Ecler NUO 4.0 User manual

USER MANUAL

MANUAL DE INSTRUCCIONES MANUEL UTILISATEUR BEDIENUNGSANLEITUNG

LIST OF CONTENTS
1. IMPORTANT REMARK	04
2. INTRODUCTION	05
3. INSTALLATION	05
4. QUICK START	08
5. OPERATION AND USAGE	10
6. FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS	12
7. FUNCTION LIST	13
8. FUNCTION DIAGRAM	13
9. TECHNICAL CHARACTERISTICS	50
10. CONFIGURATION DIAGRAM	51
11. BLOCK DIAGRAM	52

All numbers subject to variation due to production tolerances. ECLER SA reserves the right to make changes or improvements in manufacturing or design which may affect specifications.

1. IMPORTANT REMARK

Safety Instructions

In order to get the optimum operation and efficiency from your mixing unit, it is VERY IMPORTANT - before you plug anything - to read this manual very carefully and take seriously into account all considerations specified within it. We strongly recommend that its maintenance be carried out by our Authorised Technical Services.

This apparatus must be earthed through its mains cable.

Do not expose the unit to rain or water splashes, and do not place liquid containers or incandescent objects like candles on top of the unit.

Any change in the configuration of the unit must be carried out by a qualified technician. Should any connection / disconnection task be done, always disconnect the unit from the mains supply.

Warranty Descriptions

Your ECLER equipment has undergone exhaustive laboratory and quality control tests before leaving the factory. Nevertheless, your may be in need of our Technical Service during the period covered by the Guarantee or afterwards. In that case, carefully protect your equipment in its original packet and send it to our Technical Service with the transport and insurance paid. Attach a photocopy of your Guarantee Certificate and a detailed description of the defect you have observed.

ECLER S.A. guarantees the NUO4.0 mixer against material defects and manufacturing faults for the period of one year, starting from the original purchase date.

ECLER, S.A., will repair the defective equipment within the aforementioned period, with no charge for parts and labour.

To ensure the validity of the Guarantee, it is essential that the attached Guarantee, Registration Card is filled out correctly and remitted to your ECLER distributor, within 10 DAYS after date of purchase.

The Guarantee is non-transferable and protects the original buyer only.

The Guarantee does not cover:

Damages caused by mistreatment or negligent handling, lack of elementary precautions, disregard to the instructions in the manual, faulty connection or accidents.

ECLER, S.A., will not be held responsible for any direct or indirect damage, loss or other damage originated by or relating to the set.

*sets that have been manipulated, altered or repaired other than at the authorized Technical Service centers.

*the exterior fittings and electro-mechanical parts, nor their wear due to use.

*shipping and insurance expenses, nor for damages the set may incur during its transport.

This Guaranteed is valid only for repairs or services carried out at an authorized Technical Service Center.

2. INTRODUCTION

Congratulations for acquiring a genuine, professional ECLER device!

The NUO4.0 is a professional DJ mixer designed and manufactured by ECLER; an enterprise with headquarters in Barcelona, which works on professional audio equipment since 1965.

The NUO4.0 is a professional audio mixer thought for any kind of DJ, due to its wide range of functions, which make it a console able to mix any kind of music style: techno, house, minimal, electro, hip hop, …

The NUO4.0 is a mixer thought for scratching techniques, due to the versatility of the adjustments of faders and crossfaders. The NUO4.0 is furthermore able to wear the ETERNAL crossfader, ECLER’s magnetic crossfader with 5 years guarantee, which has been specially designed for scratching specialists.

This genuine mixer uses the best components available on the market, obtaining the highest possible sound quality. The over 40 years of experience in the design of professional audio equipment make that the circuits are extremely efficient and a warm and crystal clear analogue sound is obtained. All circuits are mounted and tested in our factory site in Barcelona.

Furthermore, the NUO4.0 is a mixer which has been specially designed for all kinds of professional installations, thanks to its two balanced outputs and its two microphone inputs. Its design and resistance turn it into the ideal console for professional installations, as well as for mobile applications executed by trendiest DJ’s.

3. INSTALLATION

The main consideration to be taken when looking for the best setup location for the NUO4.0 has to be the maximum commodity for the user and the easiness for realizing the necessary connections.

