Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s
instructions.
Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
apparatus (including ampliers) that produce heat.
Do not defeat the safety purpose of a polarised or grounding type plug. A polarised
plug has two blades with one wider than the other. A grounding type plug has two
blades and a third grounding prong. The wide blade or the third prong are provided
for your safety. If the provided plug does not t into your outlet, consult an electrician
for replacement of the obsolete outlet
Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plugs, convenience receptacles and the point where they exit from the apparatus.
Only use attachments/accessories specied by the manufacturer.
Use only with the cart, stand, tripod, bracket or table specied by the manufacturer,
or sold with the apparatus. When a cart is used, use caution when moving the cart/
apparatus combination to avoid injury from tip-over.
Unplug this apparatus during lightning storms or when unused for long periods of
time.
Refer all servicing to qualied service personnel. Servicing is required when the apparatus has been damaged in any way, such as power-supply cord or plug is damaged,
liquid has been spilled or objects fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been
exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.
Note: It is recommended that all maintenance and service on the product should be
carried out by Soundcraft or its authorised agents. Soundcraft cannot accept any liability whatsoever for any loss or damage caused by service, maintenance or repair
by unauthorised personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of re or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus
to rain or moisture.
Do not expose the apparatus to dripping or splashing and do not place objects lled
4Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
with liquids, such as vases, on the apparatus.
No naked ame sources, such as lighted candles, should be placed on the apparatus.
Ventilation should not be impeded by covering the ventilation openings with items such
as newspapers, table cloths, curtains etc.
THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED. Under no circumstances should the safety earth
be disconnected from the mains lead.
The mains supply disconnect device is the mains plug. It must remain accessible so as
to be readily operable when the apparatus is in use.
If any part of the mains cord set is damaged, the complete cord set should be replaced.
The following information is for reference only.
The wires in the mains lead are coloured in accordance with the following code:
Earth (Ground): Green and Yellow (US - Green/Yellow)
Neutral: Blue (US - White)
Live (Hot): Brown (US - Black)
As the colours of the wires in the mains lead may not correspond with the coloured markings identifying the terminals in your plug, proceed as follows:
The wire which is coloured Green and Yellow must be connected to the terminal in
the plug which is marked with the letter E or by the earth symbol.
The wire which is coloured Blue must be connected to the terminal in the plug
which is marked with the letter N
The wire which is coloured Brown must be connected to the terminal in the plug
which is marked with the letter L
Ensure that these colour codes are followed carefully in the event of the plug being
changed
This unit is capable of operating over a range of mains voltages as marked on the rear
panel.
NOTE: This equipment has been tested and found to comply with the limits for a Class A
digital device, pursuant to Part 15 of the FCC Rules. These limits are designed to provide
reasonable protection against harmful interference when the equipment is operated in
a commercial environment. This equipment generates, uses and can radiate radio frequency energy and, if not installed and used in accordance with the instruction manual,
may cause harmful interference to radio communications. Operation of this equipment
in a residential area is likely to cause harmful interference in which case the user will be
required to correct the interference at his own expense.
This Class A digital apparatus meets the requirements of the Canadian Interference-Causing
Equipment Regulations.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur
le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
5Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of the warranty please read this
section carefully.
SAFETY SYMBOL GUIDE
For your own safety and to avoid invalidation of the warranty all text marked
with these symbols should be read carefully.
WARNINGS
The lightning ash with arrowhead symbol, is intended to
alert the user to the presence of un-insulated “dangerous
voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of suf-
cient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to
persons.
CAUTIONS
The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is in-
tended to alert the user to the presence of important operat-
ing and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature
accompanying the appliance.
NOTES
Contain important information and useful tips on the opera-
tion of your equipment.
HEADPHONES SAFETY WARNING
Contain important information and useful tips on headphone
outputs and monitoring levels.
Recommended Headphone Impedance >= 32 Ohms.
6Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
7Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
CONSIGNES DE SÉCURITÉ IMPORTANTES
Lisez ces instructions.
Conservez ces instructions.
Respectez toutes les consignes de sécurité.
Suivez toutes les instructions.
N’utilisez pas cet appareil près d’une source liquide.
Nettoyez l’appareil uniquement avec un tissu sec.
