Phonic AM1204, AM1204FX, AM1204FX USB User’s Manual

AM1204FX USB

AM1204

AM1204FX AM1204FX USB

User's Manual

Manual del Usuario

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AM1204

AM1204FX AM1204FX USB

COMPACT MIXERS MEZCLADORAS COMPACTAS


ENGLISH	......................................I
ESPAÑOL ......................................	II

V1.1 10/25/2012

USER'S MANUAL

CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION.....................................................................	1
FEATURES................................................................	1
GETTING STARTED................................................................	1
USB INTERFACE....................................................................	1
COMPUTER CONNECTION...................................................	2
MAKING CONNECTIONS.......................................................	3
CONTROLS AND SETTINGS..................................................	4
SPECIFICATIONS...................................................................	8
APPENDIX
DIGITAL EFFECT TABLE.........................................................	1
APPLICATION.........................................................................	2
DIMENSIONS..........................................................................	3

Phonic preserves the right to improve or alter any information within this document without prior notice.

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects				with liquids, such as vases,

shall be placed on the apparatus. The MAINS plug is used as the disconnect device, the disconnect device shall remain readily operable.

Warning: the user shall not place this apparatus in the area during the operation so that the mains switch can be easily accessible.

1.Read these instructions before operating this apparatus.

2.Keep these instructions for future reference.

3.Heed all warnings to ensure safe operation.

4.Follow all instructions provided in this document.

5.Do not use this apparatus near water or in locations where condensation may occur.

6.Clean only with dry cloth. Do not use aerosol or liquid cleaners. Unplug this apparatus before cleaning.

7.Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturerís instructions.

8.Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including .

9.Do not defeat the safety purpose of the polarized or grounding-type plug. A polarized 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 is provided for your safety. If the provided plug does not into your outlet, consult an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.

10.Protect the power cord from being walked on or pinched particularly at plug, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the apparatus.

11.Only use attachments/accessories by the manufacturer.

12.Use only with a cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or

table 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 tipover.

13.Unplug this apparatus during lighting storms or when unused for long periods of time.

14.Refer all servicing to 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 have fallen into the apparatus, the apparatus has been exposed to rain or moisture, does not operate normally, or has been dropped.

CAUTION

RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK

DO NOT OPEN

CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK,

DO NOT REMOVE COVER (OR BACK)

NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE

REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

The lightning flash with arrowhead symbol, within an equilateral triangle, is intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated ìdangerous voltageî within the productí

magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.

The exclamation point within an equilateral triangle is intended to alert the user to the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the appliance.

WARNING: To reduce the risk of or electric shock, do not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.

CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance of procedures other than those may result in hazardous radiation exposure.

INTRODUCTION

Thank you for choosing one of Phonic’s many quality compact mixers. The AM1204, AM1204FX and AM1204FX USB compact mixers – designed by the ingenious engineers that have created a variety of mixers fantastic in style and performance in the past

– displays similar proficiency that previous Phonic products have shown; with more than a few refinements, of course. The AM series features full gain ranges, amazingly low distortion levels, and incredibly wide dynamic ranges, just showing the dominance these small machines will have in the pro audio industry.

AM1204, AM1204FX and AM1204FX USB all feature four of

Phonic’s quality low-noise preamplifiers accepting microphone signals, as well as number of line-level ¼” phone jack inputs across four mono and two stereo channels. The AM1204FX and AM1204FX USB are both adorned with studio-quality 32-bit digital effect processors that feature 16 unique effects, each of which has its own user-adjustable parameter. Featured solely on the AM1204FX USB is a stereo USB audio interface, perfect for sending audio directly to any modern OSX or Windows based computer. Stereo audio can also be injected straight into your mix via the USB interface.

We know how eager you are to get started – wanting to get the mixer out and hook it all up is probably your number one priority right now – but before you do, we strongly urge you to take a look through this manual. Inside, you will find important facts and figures on the set up, use and applications of your brand new mixer. If you do happen to be one of the many people who flatly refuse to read user manuals, then we just urge you to at least glance at the Instant Setup section. After glancing at or reading through the manual (we applaud you if you do read the entire manual), please store it in a place that is easy for you to find, because chances are there’s something you missed the first time around.

