Phonic AM8GE User’s Manual

l ditio

AM8GE

User's Manual Manual del Usuario

English Español

AM8GE

COMPACT MIXERS MEZCLADORAS COMPACTAS

ENGLISH ......................................I

ESPAÑOL .....................................II

APPENDIX ...................................III

V1.0 11/23/2018

USER'S MANUAL

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 1

FEATURES 1

INSTANT SETUP 1

MAKING CONNECTIONS 1

CONTROLS AND SETTINGS 3

SPECIFICATIONS 6

APPENDIX

APPLICATION 1

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

English

AM8GE

IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

The apparatus shall not be exposed to dripping or splashing and that no objects

English

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.

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 manufacturer.

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

’

s instructions.

into your outlet, consult

by the

by the manufacturer, or sold with

service personnel.

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

presence of uninsulated

product

’

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.

CAUTION: Use of controls or adjustments or performance

of procedures other than those

hazardous radiation exposure.

“

dangerous voltage” within the

may result in

AM8GE

INTRODUCTION

Congratulations on purchasing one of Phonic’s many quality compact mixers. The AM Gold Edition Mixers – designed by the ingenious engineers that have created a variety of mixers fantastic in style and performance in the past – were created to provide a more elegant mixing experience with more pleasing asthetics than previously available. The AM series features full gain ranges, amazingly low distortion levels, +22 dBu line signal handling, and incredibly wide dynamic ranges, just showing the dominance these small machines will have in the studio or live venues.

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.

FE ATURES

 Four mono mic/line Neutrik “Combo” channels

with user-adjustable compressors

 Two stereo channels with EFX, balance and level

controls

 Stereo USB audio interface for PC and Mac com-

puters (24-bit, 48 KHz)

 Playback of MP3, WAV and FLAC files from TF

media

 Internal TF module for recording stereo audio in

WAV or MP3 formats

 2.4GHz Bluetooth connectivity for streaming digital

audio directly from smartphones and tablets

 32/40-bit digital e󰀨ect processor with 16 e󰀨ect pro-

grams and one main parameter control

 EFX send control available on each channel  75Hz low-cut lter and 2-band EQ on each mono

channel

 Peak and VU metering (10 segment)  +48V phantom power for microphone inputs  Phones source matrix for maximum monitor exibility  EFX/AUX send cue for monitoring individual channel  Balanced main outputs with 60mm fader

INSTANT SETUP

Getting Started

1. Ensure all power is turned o󰀨 on the AM8GE.

2. All faders and level controls should be set at the

lowest level to ensure no sound is inadvertently sent through the outputs when the device is

AM8GE

switched on. All levels should be altered to acceptable degrees after the device is turned on.

3. Plug all necessary instruments and equipment

into the device’s various inputs as required. This may include line signal devices, as well as microphones and/or guitars, keyboards, etc.

4. Plug any necessary equipment into the device’s

various outputs. This could include amplifiers, active speakers or monitors, signal processors, and/or recording devices.

5. Plug the supplied power supply into the inlet on

the back of the device. Ensure that local voltage levels are identical to that required on your device.

6. Plug the power supply into a power outlet of a

suitable voltage and turn on the power switch.

Channel Setup

1. To ensure the correct audio levels of each input

channel is selected, every channel and the main fader should be set to center or ‘U’ position. Keep the gain control at the lowest level.

2. Choose the channel that you wish to set the level

of. Ensure that your selected channel has a signal sent to it similar to the signal that will be sent when in use. For example, if the channel is for 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 that channel, then the guitar should also be played as it normally would be.

3. Set the gain of the selected channel to a level

that ensures the audio level sits around 0 dB, as indicated by the level meter.

4. This channel is now ready to be used. Repeat

the same steps for other channels

COMPUTER CONNECTION

By simply connecting the USB cable provided along with your AM8GE to the device and your Personal Computer or Laptop, you are able to send DVD quality (16-bit stereo, with a 48 kHz sampling rate) signal to and from your mixer. By doing this, you are actually turning your mixer 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 AM 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.

English

Windows

1. Turn both the AM mixer and the computer on.

2. Connect the AM mixer to the computer via the

provided USB cable.

English

3. Let Windows nd the device and install an appro-

priate 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, 8.1 or 10, this may di󰀨er slightly but the setting

can always be found within the Control Panel’s audio menu.

7. If you don’t want to use the AM8GE as your

default audio device, you can simply enter your DAW or other audio program and select it as your default device in the program only.

8. Be sure to set your minimum bu󰀨er settings to 64

samples as to avoid clicks and pops.

