4MinX Portable, stereo, M/S Mixer/Recorder With analog and digital I/O User Manual AETA AUDIO SYSTEMS 18-22, avenue Edouard Herriot – Kepler 4 – 92350 Le Plessis Robinson – FRANCE Tél. +33 1 41 36 12 00 – Fax +33 1 41 36 12 69 – Web: http://www.aeta-audio.com 55 000 061 - B 4MinX - User Manual Specifications subject to change – All rights reserved by AAS May 11 55000061B_4MinX_gb.
Table of contents 1. 2. Main technical characteristics ...........................................2 Functions .............................................................................4 2.1. Audio inputs ........................................................................................ 4 2.2. AES digital input ................................................................................. 8 2.3. Audio outputs ......................................................................................
.8. "EXT I/O": Interface for RF transmitters/receivers ............................ 36 4.9. External DC supply ............................................................................ 37 4.10. Dimensions and weight .................................................................... 38 4.11. Environmental .................................................................................. 38 4.12. Versions - Options ............................................................................ 38 5.
Introduction 4MINX is a portable mixer-recorder specially designed for outside multi-tracks recording (ENG). Totally new and innovative in terms of design, it is both a traditional mixer and multi-tracks recorder but also enables specific audio digital processing in real time.. 4MINX is ideally suitable for production, thanks to its outstanding audio characteristics and full compatibility with “M/S” and “surround” systems.
1. Main technical characteristics 2 Light weight and small dimensions (1.
55 000 061 – B AES3 digital inputs with phantom +10V for AES42 microphones 4MinX- User Manual 3
2. Functions The functions of the unit are shown on the functional diagrams that can be found in annex 5.2 & 5.2, “Input block diagram ” In paragraphs below, we will detail the different inputs and outputs of the 4MinX. 2.1. Audio inputs 2.1.1. “Mic/Line” inputs Each of these four inputs is available on a 3-pin female XLR socket, and is electronically balanced. They can offer 2 types of powering: Phantom 48V or Tonader 12V.
Nota: - Input stage gain setting, 0dB to +50dB, 10dB steps; Phantom power for a microphone, 48V, or “Tonader 12V” ; High-pass filtering, 50 Hz cut-off frequency, 18dB/octave; High-pass filtering, 300 Hz, 6dB/octave, suitable for compensating proximity effects in directional microphones; Polarity inversion (phase reversal) ; Fast limiting, with “soft knee”; Routing to Left or Right bus, or Center (i.e.
The odd-numbered input is routed to the Left bus, while the evennumbered input is routed to the Right bus by convention Overriding this default routing is possible! But please pay attention to incoherencies in such a case! In “M/S” mode, transducers often have different sensitivity; The input gain adjustment is kept separate for odd and evennumbered channels; The outer control on the even-numbered channel adjusts the stereo image width; In the center detent position, a coherent couple st
It can thus be seen as a “safety” limiter, that may be left active all the time! Nota : In case of coupled channels, in stereo pair of in M/S mode, or even in mode 3 or 4 coupled inputs, each input gets the gain reduction command. This command corresponds to the stronger generated by the input and the closer to the clipping level. 2.1.2. Return / line inputs There are 2 Line inputs or Return channels on XLR 5 pins. The signals are electronically balanced and can be unbalanced with no impact on performance.
2.2. AES digital input 4MinX can accept AES3 digital audio input on its « Dig. In » TA3 sockets. The signals can be routed or mixed in the bus or to other analog inputs. The input 1&2 can be used to synchronize the 4MinX to another machine. This feature can be set in the synchronization menu. It is necessary to specify in the same menu the frequency of the AES signal. Nota :The 2 AES inputs have a frequency converter which means that the inputs can be used in master mode or in other type of synchronisation.
2.3. Audio outputs 2.3.1. Main analog outputs The main analog outputs are in 2 pairs on XLR 5 connector. By the menu, you can select the source for each of the 4 outputs i.e different input sources, stereo mix down, others. The audio signals are balanced electronic signals. They can be unbalanced with no impact on performance as long as the level stays below +19 dBu.
2.4. Monitoring The « Monitor » function allows the selection of signals inside 4MINX for displaying their level on the screen and monitoring them on headphones 2.4.1. Display The display screen of 4MINX is a 3” color QVGA TFT display. This technology features a very wide viewing angle and fast response time. The display brightness is adjustable.
2.4.2.
Nota: The headphone key enables to commute from listening to selecting sources mode.. 2.4.3.
2.6. Intercom / Slate microphone A microphone is integrated into 4MINX‟s front panel and delivers an amplified signal replacing the normal audio signals c into the analog/digital outputs. A function key can be set to have a direct access to the feature. 2.7. Power supply 4MINX operates from a Li-Ion DV battery. The internal charger can recharge it from an external DC supply in less than 7 hours for a NPF960 (depending of the battery capability).