The NUO4.0 has been basically designed as an on desk mixer and its usual location will be between two turntables or CD players. The mixer is 37 cm (14.57") deep and 32 cm (12.6") wide.

Using the metallic side panel kit (optionally available) you may fix your NUO4.0 directly on a support surface or on those side panels which also allow you to skew it. The "NUORAKI" metallic holders allow you to install the mixer in a standard 19" rack.

Because of the high gain of the PHONO and MICRO inputs, always try to place the mixer as far away as possible from noise sources (dimmers, engines, etc.) and mains wires. For the very same reason, and under any circumstance, you should never remove the unit's metallic cover.

The power consumption of the NUO4.0 is very low, so they do not need any cooling, but you should avoid extreme temperatures and the atmosphere should be as dry and dust free as possible.

The NUO4.0 operates now with a new universal input power supply “Switching Power Supply” and can perfectly works without any internal modification from 90V to 264V – 47 to 63Hz. Make sure that the mains-wire is far away from the signal-cables in order to avoid any possible audio hum.

In order to protect the unit from an eventual electrical overload it carries a T 0.5A fuse. Should it ever blow up, unplug the unit from mains and replace it with an identical one. If the new fuse blows again contact immediately with our authorized technical service.

ATTENTION: NEVER SHORT-CIRCUIT THE SECURITY PATH NOR USE A HIGHER VALUE FUSE.

CAUTION: Fuse substitutions have to be performed by a qualified technician.

Audio input connections
INPUT 1	PHONO	Turntable
INPUT 1	LINE	CD Deck
INPUT 2	PHONO	Turntable
INPUT 2	LINE	CD Deck
INPUT 3	PHONO	Turntable
INPUT 3	LINE	CD Deck
INPUT 3	MICRO	Microphone
INPUT 4	PHONO	Turntable
INPUT 4	LINE	CD Deck
INPUT 4	MICRO	Microphone

Phono Inputs

Phono Turntables must be fitted with a magnetic cartridge with nominal output level between -55dBV and -25dBV (1,77 to 56mV). The PHONO inputs (35) of the NUO4.0 have a high headroom (margin before saturation) and it can handle higher output cartridges than what is usual. These inputs are supplied with a nominal input sensitivity of -40dBV(10mV).

Line Inputs

The sensitivity of the inputs marked as LINE (36) is 0dBV (1V). You can connect sound sources such as CD, DAT or MP3 players, as well as keyboards and other instruments.

Microphone input

The MICRO inputs (13, 37) are adjusted for a nominal input level of -35dBV. The frontal connector (13) is a combo XLR3/Jack type, while the rear connector (37) is a XLR·type. These microphone inputs allow connections in balanced mode. The connection has to be done as follows:

Hot or direct signal	>	Pin 2	Tip
Cold or inverted signal	>	Pin 3	Ring
Ground	>	Pin 1	Sleeve

The microphones must have low impedance (from 200 to 600Ω) and must be monophonic. For unbalanced connections, a short circuit must be done between pin 3 and ground or the center ring. The NUO4.0 wears an 18V Phantom power for condenser microphones. An internal jumper allows disabling the phantom power. The NUO4.0 MICRO input is delivered ex works with enabled phantom power (see the configuration diagram).

Audio outputs connections

MASTER	Main power amplifier
BOOTH	Booth/Room2 power amplifier
REC	Recording
FX Send/Return	External effect device (Input and Output)
Headphones	Headphones

MASTER output

This stereo output feeds the PA system through balanced XLR3 connectors (38, 39) and an unbalanced RCA connector (40). The nominal level for MASTER output is set to 0dBV (1V), but can be set to +6dBV using an internal jumper. The MASTER output level is controlled by the MASTER potentiometer (24).

Near the MASTER controller you will find the L+R switch (27), which adds the left channel and the right channel for MASTER and BOOTH outputs. This function is especially useful if a failure occurs on one of the channels during a live session (a typical example could be a bad contact in the turntable’s capsule). Enabling this switch, the mixer will send the L+R sum to both loudspeakers, so that the major part of the audience will not notice the malfunction.

