Peavey X-Four User Manual

owners manual

X-Four mixing console

X-Four owner’s manual

block diagram

Σ

OFF

Ø

R

L

1 3

SOLO

OFF

SOLO

AUDIO

ON

MONITOR OUT

SOURCE SELECT

POST / PRE FADER

LR

LR

FROM

SOLO

LOGIC

SCL+

HP

LEVEL

X-Four Block Diagram

SCL-

+10

+10

PEAK

LO MID

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

NO

+10

L

R

2

4

4

1

3

1
2

3
4
5

group p. 41

master p. 57

power supply p. 81

stereo inputs p. 25

mono inputs p. 7

table of contents

X-Four owner’s manual

how to use this manual

conventions

terms

indicators or controls employed on the X-Four console
will appear as:

TERMS

tasks

are broken down into steps

1

2

3

warnings

indicators

tips

see

see—references other sections of the manual containing

supplementary information on the current topic or a related issue

Prefered methods.

Helpful hints.

Feature insights.

+

Procedures not to attempt.

Issues or hazards to keep
in mind when operating
the equipment.

a

What to look
for on-screen.

Alerts, indicators, or
prompts that may appear.

®

p. 6

X-Four owner’s manual

mono input module

module

panel

legend

block diagram

1

p. 7

mono input module

features

phantom power—+48V

48 volts DC is applied to pins 2 and 3 on the mic-input XLR con­nector. This option is used with condenser microphones and active direct
boxes that require an external DC voltage (phantom power) in order to
operate.

pad

The mic-input signal is attenuated by 15dB to prevent some signals
(e.g. kick drum or lead vocal) from overloading the preamp stage.The pad
is used to bring a hot mic-input signal down to a controllable level.The
15dB pad is not functional when the

LINE switch is depressed.

line

The input preamp circuit is set up to accept a mic-level signal. This
signal is brought in via the XLR mic-input connector located on the rear
panel.The 1/4" TRS input jack is disabled.

The input preamp circuit is set up to accept a line-level signal from
either the XLR mic-input connector or the 1/4" TRS input jack, both locat­ed on the rear panel.

When a plug is inserted into the 1/4" TRS input jack, the XLR mic-input
connector is disabled.

polarity reverse—ø

This feature is used for correcting or minimizing polarity and phase relat­ed errors. For example, occasionally a balanced input connection is
reverse-wired before it gets to the mixing console. This can happen in
microphones, or in snake line interfaces. By using the polarity reverse fea­ture, this type of error can be corrected.

polarity inverted

polarity not inverted

If the channel peak
LED is illuminated,
first try lowering
the input gain control.

Only when this method is
unsuccessful should the pad
switch be engaged.

+

If the 48V phantom
power switch is
engaged, depressing this
switch disconnects phantom
power from the mic input
XLR.

+

1

When similar signals
from different chan­nels are combined, phase
cancellations can occur.

Reversing the polarity of an
input signal often corrects
such phasing errors.

+

The 48V switch should
not be engaged when
using standard (dynamic)
microphones, or other
sources that do not use
phantom power.

a

p. 8

X-Four owner’s manual

mono input module

module

panel

legend

block diagram

1

p. 9

mono input module

features

gain

The Input gain control range is closely related to the status of the

PAD

switch and the LINE switch. In order to establish proper gain structure in
the console, input gain settings must be set correctly.

LINE—switch-up PA D —switch-up

15 to 75dB of gain can be added the mic-input signal.

The impedance at the input XLR is 4kΩ.

LINE—switch-up PA D —switch-down

-5 to 55dB of gain can be added to the mic-input signal.
The impedance at the input XLR is 4kΩ.

LINE—switch-down PA D —switch-up or -down

-10 to 45dB of gain can be added the line-input signal.
The impedance at the input XLR and input 1/4" TRS is 20kΩ.

high-pass filter—HPF

Proper use of the high-pass filter reduces or eliminates unwanted low fre­quencies without substantially affecting the program material. Quite often
such unwanted low frequencies are included with in-coming mic- or line­input signals. For example, stage rumble or wind can be picked up through
vocal mics.The slope of the high-pass filter is 12dB per octave.

HPF

High-pass filter is on @ 80 Hz, 12 dB/octave

1

If the channel peak
LED is illuminated,
first try lowering
the input gain control.

Only when this method is
unsuccessful should the pad
switch be engaged.

+

1

p. 10

X-Four owner’s manual

mono input module

module

legend

block diagram

panel

p. 11

mono input module

EQ features

Many audio signals coming into the console require some degree of cor­rective eq in order to be part of a good sounding mix.

The input eq consists of four-bands: high, high-mid, low-mid and low.
The high and low bands have fixed frequencies while the high-mid and low­mid bands are sweepable, with their higher and lower frequencies over­lapping adjacent bands.

high frequency—HF

15dB boost and cut at 12kHz.
The boost response is bell-shaped and the cut response is shelving.

high-mid frequency—HM

15dB boost and cut.
Selectable frequency range of 400Hz to 8 kHz.
The response is bell shaped with a fixed Q of 1.5

low-mid frequency—LM

15dB boost and cut
Selectable frequency range of 80Hz to 2 kHz.
The response is bell shaped with a fixed Q of 1.5

low frequency—LF

15dB boost and cut at 80Hz.
The boost response is bell-shaped and the cut response is shelving.

eq on

Equalizer is on. This switch can be used to make A/B comparisons
between "flat" and eq'd signals.

1

1

p. 12

X-Four owner’s manual

mono input module

module

panel

block diagram

p. 13

mono input module

aux send features

Six auxiliary AUX SENDS

are available for creating individual output mixes.
These mixes can be used for driving effects processors, providing monitor
mixes, creating broadcast or alternate sound reinforcement mixes, or
other special requirements.

aux sends 1–6

These knobs adjust the amount of signal sent to the AUX buses.

