Behringer MX2004A user manual Introduction, Architecture

EURORACK MX2004A

1. INTRODUCTION

Congratulations. In purchasing our EURORACK you have acquired a mixer with incredible versatility and audio performance. Your EURORACK is built to the same outstanding quality as our top-of-the range console, the BEHRINGER EURODESK MX9000.

Later we will see how adding the BEHRINGER ULTRALINK PRO MX882 to your system can inexpensively expand the capacity and flexibility of you mixing power even further. First of all, however, we want to take you on a guided tour of your new rack-mounted console—the BEHRINGER EURORACK MX2004A.

We recommend that you experiment with your EURORACK away from the pressures of a recording session or live concert, in order to get a feel for it. It is a musical instrument. Learn to play it well.

Next to the specifications you will find some pages with drawings showing the front and rear panel of your EURORACK respectively. Keep them turned over, lying to the left of the text pages, while studying the manual.

All functions will be numbered consistently throughout the manual, whether they be in the text or on an illustration.

Most specialist subjects are not really all that difficult provided you understand the language used, and the vocabulary of mixing is pretty straightforward. Nevertheless it is as well to be clear about what certain terms mean. A “slot” in a recorder will always be referred to as a track, while that in a mixer will invariably be a channel. I will attempt to be as unambiguous as possible with terms, since much confusion can arise from sloppy definitions.

1.1 Architecture

The configuration is 20 into 4 (2+2) into 2. There are eight mono channels, four stereo channels and two stereo aux returns. In addition there is a 2-track input routable to the main mix. A channel is always routed to the main

mix outs unless Alt 3-4 is selected, in which case its signal is sent to outputs 3 and 4 instead. Outputs 3 and 4 may be blended with the main mix at the control room output via a switch .

Mono input channels

Channels 1 to 8 are mono, with a choice of balanced microphone or line inputs. The vintage-style high-current discrete microphone amps are of the same incredible quality as those found on the acclaimed BEHRINGER EURODESK MX9000, while a large external power supply ensures low noise and superior transient response at all times.

Stereo input channels

A further 8 line inputs on the MX2004A are configured as 4 stereo input channels. These are ideal for multitrack tape returns, or for accepting outputs from MIDI and other electronic instruments.

Channel outputs

A high-quality true logarithmic 60-mm fader feeds the main mix or Alt 3-4 bus via the channel pan.

Aux sends

There are two aux send buses on the MX2004A.

Stereo aux returns (stereo line inputs)

The stereo aux returns lie directly above the master aux sends. These can be routed to the cue send (i.e. aux send 1 set to pre-fader) directly by pressing , in order to enable performers to get a “wet” foldback mix. The aux returns may also be used for mixing in extra MIDI instruments etc.

Main mix output

Main mix output level is via a pair of high-quality true-log 60-mm stereo faders and is monitored by a pair of accurate 13-segment bargraph peak meters, surrounded by 4 status LEDs.

In addition, your MX2004A provides an adjustable phones output, a separate 2-track in/output and the above- mentioned Alt 3-4 output.

Channels 1 to 8 have overload LEDs, while the L and R outputs have 13-segment bargraph meters. The L/R meters double up as mono PFL or stereo solo meters. The meters should average around 0 dB during loud passages. If they read persistently higher, or are peaking above +10 dB, reduce either the main L/R faders and/ or channel faders, or channel input gain. Perhaps the PFL sequence should be repeated.

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