owner’s manual X-Rack XRM - rack mount mixers 12 Output Monitor Mixer
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.
table of contents Introduction Thank you and congratulations on your purchase of your new Crest Audio X-Rack 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.
p.4 RIGHT 26dB PAD XRM BLK DIA-REV1.0 - 5/20/02 AC IN 100-240V 50 / 60 Hz 80W X-RACK REAR PANEL: AC INLET & SWITCH POWER ON SOLO-LINK CONNECTORS.
how to use this manual format This manual uses a format that is intended to be easy to read, yet technical 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 XRM owner’s manual Module Controls LINE INPUT ( MIC PAD ) 40 GAIN 20 40 GAIN 50 10 20 70 LO CUT 0 – 50 + HF 8 8 15 2K 10 15 5K 600 400 LO CUT 6 8K 0 – 70 3K 1K HM + 8 8 15 500 500 300 0 F 15 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 HF 500 500 1K 100 2K 0 – LM + 8 8 15 15 0 – + LF 8 8 15 Block diagram 15 EQ ON 1 MIX SENDS +48V ON PRE – 10 20 30 40 S T R • 6 – 0 2 + 3 • 6 10 20 30 40 – 10 20 30 40 •
Mono Input channel 1 Front panel features 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 XRM owner’s manual Module Controls 10 70 LO CUT 40 GAIN 20 50 10 70 0 – + HF 8 + HF 8 0 – LO CUT 8 8 8 15 2K 1K 15 3K 400 60 8K 0 – 15 2K 1K 1 5K 600 HM + 8 15 3K 8 15 600 15 500 500 300 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 400 8 + LF 8 15 8 15 15 15 EQ ON 500 1 500 300 MIX SENDS 1K PRE – 10 20 30 40 6 – 0 2 + 3 10 • • 6 – 0 4 + 3 10 – • 6 – 0 6 + 3 10 6 – 0 8 + 3 10 • 3 0 9 + 3 S T R • 6 –
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. XRM offers a 4-Band EQ on each channel.The input EQ consists of the bands: High, High-Mid, Low-Mid and Low.The High and Low frequency bands are shelving equalizers, each have a boost/cut control and their frequencies are fixed.
1 Mono input channel Module XRM owner’s manual COMMON INPUT M STR PAIR SOLO LO CUT PWR STR PAIR 1–2 40 GAIN 20 Chan Fader Master Faders LO CUT 30 40 3–4 10 70 500 500 LO CUT 0 – 500 500 500 15 400 8 LF 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 20 100 2K 0 – 8 4 LM + 15 30 40 + LF 8 15 1 S T R 1 MIX SENDS PRE 10 – • 10 20 30 40 S T R 6 – 0 2 + 3 • 10 • 10 20 30 40 • 10 20 0 3 + 3 S T R 6 – 0 4 + 3 0 5 + 3 S T R 6 – 0 6 + 3 • 0 7 +
Mono Input channel 1 Front panel features Mix Send features The XRM is capable of generating 12 mono mixes, 6 stereo mixes, or a combination of both mono and stereo mixes. Each of the six Odd/Even pairs of sends can be configured as a stereo pair- the Odd pot becomes the level control, the Even pot becomes the pan pot.The changeover to stereo operation is controlled by the STR PAIR switches located above the master faders.
1 Mono input channel XRM owner’s manual Module • Controls 6 MUTE 40 GAIN 20 50 10 1 70 LO CUT 0 – + HF 8 8 15 2K 1K 15 10 3K 5K 600 400 – 20 8K 0 HM + 8 30 40 8 15 15 500 500 300 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 2K 0 – • 500 PFL 8 15 15 0 – 500 LM + 8 + LF 8 Block diagram 8 15 15 EQ ON 1 MIX SENDS PRE – 10 20 30 40 S T R • 6 – 0 2 + 3 • 6 10 20 30 40 – 10 20 30 40 • • – 10 6 – 0 6 + 3 • 6 – 10 20 • • 20 HF 2
Mono Input channel 1 Front panel features Channel Level and Control This next set of controls allows the operator to control and monitor the overall level of the channel signal. Mute Sw and LED The Mute switch kills the channel signal and prevents it from feeding any Mix Send pots.The muteelement itself is a FET transistor, allowing for timed, ramped on-off control of the channel signal.This avoids any “pops and clicks” when muting a channel.
