USER GUIDE Publication AP7977 Issue 3 Allen & Heath XONE:DB4 User Guide
Limited One Year Manufacturers Warranty This product 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. In the event of a failure, notify and return the defective unit to the place of purchase.
PACKED ITEMS Check that you have received the following: USB Safety Sheet. Important ! Read this sheet before starting. Retain for future reference. XONE:DB4 resource CD-ROM. XONE:DB4 mixer. X-LINK Blanking Plug. Mains Lead. Check that the correct mains plug is fitted. Type A-B USB Lead. To connect the XONE:DB4 to your computer. Allen & Heath Ensure the supplied blanking plug is always fitted when not using the X-Link port.
PANEL DRAWINGS USB Allen & Heath 4 XONE:DB4 User Guide
APPLICATION DIAGRAM Allen & Heath 5 XONE:DB4 User Guide
INTRODUCTION TO THE XONE:DB4 Congratulations on the purchase of your new XONE:DB4 The XONE:DB4 is a ground-breaking mixer featuring studio quality effects and performance features that blur the boundary between DJ’ing and live production. Every feature has been meticulously researched with a view to providing you, the DJ, with the ultimate creative tool.
CONTENTS To ensure that you get the maximum benefit from your XONE:DB4 please spare a few minutes familiarising yourself with the controls and setup procedures outlined in this user guide. For further information please refer to the additional content available on our web site, or contact our technical support team. http://www.XONE.co.uk Warranty ............................................. Packed Items ...................................... Panel Drawings ..................................
MIC / LINE CHANNEL 1 1 2 3 4 2 3 5 6 4 5 6 Allen & Heath MICROPHONE INPUT CONNECTOR Balanced XLR. Plug in a DJ, guest or announcement microphone here. Use a good quality low impedance dynamic mic such as those specifically designed for vocals. Do not use high impedance or unbalanced microphones, or condenser types which require phantom power.
MIC / LINE CHANNEL 7 8 9 10 7 8 9 CHANNEL CUE SWITCH Press the Cue switch to listen to the channel pre-fade signal in the headphones and view its level on the main meters. The backlit switch lights red when selected. Press the switch again to deselect cue. CHANNEL LEVEL CONTROL Sets the level of the channel signal in the main mix. CHANNEL ON SWITCH Turns the channel on, allowing the channel signal to be routed to the main mix.
MUSIC CHANNEL 1 1 2 3 4 2 3 4 5 5 6 8 6 7 9 7 8 9 Allen & Heath MATRIX INPUT SELECTOR Please refer to Page 15 for further information on how to use this feature. INPUT TRIM Amplifies or attenuates the input signal by up to ±10dB. On firmware versions above V1.00 this is increased to +/-20dB. INPUT PEAK LED Illuminates if input signal is within 3dB of clipping. If this happens lower the Trim level. This Peak indicator is separate from the channel meter and displays peak input level, not output.
MUSIC CHANNEL 10 11 12 FILTER ASSIGN SWITCH Set the 3-position switch to its mid position to route the signal direct to the mix, or to its left or right positions to route the signal to Filter-1 or Filter-2 respectively. See page 12 for more information on the filter system. X-FADE ASSIGN SWITCH Set the 3-position switch to its mid position to route the signal direct to the mix, or to its left or right positions to route the signal to Crossfade-X or Crossfade-Y respectively.
FILTERS The XONE:DB4 is equipped with a dual, swept filter system, that emulates the analogue filters that have been a key feature on most XONE products. The filters can be used as a mix tool, or to create dynamic effects. On initial power up, or after a mixer reset, the filters always default to Low-Pass, but any combination of the three filters types can be achieved by simultaneously pressing the filter type buttons.
MASTER SECTION 1 1 2 We strongly recommend that you use a dedicated USB flash drive for loading and saving settings. 3 4 USB A TYPE SOCKET Allows insertion of a USB memory stick for the purposes of loading and saving settings and for Firmware updates. See Page 31 for information on Firmware updating. 2 5 MIX / MONITOR METERS The main meters follow the selected monitor source. The meter reads ‘0’ for an XLR output of +4dBu.
