PMC 16 P e r s o n a l M o n i t o r C o n t ro l l e r Owner’s Manual
ELECTROMAGNETIC COMPATIBILITY This device complies with part 15 of the FCC Rules and the Product Specifications noted on the Declaration of Conformity. Operation is subject to the following two conditions: These symbols are internationally accepted symbols that warn of potential hazards with electrical products. The lightning flash means that there are dangerous voltages present within the unit. The exclamation point indicates that it is necessary for the user to refer to the owner’s manual.
Warning For your protection, read the following: Important Safety Instructions 1. Read these instructions. 2. Keep these instructions. 3. Heed all warnings. 4. Do not use this apparatus near water. 5. Clean only with dry cloth. 6. Do not block any ventilation openings. Install in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. 7. Do not install near any heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other apparatus (including amplifiers) that produce heat. 8.
Support/Service Contact If you require technical support, contact dbx Technical Support. Be prepared to accurately describe the problem. Know the serial number of your device–this is printed on a sticker attached to the chassis. If you have not already taken the time to fill out your warranty registration card and send it in, please do so now. You may also register online at www.dbxpro.com. Before you return a product to the factory for service, we recommend you refer to the manual.
Warranty 1. The warranty registration card that accompanies this product must be mailed within 30 days after purchase date to validate this warranty. You can also register online at www.dbxpro.com. Proof-ofpurchase is considered to be the responsibility of the consumer. A copy of the original purchase receipt must be provided for any warranty service. 2. dbx warrants this product, when purchased new from an authorized U.S. dbx dealer and used solely within the U.S.
Table of Contents Introduction ������������������������������������������������������������� 1 Philosophy ���������������������������������������������������������������� 2 Features ��������������������������������������������������������������������� 4 Package Contents ������������������������������������������������������ 5 Quick Start ���������������������������������������������������������������� 6 Panel Descriptions ���������������������������������������������������� 8 Top Panel ���������������
Introduction Thank you for choosing the dbx© PMC16 personal monitor controller. The PMC16 is a digital remote control providing a cost effective and powerful personal monitoring solution. Whether using headphones, in-ear monitors, powered monitors, or traditional wedge monitors, the PMC16 allows performing musicians to control their own personalized stage monitor mix with ease. Using BLU link, the PMC16 is capable of receiving up to 16 channels of high-end digital audio via CAT5e cable.
Philosophy The PMC16 is a digital remote control consisting of a monitor mixer, a reverb effect processor, and a global processing and output section. This creates an audio chain akin to a traditional live sound monitoring system and puts it in the hands of the on-stage musician, allowing each on-stage musician to tailor their own personalized mix and allow the system engineer to focus on the front of house mix. The PMC16 has two modes of operation: Setup Mode and Live Mode.
The PMC16 receives audio via the BLU link audio over Ethernet protocol. When assigning BLU link audio channels to the PMC16, each PMC16 input channel can be assigned any available BLU link channel on the network. This allows the system engineer to send any BLU link audio channels on the network to any PMC16, so each musician receives the channels of audio they require to create their mix. The output processing in the PMC16 was designed to provide the best listening experience possible.
Features • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 4 16 Channel Monitor Mixer With Level, Pan, Mute, Solo, & Reverb Send Control 16 Preset Locations For Mix & Configuration Recall LCD Display With 16 Channel Metering Lexicon© Courtesy Reverb dbx PeakStopPlus™ Limiting Global High & Low EQ Global Master Level Control Global Stereo Width Control BLU link High Bandwidth, Fault Tolerant Digital Audio Bus XLR & 1/4” Stereo Or Mono Outputs 1/8” & 1/4” Headphone Outputs Setup Wizard Supports 48 kHz & 96 kHz Sampling Rates
Package Contents The PMC16 was packaged with extreme care. Please take a moment to ensure the items listed below were received and that no damage to contents has occurred.
