Console Controls - SoundCraft FX16II User Manual

CONSOLE CONTROLS

INPUT CHANNEL
1 Mic Input (Rear Connector Panel)
The mic input accepts XLR-type connectors and is designed to suit a wide range of
BALANCED or UNBALANCED signals. Professional dynamic, condenser or ribbon mics
are best because these will be LOW IMPEDANCE. You can use low-cost HIGH IMPEDANCE
mics, but the level of background noise will be higher. Unplug any mics if you want to
use the LINE Input. The input level is set using the GAIN knob.
2 PHANTOM POWER
Many professional condenser mics need an external powering voltage, normally 48V,
known as PHANTOM POWER. This is a method of sending a powering voltage down the
same wires as the mic signal.
If you press the appropriate PHANTOM POWER switch down, the XLR socket will provide
a suitable powering voltage (48V) for professional condenser mics. There are two
switches: one for channels 1-8, the other is for channels 9-16, they are located towards
the top of the console's surface. The adjacent LEDs illuminate when the phantom power
is active.
ONLY connect condenser microphones with the Phantom Power OFF (switch
UP), and ONLY turn the Phantom Power on or off with all output faders
DOWN, to prevent damage to the mixer or external devices.
TAKE CARE when using unbalanced sources, which may be damaged by the
Phantom Power voltage on pins 2 & 3 of the XLR connector.
Balanced dynamic mics and leads can normally be used with phantom power switched
on (contact your microphone manufacturer for guidance).
3 LINE INPUT (Rear Connector Panel)
Accepts 3-pole ' A ' gauge (TRS) jacks. Use this high impedance input for sources other
than mics, such as keyboards, drum machines, synths, tape machines or guitars. The
input is BALANCED for low noise and top quality from professional equipment, but you
can use UNBALANCED sources, although you should then keep cable lengths as short
as possible. Unplug anything in the MIC input if you want to use this socket. Set the
input level using the GAIN knob.
4 GAIN
This knob sets how much of the source signal is sent to the rest of the mixer. Too high,
and the signal will distort as it overloads the channel; too low, and the level of any
background hiss will be more noticeable and you may not be able to get enough signal
14