N’obstruez pas les ouïes de ventilation. Installez uniquement en suivant les recommandations du fabricant.
N’installez pas cet appareil près d’une source de chaleur, comme un radiateur, une
chaudière ou tout autre appareil (amplicateurs inclus) générant de la chaleur.
Ne modiez pas les protections de la che secteur. Les ches polarisées sont équipées
d’une lame plus large que l’autre. Les ches avec mise à la terre disposent de deux
lames et d’une broche pour la terre. Ce dispositif garantit votre sécurité contre toute
électrocution. Si la che fournie ne correspond pas au format de vos prises murales,
consultez un électricien pour faire remplacer vos prises.
Protégez le cordon secteur contre tout dommage physique (pincement, etc.), plus
particulièrement au niveau des ches, des prises et de l’embase secteur.
Utilisez uniquement avec les accessoires/xations spéciés par le fabricant.
Utilisez uniquement avec un chariot, pied, trépied, xation ou table spécié par le
fabricant ou vendu avec le produit. Lorsque vous utilisez un chariot, veillez à assurer
sa stabilité pour éviter toute chute.
Déconnectez l’appareil du secteur lors des orages ou des longues périodes d’inutilisation.
Conez toutes les réparations à un personnel qualié. Faites contrôler le produit s’il
a été endommagé (che secteur ou cordon secteur endommagés, par exemple), s’il
y a eu inltration de liquide ou d’objets dans le boîtier, si l’appareil a été exposé à la
pluie ou à l’humidité, s’il ne fonctionne pas normalement ou s’il est tombé.
Remarque : Nous vous recommandons de coner toutes vos réparations à un centre
agréé par Soundcraft. Soundcraft n’accepte aucune responsabilité pour les réparations
ou entretiens effectués par un personnel qui n’est pas agréé.
8Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
ATTENTION : Pour réduire les risques d’incendie ou d’électrocution, n’exposez pas ce
produit à la pluie ou à l’humidité.
Ce produit ne doit être exposé à aucune source liquide, et aucun contenant rempli de
liquide, tel un vase, ne doit être déposé sur celui-ci.
Ne placez aucune source à amme nue, telle une bougie, sur l’appareil.
Veillez à ce qu’aucun objet (journal, nappe, rideau, etc.) n’obstrue les ouïes de ventilation.
CET APPAREIL DOIT ÊTRE RELIÉ À LA TERRE. La broche de mise à la terre ne doit en aucun
cas être déconnectée du cordon ou de la prise secteur.
Pour déconnecter l’appareil du secteur, déconnectez le cordon secteur de l’embase secteur
ou de la prise secteur. Celles-ci doivent rester accessibles en tout temps.
Faites remplacer le cordon secteur si l’une des parties est endommagée. Les informations
ci-dessous ne servent que de références.
Les ls du cordon secteur sont repérés par des couleurs :
Terre (Masse) : Vert et Jaune (US - Vert/Jaune)
Neutre : Bleu (US - Blanc)
Phase (Point chaud) : Marron (US - Noir)
Si les couleurs ou les codes sont différents dans votre région, procédez comme suit :
Le l Vert et Jaune doit être connecté à la borne repérée par la lettre E ou par le symbole
de terre/masse.
Le l Bleu doit être connecté à la borne N (neutre) de la prise.
Le l Marron doit être connecté à la borne L (phase).
Si vous devez remplacer la prise ou la che secteur, veillez à assurer le respect des couleurs et le raccordement à la terre, au neutre et à la phase.
La console ne peut être reliée qu’à une ligne secteur de la tension indiquée en face arrière.
REMARQUE : Suite aux tests effectués, il est établi que ce produit répond aux normes de
l’alinéa 15 des réglementations fédérales américaines sur les produits numériques de
Classe A. Ces normes sont établies an de vous protéger contre toute interférence nuisible
en installation commerciale. Cet appareil génère, utilise et émet des fréquences radio.
Par conséquent, s’il n’est pas installé et utilisé en suivant les instructions, il peut causer
des interférences nuisibles aux communications radio. L’utilisation en environnement
résidentiel peut causer des interférences. L’utilisateur doit alors faire corriger le problème
à ses frais. Cet appareil numérique de Classe A répond aux normes canadiennes sur le
brouillage radioélectrique.
