sound devices 442 user manual
442
Field Mixer
User Guide and Technical Information
for 442 and 442 Nordic Field Mixers
Sound Devices, LLC
300 Wengel Drive
Reedsburg, WI 53959 USA
Voice +1 (608) 524-0625
Fax +1 (608) 524-0655
www.sounddevices.com
©2003–2009 Sound Devices, LLC
backside - front cover
Table of Contents
Quick Start Guide . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
Powering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Input Channel Setup . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Output Connection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Headphone Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Metering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Limiting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
Front Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
Input Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
Output Panel Descriptions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
Input Channels . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .8
Mic/Line Level Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Gain (trim) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Channel Fader . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
Phantom and T- Microphone Powering . . . . . . . . . . . 8
High-Pass Filters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
Pan Controls . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Input Limiters . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
LIM LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Peak LEDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Polarity Reversal - Channel 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Stereo Linking ON - Channels 1 and 2 . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Stereo Link MS - Channels 1 and 2 . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
PFL (Channel Solo Monitoring) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11
Master Gain Control . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Master Outputs - XLR and Hirose Multi-Pin . . . . . . . 11
Secondary Balanced Outputs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Tape Outputs (Mix Output) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Mono Mic Output . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Output Limiter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
LINK vs ON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Mix Input (linking mixers) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13
Metering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Meter Ballistics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Ballistics Lock. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Headphone Peak LED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Headphone Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
Headphone Source Selection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Headphone Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Return A and B . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Powering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
Internal Powering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
External Powering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Power Metering . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Power Consumption . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
Tone Oscillator / Slate Microphone . . . . . . . . . . 17
Tone Oscillator . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Slate Microphone . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
Accessing the Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
Enter the Setup Menu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
User Default . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
442 Nordic Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
Setup Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
Setup Menu Firmware v 5.07 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
Setup Menu Firmware v 3 & 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21
Setup Menu Firmware v 2, (442 only) . . . . . . . . .22
Specifi cations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
System . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
Block Diagram - Inputs and Outputs . . . . . . . . .26
Block Diagram - Monitoring . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 27
Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
CE Declaration of Conformity . . . . . . . . . . . . . .29
Warranty and Technical Support . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
FCC Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 30
1
442/442N User Guide and Technical Information
Welcome
eveloped with insight from the industry’s top audio engineers, the 442 Field Mixer encompasses
D
the audio performance, feature set, and mechanical construction demanded by those who rely
on audio gear for their livelihood. The 442 contains four high-performance microphone preamplifi ers,
multiple outputs, and fl exible monitoring. Its inputs and outputs, including direct outputs on each
channel, make the 442 at home in small “run-and-gun” applications as well as large, multiple input
productions.
The 442 incorporates a complete feature-set into a compact, functional design. With no hidden controls,
the 442's parameters are accessible from the three main surfaces. The highly effi cient circuitry allows the
mixer to be powered by either four internal AA batteries or external 5-18 VDC.
The 442, like all Sound Devices professional audio products, is designed to withstand the physical
and environmental extremes inherent to fi eld production. Its compact construction strikes the perfect
balance between performance, accessible controls, and durability.
2
v. 5.07 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Quick Start Guide
For those familiar with fi eld mixers or mixing consoles, this "Quick Start Guide" highlights basic
functionality to begin operating the 442.
Powering
1. For internal powering, insert four AA batteries with the positive (+) side fi rst into the battery
compartment.
For external powering, connect the external DC power (5–18 VDC) to the 442's DC connector.
2. Slide the power switch in the direction of the intended power source (INT or EXT).
3. Press the battery check button to view voltage levels.
Input Channel Setup
1. Connect a signal source (microphone or line level signal) to a channel's XLR input connector.
2. Select the input type to MIC or LINE level.
3. Engage Phantom or T-power, if required by the input source.
4. Set the Channel Fader to the 0 (unity) position.
5. Adjust the Channel Pan to the appropriate position.
6. Adjust the High-Pass fi lter as needed.
7. Place the Master Gain control to the 0 (unity) position.
8. Adjust the Channel Gain/trim control to the required level.
9. Verify that signal is present on the Output Meter.
Output Connection
1. Connect the outputs of the 442 to the inputs of the receiving device.
2. Select the output type - MIC, -10, or LINE level.
3. Verify that the receiving device is getting signal.
Headphone Monitoring
1. Connect headphones to the either one of the headphone connectors located on the Output Panel.
2. Turn the Monitor Selection Switch the ST position to listen to stereo mixer program.
3. Monitor the stereo mix in the headphones.
Metering
1. View the master output level on the LED Output Meter.
2. Toggle between VU, PPM (Peak), or combined VU/PPM metering with the PK/VU button.
3. Adjust the meter brightness among its intensities with the LED Brightness button.
Limiting
1. Activate the input and output limiters by engaging the front panel switch - either stereo linked (LINK)
or dual mono (ON).