Mac

1. Turn both the mixer and the computer on.

2. Connect the AM8GE to the computer via the pro-

vided USB cable.

3. Enter the AUDIO MIDI SETUP menu.

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

output device.

5. The AM8GE 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 bu󰀨er settings to 64

samples as to avoid clicks and pops

TF/BT MODULE (BLUETOOTH SETUP)

1. Select the Bluetooth function through the TF/BT

module.

2. Enter your smartphone or tablet’s Bluetooth setup

options to nd the “PHONIC” Bluetooth device.

3. If requested, the password for the Bluetooth

function is 0000. Many modern smartphones will enter this as the default password.

4. Audio signals received through the Bluetooth in-

terface will be routed to the TF/BT channel on the mixer.

5. To reset the connection, turn your smartphone or

tablet’s Bluetooth connection o󰀨 and then on again.

6. When using cell phones and tablets, it may be

an idea to turn “Airplane Mode” or “Flight Mode”

on to stop phone calls or push notications from

interrupting your audio.

Note: Not all modern Bluetooth-enabled devices allow for use of external audio playback. In the case of laptops in particular, Bluetooth may be used for data transmission only - depending on the model. This is a limitation of these devices and you will not be able to use the Bluetooth function with these devices.

TF/BT MODULE (TF PLAYBACK)

1. Insert an appropriately formatted TF card.

2. Select the “Music” option in the main menu and

press PLAY to enter the playback function. The STOP/MENU button acts as a ‘back’ button when navigating menus.

3. Select ‘All Songs’, ‘Artists’, ‘Albums’, ‘Genres,’

etc - as applicable.

4. Press the PLAY button to play the current track

through the TF/BT channel, or the << and >> buttons to skip forward and backwards between tracks. The mixer can play MP3, WAV and FLAC

les.

5. Push and hold the STOP/MENU button to stop

playback.

6. During playback, quickly press the STOP/MENU

button to access the Shuffle and Repeat functions.

Repeat Mode – There 4 repeat modes available. No Repeat – Play each le in the current folder or

root once.

Repeat 1 – Continuously repeat selected song. Repeat all – Continuously repeat all songs.

Shu󰀪e – Random playback of les in current folder.

TF/BT MODULE (TF RECORDING)

1. Insert a FAT-32 formatted TF card (up to 64GB).

2. In the main menu, select ‘Recordings’ and press

the PLAY.

3. Here you have the options: ‘Start voice record-

ing,’ ‘Record Settings’, ‘Record Format’ and ‘Recordings library’ (among others).

4. Adjust the ‘Recording Format’ (MP3 or WAV) and

‘Record Settings’ as necessary (available recording bitrates depends on format).

5. Select “Start voice recording” to begin recording

immediately. The unit will save an audio le to a

‘RECORD’ folder on your inserted TF card.

6. Push the PLAY button to pause recording. Push-

ing the PLAY button again will resume recording from the position at which it was paused.

7. Press the STOP/MENU button at any time to stop

the recording. The device will then ask if you wish to save your recording. Select “Yes” or “No”. Your records can later be found in the “Recordings library.”

8. Press the STOP/MENU button to exit.

AM8GE

l ditio

MAKING CONNECTIONS

Inputs and Outputs

1. Combo Input Jacks

These jacks accept both 3-pin XLR and 1/4” TRS phone jack 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 preampliers,

serving for crystal clear sound replication. They can also be used with various line level devices, such as keyboards, drum machines, electric guitars, and a variety of other electric instruments.

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 unless specifically approved by the microphone manufacturer.

2. Stereo Channels

The AM8GE mixers features 2 stereo channels, thrown in for maximum flexibility. Each of these channels features two 1/4” phone jacks for connection of various line level input devices, such as electronic keyboards, guitars and external signal processors or mixers. Stereo channels can also be used as mono channels, where the signal from any device plugged into the left input will be duplicated to the right (this does not work in reverse).

3. EFX Send

This 1/4” TS outputs may be used to connect to an external digital effect processor, or even to an

amplier and speakers (depending on your desired

settings) to the mixer. The signal is taken from the EFX control on each input channel.

4. Record Out

These outputs will accommodate RCA cables, able to be fed to a variety of recording devices.

5. Phones

This stereo output (found on the front panel) is suited for use with headphones, allowing monitoring of the mix. The audio level of this output is controlled using the Phones control.

AM8GE

6. Main L and R Output

These two ports will output the nal stereo 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 ampliers

(and in-turn, a pair of speakers), other mixers, as well as a wide range of other possible signal processors (equalizers, crossovers, etcetera).

