AEQ BC-500 User manual

A.E.Q., S.A., manufacturer of this equipment, is a Registered Company
in accordance with UNE EN-ISO-9001standard by Aenor with reg. no. ER-080/1/96
AEQ BC-500
Broadcast Audio Mixer
USER’S MANUAL
ED 05/04

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BC-500
Broadcast Audio Mixer
INDEX
1. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS ........................................................................................4
1.1. General precautions ..............................................................................................4
1.1.1. Read all instructions .........................................................................................4
1.1.2. Power and ground connections .........................................................................4
1.1.3. Protection against voltage fluctuations ...............................................................4
1.1.4. Water and humidity...........................................................................................4
1.1.5. Ventilation, fire and flammable vapours ..............................................................4
1.1.6. Maintenance ....................................................................................................4
1.1.7. Warranty..........................................................................................................5
2. POWER SUPPLY .......................................................................................................6
2.1. General.................................................................................................................6
2.1.1. Before connecting the equipment to mains .........................................................6
2.1.2. Voltage selection..............................................................................................6
2.1.3. Equipment power on .........................................................................................7
2.1.4. 125 / 240 V ......................................................................................................8
3. AUDIO CONNECTIONS ..............................................................................................9
3.1. General.................................................................................................................9
4. MIXING CONSOLE DESCRIPTION ...........................................................................10
4.1. Basic design concepts .........................................................................................10
4.2. Standard configuration .........................................................................................11
4.3. Available modules ...............................................................................................11
5. MIXING MODULES DESCRIPTION...........................................................................12
5.1. BC-511 ...............................................................................................................12
5.1.1. Functions .......................................................................................................12
5.1.2. Description of controls and connectors .............................................................13
5.2. BC-522 ...............................................................................................................14
5.2.1. Functions .......................................................................................................14
5.2.2. Description of controls and connectors .............................................................15
5.3. BC-533 ...............................................................................................................16
5.3.1. Functions .......................................................................................................16
5.3.2. Description of controls and connectors .............................................................17
5.3.3. Example of remote connection of the AEQ TH-12 hybrid to the BC-533 .............18
5.3.4. Example of remote connection of the AEQ TH-02EXmkII hybrid to the BC-533...19
5.4. BC-533H.............................................................................................................20
5.4.1. Functions .......................................................................................................20
5.4.2. Adjusting procedure........................................................................................20
5.5. BC-533H MPX.....................................................................................................21
5.5.1. Functions .......................................................................................................21
5.5.2. Description of controls and connectors .............................................................22
5.6. BC-540 ...............................................................................................................23
5.6.1. Functions .......................................................................................................23
5.6.2. Description of controls and connectors .............................................................23
5.7. BC-550 ...............................................................................................................24
5.7.1. Functions .......................................................................................................24
5.7.2. Description of controls and connectors .............................................................24
5.8. BC-560 ...............................................................................................................25
5.8.1. Functions .......................................................................................................25
5.8.2. Description of controls and connectors .............................................................25
5.9. BC-577 ...............................................................................................................26

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BC-500
Broadcast Audio Mixer
5.9.1. Functions .......................................................................................................26
5.9.1.1. Voltage selection..................................................................................26
5.9.2. Description of controls and connectors .............................................................27
5.10. BC-578 ...............................................................................................................28
5.10.1. Functions .......................................................................................................28
5.10.1.1. Control room monitor and metering block ‘CONTROL MONITOR’............28
5.10.1.2. Studio room monitor block ‘STUDIO’......................................................28
5.10.1.3. Talkback, PFL and intercom block ‘TALKBACK’ .....................................29
5.10.1.4. Power supply .......................................................................................29
5.10.1.5. Signalling.............................................................................................30
5.10.2. Description of controls and connectors .............................................................31
6. FIGURES AND DIAGRAMS ......................................................................................32
6.1. Block diagram .....................................................................................................32
6.2. Rear connection panel .........................................................................................34
7. TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................35
8. EXAMPLES OF CONNECTIONS ..............................................................................36
8.1. Examples of connections for broadcasting and similar purposes .............................36
8.2. Figures 1A y 1B...................................................................................................36
8.2.1. The mixer.......................................................................................................36
8.2.2. The connections .............................................................................................37
8.3. Figures 2 and 3 ...................................................................................................41
9. DIMENSIONS ...........................................................................................................44
10. DELIVERY PART LIST .............................................................................................45
10.1. Jumper programming configuration.......................................................................45
10.2. Delivery part list...................................................................................................47
APPENDIX: A.E.Q. WARRANTY........................................................................................48

