Behringer MX3282A manual

EURODESK ® MX3282A www.behringer.com Version 1.1 M a r ch 2 0 0 1 Users Manual ENGLISH[...]

2 EURODESK MX3282A This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure - voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock. This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to important operating and maintenance instructions in the accompanying literature. Read the manual. SAFETY[...]

3 EURODESK MX3282A FOREWORD Dear Customer, Welcome to the team of EURODESK users and thank you very much for expressing your confidence in BEHRINGER products by purchasing the MX3282A. It is one of my most pleasant tasks to write this letter to you, because it is the culmination of many months of hard work delivered by our engineering team to reach[...]

4 EURODESK MX3282A MX3282A EURODESK ® Professional 32-channel 8-bus recording & live-mixing console in ultra low-noise design s 32 microphone/line inputs, 24 mono and 4 stereo s Ultra low-noise, discrete microphone preamps with +48 V phantom power and switchable low-cut filter s 32 balanced line inputs and 24 balanced XLR microphone inputs wit[...]

5 EURODESK MX3282A T ABLE OF CONTENTS 1 . THE MANUAL .......................................................................................................................... 7 1. 1 Wa r ra n ty .................................................................................................................... ..................... 7 1.2 Nomenclat[...]

6 EURODESK MX3282A 10. APPLICA TI ON S .................................................................................................................... 23 10.1 Keyboard Submixi ng ................................................................................................................... 2 3 10.2 Live Concert with Sim ultaneous 8-Track R[...]

7 EURODESK MX3282A 1. THE MANUAL 1. THE MANUAL Thank you for expressing your confidence in us and our work by purchasing the EURODESK MX3282A. Our first task in writing this manual is to make you feel comfortable with the special terms that are used to describe your EURODESK MX3282A and its proper use. + Reading this manual will make you aware of t[...]

8 EURODESK MX3282A 2. EURODESK OVERVIEW 2.1 Architecture The MX3282A is a conventional split console. By this we mean that the inputs and outputs occupy separate areas of the board. This makes for easier visualization of signal path compared to an in-line design, which uses combined input/output channels. The main section on the right hand side han[...]

9 EURODESK MX3282A + The master clip LEDs (+22 dBu) should never be allowed to illuminate. If they do, reduce either the MAIN MIX fader or the group(s) and/or channel fader(s), or (as a last resort) the channel input gain(s). Maybe its time to do a round of PFL metering. + In Solo/PFL mode a 0 dB meter reading matches an internal operating level[...]

10 EURODESK MX3282A In addition to switchable Solo/PFL metering, a couple of channel LEDs ( / ) illuminate when a signal is present (-20 dB), or if a channel is going into overload. These LEDs are particularly useful when using extreme EQ settings, or adding a dynamics processor via an insert. You do not want the overload light to come on except ve[...]

11 EURODESK MX3282A Level to the group and main left and right busses is ultimately determined by the channel fader . This is designed to give a smooth logarithmic taper of a type more usually associated with megabuck consoles. The low level performance particularly is far smoother than that of a normal budget fader. The MUTE button , like th[...]

12 EURODESK MX3282A 5 . SUBGROUPS AND INSERTS 5 . 1 Subgroups The principal routes to multitrack are via the subgroup outputs. There are eight mono (or four stereo) subgroups. All channels can access all of them, as can aux returns 1 and 2 ( ). Subgroup level is determined by the SUBGROUP fader , while the signal level may be accurately checked by [...]

13 EURODESK MX3282A Fig. 5.2: Inserting an external EQ/dynamics processor post channel EQ In this arrangement you might find that compression tends to soften the perceived amount of (especially treble) EQ applied. The solution here is to apply more EQ. This creates a real pressure sound, great for high energy music such as dance. In the above[...]

14 EURODESK MX3282A + EURODESK insert points are, of course, simultaneously inputs and outputs. For goodness sake, get them onto a patchbay, where they can appear as independent sockets, and do away with all these fiddly Y-teads that always seem to be the first to get knotted in the flightcase (see section 9: PATCHBAY). Now it is possible to [...]

15 EURODESK MX3282A + There is no absolute reason why the send from aux 1 should feed into a processor whose outputs are sent to the aux return 1. The processor could just as easily be patched into the aux return 3, or even a pair of channels. For many purposes, however, it is sensible to set up a default patch where the aux sends and returns corre[...]

16 EURODESK MX3282A With the MON/CT R LEVEL control fully clockwise, your 2-track input will be matched to the semi- professional level -10 dBV. For higher output recording sources (e.g. +4 dBu) turn the level of down. + The 2-track input could usefully be connected to the output of a hi-fi pre-amp or integrated amplifier, allowing you to easily au[...]

17 EURODESK MX3282A + Care should be taken NOT to plug mics into the console (or stagebox) while the phantom power is on. Also mute the monitor / PA speakers when turning phantom power on or off. Allow 1 minute after powering up for the system to equilibrate before setting input gains. Stereo input channels 25 - 32 Four stereo pairs. Unbalanced 1/4[...]

18 EURODESK MX3282A Fig. 7.1: Different plugs (overview) 7. CONNECTIONS[...]

19 EURODESK MX3282A 8. SETTING UP 8. 1 Selecting Inputs 1) Mono channels accept mic or line inputs. If you are using the mic input, make sure nothing is connected to the line input (and vice-versa). Please note that mic inputs are many times more sensitive than line inputs! + Do not connect mics with phantom power switched on. NEVER use unbalanced [...]

