INPUT MONO
1. MIC
Electronically balanced XLR-type inputs for the connection of low impedance microphones like the ones featured in major studio and live mixing consoles. This type of input stage provides extraordinary low noise signal conversion at an extremely low distortion rate (typical <0.002%) even in the high frequency range. Generally, any type of microphone can be connected as long as its pin assignment is in accordance to the diagram shown below. When condenser microphones are connected, you have to press the PHANTOM POWER (MIC 1-6) button, which is located in the input section. The microphone gets its operating voltage (+48Vdc) through the mixer and you can forget about battery replacement times.
CAUTION: Always connect the microphones before turning on the phantom power or switching the PowerMate on with phantom power being activated. This is the only way to prevent your microphones from being damaged. Also make sure to engage the STANDBY button in the master section to prevent yourself and your environment from nasty power-on noise. Simultaneous connection of condenser type microphones and dynamic microphone models is generally possible with phantom power being activated. Before you do so, please consult the manual of the concerned microphone. The MIC input accepts levels between –60dBu
…+21dBu – depending on the setting of the corresponding gain control. Because of their low impedance design and the phantom power these XLR-type inputs are not suitable for cascading other mixing consoles or the connection of FX units, keyboards or other electronic equipment. When connecting this kind of equipment, please use the LINE level inputs.
2. LINE
Electronically balanced inputs for the connection of electronic instruments, such as keyboards, drum machines, E-guitars and E-basses with an active output, as well as all other high level signal sources, like additional mixers, FX units, CD players, etc. The LINE input accepts levels between –40dBu … +41dBu. The connection of balanced or unbalanced signal sources is established through monaural or stereo phone plugs, assigned according to the diagram below. If the device that you want to connect has a balanced output stage, the use of balanced cables with stereo phone plugs is preferable. This type of connection is greatly insensitive to the induction of external noise or HF interference.
Do not connect identical signal sources to LINE and MIC inputs at the same time, since the signals would interfere with each other, resulting in level reduction.
One more note: Please, do not connect E-guitars or E-basses with passive, high impedance outputs directly to a LINE input. The LINE inputs of the PowerMate – like the Line level inputs of mixers from other manufacturers – are designed for the connection of the relatively low source impedance of electronic instruments. The reproduction of the instrument’s original sound characteristics will be unsatisfactory. Connect those instruments using a special transformer or pre-amplifier with very high input impedance. Musical instruments with an active electronic output (battery-powered) can be connected without any problems.