Cet appareil numérique de la Classe A respecte toutes les exigences du Règlement sur
le matériel brouilleur du Canada.
9Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
Pour assurer votre sécurité et éviter toute annulation de la garantie, veuillez lire
attentivement les paragraphes repérés par ces symboles de sécurité.
GUIDE DES SYMBOLES DE SÉCURITÉ
Pour assurer votre sécurité et éviter toute annulation de la
garantie, veuillez lire attentivement les paragraphes repérés
par ces symboles de sécurité.
AVERTISSEMENT
Le symbole de l’éclair avec une èche prévient l’utilisateur
d’une tension dangereuse non isolée dans le boîtier de
l’appareil, pouvant être sufsamment forte pour constituer
un risque d’électrocution pour les personnes exposées.
ATTENTION !
Le point d’exclamation dans un triangle signale à l’utilisateur
la présence d’instructions importantes pour l’utilisation et
l’entretien dans le mode d’emploi fourni avec l’appareil.
REMARQUES
Informations utiles sur l’utilisation de la console.
CONSIGNES DE SÉCURITÉ POUR L’UTILISATION DE L’EMBASE
CASQUE
Informations importantes et astuces pratiques pour les
embases casques et les niveaux d’écoute.
Impédance minimum recommandée pour le casque : >
32 Ohms.
10Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
INTRODUCTION
Thank you for purchasing a Soundcraft MPMi/MFXi mixer. The MPMi and MFXi ranges
are our most cost-effective mixing solutions, bringing you all the features and performance that you expect from a Soundcraft product, at an extraordinarily low price.
The packaging, in which your console arrived, forms part of the product and must
be retained for future use.
Owning a Soundcraft console brings you the expertise and support of one of the
industry’s leading manufacturers, and the results of over three decades of supporting some of the biggest names in the business. Our knowledge has been attained
through working in close contact with leading professionals and institutes to bring
you products designed to get the best possible results from your mixing.
Built to the highest standards using quality components and surface mount technology, the MPMi/MFXi is designed to be as easy to use as possible. We have spent
years researching the most efcient methods of control for two key reasons:
1) Engineers, musicians, writers and programmers all need to have very few interruptions to the creative process; our products have been designed to be almost
transparent, allowing this process to breathe.
2) Whether performing or recording, time is a very expensive and rare commodity.
Our products have a user interface which is recognised by millions to be the industry
standard because of its efciency.
The sonic qualities of our products are exemplary - some of the same circuits which
are used on our most expensive consoles are employed in the MPMi/MFXi, bringing
you the great Soundcraft quality in a small format console without compromise.
You will also be glad to know you have a one year warranty with your product from
the date of purchase. The MPMi/MFXi has been designed using the latest high-end
software based engineering packages. Every console from Soundcraft has been
proven to stand up to all the stress and rigours of modern day mixing environments.
The entire MPMi/MFXi range is manufactured using some of the most advanced
techniques in the world, from high density surface mount PCB technology, to computer aided test equipment able to measure signals well outside the range of normal
hearing. As each console passes through to be quality checked before packing,
there is also a human listening station. Something we have learnt over the years is
that the human touch counts - and only by using people can you ensure the product
meets the high demands of the user.
ADVICE FOR THOSE WHO PUSH THE BOUNDARIES
Although your new console will not output any sound until you feed it signals, it has
the capability to produce sounds which when monitored through an amplier or
headphones can damage hearing over time.
Please take care when working with your audio - if you are manipulating controls
which you don’t understand (which we all do when we are learning), make sure your
monitors are turned down. Remember that your ears are the most important tool of
your trade, look after them, and they will look after you.
Most importantly - don’t be afraid to experiment to nd out how each parameter
affects the sound - this will extend your creativity and help you to get the best from
your mixer and the most respect from your artists and audience.
11Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
THE 60-SECOND GUIDE - MFXi
S.HALL
L.HALL
V.HALL
D.HALL
S.PLT
L.PLT
V.PLT
D.PLT
ROOM
STUDIO
CHMBR
AMB
ARENA
GATED
REV
SPRING
To get you working as fast as possible, this manual begins with a 60-second guide. Here you can nd quick
information on any feature of the console. This shows the MFXi console.
