thomann PM800 User Manual

PM800

powermixer

user manual

Musikhaus Thomann e. K.
Treppendorf 30
96138 Burgebrach
Germany
Telephone: [phone]

email: [e-mail]
Internet: www.thomann.de

17.11.2011

Table of contents

1 General notes............................................................................................................................................... 4

2 Safety instructions..................................................................................................................................... 6

3 Installation.................................................................................................................................................. 10

3.1 Pin assignment.................................................................................................................................. 10

3.2 Tips on speaker positioning......................................................................................................... 13

3.3 Connection diagram....................................................................................................................... 14

4 Control elements..................................................................................................................................... 15

5 Technical specifications....................................................................................................................... 25

5.1 Preset list............................................................................................................................................. 28

5.2 Features............................................................................................................................................... 30

5.3 Block diagram.................................................................................................................................... 32

6 Protecting the environment.............................................................................................................. 33

Table of contents

PM800

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1 General notes

This user manual contains important information on the safe operation of the device. Read and
follow all safety notes and all instructions. Save this manual for future reference. Make sure
that it is available to all persons using this device. If you sell the device to another user, be sure
that they also receive this manual.

Our products are subject to a process of continuous development. We therefore reserve the
right to make changes without notice.

This section gives an overview of the symbols and signal words used in this user manual.Symbols and signal words

General notes

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Signal word Meaning
DANGER! This combination of symbol and signal word

indicates an immediate dangerous situation
that will result in death or serious injury if it is
not avoided.

CAUTION! This combination of symbol and signal word

indicates a possible dangerous situation that
can result in minor injury if it is not avoided.

NOTICE! This combination of symbol and signal word

indicates a possible dangerous situation that
can result in material and environmental
damage if it is not avoided.

Warning signs Type of danger

Warning – high-voltage.

General notes

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2 Safety instructions

Use the device only as described in this user manual. Any other use or use under other oper‐
ating conditions is considered to be improper and may result in personal injury or property
damage. No liability will be assumed for damages resulting from improper use.

This device may be used only by persons with sufficient physical, sensorial, and intellectual
abilities and having corresponding knowledge and experience. Other persons may use this
device only if they are supervised or instructed by a person who is responsible for their safety.

DANGER!
Electric shock caused by high voltages inside

Within the device there are areas where high voltages may be present. Never
remove any covers.

There are no user-serviceable parts inside.

Intended use

Safety instructions

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DANGER!
Electric shock caused by short-circuit

Always use proper ready-made insulated mains cabling (power cord) with a pro‐
tective contact plug. Do not modify the mains cable or the plug. Failure to do so
could result in electric shock/death or fire. If in doubt, seek advice from a regis‐
tered electrician.

DANGER!
Electric shock caused by high voltages at the power amplifier output

The output voltages of modern high-performance amplifiers may result in death
or serious injury.

Never touch the bare ends of loudspeaker cables when the amplifier is on.

Safety instructions

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CAUTION!
Possible hearing damage

With loudspeakers or headphones connected, the device can produce volume
levels that may cause temporary or permanent hearing impairment.

Do not operate the device permanently at a high volume level. Decrease the
volume level immediately if you experience ringing in your ears or hearing
impairment.

NOTICE!
Risk of fire

Do not block areas of ventilation. Do not install the device near any direct heat
source. Keep the device away from naked flames.

Safety instructions

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NOTICE!
Operating conditions

This device has been designed for indoor use only. To prevent damage, never
expose the device to any liquid or moisture. Avoid direct sunlight, heavy dirt, and
strong vibrations.

NOTICE!
Power supply

Before connecting the device, ensure that the input voltage (AC outlet) matches
the voltage rating of the device and that the AC outlet is protected by a residual
current circuit breaker. Failure to do so could result in damage to the device and
possibly injure the user.

Unplug the device before electrical storms occur and when it is unused for long
periods of time to reduce the risk of electric shock or fire.

Safety instructions

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3 Installation

Unpack and check carefully there is no transportation damage before using the unit.

Establish all connections as long as the unit is switched off. Use the shortest possible high­quality cables for all connections.

3.1 Pin assignment

You can use XLR and phone jack connectors with either balanced or unbalanced wiring.

Installation

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XLR mounting sockets provided for signal inputs. XLR mounting plugs provided for signal out‐
puts. Drawings and descriptions explain the pin assignment.

