Version 1.1 May 2002 EURODESK ® www.behringer.
EURODESK MX2442A SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electrical shock, do not remove the cover (or back). No user serviceable parts inside; refer servicing to qualified personnel. WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose this appliance to rain or moisture. This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts you to the presence of uninsulated dangerous voltage inside the enclosure - voltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
EURODESK MX2442A FOREWORD Dear Customer, Welcome to the team of EURODESK users and thank you very much for expressing your confidence in BEHRINGER products by purchasing the MX2442A. It is one of my most pleasant tasks to write this letter to you, because it is the culmination of many months of hard work delivered by our engineering team to reach a very ambitious goal: creating an outstanding device that will become a standard tool used by studios and PA companies.
EURODESK MX2442A EURODESK® Professional, ultra low-noise design 24-channel 4-bus recording & live-mixing console MX2442A s 24 microphone/line inputs, 16 mono and 4 stereo s Ultra low-noise, discrete microphone preamps with +48 V phantom power and switchable low-cut filter s 24 balanced line inputs and 16 balanced XLR microphone inputs with gold-plated contact surface s 4 subgroups equipped with independent pan pots, separate soloing, main mix switches and individual insert sockets s 6 master aux sends
EURODESK MX2442A TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. THE MANUAL .......................................................................................................................... 6 1.1 Nomenclature .................................................................................................................................. 6 1.2 Structure ......................................................................................................................................... 6 1.3 The Separate View Sheet .....
EURODESK MX2442A 1. THE MANUAL Thank you for expressing your confidence in us by purchasing the EURODESK MX2442A. Our first task in writing this manual is to make you feel comfortable with the special terms that are used to describe your EURODESK MX2442A and its proper use. + Reading this manual will make you aware of the many possibilities the EURODESK MX2442A offers you. Please keep this manual safely for future reference.
EURODESK MX2442A The configuration is 24 into 4 into 2. This means that there are 24 channel inputs in total (there are 16 mono and four stereo channels), assignable to four subgroup buses (plus the main mix) which in turn may be blended into the main mix stereo output. The subgroups (configurable as stereo pairs if required) are provided for connecting to a multitrack tape recorder, or for use as a mixing aid during mix-down or during a live concert.
EURODESK MX2442A 2.3 Power Supply Unit (PSU) In common with most desks of this size, the EURODESK has several hundreds of line level operational amplifiers (op-amps) inside. When being driven hard, many desks begin to show signs of stress due to power supply limitations. Not so with the EURODESK. Due to the vast power resources of its external power supply unit, the sound should stay clean and crisp and tight right up to the operating limits of the op-amps themselves.
EURODESK MX2442A 3.2 Equalizer All mono input channels are fitted with a semi-parametric 3-band EQ, plus a switchable low-cut filter for eliminating unwanted subsonics. The upper and lower shelving controls have their frequencies fixed at 12 kHz and 80 Hz respectively. The midrange control is semi-parametric with a peaking response Q fixed at 1 octave, sweepable from 100 Hz - 8 kHz ( ). All three bands have up to 15 dB of cut and boost, with a center detent for off.
EURODESK MX2442A 4. STEREO INPUT CHANNELS The stereo input channel consists of almonst the same controls as the mono input channel except for the input, the EQ and the BALANCE control. For further information on the remaining controls, please refer to section 3 MONO INPUT CHANNELS. Every stereo channel has two line level inputs on 1/4" jacks. If only the left input is used, it will work as mono channel.
EURODESK MX2442A 5. SUBGROUPS AND INSERTS 5.1 Subgroups The principal routes to multitrack are via the subgroup outputs. There are four mono (or two stereo) subgroups. All channels can access all of them, as can aux returns 1 and 2 ( & ). The subgroup level is determined by the SUBGROUP fader , while the signal level may be accurately checked by solo-ing ( ).
+ + EURODESK MX2442A Please note that we didnt draw the ground/screen connection in the following graphics to keep them as simple as possible. If you want to insert an external EQ or dynamics processor post-EQ, a subgroup insert should be used as follows: Fig. 5.2: Inserting an external EQ/dynamics processor post channel EQ In this arrangement you might find that compression tends to soften the perceived amount of (especially treble) EQ applied. The solution here is to apply more EQ.