MASTER SECTION 7 HEADPHONES OUTPUTS Stereo 1/4” TRS jack and 3.5mm mini-jack. Plug in good quality stereo headphones intended for DJ monitoring. Use closed-ear headphones that provide maximum acoustic isolation when cueing your sources. We recommend that you use high quality headphones rated between 30 to 100 ohms impedance. 8 ohm headphones are not recommended as their very low impedance may cause damage to the headphone amplifier.
THE INPUT MATRIX Each music channel on the XONE:DB4 features an input matrix system, making it possible to select from any of the twelve available sources no matter which input socket they are physically connected to.
THE EQ SECTION The music channel EQ Section on the XONE:DB4 can operate in one of three different modes. Each mode is indicated by the colour of the illuminated control knob pointers. ISOLATOR MODE In this mode, the EQ provides full attenuation when fully anti-clockwise and a safe +6dB of boost when fully clockwise. This EQ offers a steep 24dB/octave slope for tight frequency isolation. In isolator mode the EQ knob pointers are illuminated BLUE.
LOOPER SECTION 1 2 3 The LOOP section of the XONE:DB4 provides automatic looping of the source audio for up to FOUR bars at 60BPM or above. Even if the loop length is set to loop after one bar for instance, the audio will continue to be recorded for the maximum four bars, allowing you to expand the loop if desired. The loop length is nondestructive and can be expanded or contracted at will. Loops are not stored in memory so turning the looper off, or powering down the mixer will erase the current loop.
THE FX SECTION The intuitive layout of the XONE:DB4 FX section enables easy selection of any one of the five different effect types: DLY (DLY) DELAY VRB (VRB) REVERB 1 RES 3 (RES) RESONATOR MOD (MOD) MODULATOR DMG (DMG) DAMAGE 2 4 The WET/DRY control [4] sets the level from no effect (DRY) when fully anticlockwise to maximum effect (WET) when fully clockwise. The EXPRESSION [3] controls a further parameter; for instance, regeneration when DELAY is selected.
Configuring the channel FX chain Version 2 firmware and above. The FX SETUP menu provides options to change the order in which key elements of the FX chain are positioned. This advanced feature allows for individual customisation of each music channel, altering the way the output of the FX units feed into the mix, and how the music source feeds into the FX units. The illustration on the right shows the default signal path (from right to left), with the order being FX unit, FX ON switch, EQ and Fader.
Configuring the channel FX chain FX UNIT - Options are: Pre Fade Positions the FX unit before the channel fader. In this configuration, pulling the fader down will attenuate the output of the FX unit. Post Fade Positions the FX unit after the channel fader. In this configuration the output of the FX unit will not be attenuated if the fader is pulled down allowing the tails of reverbs and delays to “ring” into the mix.
LOADING IN ALTERNATIVE EFFECTS PRESETS Loading Alternative Effects from the Internal Library Each basic effect type, DLY, VRB, RES, MOD and DMG has a library of alternative presets within the same category. These are accessed using the SELECT button. To view or load a preset, press an FX button, then press the SELECT button - this will display the selected effect library. Use the SEL/ADJ encoder next to the display screen to scroll through the list, then press the encoder to load the chosen preset.
THE FX DISPLAY WINDOW AND FOCUS CONTROLS The effects display screen is divided vertically into four segments numbered 1- 4, which represent the four Channel FX units. The highlighted section shows which channel is in Focus. The illustration below shows the display for channel 1, 2 - 4 follow the same layout.
KILL SEND AND BPM/mS MODE KILL SEND EFFECTS (Version 1 firmware only) All Delays and Reverbs can be set to “Kill Send” mode. In this mode, rotating the Wet/Dry control into the orange area labelled “KS” will mute the send to the effects unit, leaving only the processed output to decay into the mix. This can be used as a dramatic way to mix into a new track, or as an entry to a breakdown. Note - Kill Send Mode removed from Version 2 firmware.
