Dual Function Live Sound Console USER GUIDE Publication AP4314
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.
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 .......................................
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.
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. Do not remove covers: Operate the power unit with its covers correctly fitted.
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.
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.
QUICK START SHEET Copy this sheet to keep with the console for guest user reference. AUX MIX Configure the Mode Switches : AUX OUT AUX 1 Use a pen or pointed object to select the underpanel mode switches. +6 OO AFL AUX AUX 1-8 = AUX 1-4 and 5-8 switchable pre or postfade. Rotary masters. INSERT GROUP MIX FRONT-OF-HOUSE FOH MONITOR mode # TB GROUP OUT AUX 9-12 = Switchable pre or post-fade and mono or stereo in pairs. Fader masters with inserts.
How to Assign a VCA or MUTE GROUP : CHANNEL PRE-FADE SENDS POST-FADE SENDS SUBGROUP PAN L R MAIN MIX C PAN 1. Press EDIT GROUP. The key flashes. 2. Press MUTE on the master you want to edit. It flashes. 3. Press the channel MUTE keys to assign or remove them from the group. 4. Check which channels are assigned on the channel SAFE/EDIT LEDs. 5. Press the next master to edit. Press EDIT GROUP when finished to return to exit edit mode.
SYSTEM BLOCK DIAGRAM VCA GROUPS METER PFL MUTE PEAK L MUTE GROUPS SNAPSHOTS GAIN +48V C R PAD INSERT SEND RETURN HPF IN + - PAFL PAFL LOGIC FADER MONO CHANNEL L AFL + R AFL VCA EQ IN + - + PAN LCR+ MIX BLEND L MIX R MIX C MIX INPUT FILTER FREQ L 4 BAND EQUALISER LF LM HM R LR C HF PRE-FADE AUX OPTION LINKS POST-MUTE J7 J3 J8 POST-EQ PRE-EQ J2 PRE-INSERT J1 GROUP ASSIGN 1-2 GRP 1 GRP 2 3-4 GRP 3 GRP 4 5-6 PRE PRE 7-8 PRE AUX5 AUX6 AUX7 AUX8 AUX9 AUX10
GRP 1-8 AUX 9-12 TB ENABLE TB MUTE GROUPS SNAPSHOTS MUTE AFL METER PEAK L AFL FADER MODE (1-8 ONLY) GRP MATRIX R AFL INSERT SEND RETURN MIX AFL LOGIC TO VU METER + - MAIN MIX BLEND PAN L R LR GRP 1 L MIX R MIX C MIX LCR+ GRP 2 (1-8 ONLY) C GRP 3 Press MODE to reverse GRP and AUX master control sections GRP 4 AFL GRP TO MTX AFL LOGIC AUX 1-8 BAL GRP OUT GRP 5 GRP 6 L AFL GRP 7 MIX R AFL MASTER BAL AUX OUT GRP 8 AUX L R LEFT TB FADER PEAK C L INSERT SEND RE
Technical Specifications 0dBu = 0.775 Vrms, +4dBu = 1.23 Vrms Operating Levels Channels ......................................... 0dBu Headroom +21dB Mix .................................................. -2dBu Headroom +23dB Max XLR output .............................. +23dBu Frequency Response Referred to 1kHz at +4dBu Mic to main output (+40dB)............. 20Hz to 30kHz +0/-0.5dB Line to main output (0dB)................ 20Hz to 30kHz +0/-0.5dB Distortion @1kHz +14dBu THD+noise ........................
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.
Connecting the Power Supply DO NOT OBSTRUCT VENTILATION OPENINGS. DO NOT OPEN. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS INSIDE. THIS APPARATUS MUST BE EARTHED BY THE POWER CORD. CAUTION WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE. AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR. CAUTION: FOR CONTINUED PROTECTION AGAINST RISK OF FIRE REPLACE FUSE WITH SAME TYPE AND RATING. DISCONNECT SUPPLY BEFORE CHANGING FUSE.
Earthing The connection to earth (ground) in an audio system is important for two reasons: 1. SAFETY - To protect the operator from high voltage shock, and 2. 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.
Rear Panel Connections DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND RET RET RET RET RET RET RET RET RET RET RET RET RET RET RET RET IN IN
R INSERT SEND RETURN INSERT S INSERT S R R INSERT S R INSERT S R L INSERT S R R INSERT S R INSERT S R L INSERT S R R INSERT S R INSERT S R L INSERT S R INSERT S R INSERT S R DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT DIRECT OUT INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND INSERT SEND RET RET RET RET RET RET RET RET IN IN IN IN IN IN IN INTERCOM Made in England by ALLEN
Audio Connector Types and Wiring 18 ML4000 User Guide
Gain Structure How the levels between the different signal stages are set up is referred to as the gain structure. For best performance it is important that the connected source signals are matched to the ‘normal operating level’ of the console. Similarly the levels of the connected amplifiers and destination equipment should be correctly matched to the console outputs.
