Toa MX-106 Operating Instructions Manual

Operating Instruction Manual

TOA POWERED MIXER

Model MX-106

TOA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.

KOBE, JAPAN

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Contents

General

Description

.........................................

2

Features

...................................................

2

Front

Panel

[Names

of

components & their

usage]

..............

3

Rear

Panel

[Names

of

components & their

usage]

...............

4

Connection

Examples

........................................

5

Input

Connections

...........................................

6

How to get a

good

mix

......................................

7

Block

and

Level

Diagrams

...................................

8

Specifications

...............................................

9

Characteristics

Diagrams

....................................

10

Appearance

................................................

10

Precautions

1. XLR Type Audio Connector

The connectors are wired as follows.
The pin 1 is ground (shield), the pin 2 cold (low, minus), the pin 3 hot (high, plus).

2. Description of components and functions on the MX-106.

Various descriptions are applied, depending on each manufacturer. In our
Operating and Instruction Manual explanation of components and functions is
made according to our usage for them.

- 1 -

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General Description

The MX-106 is a compact self-powered mixer with a wide array of sophisticated

features — many of them unavailable on any competitive models. An examination of

performance levels and specifications will reveal the truly professional nature of the

MX-106. The rugged construction and specialized packaging ensure optimum
performance and reliability under even the most demanding "on the road"
applications.

The MX-106 features 6 input channels; 1 program, 1 foldback, and 1 effects output.

The internal power amplifier is rated at 120 watts into 8 ohms, 200 into 4, and 300 into

a 2 ohm load.

Each input channel features an electronically balanced XLR connector, and a high
impedance unbalanced 1/4" phone jack. An input trim control is provided to

accommodate a wide range of input source levels. A peak indicator LED detects
excessive input signal (either pre or post EQ), aiding in proper settings of the trim

control to avoid input clipping.

Each channel also features 3-band equalization, a "pre" foldback send, a "post"
effects/echo send, and program level control.

The master control section features a one-octave (9-band) graphic equalizer, an

analog delay, auxiliary input controls, fluorescent high-intensity bargraph output
meters, and a full patch bay with our exclusive Bus-Link capability. All master level

controls, and effects return to program and foldback busses are also contained in this

section.

Features

1. Six input channels

2. 300 watts RMS (@ 2 ohms)

3. 9-band graphic equalizer w/bypass switch

4. Auto Comp compression circuitry w/indicator

5. Built-in electronic analog delay (echo)

6. High intensity fluorescent bar graph metering

Each Channel

1. Input trim control w/ LED peak indicator

2. Pre EQ foldback send

3. 3-band EQ

4. Post effects send

5. Lo-Z balanced XLR input

6. Hi-Z unbalanced 1/4" input

7. Power amp protection circuitry w/indicator

8. Complete patch bay w/buss link

9. Aux input w/pan and level controls

10. Echo-effects return to PGM and FB

11. Independent foldback mix

- 2 -

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Front Panel

Peak Indicator (PEAK)

The peak indicator lights when
the pre or post EQ signal level

reaches 3dB below clipping,
giving a visual reference for

optimum setting of the trim

control.

Foldback Control (FB)

The Foldback control determines
the level of signal assigned to the
foldback mixing buss, thus set-
ting the level of that channel in

the on-stage monitor mix.

High Equalizer Control

(HIGH EQ)

The high EQ control alters the

high frequency response of the

input channel, providing ±13dB

at 10kHz, and ±15dB at 20kHz of

continuously variable active
shelving equalization. The "0"
detented position provides flat
audio response.

Middle Equalizer Control

(MID

EQ)

The mid EQ control provides

±15dB of continuously variable

active peaking equalization at
2kHz. and has a flat audio

response when set to the "0"

detented position.

Low Equalizer Control

(LOW

EQ)

The low EQ control provides

±13dB at 100Hz and ±15dB at
50Hz of continuously variable
active shelving equalization.
The "0" detented position pro-

vides flat audio response.

Echo/Effects Control

(ECHO/EFF)

This control determines the

level of signal assigned to the
echo effects buss. Rotating the

control clockwise increases the

amount of echo effect in that
channel.