+ + EURODESK MX2442A EURODESK insert points are, of course, simultaneously inputs and outputs. For goodness sake, get them onto a patchbay, where they can appear as independent sockets, and do away with all these fiddly Y-connectors that always seem to be the first to get knotted in the flightcase. Now it is possible to do the incredibly useful patch shown in fig. 5.3 without having to make up what would amount to a ring-to-tip, tip-to-ring stereo patch lead.
EURODESK MX2442A 6.2 Monitoring Though most of you will want to audition the main mix most of the time there are exceptions. These include SOLO/PFL and 2-TRACK playback . The bargraph meters follow whatever source is being auditioned (the meters wont make much sense if more than one source is selected). + Altering what goes into the control room monitors does not affect the signal from the main mix outputs.
EURODESK MX2442A The level to tape is ultimately determined by precision faders . Main mix insert points are provided for patching a gate, a compressor etc. pre-fader. This is important: Connecting a compressor or gate after the 2-track output would disrupt any attempt to acquiring a smooth fade using the output faders. Although the 2-track output is primarily designed for recording, it can also be used as a PA feed, or as a send to the input of your sampler.
EURODESK MX2442A 7.2 EURODESK MX2442A Patchfield and Plug Wiring Scheme Most of the inputs (inserts being the major exception) are balanced. + Unbalanced equipment may be connected to balanced inputs/outputs. Either use mono 1/4" jacks or connect ring and barrel of TRS jacks (or pin 1 and 3 of XLR plugs). Mono input channels 1 - 16 Insert points: unbalanced send and return on a single 1/4" TRS socket, wired tip = send, ring = return, sleeve = ground/screen.
EURODESK MX2442A Fig. 7.1: Different plug types 7.
EURODESK MX2442A 8. SETTING UP 8.1 Selecting Inputs 1) Mono channels accept mic or line level inputs. If you are using the mic input, make sure nothing is connected to the line input (and vice-versa). Please note that mic inputs are many times more sensitive than line inputs! + Do not connect mics with phantom power switched on. NEVER ever use unbalanced mic cables with phantom power switched on! Shorting +48 V DC to earth can cause serious damage. 2) Stereo channels accept line level signals.
EURODESK MX2442A 8.4 Desk Normalization All board settings should be set to the normal default condition before or after every session. Usually faders are set to zero (minus infinity) EQs set flat, trim pots and channel aux sends turned fully anticlockwise etc. Many controls have a natural initial setting. For EQ cut and boost this is unity gain. However, some settings, such as selecting pre or post for channel aux sends, will depend on the operating environment (e.g.
EURODESK MX2442A 9.2 Gain Optimization PFL (Pre-Fader-Listening) is the way to set a desk level. Setting up the channel input gain is discussed in the essential sections 3 & 4. Optimum master aux send levels will be dependent on the sensitivity of the FX device being driven, but unity gain is a useful starting point. As the mix progresses, more and more channels are likely to be sending to effects via the aux buses, and its best to PFL all sends (aux, subgroup) just before setting up for the final mix.
EURODESK MX2442A 10. MODIFICATIONS The following modifications require some knowledge in soldering. Only attempt that if you are experienced in using an iron on PCBs. Otherwise, refer to qualified personnel. After modification the BEHRINGER warranty becomes discretionary. Links should not be threaded into holes on the PCB. They should be soldered to the tinned areas around the holes, and bowed slightly upwards in between. Aux sends 1/2 > pre-EQ All channel aux sends are post-EQ.
EURODESK MX2442A 11. SPECIFICATIONS Input channels Mic input Mic E.I.N. (22 Hz - 22 kHz) Distortion (THD & N) Gain range Max input (Mic) Line input Gain range Max input (line) Channel fader range Aux send gain range Equalization Hi shelving Hi mid bell (Ch 17-24) Mid sweep (Ch 1-16) Lo mid bell (Ch 17-24) Lo shelving Low-cut (high pass) filter Channel insert Max in/out Channel to channel crosstalk Subgroup section Noise Submaster output Max.
EURODESK MX2442A 12. WARRANTY § 1 WARRANTY CARD/ONLINE REGISTRATION To be protected by the extended warranty, the buyer must complete and return the enclosed warranty card within 14 days of the date of purchase to BEHRINGER Spezielle Studiotechnik GmbH, in accordance with the conditions stipulated in § 3. Failure to return the card in due time (date as per postmark) will void any extended warranty claims.
