Introduction
CHAPTER 1
INTRODUCTION
About the X2
The X2 is an extremely flexible, 24-channel, 8-group output, in-line monitor professional mixing console. The monitor path of each channel has its own 45mm linear fader, automated mute, and access to EQ and Aux sends, so you can mix or monitor one input while the main path mixes another. This flexible design allows full mix control of 48 sources, plus 16 aux returns, for a total of 64 sources at mixdown. For this reason, the X2 is perfectly suited for professional project studios with a large number of MIDI sequencer-controlled sources that are synchronized with 24 tracks of ADAT.
Each channel features a high-quality 4-band equalizer with two midrange bands that are fully parametric, not just sweep EQ. The midrange Q (bandwidth) can be set as narrow as 1/6th of an octave, or as wide as several octaves, for boosting or cutting any frequency range desired. The two shelving bands may be split from the main channel path and switched into the monitor path. An EQ IN/OUT switch permits the entire EQ circuit to be bypassed when desired, maintaining the minimum signal path. A switchable high-pass filter removes low frequency rumble and noise. The EQ section uses film capacitors in a gyrator filter design, with plenty of headroom available so that boosting a band doesn’t cause distortion.
The X2 uses fully balanced +4 dBu inputs and outputs on 1/4" jacks, plus three 56- pin ELCO® multipin connectors for quick, reliable +4 dBu balanced connection direct to the ELCO connector on each ADAT. The X2 may also be interfaced with - 10 dBV level unbalanced equipment. A DIRECT switch on each channel connects the Direct Out (instead of the corresponding Group Out) to the channel’s Tape Out jack, so that simultaneous 24-track recording is possible without repatching.
All 24 channels have a high-quality, low noise balanced microphone preamp with individually switchable 48 V phantom power for condenser microphones. Each input channel is individually modular, using glass epoxy circuit boards. The 24/8/2 meter bridge is integral, not an optional add-on. It provides peak metering on each channel, group and the stereo master outputs.
Effects and headphone mixes are handled by 8 Aux sends. Aux 1–2 is a pre-fader, pre-mute, stereo send that can be used to provide a cue mix from either the main or monitor path; Auxes 3–8 are post-fader intended for effects sends. Eight Stereo Aux Returns are provided, each with its own 2-band EQ, Stereo Separation control, Solo switch, and automated Mute. Returns may be routed to the stereo mix, the groups, and the cue mix, so that effects can be added to the final mix, printed to multitrack, monitored on headphones, or any combination desired. The X2 provides insert points on each channel, each group, and the stereo master for use with compressors and graphic equalizers.
Alesis Dynamic Mute Automation™ is built-in, providing control of 72 mute points