BPM ENGINES The XONE:DB4 has four independent BPM detection engines, one per channel. Tempo analysis is complex, what might seem an obvious beat to a human requires sophisticated algorithms for a microprocessor to interpret. Unlike a DAW (digital audio workstation) the DB4 doesn’t have the complete song file to analyse, it has to do it real time by “listening” to the audio. To improve the speed and accuracy of tempo analyses the beat detection engines can be guided to look for a tempo within a given range.
INTERNAL MIDI CLOCK/CHANNEL NUMBER From Version 2 firmware, the Xone:DB4 has the ability to generate internal MIDI clocks which can be used to control the tempo of a connected DAW via USB. To activate internal MIDI clocks, press the MENU button and using the SEL/ADJ encoder, scroll down the list to MIDI SETUP - press the encoder to enter the MIDI SETUP menu. Clock BPM: The current clock tempo is displayed in BPM to the nearest decimal point.
SETUP MENU The setup menu lists various settings that can be altered, enabling you to fine tune the DB4 to better suit your application. To enter the setup menu; press the MENU button, then use the ‘SEL/ADJ’ encoder to scroll up or down through the list. Press the encoder to select an item. To return to the previous menu or the front screen, select EXIT, or press the MENU button again. The options are listed below. METER MODE BAR—Peak reading VU display DOT—Single dot display showing peak level.
SETUP MENU USB ROUTING This menu selects the routing options for the upstream USB. Send 1 corresponds to USB 1-2, send 2 to USB 3-4 etc. The options are: CH1-4 Analog: CH1-4 Digital: CH1-4 PFL: CH1-4 AFL: Mic PFL: Record: Booth: Mix: Phones: Routes the selected converted analogue input to the sound card input. Routes the selected digital input to the soundcard input. Routes the selected pre-fade channel audio to the sound card input. Routes the selected post-fade channel audio to the sound card input.
SETUP MENU RECORD SETUP Trim: Sets the signal level of the analogue record outputs and the Digital Output. 0.0dB corresponds to a nominal output level of +4dBu when the main meters read 0VU. This is an ideal level to feed power amplifiers or interface with pro audio equipment, but is too high for most recording devices, (minidiscs etc) so use this control to attenuate the output level by up to 40dB. Source: There are three options available; Mix, Cleanfeed, or Phones.
SETUP MENU SPATIAL XOVER SPATIAL XOVER: is a new output processing tool that splits the audio into two frequency bands with adjustable stereo width for each band. This is a useful tool for dealing with poor room acoustics, less than ideal speaker placement, as a diagnostic tool for phase imbalance, or as an effect to change the bass sound focus. Frequency: Sets the cross-over point in Hertz at which the two bands are separated. HF Width: Adjusts the stereo width of the upper frequency band.
XLINK PAIRING From Version 2 firmware the DB4 can be “paired” with a suitable device connected to the X-LINK port, offering extended control features. Currently the XONE:K2 MIDI control interface is the only device that can be paired. To pair the XONE:K2, connect it to the X-LINK port using the RJ45 lead shipped with the device. Open the DB4 menu and select XLINK PAIRING.
FIRMWARE UPDATING FIRMWARE When new effects or hardware interfaces are made available for the XONE:DB4 it is possible that the mixer will require new firmware. New firmware will be made available for download from the website: www.XONE.co.uk/DB4 Check the website from time to time to check if new firmware is available. The current version of installed firmware (Code Version) can be found by selecting the “About” screen in the Menu. This screen will also display the unique eID number for your DB4.
USB AUDIO SYSTEM The 16-channel USB2.0, 96kHz/24bit audio system built into the XONE:DB4 makes it the perfect interface for use with Digital Audio Workstation software. The mixer deals with the processor intensive effects work, leaving the computer lightly loaded to better stream the audio data. Another advantage is that all processing is kept in the digital domain, especially if the DAW is used to simultaneously record the mix. MIDI compatible DAWs can be controlled from the DB4 via MIDI.
