Version 1.2 May 2001 EURORACK ® www.behringer.
EURORACK MX3242X SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric 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 electric 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 enclosurevoltage that may be sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
EURORACK MX3242X FOREWORD Dear Customer, Welcome to the team of EURORACK users and thank you very much for expressing your confidence in BEHRINGER products by purchasing this unit.
EURORACK MX3242X EURORACK ® Ultra-low noise 16/32-channel 4-bus inline mixing console with integrated VIRTUALIZER multi-effects processor.
EURORACK MX3242X TABLE OF CONTENTS 1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 7 1.1 Concept .......................................................................................................................................... 7 1.1.1 Architecture .......................................................................................................................... 7 1.2 Before you start .......................
EURORACK MX3242X 4. APPLICATIONS ..................................................................................................................... 24 4.1 Recording situation ....................................................................................................................... 4.2 Live situation ................................................................................................................................. 4.3 Patchbay ...................................................
EURORACK MX3242X 1. INTRODUCTION Congratulations! In purchasing the BEHRINGER EURORACK MX3242X you have acquired a mixing console whose compact size belies its incredible versatility and superlative audio performance. Your EURORACK is built to the same outstanding quality as our top-of-the-range console, the BEHRINGER EURODESK MX9000. With its 19", 12 HU size it fits in a standard rack. When you mount the side panels, you can also use it as a table-top model.
EURORACK MX3242X 1.1.1 Architecture Main input channels Channels 1 through 16 are configured as mono channels with balanced Microphone and Line connectors. The discrete vintage-type microphone preamps in high-current technology have the same excellent quality as the amplifiers in our legendary BEHRINGER EURODESK MX9000. An overdimensioned external 19" power supply unit eliminates hum interference and ensures perfect pulse response even with signal transients.
EURORACK MX3242X Each of the Main input channels, the Subgroups and the Main Mix bus are equipped with 8-segment, 3-color LED level meters ( , and ), which help you set levels correctly and avoid distortion. When your MX3242X is shipped from the factory, the level meters are configured post-fader, but can also be modified to display pre-fader signals (cf. 4.4.2 Modifications). The level meters should average around 0 dB during loud passages.
EURORACK MX3242X 1.2.4 Shipping Your EURORACK MX3242X was carefully packed in the factory and the packaging was designed to protect the unit from rough handling. Nevertheless, we recommend that you carefully examine the packaging and its contents for any signs of physical damage, which may have occurred in transit. + If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to us, but notify your dealer and the shipping company immediately. Otherwise claims for damage or replacement may not be granted. 1.2.
EURORACK MX3242X Each mono channel features a balanced Line input on a ¼" jack XLR connector . and a balanced Microphone input on an Fig. 2.2: Phantom power switch The +48 V phantom power required for condenser mics can be activated with the phantom power button the Main section. If activated, the LED next to the button lights up. + in Mute the sound system before you turn on phantom power. Otherwise, power-up thumps could be played back by the monitor speakers. Fig. 2.
EURORACK MX3242X 2.1.2 Equalizer Fig. 2.4: Equalizer In addition to the Lo Cut filter, all Main input channels come with a 4-band Equalizer with two tunable midrange bands, each having up to 15 dB of cut and boost. In center detent position the EQ is off. With the EQ IN button you can activate/bypass the Equalizer, so as to allow for easy comparisons of EQ-ed and unprocessed signals. If you dont use the Equalizer, dont press the EQ IN button.
EURORACK MX3242X All Aux Sends are mono, post-EQ and post-mute. To make sure that the signal form the Main input channel is sent to the Aux bus, SOURCE buttons and should be up (not pressed). However, you can also split the Aux buses and use them both for the Main input channel and for the Mix-B channel. Aux Sends 1 and 2 can be set either pre or post-fader using button , while Aux Sends 3 through 6 are always post-fader. Aux Sends 3 and 4 as well as 5 and 6 are controlled by potentiometers and .
EURORACK MX3242X These are designed to give a smooth logarithmic taper of a type more usually associated with megabuck consoles. The performance, even at low levels, is far smoother than that of a normal budget fader. positions the output of the channel in the stereo field. Its constant-power design The PANORAMA control ensures there are no level discrepancies whether a signal is hard-panned, center-stage, or somewhere in-between.
EURORACK MX3242X 2.2.3 Routing Fig. 2.8: Controlling the Mix-B signal Each Mix-B input channel has a PANORAMA and LEVEL control as well as a MUTE button . All signals from a Mix-B channel are routed to the Mix-B bus and are available from the MIX-B OUT jack on the interface panel. Their overall volume is determined by the LEVEL control in the MIX-B Main section. Additionally, you can route the Mix-B bus to the Main Mix bus by pressing the TO MAIN MIX button .
