Chapter 1: Introduction - EAW UMX.96 Owner's Manual

EAW UMX.96 Owner's Manual

Chapter 1: Introduction

The EAW UMX.96 digital mixing console re-defines performance benchmarks, offering more power, control
and integration than any digital live console on the market today.
In fact, with its open-ended architecture and next-generation processing, the UMX.96 is nothing less than
an integrated live sound control system, providing end-to-end control of the signal chain - from microphone
inputs to the onboard DSP processing for a zone, array, or even a specific loudspeaker.
The UMX.96 offers 24-bit, 96-kHz performance with expandable on-board 56 x 44 analog I/O, 3 x 12 inte-
grated loudspeaker processing, and the first full integration of the EAW Smaart® measurement and analysis
platform.
The ergonomics of the UMX.96 are designed specifically for ease of use in live sound environments, high-
lighted by a unique master section that combines a 15-inch touch-sensitive LCD display with a dynamically
tactile rotary encoder that is able to change its "feel" depending on the specific parameter selected via the
touch screen. A PC can also be connected to expand the user interface. The master section also incorporates
eight touch-sensitive Penny + Giles VCA faders that bring the VCAs or desired channels to the center of the
mixer for convenient access.
The channel section of the UMX.96 also includes 48 Penny + Giles touch-sensitive faders arranged in stacked
rows of 24. These faders provide dedicated control of all 48 input channels simultaneously or can be as-
signed to other inputs and outputs as needed. This results in less bank switching, enhancing the user's expe-
rience. Finally, tri-color Channel Assign buttons and V-Pots provide at-a-glance indication of current channel
assign functions for Mute Groups, VCAs, Aux/Groups, internal effects, and more.
The onboard 3 x 12 system processor offers custom EAW-designed EQ, crossover, delay, and limiter algo-
rithms allowing multi-way loudspeaker alignment, audio distribution, and zoning directly from the mixer.
Further, recallable presets allow you to save and recall crossover, EQ, and alignment settings. The powerful
internal memory provides virtually unlimited snapshot/venue/preset storage.
The onboard Smaart measurement capabilities provide instant system measurement and calibration. When
selected, an input or output feeds Smaart, which in turn provides RTA on the EQ screen to show the instant
effect of the EQ on the signal. Additionally, Smaart is fed by a dedicated measurement mic input and an
onboard LCD SPL meter provides constant dB-SPL display.
The standard UMX.96 configuration includes 48 remote-controlled mic preamps with snapshot recall of
level, polarity, pad and 48-volt settings. Each mic input also includes balanced TRS send and return inserts
plus a TRS direct output. Eight stereo line inputs are on dual XLR connectors, while the 24 output buses can
be configured as an Aux Send with variable level or as a Group.
The onboard 16 x 8 Matrix Mixer allows digital patching of any input or output signal into the matrix making
it extremely flexible. Finally, the system processor outputs are typically fed by the Left, Right and Center out-
puts, but any output signal can be routed directly to the system processor for zone or array processing.
The modular channel design of the UMX.96 means easy field servicing, if necessary. The console comes with
an external power supply with redundant capability, and the dedicated UMX.96 field service personnel are
always just a phone call away.
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Introduction