Input Level Control

(INPUT LEVEL)

The level control provides con-

tinuously variable adjustment

of the channel output of the

program mixing buss, thus deter-

mining the level of that channel

in the main sound system mix.

Since the echo/effects signal is

"post" this control, an increase
in the level of the channel's
output will also result in a cor-
responding increase in the echo
effect of that channel. The
nominal level of the input level

control is at the "10" position.

Input Trim Control (TRIM)

The input trim adjusts the gain

of the head-amp stage of the

associated channel, providing

39dB of g ain control. When the
trim control is set to the "10"

position, the nominal input
levels of the low-Z and high-Z
inputs are —55dB and —35dB

respectively. At the "0" position

the levels are -16dB and +4dB.
The trim of each channel should

be adjusted so that the peak LED

just begins to light, or only

flashes occasionally. This will

ensure lowest distortion levels

and optimum signal to noise

ratio.

Foldback Master Control (FB)

The FB master control adjusts

the overall combined signal

level of the six independent

channel foldback sends, and

thus the level of the entire on-

stage monitor mix.

Echo/Effects to Foldback

Control (ECHO/EFF TO FB)

This control adjusts the amount
of echo/effects signal that is
returned to the foldback buss
and thus the level of echo/effects
contained in the on-stage moni-
tor

mix.

Low Impedance Connectors

(LOW

Z)

The XLR connectors are low
impedance, electronically bal-
anced inputs with an input
impedance of 1k ohms.

High Impedance Connectors
(HIGH Z)

These connectors are unba-

lanced, standard 1/4" phone

jacks with an input impedance

of 50k ohms, and an input level

of —35dB when the trim control
is set t o "10". Wh en a plug is
inserted into the high —Z input,
the corresponding XLR connec-
tor is automatically switched

out of the input circuitry.

Program Master Control

(PGM)

The PGM control adjusts the

overall combined signal level of

the six independent channel

level controls, and thus the level

of the main sound system.

Echo/Effects to Program

Control (ECHO/EFF TO PGM)

This control adjusts the amount

of echo/effects signal that is

returned to the program buss

and thus the level of echo/effects
contained in the main sound
system.

Aux Level Control (AUX)

This control sets the overall

level of the Aux input signal.

Patching Jack

(PATCH BAY/IN)

Patching Jack

(PATCH BAY/OUT)

Aux Panpot (AUX PAN)

This control assigns the auxili-

ary input signal (a tapedeck,

etc., connected to the aux input

jacks) to either the program or

the foldback mixing busses. At

the center position, the signal is

routed equally to both busses.

Panning from one side to the

other gradually assigns the sig-

nal to either independently.

Power Amp Compression

Indicator (COMP)

The Comp LED lights when the
internal compressor is acti-

vated. The compressor is

provided to protect speaker

systems by compressing the

input signal level of the power

amplifier when clipping occurs

in the o utput stage. Frequent

flashing of the LED is not reason

for alarm. However, a constant

or steady light indicates that the

MX-106 is being overdriven and
that the internal power amplifier
is possibily "under powered" for

that application. The output
level of the MX-106 should be
decreased until the LED only

flashes intermittently.

Echo/Effects Send Control

(ECHO/EFF SEND)

This control adjusts the overall

signal level of the effects mix
that is delivered to the internal
echo unit, or to an external

effects device through the ef-

fects output. The send control

works in conjunction with the

Echo/EFF to PGM and the

Echo/EFF to FB controls to set
the overall level of echo/effects

in the main and monitor sound

systems.

Delay Time Control

(T1 DELAY)

The Tl control permits continu-
ously variable adjustment of the

echo time, from 10m seconds
(SHORT) to 100m seconds
(LONG).

Regeneration Control

(T2 REGEN)

The T2 control determines the

number of "repeats" of the

delayed signal from the internal

echo unit.

Graphic Equalizer

(EQUALIZATION)

The graphic equalizer is 1/1

octave with 9 independent ac-
tive bands (filters), providing

12dB of boost or cut at each

center frequency. The "0" de-
tented position provides flat
audio response.