2. Note the limiting activity on the limiter LEDs and the output level.
3. Adjust the output limiter threshold and input limiter availability in the Setup Menu (see Appendix).
3
442/442N User Guide and Technical Information
Front Panel Descriptions
1
2
3
+ 15
15
15
5
4
+
16
1) Channel Fader
Primary control for adjusting the input
level of each channel during operation.
Ranges from Off to +15 dB. Nominal
setting is in the middle (0 dB).
2) Channel Pan
Controls the Left/Right balance of the
input signal to the outputs. Signal is 3
dB greater when panned hard left and
right.
3) LINK LED
Indicates that channels 1 and 2 are
linked as a stereo pair, set via the Link
Switch on the input panel.
6
+
15
7
+
15
9
8
17 18
101211
19
13
14
22
21
20
8) Output Meter
40 segment output meter. For Peak
setting, the markings indicate output
level (at line-level) in dBu. For VU
setting, markings indicate Volume Units.
See Appendix A for 442N scale.
9) Slate Mic / Tone Oscillator
Activates the slate microphone in the
left position (momentary) and activates
the tone oscillator in the right position
(latched).
10) LED Brightness Button
Toggles between the four LED
brightness settings.
4) Channel 2 Polarity Reverse
Reverses the polarity of input channel 2.
11) PK/VU Button
Toggles between the available output
meter ballistics—VU, PPM (Peak),
5) PFL (Solo)
Pre-fade Listen. Sends the selected
channel's post-gain/pre-fade signal
to the headphone monitor for
combined VU/PPM, or VU-PPM Hold.
See Metering Hold down the PK/VU
button while powering on the mixer to
access the Setup Menu.
troubleshooting and gain staging. Does
not affect master output signal.
12) Battery Check Button
Views the battery level on the output
6) Peak LED
Indicates that the input signal is 3 dB
from clipping. If the LED illuminates,
gain is set too high.
7) Input Limiter LED
Illuminates orange when the Input
Limiter is active, LED intensity signifi es
amount of limiting. If signifi cant
limiting occurs, reduce the level of the
meter. Left (top) meter indicates internal
battery level, right (bottom) meter
indicates external battery level. See
Powering.
13) Power LED
Illuminates when unit is powered.
Flashes when power supply is low. With
external DC supply the LED fl ashes at
select voltage. See Powering.
Gain Trim.
4
v. 5.07 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
14) Power Switch
Three-position switch, selects between
internal battery power or external DC
sources, middle position is Off.
15) Gain (Trim)
Coarse input gain control. Sets the
initial input sensitivity level so that the
Channel Fader can be used for fi ne gain
adjustments. Range is from +22 dB to
+60 dB.
16) High-Pass Filter
Adjusts corner (-3 dB) frequency of
high-pass fi lter. Full counter-clockwise
position (de-tented) deactivates the
High-Pass Filter. Range is 80-240 Hz,
12dB/oct to 6 dB/oct.
17) Limiter Switch
Activates both Input and Output
Limiters. Input Limiters can be
defeated in the Setup Menu. When
ON is selected, the Output Limiters act
independently on each Left and Right
Outputs. When LINK is selected, the
Output Limiters are linked and limiting
is applied evenly across the Stereo
Outputs.
19) Monitor Selection Switch
Selects the signal source in headphone
monitor. Options include: Off; Left
Output bus; Right Output bus; Mono
(summed left and right); STereo master;
Return A; Return B; Return A in the
left / Return B in the right headphone
monitor; MS-Left; MS Right; MS-stereo.
20) Headphone Gain
Adjusts the overall headphone gain.
21) Output Limiter LEDs
Illuminates orange when the Output
Limiter is active, LED intensity signifi es
amount of limiting. If signifi cant Output
Limiting occurs, reduce the levels of the
Channel and Master faders accordingly.
22) Return Monitor Toggle Switch
Sends the return audio signals to the
headphone monitor. Left position
latches and right position is momentary.
Return routing relative to switch
position can be modifi ed in the Setup
Menu. Factory default is RTN A on the
left, middle is Off, and RTN B on the
right.
18) Master Gain
Controls the overall signal level of the
Left and Right Outputs.
5
442/442N User Guide and Technical Information
Input Panel Descriptions
1
3 4
1) XLR Inputs
Transformer-balanced channel inputs.
Pin-1 = ground; pin-2 = ‘hot’ (+); pin-3 =
‘cold’ (-). Unbalance by grounding pin-3
to pin-1 of the XLR connector.
