ALLEN&HEATH User Guide Publication AP6296
XONE:S6 User Guide AP6296 Issue 1 Copyright © 2005 Allen & Heath Limited. All rights reserved Whilst we believe the information in this guide to be reliable we do not assume responsibility for inaccuracies. We also reserve the right to make changes in the interest of further product development. This product complies with the European Electromagnetic Compatibility directives 89/336/EEC & 92/31/EEC and the European Low Voltage Directives 73/23/EEC & 93/68/EEC.
Important Safety Instructions – Read First Read instructions: Read and retain these instructions for future reference. Read the instructions on the Safety Sheet provided separately. Adhere to all warnings printed here and on the console and its power unit. Covers: Do not remove the power unit cover. Operate the console with its cover correctly fitted. Disconnect mains power by unplugging the power cord if you need to remove the console cover to set option jumpers.
Note: The XONE:V6 all-valve option must not be fitted to the XONE:S6. The valve option is not available for the XONE:S6. The Allen & Heath MPS7 power unit provided with the console should be used only to power the XONE:S6 Console. Important Note on Mains Voltage Setting The power unit is configured to operate at a mains voltage appropriate for the territory to which it is supplied. Check that your unit is correctly set to work with your local mains voltage. This is marked on the power unit rear panel.
Contents Important Safety Instructions .....................................................3 Front and Rear Panel Drawings .................................................6 Welcome to the XONE:S6..........................................................7 Front Panel Controls ..................................................................8 Rear Connectors ......................................................................14 Installing the Power Supply..................................................
INPUT 1 18 10 INPUT 2 LINE PHONO 6 3 0 3 6 10 18 10 LEVEL 6 3 0 3 6 10 18 10 400 60 40 6 10 18 10 400 40 6 10 18 10 40 10 18 10 400 40 6 10 LEVEL 200 100 400 60 500 6 3 0 3 200 100 60 500 6 500 40 10kHz 400 60 600Hz 600Hz 30Hz HI-PASS 30Hz 600Hz HI-PASS 30Hz 600Hz HI-PASS 30Hz 40 30Hz 600Hz HI-PASS OFF OFF OFF OFF ON ON ON ON ON ON 5 4 4 6 3 7 2 8 8 CUE 5 4 6 3 7 2 8 CUE 5 4 6 3 7 2 5 CUE 4 6 3 7 2 8
Welcome to the The XONE:S6 is an audiophile rotary club mixer that sets a new quality benchmark. It is an echo of the earliest days of pro audio when pioneering individuals hand crafted outstanding products free from the constraints of cost and time. We revisited the basics of audio circuit design restoring the simple purity of a minimum signal path meticulously constructed from the finest discrete components.
Channel Controls INPUT 3 LINE PHONO 18 10 6 3 0 3 6 6 Input channels are provided. Each has switchable inputs for two stereo sources. CH1-3 provide line and phono (RIAA) inputs. CH4-6 have two switchable line sources each. All channels provide insert points for patching in additional equipment. Internal jumper options let you change the gain settings and switch out the RIAA equalisation.
INPUT 6 18 10 Level Adjusts the input sensitivity from fully off to its maximum +10dB gain. Correct use of this control makes it impossible to overload the input preamp. Adjust it so that the meter averages around ‘0’ with loudest peaks up to ‘+6’. Note that there are internal option jumpers to reduce the maximum gain available to +6 or 0dB.
Microphone Controls A DJ microphone can be plugged in. A professional quality balanced dynamic vocal type is recommended. Phantom power can be internally enabled if a condenser type is preferred. The mic can be switched into the master mix, booth mix, and routes to the cue monitor. An insert is available for patching in processors such as a limiter or compressor. 2.5kHz Mic on/off Switch the microphone into the master mix using the ON/OFF toggle switch.
LEFT MIX LEVEL Master Controls The Master is the main output that feeds the house sound system. An overall level control together with 2-band equaliser is provided. External processing equipment such as a limiter or house EQ can be inserted into the master mix signal path. Main meter Two lamp-illuminated moving coil VU meters display the left and right signals. The needle movement accurately follows the VU (volume unit) standard. It displays the average signal level.
