extend the flexibility of the CX163:
w
Optional remote plates which control music level on the two stereo zones.
w
A dedicated four zone paging mic with pre-announcement chime.
w
Equalisation Modules for Bose® Speakers.
1V2 100904
CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
BY PAS S MI CRO PHO NE A CCE SS
CONTACTS FOR ZONES 1, 2 AND UTIL
RESPECTIVELY.
NORMALLY OPEN/NORMALLY CLOSED
CONT ACT S ELECTIO N FOR MUSI C
MUTE.
POWER
CX163
ZONE1
ZONE2
1
2
3
4
5
6
2ZONE
STEREOAUDIO
MIXER
MONOSTEREO
J7ANDJ8SETTINGS
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
3 Schematic Diagram
4 Installation
The Cloud CX163 occupies one unit of standard 19” equipment rack. The microphone input and all zone
outputs are balanced. The CX163 is 150mm deep but a depth of 250mm should be allowed to clear
connectors and cables. Ventilation holes on the base of the unit should not be obscured.
5 Stereo/Music Inputs
The line inputs are suitable for most music
sources such as compact disc players, tape
players and receivers etc.. All inputs are
unbalanced and use RCA type phono
sockets. Input impedance is 48k
zone on the CX163 can operate in either
mono or stereo mode; the default setting for
each zone is stereo. The mode of each
zone is determined by the position of their
internal jumpers.
J8: Zone 1
J7: Zone 2
Self-adhesive labels (supplied) can be
affixed to the front panel to identify the
available input sources.
Ω. Each
2V2 100904
CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
1 2 3 4
4POLE
CONNECTOR
REMOTECONTROLOFMUSICLEVEL
(MONOMODE)
1 2 3
RL-1
1 2 3
RL-1
LEFT
RIGHT
1 2 3 4
4POLE
CONNECTOR
REMOTECONTROLOFMUSICLEVEL
(STEREOMODE)
1 2 3
RL-1
POWER
CX163
ZONE1
ZONE2
1
2
3
4
5
6
2ZONE
STEREOAUDIO
MIXER
NRMDEF
J12&J13SETTINGS
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
5.1 Sensitivity and Gain Control
All six line inputs have pre-set gain controls which are accessible on the rear panel, adjacent
to their respective input sockets. The input sensitivity can be varied from -18dBu (100mV) to
+ 6dBu (1.5V). The pre-set gain controls should be set so that all the input signals operate at
the same level (0dBu) within the CX163 to give the music level controls an optimum control
range.
5.2 Music level control - Local or Remote
The music level in a zone can be controlled from
either the front panel, or a remote control plate
located up to 100m from the CX163. The CX163 is
compatible with the RL-1 remote level control plate.
RL-1 remote control plates can be mounted onto a
standard British flush or surface mounted 25mm
deep back box. Each RL-1 needs to be connected
using two-core screened cable. Connection details
are shown in the adjacent diagram. Remote
controls will be operational once correctly connected
to the unit, there are no further operations required.
Stereo mode connection of an RL-1
When a zone is in
the mono mode,
it is possible to
connect two RL-1
plates to that zone
and use them
to independently
control the levels of
the left and right
outputs of the zone.
In order to do this,
the RL-1 plates
Mono mode connection of two RL-1s
should be connected
as shown adjacently.
The CX163 can be configured to
bypass the front-panel level
controls by setting internal
jumpers J13 (Zone 1) and/or J12
(Zone 2) to the ‘DEF’ position.
3V2 100904
CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
POWER
CX163
ZONE1
ZONE2
1
2
3
4
5
6
2ZONE
STEREOAUDIO
MIXER
3s
6s12s
J10SETTINGS
OFFON
J9a+bSETTINGS
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
Music Level Control continued
The RL-1A is available for the American market. The operation of the RL-1A is identical to the
RL-1 but it has been designed to fit a single gang US electrical outlet box. Front panel
dimensions are 4½” x 2¾”.