2) TA3M-type Channel Direct Outputs
Balanced direct outputs. Signal is
pre-fader (post-trim, input limiter, and
high-pass fi lter). Output level is selected
in the Setup Menu between Mic and
Line-levels. Pin-1 = Ground; pin-2 =
'Hot'(+); pin-3 = 'Cold' (-). Unbalance by
fl oating pin-3.
3) Phantom/DYNamic/T-Power
Selects the microphone powering
type of the associated channel. NOTE:
Use T-Powering ony for T-Powered
microphones.
2
5
7
6
4) Mic/Line Channel Switch
Selects the input level of its associated
input connector.
5) Phantom Voltage Selection
Selects either 48V or 12V phantom
voltage for the input channels.
6) 1 + 2 LINK
Groups channels 1 and 2 as a stereo pair.
ON selects a L/R stereo pair, MS selects
a Mid-Side stereo pair. See Stereo Link
for more information.
7) RTN A and RTN B Level
Adjusts the input sensitivity for the
Return A and Return B signals. Useful
for balancing levels when toggling
between program and return audio.
6
v. 5.07 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Output Panel Descriptions
2 4
1
7 9 11
1) Mix In
Designed exclusively to link another
442, 302, MixPre, or MP-2 to the 442
for additional inputs. Signal is sent
directly to the Output Stereo bus.
Pin-1 = Ground, pin-2 = Left, pin-3 =
Right. Shell of TA3 connector must be
grounded to pin-1 to open connection.
2) Mono Mic Out
Unbalanced mono mic-level output on
1/8-inch female connector, designed to
connect to wireless IFB transmitters or
transcription recorders. Tip = Hot, sleeve
= Ground.
3) Tape Output(s) / Mix Out
Unbalanced stereo outputs on 3.5 mm
and TA3-type connectors. TA3, pin-1 =
Ground, pin-2 = Left, pin-3 = Right. 1/8inch, sleeve = Ground, tip = Left, ring =
Right. Connect to the Mix In of another
442 for additional channels.
4) Hirose Multi-Pin Output (Return A)
Multi-pin connector includes second
master output (on separate winding
from XLR outputs) and unbalanced
stereo Return A. See Block Diagram for
pin confi guration
5) XLR Master Outputs
Transformer-balanced ouputs. Pin-1 =
Ground; pin-2 = Hot (+); pin 3 = Cold
(-). Unbalance by grounding pin-3 to
pin-1 of the XLR connector.
6)
Battery Compartment
Holds four AA batteries required for
internal powering. Accepts Alkaline,
Lithium, or NiHM rechargeable cells.
8
5
10 12 13
Headphone Outputs
7)
1/4-inch and 3.5 mm stereo connectors,
drive headphones from 8-2000 ohm
impedances to required monitoring
levels.
8) Return B Inputs
Unbalanced stereo TA3-type or 3.5 mm
input connectors for Return B audio.
TA3: pin-1 = Ground, pin-2 = Left, pin-3
= Right. 1/8-inch: sleeve = Ground, tip
= Left, ring = Right.
9) Multi-Pin Hirose Output Level
Selects output level for the Hirose MultiPin Output to Mic, Tape, or Line Level.
10) Left XLR Output Level
Sets the nominal output level for the
Left XLR Master Output to Mic, Tape
(-10), or Line levels.
11) TA3M-type Master Outputs
Mic- or Line-level selectable in the Setup
Menu. Pin-1 = Ground, pin-2 = Hot (+),
pin-3 = Cold (-), fl oat pin-3 to unbalance.
12) Left XLR Output Level
Sets the nominal output level for the
Right XLR Master Output to Mic, Tape
(-10), or Line levels.
13) DC Input
Accepts DC voltages from 5–18 V for
mixer powering. 4-pin Hirose connector
is wired pin-1 negative (–), pin-4 =
positive (+). Ext DC is completely
isolated (fl oating) from the rest of the
circuitry. Early 442 models (s/n < 0303)
use coaxial DC power connectors. Tip =
(+) and sleeve = (–).
63
7
442/442N User Guide and Technical Information
15
+
Input Channels
The inputs of the 442 consist of four, full-featured microphone preamplifi ers. Each channel has a wide
gain range to accommodate nearly all signal types. The 442 accepts signals ranging from low-sensitivity
dynamic and ribbon microphones to medium-level wireless and condenser mic-level outputs, and to
"hot" line-level signals.
442 input channels are transformer-balanced. The isolation characteristics of transformers are superior
to other balancing techniques for the hostile and uncontrolled environments of fi eld production.
Transformers provide galvanic isolation from the driving source, meaning there is no direct electrical
connection. Signals are "transformed" magnetically. The input transformers in the 442 use premium
magnetic core material to achieve high signal handling capability (especially at low frequencies)
while keeping distortion to a minimum. Because of their inherently high common mode impedance,
transformers are unrivaled by any other type of input for common-mode noise rejection.