Unity gain occurs at the zero setting.

AUX 6 and 8 controls pan function

when selected for stereo operation.

aux 1–4, 5/6 pre-fader—PRE

The default signal source for the AUX SENDS is post-fader. These switches
are used for selecting the pre-fader signal for their respective auxes.The
pre-fader signal is derived post-mute and post-eq.

see—internal jumper options

AUX SENDS

are post-eq, post-mute, and post-fader.

AUX SENDS

are post-eq, post-mute, and pre-fader.

aux stereo 5/6

The default configuration for AUX

5, and 6, are mono, as with AUX 1–4.

In situations where stereo-aux signals are required (such as driving stereo
in-ear monitors or effects processors), this switch reconfigures the

AUX

SENDS

to operate in stereo by changing the functions of the potentiometers.

AUXES

are configured as individual mono sends.

AUXES are configured as level and pan for stereo operation.

1

1

p. 14

X-Four owner’s manual

mono input module

module

panel

block diagram

p. 15

mono input module

bus assignment features

The Input bus assignment section offers considerable flexibility for creat­ing what eventually becomes the main output mix. Such features as

LCR,

GROUP PAN ON

and eight-individual group assignments allow several
approaches to building the desired mix.All assignments are derived post­fader, post-eq,and post-mute.

left-center-right—LCR

This feature is used to precisely position a signal in a sound system with a
center speaker cluster in addition to left and right clusters.The

PAN control

becomes an integral part of how the input-signal is sent to the

LEFT, CEN-

TER, and RIGHT outputs.

The post-fader signal is assigned to the

LEFT

, RIGHT, and MONO/CENTER
buses. Relative amounts of the signal fed to each bus is determined by the
position of the

PAN control.

pan control

The pan control positions the signal within the stereo left/right field,
(or between left/center or center/right in

LCR mode).The signal must be

assigned as stereo in order for the pan control to have any affect.

see—left-center-right

mute

The Mute switch mutes the channel as well as both pre- and post-

fader

AUX SENDS.

write-in label

This label may be written on with a grease-marker, and later wiped clean
with a cloth moistened with isopropyl/rubbing alcohol. Masking tape may
also be placed on this surface, if desired.

1

An internal jumper
can be used to defeat
pre-fader muting.

+

1

p. 16

X-Four owner’s manual

mono input module

module

panel

block diagram

p. 17

mono input module

bus assignment features

mute

The Mute switch mutes the channel as well as both pre- and post-

fader

AUX SENDS

.

write-in label

This label may be written on with a grease-marker, and later wiped clean
with a cloth moistened with isopropyl/rubbing alcohol. Masking tape may
also be placed on this surface, if desired.

1

1

p. 18

X-Four owner’s manual

mono input module

module

panel

block diagram

p. 19

mono input module

level meter features

level meter

Each input includes a five-segment

LED meter

for visually monitoring signal levels.This is essential for setting up and main­taining proper gain structure.

peak indicator—PK

The input signal is monitored at several points throughout the chan­nel.These points are the mic preamp, the EQ stage and the fader stage.
Overloads at any of these stages will cause the red peak-

LED to light.

Then the channel gain should reduced.

signal level LED’s

These three LED's light up at +8—yellow, 0—green, and -6 dB—
green. This level range -6 to +8 is the optimum operating range.

Compressed or relatively constant signals should remain close to 0.

signal present indicator—SIG

This green-LED varies in brightness in response to signal levels
between -40 dB and -6 dB.

LED

LED

LED

LED

LED

LED

LED

LED

Occasional flashing of the
peak LED is acceptable,
but frequent flashes indi­cate that channel levels
must be lowered.

®

1

If the channel peak
LED is illuminated,
first try lowering
the input gain control.

Only when this method is
unsuccessful should the pad
switch be engaged.

+

1

p. 20

X-Four owner’s manual

mono input module

module

panel

block diagram

p. 21

mono input module

bus assignment features

mono assignment—M

The signal is assigned to the discrete mono bus.
When the

LCR button is depressed, this switch is bypassed.

left / right assignment—L-R

The Group signal is assigned to the main Left and Right output buses,
deriving its signal after the channels pan system.When the LCR button is
depressed, this switch is bypassed.

pan on—groups—BAL ON

The four GROUP assignment switches assign the input signal in mono,
independent of the pan pot.

The four

GROUP assignment switches assign signals as four stereo-

pairs.The

PAN

control governs the stereo placement of the four stereo-

pairs, which are now configured as odd–left / even–right.

For example:

GROUP 1—left,GROUP 2—right, GROUP 3—left,GROUP 4—right.

group 1–4 assignment

The input channel's post-fader signal is assigned to the correspond­ing

GROUP bus(es).

see—pan on—groups

input fader

The input fader is the primary level control for signals being sent to any of
the console's mix buses.The only signals not affected are

AUX sends select-

ed to be pre-fader. The fader offers greater than 80db of attenuation and
up to 10db of boost. Normal operation is between -10 and 0.

pre-fader listen—

PFL

Pressing this switch will include (illuminated) or exclude (not-illumi­nated) the input channel.

see—master module

Always turn off and
disconnect the amplifi­er from mains voltage
before making audio
connections.

As an extra precaution, have
the attenuators turned down
during power-up.