Balanced wiring:

1 Ground, shielding
2 Positive signal (+)
3 Negative signal (–)

Unbalanced wiring:

1 Ground, shielding
2 Signal
3 bridged with Pin 1

XLR connection for signal in and
outputs

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Drawings and descriptions explain the pin assignment of 1/4" connectors.
Unbalanced wired 1/4" TS jack:

1 Signal
2 Ground, shielding

Unbalanced wired 1/4" TRS jack:

1 Signal
2 Ground, shielding

1/4" connectors for signal in and
outputs

Installation

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Balanced wired 1/4" TRS jack:

1 (Tip) Positive signal (+)
2 (Ring) Negative signal (–)
3 (Sleeve) Ground, shielding

3.2 Tips on speaker positioning

We recommend you to set up the speakers in a way, that the sound signals can reach the audi‐
ence unobstructedly. Often tripod mounting is a good way to maximise dispersion and range.

Always use high grade cable to connect your equipment. Otherwise you won't reach max‐
imum sound quality.

For optimum results both impedance and power handling of the speakers must match the
requirements of the amplifier. Always follow the technical specifications of the speakers! The
overall impedance of the connected loudspeakers must not deceed the minimum output
impedance of the amp. The power handling of the speakers should be above the amp's output
power.

Installation

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3.3 Connection diagram

Before connecting the device you have to make sure, that all units are switched off and its
volume controls are turned down.

1. Connect line signal sources like CD or MP3 players to the unit.

2. Use high quality cables to connect passive speaker boxes to the output sockets (33).

3. Refer to the diagram shown above to connect further devices.

4. During operation turn the volume controls (LEVEL, 5) up to about 70 %.

5. Use the PFL function of the powermixer to adjust a suitable input level. Adjust the output
level using the MAIN LEVEL control (19).

Installation

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4 Control elements

Front panel

SG/PEAK LED (1)

This LED lights up in green when a signal is present in the LINE/MIC input. When the signal
strength comes close to clipping, the LED turns red.

Mono input channels (2)

You can connect balanced, low impedance microphones or a low level signal to the XLR
socket. Use the 1/4" TRS (LINE IN) socket to connect instruments with line level outputs like
synthesizers, drum modules, preamps or the like.

NOTE: Never connect an unbalanced microphone to the XLR socket. Otherwise both the mic
and the mixer may be damaged.

Control elements

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PHANTOM power switch and indicator (3)

Pressing this switch will apply +15 V phantom power to the XLR sockets. This voltage is
needed to supply condenser microphones. If you connect devices to the XLR sockets, that do
not require phantom power, make sure phantom power is turned off. Otherwise the device
may be damaged.

With phantom power activated, the PHANTOM indicator lights up, otherwise the LED is off.

DSP/FX AUX POST control (4)

This potentiometer is "post fader" configured and controls the "FX SEND" level. Thus, the
signal is affected by the channel fader. You can use the AUX1 signal to feed an external effect
processor.

LEVEL control (5)

Use this fader to set the desired volume of the respective channel from — ¥ to +10 dB.

3 band equalizer

Channels 1 - 8 offer a 3 band EQ, that provides a vast range for frequency correction.

Control elements

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HIGH (6)

This is the treble control. Use it to reduce high frequency noises or to boost the sound of e.g.
cymbals or high harmonics of voices. The gain range goes from -15 to +15 dB with a centre
frequency of 12 kHz.

MID (7)

This is the mid range control. It can affect the most fundamental frequencies of all musical
instruments and voices. An attentive use of this control will give you a very wide panorama
of sound effects. The gain range goes from -12 to +12 dB with a centre frequency of 2.5 kHz.

LOW (8)

This is the bass control. It is used to boost male voices, kick drum or bass guitar. This will sig‐
nificantly enhance the sound of your PA system. The gain range goes from -15 to +15 dB
with a centre frequency of 80 Hz.

Control elements

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1/8" phone jack input (9)

Here you can connect a computer, MP3 or CD player using a 1/8" phone jack cable.

LEVEL 9-10 (10)

Use this control to adjust the level of both TAPE IN and 1/8" phone jack input (9). The adjust‐
able range goes from — ¥ to +10 dB.

