Installation And Setup; Priority Microphones And Lockout Bus - Audio Technica SmartMixer AT-MX341a Installation And Operation Manual

Installation and Setup

AT-MX341a SmartMixer setup tips:
1. Turn Master Threshold control to minimum threshold, immediately clockwise of the
"Manual" setting.
2. Set all Priority DIP switches to "down" position.
3. Turn all four microphone Gain controls fully counter-clockwise.
4. Connect the AC adapter to the mixer and plug in to outlet.
5. Turn Power switch "on." The mixer will perform a self-test and turn each microphone
"on" and "off " consecutively.
6. Connect a microphone to Input 1 and turn the Gain 1 control to the "nine o'clock"
position. The channel 1 LED will light if the microphone is operational.
7. Adjust the Gain 1 control for proper meter indication when speaking into microphone
(peaks at 0).
8. Gradually increase the Master Threshold control until the Lockout LED flashes when
speaking at a normal level.
9. Plug in up to three other microphones and adjust each respective Gain control for proper
meter indication. It should not be necessary to readjust the threshold level.
10. Priority can be assigned to one or more microphones by moving the appropriate DIP
switch(es) to the "up" position. Any microphone(s) assigned in this manner cannot be
locked out by any other microphone.
11. "Manual" mode can be selected at any time by simply turning the Master Threshold
control fully counterclockwise. In this mode, the unit will behave like a conventional
four-channel microphone mixer (all automatic functions are bypassed).
12. The Master Level recessed control on the front panel may be adjusted with a small
screwdriver if necessary. This control is at the last stage in the mixer, and does not affect
microphone gain, threshold setting, or meter indication.
Priority Microphones and the Lockout Bus
Once the Master Threshold control has been properly adjusted, an audio signal appearing in
any channel causes the lockout control bus to activate and the Lockout LED indicator to light.
The Priority Pre-select switches then determine whether or not a particular mic is affected by
lockouts caused by other mics: a channel Priority switch in the "down" position will allow
lockout* of its mic; the same switch "up" will not allow lockout of its mic.
* Note that any mic which is described as "locked out" or "off " is really just being attenuated
by between 6 dB and 20 dB from the level otherwise determined by its Gain control setting,
sensitivity and placement. See the "Daisy-chaining Mixers" section on page 10 for further details.
There are basically three "modes" of automatic operation:
Mode 1... All Priority Pre-select switches Up
The Lockout indicator will come on with any audio input, but no mic will be locked
out...because none are connected to the lockout bus. (This mode is often called
"Free-for-all"...or sometimes "City Council"!)
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