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AETA 4MinX User Manual

Portable mixer/recorder
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4MinX  
Portable M ixer/Recorder
User manual
AETA AUDI O SYSTEM S
18-22, avenue Edouard Herriot Kepler 4 92350 Le Plessis Robinson FRANCE
http://www.aeta-audio.com
Tél. +33 1 41 36 12 00 Fax +33 1 41 36 12 69 Web:
55 000 061 - H
4MinX - User manual
55000061H_4MinX_en.docx
Specifications subject to change
All rights reserved by AAS
September 13

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  • Page 1 4MinX   Portable M ixer/Recorder User manual AETA AUDI O SYSTEM S 18-22, avenue Edouard Herriot Kepler 4 92350 Le Plessis Robinson FRANCE http://www.aeta-audio.com Tél. +33 1 41 36 12 00 Fax +33 1 41 36 12 69 Web: 55 000 061 - H 4MinX - User manual 55000061H_4MinX_en.docx...

  • Page 3: Table Of Contents

    4.3.6. MIDI Menu ..................21   4.3.1. Menu « Master gain» ................23   4.3.2. Menu « Mixdown Limiter» ..............23   4.4. Menu : « Recording » ................. 23   55 000 061 - H 4MinX - User manual...
  • Page 4 5.1. Quick Screens/configurations..............44   5.1.1. Inputs configuration ................45   5.1.2. Audio Routing ..................46   5.2. Snapshots ....................47   5.2.1. Save / Load ..................47   5.2.2. Export ....................48   4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...
  • Page 5 8.2. Overview of connectors and front panel elements ........74   8.3. Block diagram ..................... 77   8.4. Level maps ....................79   8.5. Filters ......................80   8.6. Limiter ......................81   55 000 061 - H 4MinX - User manual...
  • Page 6 8.7. Accessories ....................82   Notes ..................86     Revision: H Build on firmware V1.7.3 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...
  • Page 7 4MINX is a portable mixer specially designed for outside recording. 4Minx is new kind of product on this market. It can be use as a traditional mixer, but can be use as a multi tracks recorder. In same time, it can manage digital audio treatment in real time.

  • Page 8: Technical Characteristic

    Long operating range on Li-Ion DV battery and charger inside 3 AES3 digital outputs, stereo, 24 bits, up to 96 kHz 2 AES3 digital inputs with phantom +10V for AES42 microphones with sample rate convertor. 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 9: Audio Interfaces

    2. AUDIO Interfaces The functions of the analog and digital mixer are shown on the functional diagram that can be found in annex, Block diagram will describe in detail all inputs and outputs of the 4MinX 2.1. Audio Inputs 2.1.1.
  • Page 10 Any change of the input gain on one channel induces the same on the other channel; The even channel control controls the balance between L and R channels by +/- 6dB 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...
  • Page 11 When the limiter is triggered, its output stays 6dBFS below the A/D converter clipping level for up to 40dB input overdrive. The threshold can be adjusted through the menu from 12dBFS to 3dBFS 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 12: Line Inputs/Return

    It is possible to have a fader control on each input through P1 to P4. In this case, we provide you 15dB more gain. 2.1.3. extension box. This device can be used to interface 4MINX with radio transmitters and/or receivers. mixer can use, for channels 3 and/or 4, inputs from the EXT I/O socket instead of XLR inputs 3 and 4.

  • Page 13: Aes Inputs

    2.1.4. AES Inputs 4MINX can accept AES3 digital audio input on its « Dig. In » (XLR 3 pins). Signals can be routed or mixed in the bus as others inputs or send to any outputs. The input 1&2 can be used to synchronize the 4minx on another machine. This feature can be set in the synchronization menu, it is necessary to specified in the same menu the frequency of the AES signal.

  • Page 14: Digital Outputs

    These outputs are asymmetrical. 2.2.4. Digital outputs 4MINX delivers 24-bit stereo digital outputs; it is possible (via the menu) to equipment the signals are fed to. A balanced and transformer isolated AES output (110Ohm impedance) is It is possible to connect this AES output to a SPDIF input through an adaptor cable (optional: see Annex).