Control Layout +48V PAD 40 20 20dB GAIN - 10 10 50 1 60 40 100 L 1 L 1 L 1 -3 L +48 300 20Hz +6 OO +6 OO 2 400 IN +6 OO R +6 OO 2 +6 OO R +6 OO 2 +6 OO R +6 OO 2 10k +6 OO 20kHz +6 OO 3 2kHz +6 OO 3 +6 OO C +6 OO 3 A +6 OO C OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 +6 OO OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 +6 OO 4 OO +6 METERS +6 OO 3 OO +6 OO +6 4 OO +6 OO +6 OO +6 4 -3 5 Q 5 15k 6 -15 80 180 PINK NOISE 1kHz OSC B 6 TB 6 LEV TB 3 10 -6
System Description MONO INPUT and EQ. The input preamp matches microphone or line level signals to the console. The sweepable high pass filter removes unwanted low frequency sounds below the selected frequency. The channel insert is post filter, pre EQ. A swept frequency 4 band equaliser provides shelving high and low bands with adjustable shelf frequency, and peak/dip high and low mid bands with adjustable centre frequency and switched Q. The filter and EQ can be independently switched in or out.
MONO INPUT and EQ +48V. Switches +48VDC to the channel input XLR for powering microphones or DI boxes that need phantom power. The power is current limited through 6800 ohm resistors to pins 2 and 3. +48V PAD 40 20 20dB GAIN - 10 10 50 WARNING Do not connect unbalanced sources or cables to inputs with phantom power selected. To avoid loud clicks always mute the channel before switching +48V on or off and when plugging or unplugging microphones. 60 40 100 300 30 20Hz 400 IN 7k 3k GAIN.
HF EQ +20 2kHz 20kHz +15 +10 EQUALISER. The channel equaliser provides adjustment of 4 independent frequency bands. Each has cut/boost and frequency sweep controls. HF and LF are shelving. HM and LM are peak/dip with switched Q control. HF The high frequency band has a shelving response that cuts or boosts the higher (treble) frequencies by up to 15dB. The shelf turning point frequency can be adjusted from 2kHz to 20kHz.
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. PRE AUX ROUTING SWITCHES. These route the channel signal to the audio groups in pairs. The signal is post-fader and follows the pan control. Mono or stereo groups can be created using the pan control. The LCRplus blend control does not affect the signal routed to the groups.
Internal Link Options Using the GRP/AUX Sends Several link options are available to satisfy user preferences. These require removal of the console base panels and replugging of 2way jumpers on the circuit boards. It is not necessary to remove assemblies from the console. To avoid damage to the internal assemblies this work should be carried out by competent technical personnel.
MAIN MIX and INPUT FADERS LCR + BLEND LR = = MAIN MIX BLEND. This control adjusts the balance between the LR and C outputs. Fully anti-clockwise all the signal routes to the LR outputs and none to C. At the detented centre position the signal routes equally to the LR and C outputs. Fully clockwise all signal routes to the C output and none to LR. BLEND does not affect the group routing. The control has a 3dB attenuation at centre position.
SAFE / EDIT. This green LED has a different function according to console operating mode: Normal The LED lights when the channel has been made safe from the snapshot and MIDI automation. Edit Safes Continues to indicate which channels are automation safe while they are edited. Edit Groups The LED lights to indicate that the channel is assigned to the VCA or MUTE group. Edit MIDI Channel Number The LED flashes to indicate which MIDI channel has been selected for the console. This affects only CH1 to 16.
Using LCRplus The ML4000 LCRplus system extends signal imaging beyond conventional LR and LCR panning by allowing full 3 speaker balance and positioning from each channel and group. This satisfies the standard requirements of mono, stereo and conventional LCR speaker systems as well as providing a unique extended capability. The MAIN MIX. This comprises 3 outputs: L (left), R (right) and C (centre). How you use these depends on the type of sound system you are running.
L C R L C R L C R PAN L BLEND LR C L R PAN PAN L to C BLEND LR C L R PAN Positioning the Sound. Use the PAN and BLEND controls to position the sound within the LCR image. It is possible to dynamically move the sound using the two controls together but this is not a common requirement in real world systems.
STEREO INPUT and EQ -3 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. 3 GAIN 10 -6 18 A -3 GAIN. Adjusts the input sensitivity to match the connected line level source to the internal 0dBu operating level of the channel. Provides a variable 24dB range from –6dB attenuation to +18dB gain.
Using the Dual Inputs. Using the Equaliser The 2 (6 optional) stereo channels let you connect up to 4 (12 optional) stereo sources. Two sources may be plugged into each channel strip. Either may be selected or both can be mixed together as a common source. The channel equaliser can be used to creatively enhance or correctively improve the tonal quality of the sound.