1 Mono input channel XRM owner’s manual Connectors Rear panel +48V On Balanced Line Inputs For Stereo Channels S1–S4 PUSH L L Bal Input S3 L L Bal Input R S1 Bal Input L R S4 S2 S4 L Split Out R +48V On S3 PUSH R XLRs Pin1 Lift L R S4 Split Out S3 PUSH L Input R XLRs Pin1 Lift Bal Input PUSH L Input PUSH R +48V On +48V On S2 L Input PUSH R XLRs Pin1 Lift L R S2 Split Out PUSH +48V On R XLRs Pin1 Lift L R S1 Split Out +48V On +48V On +48V On +48V
Mono Input channel 1 Rear panel features +48 V On +48 volts DC is applied equally (thru current-limiting resistors) to both pins 2 and 3 on the micinput 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. NOTE 1: Operating this switch (On or Off) causes large voltage swings to occur at the input of the mic preamp.
1 Mono input channel XRM owner’s manual Connectors Rear panel +48V On Balanced Line Inputs For Stereo Channels S1–S4 PUSH L L Bal Input S3 L L Bal Input R S1 Bal Input L R S4 S2 S4 L Split Out R +48V On S3 PUSH R XLRs Pin1 Lift L R S4 Split Out S3 PUSH L Input R XLRs Pin1 Lift Bal Input PUSH L Input PUSH R +48V On +48V On S2 L Input PUSH R XLRs Pin1 Lift L R S2 Split Out PUSH +48V On R XLRs Pin1 Lift L R S1 Split Out +48V On +48V On +48V On +48V
Mono Input channel 1 Rear panel features (continued): Split-Out XLR jack This male XLR jack is wired pin-to-pin to the female XLR input jack. In combination with the female XLR, it forms a passive,Y-Split of the input signal.This split-signal can be used to feed the mic input to another mixer (usually the FOH mixer), or to “mult” the input to another channel on the XRM. NOTE: This pin-to-pin connection between XLR jacks is NOT affected by the Pin-1 lift switch.
2 Stereo input channel XRM owner’s manual Controls Module STR LINE IN ( MIC PAD ) 35 GAIN STR LINE IN 20 40 15 ( MIC PAD ) 60 SUM INPUTS 0 – F 3K 5K 400 HM + 8 500 15 500 500 300 100 0 500 F + HF 2K 0 LM + 8 Block diagram 8 15 15 0 – 500 3 1K – 60 SUM INPUTS T 8 15 F 15 60 8K 0 – M 2 40 15 600 500 20 8 15 2K 1K M 35 GAIN N + HF 8 + LF 8 8 15 15 +48V ON XRM STEREO INPUT MOD EQ ON S1 4 STEREO INPUTS AVAILABL MIX SENDS PRE 10 – 20 30 40 S T
Stereo Input channel 2 Front panel features The XRM features four, full-function Stereo Input channels.These inputs are labeled S1 thru S4 and are located directly left of the master section. Each stereo channel features two mic preamps, so mic-level stereo sources can be processed on one common channel.
2 Stereo input channel XRM owner’s manual Controls Module 15 60 STR LINE IN ( MIC PAD ) 35 GAIN 20 SUM INPUTS T 2 40 15 + HF 8 3K 400 60 8K 0 HM + 8 8 15 500 300 100 8 M 8 8 15 500 EQ ON S1 500 500 500 500 500 500 – 20 • 10 20 30 40 • 10 30 40 • 10 20 30 40 • 10 S T R – • 10 20 30 40 • 10 S T R 6 – 0 4 + 3 • 10 20 30 40 • 10 6 – 0 6 + 3 • 10 20 30 40 • 10 20 30 40 S T R 6 0 9 + 3 S T R 6 – 0 10 + 3 0 11 + 3 S T R 6 – 0 12 + 3 • 6 20 LF
Stereo Input channel 2 Front panel features Stereo EQ The Stereo Input channel has two parallel EQ circuits that are controlled by the same set of knobs. It is functionally identical to the Mono Input EQ. Many audio signals coming into the console require some degree of corrective eq in order to be part of a good sounding mix. XRM offers a 4-Band EQ on each channel.The input EQ consists of the bands: High, High-Mid, Low-Mid and Low.
00 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 500 2 Stereo input channel Master Faders HM STR PAIR LO CUT STR PAIR Chan Level ( MIC PAD ) 1–2 30 40 3–4 35 GAIN 2 40 500 0 500 500 500 500 10 15 2K 3K 500 300 100 500 15 S4 1 8 3 15 EQ ON S1 1 PK SIG 2 – 20 • 10 20 • 10 S T R 6 – 0 2 + 3 – • 10 • 10 S T R 6 – 0 4 + 3 S T R • 6 – 0 6 + 3 • 6 10 20 10 – 20 30 40 • 10 20 30 40 • 10 6 – 0 8 + 3 – • 10 20 30 40 • 10 20 30 40 S T R 6 – 0 10 + 3 6 – 0 11
Stereo Input channel 2 Mix Send features The XRM is capable of generating 12 mono mixes, 6 stereo mixes, or a combination of both mono and stereo mixes. Each of the six Odd/Even pairs of sends can be configured as a stereo pair- the Odd pot becomes the level control, the Even pot becomes the pan pot.The changeover to stereo operation is controlled by the STR PAIR switches located above the master faders.
