Toa MX-106R Operating Instructions Manual

Operating Instruction Manual

TOA POWERED MIXER

Model MX-106R

TOA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.

KOBE, JAPAN

Contents

General Description

Features

Front Panel [Names of components & their usage]

Rear Panel [Names of components & their usage]

Connection Examples

Input Connections

How to get a good mix

Block and Level Diagrams

Specifications

Characteristics Diagrams

Appearance

2

2

3

4

5

6

7

8

9

10

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-106R.

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 —

General Description

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

applications.

The MX-106R 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"

reverb/effects send, and program level control.
The master control section features a one-octave (9-band) graphic equalizer, high and

low equalizer control of an internal reverberation unit, 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 spring reverberation unit

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

7. Power amp protection circuitry w/indicator

8. Complete patch bay w/buss link

9. Aux input w/pan and level controls

10. Reverb-effects return to PGM and FB

11. Independent foldback mix

4. Post effects send

5. Lo-Z balanced XLR input

6. Hi-Z unbalanced 1/4" input

—

2 —

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.

The Foldback control deter-

mines the level of signal assign-

ed to the foldback mixing buss,

thus setting the level of that

channel in the on-stage monitor
mix.

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.

The mid EQ control provides

±15dB of continuously variable
active peaking equalization at
2kHz. and has a flat audio re-

sponse when set to the "0"
detented position.

The low EQ control provides
±13dB at 100Hz and ±15dB at
50Hz of c ontinuously variable

active shelving equalization.

The "0" detented position pro-

Foldback Control (FB)

High Equalizer Control

Middle Equalizer Control

Low Equalizer Control

(HIGH EQ)

(MID

EQ)

(LOW

EQ)

vides flat audio response.

Reverb/Effects Control

This control determines the
level of signal assigned to the re-

verb effects buss. Rotating the

control clockwise increases the

amount of reverb effect in that
channel.

The level control provides con­tinuously variable a djustment

of the channel output to the

program mixing buss, thus deter-

mining the level of that channel

in the main sound system mix.
Since th e reverb/effects signal is

"post" this control, an increase
in the level of the channel's out-

put will also result in a cor-

responding increase in the re­verb effect of that channel. The

nominal level of the input level

(REV/EFF)

Input Level Control

(INPUT LEVEL)

control is at the "10" position.

Low Impedance Connectors

(LOW

The XLR connectors are low im-

pedance, electronically balanced

inputs with an input impedance

of 1k ohms.

Z)

Input Trim Control (TRIM)

The input trim adjusts the gain
of the head-amp stage of the as­sociated channel, providing
39dB of gain 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
ju st begins to light , or only
flashes occasionally. This will
ensure lowest distortion levels
and optimum signal to noise
ratio.

Graphic Equalizer

(EQUALIZATION)

The graphic equalizer is 1/1

octave with 9 independent ac-

tive bands ( filters), providing

12dB of boost or c ut at each
center frequency. The "0" de­tented position provides flat
audio response.

High Impedance Connectors

(HIGH Z)

These connectors are unbal­anced, standard 1/4" phone
jacks with an input impedance

of 50k ohms, and an input level

of –35dB when the trim control
is set to "10". Whe n a plug is in­serted into the high –Z input, the

corresponding XLR connector is

automatically switched out of
the input circuitry.

Program Master Control

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.

Reverb/Effects to Program

This control adjusts the amount

of reverb/effects signal that is
returned to the program buss
and thus the level of reverb/
effects contained in the main
sound system.

This control sets the overall

level of the Aux input signal.

(REV/EFF TO PGM)

Aux Level Control (AUX)

(PGM)

Control

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 on­stage monitor mix.

Reverb/Effects to Foldback
Control (REV/EFF TO FB)

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

monitor mix.

Buss Link Jack

(BUSS LINK)

Patching Jack
(PATCH BAY/IN)

Patching Jack
(PATCH BAY/OUT)

Aux Panpot (AUX PAN)

This control assigns the aux­iliary 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 th e
other gradually assigns the
signal to either independently.