When setting the jumper(s) please ensure that you:
• Remove the mains cable from the rear of the product before removing the top
panel.
• Only reassemble the unit using screws identical to the original parts.
NOTE: The CX163 does not allow remote source selection, so it is incompatible with the RSL-6
remote wallplates.
5.3 Music Equalisation
Equalisation for the music signals treble and bass is provided via the rear panel pre-set controls
in order to allow the installer to tailor the response of the music signals to suit the acoustics and
speakers of each individual zone. The equalisation controls are located to the right of the Line
6 input and above the zone outputs; they are clearly marked ‘HF’ (High Frequency) and ‘LF’
(Low Frequency). A flat frequency response can be achieved by positioning the slots on the
control shafts in the horizontal plane; the HF control has a range of ±10dB at 10kHz and the LF
control has a range of ±10dB at 50Hz.
5.4 Line 6 Priority
In Zone 1, the line 6 music input
can be given priority over other
music signals. This is intended
for use with sources such as
jukeboxes or spot announcement
players. Priority is only enforced
when a signal is detected at line
6, at which point the selected
music source will mute, making
way for the line 6 signal. Once
the signal on line 6 ceases, the
selected music source in Zone 1
will smoothly restore to its former
level. The time taken for this
restoration can be 3, 6 or 12
seconds depending on the setting
of internal jumper J10; the factory
default restoration time is 3
seconds. In order to switch
priority on or off, the internal
jumpers J9a+b can be set. Both
jumpers will need to be set in the
same position; failing to do so will
result in only one of the stereo
audio channels being prioritised.
4V2 100904
CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
POWER
CX163
ZONE1
ZONE2
1
2
3
4
5
6
2ZONE
STEREOAUDIO
MIXER
OFFON
J5SETTINGS
POWER
CX163
ZONE1
ZONE2
1
2
3
4
5
6
2ZONE
STEREOAUDIO
MIXER
ACCBYP
J1-3SETTINGS
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
When setting the jumper(s) please ensure that you:
• Remove the mains cable from the rear of the product before removing the top
panel.
• Only reassemble the unit using screws identical to the original parts.
NOTE: This feature is only available in Zone 1. If the utility zone audio is linked to Zone 1 audio,
the line 6 priority setting will effect the utility output audio as well as Zone 1.
6 Microphone Input
One microphone input is provided with
electronically balanced, transformer-less
circuitry configured for optimum low noise
performance. The input impedance is
greater than 2k
microphones in the 200Ω to 600Ω range.
Input is via the 3-pin plug in screw terminal
type connector (Phoenix type) located on
the rear panel. A facility to provide 15V
phantom power is included that is
activated by setting the internal jumper J5
to the ‘ON’ position.
Ωand suitable for
Line 6 Priority continued
When setting the jumper please ensure that you:
• Remove the mains cable from the rear of the product before removing the top panel.
• Only reassemble the unit using screws identical to the original parts.
6.1 Paging Access Contacts
Paging contacts for each individual microphone input are provided on the rear panel. These
contacts control which zones the microphone will be active in. This provides the facility for
paging microphones, such as
the Cloud CPM-4, to be
connected to the CX163. The
access contacts work on a
short-to-ground system, which
is compatible with the majority
of paging microphones.
These contacts can be
bypassed via the
configuration of the internal
jumpers detailed below:
J1-2:Zones 1-2
respectively
J3: Utility zone
5V2 100904
CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
Paging Access Contacts continued
Note: We advise that when you remove a jumper you leave it connected to one pin of the
header so it remains with the apparatus for future use.
Upon leaving the factory, the unit is configured to bypass the microphone access contacts. In
order to activate the access contact for a particular zone, the appropriate link will need to be
removed.
When setting the jumper(s) please ensure that you:
• Remove the mains cable from the rear of the product before removing the top
panel.
• Only reassemble the unit using screws identical to the original parts.
6.2 Microphone Gain Control
A pre-set gain control is provided adjacent to the microphone input. The gain can be adjusted
from 10dB to 50dB. A high overload margin is maintained at all gain settings.