+

1

1

p. 22

X-Four owner’s manual

mono input module

module

panel

block diagram

p. 23

mono input module

rear panel features

direct out

1/4" TRS jack

The input channel's signal is available at this output jack.The
default signal routing is derived post-fader, post-eq and post-mute.This
output jack is ground-compensated.

insert points

Separate 1/4" TRS jacks provide the facilities for inserting an external sig­nal processor into the signal path of the input channel.

insert send

This jack serves as an output for connection to the input of a
signal processor. The signal is derived after the mic preamp and

HPF but

before the eq section.Plugging a

1/4" TRS plug into this jack does not break

the signal flow of the channel.This output jack is ground-compensated.

insert return

The output of a signal processor is fed to this jack.It can accept
a balanced or unbalanced signal and is located pre-eq.

balanced line-in jack—Bal Line In

Line-level signals, balanced or unbalanced, may be brought into
the input channel through this jack.The

LINE

switch must be depressed for

this jack to be active.

balanced mic-in xlr connector—Bal Mic In

This balanced female XLR accepts a low-impedance microphone

signal, or a line-level signal, depending on position of the

LINE switch on

the front panel.

see—mono input module, phantom power, line

F

In situations where
the preamp circuitry is
not needed, the Insert
Return can be used as the
channel’s input.

For example, when using an
expensive tube mic preamp.

+

The insert send can
also be used as an
additional channel output
when s pre-EQ signal is
needed.

+

1

p. 24

X-Four owner’s manual

stereo input module

module

panel

legend

block diagram

Ø

R

L

1 3

+10

L

R

NO

2

p. 25

stereo input module

features

The stereo input module can be configured to operate as either stereo or
mono.When configured to operate in mono, many features are identical
to those of the mono input module.

line select—Line 2

This switch determines selection of input signals from the three sets of
rear panel connectors.

The channel is in LINE 1 MODE. The signals are brought in via the left

and right line-input

XLRs located on the rear panel.

The channel is in

LINE 2 MODE.The signals are brought in via the RCA

line-input connectors which are normalled through the 1/4" TRS line-input
jacks. Insertion of a plug into the

1/4"

jack disconnects the RCA jacks.

left and right mono-switches

These switches provide several options for configuring the stereo line­input module as a mono line-input module.

left right
Signals brought into the left and right inputs are treated as stereo
throughout the module.

left right
Signals brought into the left and right inputs are summed together imme­diately before the

GAIN control.The summed signal is treated as mono

throughout the rest of the module.

left right
The signal fed to the left input is treated as a mono signal throughout the
module. No signal from the right input is used.

left right
The signal fed to the right input is treated as a mono signal throughout
the module. No signal from the left input is used.

2

To avoid redundancy,
mono features will refer
back to corresponding sec­tions on the Mono module.

Descriptions given here are
specifically for the default
Stereo configuration.

+

p. 26

X-Four owner’s manual

stereo input module

module

panel

legend

block diagram

Ø

R

L

1 3

+10

L

R

NO

2

p. 27

stereo input module

features

input gain—GAIN

This control adjust the gain of the input preamp(s).

Both left and right input signals are affected by this control.

polarity reverse—ø

This switch inverts the polarity of the right input signal in relation to the
left input signal.

see—mono input module

Polarity of the right input signal is inverted.

Polarity of the right input signal is not inverted.

high-pass filter—

HPF

The high-pass filter is activated for signals coming into both the left and
right inputs.The shelving frequency is fixed at 80Hz with a slope of 12dB
per octave.

Proper use of the high-pass filter reduces or eliminates unwanted low fre­quencies, without substantially affecting the program material. Quite often
such unwanted low frequencies are included with in-coming mic- or line­input signals. For example, stage-rumble or wind can be picked up through
vocal mics.

2

2

p. 28

X-Four owner’s manual

stereo input module

module

panel

legend

block diagram

Ø

R

L

1 3

+10

L

R

NO

p. 29

stereo input module

four-band stereo EQ features

Although left and right signals are processed separately, the parameters are
set in tandem by common front-panel controls.

see—mono input module

high frequency—HF

15dB boost and cut at 12kHz—shelving response.

high-mid frequency—HM

15dB boost and cut.

Selectable frequency range of 400Hz to 8 kHz.
The response is bell-shaped with a fixed Q of 1.5

low-mid frequency—LM

15dB boost and cut.
Selectable frequency range of 80Hz to 2kHz.
The response is bell-shaped with a fixed Q of 1.5

low frequency—LF

15dB boost and cut at 80Hz.
The boost response is bell-shaped and the cut response is shelving.

equalizer—EQ ON

Equalizer is on.This switch can be used to make A/B comparisons

between "flat" and eq'd signals.

2

2

p. 30

X-Four owner’s manual

stereo input module

module

panel

block diagram

Ø

R

L

1 3

+10

L

R

NO

p. 31

stereo input module

aux send features

The following descriptions apply to the stereo line input module when
configured for stereo operation.

see—mono input module for mono operation

aux send 1–6 controls

These knobs adjust the amount of signal sent the

AUX buses.

AUX 1–4 are fed from a summed-mono source. AUXES 5–6 are also fed

from this mono source, but can be switched to stereo operation.

see—stereo balance

aux 1-4, 5/6 pre-fader—PRE

The default signal source for the AUX SENDS is post-fader. These switches
select a pre-fader source for their respective auxes.The pre-fader signal is
derived post-mute and post-eq.

see—internal jumper options

Corresponding AUX SENDS are post-eq, post-mute and post-fader.

Corresponding

AUX SENDS are post-eq, post-mute and pre-fader.

stereo balance 5 and 6—

STEREO

AUX 5 and 6 are mono.

AUX 5 acts as a left and right level-control and AUX 6 acts as a left/right

balance-control.

2

2

p. 32

X-Four owner’s manual

stereo input module

module

panel

block diagram

Ø

R

L

1 3

+10

L

R

NO

p. 33

stereo input module

bus assignment features

balance control

The Balance control adjusts the Stereo balance for Left/Right and the

Group Assignment section when in Balance mode.

When the Stereo Line Input module is being used as a Mono input, the
Balance control functions as a Pan control.

mute

see—mono input module for full description

write-in label

This label may be written on with a grease-marker, and later wiped clean
with a cloth moistened with isopropyl/rubbing alcohol.