Power Amp Compression

The Comp LED lights when the
internal compressor is acti­vated. The compressor is pro­vided to protect speaker systems
by compressing the in pu t signal
level of the power amplifier

Indicator (COMP)

when clipping occurs in the out-

put stage. Frequent flashing of

the LED is not reason for alarm.

However, a constant or steady
light indicates that the MX-106R
is being overdriven and th at the
internal power amplifier is
possibily "under powered" for
that application. The outpu t
level of the MX-106R should be
decreased un til the LED only
flashes intermittently.

Reverb/Effects Send Control

(REV/EFF SEND)

This control adjusts the overall
signal level of the effect s mix

that is delivered to the internal

reverberation unit, or to an
external effects device through
the effects output. The send con­trol works in conjunction with

the REV/EFF to PGM and the

REV/EFF to FB controls to set
the overall level of reverb/
effects in the main and monitor
sound systems.

Reverberation Low Equalizer

Control
(REV

LOW EQ)

The low EQ control alters the

low frequency response of the
reverberation signal. The "0" de­tented position provides flat
audio response.

Reverberation High Equalizer
Control
(REV HIGH EQ)

The high EQ control alters the
high frequency response of the

reverberation signal. The "0" de­tented position provides f lat

audio response.

Graphic Equalizer In/Out

Switch (IN/OUT)

The in/out switch enables com­parison between a flat response

(out) and the equalized response
(in). The "out" position com­pletely removes the equalizer
fr om the MX-106R circuitry.

Fluorescent Bargraph Peak

Meters (PGM/FB)

The high intensity meters enable
visual monitoring of the pro­gram and foldback ou tput 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-106R
should be checked. If the LED
remains lighted, the unit should
be referred to qualified service
personnel for repair.

Note:

The MX-106R p ro te ct io n cir­cuitry will (1) detect 'faulty con­ditions' within the power amp­lifier, (2) give a visual indica­tion, and (3) automatically shut

down until the fa ult condition is

alleviated. This special circuitry
ensures maximum reliability
and virtually eliminates equip-

ment damage due to unsafe or

fault conditio ns . Please r efer t o
fault protection table on page 7
for fu ll explanation of this
important feature.

—

3 —

Front Panel, Patch Bay & Buss Link

Power Amplifier Input Jack

The PWR Amp input jack allows
the internal power amplifier to

be used with external equip­ment. When a plug is inserted,
the power amp is automatically

disconnected from the MX-106R

mixer section. The nominal in-

put level is +4dB with an input

impedance of 10k ohms.

The PGM Out jack 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 j ack used in con­junction with the EFF/RET Jack

allows use of an external effects

device in place of the internal

reverberation unit. The effects
out jack should be connected to
the input of the external effect

unit. Nominal output level is

–10dB with an impedance of 600
ohms.

(PWR

AMP)

Program Output Jack

(PGM

OUT)

Effects Return Jack (EFF/RET)

The EFF/RET jack is provided to
connect an external effects
device to the MX-106R. W hen a
plug is inserted the internal
reverberation unit is automati­cally switched out of the MX­106R 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 Output Jack
(GEQ

OUT)

This jack allows the MX-106R
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-106R circuitry. Nominal

output level is +4dB with an

impedance of 600 ohms

Graphic Equalizer Input Jack
(GEQ)

The GEQ input jack allows the
graphic equalizer to be used in­dependently of the MX-106R
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 discon­nected from the graphic equal­izer and the power amplifier.
The nominal input level is +4dB
with an input impedance of 50k
ohms.

Foldback Output Jack
(FB

OUT)

This jack 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 equal­izer are to be used fo r the on­stage monitor system, the FB
out put 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

Reverb/Effects Buss Link Jack

(EFF) +4dB 22k

Buss Link Jacks

The buss link provides direct
access to the PGM, FB, and ef-

fects mixing busses, and is pro-

vided for easy input expansion

with additional MX-106R 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
recording equipment. Nominal

out put 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-106R should be operat-

ed in the switch position which

produces the lowest amount of
system hum.

Speaker Jacks (SPEAKERS)

The speaker outputs are stand­ard 1/4" phone jacks wired in
parallel. Speaker cables (recom-

mend at least #18 gauge wire)

should be connected between
the MX-106R and the speaker

systems prior to applying power

to the unit.

