ALLEN & HEATH ML 4000 User Manual
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ALLEN & HEATH ML 4000 User Manual

Dual function live sound console
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Dual Function Live Sound Console

USER GUIDE

Publication AP4314

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Summary of Contents for ALLEN & HEATH ML 4000

  • Page 1: User Guide

    Dual Function Live Sound Console USER GUIDE Publication AP4314...

  • Page 2: Introduction

    Introduction This user guide presents a quick reference to the ML4000. We recommend that you read this fully before starting. Included is information on installing, connecting and operating the console, panel drawings, system block diagram and technical specification. For further information on the basic principles of audio system engineering, please refer to one of the specialist publications available from bookshops and audio equipment dealers.

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    Contents Introduction............2 Configuring Groups and Auxes......34 Warranty............... 4 Main Mix Masters..........35 Important Safety Instructions ......5 Using the Engineers Wedge Monitor ....35 Mains Plug Wiring Instructions......6 Matrix ..............36 General Precautions ..........6 2-Track Output........... 37 ML4000 Key Features .........

  • Page 4: Warranty

    Limited One Year Warranty This product has been manufactured in the UK by ALLEN & HEATH and is warranted to be free from defects in materials or workmanship for period of one year from the date of purchase by the original owner. To ensure a high level of performance and reliability for which this equipment has been designed and manufactured, read this User Guide before operating.

  • Page 5: Important Safety Instructions

    Important Safety Instructions WARNINGS - Read the following before proceeding : CAUTION ATTENTION: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE – NE PAS OUVRIR Read instructions Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Adhere to all warnings printed here and on the console power unit. Follow the operating instructions printed in this user guide and the power unit user guide.

  • Page 6: Mains Plug Wiring Instructions

    Important Mains Plug Wiring Instructions. The power unit is supplied with a moulded mains plug fitted to the AC mains power lead. Follow the instructions below if the mains plug has to be replaced. The mains lead wires are coloured in accordance with the following code: TERMINAL WIRE COLOUR European...

  • Page 7: Ml4000 Key Features

    ML4000 Key Features The Allen & Heath ML4000 is a large format VCA equipped dual function live sound console providing many of the features of its larger brother the ML5000. It can be quickly configured for front-of-house (FOH) or stage monitor mixing. As one console suitable for both applications it is equally well suited to installation, rental and touring.

  • Page 8: Quick Start Sheet

    QUICK START SHEET Copy this sheet to keep with the console for guest user reference. Configure the Mode Switches : AUX MIX AUX OUT Use a pen or pointed object to select the underpanel mode switches. FRONT-OF-HOUSE mode MONITOR AUX 1-8 = AUX 1-4 and 5-8 switchable pre or post- fade.
  • Page 9 How to Assign a VCA or MUTE GROUP : CHANNEL Press EDIT GROUP. The key flashes. PRE-FADE SENDS POST-FADE SENDS Press MUTE on the master you want to edit. It flashes. SUBGROUP MAIN MIX Press the channel MUTE keys to assign or remove them from the group.

  • Page 10: System Block Diagram

    SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM PAFL PAFL LOGIC FADER MONO CHANNEL VCA GROUPS METER MUTE PEAK MUTE GROUPS L AFL SNAPSHOTS +48V GAIN R AFL INSERT HPF IN SEND RETURN EQ IN BLEND L MIX LCR+ R MIX C MIX INPUT FILTER 4 BAND EQUALISER FREQ PRE-FADE AUX...

  • Page 11: Ml4000 User Guide

    MUTE GRP 1-8 AFL LOGIC MUTE GROUPS SNAPSHOTS AUX 9-12 TB ENABLE METER L AFL PEAK FADER MATRIX MODE (1-8 ONLY) R AFL INSERT MAIN SEND RETURN TO VU METER GRP 1 BLEND L MIX R MIX LCR+ C MIX GRP 2 (1-8 ONLY) GRP 3...

  • Page 12: Technical Specifications

    Technical Specifications 0dBu = 0.775 Vrms, +4dBu = 1.23 Vrms Channel Filters Slope ..........12dB/oct high pass Operating Levels Frequency ........20Hz to 400Hz Channels ......... 0dBu Headroom +21dB Mix ..........-2dBu Headroom +23dB Mono Equaliser Max XLR output ......+23dBu HF....