2

2

p. 34

X-Four owner’s manual

stereo input module

module

panel

block diagram

Ø

R

L

1 3

+10

L

R

NO

p. 35

stereo input module

bus assignment features

peak indicator—PK

The input signal is monitored at several points throughout the chan­nel.These points are the mic preamp, the EQ stage and the fader stage.
Overloads at any of these stages will cause the red peak-

LED

to light.

Then the channel gain should reduced.

signal level LED’s

These three LED's light up at +8—yellow, 0—green, and -6 dB—
green. This level range -6 to +8 is the optimum operating range.

Compressed or relatively constant signals should remain close to 0.

mono assignment—M

The input signal is assigned to the discrete mono bus. Left and right
signals are summed to make up the mono or center signal.

left/right assignment—

L/R

The stereo input signals are assigned directly to the main left and
right output buses.

The proportion of left vs. right can be adjusted by the

BALANCE control.

LED

LED

Best operation occurs when
the green

LED is brightly

illuminated and the red

LED

occasionally flickers.

®

2

2

p. 36

X-Four owner’s manual

stereo input module

module

panel

block diagram

Ø

R

L

1 3

+10

L

R

NO

p. 37

stereo input module

bus assignment features

balance on—groups—

BAL ON

The left and right signals are summed as mono to make up the group
assignment signals.

The left and right signals are assigned in stereo to the groups in
odd/even pairs.

GROUP

assignment switches 1 and 3 carry the left input-sig-

nal and

GROUP

assignment switches 2 and 4 carry the right input-signal.

The proportion of left vs. right can be adjusted by the

BALANCE control.

group 1–4 assignment

The input channel's post-fader signal is assigned to the correspond­ing

GROUP bus(es).

see—balance on—groups

input fader

The input fader is the primary level control for signals being sent to any of
the console's mix buses.The only signals not affected are

AUX sends select-

ed to be pre-fader. The fader offers greater than 80db of attenuation and
up to 10db of boost. Normal operation is between -10 and 0.

pre-fader listen—PFL

Pressing this switch will include (illuminated) or exclude (not-illumi­nated) the input channel.

see—master module

2

2

p. 38

X-Four owner’s manual

stereo input module

module

panel

block diagram

Ø

R

L

1 3

+10

L

R

NO

p. 39

stereo input module

rear panel features

The stereo line-input module provides connectors for three stereo line­level signals.

see—line 2 switch.

balanced left and right line-in XLR connectors

These two jacks accept balanced or unbalanced +4dB line level signals.The

LINE

2 switch on front-panel must be disengaged for these connectors to

be active.

line-input left and right

1/4" TRS jacks

These two jacks accept balanced or unbalanced line level signals.The LINE

2

switch on front panel must be engaged for these jacks to be active.

line-input left and right

RCA connectors

These two jacks accept unbalanced line-level signals.They are active when
the

LINE 2 switch on front-panel is engaged and nothing is plugged into the

corresponding left or right

1/4" TRS jack(s).

F

2

p. 40

X-Four owner’s manual

group module

module

panel

block diagram

Σ

+10

+10

Σ

3

p. 41

group module

output eq features

The X-Four output-section includes eight output-equalizers occupying the
upper portions of the four

GROUP

sub-modules and the four

MASTER sub-

modules.

By using designated assignment switches, output eq’s can be fed by the six

AUXES or GROUPS

, the two matrix masters or left, right, and mono masters.
Each eq features four bands of equalization,making them ideal for feeding
on-stage or in-ear monitors.

high frequency—HF

15dB boost and cut at 12kHz—shelving response.

high-mid frequency—HM

15dB boost and cut.

Selectable frequency range of 400Hz to 8 kHz.
The response is bell-shaped with a fixed Q of 1.5

mid frequency—MID

15dB boost and cut

Selectable frequency range of 200Hz to 4kHz.

The response is bell-shaped with a fixed Q of 1.5

low-mid frequency—LM

15dB boost and cut.
Selectable frequency range of 80Hz to 2kHz.
The response is bell-shaped with a fixed Q of 1.5

low frequency—LF

15dB boost and cut at 80Hz.
The boost response is bell-shaped and the cut response is shelving.

3

p. 42

X-Four owner’s manual

group module

module

panel

block diagram

Σ

+10

+10

Σ

3

p. 43

group module

output EQ features

equalizer—EQ ON

Equalizer is on.This switch can be used to make A/B comparisons

between "flat" and eq'd signals.

group equalization —per output channel—EQ TO GROUP

This switch selects the signal path for the eq.

eq to

AUX MASTERS

eq to GROUPS

This switch can be
used to make A/B
comparisons of "flat"
and EQ'd signals.

+

3

p. 44

X-Four owner’s manual

group module

module

panel

block diagram

Σ

+10

+10

Σ

3

legend

p. 45

group module

matrix features

The X-Four includes two MATRIX

outputs. Each of these outputs can be

made up of signals from the four

GROUPS

; the left, right and mono buses;

and an external source.

matrix 1–2 levels—M1, M2

These level controls are used to mix the group's signal into the cor-

responding matrix.

post-group

The GROUP fader setting has no effect on the group-to-matrix level

controls 1–2.

The

GROUP fader is introduced into the signal path.When the group

is muted, the matrix level controls 1–2 are muted as well.

3

p. 46

X-Four owner’s manual

group module

module

panel

block diagram

Σ

+10

+10

Σ

3

legend

p. 47

group module

fader reverse

The AUX /

GRP feature is used to swap the functions of the

AUX MASTER con-

trols and the

GROUP MASTER

controls and the

AUX MASTER and LEFT/RIGHT

MAIN

controls.

Swapped controls include: the

TALK TO

switch, the SOLO switch, the

MUTE

switch, and the MASTER LEVEL

control (via rotary control on the

AUX MASTER

and a fader on the GROUP MASTER

).

reversing aux / group and aux / main

AUX—red LED off

The

AUX 1– 6 and GROUP 1– 4 MASTER and LEFT/RIGHT MAIN level controls,

SOLO, MUTE and TALK TO switches operate as normal in their default con-

figuration.