2 Stereo input channel XRM owner’s manual Controls Module • 6 MUTE STR LINE IN ( MIC PAD ) 35 GAIN N S1 20 40 15 60 SUM INPUTS T 0 – F + HF 8 8 15 2K 15 20 3K 1K 5K 600 400 M 10 HM + 8 8 15 500 500 500 PFL LM + 8 8 15 F 500 2K 0 – – Block diagram 15 0 + LF 8 8 15 15 PFL EQ ON S1 XRM STEREO INPUT MODULE MIX SENDS 10 – 20 30 40 30 40 • 6 – 20 S T R 30 40 • 10 4 20 30 40 10 5 30 40 • 10 6 20 30 40 S T R 30 40 • 10 20 30 40 30 40 • •
Stereo Input channel 2 Front panel features Channel Level and Control This next set of controls allows the operator to control and monitor the overall level of the channel signal. Both sides of the Stereo channel (left & right) are simultaneously controlled. Mute Sw and LED The Mute switch kills the channel signals and prevents it from feeding any Mix Send pots.The muteelement itself is a FET transistor, allowing for timed, ramped on-off control of the channel signal.
2 Stereo input channel XRM owner’s manual Connectors Rear panel +48V On Balanced Line Inputs For Stereo Channels S1–S4 PUSH +48V On S4 PUSH +48V On S3 PUSH +48V On S2 PUSH +48V On +48V On +48V On +48V On +48V On +48V On +48V On +48V On +48V On +48V On +48V On +48V On +48V On S1 Balanced Line In Balanced Line In Balanced Line In Balanced Line In Balanced Line In Balanced Line In Balanced Line In Balanced Line In Balanced Line In Balanced Line In Balanced Line In Balanced
Stereo Input channel 2 Rear panel features +48 V On +48 volts DC is applied equally (thru current-limiting resistors) to both 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 XRM owner’s manual Module Controls 12V N P H O N N E S 12V ) R N P 1 ) H O N N E S LAMP 3 2 1 4 5 6 LEV 7 8 9 0 10 F 9 6 3 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 SPEAKERS ON 4 5 6 LEV 3 7 2 8 1 9 0 10 COMMON INPUT M STR PAIR L R PWR STR PAIR 1–2 4 5 6 LEV 3 7 2 8 1 9 0 10 LO CUT 3–4 500 F 10 0 5 F 3 2 1 10 20 30 9 6 3 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 SPEAKERS ON 5 M 1 LAMP SOLO LO CUT R 4 5 6 LEV 7 8 9 0 10 COMMON INPUT STR PA R O CUT L R SOLO PWR STR PA R O CUT O
Master section 3 Front panel features The XRM master section contains the controls and indicators for the Solo system, headphone and Monitor system, and Mix Master outputs.This section allows the operator to control the overall operation of the mixer. A BNC lamp connector, supplied with +12 volts, is also located within this section. Each individual sub-system will be described in detail. Solo System The XRM is equipped with a Stereo Solo System.
3 Master section XRM owner’s manual Block diagram- Common Input Module 12V N P H O N E S R COMMON INPUT CIRCUITRY 1 LAMP 3 2 1 4 5 6 LE V 7 8 9 0 10 SPEAKERS ON 3 2 1 4 5 6 LE V 7 8 9 0 10 COMMON INPUT STR PAIR ODD MIX BUSES L R SOLO PWR LO CUT STR PAIR 1–2 COMMON INPUT - L COMMON INPUT LEVEL 1 3 5 7 9 11 9 6 3 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 L 2 4 6 8 10 12 R COMMON INPUT - R EVEN MIX BUSES LO CUT 3– 4 500 10 5 0 5 10 20 Block diagram- Mix Outputs 30 1 2 PK SIG XRM MIX PAI
Master section 3 Front panel features (continued) Common Input Often, a click track, tape playback or ref track, needs to be heard by all the performers.An input channel can be used for this, with all mix sends turned up to the same level. If an input channel is not available, the Common Input section can be used for that purpose. Input jacks, both TRS and XLR, are provided on the rear panel for bringing a line-level, stereo feed into the mixer.