EURORACK MX3242X along the channel, fed through the dynamics processor and/or EQ, then returned to the console at the same point where it left. The insert point is normalized, i.e. the signal is only interrupted when a jack is plugged into it (see chapter 4.3 Patchfield). 2.3.1 Main input channels All main input channels are equipped with insert points (stereo phone jack ured pre-fader, pre-EQ and pre-Aux Send. on the rear).
EURORACK MX3242X 2.4 Main section 2.4.1 Aux Send buses Fig. 2.11: Aux Send Main section Aux Sends are on ¼" phone jacks . Their level can be adjusted with the master controls for Aux Sends 1 through 6 located in the Main section. Beyond the center detent position (unity gain), these controls give you up to 15 dB gain, which should be more than enough to drive any effects unit. The SOLO buttons enable you to monitor the Aux signals via the MON OUTput .
EURORACK MX3242X inputs. For example, they can return the signal of a multi-track recorder (Tape Returns), or act as inputs for instruments, especially when your MIDI keyboard or rack delivers a pre-mixed stereo signal. 2.4.3 Level meters The Main Mix / PFL / SOLO level is displayed by two highly accurate 8-segment peak meters on the status of the SOLO function, either the PFL or SOLO LED lights up. . Depending 2.4.4 CHANNEL MODE and SOLO MASTER LEVEL controls Fig. 2.
EURORACK MX3242X 2.4.6 Monitor section Fig. 2.15: Monitor section The buttons 2-TRACK and MIX-B determine which signal is sent to the MON OUTputs , where you can connect active or passive speakers (plus power amp). If neither one of the buttons is pressed, the outputs provide the Main Mix signal. The 2-TRACK button allows you to monitor the signals from a 2-Track master recorder (e.g. DAT).
EURORACK MX3242X 2.4.8 Subgroups and Main Mix fader Fig. 2.17: Subgroups section In a recording situation, the inputs of a multi-track recorder are fed with signals from the Subgroup outputs . The 4 Subgroups, in turn, can be fed by the Main input channels and the Aux Return buses. In this way, you can also record effect signals. The faders control the level of the signals routed to each Subgroup, while the MAIN MIX button sends the signal routed to a Subgroup back to the Main Mix bus.
EURORACK MX3242X A very special feature of your MX3242X is its on-board Effects Processor, which offers the same hard/software quality as our well-known 19" VIRTUALIZER DSP1024P. This effects module provides 32 different standard effects such as Reverb, Chorus, Flanger, Delay, Pitch Shifter and various effects combinations. Use Aux Send 3 (Main input channels) and the Aux Send 3 master control to feed signals to the Effects Processor.
EURORACK MX3242X Echo: Much like the Delay effect, echo repeats the input signal with decaying intensity. However, here the echoes lose brilliance with each repetition, which simulates the trendy vintage effect produced by tape echo units that were widely used in the pre-digital era. Gated Reverb: Phil Collins song In the air tonight made this effect famous: a Reverb is cut off abruptly after a certain time. Flanger: An LFO constantly modulates the effect signals pitch by a few cents up and down.
EURORACK MX3242X 3. PRACTISE 3.1 Selecting inputs 1) Mono channels accept Mic or Line inputs. If you are using the Mic input, make sure nothing is connected to the Line input (and vice versa). 2) Mic inputs are more sensitive than Line inputs. Do not connect microphones with Phantom Power switched on. 3.2 Initializing channels for gain setting 1) Set gain to minimum in all Main input channels, and all Aux Sends to OFF (fully counterclockwise).
EURORACK MX3242X to incrementally increase the record level until the onset of digital distortion, subtract, say 5 or 10 dB, and never exceed that level. Engage peak hold on your recorder before recording if you want to confirm that you havent. When recording to analog, the tape machines VU meters should show around +3 dB on bass, but only around -10 dB for hi-hats.
EURORACK MX3242X Mix-B inputs (Tape Return). Please select monitor bus Mix-B in the MON/CTRL section, so that you can control the tape return signals using the LEVEL and PAN controls of the Mix-B input channels. + In a recording situation the recorded material should always be monitored via the Tape Return bus. The same applies to the monitor mix and effect sends for the performing musician(s); they, too, should be fed from the Tape Return bus.
EURORACK MX3242X Main input channels are most often used for the monitor mix, a Compressor in the channel insert would raise the signal level in soft passages and induce feedback in the monitor system. 4.3 Patchbay A Patchbay allows to patch the audio signals of most components in your studio from a central point and send them to other units, which makes your entire cabling better structured and is indispensable for professional work.