  • Page 15: Configuration

    P is display 2.3.2. Configuration The « Monitor » function allows the selection of signals inside 4MINX for displaying their levels on the screen and monitoring them on headphones Just by pressing monitor key and moving the rotary, you can select the...
  • Page 16 To set a shortcut key, you have just to press it under this display. The current selected source and mode will be saving on this shortcut key. Example: Set preset F1 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 17: Headphone Monitoring

    The peak level of the generator is -18dBFS (EBU digital reference level) by default but can be adjusted by menu from (-20dBFs to 0dBFS). A function key can be set to have a direct access to the 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 18: Intercom / Slate Microphone

    2.5. Intercom / Slate microphone inserted into the analog/digital outputs (replacing the normal audio signals). See audio routing, Slate. A function key can be set to have a direct access to the feature. 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 19: Powering

    Charger dc input pin (See connectors paragraphs), which may be desirable e.g. if the external source is itself derived from a battery pack. 4MINX can operate from an external source of 8 V to 18 V DC voltage. 4MINX draws constant power from the external source when the voltage changes.

  • Page 20: Switching On And Off

    Note: It is possible to switch off the unit more than 10 seconds. This should be use only for emergy used. 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 21: Menu Description

    On the main menu level, many quick accesses are defined. They give you a direct access on some settings: For Audio menu: Micro/line input configuration status Line input configuration status AES input configuration status For Records menu File management For Settings menu Load snapshots Bargraphs configurations 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 22: Menu Structure

    « File format » : Configuration of number of bites in the files « Pre-record » : pre record time configuration « Backup false take » : Enable false take backup 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...
  • Page 23 Tools « Power down » : to switch off the unit « Sleep» : to put the 4Minx in Sleeping mode « Eject media »: Un mount SD card and USB disk before removing it from its holster. NEEDED TO AVOID PROBLEMS «...

  • Page 24: Menu : « Audio

    A fixed gain can be set between 0dB to 36dB by 6dB steps « Limiter Threshold » : Adjust the microphone limiter threshold between -3dBFs to -12dBFs, -6dB is the minimum value to accept the full dynamic input range. 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 25: Menu : « Audio Output

    4.3.4. Menu: « Routing » Mixdown bus Under this menu, we can set inputs sources mixing together in the stereo bus (Mix down) You can manage correctly mono and stereo sources in this bus. 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 26: Menu : « P1-P4 Function

    Note: the slate replace the original routing on all programmed destination 4.3.5. Menu : « P1-P4 function » Under this menu, you can assign many features on the P1 to P4 potentiometers 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 27: Midi Menu

    2 potentiometers. The gain adjustment covers a range of + 15dB to-90dB. 4.3.6. MIDI Menu Menu will allow you to transfer control of audio interfaces on a control surface. 4Minx support 2 control surfaces: Korg nanoKONTROL2 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...
  • Page 28 Behringer BCF2000 Each of these surfaces can control 8 channels simultaneously. Channels, as on the 4Minx, can be coupled or not. Example: Mic/line1&2 coupling Channels 1 to 4 control mic / line 1 to 4 inputs; channels 5 & 6 control line inputs and finally channels 7 &...

  • Page 29: Menu « Master Gain

    At each new record, the take counter is automatically increased. If you want to split into "subgroup" records, can select different scenes. In contrast to the "take", there is no auto-incrementing 4.4.1. Menu: « Project Management » 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...
  • Page 30 You can generate a report of the complete project in HTML and CSV format on SD card trough the Sound report menu 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...
  • Page 31 It is the only way to destroy audio files. - Can generate a report of the day's work in HTML and CSV format on SD card via the Sound report menu. 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 32: Menu : « File Management

    For stereo files Track 1 : Left or Mix-L for a bus Track 2 : Right or Mix-R for a bus For M/S files Track 1 : Middle Track 2 : Side 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...
  • Page 33 F4 key This is the new file management interface. Now, you can insert, delete or add a file where you want. Each source in each file is showed like that. 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...
  • Page 34 You should use the rotary do go on the field whose be modify (displayed in red ) F4 or SHI FT. To validate source(s) of the selected file, you should press Or press Esc to cancel modification. field. 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 35: Menu : « Filename Template

    [Field 1]_[ Field 2]_[ Field 3]-[scene index]_[Take index]_[File number]-[Split file index].wav Note: the [Split file index] is the index of the 2Go file split (FAT limitation size) 4.4.4. Menu : « Meta data » 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...
  • Page 36 Edition interface To entry data you have two possibilities: Use an external USB keyboard. 4MinX support every kind of USB keyboard, wire or wireless. You can specify in the 4MinX 3 keyboard types take in care to stay compatible with the FAT system file.
  • Page 37 The canvas can be used also in one field of the recording file name and only in that 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 38: Menu : « File Format

    4.4.6. Menu : « Pre-record » 4minX supports up to 10s of pre-record, based on the number of tracks and sampling frequency. Pre record is automatic reset on each configuration change. The total duration of your records will be increased by the value of the selected pre-record.