FEATURES

Common Features:

4 mono mic/line channels with our famously low-noise preamplifiers

2 stereo channels with +4 / -10 pad switches for greater input versatility

AUX/EFX sends on each channel for creating monitor mixes and incorporating external signal processors

Two stereo AUX returns for incorporating external signals into the mix

AUX Return 1 features “to main” control for versatile EFX monitoring

75Hz low-cut filter on mono channel for removing stage rumble

ALT 3-4 mix for redirecting muted channels to their own output

3-band EQ on every channel

+48V phantom power on mic channels

11 segment level meter giving visual depictions

Extremely versatile control room/phones source matrix for maximum monitor flexibility

Balanced XLR outputs

AM1204FX plus:

32-bit digital effect engine with 16 EFX, each with their own user-adjustable parameter

AM1204FX USB plus:

2x2 USB audio interface for sending and returning stereo audio to and from a computer

32-bit digital effect engine with 16 EFX, each with their own user-adjustable parameter

Variable compressor function on mono channels, ideal for vocals and drums

GETTING STARTED

1.Ensure all power is turned off on your mixer. To totally ensure this, the power supply should not be connected to the unit.

2.No input other than the one being set should have any device plugged in. This will ensure the purest signal is used when setting channels.

3.Set the level control of the channel you are setting to the 0 dB mark.

4.Disengaged the Mute button for the channel you wish to set.

5.Ensure the channel has a signal sent to it similar to the signal that will be sent when in common use. For example, if the channel is using a microphone, then you should speak or sing at the same level the performer normally would during a performance; if a guitar is plugged into the channel, then the guitar should also be strummed as it normally would be (and so on). This ensures levels are completely accurate and avoids having to reset them later.

6.Set the gain control on the channel so that the level meter indicates the audio level is around 0 dB.

7.This channel is now ready to be used; you can stop making the audio signal.

8.You can repeat the same process for other channels. Or not, it’s your call.

USB INTERFACE

System Requirements

Windows

Windows™ XP SP2, Vista™, 7 or 8

Intel™ Pentium™ 4 processor or better

512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended)

Macintosh

Apple™ Mac™ OSX 10.5 or higher

G4 processor or better

512 MB RAM (1 GB recommended)

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AM1204 / AM1204FX / AM1204FX USB

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COMPUTER CONNECTION

By simply connecting the USB cable provided along with your AM1204FX USB to the device and your Personal Computer or Laptop, you are able to send CD quality (16-bit stereo, with a 44.1 kHz sampling rate) signal to and from your mixer. By doing this, you are actually turning your AM1204FX USB into a highly useful plug’n’play soundcard for your computer.

The USB sends an audio stream of the Main Left and Right (record out) signal of your mixer to the computer. You can use almost any dedicated Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software to record the signal from the AM1204FX USB mixer. You can also set the mixer as your default audio device.

The USB interface also returns the audio signal from your computer back to the 2T Returns, the signal of which is controlled by the 2T /

USB Return control. If there are input signals from both the USB interface and the 2T Return, the two signals are combined and controlled simultaneously by the 2T return control.

Windows

1.Turn on both the AM1204FX USB and your computer.

2.Connect the mixer to the computer via the provided USB cable.

3.Let Windows find the device and install an appropriate USB sound driver.

4.Enter the Control Panel and select Sounds and Audio Devices.

5.When here, go to the Audio tab and select the “USB Audio Codec” as your default sound recording and playback device.

6.Depending whether you have Windows XP, Vista, 7 or 8, this may differ slightly, but the settings can always be found within the

Control Panel’s audio menu.

7.If you don’t want to use the AM1204FX USB as your computer’s default audio device, you can simply enter your DAW or other audio software and select “USB Audio Codec” as your default device. This will allow the interface to be used within the software only.

Mac

1.Turn both the AM1204FX USB and the computer on.

2.Connect the AM mixer to the computer via the provided USB cable.

3.Enter the AUDIO MIDI SETUP menu.

4.Select the “USB Audio Codec” as your input and output device.

5.The AM1204FX USB is now your default audio device.