6.3 Microphone Level Controls
Front panel microphone level controls are provided for each stereo zone. Microphone level to
the utility zone of the CX163 is varied by using the pre-set level control located above the utility
zone output on the rear panel. Rotating any microphone level control fully anti-clockwise
effectively turns the microphone off in that zone. In addition the microphone can be muted on
a zone basis via the paging access contacts.
6.4 Microphone Equalisation
Two-band equalisation is provided for the microphone input. The pre-set controls to adjust the
equalisation are located directly above the microphone input socket. The characteristics of the
equalisation are optimised for the tonal correction of speech signals. The HF control provides
±10dB at 5kHz whilst the LF control provides ±10dB at 100Hz.
To effectively bypass the microphone equalisation section, both pre-set controls should be set
to 0dBu (mid-position/vertical).
6.5 High Pass Filter
The microphone signal passes through a 100Hz high pass filter. This is to reduce breath blasts
and handling noise on the microphone audio.
6V2 100904
CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
POWER
CX163
ZONE1
ZONE2
1
2
3
4
5
6
2ZONE
STEREOAUDIO
MIXER
ACC
AVO
J15SETTINGS
AVO
ACC
J11&J14SETTINGS
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
6.6 Microphone over Music priority
The CX163 provides a facility
whereby the microphone signal can
be given priority over music signals in
any particular zone. When a signal is
detected on the mic input, all music
signals are attenuated by 30dB. Once
the microphone channel is clear, the
music will restore to the previous
settings.
Microphone priority can be triggered
by the appropriate zone access
contacts, or it can be triggered when
a signal is detected on the
microphone input. The triggering
mechanism can be selected on the
respective jumpers for each of the
zones: J11 (Z2), J14 (Z1), J15 (UTIL).
Leaving the jumper disconnected
disables microphone priority in that
zone.
Jumper positions:
AVO: Priority is triggered when a signal is detected on the microphone input and the
zone is being accessed.
ACC: Priority is triggered as soon as the access contact for that zone is shorted to
ground.
OFF: This position is not marked, but can be achieved by removing the jumper
altogether
NOTE: When removing a jumper link, we advise that the link be left connected to one pin of the
jumper header to prevent accidental loss.
J15 jumper positions are reversed from J11 and J14.
7 Output Details
Each output terminal is balanced, using a 3 pole ‘Phoenix’ type connector. The outputs can operate into
loads as low as 1k2
range of signals up to a maximum output level of +20dBu (7.75V). For balanced interconnections, 2-core
screened cable should be used. Connect the screen to pin 1, the reverse phase signal (normally blue or
Ω. The nominal output level is 0dBu (775mV) but the mixer can operate with a wide
black) to pin 2 and the in-phase signal (normally red) to pin 3. If you wish to connect any zone output to
an unbalanced input, connect the cable screen to pin 1 with the hot connection (inner core) to pin 3 and
make no connection to pin 2.
Note that unbalanced signals should not be run over long distances. It is recommended that you only
use unbalanced connections between pieces of equipment that are in the same rack.
7V2 100904
CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
POWER
CX163
ZONE1
ZONE2
1
2
3
4
5
6
2ZONE
STEREOAUDIO
MIXER
N/ON/C
J4SETTINGS
POWER
CX163
ZONE1
ZONE2
1
2
3
4
5
6
2ZONE
STEREOAUDIO
MIXER
LINE1ZONE1ZONE2
J6SETTINGS
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
7.1 Utility Output
The CX163 is fitted with a fixed level, balanced output for utility areas such as toilets and foyers,
where it is desirable to have a fixed level signal which operates independently from the variable
outputs of Zones 1&2.
Source selection for the
utility output is achieved by
moving internal jumper J6
to the required position.
Music can be sourced from
Line 1, Zone 1 or Zone 2.
Both zone feeds are taken
before any level controls,
and the Zone 1 feed is
taken after the line 6 priority
circuitry. This means that if
Zone 1 line 6 priority is
selected and the utility
source is from Zone 1, line
6 priority will also be
effective in the utility zone.