MASTER and BOOTH have a balance controller BAL (26)

BOOTH output

Normally this is used to obtain an independent output for the DJ booth. This stereo BOOTH output wears a balanced XLR3 output and an unbalanced RCA output. The nominal level for the BOOTH output is set to 0dBV (1V), but can be adjusted to +6dBV using an internal jumper. The BOOTH output level is controlled by the BOOTH potentiometer (25).

Record output

There is a REC output (22) on the control surface, which uses RCA connectors. The nominal output level for the REC output is 0dBV (1V). This output is taken post-fader, before the MASTER signal.

FX Send/Return effects loop

The RCA connectors on the FX SEND output (41) and the FX RETURN input (42) allow creating a signal loop for external effects processors, samplers or sequencers. The nominal level for the SEND output, as well as for the RETURN input, is 0dBV (1V).

The signal sent to the FX SEND output can be taken before or behind the fader using the PRE/POST switch (9) and the send level can be set using the associated potentiometer (8). The NUO4.0 also wears a general FX SEND controller (17), which adds the four channels, a general FX RETURN controller (15) and a controller for the FX RETURN monitoring signal, FX PFL (16).

Headphones

In order to obtain a high performance, these should be of the high impedance type (200-600Ω). These are to be connected to the headphones output (30) located on the controller surface using a stereophonic, normalized ¼’’ jack connector or a 3.5mm minijack connector. Sleeve is Ground, Ring is Right Channel and Tip is Left Channel.

4. QUICK START

Install and connect the NUO4.0 as described in the INSTALLATION paragraph nº1.

We will describe a “Quick Start” procedure using the LINE input of channel 1 and headphone monitoring output only.

1. Set the controllers to their initial position

Set the rotating controllers GAIN, HI, MID and LOW from channel 1 (3, 4, 5, 6) to their central position. Set the channel’s fader (11) to its lower end and assign the A/OFF/B switch (10) to position A (the channel is now assigned to the crossfader’s A side).

2. Connect the headphones

Connect them to the headphones output (30). Set the headphones LEVEL controller (29) to minimum level and move the SELECT (28) controller into PFL position.

3. Connect a CD player

Connect a CD player to LINE input on channel 1 (36), insert a CD and play the CD.

4. Connect the mixer's power cable

Connect the power cable to the mixer’s power supply input (43) and turn it on using the MAINS INPUT switch (45). Both elements are located on the mixer’s backside.

5. Select the input source

Make sure that channel 1’s input switch (1) is in LINE position and that the channel’s VU-meter (2) glows up. If this doesn’t happen, verify that the CD player is correctly connected and that there is an audio track being played back.

6. Adjust the input level

Move the GAIN (3) control until the VU-meter shows 0dB.

7. Send the signal to the main output

Move the fader from channel 1 (11) all the way up and set the crossfader (12) to side A.

8. Listen to the signal with your headphones

Press the PFL button (7) on channel 1. Adjust the LEVEL controller (29) to obtain a comfortable monitoring volume. Now you should hear music with your headphones. Turn the SELECT controller (28) to the right to crossfade the PFL signal and the MIX signal. When this controller is completely turned to the right, only the MIX signal will be monitored.

9. Try the operation of the tone controllers

Experiment with this powerful 3-way stereo equaliser (4, 5, 6). This tone control has been designed for a creative sound edition: each way can be individually isolated using the big and ergonomic rotary controllers.

10. Verify the crossfader settings.

Each channel can be assigned to the crossfader using the A/OFF/B switch (10). The crossfader allows melting the signals assigned to its sides. If the switch is in position A or B, the channel is assigned to one or the other side of the crossfader. The OFF position disables the crossfader function for this channel.

11. Adjust the crossfader curve

The XFADER SHAPE control (19) allows you to precisely adjust the skew angle of the crossfader’s curve. Turning the controller completely to the left, the two songs will be melt softly. The crossfader’s curve raises when turning the controller to the right. Moving the controller completely to the right, the signal will enter suddenly with just a short movement of the crossfader, which is a very suitable feature for scratching techniques.