1 MIC INPUT (XLR)Connect Microphones here. If you are using a condenser mic, ensure phantom
power is supplied by pressing the switch at the top of the master section.
WARNING: Do Not apply Phantom Power before connecting a microphone.
2 LINE INPUT (¼” Jack) Connect Line level sources here, e.g. Synth, Drum Machine, DI etc.
3 INSERT POINT (¼” Jack) Connect Signal processors here, e.g. Compressor, Gate etc.
4 GAIN CONTROL Adjust this to increase or decrease the level of the incoming signal.
5 HPF The high-pass lter reduces the level of bass frequencies only. Use this in live PA
6 EQ STAGE Adjust these controls to change the signal tone (the character of the signal).
7 AUX 1 & 2 SENDS Adjust these controls to change the level of the signal to an artist’s monitors
situations to reduce stage rumble or ‘popping’ from mics.
(headphones/in-ear/stage monitors). Aux 1 send is pre-fade. Aux 2 is globally
switchable pre/post fade.
8 FX SEND This control sets the level of the post-fade signal being sent to the FX bus; from
9 PAN CONTROL Use this control to position the signal within the stereo eld.
10 MUTE SWITCH When this is pressed you will hear no signal from the channel.
there it is routed to the FX processor.
11PFLWhen pressed the signal will appear on the monitor and headphone outputs - use
this to monitor the post-EQ signal from the channel.
Your MFXi console is equipped with a Kensington® Security slot on the rear panel for use with compatible PC/Laptop security cables.
For more information about the Kensington range of security devices please visit http://us.kensington.com
12Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
12 MIX/SUB SWITCHWhen this switch is up, the channel’s post-pan-pot signal is routed to the Mix (left
and right) buses. When the switch is depressed, the post-pan-pot signal is routed
to the Sub-group (left and right) buses.
13PEAK LEDThis is used to indicate that the signal is close to distorting (clipping) on a specic
channel.
14 SP LEDThe SP LED glows when a signal is present. The feed point for the LED is post-insert,
pre-EQ.
15 INPUT CHANNEL FADER This is used to control the level fed to the Mix Bus and post-fade sends.
16 MIX OUTPUTS (XLR) Connect these to your analogue recording device, or to your amplication system.
& MONO OUT (¼” Jack)
17 SUB-GROUP OUTPUTS These outputs can be connected to a separate amplier system or to an external
(¼” Jack) processor.
18 SUB-GROUP ROUTING The sub-group mix can be routed to the main mix, in mono or stereo.
19 MASTER FADERS These faders control the overall level of the mix and sub-group outputs.
20 MAIN METERS These show the level of the mix outputs. When the master SOLO LED is lit, the meters
show the level of the selected AFL/PFL signal.
21 MONITOR OUTPUTS These are used to feed your monitoring system. This can be directly connected to
(¼” Jack) powered monitors, or indirectly via an amplier to standard monitors.
22 MONITOR CONTROL This controls the level of the signal sent to your monitoring system.
23 MONITOR SELECT SWITCH This switch selects the signal source to be monitored. Note that the 2-TK input can
be monitored also, see item 31 below.
24 PHONES CONTROL This controls the level of the signal sent to the headphones jack socket.
25 HEADPHONES (¼” Jack) Plug your headphones into this socket. Recommended headphones impedance is
32 ohms or greater.
26 AUX 1 & 2 OUTPUTS
(¼” Jacks)
27 AUX CONTROLS The rotary controls set the output levels of the two Aux Outputs. The After Fade
& AFL SWITCHES (AFL) Listen switches route their respective aux output signal to the monitor/
28 AUX 2 POST/PRE SWITCH This switch globally changes the AUX 2 feed on all the input modules to be either
29 STEREO INPUTS (¼” Jack) These two pairs of inputs can be used to connect line level stereo inputs from key-
30 2-TRACK INPUTS
31 2-TRACK CONTROLS Use these to control the 2 Track signal. The MONITOR switch sends the signal to the
32 RECORD OUTPUTS
33 PHANTOM POWER Press this to globally switch the phantom power (48V) on for condenser micro-
WARNING: Do Not apply Phantom Power before connecting a microphone.
