Behringer Pro Mixer DX1000 - Manual (Page 9)

9
PRO MIXER DX1000
3. MONO INPUT CHANNEL
Plug a mic or line source (tape, CD player etc.) into the appropriate MIC or LINE input. Speak or play
music at typical volume to check out and set up the channel.
+
The mic pre-amps are of the same quality as those in our award-winning EURODESK studio
consoles. These give an incredibly warm, clear and noiseless performance. Mic and line in-
puts are on balanced XLR and 1/4" jacks respectively. Balanced operation gives best noise
performance. Unbalanced microphones need to have XLR pins 1 and 3 shorted. Any Line
source will work perfectly well if a mono jack is used, or the ring and barrel of a TRS jack are
shorted (see chapter 10 “CONNECTIONS”).
3.1 Input selection
Inputs are on the back panel. Your input source is selectable between MIC and LINE by a switch . A pair
of associated LEDs lets you know which input is selected.
3.2 Gain setting
+
Gain is dependent on EQ. Set up your EQ before fine-tuning gain. If you re-EQ, also re-check
gain.
3.2.1 Quick way
Channel input level is continuously monitored by a pair of LEDs . As long as the SIG. LED is flickering and
the PEAK one isn’t the gain is reasonable. Mic channel input level can be continuously adjusted by the GAIN
knob
(from +10 to +60 dB; Mic signals are low, therefore they need to be heavily pre-amplified).
PEAK lets you know if you overload the channel (it lights at +18 dB).
+
SIG. lets you know if a signal is present (it only responds to bass frequencies). That’s why you
can use it to keep an eye on the beats.
+
If you are using a mono line source in a mic channel, the gain structure is comparable to that
on a stereo music channel, albeit 20 dB more sensitive. (from - 10 to + 40 dB ; = 20 dB pad on
mic input)
3.2.2 Gain setting by using PFL
Pre-Fader-Listen is the professional way to set gain. Hit the PFL button to temporarily send the channel
signal to the PFL bargraph meter . Adjust the GAIN control until the bargraph meters are in the yellow
(0 dB) but not the red (Clip). Once gain has been set for a channel, release its PFL button.
+
You will usually want to PFL only one channel at a time, otherwise the PFL meter reading will
be meaningless.
3.3 Insert point
Situated on the rear of the console, mic channels have insert points on TRS jacks. (These are post-gain
and pre-EQ). You can use these combined input/output sockets to put a compressor, gate or any other signal
processor(s) in line with your microphone (see chapter 10 “CONNECTIONS”).
+
Compressors can help even out voice volume, adding loads of energy, but they can also cause
feedback problems if over-used. Noise gates shut off mics automatically when not in use—
useful for keeping out music spillage which can muddy the sound of your mix. Often a
compressor/gate combination is best. Check out the excellent BEHRINGER range of
interactive dynamics products.
3. MONO INPUT CHANNEL