Graphic Equalizer In/Out

Switch (IN/OUT)

The in/out switch enables com-
parison between a flat response

(out) and the equalized response
(in). The "out" position com-
pletely removes the equalizer

from the MX-106 circuitry.

Fluorescent Bargraph Peak

Meters (PGM/FB)

The high intensity meters enable
visual monitoring of the pro-

gram and foldback output signal

levels.

Power Amp Protection

Indicator (PROTECT)

The indicator LED lights if the
power amplifier output is short-
ed, if the temperature of the unit
rises above acceptable levels, or

if DC is drifted to the speaker
outputs. If the LED should light,
speaker wiring and ambient

temperature of the MX-106

should be checked. If the LED

remains lighted, the unit should

be referred to qualified service

personnel for repair.

Note:

The MX-106 protection circuitry

will (1) detect 'faulty conditions'

within the power amplifier, (2)

give a visual indication, and (3)

automatically shut down until

the fault condition is alleviated.

This special circuitry ensures

maximum reliability and virtu-
ally eliminates equipment dam-
age due to unsafe or fault
conditions. Please refer to fault

pr ote cti on ta ble on page 7 for

full explanation of this impor-

tant feature.

- 3 -

Buss Link Jack

(BUSS LINK)

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Front Panel, Patch Bay & Buss Link

Power Amplifier Input Jack

(PWR AMP)

The PWR Amp input jack allows
the internal power amplifier to

be used with external equip-

ment. When a plug is inserted,
the power amp is automatically

disconnected from the MX-106
mixer section. The nominal

input level is +4dB with an

input impedance of 10k ohms.

Program Output Jack
(PGM OUT)

The PGM Out jac k is provided

for connection to external equal-

izers and/or power amps, deriv-

ing its signal prior to the internal

GEQ and power amp. Nominal

output level is +4dB with an

impedance of 600 ohms.

Effects Output Jack (EFF OUT)

The EFF Out jack used in

conjunction with the EFF/RET
Jack allows use of an external

effects device in place of the

internal analog echo unit. The

effects out jack should be con-

nected to the input of the

external effect unit. Nominal

output level is — 10dB with an

impedance of 600 ohms.

Effects Return Jack (EFF /RET)

The EFF/Ret jack is provided to

connect an external effects de-

vice to the MX-106. When a plug
is inserted the internal echo unit
is automatically switched out of

the MX-106 circuitry, being
replaced by the external unit.

This jack should be connected to

the output of the external effects

unit. Nominal input level is

—20dB with an impedance of 50k

ohms.

Graphic Equalizer Input Jack

(GEQ)

The GEQ input jack allows the
graphic equalizer to be used

independently of the MX-106
with other external equipment,

or the internal power amplifier
and the graphic equalizer with

external equipment. When a

plug is inserted, the main mix

from the program buss is dis-

connected from the graphic

equalizer and the power ampli-
fier. The nominal input level is
+4dB with an input impedance

of 50k ohms.

Graphic Equalizer Output Jack

(GEQ OUT)

This jack al lows the MX-106

and the internal graphic equal-

izer to be used with an external

power amplifier, or in conjunc-

tion with the GEQ in jack, to be

used independently of all other

MX-106 circuitry. Nominal out-

put level is +4dB with an

impedance of 600 ohms

Foldback Output Jack
(FB

OUT)

This j ack is for connection to

external power amplifiers and/

or equalizers for the on-stage

monitoring system. Nominal

output level is +4dB with an
impedance of 600 ohms. If the

internal power amp and equal-

izer are to be used for the on-

stage monitor system, the FB
output should be connected to
the GEQ input jack.

AUX 1, AUX 2 Input Jack

(AUX 1, AUX 2)

-20dB 10k

Program Buss Link Jack

(PGM) +4dB 22k

Fold Back Buss Link (FB)

+4dB 22k

Echo/Effects Buss Link Jack

(EFF) +4dB 22k

Buss Link Jacks

The buss link provides direct

access to the PGM, FB, and

effects mixing busses, an d is

provided for easy input ex-

pansion with additional MX-

106 units or other auxiliary
equipment. All jacks have an
input level of +4dB with an
impedance of 22k ohms.