5. OPERATION AND USAGE

Start-up

This can be done using the switch (45) located at the mixer’s back panel. Now the LED ON (23) indicator will highlight. Even if the noise produced while enabling the NUO4.0 is as low as possible and gets completely cancelled if all faders are turned down, it is always recommendable to turn on the devices using the following sequence:

1.Sound sources.

2.Mixer, equalizers, active filters.

3.Finally, power amplifiers.

Powering off should be done by following the exact reverse sequence in order to avoid any possible damage to the loudspeakers.

Control Description

Input selector

Each channel features an input toggle switch selector (1).

Channel GAIN

All the NUO4.0 input channels have an accessible input sensitivity GAIN control (3). The GAIN controls adjust the input level of each channel in order to compensate the different sources connected to the mixer.

The gain adjustments should be done with great care, using as a reference the VU-meter (2) on each channel. The standard level reference used to mix audio signals is 0dBV.

The gain margin is set to ±15dB, but can be reduced to ±6dBV. This setting is independent for each channel and can be done using soldering bridges. See the configuration diagram.

Equalization

The tone control system for each channel offers a wide range of modification from -30 to +10dB for low frequencies

(6) and high frequencies (4) and from -25 to +10dB for middle frequencies (5). This wide range of variation, known as “kill” type, can completely attenuate the selected frequency range and has been specially designed for creative usage during live sessions.

ATTENTION: Use equalization carefully, by boosting too much the low frequency range, you can induce an excessive displacement of the speakers membrane.

Monitoring System

The NUO4.0 is equipped with a flexible and easy monitoring system that will allow the performers to finely tune PFL (Pre-fader listening) and Mix levels of each input through the VU-METER and the HEADPHONES. Each channel can be monitorized visually and pre-listened pressing the dedicated PFL (7) button.

For HEADPHONES monitoring, the SELECT rotary potentiometer (28) allows you to blend a selected PFL together with the main MIX Program. The LEVEL rotary potentiometer (29) controls the level of headphones output.

Each channel has a dedicated VU-meter that allows visual monitoring of the PFL signal (2).

Sending to external effects units FX Send/Return

The 4 channels from the NUO4.0 are equipped with potentiometers (8) that allow sending the signal to an external effects unit, sampler, etc. These potentiometers allow to precisely adjusting the signal level sent from each channel.

The FX SEND output (41) has to be connected to the effects processor’s input and its output to the RETURN input (42) or any LINE input (36).

This signal send can be configured either PRE or POST fader with the PRE/POST toggle switch (9), so that the level is affected or not by the channel fader.

The NUO4.0 also wears a general FX SEND controller (17), which adds the four channels, a general FX RETURN controller (15) and a controller for the FX RETURN monitoring signal, FX PFL (16).

Faders

The NUO4.0 is equipped with the new generation of ECLER 60mm faders (11) which are precise, extremely soft and their features withstand over 4.000.000 manipulations, thanks to the ECLER VCA system (VCA: Voltage Controlled Amplifier)

The usage of VCA technology allows the modification of the fader's behavior. On the frontal panel you will find the FADER SHAPE potentiometer (18), which allows adjusting the fader's curve so that the volume is proportionally distributed on the fader’s range or that it appears suddenly.

Crossfader

Each channel can be assigned to the crossfader (12) using the A/OFF/B switch (10). The crossfader allows melting the signals assigned to its sides. If the switch is in position A or B, the channel is assigned to one or the other side of the crossfader. The OFF position disables the crossfader function for this channel.

The NUO4.0’s crossfader includes a range of controls which allow adjusting its behavior and make it a really accurate tool. The XFADER SHAPE control (19) allows you to precisely adjust the skew angle of the crossfader’s curve. Turning the controller completely to the left, the two songs will be melt softly. The crossfader’s curve raises when turning the controller to the right. Moving the controller completely to the right, the signal will enter suddenly with just a short movement of the crossfader, which is a very suitable feature for scratching techniques.

The REVERSE switch (20) inverts the crossfader’s direction. Depending on the selected direction, it is possible to perform “cuts” as well as “transforms” moving the crossfader into the same direction.