Caution - The MX-106R should

never be operated into less than

a 2 ohm speaker load.

The power cord is the three-wire

type with proper grounding faci-

lities.

Caution - The ground pin should

not be removed under any cir­cumstances. If the MX-106R

must be used without proper

grounding facilities, a suitable
grounding adapter should be

AC Power Cord

utilized. Operation of the MX-

106R with proper grounding
techniques will result in less
system noise and greatly reduc­ed shock hazard.

Earth Terminal (GND)

AC Fuse

Warning - To avoid possible

equipment damage and/or per­sonnel injury, the fuse should
always be replaced with same
type and rating. Using improper

fuses will also void the warran-

Cord Wrap

The cord wrap is provided for

convenient storage of the power
cord when th e MX-106R is not in
use.

Caution - The power cord should

always be completely removed
fr o m the c ord w ra p pri or to

operation of the unit. This will

insure maximum cooling of the

MX-106R. For the same reason,
adequate clearance should be

maintained between the rear

panel and any other surface (4-6

inches should do). The vents on

th e b ot tom and to p of the MX ­106R 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.

ty. The MX-106R should always
be disconnected from AC outlet
prior to changing fuses. If fuse
repeatedly fails, the unit should
be referred to qualified service
personnel for repair.

—

4 —

Connection Examples

Low Z input should be connected

with low impedance (50 ohm ~ 600 ohm)
microphones

MAIN MIXER (MX-106R)

WIRELESS TUNER
SUCH AS WT-02,

WT-06

SUB MIXER (MX-106R)

Built in Power
Amplifier for

Foldback

From Speaker Jack
on Rear Panel

KEYBOARD

MUSICAL INSTRUMENT

Line Out

Line Out

From Speaker Jack

on Rear Panel

MAIN SPEAKER SYSTEM

CASSETTE TAPE DECK

for recording

SPEAKER SYSTEM

for foldback

- 5 -

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-

106R 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.

CONNECTION

CH1

CH6

AUX

(1~2)

EFF/RET

GEQ

INPUT

LOW Z

HIGH Z

ACTUAL
LOAD

IMPEDANCE

50k

10k

50k

50k

INPUT SPECIFICATIONS

FOR USE
WITH
NOMINAL

50

TO 250

MICRO­PHONES

50k

OR
LOWER IMP
LINES

10k

OR
LOWER IMP,
LINES

50k

OR
LOWER IMP,
LINES

50k

OR
LOWER IMP,
LINES

TRIM

POSI­TION

10

0

10

0

SENSITIVITY
(PGM OUTPUT

LEVEL +4dB)

-55dBm (1.38mV)

-16dBm (123mV)

-35dBm (13.8mV)

-4dBm (1.23mV)

-20dBm (77 .5mV)

+20dBm (77.5mV)

+4dBm (1.23V)

MAX BEFORE

CLIP INPUT

LEVEL

-34dBm (15mV)

+1.7dB (0.94V)

-14dBm (150mV)

+20dB (7.75V)

-2dBm (0.61V)

-2dBm (0.61V)

CONNECTOR

XLR TYPE NC3F

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PWR/AMP

10k

10k

OR
LOWER IMP

+4dBm (1.23V)

*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-106R are wired as follows: Pin 1 is ground (shield). Pin 2 is cold (low,

minus). Pin 3 is hot (high, plus).

PHONE JACK

— 6 —

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-106R is provided with a TRIM control. Thorough

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

Trim Control

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. Because of this, enough

Input

HEAD AMP

Output

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-

106R.

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

counterclockwise.

Key Board in
–10dBm level

Fault

Excessive current due to
overloads.

Short circuits

(less than 0.4-ohm)

Temperature rise of heat

sink

(more than 105° C )

DC drift

Musical Instrument in
–20dBm level

Protection

Current limiter activates at

less tha n 1 oh m.

Current limiter activates,

input signal is lowered,

unit shuts down.

Input signal is lowered.

Unit shuts down.

Input signal is lowered.

Unit shuts down.