Booth Controls 10kHz -6 +6 100Hz +6 -6 5 4 6 3 8 2 9 10 0 11 BOOTH 12 MIC INSERT Mic To Booth switch This rear panel switch is recessed to protect it from accidental operation once set. Use a pen or similar pointed object to change its setting. Set the switch out (flush with panel) to include the microphone signal in the booth and recording mix. Set the switch in (pressed) for a music only mix. MIC TO BOOTH Booth EQ 7 1 The DJ’s local loudspeakers are fed from the console BOOTH output.
Headphones Controls The DJ headphones is sourced from the booth mix and switched cue system. Headphone sockets are provided on both the front and rear panels. TONE HF LF CUE/MIX 5 4 6 7 8 2 9 10 0 11 This control balances the level of cue signal and booth (music) signal in the headphones. Fully anti-clockwise, only cue signal is routed. Fully clockwise, only booth mix is routed. At centre position, equal cue and booth signal is mixed together.
Channel Connectors Each channel has two stereo inputs. CH1-3 provide line and RIAA inputs. CH4-6 provide two line inputs. L L R A LINE B LINE INPUT 4 R PHONO/ LINE A B LINE INPUT 3 L and R inputs RCA phono sockets. The PHONO input provides gain and RIAA equalisation for turntable cartridges. Note that CH1-3 have internal option jumpers to disable RIAA if you want to use the inputs for additional line sources. The LINE inputs have a maximum gain of +10dB to accept signals as low as -10dBu.
Microphone Connectors MIC INPUT The microphone input is used for the DJ microphone. A hi-pass filter is built in to reduce low frequency handling noise, popping and proximity effect. An insert point is provided for patching in processors such as a compressor. Mic input MIC INSERT Balanced XLR, pin 2 hot. Maximum gain available is +60dB. We recommend you use a rugged, professional grade, dynamic microphone specifically designed for the vocal application.
MASTER INSERT R MASTER OUT -2dBu Master Connectors The master mix to feed the house system is available on two pairs of sockets, XLR and TRS. A pre-EQ insert point is provided for patching in processors such as house equaliser and protection limiter. Insert Unbalanced TRS (stereo) jack wired tip = send, ring = return, sleeve = common ground. With nothing plugged in the signal is passed through internal switch contacts within the socket. The insert operates at -2dBu.
Booth and Record Connectors RECORD -10dBV L BOOTH The XLR booth output feeds the DJ’s booth amplifier / loudspeaker system. The record output can be used to make a stereo recording of the performance. Booth output Balanced XLR wired pin 2 hot. Output level is +10dBu when the BOOTH level control is fully clockwise and the VU meters read ‘0’. The booth output is not affected by the MASTER EQ or level control. Connect to the amplifier input or speaker processor if one is used.
Cue, Ground and Headphones Connectors EXT CUE INPUT CUE DC LINK External cue input TRS jack break point for overriding the cue system with an external audio signal. The input is unbalanced with tip = left, ring = right and sleeve = common ground. Cue DC link 9-pin D connector for linking the console cue logic system with external Allen & Heath accessories. Chassis ground Two heavy duty binding posts are provided for ground wire connection.
Power Supply Connector DC POWER INPUT ONLY USE CORRECT ALLEN&HEATH PSU DC power input A heavy duty multi-pin socket for connection to the external power unit using the DC cable provided. This carries the audio and logic regulated DC power rails required for console operation. Align the orientation lug and press the plug in. Rotate the locking ring to secure the cable in place. Only connect to the correct Allen & Heath power unit specified for the console.
MAINS INPUT FUSE Check mains voltage setting T T2.5AL 250V 240 V AC 50-60 Hz ~120W MAX MADE IN ENGLAND BY ALLEN & HEATH Ltd. S/No The Allen & Heath Xone:S6 MPS7 power unit should be used only to power a Xone:S6 Console air flow Mains lead This way up CAUTION AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR. WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT EXPOSE THIS APPARATUS TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
Installing the Power Supply Unit To avoid damage to the power supply unit internal assemblies do not mount it on to any surface subject to resonance or vibration. For permanent fixing, screw or bolt the power unit to a vertical surface using 6x fixings as shown. This ensures optimum cooling and performance. The fixing holes are 5mm diameter. 256mm (10") 79mm (3 1/8") 202mm (8") 79mm (3 1/8") Check that the mains power switch is in its off (O) position. Plug in the IEC mains lead.