  • Page 39: Menu : « Backup False Take

    Note: It is strongly recommended to use the high speed USB connector (micro USB) to reduce the transfer time. When the backup is stopped, an update of the sound report of the current working day is made on the USB disk and on the SDCARD. 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 40: Menu « Settings

    In the "Frequency" menu, you can select the sampling rate frequency from 32kHz to 96 kHz Note: It is imperative to select same sampling rate as the external source of synchronization for the proper functioning of the machine. 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 41: Menu : Time Code ( Option)

    An adaptation of LEMO5points to two sheets BNC cable is available as an option. Led bicolor on the right side of the 4minX gives you the State of the Time Code module configuration...

  • Page 42: Menu : « Snapshots

    4.5.4. Menu : Function keys You can assign 2 functions by touch, through the use of the "shift" key before pressing the function key. Here is a list of the available functions: For mic/line inputs 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 43: Menu : « Tools

    4.6. Menu : « Tools » 4.6.1. Menu : Power down It is imperative to power down the 4MinX correctly from the user interface if you d You can press during 1s the ESC key in place to use this menu and confirm by 4.6.2.

  • Page 44: Menu : Reset Settings

    Through it sub-menu, you can format your SD card or an USB Storage with FAT32 file system. You can do a quick format on the first partition used by 4MinX or make a whole disk (complete disk) format by "<<" button. In the latter case, all existing partitions on the disk will be destroyed and it will be formatted with one partition under FAT32 format.

  • Page 45: Warning

    Warning threshold for the external DC power Warning threshold for remaining SD card disk space. 4.6.3. Update Check on the SD card an update file and launch the update if it is found 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 46: Operating Mode Detailed Description

    10 : Files/tracks status 11 : 4 mic/line configuration status for the selection function key (ie : microphone ). Chx change to blue when 48V is selected and change to red for T12. 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 47: Start A Record

    RED : Record running BLUE : Pause during record The record can be put in pause, by a "REC" press and resume by another , if this feature is enable in the recording menu. 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 48: Play A Take

    The advance and return keys allow to reposition in the file with a step of 5 s or / and 1 minute if the "shift" key is enabled. 5.3.3. Monitoring 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 49: Search Or Modify A Take

    "Set Circled". You can also change note linked to this take. If files are available on the SD card, they appear in the field "Take Information" and the information provided from metadata information. 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 50: Shortcuts

    Access to the second key function feature 5.1. Quick Screens/configurations For having a global vision of the current configuration of your 4Minx, you have 4 screens where you can modify settings. Theses screens are available at the root menu on F1 to F4 keys.

  • Page 51: Inputs Configuration

    Line 1 setting and with channel 2 setting of Line 2. To speed of the selection, a combo list appears and the selection should be made with the encoder. 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 52: Audio Routing

    Here setting between AES1&2 and AES3&4 are linked together, then you can use both channel keys to adjust settings 5.1.2. Audio Routing With this screen you can set mixed bus configuration. bus. AUXILIARY Bus S. If you have 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 53: Snapshots

    To identify easily a snapshot, you can name it through edition interface. To modify it later, you should load it and save it again on the same memory. 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 54: Export

    SDCARD, it will be replaced by the new one. If you need more than 8 snapshots, you can save unnecessary snapshots on your SDCARD and reload them later. Ex. Export all Snapshots on the SDCARD 5.2.3. Import 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...
  • Page 55 Ex : load the double_ms1-3 snapshot in the memory 6 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 56: Audio Couplings

    We can divide microphone type 3 parts, from simple to complex: Monophonic Stereophonic Surround details on about to set your 4MinX for each microphone used. Next chapter will explain how to manage microphones. We provide details on compatible microphones speak about configuration needed more than 4 microphone inputs.