The electronically correction for the CUT IN (21) is only effective if the NUO4.0 has been equipped with the optional ETERNAL crossfader. If it only wears the standard crossfader, the CUT IN potentiometer must remain in the OFF position. The CUT IN is the existing distance between the physical end of the crossfader and the entering point of the signal. The position with the shortest CUT IN provides a nearly instantaneous signal cut. To find this position the fader has to be set to an end and the CUT IN potentiometer must be turned rightwards until a musical signal can be heard. To enlarge the CUT IN time, turn the potentiometer to the left.

If you want to extend the life time of your crossfader, the NUO4.0 allows the installation of the awarded ETERNAL crossfader. This inductive crossfader technology is based on a magnetic control system and is completely contact free. The combination of this technology with an exclusive, mechanical sliding system provides a soft handling and one of the most precise crossfaders available these days. The inductive ETERNAL crossfader has been specially designed to execute extreme turntablism techniques, which require an extremely soft and fast movement of the crossfader.

If you wish to install the ETERNAL crossfader, please accomplish the following instructions:

1. Remove the buttons from the sliding and rotating potentiometers of the mixer surface.

2. Unscrew the outer screws holding the mixer control plate in place and remove it.

3. Remove the two screws holding the crossfader in place and remove it.

4. Carefully disconnect the multipin connector.

5.Replace the crossfader with the ETERNAL crossfader.

6.Connect the multipin connector you disconnected before.

7.Fix it with the two screws. Make sure the orientation is the one described on the drawing.

8.Put the control plate back in place and screw it tight.

9.Put the potentiometer buttons back in place.

ATTENTION: Always use original ECLER replacement parts.

WARNING: the replacement of the crossfader has to be done by a qualified technician.

MASTER and BOOTH output levels

The NUO4.0 features two main output level controls MASTER and BOOTH. The MASTER level is controlled by the MASTER (24) level knob. The BOOTH level is controlled by the BOOTH (25) level knob.

The balance potentiometer BAL (26) and the L+R switch (27) affect both outputs.

6. FURTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Ground loops

Ensure at all times that no signal sources reaching the mixing desk and no devices connected to its output have their earths interconnected; that is, earth should never reach them via two or more different paths, as this could lead to humming which could even interfere with sound reproduction quality. In order to avoid earth loops, ensure that the shielding of cables, if connected to the chassis, are never connected with each other.

Background noise

The use of active circuitry can yield, depending on the configuration, to a significant noise level. The NUO4.0 has been designed for the minimum possible noise. Anyway, the noise level will always depend on the correct use and installation of the mixer. It is not the same setting up the FADER at "2" and the MASTER at "10" that the other way round; FADER at "10" and MASTER at "2". In the first case you get a poor signal to noise ratio that will be fully amplified by the master while on the second we have a good signal to noise ratio only amplified by "2". As a result, the background noise is greater in the first case than in the second one.

Audio connections

As a general rule of thumb, make the signal connections as short as possible and use the best connectors and cable available. Cables and connectors are frequently held cheap, forgetting that a bad connection can result in a poor sound quality.

Cleaning

The control panel should never be cleaned with solvent or abrasive substances as it could become damaged. To clean it, use a slightly moist soft cloth, together with a neutral liquid detergent, and then dry it with a clean cloth. It is advisable to remove all sweat stains after use. Be careful to ensure that water never enters the machine through any of the openings.

