ACI-AppliCAD VGM-1041 Quick start guide

VGM-1041 DSP Gated Mixer / EQ
Installation and Use
ACI-AppliCAD, Inc.
Version 1.1
Applies to Serial Number Series 114580100xxx
(732) 7 1-2 www.aci-applicad.com

Table of Contents
Introduction ------------------------------------------- 1
Features & Benefits
Quick Start Guide -------------------------------------- 2
Basic Connections
Basic Operation
Operator’s Guide --------------------------------------- 6
Front Panel Controls & Indicators
Managing Microphones
How Sound Gating Works
Installer’s Guide ---------------------------------------- 14
Mounting, Rear Panel Wiring & Switches
Line Outputs
Adjusting Power Amplifier Gain
USB Settings
In Case of Difficulty ------------------------------------ 37
Troubleshooting
Phone Support & Warranty
Specifications ------------------------------------------- 39
Index ------------------------------------------------------ 40

Introduction
1
The VGM-1041 DSP Gated Mixer / EQ targets sound reinforcement
applications, so your audience will enjoy higher quality sound than with generic
mixers or consoles. Operators see a uniquely compact, refreshingly simple
exterior. This is because the adjustments which you or your installer set up at
installation make operation easier later on. Its rugged construction should
provide you with years of reliable service.
Features and Benefits
The challenges often encountered running a sound reinforcement
system inspired the features of this mixer, as shown below:
VGM-1041 Feature What It Does User Benefit
Mic Sound Gating with
Last Mic ON & Adaptive
Threshold
Quiets idle mics by gating
only
active ones ON. The last live mic
remains ON until another is used.
Reduces distracting noise, allows
more volume with less
reverberation.
Gate/Clip LEDs
,
LED Level meter
Shows inputs
gated ON,
clipping
inputs, and overall level
You know what’s going on.
Selectable Compression
Limits unusually loud sounds, LED
indicates when active
Listeners remain comfortable.
Built
-
in Equalizers &
Pink Noise Gen.
Separate mic
& aux parametric EQs,
pink noise for setup
Saves space
and cost compared to
a separate equalizer
Selectable De
-
Esser
Advanced DSP algorithm limits
sibilance while preserving highs.
Spares audience
from terribly
excessive S and T sounds
USB
Setup
Port
Allows
configuring
EQ an
d other
functions via computer
Set
up
advanced options at
installation, & then hide them!
Industrial
-
quality active
level controls
Withstands millions of rotations,
controls volume via DSP.
Controls remain smooth and quiet
for life.
Ten balanced Lo
-
Z
Microphone Inputs
Enough for
nearly
any
use
Rejects electrical noise.
All your mics remain available with
reduced “hum” and “buzz.”
Two Aux (Music) Inputs
In addition, unused mic inputs
can
be placed on the “music” path.
Suitable for nearly any mono
sound reinforcement application
Input gain presets
Adapts to a 30dB source range.
Makes level setting easier.
Auto EQ setup option
Adjusts Voice EQ to your acoustics
Provides a quick setup choice
Four
balanced
Outputs
Main, Voice, Music, & Stage Mon
.
Handles most installations.

Quick Start Guide
2
Basic Connections
Here’s how to “bench test” your mixer – just plug in some cables and put
sound through it. If desired you can skip directly to the Installer’s Reference
section which fully describes installation details, but the experience you gain by
working through this section may help when installing the unit:
Place your VGM-1041 on a table or other flat surface.
Audio Source – Using a stereo RCA cable (the sort that often comes with audio
components), connect a CD player or a similar “line level” audio source to both
AUX inputs.
Amplifier – Connect your amplifier’s balanced, line-level (not mic-level) input
to it to the mixer’s MAIN balanced output. Leave the amplifier switched OFF
for the moment.
AIN
OUT
AIN
OUT
USIC
OUT
ONITOR
OUT
Connect your
amplifier here
Balanced 3-Wire
Cable, Shield goes
to the middle.
Strip ¼”
insulation
from wires.
Insert bare wire.
Close lever.
AUX 1
AUX 2
Plug in your sound
source here
IC 10
AUX
OUT

Quick Start Guide
3
Power – Now for the easy part: Find the supplied 24VDC power adapter. Plug
its end into the 24 VDC jack; plug the other end into a power outlet. Your mixer
powers ON immediately. There’s no power switch, since mixers of this sort are
usually installed as part of a sound system – and with no switch to leave OFF by
mistake, there’s one less thing to go wrong! A powered VGM-1041 always
shows at least one illuminated LED on its front panel.
l
Level eter – Start your audio source playing. On your mixer’s front panel,
increase both AUX controls until you see an indication about halfway up on the
LED level meter.
Is This Thing Working? – Turn down your amplifier’s gain or volume control,
and then power it ON. Advance the control until you hear your sound playing.
It’s In Your Head – If you have a pair of headphones handy, plug them into the
jack at the far right – the sound appears there as well. The knob directly under
the headphone jack controls your headphone volume.
C O M P R E S S
AUX 2
VGM
1
04
1
1
AUX 1
AIN
OUT
ONITOR
OUT
VOICE
OUT
24 VDC
Connect the DC
power adapter

Quick Start Guide
4
Hi, ike! – Connecting a microphone is a bit more challenging – since this
mixer is designed for installation, its mic connectors are tool-less terminal
blocks. Thus, on-stage cables terminated with XLR (A3M) connectors won’t fit
directly. If you have an old cable handy, you could cut it and wire its cut end
as shown. Just insert the bare wire end and close the lever:
Connect your microphone to the cable’s free end.
If your microphone is a condenser type, activate phantom power (this is how
condenser mics get their supply) by setting the appropriate rear panel switch:
IC 1
Switch ON
Phantom Power
if your mic needs
it ( IC 10 input
shown)
IC 2
PHANTO POWER
AUX 1
AUX 2
Connect your
mic here
IC 10
MIC wiring:
Shield in the
middle,
others on
either side
(keep colors
consistent
among
mics)
Strip ¼” of
insulation
Insert wire.
Close lever.
Strip outer
jacket