  • Page 57: Stereophonic

    (A M/S decoder can be also localization enable on the monitoring) Coupling stereo should be Spaciousness 0°/180° sastisfactory and good 5 30cm localization ORTF Coupling stereo should be Spaciousness 0°/90° good but indistinct 40   80cm localization 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 58: Surround

    6.1.3. Surround Surround microphones are recorded in native mode, but a decoder can be enabled for the monitoring on 4MinX Double M/S, 2 solutions: Double   M /S -With 3 microphones inputs : Coupling Double M/S should be selected - With 4 microphones inputs ( Side split on 2 inputs) : Coupling M/S on 1&2 and 3&4...
  • Page 59 Link All 1-2-3-4 coupling should be enable It can be monitoring one by one capsule on the 4MinX Hamasaki square Link All 1-2-3-4 coupling should be enable It can be monitoring one by one capsule on the 4MinX 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 60: Stereo Coupling

    6.2. Stereo coupling In case of stereo coupling on input 1&2 and 3&3 on the 4MinX, you have: Input 1: Left, Input 2: Right, Input 3: Left, Input 4: right Common   m icrophone   g ain Stereo   w idth...

  • Page 61: M/S Coupling

    6.3. M/S coupling In case of M/S coupling on input 1&2 and 3&3 on the 4MinX, you have Input 1: Middle, Input 2: Side, Input 3: Middle, Input 4: Side Middle   g ain Side   g ain Fader M/S   A ngle   a djustment On the 4MinX : Middle  ...

  • Page 62: Double M/S Coupling

    6.4. Double M/S coupling In case of double M/S coupling on input 1&2&3 on the 4MinX, you have Input 1: Front M iddle, Input 2: Side, Input 3: Rear M iddle Middle   g ain Middle     g ain Side  ...
  • Page 63 In this mode you can use a dedicated monitoring for the Double MS; The 4MinX will give you a separated monitoring for the front and for the rear. Note: The Double M/S microphone is mixed as 2 separated M/S microphones in the mix down after stereo conversion.

  • Page 64: Link All 1 To 4

    6.5. Link all 1 to 4 In case of Link all 1 on input 1&2&3&4 on the 4MinX, you have Separated   g ain   b ut   f ilters  &   l imiter  are   l inked   together Common  ...

  • Page 65: Soundfield A/B Format (Optional)

    Gain,   f ilters   &   l imiter  are   l inked  together Common   F ader     f or   i nput   1   t o   4 On the 4MinX : 55 000 061...
  • Page 66 You can turn around the microphone by 45° step. With this monitoring, you have the best monitoring as possible during your records. Specific monitoring for the SOUNDFIELD A format ( Microphone SPS200) 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...
  • Page 67 Specific monitoring for the B format 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...
  • Page 68 ( for the SPS200) and the stereo width between 60° and 180°. For the SPS200 A format from SoundField For the B format Orientation choice for the SP200 microphone ( Format A ) 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 69: Technical Specifications

    Bandwidth 10 Hz - 50 kHz (+0 dB, -1 dB) Common Mode Rejection 90 dB @ 1 kHz Mic Input impedance > 2 k Line Input impedance > 10k 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 70: Line Input

    90 dB @ 1 kHz Input Impedance > 10k 7.3. AES inputs Number Format AES-3 Socket XLR male 3-pin Switchcraft "Phantom", 10 V 250mA by socket Digital microphone powering mode AES-42 normalization 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 71: Line Out" Balanced Analog Outputs

    > 60 dB, 20Hz - 20 kHz Channel isolation > 90 dB (22Hz - 22 kHz) Signal/Noise Ratio > 80 dB (soit THD+N < 0,01 %) SINAD 40 dB, 20Hz - 20 kHz (Signal to Noise and Distortion Ratio) 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 72: Line Out" Unbalanced Analog Outputs

    3 mini XLR TA3 provide 2 digital channels 3 times. Function Ground + Output - Output The outputs levels have an AES level, 4Vc-c110 . The SPDIF adaptor cable (See Annex: Accessory), make audio level adaptation to have these characteristic: 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 73: Headphone Output

    Pinout of the subD 9 pins: Function Pre microphone amplifier channel 1 Pre microphone amplifier channel 3 Ground Contact power (+2,5v) Pre microphone amplifier channel 2 Pre microphone amplifier channel 4 Ground Command input (0V..+2.5V) 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 74: Ext I/O": Interface For Rf Transmitters/Receivers

    Analog signal ground R signal to RF transmitter Output + Input 4bis Input - Input 4bis Input +9V output Output - Input 3bis Input Analog signal ground + Input 3bis Input Input 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 75: Power Supply

    7.10. Power supply Socket Hirose HR10-7R-4S female 4 pins Nominal Voltage 12 V 8 V to supply 4MinX and 10V minimum Minimum Voltage for the battery charger Maximum Voltage 18 V The power socket Hirose 4 has following pin allocation:...

