SONOSAX SX-ES64 User Manual

PROFESSIONAL AUDIO
MIXING CONSOLE

SONOSAX
SX-ES64

User manual

audio equipment manufacturer

SONOSAX SAS S.A.
Ch. de la Naz 38
1052 Le Mont s/Lausanne
SUISSE

Tel: [phone]
Fax: [phone]

Web: www.sonosax.ch
Email: [e-mail]

Version 1.0 / August 2009

TABLE OF CONTENT

1. INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................. 3

2. APPLICATIONS...................................................................................................................................................3

2.1 MAIN FEATURES ................................................................................................................................................ 3

2.2 OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES.......................................................................................................................... 4

2.2.1 External Power Supply ......................................................................................................................................... 4

2.2.2 Optional Output connectors .................................................................................................................................. 4

2.3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS.................................................................................................................................... 4

3. POWERING ON THE UNIT.................................................................................................................................. 5

3.1.1 Power from internal batteries................................................................................................................................ 5

3.1.2 Battery charge indicator........................................................................................................................................ 5

3.1.3 Powering from external DC power supply............................................................................................................. 6

3.1.4 Automatic changeover of the DC power source ................................................................................................... 6

4. MIC/LINE INPUT SECTION ................................................................................................................................. 7

4.1.1 Mic/Line Inputs [ IN1 to IN6 ] ................................................................................................................................ 8

4.1.2 Phantom power [ 48V ] ......................................................................................................................................... 8

4.1.3 Pre-LF Cut Filter [ LF Cut ] .................................................................................................................................. 8

4.1.4 Phase reversal [ Ø ].............................................................................................................................................. 8

4.1.5 Input GAIN setting [ MID – LO - HI ] .................................................................................................................... 9

4.1.6 Input Limiters ........................................................................................................................................................ 9

4.1.7 Sweep LF-Cut [LF CUT] ....................................................................................................................................... 9

4.1.8 Optional 3 bands semi-parametric Equalizer [EQ].............................................................................................. 10

4.1.9 3 Leds peak-meter.............................................................................................................................................. 10

4.1.10 Pre-Fader Listening [PFL]................................................................................................................................... 11

4.1.11 Channel fader ..................................................................................................................................................... 11

4.2 MIX BUS ASSIGNEMENT ROUTING SWITCHES [ 1 TO 4 ]............................................................................ 12

4.2.1 Pan Pot (Panoramic Potentiometer) ................................................................................................................... 12

5. MASTER AND MONITORING SECTION .......................................................................................................... 13

5.1.1 Summing amplifiers [Master] .............................................................................................................................. 14

5.1.2 Switches [ SLATE – Off – RET ] ......................................................................................................................... 14

5.1.3 Group Monitoring [ MON ].................................................................................................................................. 14

5.2 SLATE MIC AND OSCILLATOR [ MIC OSC FIX ] AND [ SLATE ] KEY..........................................................15

5.3 RETURNS 1 TO 4 [ RET ]................................................................................................................................. 15

5.3.1 Return Mix Master level...................................................................................................................................... 15

5.3.2 Return's Pre-Fader Listening [ PFL ] ................................................................................................................. 15

5.4 MONITORING .................................................................................................................................................... 16

5.4.1 Main Monitor source selector [ MON ] ................................................................................................................ 16

5.4.2 Monitor Mode selector [ EXT L R ST M MS MS/M] ............................................................................................ 16

5.4.3 Headphone level [ PHONE1 ] ............................................................................................................................. 16

5.4.4 Command switch [ COM ].................................................................................................................................. 16

5.4.5 Potentiometer [ MIC1 ]....................................................................................................................................... 16

5.4.6 Secondary Monitor selector [ 1-2 3-4 RET EXT - ] .......................................................................................... 17

5.4.7 Headphone level [ PHONE2 ] ............................................................................................................................. 17

5.4.8 Touche [ PL1 ] ................................................................................................................................................... 17

5.4.9 Potentiomètre [ MIC2 ]....................................................................................................................................... 17

5.4.10 Headphone outputs [ PHONE1 et PHONE 2 ] .................................................................................................... 17