Recording Output Jack
(REC OUT)

The Rec Out jack obtains its

signal prior to the program
master output, and is intended

for connection to external re-

cording equipment. Nominal

output level is —10dB with an

impedance of 1k ohms.

Rear Panel

Power Switch (POWER)

The power switch is a three-

position type with the middle

position being the "off position.

The MX-106 should be operated
in the switch position which

produces the lowest amount of

system hum.

Speaker Jacks (SPEAKERS)

The speaker outputs are stan-

dard 1/4" phone jacks wired in

parallel. Speaker cables (recom-

mend at least #18 gauge wire)

should be connected between

the MX-106 and the speaker
systems prior to applying power
to the unit.

Caution - The MX-106 should

never be operated into less than

a 2 ohm speaker load.

AC Power Cord

The power cord is the three-wire

type with proper grounding

facilities.

Caution - The ground pin should

not be removed under any
circumstances. If the MX-106
must be used without proper

grounding facilities, a suitable
grounding adapter should be

utilized. Operation of the Mx-

106 with proper grounding tech-

niques will result in less system

noise and greatly reduced shock
hazard.

AC Fuse

The proper fuse rating for 110-

120V AC operation of the MX-

106 is 7 amps.

Warning - To avoid possible

equipment damage and/or per-

sonnel injur y, the fuse should

always be replaced with same

type and rating. Using improper

fuses will also void the war-

Cord Wrap

The cord wrap is provided for

convenient storage of the power
cord when the MX-106 is not in

use.

Caution - The power cord should

always be completely removed

from the cord wrap prior to
operation of the unit. This will

insure maximum cooling of the

MX-106. For th e same reason,

adequate clearance should be

maintained between the rear

panel and any other surface (4-6

inches should do). The vents on

the bottom and top of the MX-

106 are also provided for con-

vection cooling. These vents

should be kept clear and open.
Failure to do so may cause

thermal shut-down of the unit.

ranty. The MX-106 should al-

ways be disconnected from AC

outlet prior to changing fuses. If

fuse repeatedly fails, the unit

should be referred to qualified
service personnel for repair.

Earth Terminal (GND)

- 4 -

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Connection Examples

Low Z input should be connected

with low impedance (50 ohm ~ 600 ohm)

microphones

SUB MIXER (MX-106)

Built in Power
Amplifier for
Foldback

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

MAIN SPEAKER SYSTEM

SPEAKER SYSTEM

for foldback

From Speaker Jack
on Rear Panel

MAIN MIXER (MX-106)

WIRELESS TUNER

SUCH AS WT-02,

WT-06

KEYBOARD

Line Out

From Speaker Jack
on Rear Panel

CASSETTE TAPE DECK

for recording

Line Out

- 5 -

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Input Connections

Generally speaking, there are two rules to follow when connecting equipment outputs

to the inputs of other equipment.

1. Properly match the impedances of the outputs and inputs.

2. Connect low impedance outputs to high impedance inputs.

It goes without saying that not only input and output impedance matching but also

level matching should be taken into consideration. Each input channel of the MX-106

is provided with an input TRIM control, so the usable signal level range is very wide.

Input impedances and levels are shown in the following table.

INPUT SPECIFICATIONS

CONNECTION

CH1

CH6

AUX

(1~2)

EFF/RET

GEQ

PWR/AMP

INPUT

LOW Z

HIGH Z

ACTUAL

LOAD
IMPEDANCE

OPEN

50k

10k

50k

50k

10k

FOR USE

WITH

NOMINAL

50 TO 250

MICRO-
PHONES

50k OR
LOWER IMP
LINES

10k OR

LOWER IMP,
LINES

50k OR
LOWER IMP,
LINES

50k OR
LOWER IMP,
LINES

10k OR

LOWER IMP

TRIM

POSI-

TION

10

0

10

0

SENSITIVITY
(PGM OUTPUT
LEVEL +4dBm)

-55dBm (1.38mV)

-16dBm (123mV)

-35dBm (13.8mV)

+4dBm (1.23V)

-20dBm (77.5mV)

-20dBm (77.5mV)

+4dBm (1.23V)

+4dBm (1.23V)

MAX BEFORE
CLIP INPUT
LEVEL

-34dBm (15mV)

+1.7dBm (0.94V)

-14dBm (150mV)

+20dBm (7.75V)

-2dBm (0.61V)

-2dBm (0.61V)

CONNECTOR

XLR TYPE NC3F

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

*Sensitivity is the level required to produce a program out level of +4dBm.
*0dBm is referenced to 0.775V RMS.