  • Page 13: The Range

    The Range • • ML4000-24 24 mono, 2 dual stereo inputs MPS14 2U power supply unit • • ML4000-32 32 mono, 2 dual stereo inputs 002-583 2.8 metre DC power lead • • ML4000-40 40 mono, 2 dual stereo inputs 002-584 0.5 metre DC combiner lead •...

  • Page 14: Connecting The Power Supply

    Connecting the Power Supply The ML4000 console range is supplied with the DO NOT OBSTRUCT VENTILATION OPENINGS. CAUTION MPS14 power supply unit. A second MPS14 may DO NOT OPEN. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED BY THE POWER CORD. WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK be connected through the first as a redundant DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.

  • Page 15: Earthing

    Earthing The connection to earth (ground) in an audio system is important for two reasons: SAFETY - To protect the operator from high voltage shock, and AUDIO PERFORMANCE - To minimise the effect of earth (ground) loops which result in audible hum and buzz, and to shield the audio signals from interference. For safety it is important that all equipment earths are connected to mains earth so that exposed metal parts are prevented from carrying high voltage which can injure or even kill the operator.

  • Page 16: Rear Panel Connections

    Rear Panel Connections DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT SEND SEND SEND SEND SEND SEND SEND SEND...
  • Page 17 DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT DIRECT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT INSERT SEND SEND SEND SEND SEND SEND SEND SEND SEND RETURN INTERCOM ALLEN &...

  • Page 18: Audio Connector Types And Wiring

    Audio Connector Types and Wiring ML4000 User Guide...

  • Page 19: Gain Structure

    Gain Structure How the levels between the different signal stages Matching the Console to Destination Equipment. are set up is referred to as the gain structure. For The console produces a standard XLR output level best performance it is important that the connected of 0dBu for a meter reading of ‘0’.

  • Page 20: Control Layout And Description

    Control Layout +48V 20dB GAIN - 10 GAIN GAIN 20Hz METERS OSC/NOISE TRIM AUX 9-12 GAIN GAIN MTX 1-4 2kHz 20kHz PINK NOISE MIDI 1kHz OSC RS232 DUMP OSC/NOISE MONO L MONO L TO TB 500Hz EDIT SAFES MONO R MONO R Use CH MUTES Disable...

  • Page 21: System Description

    System Description MONO INPUT and EQ. The input preamp MAIN MIX FADERS. Provides separate master matches microphone or line level signals to the faders, mutes and inserts for the main L, R and C console. The sweepable high pass filter removes outputs.

  • Page 22: Mono Input And Eq

    MONO INPUT and EQ +48V. Switches +48VDC to the channel input XLR for powering microphones or DI boxes that need +48V phantom power. The power is current limited through 6800 ohm resistors to pins 2 and 3. 20dB GAIN WARNING Do not connect unbalanced sources or cables to inputs with phantom power - 10...

  • Page 23: Using The Equaliser

    EQUALISER. The channel equaliser provides HF EQ adjustment of 4 independent frequency bands. Each has cut/boost and frequency sweep controls. 2kHz 20kHz HF and LF are shelving. HM and LM are peak/dip with switched Q control. The high frequency band has a shelving response that cuts or boosts the higher (treble) frequencies by up to 15dB.

  • Page 24: Channel Group / Auxiliary Sends

    GROUP / AUXILIARY SENDS These controls send the channel signal to the audio groups 1-8 and aux sends 1-12. They are the same for both the mono and stereo channels. ROUTING SWITCHES. These route the channel signal to the audio groups in pairs. The signal is post-fader and follows the pan control.

  • Page 25: Channel Internal Link Options

    Internal Link Options Using the GRP/AUX Sends Several link options are available to satisfy user Configure the underpanel mode switches above the preferences. These require removal of the console master faders according to the number of fader base panels and replugging of 2way jumpers on the controlled audio groups you need.

  • Page 26: Channel Main Mix And Fader

    MAIN MIX and INPUT FADERS MAIN MIX. A single switch routes the channel signal to the 3 output main mix. Its balance and image within the L, R and C outputs is determined MAIN by the BLEND and PAN controls. BLEND BLEND.

  • Page 27: Removing The Fader

    SAFE / EDIT. This green LED has a different VCA GROUP Indicators. These LEDs light to function according to console operating mode: show which VCA groups the channel is assigned to. The channel can be assigned to more than one Normal The LED lights when the channel has group.