GRP—red

LED

on

AUX and GROUP functions are reversed.

The

AUX 1– 6 output levels are controlled by the output faders.

The

AUX SAFE PREVIEW LED, AUX SOLO, and AUX TALK TO switches apply to

the

GROUP output signal.

The

GROUP 1– 4 and LEFT/RIGHT MAIN output levels are controlled by the

rotary

AUX 1– 6 MASTER level controls.

The

GROUP SOLO, GROUP MUTE and GROUP TALK TO switches apply to the

AUX

output signal.

aux 1–6 output level

The AUX MASTER output level controls set the levels that appear at the

corresponding

AUX output connectors on the rear-panel.

talk to—aux 1–6

Adds the TALKBACK system output to the associated AUX output.The

level of the

TALKBACK signal is set by the TALKBACK level control in the MAS-

TER section.

after-fader listen—

AFL

Pressing this switch will include the AUX (when illuminated) or

exclude (when not illuminated).

see—master module

LED

3

p. 48

X-Four owner’s manual

group module

module

panel

block diagram

Σ

+10

+10

Σ

3

legend

p. 49

group module

group assignment features

mono assignment—from group—

MONO

The GROUP signal is assigned to the discrete mono bus.

left/right assignment—from group—

L/R

The

GROUP signal is assigned to the main left and right output buses.

pan

The PAN pot is used to position the group signal within the stereo left

/ right field.The signal must be assigned to left and right in order for the

PAN

control to have any effect.

mute

see—mono input module for full description

This is a useful fea­ture when the mixer is
being used to feed on-stage
or in-ear monitors.

A red LED visually indicates
when this feature has been
selected.

There is one switch for each
of the six AUX MASTERS /

GROUP MASTERS

.

+

3

p. 50

X-Four owner’s manual

group module

module

panel

block diagram

Σ

+10

+10

Σ

3

p. 51

group module

group/aux level features

signal/peak LED

’s

This dual color

LED responds to the pre-fader signal. It illuminates

green with varying brightness in proportion to the audio signal.When the
signal approaches clipping, the

LED illuminates red.

talk to—fader 1–4

This switch adds the

TALKBACK system output to the fader signal.The

level of the

TALKBACK signal is set by the TALKBACK level control in the MAS-

TER section.

fader

The fader normally controls the level at which the

GROUP signal is sent to

any assigned buses or outputs. When the

REVERSE AUX/GROUP switch is

selected, the fader controls the level of the

AUX output.

after-fader listen—AFL

Pressing this switch will include or exclude the fader signal (when not

illuminated).

LED

3

p. 52

X-Four owner’s manual

group module

module

panel

block diagram

Σ

+10

+10

Σ

3

p. 53

group module

rear panel features

group output

This balanced male XLR connector carries the

GROUP output signal.

see—group fader, front-panel description

group insert point

Separate 1/4" TRS jacks provide the ability to insert an external signal
processor into the signal path of the

GROUP.

group insert send

This output connects to the input of an external signal proces-

sor. The signal is derived after the group-summing amplifier.

This output is ground compensated.

group insert return

This balanced input accepts a signal from the output of an

external signal processor. It accepts either balanced or unbalanced signals.

M

Plugging a 1/4" plug
into this jack does not
break the internal signal
flow of the Group.

+

Plugging a 1/4" plug
into this jack breaks
the signal flow
of the Group.

+

3

p. 54

X-Four owner’s manual

group module

module

panel

lamp dim switch and

DC IN connector

block diagram

Σ

+10

+10

Σ

3

p. 55

group module

rear panel features

auxiliary 1– 6 output XLR’s

This balanced male

XLR connector carries the AUX output signal.

These outputs are controlled by their respective

AUX output level controls.

see—aux section, front panel description

aux insert point

Separate

1/4" TRS jacks provide the ability to insert an external

signal processor into the signal path of the

AUX.

aux insert send

This output connects to the input of an external signal proces-

sor. The signal is derived after the group-summing amplifier.

This output is ground-compensated.

group inputs 1–4

These 1/4" TRS

jacks accept balanced or unbalanced line-level signals.

They act as external inputs for

GROUPS 1– 4.

lamp dim

Goose-neck lamps light-up at full intensity.

Goose-neck lamps light-up at medium intensity.

M

3

Plugging a 1/4" plug
into this jack does not
break the internal signal
flow of the Group.

+

panel

block diagram

p. 56

X-Four owner’s manual

master module

module

5

Σ

Σ

Σ

PEAK

Σ

Σ

LO MID

Σ

Σ

p. 57

master module

output EQ features

On the MASTER module block, the default sources for the four output eq’s
are the

AUX

5 and 6,

and MATRIX 1 and 2.

By using designated assignment switches, source for the first three output
eq’s can be switched over to the left,right and mono masters.The fourth
eq is always fed by

MATRIX

2 master.

All eq's feature four bands of equalization.

see—group module

high frequency—HF

boost / cut -15 dB boost and cut at 12kHz—shelving response.

high-mid frequency—HM

boost / cut - 15 dB boost and cut.

selectable frequency range of 400Hz to 8 kHz.

The response is bell-shaped with a fixed Q of 1.5.

low-mid frequency—LM

boost / cut - 15 dB boost and cut

selectable frequency range of 80Hz to 2 kHz.

The response is bell-shaped with a fixed Q of 1.5.

low frequency—LF

boost / cut 15 dB boost and cut @ 80Hz.

