Owner’s Manual X-Series ™ Rack Mount Mixers X 18R™ / X 20R™
Important Precautions 1 Save the carton and packing materials! Should you ever need to ship the unit, use only the original factory packing. For replacement packaging, call Crest Audio’s Customer Service Department directly. 2 3 Read all documentation before operating your equipment. Retain all documentation for future reference. Follow all instructions printed on unit chassis for proper operation. Service Information Do not open unit! Opening the unit will expose you to potentially dangerous voltages.
Intended to alert the user to the presence of uninsulated “dangerous voltage” within the product’s enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute a risk of electric shock to persons. Intended to alert the user of the presence of important operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in the literature accompanying the product. CAUTION: Risk of electrical shock — DO NOT OPEN! CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove cover. No user serviceable parts inside.
Important Safety Instructions WARNING: When using electrical products, basic cautions should always be followed, including the following: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Read these instructions. Keep these instructions. Heed all warnings. Follow all instructions. Do not use this apparatus near water. Clean only with a dry cloth. Do not block any of the ventilation openings. Install in accordance with manufacturer’s instructions.
Wichtige Sicherheitshinweise ACHTUNG: Beim Einsatz von Elektrogeräten müssen u.a. grundlegende Vorsichtsmaßnahmen befolgt werden: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Lesen Sie sich diese Anweisungen durch. Bewahren Sie diese Anweisungen auf. Beachten Sie alle Warnungen. Befolgen Sie alle Anweisungen. Setzen Sie dieses Gerät nicht in der Nähe von Wasser ein. Reinigen Sie es nur mit einem trockenen Tuch. Blockieren Sie keine der Lüftungsöffnungen.
Instructions Importantes De Securite ATTENTION: L’utilisation de tout appareil électrique doit être soumise aux precautions d’usage incluant: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Lire ces instructions. Gardez ce manuel pour de futures références. Prétez attention aux messages de précautions de ce manuel. Suivez ces instructions. N’utilisez pas cette unité proche de plans d’eau. N’utilisez qu’un tissu sec pour le nettoyage de votre unité.
Instrucciones Importantes Para Su Seguridad CUIDADO: Cuando use productos electrónicos, debe tomar precauciones básicas, incluyendo las siguientes: 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. 12. 13. 14. 15. 16. 17. 18. 19. 20. Lea estas instrucciones. Guarde estas instrucciones. Haga caso de todos los consejos. Siga todas las instrucciones. No usar este aparato cerca del agua. Limpiar solamente con una tela seca. No bloquear ninguna de las salidas de ventilación.
Table Of Contents Introduction Mono Input Channels P. 12 Stereo Input Channels P.22 Master Section P .32 Specifications P. 53 Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of your new Crest Audio X-Series mixer. We’re confident that you will enjoy many years of trouble-free service from it. You will quickly find that it fits into a wide variety of mixing applications with ease.
X 18R/20R Block Diagram p.
How To Use This Manual Format This manual uses a format that is intended to be easy to read, yet technical enough for those who need to know all the details. For feature descriptions, this is done by devoting the left side of each page to 1) an overall module picture, 2) a block diagram, and 3) a control closeup. These images all pertain to the features and control descriptions on the right side of the page.
1 Mono Input Channel Module Controls Block Diagram p.
Mono Input Channel 1 Front Panel Features Mono Input channel features are identical for both the X 18R and the X 20R. The X 18R has 14 Mono inputs and the X 20R has 12 Mono inputs. Line Input (Mic Pad) With this switch in the UP position, the input preamp circuit is set up to accept a mic-level signal. This signal is brought in via the XLR mic-input connector located on the rear panel.The 1/4" TRS input jack is ignored.
1 Mono Input Channel Module Controls Block Diagram p.
Mono Input Channel 1 Front Panel Features Equalizer (EQ) Many audio signals coming into the console require some degree of corrective EQ in order to be part of a good-sounding mix.The X 18R & X 20R offer a very useful and great-sounding EQ section on each channel.The input EQ consists of four bands: High, High-mid, Lowmid and Low.The High and Low frequency bands each have a boost/cut control and their frequencies are fixed.
1 Mono Input Channel Module p.
Mono Input Channel 1 AUX Send Features Six auxiliary Sends are available for creating individual output mixes. These can be used to drive effects processors, provide monitor mixes, create broadcast or alternate sound reinforcement mixes, or for other special requirements. NOTE: Normally, the signal feeding the Aux Sends is derived after the chan fader (Post-Fader). The fader controls the level of the chan signal feeding the individual Aux Send pots.