Removing the link from
jumper J6 will turn the utility
output into a fixed level, mic
only output.
8 Remote Music Mute - Fire Alarm interface
In certain installations, such as
licensed premises or retail outlets
within a shopping mall, there may be a
local authority or fire service
requirement to mute the music signals
via a fire alarm control panel in an
alarm condition. The CX163 provides
a facility to mute the music signals
only, by using a fully isolated pair of
contacts. This is usually a relay
mounted close to the CX163, which is
powered by the fire alarm control
panel. The relay can either be closed
or opened in an alarm condition, but
the internal jumper J4 must be set to
the corresponding position:
• N/C: Normally closed means that alarm condition is when the relay opens.
• N/O: Normally open means that alarm condition is when the relay closes.
Upon leaving the factory, the unit is configured for a normally open relay connection.
When setting the jumper(s) please ensure that you:
• Remove the mains cable from the rear of the product before removing the top panel.
• Only reassemble the unit using screws identical to the original parts.
8V2 100904
CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
9 Bose® Active Equalisation Modules
Each output channel has the facility to connect a plug-in Bose® equaliser module.
See the table below for details of the connector for each output.
Installation:
1.Switch off the mains supply and remove the CX163's power lead.
2.Remove the unit's top panel
3.Fit the Bose® EQ module to the connector. The EQ card should be perpendicular to the main
board.
4.Apply moderate pressure to the Bose® EQ module until it locates with a click.
5.Replace the top panel.
Current Consumption:
The CX163 can provide 90mA of power to internal equalisation modules. If this limit is exceeded, the
unit will eventually overheat and then shutdown. Below is a table detailing the types of available
equalisation module and their relative current consumption.
Current Consumption of Active Equalisation Modules by Model
9V2 100904
CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
10 Technical Specifications
Line Inputs
Frequency Response20Hz-22kHz, 0 -0.5dB
Distortion20Hz-22kHz, <0.05% Typical
Sensitivity100mV (-17.8dBu) to 1.5V (+6dBu)
Input Gain Control24dB range
Input Impedance
Headroom >20dB
Noise20Hz-22kHz (0dB gain), <-84dBu rms typical
EqualisationLF: ±10dB 50Hz, HF: ±10dB 10kHz
48kΩ
Microphone Inputs
Frequency Response100Hz -3dB (filter), 20kHz <-0.5dB
Distortion<0.05% between 20Hz-22kHz Typical
Gain Range10dB to 50dB
Input Impedance
Common Mode Rejection1kHz >70dB
Headroom >20dB
Noise
EqualisationLF: ±10dB 100Hz, HF: ±10dB 5kHz
>2kΩ (balanced)
20Hz-22kHz (150Ω), -128dB EIN
Outputs
Output0dBu (775mV) via 3.5mm phoenix type, plug-in, screw terminals
Minimum load impedance
Maximum output level+20dBu
1 General Specifications
1
Power Input230V/115V ±10%
Fuse RatingT100mA 230V, T200mA 115V
Fuse Type20mm x 5mm 250V
Dimensions482.60mm x 44.00mm(1U) x 152.5mm
Weight(kg)2.15
1k2Ω
10V2 100904
CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
SINGLESCREEN
CABLE
SINGLESCREEN
CABLE
HOT
SCREEN
HOT
SCREEN
HOT
SCREEN
HOT
COLD
TWO-CORE
SCREENED
CABLE
(SCREENNOTCONNECTED
ATTHISEND)
HOT
HOT
COLD
TWO-CORE
SCREENED
CABLE
TWO-CORE
SCREENED
CABLE
(SCREENNOTCONNECTED
ATTHISEND)
SINGLESCREEN
CABLE
COLD
SCREEN
CONVERTINGUNBALANCED
TOBALANCEDUSINGA
1:1RATIOTRANSFORMER
CONVERTINGTWOPIECES
OFUNBALANCEDEQUIPMENT
USINGA1:1RATIOTRANSFORMER
CONNECTINGTWOPIECESOF
BALANCEDEQUIPMENTUSINGA
1:1RATIOTRANSFORMER
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
12 Troubleshooting
12.1 Ground/Earth Loops
Despite your best efforts, if the completed sound system 'hums' you probably have a 'ground
loop'; the offending signal source can be found by setting the volume control to minimum then
disconnecting the input leads (both left & right channels) on each line input until the 'hum'
disappears. This problem is often caused by terminating a screened input cable into a signal
source positioned a significant distance from the CX163.