GROUP / AUX 1-8 FOH MONITOR and AUX 9-12 MASTERS mode GRP/AUX 1 reverse AUX GRP/AUX reverse AUX 1 2 +6 OO +6 OO AFL AFL MAIN MIX LCR + BLEND LR = = MAIN MIX LCR + BLEND C LR = = C AUX/GRP MODE. This switch reverses the group fader and aux rotary master sections. It is underpanel to protect it from accidental operation. Use a pen or pointed implement to select the required setting. The default up position is flush with the panel. In the up position FOH MODE is selected.
FADER MASTER. A 60mm smooth travel fader is fitted providing +10dB gain above the nominal 0dB operating position. These faders control the output level of group/aux 1-12. They are not part of the console VCA group system. TB ENABLE. Press these to enable talkback to any combination of grp/aux master outputs. When selected, pressing the TALK TO TB switch routes the talkback mic signal, or pressing the OSC/NOISE TO TB switch routes the oscillator/noise generator signal to the output.
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.
MAIN MIX MASTERS L R MAIN M U T E C M U T E M U T E SAFE/EDIT SAFE/EDIT SAFE/EDIT WEDGE mode C MONITOR PK PK PK 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 switch illuminates when the signal is muted. The switch also functions as an edit key when in EDIT GROUPS or EDIT SAFES mode.
MATRIX and 2-TRACK 4 Matrix outputs are available. Each has 11 sources derived from group 1-8 and the LRC main mixes. Conveniently positioned away from the other controls, these can be used to create independent mixes for distributed speaker systems, recording, broadcast, video and other special feeds. They include mute switches, talkback assign, balanced XLR outputs and mono/stereo AFL.
Using the Matrix 2-TRACK Output The matrix provides 4 additional console outputs. It is a ‘mixer within a mixer’ taking its source from the groups and main mix. It can be used to provide duplicate main outputs or to create new mixes from the main outputs. The possibilities are endless. A few applications are discussed below: The 2-track output is sourced from the main LR mix. The factory default setting is post master LR faders.
VCA GROUPS M U T E M U T E M U T E SAFE SAFE PAFL M U T E SAFE PAFL M U T E SAFE PAFL M U T E SAFE PAFL M U T E SAFE PAFL M U T E SAFE PAFL EDIT GROUP SELECT GROUP TO EDIT ASSIGN USING CH MUTES SAFE PAFL PAFL MUTE 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 10 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 20 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 30 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 40 OO OO OO OO OO OO OO OO NOM VCA
Using VCA Groups Use audio groups where you want to insert group signal processing or send groups of signals to the matrix. Use VCA groups if you want grouped level control only. Route the channels to the mix by pressing the MAIN MIX switch. Adjust the PAN and BLEND controls for the image required. Assign the channel to the required VCA group using the edit groups routine described on the next page. Check the channel VCA assign LEDs next to the fader for correct assignment.
VCA GROUP FADER. The fader adjusts the level of all channels assigned to the group. The ‘0’ position is referred to as the ‘nominal’ operating setting. At this position the channel levels are as marked on the channel faders. Any adjustment made to the group fader offsets the channel level by that amount. It is best to start with the group faders set to their ‘0’ position. 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.
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. This means that no group is selected for editing. EDIT GROUP SELECT GROUP TO EDIT ASSIGN USING CH MUTES Only one group may be edited at a time.
SNAPSHOT MEMORIES Snapshots Explained Channel Safes Explained Note: This function is not available from the console control surface. It is an ‘extra’ feature accessed via the MIDI or RS232 port using a PC running the Allen & Heath ML4 Archiver program. This can be downloaded from the Allen & Heath Internet site. Full details and instructions are provided with the program. A channel is referred to as being made ‘safe’ when it is protected from being overwritten or affected by an automated process.
HEADPHONES / LOCAL MONITOR and P/AFL SYSTEM The Console Monitor System PFL 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. All have independent level control. The headphones are connected by plugging in under the front armrest.
PFL TRIM. Adjust this control to set the listening level of the PFL selection. Provides a range from 12dB attenuation to +6dB gain with normal ‘0dB’ centre detented position. It does not affect the PFL metering which always reflects the true reading. This lets you match the PFL listening level to your normal AFL and main mix monitoring levels, typically much quieter. It can prevent the sudden rise in volume when you press a PFL switch. 2TRK SOURCE.
OSC/NOISE GENERATOR OSC/NOISE TRIM. Adjusts the level of the oscillator or noise signal from –30 to +10dB. OSC/NOISE TRIM OSC/NOISE SELECT. In its up position pink noise is selected as the generator source. Press to select the 1kHz test tone. Pink noise. This is a constant level random noise signal with equal energy per octave covering the full audio bandwidth. min max PINK NOISE 1kHz OSC OSC/NOISE TO TB Disable 1kHz Oscillator.