All XLR Type connectors are electronic balanced. Phone jack is unbalanced.

If the line going from one piece of equipment to another is long (more than 5m), we
recommend that balanced outputs be connected to balanced inputs.

As is described in the beginning of the Operating Instructions Manual, the connectors

of the MX-106 are wired as follows: Pin 1 is ground (shield). Pin 2 is cold (low, minus).

Pin 3 is hot (high, plus).

- 6 -

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How to get a good mix

Before connecting other equipment to the Powered mixer, check the impedance and

level of both. If the impedances and levels do not match, mixing will be very difficult
and the S/N ratio will also be adversely affected.

Each input channel of the MX-106 is provided with a TRIM control. Thorough

understanding of the function of a TRIM control will make mixing easier.

Trim Control

Input

The function of the TRIM control is to

control the negative feedback volume of the
head-amp so that the gain of the head-amp

can also be changed. Bacause of this, enough

dynamic range, even for high level signals is

ensured. Also, the S/N ratio will be better by
decreasing the gain of the head-amp.

For example, a keyboard, a musical instrument and a dynamic microphone with
output levels of –10dBm, –20dBm and –40dBm respectively are connected to the MX-

106.

If the trim control is set as shown in the left

figure, the input level controls can be set to

the same position.

The input level controls are used in general
between 6 and 8.

The peak indicator LED illuminates if the

head amplifier or equalizer is clipping. The
gain of the head-amplifier must be decreased
by turning the trim control counterclock-

wise.

Key Board in

-10dBm level

Musical Instrument in

20dBm level

Dynamic

Microphone in

-40dBm level

Fault Protection Table

Fault

Excessive current due to
overloads.

Short circuits

(less than 0.4-ohm)

Temperature rise of heat
sink

(more than 105°C)

DC drift

Protection

Current limiter activates at
less than 1 ohm.

Current limiter activates,
input signal is lowered,
unit shuts down,

Input signal is lowered.
Unit shuts down.

Input signal is lowered.
Unit shuts down.

Indication

Compressor
LED illuminates.

Amp protection

LED illuminates.

Amp protection
LED illuminates.

Amp protection

LED illuminates.

Action

Remove excessive lords.

Minimum speaker loads 2-

ohm.

Check speaker
lines/systems for shorts.

Check for adequate
ventilation.

Refer to qualified service

personnel.

Restoration

Automatic restoration
after normal loads are

obtained.

Turn off power switch.
Turn on into operational

loads.

Automatic restoration
after temperature
lowers (to 75° - 95° C)

Automatic restoration

after normal bias is

regained.

Output

– 7 –

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Block and Level Diagrams

BLOCK DIAGRAMS

LEVEL DIAGRAM

- 8 -

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Specifications

–130dBm (20Hz ~ 20kHz)
–133dBm (IHF A)
–102dBm (IHF A)

–93dBm (IHF A)

–72dBm (IHF A)

Frequency Response

+0, -3dB 30Hz~20kHz (HIGH Zinput TRIM at "0" position.)

Equalization

63Hz ±12dB Peaking

125Hz ±12dB Peaking
250kHz +12dB Peaking

500Hz ±12dB Peaking

1kHz +12dB Peaking

2kHz ±12dB Peaking

4kHz ±12dB Peaking
8kHz ±12dB Peaking

16kHz ±12dB Peaking

Peak Indicators

Red LED on each input channel LED's turn on at 3dB below
clipping.