Dynamic
Microphone in
–40dBm level

Fault Protection Table

Indication

Compressor
LED illuminates.

Amp protection
LED illuminates.

Amp protection
LED illuminates.

Amp protection

LED illuminates.

—

7 —

Action

Remove excessive lords.
Minimum speaker loads 2­ohm.

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

afte r normal bias is

regained.

Block and Level Diagrams

BLOCK DIAGRAMS

LEVEL DIAGRAM

— 8 —

Specifications

MIXER SECTION

Frequency Response

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

Total Harmonic Distortion

0.05% +4dBm at 1kHz.

Hum and Noise (Open)

Equivalent Input Noise –130dBm (20Hz ~ 20kHz)

Equivalent Input Noise –133dBm (IHF A)

All level Controls Minimum –102dBm (IHF A)

PGM Master at MAX and all

input level controls minimum –93dBm (IHF A)

PGM Master at MAX and one

input level control at MAX –72dBm (IHF A)

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

MICRO­PHONES

50k

OR
LOWER IMP
LINES

10k

OR
LOWER IMP,
LINES

50k

OR
LOWER IMP,
LINES

OR

50k
LOWER IMP,
LINES

10k

OR
LOWER IMP

Maximum Voltage Gain

INPUT to PGM out 59dB

INPUT to EFF out 45dB
INPUT to FB out 59dB
INPUT to REG out 45dB

INPUT to GEQ out 59dB

AUX to PGM out 24dB

EFF/RET to PGM out 24dB

Equalization

63Hz ±12dB Peaking 2kHz ±12dB Peaking
125Hz ±12dB Peaking 4kHz ±12dB Peaking
250kHz ±12dB Peaking 8kHz ±12dB Peaking
500Hz ±12dB Peaking 16kHz ±12dB Peaking
1kHz ±12dB Peaking

Peak Indicators

Red LED on each i npu t cha nnel LED's turn on at 3dB below

clipping.

INPUT SPECIFICATIONS

TRIM
POSI­TION

10

10

0

0

SENSITIVITY
(PGM OUTPUT

LEVEL +4dB)

—

—

—

—

+20dBm (77.5mV)

+4dBm (1.23V)

+4dBm (1.23V)

MAX BEFORE

CLIP INPUT

LEVEL

+1.7dB (0.94V)

+20dB (7.75V)

———

———

CONNECTOR

XLR TYPE NC3F

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

CONNECTION

PGM

EFF

GEQ

FB

REG

ACTUAL LOAD

IMPEDANCE

600

600

600

600

1k

POWER AMPLIFIER SECTION

Frequency Response

+0, –1d B 5Hz to 40 kHz (200W RMS 4

Rated Power & Load

300W RMS (2

Power Output at Clipping

1%

THD,

348W R MS (2

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

1kHz

) 200W RMS (

) 238W RMS (4

4

)

120W

)

140W

)

RMS (8

RMS (8

OUTPUT SPECIFICATIONS

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

lbs)

MAX. BEFORE

CLIP

+20dB (7.75V)

+8dB (1.9V)

+20dB (7.75V)

+20dB (7.75V)

+8dB (1.9V)

NOMINAL

+4dB (1.23V)

+10dB (775V)

+4dB (1.23V)

+4dB (1.23V)

–10dB (7.75V)

Input Sensitivity

+4dBm (1.23V)

Input Impedance

10k

Output Connector

Phone Jack X2

Power Requirement

600 W 120V AC 50/60Hz

Dimensions

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

Weight

21

kg (46.3

*0dBm is referenced to 0.775V RMS.

*Specifications are subject to change without notice.

CONNECTOR

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

PHONE JACK

— 9 —

Characteristics Diagrams

HIGH Z IN. TRIM/MIN. & INPUT EQ

POWER AMP POWER BAND WIDTH

POWER AMP COMPRESSOR

GEQ

POWER AMP TOTAL HARMONIC DISTORTION

Appearance

302 11.89"

REVERBERATION FREQUENCY RESPONSE

585 23.03"

13.11"

333

— 10 —

TOA ELECTRIC CO., LTD.

KOBE, JAPAN

Printed in Japan

133-02-690-80