1 Mono Input Channel Module p.
Mono Input Channel 1 Bus Assignment Features The bus assignment section offers considerable flexibility for creating what eventually becomes the main output mix.Two stereo subgroups are available for creating submixes or separate stereo mixes. All assignments are derived post-fader, post-eq and post-mute. PAN Control The pan control positions the signal within the stereo left/right (or odd/even) field. The PAN pot affects signals that are assigned directly to Left-Right, Groups 1-2 and Groups 3-4.
1 Mono Input Channel Rear Panel Block Diagram p.
Mono Input Channel 1 Rear Panel Features 48 V Phantom Power +48 volts DC is applied equally (thru current-limiting resistors) to both pins 2 and 3 on the mic-input XLR connector. This feature is used with condenser microphones and active direct boxes that require an external DC voltage (phantom power) in order to operate. For dynamic or ribbon mics, phantom voltage is not required and should be switched OFF.
1 Stereo Input Channel Controls Module Block Diagram p.
Stereo Input Channel 1 Front Panel Features The Stereo Input channel features are very similar to the Mono Input channels.The X 18R has 2 Stereo inputs, and the X 20R has and 4 Stereo inputs. On both models, the Stereo inputs are located to the left of the master section, and to the right of the Mono inputs.They can be treated as Mono/or Stereo input channels depending on the position of the SUM INPUTS switch.
1 Stereo Input Channel Controls Module Block Diagram p.
Stereo Input channel 1 Front Panel Features Stereo EQ The Stereo Input channel has two parallel EQ circuits that are controlled by the same set of knobs. High Frequency—HF Boost / Cut 15 dB boost and cut. Shelving @ 12 kHz. High Mid—HM Frequency Continuously sweepable between 400 Hz and 8 kHz. Boost / Cut 15 dB boost and cut. Bell curve with a BW of approx 1.5 octaves. Low Mid—LM Frequency Continuously sweepable between 100 Hz and 2 kHz. Boost / Cut 15dB boost and cut. Bell curve with a BW of approx 1.
2 Stereo Input Channel Module Controls Block Diagram p.
Stereo Input Channel 2 AUX Send Features Six auxiliary sends are available for creating individual output mixes. These can be used to drive effects processors, provide monitor mixes, create broadcast or alternate sound reinforcement mixes, or for other special requirements. NOTE: The default PRE setting for the Auxes is pre-fader, but post-mute, post-insert, and post-EQ. Internal settings can be changed so that PRE is also pre-EQ and pre-mute (See Mono Input Channel NOTE).
2 Stereo Input Channel Module Controls Block Diagram p.
Stereo Input Channel 2 Bus Assignment Features The bus assignment section offers considerable flexibility for creating what eventually becomes the main output mix.Two stereo subgroups are available for creating submixes or separate stereo mixes. When the channel is being used as a stereo input, Left/Right, Groups 1/2, Groups 3/4 and bus assignments are configured as true stereo pairs. Bus assignments are derived post-fader, postEQ, and post-mute.
2 Stereo Input Channel Rear Panel Block Diagram p.
Stereo Input Channel 2 Rear Panel Features +48 V On +48 volts DC is applied equally (thru current-limiting resistors) to pins 2 and 3 on both the L & R mic-input XLR connectors. This feature is used with condenser microphones and active direct boxes that require an external DC voltage (phantom power) in order to operate. For dynamic or ribbon mics, phantom voltage is not required and should be switched OFF.
3 Master Section Module Controls Block Diagram p.
Master Section 3 Front Panel Features The X 18R & X 20R have a comprehensive output section, including meters, master level controls and a flexible group assignment section. Headphone Control Section In normal use, the headphones are used to monitor the Solo system.The Solo system is made up of anything that is PFL’d (pre-fader-listen) or AFL’d (after fader listen).
3 Master Section Controls Module Block Diagram p.
Master Section 3 Front Panel Features 12 V Lamp Jack A TNC jack is available for attaching a goose-neck lamp.The center connection is 12 Volts DC and the outer connection is ground. A medium or high-intensity incandescent or LED 12V DC Littlite can be used.The output voltage is current limited to prevent faulty bulbs or mis-connection from harming the internal workings of the mixer. LED Meters - Left And Right A pair of LED arrays are provided for monitoring the output levels.
3 Master Section Module Controls Block Diagram p.
Master Section 3 Front Panel Features AUX OUT 1-2 Level Control This is the master stereo output level control for the AUX 1/2 pair. Aux 1-2 AFL This button assigns the AUX 1/2 stereo pair to the solo system. Since it is AFL, the signal is monitored after the AUX insert and master level control. Auxes 1 & 2 show up in stereo in the system (1 on the left and 2 on the right). AUX OUT 3, 4, 5 & 6 Level Control These are the master output level controls for Auxes 3, 4, 5 & 6.