Nevertheless, with a totally recharged battery, the autonomy is more than 7 hours (Sony NP-F960), with dynamic microphones or ribbon mic (without phantom power 48V) and with a 600 ohms headphone. In these conditions, 4MinX„s consumption is 500mA on an external 14.4V source.
3. Operating mode – Detailed description 3.1. Switching on and off To turn 4Minx on, you hold the ESC button down for over > 2 seconds. The screen will light up and software is being downloaded. First appears the AAS logo and the green bar to show the download process on the right of the screen. To turn it off, use the « tools » menu / « power down ». This way of switch off the unit guarantees the user of the configuration settings saving.
3.3.
« AES out mode » : AES output format configuration « Time code » : Time code smpte configuration « Display » : Bargraphs and brightness configuration « Function key » : F1 to F4 keys programming « Input mode » : note writing activation at the end of recording « Date » : change of the date in the system « Time » : change of the time of the system « Keyboard lock » : + and – keys locked after 10ms Tools « Power down » : Switch off key « Export configurations » : Export all
The gain is adjustable by 10 dB steps from 0 to 50 dB The high pass filter 50Hz (50 Hz, 18dB/octave) can be turned on, Limiter can be turned on or off The phantom power can be set Off, on “P48” (phantom, 48V) or “T12” (Tonader, 12V) the channel polarity, “+” for normal operation, or inverted - For mic/line inputs 1 and 2 The PAD of 20dB can be turned on or off - For mic/line inputs 3 and 4 Input connector : XLR or Minicon - For line inputs 1 &2 ( return ) Maximum input level c
3.4.3. Mode menu In this menu, you can select different coupling mode for the mic/line inputs. There is no coupling programmed by default. On 2 inputs : Stereo mode, M/S mode Linked 1-2-3-4 Mode Linked 1-2-3 Mode corresponding to a double M/S system Decca tree 1-2-3 Mode (SOUNDFIELD option) 3.4.4. « Routing » menu Under this menu, you can set sources for the stereo mix down on one side and the AUX bus on the other side. Nota: The master does not have any impact on the Aux bus.
3.5.1. « Project Management » menu This menu enables you to create a new project (F1 button: « new project »), to download it (F4 button: « new project ») in place of another one. It manages also creating a new working day. You can visualise all the records already done in this project. You can create a new scene in the project at any time you want (F2: « new Scene »). The index for each scene is not linked to working days. It is defined independantly. You can withdraw a project for the list.
To create or delete files, you use function keys. Once your configuration is set up you validate it by pressing the F4 button. Scrolling down the different lists is possible using the rotary control as in the menus. Pressing the Ok enables to enter or escape from the different fields. 3.5.3. « Filename format » menu By this menu you can change the root for the file names and have access to 3 fields.
3.5.5. «File format » menu In this menu you can specify the bit number of the SWF files, either 16 bits or 24 bits. 3.6. « Settings » menu 3.6.1.
3.6.6. Function key In this menu, you can configure the function keys in monitoring mode. You can program 2 functions for each key using the Shift key before the function key Here is a list of available functions: - For MIC/Line inputs o Gain, filters, phase, Limiter - Other functions o Slate, Tone,… 3.7. « Tools » menu 3.7.1. « Power down » menu It is mandatory to go through this menu to turn properly the unit off and avoid to loose information. 3.7.2.
3.8. Audio user interface management 5 6 4 3 2 7 8 1 9 10 1 : Icon to indicate that the + and – configuration buttons are locked 2 : Icon of the recording status: Stop, recording, Pause, read 3 : The actuallly selected function (colored button) => you can modify the parameter for each input by using the button + and -. 4 : Info on the synch mode and on the working sampling rate.
3.9. File reading By pressing the « reading » key the « Player management » module appears and then you can select a project, a scene, or a take. The monitoring offers you a list of your tracks with the « listening » modes available. Forward and Rewind keys enables you to get to the right place in your file while reading it.
3.10. Short-cuts To ease or optimise the use of your machine we made short-cuts by holding simultaneously 2 keys: Keys « Headphone» « Headphone » twice Function Display monitoring short-cuts Display monitoring selection « Stop » + « << » « Stop » + « >>» Delete last records, false take Creating new scene « Shift » + « OK » Inhibates or activates recording.
3.11. coding In this chapter we will show examples of situations where LR M/S matrixing can be used, as well as possibilities offered by 4MinX. Many other configurations are possible. 3.11.1. Case n° 1: standard stereo engineering This is the most common application. In this case, mono microphones or normal (L/R) stereo microphone pairs are used. The output of the mixer is in standard stereo format. The L/R M/S matrixing is not needed in this case.
In this case, M/S stereo microphone pairs are used (typically the association of a directional cardioid transducer for the “M” channel and a bidirectional “figure of 8” transducer for the “S” channel), but the output of the mixer is in standard stereo format. Instead of left and right, the mixer buses now actually process M (Mid) and S (Side) signals.