  • Page 28: Using Lcrplus

    Using LCRplus STEREO + CENTRE FILL. A centre fill speaker is The ML4000 LCRplus system extends signal used to reinforce the sound to the first few rows of imaging beyond conventional LR and LCR panning the audience when the L and R speakers are by allowing full 3 speaker balance and positioning positioned far apart.
  • Page 29 Positioning the Sound. Use the PAN and BLEND controls to position the sound within the LCR image. PAN L It is possible to dynamically move the sound using BLEND the two controls together but this is not a common requirement in real world systems. For example, dynamically panning an actor as he moves across a theatre stage may be uncomfortable for the front row listeners who hears the voice move from say...

  • Page 30: Stereo Input And Eq

    STEREO INPUT and EQ Two dual input stereo channels are provided to the right of the master section on standard models. A further four are provided to the right of this on the optional ‘B’ version consoles. These extra four stereos replace the standard model mono channels.

  • Page 31: Using The Dual Inputs

    Using the Dual Inputs. Using the Equaliser The 2 (6 optional) stereo channels let you connect The channel equaliser can be used to creatively up to 4 (12 optional) stereo sources. Two sources enhance or correctively improve the tonal quality of may be plugged into each channel strip.

  • Page 32: Group / Aux Fader And Rotary Masters

    GROUP / AUX 1-8 and AUX 9-12 MASTERS mode MONITOR AUX/GRP MODE. This switch reverses the group GRP/AUX 1 GRP/AUX fader and aux rotary master sections. It is reverse reverse underpanel to protect it from accidental operation. Use a pen or pointed implement to select the required setting.

  • Page 33: Ml4000 User Guide

    FADER MASTER. A 60mm smooth travel fader is PFL/AFL Monitoring fitted providing +10dB gain above the nominal 0dB The ML4000 intelligent P/AFL system provides the operating position. These faders control the output following operating capabilities: level of group/aux 1-12. They are not part of the console VCA group system.

  • Page 34: Configuring Groups And Auxes

    Configuring Groups and Auxes Decide the application of the console whether front-of-house or monitor or doing both jobs. Decide the number of audio groups required. The rest can be configured as fader controlled auxes. Front-of-House. This is the application with all mode switches in their default up position.

  • Page 35: Main Mix Masters

    MAIN MIX MASTERS MAIN MUTE. This momentary action switch turns the master signal on or off. It can also be muted by the mute groups, snapshot memories (externally controlled) and MIDI note on/off messages. The SAFE/EDIT SAFE/EDIT SAFE/EDIT switch illuminates when the signal is muted. WEDGE mode MONITOR...

  • Page 36: Matrix

    MATRIX and 2-TRACK 4 Matrix outputs are available. Each has 11 GROUP 1-8. Each of the 8 groups can be mixed sources derived from group 1-8 and the LRC main into the matrix. The source is derived post-fader. Adjust the level clockwise from fully off to +6dB mixes.

  • Page 37: 2-Track Output

    Using the Matrix 2-TRACK Output The matrix provides 4 additional console outputs. It The 2-track output is sourced from the main LR mix. is a ‘mixer within a mixer’ taking its source from the The factory default setting is post master LR faders. groups and main mix.

  • Page 38: Vca Groups

    VCA GROUPS EDIT GROUP SELECT GROUP TO EDIT SAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE SAFE ASSIGN USING CH MUTES PAFL PAFL PAFL PAFL PAFL PAFL PAFL PAFL MUTE VCA Groups Explained The benefits of VCA grouping VCA groups provide an important alternative to Effects balance is maintained.
  • Page 39 Using VCA Groups MUTE. This momentary action switch turns all Use audio groups where you want to insert group assigned input channels on or off. It acts as a signal processing or send groups of signals to the remote control for the mute switches on those matrix.

  • Page 40: Assigning Vca Groups

    VCA GROUP FADER. The fader adjusts the level EDIT GROUPS. Press this switch to put the of all channels assigned to the group. The ‘0’ console into edit groups mode. The red LED position is referred to as the ‘nominal’ operating flashes to warn that the console is in edit mode.

  • Page 41: Mute Groups

    MUTE GROUPS EDIT GROUPS. Press this switch to put the console into edit groups mode. The red LED flashes to warn that the console is in edit mode. Press at any time while the LED is flashing to restore normal operating mode. All the group MUTE LEDs and channel SAFE/EDIT LEDs turn off when edit mode is first entered.

  • Page 42: Snapshot Memories

    SNAPSHOT MEMORIES Snapshots Explained Channel Safes Explained Note: This function is not available from the A channel is referred to as being made ‘safe’ when console control surface. It is an ‘extra’ feature it is protected from being overwritten or affected by accessed via the MIDI or RS232 port using a PC an automated process.