Quick Start Configuration 1. Mount the PMC16 to a mic stand, if desired. 2. If connecting to a wedge monitor, turn off the power to the amplifier or powered monitor. 3. Ensure the PMC16’s level control is turned all the way down (fully counterclockwise). 4. Using the appropriate output connector, connect the PMC16 to the desired monitoring device (i.e. headphones, in-ear monitor transmitter, amplifier, or powered wedge monitor). 5.
10. When prompted, store the configuration to a preset. Follow the on-screen instructions to name the preset and select a location in which to store the preset. 11. Once the Wizard is complete, press the button to return to Live mode. 12. Apply power to your amplifier or powered monitor. 13. Send signal to the PMC16 (signal presence can be verified on the PMC16’s LCD display which displays all input level meters on the Meters page). 14.
Panel Descriptions Top Panel 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 1. LCD Display This LCD display shows input metering, menus, pages, and parameters and is used during configuration and operation. 2. DATA Encoder The DATA encoder is used for navigating menus, on-screen option selection, and parameter editing.
3. BACK Button This button navigates back one page when navigating menus. This button also navigates back to the Meters page when pressed multiple times (depending upon how deep you are nested within a menu). 4. Function Buttons • WIZARD Button–Pressing this button allows access to the PMC16 Setup Wizard and Setup Menus for initially configuring the PMC16. • GROUP Button–Toggles the Group function on and off. • PRESET Button–Pressing this button allows for the storing or recalling of a preset.
7. HIGH Knob This control allows for quick adjustment of the high band shelving filter. This control affects all outputs and is used to control the high-end frequencies of the mix. 8. MASTER Knob This control allows for quick adjustment of the master output level. This control affects all outputs and is pre-limiter. 9. Master Level Meter This 4-segment LED meter displays the output signal level. The four LEDs represent -30 dBu, 0 dBu, +10 dBu, and +17 dBu (3 dB below the clip point). 10.
Rear/Side Panels 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 1 1. Power Supply Input Jack Used for providing power to the PMC16. Connect only the included power supply to this jack. 2. Power Cord Clip This clip holds the power cord, preventing the power plug from accidental removal. 3. BLU LINK IN/OUT Ports These BLU link ports allow you to connect to any BLU link compatible device and allow for the daisy chaining of multiple PMC16 remotes. 4. ETHERNET Port This port allows for future expansion of the PMC16’s feature set.
5. DSC Input Port This port allows for future expansion of the PMC16’s feature set. 6. USB Port This Mini USB port is used for updating the PMC16’s firmware. 7. 1/4” Outputs Connect these balanced outputs to any balanced or unbalanced line level device, such as an in-ear transmitter or recording device. 8. XLR Outputs Connect these balanced outputs to an amplifier or powered wedge monitor. 9. 1/4” Headphone Output Connect this output to headphones which have a 1/4” headphone plug. 10.
Mic Stand Mounting Instructions To install the PMC16 to a mic stand: 1. Align the mounting hole on the bottom of the PMC16’s chassis to the threads on the top of the mic stand. 2. Carefully turn the PMC16 clockwise to begin threading the PMC16 to the mic stand, ensuring the threads are properly aligned. Be careful not to crossthread the threads or overtighten. Note: The threaded mounting hole in the bottom of the PMC16 chassis is compatible with 5/8” (1.6 cm) mic stand mounts.
Making Connections–Cabling Power Use only the included power supply for supplying power to the PMC16. A power supply with the incorrect specifications may cause damage to the device. See “Specifications” for further information on this power supply. Analog Outputs The 1/4” and XLR analog outputs provide balanced audio connections. If connecting to unbalanced equipment, use the 1/4” outputs. The wiring conventions of these connectors are shown to the right.
BLU link BLU link is a proprietary point to point networking protocol that requires CAT5e or better cable. The BLU link ports are auto sensing, so you can use either a straight through cable (same termination on both ends) or crossover cable between them. The maximum allowable cable length of a single BLU link connection is 100 m (328 ft). By connecting the last BLU link device in the ring, back to the first BLU link device in the ring, BLU link’s built-in fault tolerance feature can be utilized.