483mm (19") 101.
Installing the Console Rack mount The console fits into a standard 19” rack system taking up 4U height. Use 4x M6 bolts with plastic protective cups. These are usually supplied by the rack manufacturer. 441mm (17 3/8") Plinth mount The console can be mounted in a custom built plinth or other furniture. Use the cutting template detail shown here. The dimensions allow for the console cover fixing screws. Secure with 4x suitably long M6 bolts and nuts. Use protective cups to protect the console surface.
Grounding The connection to ground (earth) in an audio system is important for two reasons: • SAFETY - To protect the operator from high voltage electric shock, and • AUDIO PERFORMANCE - To minimise the effect of ground loops which result in audible hum and buzz, and to shield the audio signals from interference pickup.
To ensure safe and trouble-free operation we recommend the following: • Have your mains system checked by a qualified electrician If the supply grounding is solid to start with you are less likely to experience problems. • Do not remove the ground connection from the power unit mains plug The console chassis is connected to mains ground through the power cable to ensure your safety. Audio 0V is connected to the console chassis internally.
Wiring the Cables 26 XONE:S6 User Guide
Connector Types The XONE:S6 uses professional grade 3 pin XLR, 1/4" TRS jack and RCA PHONO sockets. The XLR connection should be used with balanced equipment such as microphones and feeds to balanced signal processors and amplifiers. This has 3 connector pins: Pin 1 = ground (screen), Pin 2 = signal hot (+), Pin 3 = signal cold (-). The male XLR is used for signal output, female for input. The INPUT and OUTPUT JACK connections can be used with balanced or unbalanced line level equipment.
Switching the Console On The XONE:S6 MPS7 power unit is factory configured to one of four mains voltage settings, 100V, 120V, 220V or 240V AC. First check that the setting is correct for your local mains voltage. This is marked on the power unit rear panel. The setting cannot be changed by the user. Refer this work to your service agent. MAINS INPUT FUSE T T2.5AL 250V 240 V AC 50-60 Hz ~120W MAX MADE IN ENGLAND BY ALLEN & HEATH Ltd.
Operating Levels and Meters It is most important that the system level settings are correctly set. The best performance can only be achieved if the system levels are set within the normal operating range and not allowed to peak. Peaking simply results in signal distortion, not more volume. It is the specification of the amplifier and speaker system that sets the maximum volume that can be achieved. The human ear too can fool the operator into believing that more volume is needed.
Internal Option Jumpers The XONE:S6 provides several user accessible internal jumper options. These are for specialist application or user preference and should not normally be needed. The factory default settings should satisfy most applications. The jumpers are plug-on and can be reconfigured quickly. However, it is necessary to remove the console cover to access the internal circuit assemblies. This requires that the console be unplugged and removed from its installation furniture.
Input Channel Option Jumpers Plug on jumpers set the options required. Plug across the two pins to set. Plug on to just one pin to remove. This keeps the jumper available to be re-used later in the future if needed. +10, +6, 0dB GAIN RIAA / LINE JP3 JP1 JP2 JP5 JP6 JP8 JP7 JP4 JP9 JP10 INPUT PCB XONE:S6 User Guide RIAA disable CH1-3. For RIAA gain and equalisation JP2, JP3, JP4 and JP8 are fitted. This is the factory default setting.
Microphone Option Jumper JP2 JP1 A plug on jumper sets the option required. Plug across the two pins to set. Plug on to just one pin to remove. This keeps the jumper available to be re-used later in the future if needed. Phantom power 30V phantom power is disabled when JP1 is fitted. This is the factory default setting. Plug the jumper on to JP2 instead if you wish to turn phantom power on. WARNING Do not connect unbalanced sources or cables to the XLR input when phantom power is applied.
Master Option Jumpers Plug on jumpers set the options required. Plug across the two pins to set. Plug on to just one pin to remove. This keeps the jumper available to be re-used later in the future if needed. Master output level The output level with MASTER control at maximum position and VU meters reading ‘0’ is +4dBu with JP1 and JP2 fitted. This is the factory default setting. To change this to 0dBu remove JP1 and JP2. Access these jumpers from below the console.