5.5 LEDS PEAK-METERS [ PEAK-METERS ]........................................................................................................ 18

6. DIGITAL OUTPUT [ AES ]................................................................................................................................. 19

6.1.1 Sampling frequencies [ 96 EXT 48 ] ................................................................................................................... 19

7. ADDENDUM....................................................................................................................................................... 20

7.1.1 Main connectors wiring diagrams ....................................................................................................................... 20

7.1.2 Optional connectors [OPTION] ........................................................................................................................... 22

7.2 BLOC DIAGRAMM ............................................................................................................................................ 23

8. SPECIFICATIONS ............................................................................................................................................. 25

9. TIPS ON USING YOUR MIXER ......................................................................................................................... 27

User manual SONOSAX SX-ES64 Page 2 of 27

1. INTRODUCTION

Congratulations, by choosing the professional mixing console SONOSAX SX-ES64 you have acquired a high
quality product, designed and built to last for many years with outstanding performances.

The SONOSAX SX-ES64 is one of the most compact mixing consoles on the market. Despite its reduced size;
it provides with numerous features to suit each user's requirements.

As for any SONOSAX products, the SX-ES64 mixing console is built without any compromise in quality. Our
30 years of experience have helped us to develop and build this console which is designed to have a lifespan
of at least 12 to 15 years. The reliability of SONOSAX product is the result of a high technology design, a
selection of the best available components, a meticulous hand assembly and a severe quality control.

Each of its circuits has been intensively studied to reach the highest level of performance and the lower
possible power consumption. The end result of these research and development is an ergonomic mixing
console with outstanding performances, yet at an affordable price.

To offer a mixer that not only suits to user's technical requirements but also adapted to each budget, some
features normally found in standard on other mixers are offered as options on the SONOSAX SX-ES64

The information and instructions contained in this manual are necessary to ensure safe operations of your
equipment and to maintain it in good working condition; please read it carefully.

2. APPLICATIONS

The SONOSAX SX-ES64 is an extremely compact mixing console, lightweight and easily transportable.
Built in a strong, rugged, anodised aluminium housing, it provides with numerous features to meet the needs
of professionals in mobile and studio applications.
The SONOSAX SX-ES64 mixer is an ideal solution in almost all applications where performance, small
footprint and low power consumption are required, such as:

♦ Video, TV and cinematography productions.

♦ Mobiles or stationary Post-production facilities or recording studios.

♦ OB Van, Live Broadcasting, sports events.

♦ Analogue or digital recording of acoustical music

♦ High end installations in concert halls or theatres

2.1 MAIN FEATURES

♦ Small sized and lightweight 6 channels audio mixer with 4 groups and dual monitoring.

♦ Electronically balanced, transformer less inputs and outputs.

♦ Large audio bandwidth and high dynamic range.

♦ High quality potentiometers, faders and switches, resistant to water projection ( IP45 ).

♦ Ultra low noise microphone preamplifier based on semi-discrete technology.

♦ Primary passive LF-Cut (Pre-LF Cut) to protect the microphone preamplifier.

♦ 48V Phantom power, phase reversal and individual limiter on each input channel.

♦ Channel's direct output configurable either Pre-EQ, Post-EQ or Post Fader.

♦ 3 band semi-parametric Equalizer, available as an option.

♦ 4 mix groups individually assignable Pre-Pan / Post-Pan or Pre-Fader / Post-Pan.

♦ High quality conductive plastic linear fader.

♦ LED Meter on each input for level metering, overload and limiter activity indications.

♦ 4 master groups and dual monitoring section with private line for off line communication.

♦ Reference tone oscillator and integrated slate/com microphone.

♦ Choice of optional connectors for camera's send/return with confidence monitoring

♦ Analogue to Digital Converter available as an option, for channel's direct outputs and main 1&2

♦ Powered either from internal batteries or external DC voltage 6 to 18Volt.

♦ Low power consumption, lightweight and small footprint

User manual SONOSAX SX-ES64 Page 3 of 27

2.2 OPTIONS AND ACCESSORIES

2.2.1 External Power Supply

The SX-ES64 mixer can be powered from any regulated external DC power source from 6 to18 Volts.
A universal external power supply is 100-240VAC/12VDC is delivered with each unit. A spare power supply is
available by SONOSAX or through your local dealer under ref: SX-008450.