6.Alternatively, enter your DAW software (or other relevant audio program) and select the “USB Audio Codec” in the device preferences.

7.Be sure to set your minimum buffer settings to 64 samples as to avoid clicks and pops.

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MAKING CONNECTIONS

Inputs and Outputs

1. Inputs and Outputs

These jacks accept typical 3-pin XLR inputs for balanced and unbalanced signals. They can be used in conjunction with microphones – such as professional condenser, dynamic or ribbon microphones - with standard XLR male connectors, and feature low noise preamplifiers, serving for crystal clear sound replication. The AM1204, AM1204FX and AM1204FX USB mixers feature four standard XLR microphone inputs for your convenience.

NB. When these inputs

are used with condenser microphones, the Phantom

Power should be activated.

However, when Phantom Power button is engaged, 1 single ended (unbalanced) microphones and instruments should not be used on the Mic inputs.

2. Line Inputs

This input accepts typical 2

1/4” TRS or TS inputs, for balanced or unbalanced

signals. There are various numbers of these inputs

depending which mixer you are using. They can be used in conjunction with various line level devices, such as keyboards, drum machines, electric guitars, and a variety of other electric instruments.

3. Stereo Channels

AM1204, AM1204FX and AM1204FX USB mixers feature two stereo channels thrown in for maximum flexibility. Each of these stereo channels features two 1/4” TRS phone jacks, for the addition of various line level input devices, such as electronic keyboards, guitars and external signal processors or mixers. These stereo channels can also be used as mono channels, where the signal from any 1/4” phone jack plugged into the Left stereo input will cause the signal to be duplicated to the Right input due to the miracle of jack normalizing. This does not work in reverse, however.

4. AUX Returns

These 1/4” TS inputs are for the return of audio to the AM1204,

AM1204FX and AM1204FX USB mixers, processed by an external signal processor. If really needed, they can also be used as additional stereo input channels. The feed from these inputs can be adjusted using the AUX Return controls on the face of the mixer. When connecting a monaural device to the AUX Return 1 and 2 inputs, simply plug a 1/4” phone jack into the left (mono) input, and the signal will appear in the right as well.

NB. When any device is plugged into AUX Return 2, the mixer’s internal digital effect engine is then disabled.

5. AUX Sends

These 1/4” TS outputs may be used to connect to an external digital effect processor, or even to an amplifier and speakers

(depending on your desired settings), to the mixer. The signal sent from the AUX outputs are fed from the master AUX send controls which themselves get their signals from the individual AUX controls on input channels.

6. Footswitch Jack

This port is for the addition of a non-latching type footswitch. This can be used when the tap delay effect is chosen to adjust the tap delay parameter. By tapping the footswitch twice, the DFX processor will calculate the time between the two taps and use this as the tap delay time. When tapped multiple times, only the last two taps will be considered.

7. Phones Connector

This stereo output port is suited for use with headphones, allowing monitoring of the mix. The audio level of this output is controlled using the Phones / Submix control.

8. Record Out

These outputs will accommodate RCA cables, able to be fed to a variety of recording devices such as digital recorders, tape recorders, and even laptop computers.

9. 2T Return

These RCA stereo inputs are used to connect the mixer with external devices, such as tape and CD players, or even Laptop computers, receiving a signal from another source and feeding it to the Main L-R mixing bus.

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AM1204 / AM1204FX / AM1204FX USB		3

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Rear Panel

10. Main L and R Outputs

These two ports will output the final stereo balanced line level signal sent from the main mixing bus. The primary purpose of these jacks is to send the main output to external devices, which may include power amplifiers (and in-turn, a pair of speakers), other mixers, as well as a wide range of other possible signal processors (Equalizers, Crossovers, etcetera).

11. Control Room Outputs

These two 1/4” Phone Jack outputs feed the signal altered by the Control Room/Phones level control on the face of the mixer.

This output has extensive use, as it can be used to feed the signal from the mixer to an active monitor, for the monitoring of the audio signal from within a booth, among other possible uses.