20 EURODESK MX3282A 8. 4 Desk Normalization All board settings should be set to the normal default condition before or after every session. Usually faders are set to zero (minus infinity) EQs set flat, trimpots and channel aux sends turned fully anticlockwise etc. Many controls have a natural initial setting. For EQ cut and boost this is unity gain[...]

21 EURODESK MX3282A 9. 3 Normalled Fig. 9.3: Patchbay mode normalled Here, and in contrast to the half-normalled setup, the signal route of the rear phone jacks is interrupted when you insert a plug both into the upper and lower front jacks. 9. 4 Open Fig. 9.4: Patchbay mode open This mode is used to connect devices such as sound [...]

22 EURODESK MX3282A 1 2 3 4 Fig. 9.5: Example of a studio organization with four patchbays In the first eight modules of patchbay 1 the subgroup outputs are directly connected to the corresponding multitrack inputs. In addition to that it is also possible to record the signals coming from a subgroup on a different track of the multitrack. To save s[...]

23 EURODESK MX3282A In patchbay 3 , modules 1 through 16 are for the channel insert. These modules are half-normalled, so that you have an additional route for the channel signals. The same applies to the insert paths of the subgroups and the master output. The headphones amp is connected to 23 & 24, which are normalled and connected to the con[...]

24 EURODESK MX3282A + Try using a compressor and noise gate on vocals, bass guitar and even drums via channel insert. + Effects may be a little over-the-top for a live band (not so for a dance act!). You might want to have 2 effects sends, but six independent cue feeds for on-stage monitoring. + Record the FOH mix to DAT (or to 1 or 2 channels of t[...]

25 EURODESK MX3282A 10.3 8-Track Studio Recording 8-track MIDI project studio with sampler, 8-track recording system, one vocal mic and several effects units. With largely computer-generated dance music you will want to have plenty of line inputs, and an ability to take vocals quickly, efficiently, and with minimal desk disturbance. Often a vocal l[...]

26 EURODESK MX3282A Chan nel I npu t Sou rce Sub group /Tr ack Mic /Lin e mon o/st ere o 1 Tape 1 2 Tape 2 Mix L M 3 Tape 3 Mix L M 4 Tape 4 Mix L M 5 Tape 5 Mix L M 6 Tape 6 Mix L M 7 Tape 7 Mix L M 8 Tape 8 Mix L M 9 Sampler 1 Mix L M 10 Sample r 2 Mix L M 11 Sample r 3 Mix L M 12 Sample r 4 Mix L M 13 Sample r 5 Mix L M 14 Sample r 6 Mix L M 15 [...]

27 EURODESK MX3282A 10.4 16-Track Studio Recording This set-up is for a multipurpose studio capable of recording live bands. The following layout is for a bass & drum take while other artists also perform guides to give correct feel for the song. Mic channels are used to record to tape, eight tracks at a time (max.) via the subgroup outputs. Si[...]

28 EURODESK MX3282A Channe l Inpu t Source Sub gro up/Track Mic/Line mo no/ster e o 1 (Kick D r.) Tape 1 mix* L m 2 (Snar e Dr.) Ta pe 2 mix* L m 3 (Hi-Hat) Tape 3 mix* L m 4 (To m 1) Tape 4 mix* L m 5 (etc.) Ta pe 5 mix* L m 6 Tape 6 mix* L m 7 Tape 7 mix* L m 8 Tape 8 mix* L m 9 Tape 9 mix* L m 10 Tape 10 mix * L m 11 Tape 11 mix * L m 12 Lead Vo[...]

29 EURODESK MX3282A Check that the input levels to each track are optimized before recording commences. 10.6 Recording Levels When recording to digital, its a good idea to keep the recorders peak meters below 0 dB. Most (not all, esp. samplers) read 0 dB with some headroom left. This is because, unlike with analog, the onset of digital distor[...]

30 EURODESK MX3282A A vocal signal can be enhanced by applying a significant boost in the 12 kHz region or higher, above the nasty sibilance region. This is especially effective if youve got a de-esser patched post-EQ. + Use the low-cut filter to tighten up channels in a mix: maybe remove it only for the bass, kick drum, toms, tablas, didgeridoo[...]

31 EURODESK MX3282A 13. MODIFICATIONS The following modifications require you to do some soldering. Only attempt that if you are experienced in using an iron on PCBs. Otherwise, refer to qualified personnel. After modification the BEHRINGER warranty becomes discretionary. Links should not be threaded into holes on the PCB. They should be soldered t[...]

32 EURODESK MX3282A 14. SPECIFICATIONS Input channels Mic input Electronically balanced, discrete input configuration Mic E.I.N. (22 Hz - 22 kHz) 129.0 dBu, 150 Ohm source 1 17.3 dBqp, 150 Ohm source 132.0 dBu, input shorted 122.0 dBqp, input shorted Distortion (THD&N) 0, 007% @ +4 dBu, 1 kHz, bandwidth 80 kHz Gain range +10 dB to +60 dB Max in[...]

33 EURODESK MX3282A The information contained in this manual is subject to change without notice. No part of this manual may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying and recording of any kind, for any purpose, without the expressed written permission of BEHRINGER S pezielle S tudiote[...]