2.2.2 Optional Output connectors

Every user has its own requirements for connecting its audio devices together. Thus, a choice of optional
connectors is available, offering different interconnecting solutions to better deserve the specific needs of
each user. Please refer to the addendum in chapter 7 for the choices of connectors and their wiring.

2.3 SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS

• Read all the safety and operation instructions before operating the SX-ES64 mixer and its external

power supply.

• Keep the instructions for further reference.

• Follow all warnings, notes and instructions mentioned in this operation manual.

• Keep the SX-ES64 Mixer and its external power supply away from heat sources such as radiators or

other devices that produce heat.

• Connect the SX-ES64 Mixer only to the optional external power supply delivered by SONOSAX.

Route power supply cords so that they are not likely to be walked on or pinched by items placed on or
against them, paying particular WARNING to cords at plugs, inlets and the point where they exit the
console. Keep power cords away from audio cords.

• Do not drop objects or spill liquids onto the SX-ES64 Mixer and its power supply.

• The SX-ES64 Mixer and its external power supply should be serviced only by qualified service

personnel as your nearest SONOSAX authorized reseller.

• Do not defeat the grounding or polarization of the SX-ES64 Mixer or its power supply.

• Line voltage selectors should only be resettled and equipped with a proper plug for alternate voltage

by a qualified service technician.

• To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture.

• Internal settings and adjustments must be solely executed by an authorized SONOSAX distributor or

at factory.

• Damage due to inappropriate manipulations inside the unit immediately cancels the SONOSAX limited

warranty.

User manual SONOSAX SX-ES64 Page 4 of 27

3. POWERING ON THE UNIT

The SONOSAX SX-ES64 mixing console can be powered either form an external regulated DC power source
having a voltage between 6 to 18VDC or by four internal rechargeable or disposable batteries.

Because of its reduced size, the SX-ES64 can not hold more than four batteries and thus its running time on
batteries will not exceed 4 hours. It is therefore advisable to focus on external power and to consider the
batteries as a redundant power source (buffer) in case of failure of the external power supply.

The power On switch [OFF-ECO-ON] is located on the upper right corner of the front panel and offers two
distinct powering modes:

• In [ECO] position, the mixer is turned on in an economy mode to save on battery power, and thus it

increases the running time. All level meters work on a DOT mode where only one Led is lighting to show
the highest level of the audio modulation.

• In [ON] position the level meters show the modulation as a conventional Bargraph where all Led's lights up

from the lowest and up to the highest modulation level.

• In [OFF] position, the mixer is obviously turned off.

3.1.1 Power from internal batteries

The SONOSAX SX-ES64 mixer can be internally powered by 4x rechargeable D-Cells (LR20) either Nickel
Metal Hydride (NiMH) or Nickel Cadmium (NiCd), alternatively by lithium or alkaline disposable batteries.

The battery door is located on the left side of the mixer. Its opening is made simply by sliding toward the rear.
Slide in four D-Cells (LR20) batteries, checking for the correct polarity and close the sliding door.

¾ The negative pole is inside the battery compartment, the positive pole is on the sliding battery door.

Turn On the mixer by setting the power on either to [ECO] or [ON]. The first Yellow Led [ON] located at the
bottom of the primary meter must lit on and the Red Led [BATT] must be flashing. If not:

¾ Check that the batteries have been correctly inserted in the battery compartment.
¾ Check that the battery door is fully closed.
¾ Check that the batteries are fully charged. In case of disposable cells, note that even new dry cells

might sometime by faulty or just too old.

NOTE: The running time highly depends on the battery type (Alkaline, NiCd, NiMH or Lithium), the

kind and the number of microphone being used and if the 48V Phantom is turned On.

WARNING: Never leave discharged batteries in the compartment. To ensure an optimal running time, use

only premium quality rechargeable cells and check the expiry date.