  • Page 76: Dimensions And Weight

    (including connectors) 1900 g Weight 7.3. Environmental 4MINX can operate from 20 °C to +55 °C ambient temperature (-4 °F to 131 °F). 4MINX complies with EC directives regarding safety, EMC and hazardous substances (RoHS): Safety : compliant with EN60950...

  • Page 77: Options Hirose 10Pins

    7.4. Options Hirose 10Pins On request 4MinX can be equipped with XLR3M in place of XLR5M outputs. In this case, only two channels will be available instead of the 4 channels. Upon request, replacing the female base XLR5M outputs 3/4, 4MinX can be equipped with a base 10 pins Hirose RM15TRD-10S, for wire connection for "Go /Return", unbalanced, with a two channels analog recorder.

  • Page 78: Annexes

    1.52. In this part many information are saved. Some data are automatically generated by the 4MinX and some can be modify by the user Many data are also saved in the standard WAF header like notes and time code.
  • Page 79 Same as waf header : project, scene, take information <TRACK_COUNT> Auto Number of track in the file <CHANNEL_INDEX> Auto Track number in the file <INTERLEAVE_INDEX> Auto Track interleave <NAME> User Source Name <FUNCTION> User Bus or Coupling information 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 80: Overview Of Connectors And Front Panel Elements

    Channel adjustment & status Escape key and OK Master gain & bus level L/R Rotary interface Headphone volume control Function keys Slate microphone Recording keypad Shift key Battery socket NP-F Battery 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...
  • Page 81 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...
  • Page 82 Line In / Return inputs Direct outputs from the 4 channel External power input Ethernet interface SD/SDHC-CARD holster USB host Micro USB 2.0 OTG Time Code input/output ( Optionel ) Word clock input ( Optionel) 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 83: Block Diagram

    8.3. Block diagram 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...
  • Page 84 SubD 9pts Coupling Coupling Stereo / MS Stereo / MS 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 85: Level Maps

    8.4. Level maps 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...

  • Page 86: Filters

    Blue No filter Black 50Hz 18dB/Oct Analog Green 50Hz 12dB/Oct Digital 80Hz 12dB/Oct Digital Pink 120Hz 12dB/Oct Digital Dark blue 160Hz 12dB/Oct Digital Cyan 200Hz 12dB/Oct Digital Green 300Hz 6dB/Oct Digital 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...

  • Page 87: Limiter

    -3 5 -3 0 -2 5 -2 0 -1 5 -1 0 + 1 0 + 1 5 d B u Black No limitor Blue Threshold set to -6dBFs Green Threshold set to -8dBFs 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...
  • Page 88 8.7. Accessories Many accessories are available, including: Power supply AC/DCconvertor NPF-960 Battery 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...
  • Page 89 NP1 holdster for NP1 battery Car adaptor power cable Adaptor cable XLR5 to 2 XLR3 for line outputs 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...
  • Page 90 Adaptor cable from 2 XLR3 to XLR5 for line inputs AES adaptor cable from TA3 to XLR3 Specific adaptor cable for wireless microphone receiver and transmitter 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...
  • Page 91 Micro USB cable adptor to HOST interface Carring Bag Other (on request): Adaptor cable for AES output to SPDIF on RCA Adaptor Time code cable between Lemo 5 and 2 BNC connectors MiniCon 12pins alone 55 000 061 4MinX - User manual...
  • Page 92 9. Notes ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________________ 4MinX - User manual 55 000 061 - H...
  • Page 93 Index Li-­‐ I on  DV  battery   13   A   Limiter   5,  81   A/B   51   Limiter  (Mixdown)   23   Accessories   82   Link  all   58   AES  Inputs   7   M   Audio  files  ...
  • Page 94 SPS200   52,  60   Tone   11,  36   Stereo   26,  51,  54   W   T   Workday   25   Time  Code   35,  69  ...
  • Page 95 ©2012 AETA AUDIO SYSTEMS www.aeta-audio.com...

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