3 Master section Module Controls Block Diagram p.
Master Section 3 Front Panel Features GROUP Assignment Section The X 18R and X 20R offer a flexible group assignment arrangement. Each of the four Groups can be directly assigned to Left, Right and Mono buses, in any combination. M - Mono assignments for Groups 1, 2, 3 & 4 Each of the four groups has a Mono assignment button for routing its post-fader signal to the Mono mix bus.
3 Master Section Block Diagram p.
Master Section 3 Front Panel Features MONITOR Output Section The X 18R and X 20R offer an extensive monitoring system which can be used for several alternate mix and remote listening purposes.The main L/R & M mixes, the Groups, Auxes 1&2, the Tape IN, and the Solo system can all be routed to the Monitor outs. Like the Headphone section, the SOLO system is automatically routed to the Monitors.This can be defeated by pressing the SOLO OFF button.
3 Master Section Module p.
Master Section 3 Front Panel Features MONITOR Output Section SOURCE SELECT The Source select portion of the Monitor system allows you to assign the primary mix buses to the Monitor outputs. NOTE: All buses are monitored pre-fader (post-insert) NOTE: All selected sources are added (summed) together. TAPE IN Assigns the TAPE IN L & R signals to the monitors. The TAPE IN jacks are located on the rear panel. 1/4” TRS jacks and RCA phone plugs are provided for easy hookup.
3 Master Section Module p.
Master Section 3 Front Panel Features Mono PK/SIG LED Green/Red - Flashes to indicate the Mono master level. Green during normal operation and red to indicate overload either at the mix amp or at the fader. Left/Right PK/SIG LED Green/Red - Flashes to indicate the summed Left/Right master levels. Green during normal operation and red to indicate overload either at the mix amps or at the faders. MONO AFL Assigns the post-fader Mono master signal to Solo bus, and illuminates the Peak (red) LED.
3 Master Section Bus Inputs Block Diagram- Groups Main Outputs Block Diagram- Main Mix Buses p.
Master Section 3 Rear Panel Features Left, Right and Mono Bus Inputs These three female XLRs are used to bring external signals directly into the Left, Right and Mono mix buses. Useful for linking multiple mixers together or to introduce additional signals into the main mix. Balanced in, Nominal level is +4 dBu Group 1, 2, 3 & 4 Bus Inputs These four 1/4” TRS jacks are used to bring external signals directly into the Group mix buses. Useful for linking multiple mixers together.
3 Master Section Rear Panel Block Diagram p.
Master Section 3 Rear Panel Features Aux Insert 1 Thru 6 This switching 1/4” TRS jack allows an external processor or EQ to be inserted into the signal path of the Aux circuit. 1/3 Octave EQs or feedback suppressors are commonly used here if the Aux send is used for on stage monitors. The tip carries the SEND signal from the mixer, and the ring carries the RETURN signal back to the mixer. The insertsend point is located directly after the Aux mix bus, the return comes back at the top of the Aux level pot.
3 Master Section X 18R™ / X 20R™ Owner’s Manual Rear Panel Block Diagram- Tape Input Solo Link Connectors Tie Mixers Together p.
3 Master Section Rear Panel Features Tape (Line) In The Left and Right Tape inputs are available as both 1/4” TRS and RCA jacks. Both sets of inputs can be used simultaneously, (the signals will add together).The TRS jacks are balanced, +4 dBu inputs and the RCA jacks are unbalanced -10 dBV inputs. Alt Out The Left and Right ALT (Alternate) outputs are available as both 1/4” TRS and RCA jacks. Both sets of outputs can be used simultaneously.
4 Specifications Connector Pinouts Main Panel Connector Pinouts Levels And Info p.
Specifications 4 Specifications Frequency Response THD Noise Crosstalk Phase Shift Mic-in Line-in XLR and TRS RCA Tape Input Bus Inputs L/R/M Outputs Group/Direct Out Aux Outputs Headphones Dimensions Weight Internal Power Supply Warranty +0/-1 dB 20Hz-20kHz ref 1 kHz (any input to any output) any output < 0.
5 User Notes p.
User Notes 5 p.
X 18R™ / X 20R™ Owner’s Manual Version 1.0 August 2008 Crest P/N 31700059 Crest Audio 5022 Hwy. 493 North Meridian, MS 39305 www.crestaudio.