12. ALT 3-4 Output

These unbalanced outputs are fed from the ALT 3-4 mix and can be used in conjunction with a large array of input devices, including signal processors, recording devices, monitor mixers, and so on. The ALT 3-4 mix is created by muting signals on channels 1 through 8. If no channels are muted, these outputs will send the main mix.

13. USB Connector (AM1204FX USB Only)

This USB connector can be used to connect the AM1204FX USB to any modern Windows or Mac-based computer. Doing so will allow users to get a stereo signal both to and from the computer.

Channel Controls

16. Low Cut Filter (75 Hz)

This button, located on channels 1 through to 4, will activate a low-cut / high-pass filter that reduces all frequencies below 75

Hz at 18 dB per octave, helping to remove any unwanted ground noise or stage rumble.

17. Gain Control

These controls, found on each input channel, allow users to adjust the sensitivity of the input signal for the Line/Microphone input. The gain should be adjusted to a level that allows the maximum use of the audio, while still maintaining the quality of the feed. This can be accomplished by adjusting it to a level that will allow the peak indicator occasionally illuminate. All 4 mono channels feature this control.

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CONTROLS AND SETTINGS Back Panel

14. Power Switch and AC Connector

The power switch, located on the rear of the mixer, is used to activate the mixer. But there’s no point in activating the mixer if there’s no power, therefore an AC power connector has been included to ensure your mixer gets the power it needs. Please use the power cable that is included with this mixer only.

15. Phantom Power Switch

When this switch is in the on position, it activates +48V of phantom power for all microphone inputs, allowing condenser microphones (well, the ones that don’t use batteries) to be used on these channels. Activating phantom power will be accompanied by an illuminated LED above the left channel level meter. Before turning Phantom Power on, turn all level controls to a minimum to avoid the possibility of a ghastly popping sound coming from the speakers.

NB. Phantom Power should be used in conjunction with balanced microphones. When Phantom Power is engaged, single ended (unbalanced) microphones and instruments should not be used on the Mic inputs. Phantom Power will not cause damage to most dynamic microphones, however if unsure, the microphone’s user manual should be consulted.

18.Compressor Control and Indicator (AM1204FX USB Only)

This controls the onboard compressor function on mono channels.

Turning this control up towards the 12 o’clock position will adjust the threshold and ratio of the compressor at varying degrees.

Once you reach the 12 o’clock position, the control will then adjust the compression settings along with an onboard expander

(or, in other words, a “compander”). The LED that accompanies this control will light up when the compressor is triggered. This control and indicator can only be found on mono channels of the

AM1204FX USB.

19.High Frequency Control

This control is used to give a shelving boost or cut of ±15 dB to high frequency (12 kHz) sounds. This will adjust the amount of treble included in the audio of the channel, adding strength and crispness to sounds such as guitars, cymbals, and synthesizers.

4	AM1204 / AM1204FX / AM1204FX USB

20. Middle Frequency Control

This control is used to provide a peaking style of boost and

cut to the level of middle
frequency (2.5 kHz) sounds at
a range of ±15 dB. Changing
middle frequencies of an audio			18
feed can be rather difficult
when used in a professional
audio mix, as it is usually
more desirable to cut middle
frequency	sounds	rather	19
than boost	them,	thereby
soothing overly harsh vocal
and instrument sounds in the
audio.
21. Low Frequency Control			20
This control is used to give a
shelving boost or cut of ±15
dB to low frequency (80 Hz)
sounds. This will adjust the			21
amount of bass included in the

audio of the channel, and bring more warmth and punch to drums and bass guitars.

22. AUX / EFX Controls

The AUX 1 and 2 controls allow the user to send the corresponding signal to the AUX 1 and 2 mixes, the final levels of which are controlled by the AUX Send controls on the main mixing panel. These signals are then sent to the corresponding AUX Send

Outputs for use with amplifiers and studio or stage monitors, or simply in conjunction with external processors. AUX 1 features a pre-fader, pre-EQ signal, while AUX 2’s signal is post-fader, postEQ. The AUX 2 control doubles EFX control on the AM1204FX and AM1204FX USB, adjusting the signal that is sent to the builtin Digital Effects Processor.

