X2 X2 manual Introduction, About

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Introduction

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

About the X2

The X2 is an extremely flexible, 24-channel, 8-group output, in-line monitor professional mixing console. The monitor path of each channel has its own 45mm linear fader, automated mute, and access to EQ and Aux sends, so you can mix or monitor one input while the main path mixes another. This flexible design allows full mix control of 48 sources, plus 16 aux returns, for a total of 64 sources at mixdown. For this reason, the X2 is perfectly suited for professional project studios with a large number of MIDI sequencer-controlled sources that are synchronized with 24 tracks of ADAT.

Each channel features a high-quality 4-band equalizer with two midrange bands that are fully parametric, not just sweep EQ. The midrange Q (bandwidth) can be set as narrow as 1/6th of an octave, or as wide as several octaves, for boosting or cutting any frequency range desired. The two shelving bands may be split from the main channel path and switched into the monitor path. An EQ IN/OUT switch permits the entire EQ circuit to be bypassed when desired, maintaining the minimum signal path. A switchable high-pass filter removes low frequency rumble and noise. The EQ section uses film capacitors in a gyrator filter design, with plenty of headroom available so that boosting a band doesn’t cause distortion.

The X2 uses fully balanced +4 dBu inputs and outputs on 1/4" jacks, plus three 56- pin ELCO® multipin connectors for quick, reliable +4 dBu balanced connection direct to the ELCO connector on each ADAT. The X2 may also be interfaced with - 10 dBV level unbalanced equipment. A DIRECT switch on each channel connects the Direct Out (instead of the corresponding Group Out) to the channel’s Tape Out jack, so that simultaneous 24-track recording is possible without repatching.

All 24 channels have a high-quality, low noise balanced microphone preamp with individually switchable 48 V phantom power for condenser microphones. Each input channel is individually modular, using glass epoxy circuit boards. The 24/8/2 meter bridge is integral, not an optional add-on. It provides peak metering on each channel, group and the stereo master outputs.

Effects and headphone mixes are handled by 8 Aux sends. Aux 1–2 is a pre-fader, pre-mute, stereo send that can be used to provide a cue mix from either the main or monitor path; Auxes 3–8 are post-fader intended for effects sends. Eight Stereo Aux Returns are provided, each with its own 2-band EQ, Stereo Separation control, Solo switch, and automated Mute. Returns may be routed to the stereo mix, the groups, and the cue mix, so that effects can be added to the final mix, printed to multitrack, monitored on headphones, or any combination desired. The X2 provides insert points on each channel, each group, and the stereo master for use with compressors and graphic equalizers.