USB SOUNDCARD ROUTING SEND 4 (IN 7-8) SEND 3 (IN 5-6) SEND 2 (IN 3-4) SEND 1 (IN 1-2) SOUNDCARD INPUTS DIG CHANNEL PFL BOOTH RECORD MIX PHONES SOFTWARE SWITCH ANA ADC R I A A R I A A PH/LN CUE MIXER SOURCES CHANNEL SOURCES The XONE:DB4 provides eight (four stereo) soundcard inputs that will appear in your chosen DAW application.
USB SOUNDCARD ROUTING DIG CHANNEL PFL CHANNEL SOURCES ANA ADC R I A A Each of the USB audio sends can source from various points within the XONE:DB4 Input Channels. From the diagram, the three options are Analogue In, Digital In and Channel PFL. ANALOGUE IN - The analogue sources are arranged as follows: CHANNELS 1 AND 4 - LINE INPUT ONLY CHANNELS 2 AND 3 - SWITCHABLE LINE /PHONO R I A A DIGITAL IN - The source connected to the channel’s digital input.
PC DRIVER INSTALLATION STOP! BEFORE YOU CONNECT YOUR XONE:DB4 TO A COMPUTER PLEASE FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS ON INSTALLING THE CORRECT DRIVERS FOR THE USB SOUNDCARD. CHECK www.XONE.co.uk/db4 FOR NEWS ON THE LATEST DRIVER VERSIONS Software Installation (Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7) Follow the procedure described below to install the USB audio and MIDI drivers: 1— Connect the XONE:DB4 to your mains electricity supply. Do not connect the DB4 to the PC at this time.
PC DRIVER INSTALLATION 6—Select ‘Install’. 7—The USB driver will now install. 8— Select ‘Install’. 9— Select ‘Install’. 10— Reboot to complete installation. The installation process may differ slightly dependant upon Operating System and Security Software. Note: Always use the same USB port with your XONE:DB4. When installing on a MS Windows system, the drivers will be associated with the USB port that you are currently plugged into.
PC DRIVER INSTALLATION Checking the Driver Installation Once the driver installation is complete, you will need to check that the XONE:DB4 is being recognised. Connect the XONE:DB4 to your PC/laptop and then right click on My Computer and select Manage. Next select Device Manager in the left hand window. Expand the Sound, Video and Game Controllers section to reveal the WDM audio and MIDI drivers for the XONE:DB4.
MAC DRIVER INSTALLATION STOP! BEFORE YOU DO ANYTHING WITH YOUR XONE:DB4, PLEASE READ THE FOLLOWING CAREFULLY TO ENSURE YOUR MAC IS CORRECTLY SET UP TO BE USED WITH THE MIXER. CHECK www.XONE.co.uk/db4 FOR NEWS ON THE LATEST DRIVER VERSIONS Open the XONE_DB4_Driver_x.x.x.dmg to reveal the window shown. Click on the XONE:DB4 mpkg file to launch the driver installation. Click on “Continue”. Select install location and then click “Install”.
MAC DRIVER INSTALLATION Enter your system password. Click on “Continue Installation”. Restart your Mac.
MAC DRIVER INSTALLATION Checking the Driver Installation Once the driver installation is complete, you will need to check that the XONE:DB4 is being recognised. To do this, connect the XONE:DB4 to your Mac and then , from the file menu, select: GO Utilities Audio MIDI Setup The Audio Devices window will open automatically. To open the MIDI Studio window, from the File Menu, select: Window Show MIDI Window In the Audio Input section, the number of channels should be seen as 8, running at 24 bit.
MIDI CONTROL MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface, and is an interface protocol from the nineteen eighties to enable different keyboards, sequencers, drum machines, etc. to communicate with each other. MIDI is still a common interface used by most DAW software to allow remote control of various functions within the program.