3.11.3. Case n°3: M/S recording using M/S microphones In this case, M/S stereo microphone pairs are used All the outputs, whatever analog or digital, deliver M/S format for recording. In this way, further stereo image processing is made possible with studio equipment in later production (analog or digital) The mixer buses process M (Mid) and S (Side) signals. Monitoring is here set in “M/S” mode, as matrixing is needed for monitoring a normal stereo signal on the headphones and meters.
4. Technical specifications 4.1.
4.1. AES inputs Number Once 2 chanels Format Balanced, without transformers Socket female XLR, 5 pin 1 : Ground 2 : Line 1 + 3 : Line 1 – 4 : Line 2 + 5 : Line 2- Maximum input level +22 dBu Analog bandwidth 10 Hz - 50 kHz (+0 dB, -1 dB) Common Mode Rejection 90 dB @ 1 kHz Line input impedance > 10k 4.2.
4.3.
4.4. "Auxiliary Out" unbalanced analog outputs Identical signals on inputs 1 et 2. Format 2 channels, unbalanced Socket Mini-jack 3.5mm, stereo Output level 6dB below balanced output Maximum output level +16 dBu Source impedance 100 4.5.
The differential signal on pins 2 and 3 has an AES format (110 impedance) and following characteristics: Standard AES3 (Professional) Format Balanced, transformer isolated Source impedance 110 Amplitude (sur 110 ) 4 V c-c An optional adaptation cable provides the AES signal on a 3-pin male XLR plug.
4.6. Headphone output Socket Jack 6.35mm, stereo Maximum output level +20 dBu Acceptable output load 16 4.7.
4.8. "EXT I/O": Interface for RF transmitters/receivers Socket 12-pin, Neutrik MiniCon Audio signals for transmitters Unbalanced, 2 channels, line level Maximum level Adjustable via menu, -50 dBu to +14 dBu Source impedance 1 k The signals for the transmitters are the same as the Line Out signals, with same L/R or M/S encoding format.
4.9.
4.10. Dimensions and weight Dimensions (including connectors) 260 x 75 x 195 mm (10.2”x3.0”x7.7”) 900 g Weight 4.11. 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 Susceptibility: compliant with EN50082-1 Emission: compliant with EN55022 (classe B) 4.12.
5. Annexes 5.1. Overview of front panel elements 4MinX’s front panel: 1. Channel change setting keys 2. Channel gain for Input 1 3. Panpot input 1 4. Channel adjustment & status channel 2 5. Master gain & Bus level Led “Alim DC/Chargeur” 6. Function keys 7. Recording keypad 8. Monitoring menu 9. Screen 10. “ On/Off - Escape key 11. Rotary interface + Ok key 12. Headphone volume control 13. microphone 14. Shift key Back panel : 15. Battery socket 16.
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Left panel: 1. Mic/Line Inputs ( XLR3) 2. Digital AES-3 / 42 Inputs (XLR3) 3. Interface for wireless transmitters/receivers Digital AES-3 Outputs ( TA3) Right panel: 4. Stereo headphone output 5. Auxiliary stereo output, unbalanced 6. Main “Line” outputs, balanced 7. Line In / Return inputs 8. Direct outputs from the 4 channel 9. External power input 10. Ethernet interface 11. SD/SDHC-CARD holder 12. USB host 13. Micro USB 2.0 OTG 14. Time Code input/output ( Optional for recorder version) 15.
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5.2.
5.3.
5.4. Output block diagram DA line 1L PAD -40dB Line out 1 PAD -40dB Line out 2 DA line 1R DA Line 2L DA Line 2R 3.5mm DA headphone 1 DA headphone 2 6.
5.5. Level maps Erreur ! Liaison incorrecte. 5.6.
-0 -2 -4 -6 -8 -1 0 -1 2 -1 4 -1 6 -1 8 d B -2 0 r -2 2 -2 4 -2 6 -2 8 -3 0 -3 2 -3 4 -3 6 -3 8 -4 0 20 30 40 50 60 70 80 90 200 300 400 500 600 H z Blue No filter Black Analog 50Hz 18dB/Oct Green digital 50Hz 12dB/Oct Red Digital 80Hz 12dB/Oct Rose Digital 120Hz 12dB/Oct Dark blue Digital 160Hz 12dB/Oct Cyan Digital 200Hz 12dB/Oct Green Digital 300Hz 6dB/Oct 55 000 061 – B 4MinX- User Manual 41 700 1k
5.7.
5.8. Accessories Various accessories are available, including: Extension device (with Li-Ion NP1 battery and connections for RF transmitters and receivers) Carrying bags Specific adaptation cords, for easy linking with camescopes, RF transmitters, etc. Adapter cable for AES/EBU digital audio output on XLR3 Adapter cable for SPDIF digital audio output on RCA Please contact AETA AUDIO Systems or your reseller for detailed information.
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