Applications Personal Monitoring w/dbx TR1616 FRONT OF HOUSE Mixer Outputs 1 Receive Bank: Transmit Bank:11 Transmit Bank: 1 Receive Bank: N/A 01 01 <--BLU link LOOP IN BLU link LOOP OUT--> TR1616 16 PMC16 Owner’s Manual
STAGE <--To TR1616 LOOP IN BLU link--> Power Supply PMC16 Owner’s Manual BLU link OUT--> RX: 1 PMC16 PMC16 PMC16 Power Supply Powered Wedge Monitor IN RX: 1 OUT RX: 1 OUT IN--> BLU link Powered Wedge Monitor IN Powered Wedge Monitor BLU link--> Power Supply Legend BLU link Connection Analog Connection 17
Personal Monitoring w/BSS Audio Soundweb London System BSS SOUNDWEB LONDON SYSTEM <--BLU link IN BLU link OUT BLU link BLU-800 OUT BLU-800 IN Receive Bank: 1 Transmit Bank: 1 IN BLU-800 18 BLU link OUT to PMC16 BLU link IN--> PMC16 Owner’s Manual
STAGE <--To BLU-800 BLU link IN BLU link OUT--> PMC16 PMC16 PMC16 BLU link--> Power Supply Powered Wedge Monitor IN OUT OUT IN--> BLU link Powered Wedge Monitor IN Powered Wedge Monitor Power Supply PMC16 Owner’s Manual BLU link--> Power Supply Legend BLU link Connection Analog Connection 19
FRONT OF HOUSE 1 From Instruments On Stage Transmit Bank: 1 Receive Bank: 2 01 SNAKE OUT--> 02 <--SNAKE IN TR1616 20 PMC16 Owner’s Manual BLU link to SNAKE IN (100 m/328 ft. max) Mixer Outputs BLU link from SNAKE OUT (100 m/328 ft.
STAGE TR1616 2 <--SNAKE OUT 02 Transmit Bank: 2 Receive Bank: 1 01 <--BLU link LOOP IN BLU link LOOP OUT to IN--> Instruments Powered Wedge Monitor Powered Wedge Monitor IN OUT OUT RX: 1 or 2 IN Instrument Instrument RX: 1 or 2 Powered Wedge Monitor Instrument RX: 1 or 2 PMC16 PMC16 PMC16 BLU link--> BLU link OUT to LOOP IN--> SNAKE IN--> BLU link--> Legend BLU link Connection BLU link Snake Connection Power Supply Power Supply PMC16 Owner’s Manual Power Supply Analog Connec
FRONT OF HOUSE 1 From Instruments On Stage Transmit Bank: 1 Receive Bank: 3 TR1616 01 03 From Instruments On Stage 2 Transmit Bank: 2 Receive Bank: 4 02 04 TR1616 <--BLU link LOOP OUT to LOOP IN BLU link LOOP OUT to LOOP IN--> 22 PMC16 Owner’s Manual BLU link to SNAKE IN (100 m/328 ft. max) Mixer Outputs BLU link from SNAKE OUT (100 m/328 ft.
STAGE BLU link LOOP OUT to LOOP IN TR1616 Transmit Bank: 3 Receive Bank: 1 4 01 Powered Wedge Monitor Powered Wedge Monitor Powered Wedge Monitor Instrument Instrument RX: 1 OUT OUT RX: 1 02 Instruments IN BLU link LOOP OUT to IN--> Instruments 04 Transmit Bank: 4 Receive Bank: 2 BLU link--> RX: 1 PMC16 PMC16 PMC16 Instrument BLU link--> BLU link OUT to LOOP IN--> 3 <--SNAKE OUT TR1616 03 IN SNAKE IN--> Legend BLU link Connection BLU link Snake Connection Power Supply Power
The LCD Display Introduction To The Meters Page The Meters page is the first page displayed on the LCD display after boot up and is considered the “Home Page” of the PMC16. This page displays input level meters for all 16 input channels, offers details about which preset is currently loaded, and shows BLU link cable connection status, BLU link network sample rate, and BLU link clock sync status.