A good way of avoiding this potential problem is to use signal sources (CD players and the like)
that are double insulated with no connection to the mains supply earth. If a signal feed is
derived from a second device (a club or microphone mixer for example) it would be perfectly
normal to expect this to be earthed; we suggest that a transformer be used to isolate the signal
and prevent a noisy loop (see diagrams below)
AUDIO TRANSFORMER
RS PART NUMBER: 210-6447
FITTED WITH SCREENING CAN
RS PART NUMBER: 210-6469
12.2 Connecting balanced signals to unbalanced line
inputs
We recommend the use of a transformer to convert a balanced signal to an unbalanced signal
suitable for direct connection to the CX163 line inputs. The transformer should be mounted
close to the CX163 and the unbalanced output lead should be kept as short as possible. Where
both the source and destination units are earthed, it is important to isolate the primary and
secondary windings to avoid a potential ground loop; if there is any doubt about this, we
suggest that the balanced cable screen is not connected at the transformer end. RS
Components part 210-6447 is a suitable transformer for this application and we recommend
that the screening can (part number 210-6469) also be fitted to the transformer; Canford Audio
supplies a similar transformer (part number OEP Z1604). All transformers should be wired to
give a ratio of 1:1.
11V2 100904
CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
12.3 Paging access switches not working correctly
The CX163 leaves the factory configured to bypass the microphone access contacts for all
three zone outputs, so that when the product arrives, all inputs are enabled in all zones.
Internal jumpers J1 to J3 bypass access contacts for Zones 1, 2 and Utility respectively. To
enable the access contact for a particular zone, remove the link on the corresponding jumper.
NOTE: We advise that when you remove a jumper you leave it connected to one pin of the
header so it remains with the apparatus for future use.
12.4 Connecting RSL remotes to the CX163
The CX163 does not support remote source selection so is incompatible with the RSL remote
series. The only remote wallplate supported by the CX163 is the RL-1 remote level plate.
12V2 100904
CX163 Stereo Zone Mixer Installation and Setup Guide
CLOUD ELECTRONICS LIMITED
Safety Considerations and Information
The unit must be earthed. Ensure that the mains power supply provides an effective earth
connection using a three-wire termination.
When the mains switch is in the off 'O' position the live and neutral conductors of the
mains transformer are disconnected.
AUTION - Installation
C
Do not expose the unit to water or moisture.
Do not expose the unit to naked flames.
Do not block or restrict any air vent.
Do not operate the unit in ambient temperatures above 35°C.
Do not place liquid filled containers on or close to the unit
AUTION
C
Do not touch any part or terminal carrying the hazardous live symbol ( ) while power is
supplied to the unit.
Terminals to which the hazardous live symbol refers require installation by a qualified
C
AUTION
Replace the mains fuse only with the same type and rating as marked on the rear panel.
The fuse body size is 20mm x 5mm.
CAUTION
The unit contains no user serviceable parts. Refer servicing to qualified service personnel.
Do not perform servicing unless you are qualified to do so.
Disconnect the power cable from the unit before removing the top panel and do not make any
internal adjustments with the unit switched on.
Only reassemble the unit using screws identical to the original parts.
In the interest of continuing improvements Cloud Electronics Limited reserves the right to alter
specifications without prior notice.
H
azardous Live
-
person.
ains Fuse
M
-
ervicing
S
-
Cloud Electronics Limited 140 Staniforth Road Sheffield S9 3HF England