EURORACK MX3242X 4.3.4 Normalled Fig. 4.3: Patchbay mode normalled Here, and in contrast to the half-normalled setup, the signal route of the rear phone jacks is interrupted when you insert a plug both into the upper and lower front jacks. 4.3.5 Open Fig. 4.4: Patchbay mode open This mode is used to connect devices such as sound modules or CD players having no inputs of their own.
EURORACK MX3242X 2 3 4 Fig. 4.1: Example of a studio organization with four Patchbays In the first eight modules of Patchbay 1 the Subgroup outputs are directly connected to the corresponding multitrack inputs. In addition to that it is also possible to record the signals coming from a Subgroup on a different track of the multitrack. To save space and provide a clearly structured configuration, the Direct Outputs are connected both to the top and bottom jacks.
EURORACK MX3242X 4.3.7 Looming problems Loom wiring is an art unto itself, and it is worth taking time out to get it right. First off, it is important to avoid earth loops (a looped wire acts an aerial, picking up hum and electromagnetic radiation). Think of a tree. Every part of that tree is connected to every other part, but only by one route. Thats how the total earth picture for your entire studio should look. Dont take the earth off your power cable plug to reduce audible 50 Hz mains hum.
EURORACK MX3242X With the Expander Port inputs and outputs of your MX3242X you can route the following buses to the outside world, and feed in the following external signals: PIN-NO.
EURORACK MX3242X Fig. 4.10: Partial view of pc board carrying 8 mono and 8 Mix-B input channels 4.
EURORACK MX3242X Heres how to do it: 1) Switch off the mixing console and disconnect it from the mains! 2) Cut the existing pcb track. 3) Solder a new jumper. Fig. 4.11: Cut pcb track and solder jumper J1 through J8: changing Aux Send 1/2 from POST MUTE to POST EQ. When Aux Send 1/2 is set pre-fader (PRE button pressed), the signal is taken post-MUTE, but pre-fader. Advantage: during a live gig you can easily mute the channels not in use as well as the monitor path.
EURORACK MX3242X (or 2x mono pre-fader monitor). If you need a stereo post-fader send, simply modify the console accordingly. Then you can, for example, drive a stereo effects device in true stereo mode. J33 through J40: changing Meters from POST FADER to PRE FADER. When shipped from the factory, the level meters in the main input channels are set post-fader, as this is necessary for recording purposes.
EURORACK MX3242X 5.1.2 Gain optimization PFL (Pre-Fader-Listen) is the way to set a desk level. Master Aux Send levels are fixed at Unity Gain. 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 just before setting up for the final mix. Outboard Reverbs etc. should all be made to work hard. Theres no point in having an 85 dB dynamic range if the input meter of your reverb is barely flickering.
EURORACK MX3242X + Please note that both PSU and EURORACK will heat up during operation. This is completely normal and does not indicate a malfunction. 6.2 Mains connection The mains connection of the MX3242X is made by using the included power supply unit. It meets all of the international safety certification requirements. + Please make sure that all units have a proper ground connection.
EURORACK MX3242X Unbalanced use of mono 1/4" jack plugs Balanced use of stereo 1/4" jack plugs Tip = Signal Tip = hot (+ve) Ring = cold (-ve) Sleeve = Ground / Shield Sleeve = Ground / Shield Tip Tip Sleeve Ring Sleeve Strain relief clamp Strain relief clamp For connection of balanced and unbalanced plugs, ring and sleeve have to be bridged at the stereo plug.
EURORACK MX3242X 7. APPENDIX 7.1 Specifications Mono input channels Mic input Frequency response Distortion (THD&N) Gain range Max. input S/N ratio Electronically balanced, discrete input configuration 10 Hz to 130 kHz, +/-3 dB 0.007 % at -30 dBu, 1 kHz, 22 Hz to 22 kHz +10 dB to +60 dB +12 dBu -125 dB, 150 Ohm source, 22 Hz to 22 kHz -121 dBqp, 150 Ohm source, 22 Hz to 22 kHz -126 dB, input shorted -122 dBqp, input shorted Electronically balanced 10 Hz to 125 kHz, +/-3 dB 0.
EURORACK MX3242X 7.2 Track sheet Copy this model track sheet and use it to archive project-specific settings, so that you can restore a specific recording or live set-up if need be. Particularly for live applications with several groups or a series of similar concerts it can be of great help to have the required settings available. We recommend that you enlarge this page to, for example, DIN A3. Fig. 7.2: Track sheet 38 7.
EURORACK MX3242X 8. 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.
