ONYX 1620

Auxiliary Section

This section includes the AUX MASTERS (Sends) and the AUX RETURNS. These can be a bit confusing to the uninitiated, so here’s the whole idea behind aux sends and returns: sends are outputs and returns are inputs. AUX SENDs tap signals off the channels, via the AUX knobs (14), mix these signals together, then send them out the AUX SEND jacks (50).

These outputs are fed to the inputs of an external processor like a reverb or digital delay. From there, the outputs of this external device are fed back to the mixer’s AUX RETURN jacks (51). Then these signals are sent through the AUX RETURN level controls (30), and finally delivered to the MAIN MIX (38).

So, the original “dry” signals go from the channels to the MAIN MIX and the affected “wet” signals go from the AUX RETURNS to the MAIN MIX, and once mixed together, the dry and wet signals combine to create a glorious sound!

The AUX SENDS can also be used to provide another mix for stage monitors, for example. In this case, the AUX RETURNS aren’t used to return the signal. Instead, they can be used as additional stereo inputs.

28. AUX 1 -4 MASTERS

The AUX MASTERS provide overall control over the AUX SEND levels, just before they are delivered to the AUX SEND outputs (50). These knobs go from off (∞) to +15 dB when turned all the way up.

This is usually the knob you turn up when the lead singer glares at you, points at his stage monitor, and sticks his thumb up in the air. (It would follow that if the singer stuck his thumb down, you’d turn the knob down, but that never happens.)

29. AUX 1-4 PRE/POST

The PRE/POST switches determine whether the AUX SEND signal is tapped from the channel before the fader (pre-fader) or after the fader and MUTE button (post- fader). Typically, you use a pre-fader send for monitors

so you can control the monitor levels independently from the MAIN MIX. Use a post-fader send for effects, so that the “wet” signal level follows the “dry” signal level.

Most other mixing consoles require you to assign the pre/post function in pairs (Aux 1/2, Aux 3/4), which can be very limiting if you want to provide three monitor sends and one effects send, for example. The Onyx 1620 allows you to assign the pre/post function for each AUX SEND individually.

Both pre- and post-fader sends are affected by the EQ controls (unless the EQ is bypassed, of course).

30. AUX 1-4 RETURNS

These four controls set the overall level of effects received from the stereo AUX RETURN 1-4 inputs (51). These controls range from off (∞) to +10 dB of gain when fully clockwise, to compensate for low-level effects.

Signals passing through the AUX RETURN level controls proceed directly to the MAIN MIX bus where they are combined with the other channels just before the MAIN MIX fader (38).

31. FX TO MON Switch

This switch routes the signal from AUX RETURN 3 to the AUX 1 SEND instead of the MAIN MIX bus. This allows you to use an external effects device, like a reverb or delay, exclusively for the monitors. When this switch is pushed in, the effects signals coming into the AUX RETURN 3 jacks are combined with the signals coming from all of the channel AUX 1 send controls.

TALKBACK Section

The talkback feature allows the engineer to communicate with the talent either through the PHONES (24) output or the AUX 1-2 (50) outputs. A talkback microphone is built into the Onyx 1620, or you have the option of connecting an external microphone at the TALKBACK MIC XLR (47) connector on the rear panel, which may be preferable in live or noisy situations.

MUTE / ALT

 

 

FADER

PAN

 

 

 

 

 

 

"POST" SIGNAL OBEYS

INPUT GAIN LOW CUT INSERT

EQ

 

MUTE STATUS

 

 

 

 

EQ

 

 

 

IN/OUT

 

 

 

 

AUX SEND 1 KNOB

 

 

 

TO AUX SEND 1

 

 

 

OUTPUT

 

 

"POST" SIGNAL

 

 

"PRE" SIGNAL

AUX SEND 1 PRE/POST SWITCH

 

 

(IN MASTER SECTION)

 

 

 

Aux “Pre vs. Post”

 

 

AUX SEND 2 KNOB

 

 

TO AUX SEND 2

Signal Flow Diagram

 

 

 

 

OUTPUT

 

AUX SEND 2 PRE/POST SWITCH

16

(IN MASTER SECTION)

ONYX 1620