34 STEREO RETURN INPUTS This pair of inputs accept 3-pole ‘A’ gauge (TRS) jacks. Use these inputs for sources
35 STEREO RETURN CONTROL This control sets the level of signal routed to the main mix busses.
36 FX BUS OUTPUT This output carries the signal from the FX bus. It could be used as a third Aux Output
37 FX CONTROL & AFL SWITCH The rotary control regulates the signal level being fed from the FX bus to the FX
38 FOOTSWITCH CONNECTOR This is used by the FX Processor, see page 25.
39 LEXICON® FX PROCESSOR See the information starting on page 24.
(RCA Phono)
(RCA Phono)
These outputs can be used to send the channel signal to an artist’s monitors (head
phones/in-ear/stage monitors), external FX or secondary PA/monitor system.
headphones outputs.
post-fade or pre-fade.
boards, sound modules, samplers, computer based audio cards etc. These inputs
pass through a stereo channel strip, with EQ, Auxes and a Balance control. Mono
sources may be used by plugging into the left jack only.
You can connect the playback from your recording device here.
monitor outputs and phones, whilst the TO MIX switch sends it to the main mix.
You can connect these to the inputs of your recording device.
phones.
such as keyboards, drum machines, synths or CDs. The inputs are BALANCED. Mono
sources may be used by plugging into the left jack only.
if desired if the FX Processor is not needed at the time. The FX sends on the inputs
channels to the FX bus are always post-fade.
processor and to the FX BUS OUTPUT socket. The After-Fade Listen (AFL) switch
routes this post-FX-control, pre-FX signal to the monitor/headphones outputs.
13Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
THE 60-SECOND GUIDE - MPMi
To get you working as fast as possible, this manual begins with a 60-second guide. Here you can nd quick
information on any feature of the console. .
28
2516
123456789101112
MICMICMICMICMICMICMICMICM ICM ICM ICM IC
1
2
LINELINELINELINELINELINELINELINELINELINELINELINELIN E
1 MIC INPUT (XLR)Connect Microphones here. If you are using a condenser mic, ensure phantom
power is supplied by pressing the switch at the top of the master section.
WARNING: Do Not apply Phantom Power before connecting a microphone.
2 LINE INPUT (¼” Jack) Connect Line level sources here, e.g. Synth, Drum Machine, DI etc.
3 INSERT POINT (¼” Jack) Connect Signal processors here, e.g. Compressor, Gate etc.
4 GAIN CONTROL Adjust this to increase or decrease the level of the incoming signal.
5 HPF The high-pass lter reduces the level of bass frequencies only. Use this in live PA
situations to reduce stage rumble or ‘popping’ from mics.
6 EQ STAGE Adjust these controls to change the signal tone (the character of the signal).
7 AUX SENDS Adjust these controls to change the level of the signal to an artist’s monitors
(headphones/in-ear/stage monitors). Aux 1 send is pre-fade. Aux 2 is globally
switchable pre/post fade, Aux 3 send is post-fade
8 PAN CONTROL Use this control to position the signal within the stereo eld.
9 MUTE SWITCH When this is pressed you will hear no signal from the channel.
10 PFL When pressed the signal will appear on the monitor and headphone outputs - use
this to monitor the post-EQ signal from the channel.
11 MIX/SUB SWITCHWhen this switch is up, the channel’s post-pan-pot signal is routed to the Mix (left
and right) buses. When the switch is depressed, the post-pan-pot signal is routed
to the Sub-group (left and right) buses.
14Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
12 PEAK LED This is used to indicate that the signal is close to distorting (clipping) on a specic
channel.
13 SP LED The SP LED glows when a signal is present. The feed point for the LED is post-insert,
pre-EQ.
14 INPUT CHANNEL FADER This is used to control the level fed to the Mix Bus and post-fade sends.
15 MIX OUTPUTS (XLR) Connect these to your analogue recording device, or to your amplication &
MONO OUT (¼” Jack) system.
16 SUB-GROUP OUTPUTS These outputs can be connected to a separate amplier system or to an external
(¼” Jack) processor.
