4XENYX QX1202USB/QX1002USB User Manual

1.Introduction

The XENYX Series represents a milestone in the development of mixing console technology. With the new XENYX microphone preamps including phantom power as an option, balanced line inputs and a powerful effects section, the mixing consoles in the XENYX Series are optimally equipped for live and studio applications. Owing to state-of-the-art circuitry your XENYX console produces

a warm analog sound that is unrivalled. With the addition of the latest digital technology these best-in-class consoles combine the advantages of both analog and digital technology.

The microphone channels feature high-end XENYX Mic Preamps that compare well with costly outboard preamps in terms of sound quality and dynamics and boast the following features:

•130 dB dynamic range for an incredible amount of headroom

•A bandwidth ranging from below 10 Hz to over 200 kHz for crystal-clear reproduction of even the finest nuances

•The extremely low-noise and distortion-free circuitry guarantees absolutely natural and transparent signal reproduction

•They are perfectly matched to every conceivable microphone with up to 60 dB gain and +48 volt phantom power supply

•They enable you to use the greatly extended dynamic range of your

24-bit/192-kHz HD recorder to the fullest, thereby maintaining optimal audio quality

“British EQ”

The equalizers used for the XENYX Series are based on the legendary circuitry of top-notch consoles made in Britain, which are renowned throughout the world for their incredibly warm and musical sound character. Even with extreme gain settings these equalizers ensure outstanding audio properties.

KLARK TEKNIK FX Processor

Additionally, your XENYX mixing console has a KLARK TEKNIK effects processor with 24-bit A/D and D/A converters included, which gives you 100 presets producing first-class reverb, delay and modulation effects plus numerous multi-effects in excellent audio quality.

!!Caution!

◊We should like to draw your attention to the fact that extreme volumes may damage your hearing and/or your headphones or loudspeakers. Turn the MAIN MIX control and PHONES control in the main section fully counterclockwise before you switch on the unit. Always be careful to set appropriate volume levels.

1.1 General mixing console functions

A mixing console fulfils three main functions:

•Signal processing:

Preamplification

Microphones convert sound waves into voltage that has to be amplified several-fold; then, this voltage is turned into sound that is reproduced in a loudspeaker. Because microphone­ capsules are very delicate in their construction, output voltage is very low and therefore susceptible to interference. Therefore, mic signal voltage is amplified directly at the mixer input to a higher signal level that is less prone to interference. This higher, interference-safe signal level has to be achieved through amplification using an amplifier of the highest quality in order to amplify the signal and add

as little noise to it as possible. The XENYX Mic Preamp performs this role beautifully, leaving no traces of noise or sound coloration. Interference that could take place at the preamplification level could affect signal quality and purity, and would then be passed on to all other devices, resulting in inaccurate sounding program during recording or playback.

Level-setting

Signals fed into the mixer using a DI-box (Direct Injection) or the output of a sound card or a keyboard, often have to be adjusted to the operating level of your mixing console.

Frequency response correction

Using the equalizers found in each channel strip, you can simply, quickly and effectively adjust the way a signal sounds.

•Signal distribution:

Individual, processed signals from the channel strips are compiled on busses and are fed into the main section for further processing. Connections for recording equipment, power amplifiers, headphones as well as RCA connectors are available here. The mix is sent to the internal FX processors or external effects processors via aux sends and returns. Similarly, a mix can be created for the musicians on the stage (monitor mix).

•Mix:

All other mixing console functions fall under this vital category. Creating a mix means primarily adjusting the volume levels of individual instruments and voices to one another as well as giving them the appropriate weight within the overall frequency spectrum. Likewise, you’ll have to sensibly spread individual voices across the stereo image of a signal. At the end of this process, adjusting the level of the entire mix to other equipment in the signal path is required (e. g. recorder/crossover/amplifier).

The interface of BEHRINGER mixing consoles is optimized for these tasks, enabling you to easily keep track of the signal path.