TAPE IN (11)

Your power mixer offers 2 RCA inputs, where you can connect the R / L output of a tape
machine, DAT or cassette recorder.

TAPE OUT (12)

Use these outputs to route the main output signal into a tape / DAT device or computer for
recording.

Control elements

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12 V LAMP (13)

This XLR type lamp socket is provided for using a gooseneck lamp (PIN 1 = ground, PIN 2 =
+).

PHONES (14)

Use this control to adjust the level of the PHONES output (32).

MONITOR (15)

Use this control to adjust the level of the MONITOR OUT (29).

Control elements

PM800

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Graphic EQ (16)

Your PM800 is equipped with a 7 band graphic EQ for the main mix. With these faders you
can boost or attenuate the selected frequency by 15 dB with a fixed bandwidth. With all
faders at centre position, the output response of the EQ is flat. The EQ function can be used,
to shape the contour of the frequency spectrum and is available, as soon as the unit is pow‐
ered up.

Output level LEDs (17)

Use these 4 LEDs to monitor the output power.

POWER indicator (18)

This LED will light up as soon as the unit is turned on.

LEVEL control (19)

This control is used to adjust the overall output level from —¥ to +10 dB.

DSP section

Your PM800 features a special 100-preset digital effects section. You will read more about
this later.

Control elements

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DSP display (20)

Here the unit displays the number of the current preset.

PROGRAM control (21)

Adjust this control to select the desired effect out of 100 options available: Echo, vocal, plate,
and versatile two-effect combinations. When you are satisfied with the chosen preset, push
this knob to confirm this preset.

DSP MUTE switch (22)

Use this switch to activate or deactivate the effect section. For a more convenient operation
of this function you can connect a foot switch (not supplied) to the "FOOT SWITCH" socket
(28).

CLIP/MUTE LED (23)

This LED lights up when either the input signal is too strong, or when the DSP section is
muted.

AUX/DFX RET (24)

This control is used to adjust the volume of the effects return signal.

Control elements

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FX SEND (25)

Use this 1/4" jack socket to feed the signal from AUX bus to external devices like effects unit
or stage monitors.

FX RETURN (26)

This jack is used to return the signal processed by an external effects unit into the main mix.
You can also use it as an extra auxiliary input, if you're running short of "normal" input chan‐
nels.

COMP./LIM. switch and indicator (27)

Set the COMP./LIM switch to ON position, to prevent your signals from exceeding a threshold
that would cause distortion. If the input signal does not reach that threshold while this func‐
tion is activated, the indicator lights up in green. When the input signal becomes too strong
and exceeds the threshold, the indicator turns red.

FOOT SWITCH (28)

You can connect an external foot switch (not supplied) to this 1/4" socket, to turn the built-in
effects section on or off.

MONITOR OUT (29)

This socket is used to connect the input of an external monitor amp or active speakers.

Control elements

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MAIN OUT (30)

Use this socket to feed the main mix signal to an external device like a power amp or the like.

POWER switch (31)

This switch is used to turn the unit on or off.

PHONES output (32)

This socket sends out the monitor signal to a pair of headphones.

Control elements

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REAR PANEL

OUTPUTS (33)

Connect your speakers to these output sockets (SPK and 1/4" sockets). The minimum output
impedance is 4 ohm.

AC INLET (34)

Connect the mains cable supplied here, to supply operating voltage to your powermixer.

VOLTAGE SELECTOR (35)

Use this switch to adjust the unit to the operating voltage available. When using the device
in Germany, this switch must be in "220 - 240 V" position. Otherwise the unit will be dam‐
aged and you're facing risk of electric shock.

Vents (36)

These are the ventilation openings used for heat dissipation and cooling. They must never be
obstructed during operation. Otherwise the unit may be damaged and you're facing risk of
fire.