VU Meter Bulb Replacement Each VU meter is illuminated using a filament bulb mounted in a clip behind the meter. The bulb is a long life type. If it needs to be replaced proceed as follows: VU METER BULBS Unplug the cables and remove the console cover as described previously. Carefully unclip the old bulb. Press in the correct type replacement bulb. Refit the cover. It is best to replace both bulbs at the same time. This ensures that they both maintain similar life. Bulb type 12V 1.
CUE MIX L MIX R CUE L CUE R CUE SENSE CUE DC BOOTH L BOOTH R System Block Diagram REMOVE LINKS FOR 0dBu OUT L INSERT MASTER EQ L CHANNEL 1-3 R INSERT MASTER MIX LINKS SHOWN FITTED FOR RIAA LEVEL PHONO L RIAA HI PASS FILTER INSERT 30Hz ROTARY FADER R L 600 CUE L L +10dB +6dB PRE-AMP GAIN SELECT REMOVE BOTH LINKS FOR 0dB LINE MASTER OUT 80Hz R ON/OFF SELECT R R L MASTER LEVEL 10kHz RECORD OUT R R BOOTH EQ L L BOOTH LEVEL 10kHz CHANNEL 4-6 SELECT LEVEL HI PASS FILTER
Technical Specification CH1-6 Line Inputs Master Output RCA L and R connectors Level variable from off to +10dB gain (+6, 0dB options) Impedance >10k ohm Balanced XLR (for balanced connection only) TRS jack (for unbalanced connection) XLR operating level +4dBu (0dBu option) TRS operating level -2dBu Impedance <110 ohm CH1-3 RIAA Inputs RCA phono L and R connectors RIAA equalisation (line input option) Nominal level 7-100mV Impedance 47k ohms / 330pF Channel Inserts RCA phono connectors (jumper plugs pr
Headphones Output Frequency response TRS jack Tip = L, Ring = R 30 to 600 ohms headphones, 70 ohms recommended Power 480mW into 70 ohms, 150mW into 600 ohms Line in to Master out +0/-0.5dB 10Hz to 30kHz +0/-1dB 8Hz to 40kHz Channel Hi-Pass Filter 12dB per octave Variable frequency 30Hz to 600Hz On/off toggle switch Microphone EQ Vocal optimised LF and HF shelves HF +/-15dB 2.
Noise Measured 22Hz to 22kHz Master XLR output <-100dBu residual <-90dBu @ unity gain Master TRS output <-105dBu residual <-97dBu @ unity gain Booth output <-96dBu residual <-86dBu @ unity gain Record output <-99dBu residual <-98dBu @ unity gain Line in to Master out <-89dBu 200 ohm source Phono in to Master <-85dBu 200 ohm source Mic EIN <-127dB 50dB gain, 150 ohm Meters Channels Main L,R External unit with detachable DC cable Vertical mount with fixing brackets Linear design for voltage rails +/-30V
Channel Hi-Pass filter Microphone EQ This graph shows the response of the filter at its minimum (30Hz) and maximum (600Hz) settings. The curve can be swept between these positions. This graph shows the response of the equaliser at maximum LF and HF boost and cut. The shelves are tuned for vocal equalisation at 120Hz (LF) and 2.5kHz (HF). Maximum cut/boost is 15dB. Channel High-Pass filter Min/Max Mic EQ dBr 20.00 dBr 10.00 15.00 0.00 10.00 5.00 -10.00 0.00 -20.00 -5.00 -10.00 -30.00 -15.
RIAA This graph shows the equalisation curve of the channel RIAA input. This compensates for the response of the pickup cartridge to result in a flat music response. RIAA Response dBr 20.00 15.00 10.00 5.00 0.00 -5.00 -10.00 -15.00 -20.00 20.00 Hz 40 100.00 1000.00 10000.00 20000.
Master and Booth EQ Headphones EQ This graph shows the response of the master equaliser at maximum cut and boost. It has 80Hz (LF) and 10kHz (HF) shelves with up to 6dB boost and cut. The Booth EQ is similar but has a 100Hz LF response due to the lesser response of typical booth loudspeakers. This graph shows the response of the equaliser at maximum TONE control positions. Fully anti-clockwise LF is boosted by 6dB and HF cut by 12dB. Fully clockwise HF is boosted and LF cut.
User Notes: 42 XONE:S6 User Guide