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BC-500
Broadcast Audio Mixer
1. GENERAL INSTRUCTIONS
1.1. General precautions
The following precautions should be observed for safety reasons during all operation and
maintenance of this appliance. Failure to comply with all instructions may result in serious
alterations in regard of the functions and performance of the equipment. AEQ will not be
responsible for any damage or loss due to the incorrect handling of the equipment.
1.1.1. Read all instructions
Before connecting the unit to mains and start operating, it is absolutely necessary to carefully
read all the instructions in this manual, and to do so in the established order. If these basic rules
are respected you will obtain the maximum performance of the equipment from the very start,
and, at the same time, you will avoid incorrect or improper operation that could cause damage
to the equipment or personnel.
1.1.2. Power and ground connections
To reduce the risk of electrical shock, this equipment should be connected to mains earth.
The equipment is provided with an earthed Euro-plug. If it should be necessary to change the
plug, bear in mind that the green / yellow cable is earth.
1.1.3. Protection against voltage fluctuations
In some areas, where voltage fluctuations are common, it is highly recommended to connect
the equipment to an external protection in order to guarantee the tension received by the
equipment is the one specified in this manual.
1.1.4. Water and humidity
The operation of the equipment in humid environments, near water or wet floors should be
avoided at all costs. Nor should it be used in environments where the atmospheric humidity is
so high that it will produce regular condensation inside the equipment.
1.1.5. Ventilation, fire and flammable vapours
The equipment should never be placed near or over a source of heat. The use of electrical or
electronic equipment in environment close to fire or flammable vapours is a risk that has to be
avoided at all costs. All ventilation grills must be unobstructed to allow hot air out and assure a
proper ventilation of the equipment.
1.1.6. Maintenance
Any maintenance of this equipment should be carried out by authorized technical service
personnel. AEQ will not be responsible for any damage caused by unauthorized maintenance
operations. Nor will AEQ be responsible for any damage caused to other equipment or persons
due to such unauthorized maintenance.
Always bear in mind that the equipment contains high voltage and that there exists the risk of
an electrical shock. Handle the equipment with due care and precaution.

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BC-500
Broadcast Audio Mixer
The AEQ BC-500 Broadcast Mixing Console does not need any pre-adjustments. Once
carried out all programming described in this manual, by user or in factory, it is not necessary to
carry out any additional adjustments for optimum performance.
As an advice to the user, it should be mentioned that the input transformers of the different
modules should be demagnetised periodically, since this factor will influence the total distortion
of the equipment. To carry out this operation it is enough to apply a 25 Hz signal at an
appropriate level to achieve that the nucleus of the transformer reaches clip, and then, very
slowly, reduce the level of the signal until it is cancelled. It is recommended to carry out this
operation every year.
Note: In case the user needs to relocate or incorporate new input modules in the equipment,
this should be carried out as follows:
1) Turn off the equipment pressing the power switch located on the rear part of the monitor
module BC-578.
2) Take out the module(s) that you desire to change or relocate, unscrewing the screws that
hold the module to the chassis.
3) Lift the module and unplug the flat cable located in the lower section of the printed circuit, to
free the module form the internal bus connection. If any one is connected, unplug the
connectors at the rear part of the module. Proceed the same way in inverted order, to install
new modules.
1.1.7. Warranty
A.E.Q. warrants, for a period of one year since the equipment’s date of purchase, the free
replacement at the factory’s Technical Service Department of every faulty part due to defects in
labor and materials. This warranty includes the labor needed for the replacement and the
equipment’s tune up.
This warranty does not include shipping costs, equipment’s installation and start on, neither
cleaning or replacement of parts subject to normal operative wear of the product.
Also, this warranty will not apply in case of damage or defect due to misuse or manipulation
of the equipment by unauthorized personnel.

