SoundCraft D-Mix 500 - Manual (Page 17)

Wiring conventions
The D-MIX500 uses various different types of audio connector: 3-pin XLR , 1
⁄
4 " 3-pole
jacks and RCA phono connectors. This section describes how to connect external
equipment to the console. Correctly-made cables of the proper type will ensure peak
performance from your mixer.
Inputs
XLRs
The mic input accepts XLR-type connectors and is designed to suit a wide range of
BALANCED or UNBALANCED low-level signals. Professional dynamic, condenser
or ribbon mics are best because these will be LOW IMPEDANCE. While you can use
low-cost HIGH IMPEDANCE mics, you do not get the same degree of immunity to
interference on the microphone cable and as a result the level of background noise may
be higher. If you turn the PHANTOM POWER on, the socket provides a suitable
powering voltage for condenser mics.
DO NOT use unbalanced sources with the phantom power switched on. The voltage
on pins 2 & 3 of the XLR may cause serious damage.
Jack Sockets
The 1/4" input jacks on this console fall into one of two categories: balanced inputs
and unbalanced inputs. The diagram on the left shows the connections for both types.
The following input jack sockets are balanced:
AV1 Left, AV1 Right, Input A, Input B, AV2 Left, AV2 Right, Main Output Insert
Return Left and Main Output Insert Return Right.
These inputs accept 3-pole 1/4" "A" gauge (TRS) jacks, or 2-pole mono jacks which
will automatically ground the "cold" input.
These inputs are BALANCED for low noise and immunity from interference, but you
can use UNBALANCED sources by wiring up the jacks as shown left, although you
should then keep the cable lengths as short as possible to minimise interference pick-up
on the cable. Note that the ring must be grounded (by linking it to the sleeve ) if the
source is unbalanced.
The FX Insert Return jack socket is unbalanced. It will accept a 3-pole 1/4" "A" gauge
(TRS) jack, or a 2-pole mono jack. It you use a 3-pole jack, the ring must be linked to
the sleeve.
Balanced
Input
2. Hot(+ve)
3. Cold(-ve)
1. Screen
Unbalanced
Input
1. Screen
2. Hot(+ve)
Link 3
to 1
Hot (+ve)
Cold (-ve)
Gnd/Screen
Signal
Gnd/Screen
Gnd/Screen
Tip
Ring
Sleeve
Unbalanced Balanced
Connections
D-MIX500 Installation 2.9