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PSC AlphaMix Manual

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Download this manual See also: Operating Manual
ALPHAMIX REVIEW
By Brandt Sleeper, MA
Media Producer & Sound Designer
President, Rising Eagle Productions, Fort Worth, TX
Adjunct Professor University of New Orleans & Art Institute of Dallas
AlphaMix
™
The PSC AlphaMix is the latest edition to the
1
PSC line of mixers.
This ENG/EFP
style
mixer is relatively small (approx. 10"X7"X2";
4.25 lbs/1.9Kg) for the amount of flexibility it
offers. One of the first features you notice on
the AlphaMix is the ability to power the mixer
from an internally housed NP-1. The NP-1, a
format common to ENG/EFP video cameras,
is a high capacity rechargeable battery. If no
microphones are being powered, the AlphaMix
Photo Courtesy PSC
2
consumes only 210mA of current which translates to a 10 – 15 hour battery life
. If the
operator prefers they can opt to use 10x AA Alkaline batteries instead which supply the
standard 4 – 7 hours of operating time. Nevertheless, the NP-1 compatible design is
hard to beat.
Many ENG/EFP professionals use the NP-1 to externally power other mixers. The
difference with the AlphaMix is that the battery inserts directly into the unit. Typically an
operator would have to supply a specialized adapter and carry the battery separately
from the mixer.
While this is not overly impractical, PSC has had the insight to
recognize the demand for the NP-1 format and employ the convenience of housing
long-life rechargeable batteries.
1
The clarity of this mixer opens its application to location sound feature film work as well. Use of the expansion
port for a forthcoming two additional channels.
2
Battery life with all mixers is dependent upon the number of devices that are drawing current from the battery. If
several powered microphones or wireless receivers are in use, the battery life will be reduced. It is also important to
realize that battery life varies significantly dependent upon the type of NP-1 used including: Ni-Cad, nickel Metal
Hydride and Lithium-Ion.

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Summary of Contents for PSC AlphaMix

  • Page 1 Many ENG/EFP professionals use the NP-1 to externally power other mixers. The difference with the AlphaMix is that the battery inserts directly into the unit. Typically an operator would have to supply a specialized adapter and carry the battery separately from the mixer.
  • Page 2 Input Side Panel The input section of the AlphaMix is truly impressive for the price. This 4-channel mixer begins with standard female XLR balanced inputs. PSC has developed an ultra low noise input circuitry in an effort to set new standards in field production equipment.

  • Page 3: Front Panel

    Front Panel Experienced manufacturing becomes obvious when looking at the front panel of the AlphaMix. The sleek design of this mixer is the result of years of design refinements. Retractable channel gain, pan pot and headphone level controls greatly improve operation;...
  • Page 4 These levels also indicate the output gain level of the individual balanced outputs on the input side panel. Just to the right of each gain control are the AlphaMix retracting pan pots. These are equipped with center detents to confirm mid placement in the summing output bus.
  • Page 5 NP-1 batteries are available in a number of formats . Therein, PSC has installed a selector on the bottom panel of the AlphaMix that will adjust the function of the battery test feature specific to the NP-1 type.
  • Page 6 The compression ratio of the limiter is approximately 2.7 to 1 with a 1mS attack time and 100mS release. The presence of output limiting is displayed on the meter. PSC recommends use of the limiters at all times when recording to Betacam type cameras.

  • Page 7: Output Panel

    IFB feed to a producer, teleprompter or boom operator. Adjacent to the mono feed is a 5-pin GANG output. This is an expansion port for future PSC accessories including a soon to be released 2 channel expansion module that will increase the input capability of the AlphaMix to 6.
  • Page 8 Conclusion PSC has set numerous benchmarks with the AlphaMix ensuring that it will be a dominant force among ENG/EFP mixers in its class. The ergonomic design allows ease of operation and accessibility to all critical switches from the outside of the mixer. A small number of switches are located on the bottom of the mixer;...