Introduction; General Mixing Console Functions; The User's Manual - Behringer XENYX 1202FX User Manual

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XENYX 1202FX/1002FX User Manual

1. Introduction

The XENYX Series represents a milestone in the development of mixing console
technology. With the new XENYX microphone preamps including phantom power
as an option, balanced line inputs and a powerful effects section, the mixing
consoles in the XENYX Series are optimally equipped for live and studio
applications. Owing to state-of-the-art circuitry your XENYX console produces
a warm analog sound that is unrivalled. With the addition of the latest digital
technology these best-in-class consoles combine the advantages of both analog
and digital technology.
The microphone channels feature high-end XENYX Mic Preamps that compare
well with costly outboard preamps in terms of sound quality and dynamics and
boast the following features:
• 130 dB dynamic range for an incredible amount of headroom
• A bandwidth ranging from below 10 Hz to over 200 kHz for crystal-clear
reproduction of even the finest nuances
•
The extremely low-noise and distortion-free circuitry guarantees absolutely
natural and transparent signal reproduction
• They are perfectly matched to every conceivable microphone with up to
60 dB gain and +48 volt phantom power supply
• They enable you to use the greatly extended dynamic range of your
24-bit/192-kHz HD recorder to the full, thereby maintaining optimal
audio quality
"British EQ"
The equalizers used for the XENYX Series are based on the legendary circuitry of
top-notch consoles made in Britain, which are renowned throughout the world
for their incredibly warm and musical sound character. Even with extreme gain
settings these equalizers ensure outstanding audio properties.
Multi-effects processor
Additionally, your XENYX mixing console has an effects processor with 24-bit A/D
and D/A converters included, which gives you 100 presets producing first-class
reverb, delay and modulation effects plus numerous multi-effects in excellent
audio quality.
! !
Caution!
◊
We should like to draw your attention to the fact that extreme volumes
may damage your hearing and/or your headphones or loudspeakers.
Turn the MAIN MIX control and PHONES control in the main section fully
counterclockwise before you switch on the unit. Always be careful to
set appropriate volume levels.

1.1 General mixing console functions

A mixing console fulfils three main functions:
Signal processing:
•
Preamplification
Microphones convert sound waves into voltage that has to be amplified
several-fold; then, this voltage is turned into sound that is reproduced
in a loudspeaker. Because micro phone capsules are very delicate in their
construction, output voltage is very low and therefore susceptible to
interference. Therefore, mic signal voltage is amplified directly at the mixer
input to a higher signal level that is less prone to interference. This higher,
interference-safe signal level has to be achieved through amplification using
an amplifier of the highest quality in order to amplify the signal and add
as little noise to it as possible. The XENYX Mic Preamp performs this role
beautifully, leaving no traces of noise or sound coloration. Interference that
could take place at the preamplification level could affect signal quality
and purity, and would then be passed on to all other devices, resulting in
inaccurate sounding program during recording or playback.
Level-setting
Signals fed into the mixer using a DI-box (Direct Injection) or the output of a
sound card or a keyboard, often have to be adjusted to the operating level of
your mixing console.
Frequency response correction
Using the equalizers found in each channel strip, you can simply, quickly and
effectively adjust the way a signal sounds.
• Signal distribution:
Individual, processed signals from the channel strips are compiled on busses
and are fed into the main section for further processing. Connections for
recording equipment, power amplifiers, headphones as well as CD/tape
connectors are available here. The mix is sent to the internal FX processors or
external effects processors via aux sends and returns. Similarly, a mix can be
created for the musicians on the stage (monitor mix).
• Mix:
All other mixing console functions fall under this vital category. Creating a
mix means primarily adjusting the volume levels of individual instruments
and voices to one another as well as giving them the appropriate weight
within the overall frequency spectrum. Likewise, you'll have to sensibly
spread individual voices across the stereo image of a signal. At the end of
this process, adjusting the level of the entire mix to other equipment in the
signal path is required (e. g. recorder/crossover/amplifier).
The interface of BEHRINGER mixing consoles is optimized for these tasks,
enabling you to easily keep track of the signal path.

1.2 The user's manual

The user's manual is designed to give you both an overview of the controls,
as well as detailed information on how to use them. In order to help you
understand the links between the controls, we have arranged them in groups
according to their function. If you need to know more about specific issues,
please visit our website at http://behringer.com. Additional information and
explanations about various music industry/audio technology terminology
can be found on individual product pages as well as in the glossary area
of behringer.com.
◊
The block diagram supplied with the mixing console gives you an
overview of the connections between the inputs and outputs, as well
as the associated switches and controls.
For the moment, just try and trace the signal path from the microphone input
to the FX SEND connector. Don't be put off by the huge range of possibilities;
it's easier than you think! If you look at the overview of the controls at the same
time, you'll be able to quickly familiarize yourself with your mixing console and
you'll soon be making the most of all its many possibilities.