User manual SOUNDCRAFT MPM 20-2

[. . . ] USER GUIDE 1 IMPORTANT Please read this manual carefully before using your mixer for the first time. © Harman International Industries Ltd. 2006 All rights reserved Parts of the design of this product may be protected by worldwide patents. ZM0342-01 Soundcraft is a trading division of Harman International Industries Ltd. Information in this manual is subject to change without notice and does not represent a commitment on the part of the vendor. [. . . ] When a jack is inserted, the signal path is broken, just before the EQ section. 13 The Send may also be tapped off as an alternative pre-fade, pre-EQ direct output if required, using a lead with tip and ring shorted together so that the signal path is not interrupted (see below). 5 Gain This knob sets how much of the source signal is sent to the rest of the mixer. Too low, and the level of any background hiss will be more noticeable and you may not be able to get enough signal level to the output of the mixer. Note that some sound equipment, particularly that intended for domestic use, operates at a lower level (-10dBV) than professional equipment and will therefore need a higher gain setting to give the same output level. See "Initial Setup" on page xx to learn how to set GAIN correctly. 6 Equaliser The Equaliser (EQ) allows fine manipulation of the sound, particularly to improve the sound in live PA applications where the original signal is often far from ideal and where slight boosting or cutting of particular voice frequencies can really make a difference to clarity. There are three sections giving the sort of control usually only found on much larger mixers. The EQ knobs can have a dramatic effect, so use them sparingly and listen carefully as you change any settings so that you get to know how they affect the sound. HF EQ Turn to the right to boost high (treble) frequencies above 12kHz by up to 15dB, adding crispness to cymbals, vocals and electronic instruments. Turn to the left to cut by up to 15dB, reducing hiss or excessive sibilance which can occur with certain types of microphone. MID EQ There are two knobs which work together to form a SWEPT MID EQ. The lower knob provides 15dB of boost and cut, just like the HF EQ knob, but the frequency at which this occurs can be set by the upper knob over a range of 150Hz to 3. 5kHz. This allows some truly creative improvement of the signal in live situations, because this mid band covers the range of most vocals. Listen carefully as you use these controls together to find how particular characteristics of a vocal signal can be enhanced or reduced. LF EQ Turn to the right to boost low (bass) frequencies below 60Hz by up to 15dB, adding warmth to vocals or extra punch to synths, guitars and drums. Turn to the left to cut low frequencies by up to 15dB for reducing hum, stage rumble or to improve a mushy sound. 7 Aux Sends These are used to set up separate mixes for FOLDBACK, EFFECTS or recording, and the combination of each Aux Send is mixed to the respective Aux Output. For Effects it is useful for the signal to fade up and down with the fader (this is called 14 POST-FADE), but for Foldback or Monitor feeds it is important for the send to be independent of the fader (this is called PRE-FADE). AUX SENDS 1 and 2 are both globally switchable between pre and post-fade (see master section on page 21). 8 PAN This control sets the amount of the channel signal feeding the Left and Right MIX buses, allowing you to move the source smoothly across the stereo image. When the control is turned fully left or right you are able to route the signal at unity gain to either left or right outputs individually. 9 MUTE All outputs from the channel except inserts are on when the MUTE switch is released and muted when the switch is down, allowing levels to be pre-set before the signal is required. 10 INPUT CHANNEL FADER The 60mm FADER, with a custom-designed law to give even smoother control of the overall signal level in the channel strip, allows precise balancing of the various source signals being mixed to the Master Section. [. . . ] Listen carefully for the characteristic sound of "feedback". If you cannot achieve satisfactory input level setting without feedback, check microphone and speaker placement and repeat the exercise. If feedback persists, it may be necessary to use a Graphic Equaliser to reduce the system response at particular resonant frequencies. Note: The initial settings should only be regarded as a starting point for your mix. It is important to remember that many factors affect the sound during a live performance, for instance the size of the audience! [. . . ]