1. Meters These meters display input level for all 16 channels. 2. Preset Number Displays the number of the currently loaded preset. 3. Preset Name Displays the name of the currently loaded preset. 4. BLU link Sample Rate & Clock Sync Status Displays the sample rate of the PMC16 and BLU link network. The Lock icon shows when BLU link clock sync has been established (icon locked) and when clock sync has not been established (icon unlocked). BLU link clock sync must be made before audio can pass.
Setup Mode–The Setup Wizard & Setup Menus Setup Mode Introduction Setup Mode allows the system engineer to initially configure the PMC16 and consists of the Setup Wizard and Setup Menus. It is accessed by pressing the button. Typically, the system engineer would run through the Setup Wizard first, in order to select routing of BLU link audio channels to the PMC16, link stereo channels, name input channels, create and name groups, and optimize outputs for the type of monitoring system used.
The Setup Wizard The Setup Wizard allows for quick and easy configuration of the PMC16. To enter and navigate the Setup Wizard: 1. Press the button. 2. Ensure “SETUP WIZARD” is selected in the LCD display. If it is not, turn the encoder to select it. 3. Press the encoder to enter the Setup Wizard. 4.
Setup Wizard Options When using the Setup Wizard, the system engineer can either run through the entire Setup Wizard or run through individual Wizard options. Typically, the “RUN ALL SETUP ITEMS” option would be used to initially create a configuration. The other options would be used when creating a new configuration with only minor changes, such as changing the Reverb Type or Input Setup.
• OTHER–Select this option when you wish to independently route BLU link channels to the PMC16 or select a range of consecutive BLU link channels for routing to the PMC16. CHANNEL SETUP This option allows you to stereo link and name input channels. GROUP SETUP This option allows you to assign channels to groups and name groups. REVERB SETUP This option allows you to select the reverb type.
The Setup Menus The Setup Menus allow the system engineer to manually edit individual elements of the configuration and set global parameters and functions. To enter and navigate the Setup Menus: 1. Press the button. 2. Ensure “MENU” is selected in the LCD display. If it is not, turn the encoder to select it. 3. Press the encoder to view the Setup Menus. 4. Turn the encoder to select a Setup Menu. 5. Press the encoder to view the selected Setup Menu. 6.
Setup Menu Options Many of the Setup menus contain parameters which are automatically set after running and completing the Setup Wizard. These menus allow the system engineer to make manual adjustments to the configuration and set the global parameters which dictate how the PMC16 operates. CHANNEL NAMES This menu allows you to name each input channel. Names can be edited manually or selected from a list.
control, providing variable control ranging from normal stereo to mono summed. Because of this, a stereo linked channel pair cannot be mono summed and then panned left or right of center. GROUP NAMES This menu allows you to name each group. Names can be edited manually or selected from a list. To manually name a group, use the encoder to select the group then follow the on-screen instructions. When finished, scroll to “Next” then press the encoder.
STEREO WIDTH The Stereo Width parameter is automatically set when running and completing the Setup Wizard. It can also be manually adjusted by the system engineer and can be used to create a “hyper-stereo” image when monitoring with headphones or stereo in-ear monitors. Stereo Width can also be used to mono sum outputs for use with mono wedge monitors or in-ear monitors. The Stereo Width parameter affects all outputs. LIMITER The limiter provides speaker and hearing protection.
The limiter’s attack and release characteristics are program dependent, adapting to the envelope as it changes. This provides a limiter which is very easy to set, yet offers very musical results when used as intended. Note: Since the PeakStopPlus™ limiter is a fail-safe limiter, it must come after the MASTER output gain control in the signal path. This means that the limiter may act as a “volume governor” if the limiter threshold is set too low and the MASTER volume set too high.