23. Pan / Balance Control

This alternates the degree or level of audio that the left and right side of the main mix should receive. On mono channels, this control will adjust the level that the left and right should receive

(pan), whereas on a stereo channel, adjusting the BAL control will increase the left or right audio signals accordingly (balance).

24. Mute Button and Indicator

This button turns a mute on the corresponding channel on and off, stopping all audio from the channel input to the Main mix.

The

corresponding

indicator

will

illuminated when

the mute

activated. When a channel is muted,

this audio – which would normally be

wasted – is redirected to the ALT 3-4

mix.

25.

Peak Indicator

This LED indicator will illuminate

when the device hits high peaks, 6

dB before overload occurs. It is best

to adjust the gain of the channel so

that the PEAK indicator lights up

on intervals only, if at all. This will

ensure a greater dynamic range of

audio.

26.

Level Control

This 60mm fader will alter the

signal level that is sent from the

corresponding channel to the main mix.

27. +4 / -10 Switch

This button, located on both stereo channels, is used adjust the input sensitivity of the corresponding channels. This will adapt the channel to external devices that use different operating levels. If the input source is -10 dBV (consumer audio level), it is best to engage the switch, allowing the signal to be heard. The

+4 dBu level is suitable for professional audio signals, which are considerably higher than the consumer level. However, if you are unsure of the source’s operating level, we suggest leaving the switch disengaged until you test the source’s signal. You can then engage if necessary (if the level of the input signal is obviously too low).

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AM1204 / AM1204FX / AM1204FX USB

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Digital Effect Section (AM1204FX and AM1204FX USB)

28. Program Control

This control will allow users to select one of the 16 built-in digital effects of the AM mixer. The effect names that correspond with the numbers can be found on the top of the mixer’s face, or in the digital effect table.

29. Effects On Button and Indicators

Pushing this button will turn the built-in effect processor on and off. When the effect processor is activated, the corresponding LED will light up to indicate so. The uppermost LED is a Peak indicator. This will light up when the EFX signal reaches excessive peaks and should be lowered slightly. Please note that unlike many other buttons on the AM mixer, the EFX ON button will not latch down.

30. Parameter Control

Turning this control will adjust the one main parameter of the selected effect. Each effect’s adjustable parameter can be found within the digital effect table.

31. Tap Delay Button and Indicator

This button can be used when the tap delay effect is selected using the Program Control. The tap delay time can be selected by pressing this button twice. The time between the two presses will be calculated and used as the delay time. When the button is pressed repeatedly, the time between the final two presses will be used as the delay time. The LED that accompanies the button will flash at the selected intervals.

32. AUX Return Controls

These controls adjust the signal level of audio fed through the stereo AUX Return inputs to the main mix. The “To AUX 1” control found on the AUX Return 2 control adjusts the post-fader level of the signal from the AUX Return to the AUX 1 Send mix. The button that accompanies the AUX 2 Return control allows users to determine whether the signal will be sent to the main stereo mix or the ALT 3-4 mix. When nothing is connected to the AUX 2 Return Input, the AUX 2 Return Control will be used to control the signal from the built-in effects processor (on the AM1204FX and

AM1204FX USB only).

33. Ctrl Room / Phones Control

This control is used to adjust the audio level of the Control

Room feed, which is sent to both the Control Room outputs

(for monitoring, acting as side fill or other purposes) and

Phones outputs (to be used in conjunction with headphones for monitoring).

34. Control Room Source Buttons

These buttons allow users to select the source signals for the

Control Rooms / Phones mix. Users are able to select from the

Main mix, ALT 3-4 mix or the 2T Return mix. When no source is selected, the main mix alone will be sent to the control room and headphone outputs.

35. AUX Send Controls

These controls adjust the final level of their corresponding AUX mixes (as taken from the AUX controls on each channel strip). This audio is then sent to the AUX 1 and 2 Send outputs found on the top of the mixer face.

36. 2T / USB Return

This rotary control adjusts the incoming level from the RCA 2T input connectors as sent to the main mix (and Control Room/ Phones, if selected in the Control Room Source section). Unique to the AM1204FX USB, this control is also used as the incoming

USB level. All incoming signals through the stereo USB audio interface will be controlled by this control.

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