17 SUB-GROUP ROUTING
The sub-group mix can be routed to the main mix, in mono or stereo.
18 MASTER FADERS These faders control the overall level of the mix and sub-group outputs.
19 MAIN METERS These show the level of the mix outputs. When the master SOLO LED is lit, the meters
show the level of the selected AFL/PFL signal.
20 MONITOR OUTPUTS These are used to feed your monitoring system. This can be directly connected to
(¼” Jack) powered monitors, or indirectly via an amplier to standard monitors.
21 MONITOR CONTROL This controls the level of the signal sent to your monitoring system.
22 MONITOR SELECT SWITCH This switch selects the signal source to be monitored. Note that the 2-TK input can
be monitored also, see item 30 below.
23 PHONES CONTROL This controls the level of the signal sent to the headphones jack socket.
24 HEADPHONES (¼” Jack) Plug your headphones into this socket. Recommended headphones impedance is
32 ohms or greater.
25 AUX 1, 2 & 3 OUTPUTS These outputs can be used to send the channel signal to an artist’s monitors
(¼” Jacks) (headphones/in-ear/stage monitors), external FX or secondary PA/monitor system.
26 AUX CONTROLS The rotary controls set the output levels of the three Aux Outputs. The After
& AFL SWITCHES Fade Listen (AFL) switches route their respective aux output signal to the monitor/
headphones outputs.
27 AUX 2 POST/PRE SWITCH This switch globally changes the AUX 2 feed on all the input modules to be either
post-fade or pre-fade.
28 STEREO INPUTS (¼” Jack) These two pairs of inputs can be used to connect line level stereo inputs from key-
boards, sound modules, samplers, computer based audio cards etc. These inputs
pass through a stereo channel strip, with EQ, Auxes and a Balance control. Mono
sources may be used by plugging into the left jack only.
29 2-TRACK INPUTS (RCA Phono) You can connect the playback from your recording device here.
30 2-TRACK CONTROLS Use these to control the 2 Track signal. The Monitor switch sends the signal to the
monitor outputs and phones, whilst the TO MIX switch sends it to the main mix.
31 Record Outputs (RCA Phono) You can connect these to the inputs of your recording device.
32 PHANTOM POWER Press this to globally switch the phantom power (48V) on for condenser microphones.WARNING: Do Not apply Phantom Power before connecting a microphone.
Your MFXi console is equipped with a Kensington® Security slot on the rear panel for use with compatible PC/Laptop security cables.
For more information about the Kensington range of security devices please visit http://us.kensington.com
15Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
WIRING UP
Mic Input
The MIC input accepts XLR-type connectors and is designed to suit a wide
range of BALANCED or UNBALANCED low-level signals, whether from delicate
vocals requiring the best low-noise performance, or drum kits needing maximum headroom. Professional dynamic, condenser or ribbon mics are best
because these will be LOW IMPEDANCE. While you can use low-cost HIGH
IMPEDANCE mics, you do not get the same degree of immunity to interference on the microphone cable and as a result the level of background noise
may be higher. If you turn the PHANTOM POWER on, the socket provides a
suitable powering voltage for professional condenser mics.
DO NOT use UNBALANCED sources with the phantom power
switched on. The voltage on pins 2 & 3 of the XLR connector may
cause serious damage. BALANCED dynamic mics may normally be
used with phantom power switched on (contact your microphone
manufacturer for guidance)
The input level is set using the input GAIN knob.
The LINE input offers the same gain range as the MIC input, but at a higher
input impedance, and is 15dB less sensitive. This is suitable for most line
level sources.
WARNING !
Start with the input GAIN knob turned fully anticlockwise
when plugging high level sources into the LINE input to avoid
overloading the input channel or giving you a very loud surprise!
Line Input
Accepts 3-pole 6.35mm (1/4”) jacks, or 2-pole mono jacks which will automatically ground the ‘cold’ input. Use this input for sources other than mics,
such as keyboards, drum machines, synths, tape machines or DI boxes. The
input is BALANCED for low noise and immunity from interference, but you
can use UNBALANCED sources by wiring up the jacks as shown, although
you should then keep cable lengths as short as possible to minimise interference pick-up on the cable. Note that the ring must be grounded if the
source is unbalanced. Set the input level using the GAIN knob, starting with
the knob turned fully anticlockwise. Unplug any MIC connection when using
the LINE input.