UTILITY This menu allows the system engineer to set global parameters. The available options are: • • LCD CONTRAST: Adjusts the brightness of the LCD display. TIME OUT: When operating in Live Mode, this feature automatically returns to the Meters page after a pre-determined time of inactivity. Time Out can be configured in 1 minute increments (up to 10 minutes) or disabled. INFO This page displays the PMC16’s currently installed firmware version and IP address.
Live Mode–The PMC16 Monitor mixer Live Mode Introduction Live Mode is the normal operating mode of the PMC16 and is the mode in which the onstage musician (or end user) will be in when editing their monitor mix. Live Mode consists of the four pages within the PMC16’s monitor mixer section, which are: the Meters page, the Levels page, the Pan page, and the Effects page. These pages are shown in the following pages of this manual.
The PMC16 monitor mixer consists of the following four pages: METERS PAGE 1 Preset1 48k I O This is the first page visible on the PMC16’s LCD display after boot up. The Meters page allows you to see the input level meters for all 16 input channels. The Meters page can be accessed by pressing the button until the Meters page is displayed. LEVELS PAGE MIXER LEVELS PMC16 Owner’s Manual The Levels page allows you to adjust each channel’s level.
PAN PAGE R PAN L The Pan page allows you to adjust each channel’s pan setting. The Pan page can be accessed by pressing the button. EFFECTS PAGE EFFECT LEVELS 38 The Effects page allows you to adjust each channel’s effect send level. The Effects page can be accessed by pressing the button.
Using Multi-Select The PMC16’s operation was designed to provide an efficient workflow. There is a feature which was designed to allow the user to perform tasks on multiple channels as quickly as possible. This feature is referred to as “Multi-Select”. Multi-Select is used during Live Mode operation and allows for quick selection of multiple channels and/or groups for multi-channel muting, soloing, or editing of channel levels, pans, or effect send levels. To use Multi-Select: 1.
Using Groups Groups are configured in Setup Mode and can be used to group multiple channels together, allowing them to be controlled in unison. Pressing the button when in Live Mode toggles the Group function on and off. When the Group function is enabled, the GROUP button’s LED will light. Groups are typically used to combine multiple channels of a single instrument or a stereo pair which you want to retain individual control over.
Adjusting Channel Levels The Levels page allows you to adjust each channel’s level. To adjust a channel’s Level: 1. Press the button. You should now be in the Level Edit page, indicated by the LEVEL button LED lighting. 2. Select the channel(s) and/or group(s) which you would like to edit, using the button(s) (the LED on the top of the selected Channel Select button(s) will light green, indicating your selection). 3.
Adjusting Channel Pans The Pan page allows you to adjust each channel’s pan setting. To adjust a channel’s pan: 1. Press the button. You should now be in the Pan Edit page, indicated by the PAN button LED lighting. 2. Select the channel(s) and/or group(s) which you would like to edit, using the button(s) (the LED on the top of the selected Channel Select button(s) will light green, indicating your selection). 3.
Adjusting Effect Sends The Effects page allows you to adjust each channel’s effect send level. To adjust a channel’s effect send level: 1. Press the button. You should now be in the Effects Edit page, indicated by the EFFECTS button LED lighting. 2. Select the channel(s) and/or group(s) which you would like to edit, using the button(s) (the LED on the top of the selected Channel Select button(s) will light green, indicating your selection). 3.
Using The Solo Function Soloing channels allows the user to focus on specific channels for editing. Solo states are global and are not stored to presets. They are, however, retained after a power cycle. To solo/unsolo channels: 1. Select the channel(s) and/or group(s) which you would like to solo, using the button(s) (the LED on the top of the selected Channel Select button(s) will light green, indicating your selection). 2. Press the button to solo the selected channel(s).
