Behringer 1202FX - Manual (Page 4)

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XENYX 1002FX/1202FX
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations! In purchasing our XENYX 1002FX/1202FX you
have acquired a mixing console whose small size belies its
incredible versatility and audio performance.
The BEHRINGER XENYX mixing console offers you premium-
quality microphone preamplifiers with optional phantom power
supply, balanced line inputs and the ability to connect external
effects processors. Because of its extensive and carefully
thought-out routing possibilities, your XENYX lends itself equally
to both live and studio use.
The XENYX Series represents a milestone in the development
of mixing console technology. With the new XENYX microphone
preamps including phantom power as an option, balanced line
inputs and a powerful effects section, the mixing consoles in the
XENYX Series are optimally equipped for live and studio
applications. Owing to state-of-the-art circuitry your XENYX
console produces a warm analog sound that is unrivalled. With
the addition of the latest digital technology these best-in-class
consoles combine the advantages of both analog and digital
technology.
The microphone channels feature high-end XENYX Mic
Preamps that compare well with costly outboard preamps in
terms of sound quality and dynamics and boast the following
features:
s
130 dB dynamic range for an incredible amount of headroom
s A bandwidth ranging from below 10 Hz to over 200 kHz for
crystal-clear reproduction of even the finest nuances
s The extremely low-noise and distortion-free circuitry
guarantees absolutely natural and transparent signal
reproduction
s They are perfectly matched to every conceivable microphone
with up to 60 dB gain and +48 volt phantom power supply
s They enable you to use the greatly extended dynamic range
of your 24-bit/192-kHz HD recorder to the full, thereby
maintaining optimal audio quality
“British EQ”
The equalizers used for the XENYX Series are based on the
legendary circuitry of top-notch consoles made in Britain, which
are renowned throughout the world for their incredibly warm
and musical sound character. Even with extreme gain settings
these equalizers ensure outstanding audio properties.
Multi-effects processor
Additionally, your XENYX mixing console has an effects
processor with 24-bit A/D and D/A converters included, which
gives you 100 presets producing first-class reverb, delay and
modulation effects plus numerous multi-effects in excellent audio
quality.
CAUTION!
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We should like to draw your attention to the fact
that extreme volumes may damage your hearing
and/or your headphones or loudspeakers. Turn the
MAIN MIX control and PHONES control in the main
section fully counterclockwise before you switch
on the unit. Always be careful to set appropriate
volume levels.
1.1 General mixing console functions
A mixing console fulfils three main functions:
s Signal processing:
Preamplification
Microphones convert sound waves into voltage that has
to be amplified several-fold; then, this voltage is turned into
sound that is reproduced in a loudspeaker. Because micro-
phone capsules are very delicate in their construction,
1. INTRODUCTION
output voltage is very low and therefore susceptible to
interference. Therefore, mic signal voltage is amplified
directly at the mixer input to a higher signal level that is less
prone to interference. This higher, interference-safe signal
level has to be achieved through amplification using an
amplifier of the highest quality in order to amplify the signal
and add as little noise to it as possible. The XENYX Mic
Preamp performs this role beautifully, leaving no traces of
noise or sound coloration. Interference that could take place
at the preamplification level could affect signal quality and
purity, and would then be passed on to all other devices,
resulting in inaccurate sounding program during recording
or playback.
Level-setting
Signals fed into the mixer using a DI-box (Direct Injection) or
the output of a sound card or a keyboard, often have to be
adjusted to the operating level of your mixing console.
Frequency response correction
Using the equalizers found in each channel strip, you can
simply, quickly and effectively adjust the way a signal
sounds.
s Signal distribution:
Individual, processed signals from the channel strips are
compiled on busses and are fed into the main section for
further processing. Connections for recording equipment,
power amplifiers, headphones as well as CD/tape
connectors are available here. The mix is sent to the internal
FX processors or external effects processors via aux
sends and returns. Similarly, a mix can be created for the
musicians on the stage (monitor mix).
s Mix:
All other mixing console functions fall under this vital
category. Creating a mix means primarily adjusting the
volume levels of individual instruments and voices to one
another as well as giving them the appropriate weight within
the overall frequency spectrum. Likewise, you’ll have to
sensibly spread individual voices across the stereo image
of a signal. At the end of this process, adjusting the level of
the entire mix to other equipment in the signal path is required
(e. g. recorder/crossover/amplifier).
The interface of BEHRINGER mixing consoles is optimized for
these tasks, enabling you to easily keep track of the signal path.
1.2 The user’s manual
The user’s manual is designed to give you both an overview of
the controls, as well as detailed information on how to use them.
In order to help you understand the links between the controls,
we have arranged them in groups according to their function. If
you need to know more about specific issues, please visit our
website at http://www.behringer.com. Additional information and
explanations about various music industry/audio technology
terminology can be found on individual product pages as well as
in the glossary area of www.behringer.com.
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The block diagram supplied with the mixing console
gives you an overview of the connections between
the inputs and outputs, as well as the associated
switches and controls.
For the moment, just try and trace the signal path from the
microphone input to the FX SEND connector. Don’t be put off by
the huge range of possibilities; it’s easier than you think! If you
look at the overview of the controls at the same time, you’ll be
able to quickly familiarize yourself with your mixing console and
you’ll soon be making the most of all its many possibilities.