MIDI CONTROL MESSAGES INPUT MATRIX DB4 CHANNEL INPUT SELECT 1 2 SOURCE 3 4 ANA USB DIG TRIM CONTROL 1 Eb 6 D6 C# 6 C6 F6 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 OFF ◄► E6 CH 16 CC 32 CH 16 2 G4 F# 4 F4 E4 A4 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 OFF ◄► G# 4 CH 16 CC 6 CH 16 3 B2 Bb 2 A2 G# 2 C# 3 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 OFF ◄► C3 CH 16 CC 24 CH 16 4 Eb 1 D1 C# 1 C1 F1 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 OFF ◄► E1 CH 16 CC 15 CH 16 EQ SECTION EQ CONTROL MODE SELECT DB4 CHANNEL HF MF LF ISO
MIDI CONTROL MESSAGES CHANNEL FADER, FX ON SWITCH DB4 CHANNEL FADER FX ON 1 CC 37 CH 16 E8 CH 16 2 CC 35 CH 16 F8 CH 16 3 CC 38 CH 16 F#8 CH 16 4 CC 36 CH 16 G8 CH 16 CHANNEL FADER CURVE, XFADER CURVE, XFADER CHANNEL FADER CURVE G –1 CH 16 OFF ◄► G#-1 CH 16 XFADER CURVE F#-1 CH 16 OFF ◄► F –1 CH 16 XFADER CC 39 CH 16 FILTERS FILTER RES HPF BPF LPF FREQ Allen & Heath ON 1(L) CC 8 B6 C7 C# 7 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 CC 34 CH 16 D7 CH 16 2(R) CC 1 C#-1 D –1 Eb-1 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 C
MIDI CONTROL MESSAGES ADDITIONAL CONTROLS CC 26, CH 16 CC 18, CH 16 CC 28, CH 16 CC 20, CH 16 G# 6, CH 16 ◄►CC116, CH16 ▼A-1, CH 16 CC 30, CH 16 A 6, CH 16 ◄►CC117, CH16 ▼Bb-1, CH 16 Eb 8, CH 16 B -1, CH 16 CC 22, CH 16 MIDI SHIFT MODE DB4 ENC ENC DLY VRB RES CHANNEL ROTARY SWITCH DLY VRB RES 1 CC 112 CH 16 F# 5 CH 16 G5 G# 5 A5 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 Bb 5 CH 16 B5 CH 16 C5 CH 16 2 CC 113 CH 16 Bb 3 CH 16 B3 C4 C# 4 CH 16 CH 16 CH 16 D4 CH 16 Eb 4 CH 16 E3 CH 16 3 CC 114 CH 16 D2 CH 16 E
DIGITAL IO - X-LINK DIGITAL INPUTS - DIGITAL OUTPUT DIGITAL INPUTS 1– 4 X-LINK DIGITAL OUTPUT DIGITAL INPUT: The XONE:DB4 has four digital inputs on the rear panel designed for standard 75 Ohm RCA interface cables. These inputs are compatible with the following formats: AES3, IEC60958, S/PDIF (Sony/Phillips Digital Interconnect Format), EIAJ CP1201, all from 32kHz to 192kHz, and up to 24bits. Digital Output: The digital output is fixed at 48kHz/24 bit, non copy protected, with a 75 Ohm impedance.
SPECIFICATIONS Operating levels Main outputs 0VU = +4dBu Monitor 0VU = +4dBu Record 0VU = +4dBu Maximum output level +24dBu balanced Mic Sensitivity -20dB - -50dB RIAA input sensitivity 1kHz 70mV = 0VU (200mV max) Frequency response Line in to Mix out 10Hz - 20kHz +0/-0.5dB Distortion at 1kHz Line in at +0Vu out 0.
NOTES V1.xx firmware and V2.xx Change log New in V2.
PRODUCT REGISTRATION Registering your product Please go to www.allen-heath.com/register.asp and register your product’s serial number and your details. By registering with us and becoming an official Registered User, you will ensure that any warranty claim you might make is actioned quickly and with the minimum delay.
Allen & Heath 49 XONE:DB4 User Guide
