Main/tape outputs, Main boost and main mute

PRO MIXER DX1000

+This is the first time we have come across any really BIG buttons on the DX1000. At this point it’s worth pointing out that all the smaller switches on your DX1000 are latching. This means they stay down until you hit them again. Big buttons are all non-latching, or momentary in operation. This means that they are only active when your finger (or other appendage) is actually holding them down, like the keys on a MIDI keyboard. These are ideal for executing transformations, as you will very quickly find as you get into using your DX1000.

Try running a rhythm track through X (crossfader fully to the left). Now use the Y button in PUNCH transform mode to manually chop in a sustained signal like orchestral music, ambient sounds, noise, whatever.

As well as using the X - Y crossfader to select / fade between X and Y you can also use it to blend X and Y together, by simply leaving it somewhere in the middle. Now you can use the big buttons in CUT mode to chop between X and Y for more creative music gating effects.

+You can send more than one channel to either X, Y or both. In practice you will usually only send one at a time, but if you are layering tracks you might want to send more. Also you can crossfader between channels assigned to the same side of the crossfader using the 100 mm channel faders.

6.3 Main/tape outputs

Level to the main outputs (Max. output +28 dBu balanced, +22 dBu unbalanced) is ultimately governed by a pair of precision 60 mm main faders . This level is continuously monitored by the pair of highly accurate

tri-colored bargraph meters sited immediately above the output faders. The main outputs constitute a blend of X, Y and the two mic channels, all covered previously in the manual, plus the stereo effects return. The main output also feeds the tape outputs on the back of the console.

+The tape outputs on the top of the console are taken directly from the output of the crossfader. This mix does not include the mic channels 1 and 2.

+Never connect to both sets of tape inputs/outputs (see chapter 10 “CONNECTIONS”).

6.4 Main boost and main mute

MAIN BOOST and MAIN MUTE are big non-latching buttons acting on the main outputs, temporarily boosting (by +4 dB) and cutting (by -20 dB) volume.

+Main cut could be used for audience sing-along bits. Or you could use main boost to emphasize the beats etc.

+Main boost should not be applied for more than just spot effects, as you will probably stress the sound system, or simply cause the limiters to come in harder.

6.5 Zone

The ZONE stereo output is a second main mix output with its own totally independent ZONE LEVEL control . This can be used for feeding the mix into a separate sound system such as DJ foldback, or another room or area in a dance club.

6.6 Effect return

A line-level stereo effect return (Max. gain 30 dB) feeds directly into the mix, level being adjusted by the EFFECT RETURN knob . This input is designed to accept the output from a mono or stereo effects unit (see chapter 10 “CONNECTIONS”). It could also be used to return another stereo music source such as DAT or mini disc if five stereo channels are not enough for your music needs.

14	6. MASTER AUDIO OUTPUTS