5

panel

block diagram

p. 58

X-Four owner’s manual

master module

module

5

Σ

Σ

Σ

PEAK

Σ

Σ

LO MID

Σ

Σ

p. 59

master module

output EQ features

equalizer—EQ ON

Equalizer is on. This switch can be used to make A/B comparisons
between flat and eq’d signals.

left, right, mono equalization—EQ TO LEFT, TO RIGHT, TO MONO

These three switches select the signals fed to each of the first three

eq’s on the first three master sub-modules.The fourth

MASTER sub-module

does not include a switch because its source is always

MATRIX 2.

AUX 5 and 6 are fed to the first two eq’s.

MATRIX

1 is fed to the third eq.

left, right and/or mono are fed to the first three eq’s.

5

panel

block diagram

PEAK

LO MID

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

p. 60

X-Four owner’s manual

master module

module

5

p. 61

master module

matrix features

The X-Four includes two MATRIX

mixes.Each of these outputs can be made

up of signals from the four

GROUPS

, left, right,mono and an external source.

left, right, and mono levels—MATRIX

1–2

These level controls are used to mix the left, right, and mono signals

into the corresponding

MATRIX.

post-fader—left, right, and mono

These three post-fader switches determine whether the left, right and
mono

MASTER faders have any effect on signals that available to MATRIX 1–2.

post-left, post-right, post-mono

The left, right and/or mono fader settings have no effect on the LEFT-,

RIGHT- and/or MONO-TO-MATRIX 1–2 level controls.

The left, right and/or mono faders are introduced into the signal

paths.

external input levels—MATRIX 1–2

These level controls are used to mix the external MATRIX input signals

into the corresponding matrix.The external

MATRIX input connectors are

located on the rear-panel of the

MASTER module.

5

p. 62

X-Four owner’s manual

master module

module

5

block diagram

PEAK

LO MID

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

panel

p. 63

master module

matrix output features

master output levels—MTX 1–2

These are the

MASTER output level controls for the MATRIX

section.

They control the levels that appear at the corresponding

MATRIX

output

connectors on the rear-panel.

matrix 1–2 talkback—TALK TO

This switch adds the TALKBACK system output to the MATRIX outputs.

The level of the

TALKBACK signal is set by the TALKBACK level control in the

MASTER section.

after-fader listen—AFL

Pressing this switch will include (illuminated) or exclude (not ilumi-

nated)

MATRIX.

see—master module

5

panel

block diagram

p. 64

X-Four owner’s manual

master module

module

5

Σ

Σ

Σ

PEAK

Σ

Σ

LO MID

Σ

Σ

p. 65

master module

alternate out features

The ALTERNATE

output section allows assignment of the left and right MASTER

signals (plus center—if LCR-TO

-OUTPUTS

is selected) to a separate pair of bal-

anced male XLR connectors on the rear-panel.

By utilizing the mode switches located below the

ALT OUT

level control,these
signals can be derived in a number of ways. In default mode (no switches
depressed), the post-fader left and right

MASTER

(in center) signals are rout-

ed through the

ALT OUT

level control and appear at the

ALT OUT connectors.

alternate out level

This control sets the levels that appear at the ALT OUT left and right

balanced

XLR connectors on the rear-panel.

sum mono

The main left and right (and mono/center) signals are summed

together as a mono signal.This signal is then routed through the

ALT OUT

level control and appears at the left and right ALT OUT balanced male XLR
connectors on the rear-panel.

The main left and right (and mono/center) signals are routed in

stereo through the

ALT OUT Level control and appear at the left and right

ALT OUT balanced male XLR connectors on the rear-panel.

pre switch

The left and right (and mono/center) master faders have no effect on

the left and right (and mono/center) signals routed through the

ALT OUT

level control and appear at the left and right ALT OUT balanced male XLR
connectors on the rear-panel.

The left and right (and mono/center) master faders control the lev-

els of the left and right (and mono/center) signals routed through the

ALT

OUT

level control and appear at the left and right ALT OUT balanced male

XLR connectors on the rear-panel.

5

p. 66

X-Four owner’s manual

master module

module

5

block diagram

PEAK

LO MID

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

panel

p. 67

master module

monitor output features

The MONITOR output section controls the audio feed for the console oper-
ator. Features are similar to those of

ALT OUT

section, except that the MON-

ITOR section is normally used to access the

SOLO system as well as main

outputs.

Like the alternate output section, it provides the ability to assign the left
and right

MASTER signals to a designated pair of balanced male XLR con-

nectors on the rear-panel.

By utilizing the mode switches located below the

LOCAL MONITOR OUTPUT

level control, these signals can be derived in a number of different ways. In
default mode (no switches depressed),the post-fader left and right

MASTER

signals are routed through LOCAL MONITOR level control and appear at the

MONITOR OUT

balanced male XLR connectors on the rear-panel.

This feed is replaced by the

SOLO signal when a SOLO is activated on the

console.

monitor-out level

see—alternate out

sum mono

see—alternate out

solo-off

When any of the AFL/PFL switches on the console are active, the

AFL/ PFL audio is routed in stereo through the MONITOR OUT level control

and appears at the left and right

MONITOR OUT balanced male XLR con-

nector on the rear-panel.

This setting overrides the left and right feed to the

MONITOR output.

When any of the

AFL/ PFL switches on the console are active, the

MONITOR outputs are not affected.

headphone level

This control governs the level at the headphone jack located in the

front of the console under the arm rest.

5

p. 68

X-Four owner’s manual

master module

module

5

block diagram

OFF

LR

LR

X-Four Block Diagram

panel

p. 69

master module

left master features

signal/peak LED—SIG/PEAK

This dual-color

LED responds to the left pre-fader signal.It illuminates

green with varying brightness in proportion to the audio signal.When the
signal approaches clipping,either pre- or post-fader, the

LED illuminates red.

talkback left/right—TALK TO

The

TALKBACK system output is added to the left and right MASTER

outputs.The level of the TALKBACK signal is set by the TALKBACK level con-
trol in the

MASTER section.

sum left/right—SUM L/R

The main left and right signals are summed together as a mono sig­nal and appear at the left- and right-output balanced male XLR connectors
on the rear-panel.