Control elements

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5 Technical specifications

Input channels Microphone inputs electronically balanced, discrete inputs

Frequency response

20 Hz to 20 kHz, ± 3 dB
Gain 50 dB
Line inputs electronically balanced
Frequency response

20 Hz to 20 kHz, ± 3 dB
Gain 20 dB

Impedance Microphone inputs 1.5 kohm

All other inputs 10 kohm or above
Tape out 1 kohm
All other outputs 120 ohm

Equalization Treble

± 15 dB @ 12 kHz
Mid range

± 12 dB @ 2.5 kHz

Technical specifications

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Bass

± 15 dB @ 80 Hz
Graphic EQ (sum) 7 band, 4/3 octave

DSP section A/D and D/A converters 24 bit

DSP resolution 24 bit
Effect types Vocal, Small Room, Large Hall, Echo, Echo + Verb, Flange + Verb, Plate,

Chorus + GTR, Rotary + GTR, Tremolo + GTR
Presets 100
Controls/indicators Preset control, CLIP-LED, MUTE switch with LED indicator

Main mix section Noise (bus) Fader 0 dB, channels muted: -85 dBr (ref.: +4 dBu)

Fader 0 dB, all input channels assigned and set to unity gain: -81 dBr

(ref.: +4 dBu)
Monitor max. out +22 dBu unbalanced, 1/4" phone jack socket
FX sends max. out +22 dBu unbalanced, 1/4" phone jack socket

THD < 0.5 % @ 1 W power • < 1 % @ 250 W power
S/N Signal-to-noise ratio @ 1 kHz > 65 dB

Technical specifications

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Static power consumption Without signal < 50 W
Output power 250 W RMS @ 1 kHz THD = 1 %, 4 ohm Last

Frequency response

20 Hz to 20 kHz, ± 3 dB

Power supply voltage AC 220-240 V / 110-127 V 50/60 Hz
Dimensions/weight Dimensions 21.3" × 10.4" × 10.00" (540 × 265 × 256 mm)

Net weight 24 lbs (10.9 kg)

Technical specifications

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5.1 Preset list

No. Preset Description Parameter

00 ~ 09 Vocal Simulates a small room Decay time: 0.8~0.9 s

Pre-delay: 0~45 ms

10 ~ 19 Small room Simulates a bright studio room Decay time: 0.7~2.1 s

Pre-delay: 20~45 ms

20 ~ 29 Large hall Simulates a large acoustic room Decay time: 3.6~5.4 s

Pre-delay: 23~55 ms
30 ~ 39 Echo Echo / delay effect Delay time: 145~205 ms
40 ~ 49 Echo + verb Echo & reverb combination Delay time: 208~650 ms

Decay time: 1.7~2.1 s
50 ~ 59 Flange + verb Flanger effect & reverb combination Decay time: 1.5~2.9 ms

Rate: 0.8 Hz~2.52 Hz
60 ~ 69 Plate Simulates classic, bright vocal plate Decay time: 0.9~3.6 s

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No. Preset Description Parameter

70 ~ 79 Chorus + GTR Guitar effect: Chorus Rate: 0.92 Hz~1.72 Hz
80 ~ 89 Rotary + GTR Guitar effect: Rotary Modulation depth: 20~80 %
90 ~ 99 Tremolo + GTR Guitar effect: Tremolo Rate: 0.6 Hz~5 Hz

Technical specifications

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5.2 Features

250 W output power @ 4 ohm
8 line inputs with 1/4" sockets
8 balanced microphone inputs with XLR sockets
3 band EQ for each channel
Monitor and effect send for each channel
7 band graphic main mix EQ
Signal / peak indicator for channels 1 - 8
Tape out for recording
Tape in with level control
1 AUX input with 1/8" socket
LED display for output level
Foot switch connector for switching DSP function on / off

Technical specifications

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Line outputs for main and monitor signal
Selectable power supply voltage (AC 110~127 V or AC 220~240 V)

Technical specifications

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5.3 Block diagram

Technical specifications

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6 Protecting the environment

For the transport and protective packaging, environmentally friendly materials have been
chosen that can be supplied to normal recycling.

Ensure that plastic bags, packaging, etc. are properly disposed of.
Do not just dispose these materials with your normal household waste, but make sure that

they are fed to a recovery. Please follow the notes and markings on the packaging.

This device is subject to the European directive 2002/96/EC.
Do not dispose the device with your normal household waste.
Dispose this device through an approved waste disposal firm or through your local waste

facility. When discarding the device, comply with the rules and regulations that apply in your
country. If in doubt, consult your local waste disposal facility.

Disposal of the packaging mate‐
rial

Disposal of your old device

Protecting the environment

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Notes

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Musikhaus Thomann e.K. · Treppendorf 30 · 96138 Burgebrach · Germany · www.thomann.de