Using The Mute Function Muting channels allows the user to eliminate channels from the mix which they do not want to hear. Mute states are global and are not stored to presets. They are, however, retained after a power cycle. To mute/unmute channels: 1. Select the channel(s) and/or group(s) which you would like to mute, using the button(s) (the LED on the top of the selected Channel Select button(s) will light green, indicating your selection). 2.
Using The Clear Function The clear function allows all active mutes or solos to be cleared very quickly. To clear all soloed channels: 1. Press the button. The CLEAR, SOLO, and MUTE button LEDs will begin flashing, indicating the clear function is ready to be performed. 2. Press the button to clear all soloed channels. To clear all muted channels: 1. Press the button. The CLEAR, SOLO, and MUTE button LEDs will begin flashing, indicating the clear function is ready to be performed.
Using The Global Trim Function The Global Trim function allows you to adjust the levels of all 16 channels in unison, while retaining the level relationship between the channels. This is a very handy feature and can be a tremendous time saver. For example, let’s say you just completed your mix, but have just realized you’re not hearing enough of the bass guitar. And let’s say the bass guitar’s channel level has been maxed out.
The Top Panel Knobs The four knobs on the top panel of the PMC16 provide quick access to the following PMC16 global parameters: REVERB This control allows for quick adjustment of the reverb’s return level, which affects the overall reverb level. This control has a range of -120 dB to +6 dB and the knob’s twelve o’clock position represents approximately -10 dB. LOW This control affects all outputs and is used to control the low-end frequencies of the overall mix.
Presets Presets allow for the storing of the “configuration” and the “mix”. All parameters which are set after running the Setup Wizard and/or altered in the Setup Menus are the settings which consist of the “configuration”. The “mix” parameters consist of the parameters set by the end user when creating their mix (i.e. channel pans, channel levels, and channel effect send levels). Up to 16 presets can be stored in the PMC16.
There are 3 options available when entering the Presets Menu. They are: • • • OVERWRITE CURRENT PRESET–Use this option to quickly update the currently loaded preset with any edits which have been made, storing the preset with the same preset name and to the same preset location. STORE–Use this option to store the preset with a different preset name and/or to change the preset location. RECALL–Use this option to recall a preset from memory.
To store a preset: 1. Press the button. 2. Turn the encoder to highlight the “STORE” option then press the encoder to select it. 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to rename the preset. 4. Select “NEXT” on the LCD display then press the encoder. 5. Select the desired preset location by either turning then pressing the encoder or by pressing the button that represents the preset location you would like to store the preset to (i.e.
Factory Reset The PMC16 provides a factory reset function for resetting all parameters within the device back to the factory default state. WARNING! Performing the factory reset will permanently delete all stored user presets from the PMC16. To perform the Factory Reset procedure: 1. Press and hold the button while applying power to the PMC16. Wait for the prompt to appear in the LCD display which instructs you to release the button. Release the button. 2.
Firmware Updates The PMC16’s installed firmware version can be found on the bottom of the LCD display during boot up or in the “INFO” Setup Menu. The firmware in the PMC16 is updatable via the Mini USB port. Available firmware updates can be downloaded from www.dbxpro.com. The Firmware Updater application for the PMC16 requires a Windows® PC. To perform a firmware update: 1. Download the Firmware Updater application from www.dbxpro.com. 2.
Block Diagram 54 PMC16 Owner’s Manual
PMC16 Owner’s Manual 55
Dimensions 9.742 .880 1.293 2.594 4.590 11.332 2.098 56 PMC16 Owner’s Manual 4.
Specifications Audio Performance Frequency Response: Dynamic Range: THD+N: Crosstalk: BLU link Digital Audio Bus Bit-Depth: Sample Rate: Connectors: Maximum Cable Length: Maximum Number of Nodes: Latency Per Node: Analog Outputs (XLR & 1/4”) Maximum Output Level: Output Impedance: Headphone Outputs (1/8” & 1/4”) Power/Impedance: Power Adapter: Power Consumption: Power Requirements: Weight/Dimensions Product Weight: Power Supply Weight: Dimensions
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