The Main Left and Right signals appear in stereo at the left- and right­output balanced male XLR connectors on the rear-panel.

left master fader

This fader governs the main left output level.

after-fader listen—AFL

When this switch is depressed,the left post-fader signal is sent to the
console solo system.

LED

5

p. 70

X-Four owner’s manual

master module

module

5

block diagram

OFF

LR

LR

X-Four Block Diagram

panel

right master features

signal/peak LED—SIG/PEAK

This dual-color

LED responds to the right pre-fader stereo signal. It

illuminates green with varying brightness in proportion to the audio signal.
When the signal approaches clipping, either pre- or post-fader, the

LED

illuminates red.

right—TALK TO

The TALKBACK system output is added to the left and right MASTER
outputs.The level of the TALKBACK signal is set by the TALKBACK level con-
trol in the

MASTER section.

left/center/right—LCR TO MASTER

This feature is useful for monitoring the console when creating an

LCR

mix. Local monitoring is usually done with one or two speakers.The

LCR

to outputs feature combines the center (or mono) signal with the left and
right signals, creating a phantom center channel.This feature affects the

ALT

OUT

section, the MONITOR OUT

section, the HEARING ASSIST output and the

headphone feed.

Center (mono) channel is not included in the

MONITOR paths.

The center (or mono) channel is combined with left and right

MON-

ITOR

outputs.This makes it possible to hear the center channel without a

designated speaker.

right master fader

This fader governs the main right output level.

after-fader listen—AFL

When this switch is depressed, the right post-fader signal is sent to
the console solo system.

LED

p. 71

master module

5

p. 72

X-Four owner’s manual

master module

module

5

block diagram

OFF

LR

LR

X-Four Block Diagram

panel

p. 73

master module

mono master features

signal/peak LED—SIG/PEAK

This dual-color LED responds to the pre-fader mono signal.It illumi­nates green with varying brightness in proportion to the audio signal.
When the signal approaches clipping, either pre- or post-fader, the

LED

illuminates red.

talkback mono—TALK TO MONO

The

TALKBACK

system output is added to the mono MASTER output.

The level of the

TALKBACK signal is set by the TALKBACK level control in the

MASTER section.

main left/ main right—L–R TO MONO

The MAIN left and right post-fader signals are summed together as a
mono signal and are routed to the mono bus.The summed left and right
signals automatically combine with any signals that are assigned directly to
the mono bus to make up the mono output.

The mono output consists exclusively of signals assigned directly to
the mono bus. Signals that appear at the

MAIN

left and right faders do not

appear at the mono output.

mono master fader

This fader governs the mono output level.

after-fader listen—AFL

When this switch is depressed,the mono post-fader signal is sent to
the console solo system.

solo on indicator

This LED will illuminate when the solo system is active.

LED

5

p. 74

X-Four owner’s manual

master module

module

panel

OFF

5

block diagram

LR

LR

X-Four Block Diagram

p. 75

master module

talkback features

The TALKBACK

system provides facilities for assigning an external signal
(usually the console operator's microphone) to any of the console's out­puts. Other signals can be routed through the

TALKBACK

system include the

tone oscillator or the built in

PINK NOISE generator.

talkback level

This control sets the level that appears at any of the outputs with

their respective

TALK TO switches engaged. It also governs the audio level

at the

TALKBACK output XLR connector on the rear panel.

pink noise

The TALKBACK in-connector is disabled and PINK NOISE is sent though

the

TALKBACK

system.

talkback on—TALK ON

This switch must be activated for the

TALKBACK

system to operate.

There are two-ways to activate it:

1 Momentary - Depressing the button for more-than 1/2 of a second will

cause it to act as a momentary switch.When the button is released, the

TALKBACK

section will be shut-off.

2 Toggle - A quick tap on the button (less-than 1/2 second) will cause the

switch to electronically change its state from on-to-off or from off-to-on.

5

p. 76

X-Four owner’s manual

master module

module

panel

5

block diagram

PEAK

LO MID

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

p. 77

master module

rear panel features

left and right alternate output XLR

’s

This pair of balanced male

XLR connectors carries the left and right

ALT OUT

signals.These outputs are controlled by the ALT OUT

level control.

see—left and right alternate output, front-panel description

left and right monitor output jacks

This pair of ground compensated

1/4" TRS

jacks carries the left

and right

MONITOR signals. These outputs are controlled by the MONITOR

level control.

see—monitor, front-panel description

matrix 1–2 output XLR’s

Two balanced male-

XLR

connectors carry the MATRIX 1–2 output sig-

nals.These outputs are controlled by their respective

MATRIX OUTPUT level

controls.

see—matrix, front-panel description

left, right and mono output XLR’s

This group of three balanced male-XLR connectors carries the left,
right and mono output signals.These outputs are controlled by the left,
right and mono output faders.

see—left, right, and mono masters, front-panel description

M

M

M

5

block diagram

PEAK

LO MID

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

Σ

5

p. 78

X-Four owner’s manual

master module

module

panel

p. 79

master module

rear panel features

insert points—left, right, and mono

Separate 1/4" TRS jacks provide the ability to insert external signal proces­sor into the signal paths of the left, right and mono

MASTERS.

insert sends—left, right, and mono

These jacks connect to the input of signal processors.The sig-

nals are derived after the left, right and mono summing amplifiers.

insert returns—left, right, and mono

These jacks connect to the outputs of a signal processors.They

can accept balanced or unbalanced signals.

DC

power-in

This jack connects the power supply cable to the console.

5

Plugging a 1/4" plug
into this jack does not
break the internal signal
flow of the respective left,
right, and mono masters.

+

Plugging a 1/4" plug
into this jack breaks
the signal flow
of the respective left, right,
and mono masters.

