Phonic AM1204, AM1204FX, AM1204FX USB User’s Manual
AM1204FX USB
User's Manual
AM1204
AM1204FX
AM1204FX USB
Manual del Usuario
English Español
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
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APPLICATION.........................................................................2
DIMENSIONS..........................................................................3
Phonic preserves the right to improve or alter any information within this
document without prior notice.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects
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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
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 manufacturer
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
an electrician for replacement of the obsolete outlet.
í
s instructions.
.
into your outlet, consult
with liquids, such as vases,
area during the operation so that the mains switch
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
ì
presence of uninsulated
product
í
magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons.
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.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of or electric shock, do
not expose this apparatus to rain or moisture.
dangerous voltageî within the
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: 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 prociency that previous Phonic products have
shown; with more than a few renements, 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 preampliers 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 nd important facts and gures
on the set up, use and applications of your brand new mixer. If
you do happen to be one of the many people who atly 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 nd, because chances are
there’s something you missed the rst time around.
FEATURES
Common Features:
4 mono mic/line channels with our famously low-noise
preampliers
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 lter 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 exibility
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 au-
dio 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 1
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
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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 nd 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.
AM1204 / AM1204FX / AM1204FX USB2
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 preampliers, 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,
single ended (unbalanced)
microphones and
instruments should not be
used on the Mic inputs.
2. Line Inputs
This input accepts typical
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 exibility. 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.
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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 amplier 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
Rear Panel
10. Main L and R Outputs
These two ports will output the nal stereo balanced line level
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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 ampliers (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.
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Channel Controls
16. Low Cut Filter (75 Hz)
This button, located on channels 1 through to 4, will activate a
low-cut / high-pass lter 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.
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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.
AM1204 / AM1204FX / AM1204FX USB4
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
feed can be rather difcult
when used in a professional
audio mix, as it is usually
more desirable to cut middle
frequency sounds rather
than boost them, thereby
soothing overly harsh vocal
and instrument sounds in the
audio.
21. Low Frequency Control
This control is used to give a
shelving boost or cut of ±15
dB to low frequency (80 Hz)
sounds. This will adjust the
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 nal 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 ampliers 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.
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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
be illuminated when the mute is
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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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).
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AM1204 / AM1204FX / AM1204FX USB 5
Digital Effect Section (AM1204FX and AM1204FX
USB)
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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.
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 ll or other purposes) and
Phones outputs (to be used in conjunction with headphones for
monitoring).
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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 nal two presses will
be used as the delay time. The LED that accompanies the button
will ash at the selected intervals.
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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).
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 nal 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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AM1204 / AM1204FX / AM1204FX USB6
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