3.1.2 Battery charge indicator

When the SX-ES64 is powered from its internal batteries, the first Red Led [BATT] at the bottom of the primary
meter is flashing. Its period is depending on the remaining battery charge:

- Full charge: the Led flashes once every 2 seconds

- 30% remaining charge: the Led flashes once per seconds

- 10% remaining charge: the Led flashes twice per seconds

When the voltage reaches 1.0 Volt per cell then the SX-ES64 will automatically turns Off, thus protecting your
rechargeable batteries from excessive discharge.

User manual SONOSAX SX-ES64 Page 5 of 27

3.1.3 Powering from external DC power supply

The SX-ES64 can be powered from any regulated external DC power supply or from an external battery bank
having a DC Voltage between 6 to18 volts. The DC source must be capable to sustain at least 20 Watts. The
average power consumption of the SX-ES64 is around 10 to 14 Watts.

The mixer is delivered with a universal AC/DC main adapter accepting a voltage range from 100 to 260V AC,
50Hz to 60Hz. Thus it can be used worldwide without any modification or adjustment.
The DC input connector for an external power supply is located on the rear panel of the mixer.

The mating cable connector is an XLR4-F
Pin 1 = GND or negative / Pin 4 = +6 to +18VDC positive

Connect the external DC power supply to the DC IN connector located on the rear of the mixer and then set
the switch to either [ECO] or [ON] to power-up the mixer. The first Yellow Led ON at the bottom of the left side
of the primary meter must light on steady. If the mixer does not power up, then:

¾ Check that the external power supply Voltage is between 6 to 18Volts DC
¾ Check that your power supply sustain at least 20 Watts.
¾ Check that the DC plug is correctly wired.

3.1.4 Automatic changeover of the DC power source

The internal DC/DC converter circuitry is designed to automatically changeover between the internal batteries
and the external DC power supply. You do not need to power OFF the SX-ES64 to change the power source.

While turning on the mixer, when an external DC power supply is connected and the batteries are installed,
the internal DC/DC converter will automatically switch on the external DC. If the external DC supply fails or if
the voltage drops below 5 VDC then the DC/DC converter will automatically switch to the internal batteries. In
this case the n this case the Red Led BATT will start flashing.

NOTE: the switch over is absolutely silent, no noise, pops or clicks during will be heard

User manual SONOSAX SX-ES64 Page 6 of 27

4. MIC/LINE INPUT SECTION

This section covers all functionalities concerning the input channels such as the input gain, the sweep LF-Cut,
the mixing level and the assignment to the mix bus. It also contains a small modulometre to control the pre­fader level and to indicate the eventual overloads and the limiter activity.

Dynamic / 48V Phantom

Pre LF Cut filter 8kHz High frequency shelf +/- 15dB

Reverse Polarity
Mid sweep frequencies 200 to 8kHz

Mid frequencies level +/- 15dB
GAIN Trim +/- 20dB

80Hz Low frequency shelf +/- 15dB
GAIN coarse preset 40 / 12 / 60dB

Sweep LF Cut 20 to 350Hz 12dB/octave

Routing selectors to assign
channel to Mix busses1 to 4

PAN Potentiometer

Limiter Threshold

3 Led peak-meter for Level
Limiter and overload indications 100mm Linear Fader

PFL push button

User manual SONOSAX SX-ES64 Page 7 of 27

4.1.1 Mic/Line Inputs [ IN1 to IN6 ]

Each of the input channels is mono
connection of any external analogue device at line level.

and accepts of any type of dynamic or condenser microphone, or

The inputs are electronically balanced, transformer less.

Input connectors are standard XLR-3 female where:
Pin1 = Gnd / Pin2 = High (+) / Pin3 = Low (-).

To connect an unbalanced source such as CD Player, Minidisk or else, pin 3 must be bridged to pin 1 (Gnd)
and wired to the Gnd of the source. Then use pin 2 for the unbalanced input signal.

WARNING: Never use the [48V] Phantom in case of unbalanced connection or you could severely

damage the source!

Direct Channel Output:

Each input module provides with a direct channel output. They are taken either Pre-Eq, or Post-Eq or Post­fader. Selection is made by an internal soldering jumper inside the input module.
These direct channel outputs are at line level, available on the Sub-D 25 pin connector [LINEOUT] on the rear
panel. Output type is electronically balanced, transformer less. The wiring diagram is available in chapter 7

NOTE: The selection of the analogue output source is independent from the direct output source that

feed the A/D Converter.