7. FUNCTION LIST

8. FUNCTION DIAGRAM

1.Input selector

2.LED VU Meter

3.Input sensitivity adjust, GAIN

4.Treble control, HI

5.Midrange control, MID

6. Bass control, LOW

7. Prefader listening control, PFL

8. Fx Send controller, FX SEND

9. Send switch to effect bus, PRE/POST

10. Send to XF switch, A/OFF/B

11. Fader

12. Crossfader control

13.Microphone XLR/JACK combo

connector, MICRO 14. LED VU Meter

15. Fx Return controller, FX RETURN

16. Prefader listening control, FX PFL

17. Fx Send controller, FX SEND

18. Fader Shape adjustment, FADER SHAPE

19. Crossfader Shape adjuster, XFADER SHAPE

20. Crossfader reverse function, REVERSE

21. Crossfader "cut in time" adjustment, CUT IN

22. Recording output, REC OUT

23. LED indicator, ON

24. Volume control, MASTER

25. Volume control, BOOTH

26. Balance control, BAL

27. Left and Right signal sum, L+R

28. PFL/MIX monitoring crossfader, SELECT

29. Headphones volume control, LEVEL

30. Stereo jack headphones

31. Ground pin, GND

32. Left channel balanced output, BOOTH L

33. Right channel balanced output, BOOTH R

34. RCA output, BOOTH

35. Phono input, PHONO

36. Line input, LINE

37. Micro input, MICRO

38. Left channel balanced output, MASTER L

39.Right channel balanced output, MASTER R

40.RCA output, MASTER

41.External FX send output, FX SEND

42.External FX return input, FX RETURN

43.Mains socket

44.Fuse holder

45.Power switch

ÍNDICE
1. NOTA IMPORTANTE	16
2. INTRODUCCIÓN	17
3. INSTALACIÓN	17
4. INICIO RÁPIDO	20
5. OPERACIÓN Y USO	22
6. OTRAS CONSIDERACIONES	24
7. LISTA DE FUNCIONES	25
8. DIAGRAMA DE FUNCIONES	25
9. CARACTERÍSTICAS TÉCNICAS	50
10. DIAGRAMA DE CONFIGURACIÓN	51
11. DIAGRAMA DE BLOQUES	52

Todos los datos están sujetos a variación debida a tolerancias de producción. ECLER S.A. se reserva el derecho de realizar cambios o mejoras en la fabricación o diseño que pudieran afectar las especificaciones.

1. NOTA IMPORTANTE

Instrucciones de seguridad

Para conseguir la máxima funcionalidad del aparato y su máximo rendimiento, es muy importante antes de su conexión, leer detenidamente y tener muy presentes las consideraciones que en este manual se especifican. Para garantizar el óptimo funcionamiento de este aparato, recomendamos que su mantenimiento y eventuales reparaciones sean llevadas a cabo por nuestros Servicios Técnicos autorizados.

Este aparato debe conectarse a tierra a través de su cable de red.

No exponer la unidad a la lluvia o a salpicaduras de agua, no colocar recipientes que contengan líquidos u objetos incandescentes tales como velas sobre el aparato.

Cualquier cambio en la configuración de la unidad debe ser llevado a cabo por técnicos cualificados. Cualquier conexión o desconexión de la unidad debe ser realizada, siempre, con la unidad desconectada de la red.

Descripción de la garantía

Su equipo ECLER ha superado ensayos de laboratorio y exhaustivos controles de calidad antes de salir de fábrica. No obstante podría darse el caso que necesite nuestro Servicio Técnico durante el periodo que cubre la garantía o posteriormente. En tal caso, proteja cuidadosamente la unidad en su caja original y envíelo a nuestro Servicio Técnico con los gastos y el seguro pagados. Adjunte una fotocopia del certificado de garantía y una descripción detallada del defecto observado.

ECLER S.A. garantiza el mezclador NUO4.0 ante defectos de materiales o fabricación durante el periodo de un año transcurrido tras la fecha de compra original.

ECLER S.A. reparará el equipo defectuoso dentro del periodo especificado, sin cargo alguno para piezas y mano de obra.

Para asegurar la validez de la garantía es preciso que la Garantía y la Tarjeta de Registro se rellenen correctamente y se remitan a su distribuidor ECLER, en el plazo de 10 días después de la fecha de compra.

La garantía no es transferible y solamente protege al comprador original.

La garantía no cubre:

Daños ocasionados por malos tratos o manejo negligente, falta de cuidados elementales, desatención de las instrucciones del manual, conexión equivocada o accidentes.

ECLER S.A., no será responsable por ningún daño directo o indirecto, pérdida o perjuicio originado por o en relación con el equipo.

*aparatos que hayan sido manipulados, alterados o reparados fuera del Servicio Técnico autorizado.

*el mueble exterior, los componentes electromecánicos ni su desgaste por uso.

*los gastos de envío y seguros, ni los daños que el aparato pueda sufrir durante el transporte.

Esta garantía es válida sólo si las reparaciones o servicios se realizan en un Servicio Técnico autorizado.

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