The XLR input connectors of the 442 can be used with either balanced or unbalanced connections.
When unbalancing, ground pin-3 to pin-1. There is no change in gain between unbalanced and balanced
connections into the 442.
Mic/Line Level Selection
The Mic/Line switch is used to select the input level of the respective channel. The 442 has up to
84 dB of available gain from mic-input to line-output. When in the LINE position, the input channel
sensitivity is reduced by 40 dB.
Gain (trim)
Like traditional mixing consoles, the 442’s input sensitivity is set with the Gain (trim)
potentiometer. With the Channel Fader set to unity gain (0 dB or 12 o’clock), make the appropriate
adjustments with the Gain (trim) pot. Make coarse gain adjustments with the Gain (trim) pot during
setup. Once the gain is set to the desired level, recess the Gain (trim) pot to hide it from the 442’s mixing
surface.
Channel Fader
The Channel Fader is the primary level control used during mixing operation. Use the
Channel Fader to make fi ne level adjustments during operation. The fader can be attenuated from Off
(full counter-clockwise position) to +15 dB above the set Gain (Trim) level (full clockwise position).
Phantom and T- Microphone Powering
This switch selects the type of power that will be applied to the adjacent input XLR. The 442
provides both Phantom and T-power on each channel respectively. If neither Phantom or T-power are
required, for instance with dynamic microphones, it is best practice to turn Off microphone powering
(DYN position). Phantom power can capacitively couple noise into the mic inputs with poor mic cables.
The DYN (dynamic) position does not apply any voltage to the microphone input. Do not apply power
to ribbon microphones, improperly wired cables can permanently damage the microphone.
8
v. 5.07 Features and specifications are subject to change. Visit www.sounddevices.com for the latest documentation.
Phantom Power
5
Phantom powering is a fi xed DC voltage between 12 and 48 volts. This voltage is resistively applied to pin-2
and pin-3 of an XLR connector relative to pin-1. There is no voltage difference between the signal pins-2 and -3.
Dynamic microphones will operate as normal when phantom power is applied to them.
The 442 can provide up to 10 mA to each input at 48 V, suffi cient for the most power-hungry condenser
microphones. Many phantom powered microphones do not require 48 V and can be properly powered with 12
V. When acceptable, use 12 V phantom to extend the 442’s battery life. The phantom voltage level can be set to
either 12 V or 48 V and is applied across all inputs where phantom power is selected.
T-Powering
T-powering is a microphone powering scheme used by several European condenser microphone manufacturers.
Today, T-powered microphones are not as common as phantom powered microphones, but many are still in
regular use. Unlike phantom power, T-power resistively applies 12 V between the signal pins -2 and -3. The 442
provides positive T-power on the three-pin XLR connector, pin-2 has +12 volts relative to pin-3. T-power can be
selected for each input.
When using “red dot” T-powered microphones (reverse polarity T-power) use a polarity-reversing adapter on
the input, otherwise damage to the microphone may occur.
Phantom and T-powering are not interchangeable. Use T-powering only for T-powered microphones.
High-Pass Filters
Each channel of the 442 has an adjustable high-pass fi lter. High-pass (or low-cut / low roll-off) fi lters
are useful for removing excess low frequency energy from audio signals. Wind noise is a common unwanted
low frequency signal that can be reduced with the use of a high-pass fi lter. For most audio applications
engaging the high-pass fi lter is benefi cial, because audio information below 100 Hz is rarely used, especially for
speech reproduction.
The 442's high-pass fi lter circuit features an adjustable corner (–3 dB) frequency over a range from 80-240 Hz.
Below 80 Hz, the fi lter's slope is 12 dB/octave. At higher corner frequency settings, the slope is 6 dB/octave. See
Specifi cations The purpose for this compound slope is to give additional roll-off at the 80 Hz setting to reduce
wind noise and low frequency rumble. The higher settings can be used to counteract the proximity effect of
directional microphones where a more gentle slope is desired.
The 442's high-pass fi lter circuit is unique because of its placement before any electronic amplifi cation. Most
mixer's high-pass fi lter circuits are placed after the microphone preamplifi er, where all of the high-energy
low-frequency signals get amplifi ed. By virtue of the 442's circuit cutting the low-frequency signals before
amplifying, higher headroom is achieved in presence of signals with a lot of low-frequency energy.
When possible, attempt to equalize at the sound source with microphone selection, placement, windscreens, and
onboard microphone fi ltering. Many microphones have on-board high pass fi lters, and the high-pass fi lters on
the 442 can be used in conjunction with the microphone's fi lter to increase the fi lter's slope.
The fi lter can be removed from the circuit completely by moving the high-pass fi lter control to the full counterclockwise (detented) position. The high-pass fi lter potentiometer can be adjusted easily and then recessed to
hide it from the mixing surface.
9
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