Alesis Dynamic Mute Automation™ is built-in, providing control of 72 mute points

X2 Reference Manual

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Contents Alesis Conventions How To Use This ManualIntroduction Description of Controls. a dictionary of each controlX2 Reference Manual Contents Applications Description of Controls Trouble-Shooting Midi Implementation Chart Page Introduction AboutRecording/Tracking Basic Principles of Mixing & Multitrack RecordingMonitoring Mixdown Introduction X2 Reference Manual Guided Tour Recorder/Mix SystemsPage Aux Send/Return Systems Muting Automation Control Room SystemsMeter Bridge Page Page Connections PowerPower Supply Unpacking and InspectionTo connect the power supply to Avoiding Ground Loops To Eliminate HUM if the Above has FailedBalanced Mic Inputs Channel Inputs and OutputsUnbalanced Line Inputs Page Tape Send Direct Output +4/-10 SwitchTape Input InsertBalanced Tape I/O To connect an Elco cable toGroup Inserts Stereo Returns and GroupsGroup Outputs Aux a & B ReturnsMaster Inserts Master Inputs and OutputsMaster Outputs Control Room OutputsPage Adat Sync HeadphonesTo synchronize the X2 to an Adat system Input Connector Type Examples of ConnectionsInterfacing to an Unbalanced -10 dBV Multitrack Recorder To interface with a typical unbalanced multitrack recorderInterfacing to a Professional +4 dBu Multitrack Recorder Interfacing to the Mixdown Deck Interfacing to Adat Using Elco ConnectorsInterfacing to a Multitrack Recorder via a Patchbay To connect the mixdown deck toInterfacing to the Headphone Amp Interfacing to the Control RoomInterfacing to the Studio Interfacing Aux Sends and Returns to Outboard EffectsConnecting Simultaneously, if desired Interfacing with a Midi Sequencer Interfacing the InsertsTo interface a Midi sequencer with Recording Setting LevelsApplications II. Maintain Proper Fader LevelsRecording a Single Source to One Track To record a single source to a single trackRecording Multiple Sources to One Track To record two or more sources to a single trackRecording Multiple Sources to Two Tracks Stereo To record multiple sources to two tracks stereoRecording Tips To select the meter bridge modeAbout Metering To listen to tape tracks on the Monitor faders OverdubbingTo listen to tape tracks on the Channel faders Applications Previous section X2 Reference Manual Monitoring Midi Virtual Tracks Getting the Mix to the HeadphonesTo route the mix to a headphone amp Selecting an Aux Send Adding EffectsTo set the level going to the effects device To hear effects in the headphone/cue mix To hear effects in the monitorsTo record effects onto the multitrack To bounce one or more tracks to another track mono Bouncing TracksTo record effects onto the mixdown deck To bounce multiple tracks to two tracks stereoGetting the Mix to the Tape Deck Playback/Mix-DownMixdown Basics Here is a simplified step-by-step way to establish a mixCreating a Dependable Mix To create a dependable mixMute Automation Page Live Performance Using Group Faders as SubgroupsTo configure the X2 mixer in order to achieve a mono mix Creating a Monitor MixStage Monitor Mix Video Post-ProductionTo create two different stage monitor mixes Applications X2 Reference Manual Mute Automation OverviewDestructive Solo To enable destructive solo modeMute Groups Page Defining Mute Groups To define Mute GroupsTo recall a Mute Group Recalling Mute GroupsOverlay Button To return the console to its previous mute statusSelecting a Sync Source Display ModeSynchronization Getting On-line/LockingUndoing Mute Events Mute EventsRecording and Playing Back Mute Events OverdubbingPage Editing Songs ErasingTo erase all events on all channels Erase All MemoryTo erase all events on one or more channels To erase a Song including its mute events and 4 Mute GroupsCopy Song CopyingCopy Mute Events To copy mute events from one channel to anotherSelecting Songs via Midi Midi ChannelTo set the Midi channel Midi Map Receiving System Exclusive Memory BackupTransmitting System Exclusive Remaining MemoryDescription of Controls Input Channel ControlsHi and Lo EQ HPF SwitchTo MON Switch Hi Mid and Lo Mid EQAUX Source Switch EQ in SwitchSwitch Aux 3/4 AUX 1-2, AUX 1-2 PANMonitor Peak LED Switch Aux 5/6Monitor PAN Monitor Solo ButtonChannel PAN DIR SwitchGroup Assign Switches 1-2, 3-4, 5-6 Channel Peak LEDAux Master Controls Stereo Aux Return ControlsStereo Separation AUX a Assign Switches Aux a OnlyGroup Masters Switch Aux B Only BalanceSolo Button Group Master ControlsButton Mute ButtonGroup 1-8 Master Faders Solo LED and Level Master ControlsOscillator Frequency and Level Studio Level and AssignmentMaster Faders PhonesControl Room Level and Source Meter BridgePage Mute Automation Controls DisplayMute Groups Online Erase FWD and Erase BWD Buttons Memory RemainingErasing Memory Mute SoloDescription of Controls X2 Reference Manual Checking the Software Version TROUBLE-SHOOTINGTrouble-Shooting Index Re-initializingWarranty Information Maintenance/ServiceCleaning and Maintenance Obtaining Repair ServiceCustomers outside the USA Trouble-Shooting X2 Reference Manual Maps Midi Maps IndexMute Midi Note Number Map Mute Midi Controller NumberMap Number Interval Midi Implementation Chart Specifications Input Module Power SupplyMaximum Gain Group ModuleTotal Shipping Weight DimensionsWeight Dimensional DrawingsInternal Connector Pinouts Block Diagram Index SoloSong LED 102
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