Rear Panel

7. USB Interface

This USB-B connector is for connecting the AM Gold to any modern PC computer. When connected, the computer should recognize the AM Gold as a sound card, allowing stereo audio to be sent to and from the computer.

8. Power Connector

This port is for the addition of the external power supply, allowing power to be supplied to the mixer. Be sure to use the included power adapter to ensure the correct voltage is used. Phonic suggests checking local voltages before powering the AM Gold mixer. The power button can be found on the face of the mixer.

English

CONTROLS AND SETTINGS

Channel Controls

English

9. Pad Button

The PAD button is used to attenuate the input signal by 25 dB. This generally will only be used when using line-level input devices are connected.

10. Line/Mic Gain Control

This controls the sensitivity of the inputsignal of 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.

11. Compressor and Indicator

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.

12. 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.

13. 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.

14. Low Cult Filter (75 Hz)

This button, located on channels 1 to 4, will activate

a 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.

11 12

15 16

15. EFX Control

These controls alter the signal level that is sent to the EFX Sends, sending the signal to the built-in digital

e󰀨ect processor. They also determine the level sent

to the EFX Out, which can be used in conjunction with external signal processors, or simply as an auxiliary output for any means required.

16. Pan / Balance Controls

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), where as on a stereo channel, adjusting the BAL control will attenuate the left or right audio signals accordingly (balance). Each model features a PAN or BAL control on every one of their channel strips.

17. 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. This will ensure a greater dynamic range of audio. The Peak indicator is featured on the mono channels of every model.

18. Level Control

This control will alter the signal level that is sent from the corresponding channel to the main mixing bus.

19. +4 / -10 Switch

This switch, available on stereo channels, is used adjust the input sensitivity of the corresponding channels, which will adapt the mixer to external devices which may use different operating levels. If the input source is -10 dBV, it

is best to engage the switch, allowing the signal to be heard. The +4 dBu mode is suitable for use with professional audio level signals, which are considerably higher than the consumer level. 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 input is obviously too low).

Record/Playback

20. TF Card Slot

Insert an appropriately formatted (FAT-32) ash card

into this slot. This card can then be used to record

MP3 or WAV les.

21. Display

This display will display the track number currently being played. It also offers play, pause and record indicators as well as the current play/record time.

AM8GE

22. Stop/Menu Button

Push this button to stop playback or recording when applicable. Push and hold the button to access the TF recorder/player’s main menu.

23. Back/Next Buttons

Pushing these buttons will allow users to skip back and forwards between tracks. When the menu is activated, these buttons are used to scroll through on screen options.

24. Play Button

Push this button to start and stop playback and recording of the currently displayed track. Starting a track after it is paused will resume the track from the point at which it was paused (in both record and playback mode).

24 26

27 28

English

22 24

E󰀨ects Section

25. Program Control

This rotary control allows users to select the digital effect program of your choice. There are 16 points on the rotary control, each of which corresponds with an effect type. See the digital effect table for more information.

26. Parameter Control

Turning this control will adjust the one main parameter of the selected effect. Each effect’s

parameter can be found on the digital e󰀨ect table.

27. EFX to Main Control

This button is pushed to turn the corresponding e󰀨ect panel on or o󰀨. E󰀨ects can also be disabled by using

a footswitch with the jack on the rear of the mixer. Please note: this button will not lock down as similar buttons on the mixer do.

28. EFX to Headphones Button

Push this button to send the final EFX mix to the headphones mix.

Master Section

29. Phones Control

This control is used to adjust the audio level of the phones feed, to be sent to the Phones output. It can be used in conjunction with headphones or, if required, as an auxiliary output.

AM8GE

30. Power Button

When the power adapter is connected, push this button to activate the AM8GE.

31. Assign to Main

Push this button to send the USB Return signal to the main mix.

32. USB Trim Control

Turn this rotary control to adjust the incoming level from the USB return (as sent from the computer). The

output of the USB can further be rened through your

computer. The signal is then sent to the Main mix if the “Assign to Main” button is engaged.

33. Phantom Power Switch

When this switch is in the on position it activates +48V of phantom power for both microphone inputs, allowing condenser microphones to be used on these channels.

NB. Phantom Power should be used in conjunction with condenser microphones only. However many modern

microphones are una󰀨ected by Phantom Power, so it’s best to

consult your mic’s user’s manual for details.

34. Level Meter

The AM Gold’s 10-segment level meters give an accurate indication of when audio levels of the MAIN L/R output reach certain levels. Phonic suggests setting the various levels controls so that the level sits around the 0 to +3 area.

35. Main L/R Control

This control is nal level control for the main left and

right audio feed, sent to the Main L and R output.

+ 19 hidden pages