Insert Point
The unbalanced, pre-EQ insert point is a break in the channel signal path,
allowing limiters, compressors, special EQ or other signal processing units
to be added in the signal path. The Insert is a 3-pole 6.35mm (1/4”) jack
socket which is normally bypassed. When a jack is inserted, the signal path
is broken, just before the EQ section.
The signal from the channel appears on the TIP of the plug and is returned
on the RING, with the sleeve as a common ground.
The Send may be tapped off as an alternative pre-fade, pre-EQ direct output
if required, using a lead with tip and ring shorted together so that the signal
path is not interrupted.
16Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
A ‘Y’ lead may be required to connect to equipment with separate send and
From
Impedance-Balanced
Output
Signal +
Signal +
Screen
Screen
Signal -
Signal -
To External Device
To External Device
Experience has shown that sometimes it is better
not to connect screen at external device end.
Balanced Connection
Unbalanced Connection
From
Impedance-Balanced
Output
return jacks as shown below:
Stereo Inputs STEREO 1/2
These accept 3-pole 6.35mm (1/4”) jacks, or 2-pole mono jacks which will
automatically ground the ‘cold’ input. Use these inputs for sources such as
keyboards, drum machines, synths, tape machines or as returns from processing units. The input is BALANCED for low noise and immunity from interference, but you can use UNBALANCED sources by wiring up the jacks as shown,
although you should then keep cable lengths as short as possible to minimise
interference pick-up on the cable. Note that the ring must be grounded if the
source is unbalanced.
Mono sources can be fed to both paths by plugging into the Left jack only.
Mix Outputs
The MIX outputs are on XLR’s, wired as shown, and incorporate
impedance balancing, allowing long cable runs to balanced ampliers and other
equipment.
Aux and FX Bus Outputs
The Aux and FX Bus outputs are on 3-pole 6.35mm (1/4”) jack sockets, wired
as shown on the left, and are balanced, allowing long cable runs to balanced
ampliers and other equipment.
Headphones
The PHONES output is a 3-pole 6.35mm (1/4”) jack, wired as a stereo output
as shown, ideally for headphones of 32Ω or greater. 8Ω headphones are not
recommended.
17Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
Polarity (Phase)
You will probably be familiar with the concept of polarity in electrical signals and this
is of particular importance to balanced audio signals. Just as a balanced signal is
highly effective at cancelling out unwanted interference, so two microphones picking up the same signal can cancel out, or cause serious degradation of the signal
if one of the cables has the +ve and -ve wires reversed. This phase reversal can
be a real problem when microphones are close together and you should therefore
always take care to connect pins correctly when wiring audio cables.
Grounding and Shielding
For optimum performance use balanced connections where possible and ensure
that all signals are referenced to a solid, noise-free earthing point and that all signal
cables have their screens connected to ground. In some unusual circumstances,
to avoid earth or ground ‘loops’ ensure cable screens and other signal earths are
connected to ground only at their source and not at both ends.
If the use of unbalanced connections is unavoidable, you can minimise noise by
following these wiring guidelines:
•On INPUTS, unbalance at the source and use a twin screened cable as though
it were balanced.
•On OUTPUTS, connect the signal to the +ve output pin, and the ground of the
output device to -ve. If a twin screened cable is used, connect the screen
only at the mixer end.
•Avoid running audio cables or placing audio equipment close to thyristor
dimmer units or power cables.
•Noise immunity is improved signicantly by the use of low impedance sources,
such as good quality professional microphones or the outputs from most
modern audio equipment. Avoid cheaper high impedance microphones,
which may suffer from interference over long cable runs, even with well-made
cables.
Grounding and shielding is still seen as a black art, and the suggestions above are
only guidelines. If your system still hums, an earth/ground loop is the most likely
cause. Two examples of how an earth loop can occur are shown below.
Warning!
Under NO circumstances must the AC power mains earth be disconnected
from the mains lead.
18Soundcraft MFXi MPMi User Guide 0410
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