MIDIMAN Fineline Manual 1
Contents Introduction .....................................................................................3 Front & Rear Panels - Fig. 1 ......................................................4 Overview ..........................................................................................5 Left and Right Inputs, Level Pots, LED Indicators & the Mono/Stereo Switch .............................................5 Headphone Output and Phone Level .............................................
Introduction The FineLine audio mixer is an expansion of MIDIMAN’s Minimixer concept of “mixing at the source.” This concept is that the mixer’s primary function is to combine many audio signals in the most quiet, transparent manner possible. Control of signal levels, relative mix of instruments, panning, frequency equalization, and effects is then accomplished primarily within the instruments themselves, as is now the case with most modern synthesizers.
Front & Rear Panels - Fig.
Overview While reading the following description of how FineLine works it may be helpful to refer to the preceding Front and Rear Panels - Figure 1, or the Block Diagram - Figure 3 located in the back of this manual. Left and Right Inputs, Level Pots, LED Indicators and the Mono/Stereo Switch Basically, FineLine functions as either a 10 channel, stereo or 20 channel mono line mixer.
Turning a send pot all the way down will prevent any of that signal from appearing at the Send mix Output, while turning it all the way up will send it out the Send mix Output with 6 dB of gain. Mono Mic Switch & MIC 1,2/3,4 Outputs With the Mono Mic switch located on the back of FineLine in the Off position, the four XLR microphone inputs and the two Mic outputs are independent of the rest of the FineLine mixer.
Applications and Hints Gain Settings The gain provided when the Left and Right Level pots are turned all the way up can help drive a power amplifier or boost a signal from -10 to +4 dB signal levels. For unity gain and the lowest mixer noise these pots should be set to about 9 o’clock. For lowest noise, most synthesizers volumes should be turned up to almost full.
Using the Send Inputs and Output for the Addition of Effects Any of FineLine’s 20 Line Inputs may be used as effects returns as well as for instrument inputs. The Send Output might typically be routed to one of the inputs of a stereo reverb unit. The left and right stereo outputs of the reverb could then be plugged into unused Left and Right FineLine inputs. In this case, the mix control on the reverb unit should be set for effect only.
Processing Microphone Signals Processing microphone signals can be handled in a similar fashion utilizing unused, non-send Inputs as returns. With the Mono Mic Switch off, the MIC 3,4 Output would typically be sent to the effects unit input. The effects unit’s stereo outputs could then be plugged into non-send Inputs, such as say, 2 and 12.
Typical Set-Up - Fig.
Setting-up FineLine has 16 non-send, line level inputs, 4 send, line level inputs, and 4 XLR microphone inputs. FineLine can also be configured for either stereo or monaural operation. In reading the following section you may wish to refer to the Typical System Set-Up - Figure 2 which precedes this section. Plugging in Line Level Instruments To start setting-up your system first decide whether you wish to use FineLine as a monaural or stereo mixer and set the front Mono/Stereo switch accordingly.
If you want to use FineLine as a stereo microphone mixer you must have 1/4” phone jacks plugged into both the Mic1,2 and Mic3,4 Output Jacks. This is because the Mic1,2 Output Jack is “switched,” and when a plug is inserted into it stereo operation is turned on (see Block Diagram in the back). If you also want a stereo microphone, mix the rear panel Mono Mic Switch must be Off.
to BOTH the Left and Right Outputs So either or both Outputs can be used as mixed signal sources. This is handy if you wish to use one Output for monitors and the other Output for a power amp. The Output Levels of FineLine are controlled by the front panel Left and Right pots. When set to 9 o’clock FineLine has unity gain, which is the best setting if you are going into a mixing board. If you are going into a power amplifier these pots will act as convenient volume controls.
Typical Applications Live Band, Duos and Trios FineLine takes up just one rack space, can mix all instruments along with four microphones, and can drive a power amplifier in mono or stereo. Home Studios FineLine can mix all the modules in a typical electronic instrument setup, and provide stereo microphone mixing of acoustic instruments and vocals. FineLine is especially ideal if you are using MIDI to control synthesizer volumes and effects.
Block Diagram - Fig.
Limited Warranty MIDIMAN warrants that this product is free of defects in materials and workmanship under normal use so long as the product is owned by the original purchaser and that purchaser has registered his/her ownership of the product by sending in the completed warranty card. In the event that MIDIMAN receives written notice of defects in materials or workmanship from such an original purchaser, MIDIMAN will either replace the product, repair the product, or refund the purchase price at its option.