INTERCOM INTERCOM TRIM. Adjusts the level of the intercom signal in the console headphones. This is not affected by the PHONES level. The console monitor and intercom listen signals are independently controlled. INTERCOM TRIM min max LISTEN CALL LISTEN. Press this switch to route the intercom signal to the console headphones. You can choose when you want to listen in to the intercom. This prevents background noise when you are trying to monitor the console signals. TALK TO INTERCOM CALL.
TALKBACK MIC INPUT. Top panel 3-pin XLR female socket for plugging in gooseneck microphone for the console talkback system. The input is balanced. MIC IN +48V TALKBACK To avoid loud clicks do not press the TALK TO TB switch while you are switching phantom power on or off, or plugging or unplugging the microphone. TRIM min +48V. Press this underpanel switch to assign +48V to the XLR for microphones that require phantom power. max TB TO LR TALKBACK TRIM.
The Meterpod - 20 10 5 7 3 1 0 3 5 20 - + 10 7 5 3 1 0 3 5 - + 20 10 7 5 3 1 0 3 5 - + 20 10 5 7 3 1 0 3 5 - + 20 10 7 5 3 1 0 3 5 + - 20 10 5 7 3 1 0 3 5 - + 20 10 7 5 3 1 0 3 5 - + 20 10 7 5 3 1 0 3 5 - + 20 10 7 5 3 1 0 3 5 + - 20 10 7 5 3 1 0 3 5 + - 20 10 7 5 3 1 0 16 12 9 6 3 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 27 30 P AFL 3 5 + AFL CALL L - 20 10 5 7 3 1 0 3 5 - + 20 5 7 10 3
GRP/AUX VU Meters 1-8. Illuminated moving coil VU (volume unit) meters display the output levels of mix 1 to 8. Depending on the setting of the master section mode switches these display group or aux signals. The signal is metered post-fade, postmute. MAIN LRC VU Meters. Illuminated VU meters display the output levels of the main mix. The signal is metered post-fade, post-mute. The meters automatically switch to display PFL or AFL levels when a PAFL or AFL switch is selected. MAIN LRC Led Meters.
MIDI MIDI Overview MIDI RS232 DUMP EDIT SAFES Use CH MUTES MIDI CH Hold and press CH1>16 MUTE The ML4000 includes a Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) port. Standard 5-pin IN, THRU and OUT sockets allow connection to external MIDI equipment such as computer show control systems, sequencers, instruments and data archiving devices.
HEX (cc) 00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 0A 0B 0C 0D 0E 0F 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 2A 2B 2C 2D 2E 2F 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 3A 3B 3C 3D 3E 3F 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 4A 4B 4C 4D 4E 4F 50 51 52 53 54 55 56 Standard MUTE GRP/AUX 1 GRP/AUX 2 GRP/AUX 3 GRP/AUX 4 GRP/AUX 5 GRP/AUX 6 GRP/AUX 7 GRP/AUX 8 AUX 9 AUX 10 AUX 11 AUX 12 32ch 'B' versions 40 & 48ch GRP/AUX 1 GRP/AUX 2 GRP/AUX 3 GRP/AUX 4 GRP/AUX 5 GRP/AUX 6 GRP/AUX 7 GRP/AUX 8 AUX 9 AUX 10 AUX 11 AUX 12 GRP/A
Archiving the Console Settings MIDI Dump Message Format The console settings can be saved to an external device such as a MIDI sequencer or data archiver using the dump out facility. Saved settings can be loaded back into the console using dump in. This is ideal when you want to archive the settings to use at a later date, for example a re-run of a previous performance.
Operating System Technical Support Operating Software Version Number Power Up and Power Down You can check the current version number of the ML4000 software running on the console using a PC connected via RS232. Instructions for this are provided on the Allen & Heath Internet site. The console settings are saved when power is removed. On power up these settings are restored.
USER NOTES : 54 ML4000 User Guide
+48V 20 PAD 40 20dB GAIN - 10 10 50 1 60 40 100 L 1 L 1 L 1 -3 L +48 300 30 20Hz OO +6 OO +6 2 400 IN OO +6 OO +6 R OO +6 OO +6 2 OO +6 OO +6 R OO +6 OO +6 2 OO +6 OO +6 R OO +6 OO +6 2 OO +6 10k OO +6 3 2kHz 20kHz C 3 +6 +6 OO +6 OO 4 3k 3 C +6 OO 3 +6 OO 4 +6 OO 4 min 4 +6 OO -3 18 PINK NOISE 1kHz OSC 3 GAIN 10 -6 max MIDI 6 6 LEV TB +6 OO DUMP 10 -6 18 B ON TB +6 OO 6 LEV B ON 6 LEV LEV Q OO +
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