INPUT SPECIFICATIONS

CONNECTION

CH1

CH6

AUX

(1~2)

EFF/RET

GEQ

PWR/AMP

INPUT

LOW Z

HIGH Z

——

——

——

——

ACTUAL
LOAD
IMPEDANCE

OPEN

50k

10k

50k

50k

10k

FOR USE
WITH
NOMINAL

50 TO 250
MICRO-
PHONES

50k OR
LOWER IMP
LINES

10k OR
LOWER IMP,
LINES

50k OR
LOWER IMP,
LINES

50k OR
LOWER IMP,
LINES

10k OR
LOWER IMP

TRIM

POSI-
TION

10

0

10

0

SENSITIVITY
(PGM OUTPUT

LEVEL +4dBm)

-55dBm (1.38mV)

-16dBm (123mV)

-35dBm (13.8mV)

+4dBm (1.23V)

-20dBm (77.5mV]

-20dBm (77.5mV]

+4dBm (1.23V)

+4dBm (1.23V)

MAX BEFORE
CLIP INPUT
LEVEL

-34dBm (15mV)

+1.7dBm (0.94V)

-14dBm (150mV)

+20dBm (7.75V)

-2dBm (0.61V)

-2dBm (0.61V)

CONNECTOR

XLR TYPE NC3F

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS

CONNECTION

PGM

EFF

GEQ

FB

REC

ACTUAL LOAD

IMPEDANCE

600

600

600

600

1k

FOR USE WITH
NOMINAL

600 OR HIGHER
IMP. LINES

600 OR HIGHER
IMP. LINES

600 OR HIGHER

IMP. LINES

600 OR HIGHER
IMP. LINES

1k OR HIGHER

IMP. LINES

OUTPUT LEVEL

NOMINAL

+4dBm (1.23V)

-10dBm(245mV)

+4dBm (1.23V)

+4dBm (1.23V)

-10dBm (245mV)

MAX. BEFORE
CLIP

+20dBm (7.75V)

+8dBm (1.9V)

+20dBm (7.75V)

+20dBm (7.75V)

+8dBm (1.9V)

CONNECTOR

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

POWER AMPLIFIER SECTION

Frequency Response

+0, -1dB 5Hz to 40kHz (200W RMS 4 )

Rated Power & Load

300W RMS (2 ) 200W RMS (4 ) 120W RMS (8 )

Power Output at Clipping

1%

THD,

1kHz

348W RMS (2 ) 238W RMS (4 ) 140W RMS (8 )

Total Harmonic Distortion

Less than 0.1% (200mW~200W RMS, 20Hz~20kHz)
Typically below 0.05%

Compresser Dynamic Range

Greater than 26dB

Hum and Noise

At least 110dB S/N ratio, 20Hz~20kHz

At least 113dB S/ N ratio IHF-A weighted

Damping Factor

Greater than 200 (1kHz 4 )

Input Sensitivity

+4dBm (1.23V)

Input Impedance

10k

Output Connector

Phone Jack×2

Power Requirement

600 W 120V AC 50/60Hz

Dimensions

585(W)×333(H)×302(D) (23.03×13.11×11.89) inch

Weight

20.3 kg (44.75 lbs)

*0dBrn is referenced to 0.775V RMS.

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

MIXER SECTION

Total Harmonic Distortion

0.05% +4dBm at 1kHz.

Hum and Noise (Open)

Equivalent Input Noise
Equivalent Input Noise
All level Controls Minimum

PGM Master at MAX and all

input level controls minimum

PGM Master at MAX and one

input level control at MAX

Maximum Voltage Gain

INPUT to PGM out

INPUT to EFF out
INPUT to FB out
INPUT to REC out

INPUT to GEQ out
AUX to PGM out
EFF/RET to PGM out

59dB

45dB

59dB
45dB
59dB
24dB
24dB

- 9 -

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Characteristics Diagrams

HIGH Z IN. TRIM/MIN. & INPUT EQ

GEQ

POWER AMP POWER BAND WIDTH

POWER AMP TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION

POWER AMP COMPRESSOR

Appearance

- 10 -

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Printed in Japan

133-02-575-80

TOA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.

KOBE, JAPAN

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