Insert, Gain, Setting Instructions | Dynacord PowerMate 1600

INPUT MONO

When connecting signal sources, please make sure to set the corresponding channel faders or at least the master faders to their minimum positions or engage the STANDBY button. This will save you, your audience, and the equipment from extensive wear from unpleasant pops.

3. INSERT

Stereo phone jack with breaker function. The low impedance output is assigned to the tip (send) and the high impedance input (return) is assigned to the ring. This jack allows the connection of external compressors, limiters, EQs, de-noisers, etc. into the corresponding channel’s signal path. The insertion point is post gain controls, Lo-Cut filters, and voicing stage and pre sound shaping section and channel faders. You have to use a stereo phone plug – according to the diagram aside – in case you intend to use this jack as a true insert bus.

When using the insert socket as a DIRECT OUT (Pre EQ), the stereo phone plug’s tip and ring have to be short circuited, so that the audio signal is not interrupted. If you are using a monaural phone plug instead, you will get a DIRECT OUT with breaker function – the signal flow within the channel is interrupted.

4. GAIN

Rotary control for adjusting a MIC/LINE input’s sensitivity. These controls let you optimally adjust the incoming signals to the mixer’s internal operation level. Cautious adjusting offers the benefits of an improved S/N-ratio and provides you with the full bandwidth of the PowerMate’s outstanding sound capabilities. On the XLR-type connectors an amplification of 0dB is achieved when the control is set all the way to the left and +60dB when the control is set all the way to the right. Especially when dealing with very low input levels – during vocal recordings or when the sound source is located in a distance – the high gain is extremely profitable. Using the LINE-input, the signal is generally attenuated by –20 dB while maintaining the total adjustment range of 60dB. The LINE-input’s unity gain – no amplification (0 dB) – is achieved at the 20dB mark. The following is meant as a short note for your assistance on how to determine the right input level:

Setting Instructions:

1. Set the gain control and the corresponding channel fader to their minimum values.

2. Connect the desired sound source (microphone, musical instrument, etc.) to the desired MIC or LINE input.

3. Start the reproduction of the sound source at the highest volume level to be expected

– respectively sing or speak as loud as possible directly (short distance) into the microphone.

4. While playing the sound source or singing into the microphone, adjust the input level using the gain control, so that during the loudest passages the PEAK LED is just not lit, but the SIGNAL present LED lights constantly.

This is the basic channel setting, leaving you with at least 6 dB of headroom, i.e. you have at least a range of 6dB before signal clipping occurs. In case you intend to make further adjustments to the channel’s EQ setting, you should perform steps 3. and 4. again afterwards, since changes in the sound shaping section also have an influence on the channel’s overall level.