+

p. 80

X-Four owner’s manual

power supply

master rear-panel

model 5A power supply

specifications

+18V @ 5A DC

-18

V @ 5A DC

+12

V @ 4A DC

+48V @ 0.75A DC

two Hirose JR16RK-7S connectors on rear

connector meets

JIS C 5432 standard

grey polyurethane outer jacket, 15 feet long

seven-way, 14-gauge stranded conductors
rated

600 volts, 80 degrees C

UL and CSA approved
Hirose

JR16PK-7S and JR16PK-7P connectors fitted

90 to 250 volts

@ 4.5 amps maximum

universal AC input voltage. No changes needed

0.5 amps idle

IEC 320 C-13 3-pin 15 amp recepticle
removable IEC type
with country-specific mains plug fitted

UL, CSA,and CE

two-

space 19 inch rack mount unit

3.5 inches tall, 17 inches wide, 12 inches deep.

weight:

18 pounds

output power

DC out recepticle

DC out cable

AC mains power supply

AC mains recepticle

cable

approvals

chassis

8

p. 81

power supply

power supply usage

supply identification

The type of power supply can be identified by the model number shown
on the back of the chassis and panel label.

power requirements

The X-Four power supplies have certain electrical requirements for proper
operation. If possible the power supply should be connected to a dedicated
circuit.Should any other appliance on the same circuit draw enough current
to overload the circuit,the breaker or fuse will trip causing loss of power to
the console.

The power switch on the supply front panel is also a circuit breaker; there
is no power fuse.Should the supply ever shut down,or trip at start up,sim­ply push the switch to the off position and then push on again.

ground linking

SAFETY CONSIDERATIONS

—each new power supply is shipped with the AC
third-wire ground connected to the console chassis ground.The connec­tion is made at the rear of the power supply unit.This is necessary for safe­ty reasons so that exposed metal parts are grounded. In the event of a live
conductor making contact with the console chassis or the power supply
chassis then the current will flow to ground without a safety hazard arising.

Uninterruptible grounding—in a fixed installation for example,make a con­nection directly to the console chassis from the safety ground.Disconnect
the ground link on the rear of the power supply.This disconnects console
ground from power supply AC third-wire ground which could possibly
create a hum-loop.

twin-supply operation

When twin-supplies are in use for automatic back-up, then the ground
links on both supplies should be fitted.

In a situation where the safety ground to the console chassis has been con­nected and the ground path via the power supply is causing a hum-loop,
then disconnect the ground links on both power supplies.

Note the maximum cur­rent draw specifications
at left.

Be sure that the circuit to
which you connect the sup­ply can handle the draw.

a

When the console is dis­connected from the power
supply the chassis ground
connection to AC third-wire
ground is broken and safety
protection is lost.

a

8

p. 82

X-Four owner’s manual

power supply

model 5A power supply

specifications

+18V @ 5A DC

-18

V @ 5A DC

+12

V @ 4A DC

+48V @ 0.75A DC

two Hirose JR16RK-7S connectors on rear

connector meets

JIS C 5432 standard

grey polyurethane outer jacket, 15 feet long

seven-way, 14-gauge stranded conductors
rated

600 volts, 80 degrees C

UL and CSA approved
Hirose

JR16PK-7S and JR16PK-7P connectors fitted

90 to 250 volts

@ 4.5 amps maximum

universal AC input voltage. No changes needed

0.5 amps idle

IEC 320 C-13 3-pin 15 amp recepticle
removable IEC type
with country-specific mains plug fitted

UL, CSA,and CE

two-

space 19 inch rack mount unit

3.5 inches tall, 17 inches wide, 12 inches deep.

weight:

18 pounds

output power

DC out recepticle

DC out cable

AC mains power supply

AC mains recepticle

cable

approvals

chassis

8

master rear-panel

p. 83

power supply

power supply usage

console and power supply grounding

Console chassis ground is electrically connected to:the audio ground, pin­1 of

XLR connectors, the sleeves of

1/4”

sockets,and to the terminal CON-

SOLE GROUND at the rear of the power supply.

The AC third-wire connection in the power supply cable connects the
metal chassis of the power supply to safety ground.

Rack-mounting—the power supply ground may transfer to the rack case
through the front fixing screws, though this connection is not reliable.

Sound system use—the grounding requirements may call for the ground
link to be disconnected.This is permissible only when an alternative ground
path has been provided.If in doubt seek the advice of an experienced elec­trical engineer.

redundant power supplies

The console power supply can be considered the single most important
component in an entire sound system.If a power amplifier, a signal proces­sor or a console input goes down in the middle of a show, the show can
still go on. But if the console loses its power supply, the show is over. For
this reason, it is always good practice to incorporate redundant power
supplies for mixing consoles used in professional sound reinforcement
applications.

This should be considered a high priority even when using a very reliable
power supply. In even the most carefully designed sound systems, each
component runs the risk of failure at sometime or another.

Crest Audio uses two methods for attaching redundant power supplies to
consoles. In both methods, the two (or more) power supplies should be
kept on while the console is in use to insure a smooth transition in the
event that one shuts off.

If one power supply drops in voltage or shuts off completely, the other unit
takes over without any interruptions or audible glitches.As an added pre­caution,the two (or more) power supplies can be fed by separate AC lines.
This will guarantee that the console does not shut off if one of the AC lines
goes down.

multiple power supplies in-series

Crest Audio X-Series consoles use this method for backup. Since each
power supply includes voltage switching circuitry, more than two units can
be hooked up in series. A DC link cabel ties the power supplies together.

The use of redundant
power supplies is
probably the single biggest
step that can be taken in
reducing or eliminating the
chance of a cancelled per­formance due to system
failure.

+

This connection should
never be disturbed.

Hazardous voltages exist
inside the power supply
which require the case to
be grounded.

a

8

v.1.0 D7000011 10/12/99