4.1.2 Phantom power [ 48V ]

This switch turns the 48V Phantom power On or Off on the corresponding channel.
When set to [DYN] the 48V phantom power is turned off for connection of Dynamic microphone or any other
analogue source.
When set to [48] the 48V phantom power is turned on to power a condenser microphone.

WARNING:

Never use the 48V Phantom when an external device other than a condenser microphone is

connected to the input or you may severely damage the output circuitries of that device.
Never use the 48V Phantom in case of unbalanced connection.

NOTE:

Almost all modern condenser microphones of the latest generations are operating under 48V

Phantom power. Because of their excellent common mode rejection (CMRR) it has been
decided to include only this kind of microphone powering on the SX-ES64.

4.1.3 Pre-LF Cut Filter [ LF Cut ]

This switch engages a passive

low frequency pre-filter (Pre LF-Cut) which is acting before the microphone
pre-amplifier to attenuate low frequencies at high level that could affect the pre-amplifier and thus preventing
an optimal setting of the input gain.
These low frequencies of high level can be generated, among other, by the microphone capsule when
recording outdoor in strong wind condition.

The Pre LF-Cut frequency is set at 135Hz and has a slope of –6dB/octave.

4.1.4 Phase reversal [

Ø ]

This switch reverses the polarity of the input signal, which corresponds to a phase rotation by 180 degrees.
It can be used to correct a reversed cable wiring or to address a phase problem between two microphones
due to their placement while recording in stereo. It can also be used to progressively decode a M/S signal on
a three ways decoding method.

User manual SONOSAX SX-ES64 Page 8 of 27

4.1.5 Input GAIN setting [ MID – LO - HI ]

The primary input stage allows a wide range of input gain adjustment, ranging from-6dB to +80 dB
The maximum allowable input level is +21dBu

The input gain control is done in two stages using the primary gain switch [MID - OL - HI] and the [GAIN]
potentiometer located just above the switch ( also called TRIM ) for a progressive and fine adjustment of the
input gain. The potentiometer [GAIN] offers an adjustment range of +/- 20dB, ( 40dB in total ).

According to the position of the switch, the overall gain of the input ranges as follows

MID: the primary gain is 40dB, the overall gain ranges from 20dB to 60dB

LO : the primary gain is 12dB, the overall gain ranges from -6dB to 30dB

HI: the primary gain is 60dB, the overall gain ranges from 40dB to 80dB

NOTE: the overall gain range is quite wide and therefore the gain must be adjusted with cautions. An

excessive gain will leave little with headroom and can lead to clipping. On the opposite, a level
set too low will lead to a poor signal to noise ratio.
Check the input level using the 3 leds peak-meter of the channel and / or activate the PFL
mode to control your input gain.

4.1.6 Input Limiters

Each of the 6 input channels has its own independent Limiter which is part of the microphone pre-amplifier
circuitries. The retractable potentiometer [THRES] sets the threshold level above which the limiter becomes
active. The threshold can be adjusted between infinite and - 10dB below the nominal level.
Once the threshold level is reached, the activity of the limiter is indicated by the Green and Red Leds that light
up simultaneously on the small modulometre.

The attack time is very fast ( half sine wave only ) and the release time depends of the modulation.

NOTE: The limiter will be automatically activated 2dB below the clipping level ( at +19dBu ) even if the

Threshold is set to minimum. This will protect the input stage and avoid clipping the input stage.
This offers an additional margin of 6 dB at the input.

4.1.7 Sweep LF-Cut [LF CUT]

This retractable potentiometer progressively adjusts the cut-off frequency of the LF-Cut filter. Also called High
Pass Filter, this sweep LF-Cut is commonly used to remove unwanted low frequency noises such as room
rumble, electrical hum, wind noise, popping, etc

The LF-Cut is adjustable from 25Hz to 350Hz with a fixed slope of 12dB per octave

NOTE: The LF-Cut circuitry is located just after the microphone preamplifier and is independent from

the "Pre LF-Cut" which is located before the microphone preamplifier.

User manual SONOSAX SX-ES64 Page 9 of 27