3 Master section XRM owner’s manual Controls Module COMMON INPUT H O N N E S M ) R 1 STR PAIR LAMP 3 2 1 4 5 6 LEV 7 8 9 0 10 3 2 1 4 5 6 LEV 7 8 9 0 10 F 500 9 6 3 0 3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 500 SPEAKERS ON COMMON INPUT M SOLO PWR 12V N P STR PAIR R PWR 1–2 500 500 500 500 LO CUT 3–4 500 10 5 L STR PAIR STR PAIR 1–2 500 SOLO LO CUT LO CUT LO CUT 0 M 3–4 5 500 10 5 F 0 M 10 5 F 10 20 20 30 30 OUTPUT MASTERS 1 2 PK SIG 3 OUTPUT MASTERS 4 AFL 2
Master section 3 Front panel features (continued) Master Fader - Mix Output Level 10 5 0 5 10 15 20 30 Each of the twelve mixes has its own 60mm master fader.This fader controls the main output of the mix and allows the operator to easily adjust the level sent to the performers. Up to 10dB additional gain is available.The faders are arranged in odd/even pairs for ease of use when operating in Stereo mode. Nominal setting is at the 0 (unity) point.
3 Master section XRM owner’s manual Bus Inputs Mix Inserts and Outputs Mix Insert Bus Input to Mixes 9 5 1 10 6 2 Mix Insert Mix Insert Mix Insert Mix Insert Mix Insert 11 9 7 5 3 1 12 10 8 6 4 2 Mix Out Mix Out Mix Out Mix Out Mix Out Mix Out 11 7 3 11 9 7 5 3 1 12 8 4 12 10 8 6 4 2 Block diagram XRM MIX PAIR 1 OF 6 PAIRS SHOWN MAIN RIBBON CABLE 40 WAY ODD MIX BUS IN HPF 40Hz -18dB/Oct ODD MIX AMP MIX INSERT SEND / RTN HPF PRE FADER AFFECTS BOTH OD
Master section 3 Rear panel features Main Outputs 1 thru 12 The XRM has 12 Mix outputs. Each output features the following connectors: Bus Input Mix Insert Main Out Bus Input Each of the 12 mixes has an associated Bus Input jack.This female XLR allows external signals to be mixed into the XRM, either from another X-Rack mixer, or any other audio source.
3 Master section XRM owner’s manual Rear panel Common Input to All Mixes ( Level Control on Front Panel ) Left (Odd) Right (Even) Monitor Out Left (Odd) Controlled by SPEAKER-ON Switch Right (Even) Block diagram SOLO AND MONITOR CIRCUITS SOLO MIX AMPS SOLO LEFT FOLLOW SOLO SOLO FEED L-R SOLO RIGHT SOLO DC +9 6 3 0 -3 6 9 12 15 18 21 24 LED METERS MONITOR OUT - L SOLO CONTROL LOGIC SOLO ON PWR ON SPEAKER ON MONITOR OUT - R MONITOR / HP LEVEL L HEADPHONE AMP HEADPHONE JACK R COMMON IN
Master section 3 Rear panel features (continued) Other Inputs and Outputs Common Input A stereo input is provided for feeding a common signal to all of the 12 mix buses simultaneously. From the stereo source, the left signal will feed all of the odd mixes, the right signal will feed all of the even mixes. Both XLR and 1/4” TRS jacks are provided, the XLR jack is normal'd thru the TRS jack, so if a plug is inserted into the TRS jack, the XLR is disconnected.
3 Master section XRM owner’s manual Solo Link Connectors Tie Mixers together AC Inlet Information and warnings SOLO LINK RACK-MOUNT MIXER Professional Audio Products Designed and Built in the USA IN OUT Crest Audio Inc. Fair Lawn, NJ 07410 USA www.crestaudio.
Master section 3 Rear panel features (continued) Solo Link When using multiple X-Rack mixers together, the solo systems can be linked.This Solo Link is compatible with the XR-20 and XR-24 Rack mixers. A 5-pin, shielded DIN cable, wired pin-topin, can be used to link the Solo Audio and control signals between mixers.
I/O Connections • Operating Levels • Impedance (Ω ) 1 2 3 Bal In (Mic) Bal In (Line) Bus In Common In 1= CHS 2= IN + 3= IN – –60dBu +4dBu +4dBu +4dBu 4K 20K 20K 20K Passive +4dBu +4dBu 4K 100 100 • XLR Female • 1 2 3 1= CHS 2= OUT + 3= OUT – Split Out Mix Out Monitor Out • XLR Male • T= IN + R= IN – Line Input Common In +4dBu +4dBu 20K 20K S= CHS • 1/4” TRS Input • T= OUT + R= OUT – S= CHS Monitor Out +4dBu 100 • 1/4” TRS Output • T= Send R= Rtn S= GND Chan Insert Mix Insert +4dBu -2d
Specifications 4 Specifications Frequency response +0/-0.5dB 20Hz-20kHz ref 1kHz (any input to any output) THD+noise any output <0.
XRM owner’s manual Version 1.01 May 28, 2002 Crest P/N D7000028 Crest Audio 16-00 Pollitt Drive Fair Lawn NJ 07410 (201) 475-4600 www.crestaudio.