  • Page 43: Headphones / Local Monitor / Pafl

    HEADPHONES / LOCAL MONITOR and P/AFL SYSTEM The Console Monitor System The engineer is able to listen to any channel, mix or matrix signal using stereo headphones and an amplifier/speaker system connected to the local monitor output. In addition the C output provides an engineers wedge monitor feed when the console is configured for monitor operation.
  • Page 44 PFL TRIM. Adjust this control to set the listening PHONES LEVEL. This adjusts the level of the level of the PFL selection. Provides a range from - monitor signal in the stereo headphones. 12dB attenuation to +6dB gain with normal ‘0dB’ centre detented position.

  • Page 45: Oscillator / Noise Generator

    OSC/NOISE GENERATOR OSC/NOISE TRIM. Adjusts the level of the oscillator or noise signal from –30 to +10dB. OSC/NOISE SELECT. In its up position pink noise is selected as the generator source. Press to select OSC/NOISE the 1kHz test tone. TRIM Pink noise.

  • Page 46: Intercom

    INTERCOM INTERCOM TRIM. Adjusts the level of the intercom signal in the console headphones. This is INTERCOM not affected by the PHONES level. The console TRIM monitor intercom listen signals independently controlled. LISTEN LISTEN. Press this switch to route the intercom signal to the console headphones.

  • Page 47: Talkback

    TALKBACK MIC INPUT. Top panel 3-pin XLR female socket for plugging in gooseneck microphone for the console talkback system. The input is balanced. +48V. Press this underpanel switch to assign MIC IN +48V to the XLR for microphones that require +48V phantom power.

  • Page 48: Meterpod

    The Meterpod P AFL CALL MAT RIX MATRIX MAT RIX MATRIX MATRIX PAFL 10 7 10 7 10 7 10 7 CALL MATRIX MATRIX METERS AUX 9-12 MTX 1-4 The Console Meterpod The ML4000 continues the Allen & Heath tradition to provide full signal metering at all key stages in the signal chain.

  • Page 49: Meter Types

    GRP/AUX VU Meters 1-8. Illuminated moving coil Meter Types VU (volume unit) meters display the output levels of Both VU and LED bar types of meter are provided mix 1 to 8. Depending on the setting of the master on the ML4000. This gives you the best of both section mode switches these display group or aux average and peak metering.

  • Page 50: Midi Overview

    MIDI MIDI Overview The ML4000 includes a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) port. Standard 5-pin IN, THRU and MIDI OUT sockets allow connection to external MIDI RS232 equipment such as computer show control systems, DUMP sequencers, instruments data archiving devices. Applications include sophisticated ‘hands- EDIT SAFES off’...

  • Page 51: Midi Channel Mutes

    Standard 'B' versions Channel Mutes HEX (cc) MUTE 32ch 40 & 48ch Pressing any input or output channel MUTE switch GRP/AUX 1 GRP/AUX 1 GRP/AUX 1 GRP/AUX 2 GRP/AUX 2 GRP/AUX 2 transmits a MIDI Note On message. Similarly, GRP/AUX 3 GRP/AUX 3 GRP/AUX 3 receiving a MIDI Note On message will turn the...

  • Page 52: Archiving The Console Settings

    Archiving the Console Settings MIDI Dump Message Format The console settings can be saved to an external The format for dump out and in is identical. The device such as a MIDI sequencer or data archiver dump data string is made up of multiple System using the dump out facility.

  • Page 53: Operating System Technical Support

    Operating System Technical Support Operating Software Version Number Power Up and Power Down You can check the current version number of the The console settings are saved when power is ML4000 software running on the console using a removed. On power up these settings are restored. PC connected via RS232.

  • Page 54: Blank For User Notes

    USER NOTES : ML4000 User Guide...

  • Page 55: Cue Sheet

    +48V 20dB GAIN - 10 GAIN GAIN 20Hz METERS OSC/NOISE TRIM AUX 9-12 GAIN GAIN MTX 1-4 2kHz 20kHz PINK NOISE MIDI 1kHz OSC RS232 DUMP OSC/NOISE MONO L MONO L TO TB 500Hz EDIT SAFES MONO R MONO R Use CH MUTES Disable MIDI CH...
  • Page 56 Visit Allen & Heath : http://www.allen-heath.com http://www.mlseries.com ML4000 User Guide ML4000 User Guide...

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