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BC-500
Broadcast Audio Mixer
2. POWER SUPPLY
2.1. General
The description of the panel where the power connectors are located can be found under
Section 5. Extend the sheet including the graphics to obtain a general view and better
comprehension of all connections.
2.1.1. Before connecting the equipment to mains
Warning: Do not connect the equipment to mains until you have assured yourself that the
voltage selector is correctly set to the requirement in your area, as described in Section 2.1.2. It
is very important to follow carefully all instructions in this section before connecting the
equipment to mains and turning the power on.
2.1.2. Voltage selection
The AEQ BC-500 is prepared to operate with voltages of 110 or 220 V AC. Select the
required voltage for your area with the voltage selector (figure 1). If you choose 110 V AC, you
should replace the fuse (0.8 A SLOW) that is mounted in the fuse box of the mains connector
(figure 2) with a 1.6 A SLOW fuse that can be found in the plastic bag that contains this manual.
To do so, take out the fuse box located on the lower part of the mains connector (figure 2) and
remove the fuse mounted and replace it with the fuse that comes loose in the plastic bag, as
already mentioned.
Remember: Voltage 220 V AC = 0.8 A Fuse type T (slow)
Voltage 110 V AC = 1.6 A Fuse type T (slow)
Note: The equipment is delivered from factory with the voltage selector set to 220 V AC and
its corresponding 0.8 A fuse mounted in the fuse box.
Note: The equipment is delivered from factory with a Euro plug mains connector. In some
countries, this connector must be replaced following the local requirements. If your area does
not comply with Euro-plug requirements, please, replace the mains connector before continuing.
220
110
FUSE
FIGURE 1 FIGURE 2

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BC-500
Broadcast Audio Mixer
2.1.3. Equipment power on
Once carried out the eventual modifications and verifications described in Section 2.1.2., the
equipment is ready to be connected to mains. Before connecting the power cord to mains, make
sure that the power switch (figure 4) is set to POWER OFF. Once connected to mains set the
power switch to POWER ON. If all the instructions has been followed, the power LEDs
ANALOG V+ and V-will light, indicating that the equipment is receiving the correct voltage
(figure 3). The power on operation has been carried out successfully. Turn off the equipment
and proceed with the audio signal connections as described in Section 3.
FIGURE 3 FIGURE 4

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BC-500
Broadcast Audio Mixer
2.1.4. 125 / 240 V
The power supplies of the Mixing Console BC-500 that were manufactured since October
1993, have a connection inside by means of which the functioning values of the mains voltage
can be changed. The equipment is set up from factory for a 110 / 220 V voltage (figure 5), and
with the voltage selector in the 220 V position. For a 110 V voltage, follow the instructions in this
user's manual (Section 2.1.2.).
If in your area the mains voltage is 125 V or 240 V, do the connection in figure 6 for
programming the equipment for 125 / 240 V. Now, if you turn the voltage selector to the 240 V
position, the equipment will be set for 240 V mains voltage. In addition, if you require 125 V
mains voltage, follow the same instructions in this user manual as for 110 V.
110/220 V 125/240 V
FIGURE 5 FIGURE 6

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BC-500
Broadcast Audio Mixer
3. AUDIO CONNECTIONS
3.1. General
Note: It is recommended to extend the graphical description of audio connections (Section 5)
in order to visualize and improve comprehension of the following instructions.
The connectors of the BC-500 have been made in accordance with the
recommendations of AES 14-1992 (ANSIS 4.48 -1992). This recommendation is based upon
the IEC 268 -12 of 1987: “Audio Systems Equipment Part 12, Connector application for
Radio Broadcasting and similar use”.
Make sure that the audio cables that you are connecting to the equipment follow these
guidelines. In case the do not, they have to be replaced or modified, since they can cause
problems with regard to the phase of the audio signal.
Pin connector
(male)
Output
1 2
3
Socket connector
(female)
Input
PIN ASSIGNMENT
Appliance 123
Mono channel,
balanced
Shield Positive
polarity
Return
Mono channel,
unbalanced
Shield and return Positive
polarity
Note 1*
Mono channel,
balanced,
Phantom power
Shield and negative
power
Positive
polarity and power
Positive return and
power
Mono channel,
balanced,
Power A-B
Shield Positive
polarity and power
Negative return and
power
Note 1*
If a balanced
microphone is
connected to an
unbalanced
amplifier input,
the pin number 3
of the input
should be
connected to pin
number 1.

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BC-500
Broadcast Audio Mixer
4. MIXING CONSOLE DESCRIPTION
4.1. Basic design concepts
The AEQ BC-500 Audio Mixing Console has been designed, mainly, to be used in radio
broadcast studios, as well as in OB-vans, local TV and audio installations where the quality and
reliability are basic factors.
The criteria for the development and manufacturing of this mixer has been the result of our
acquired experience on radio broadcasting and the direct contact with professionals in this
sector, this permitting us to compile the request for a mixing console from local radio and TV
broadcasters and meet their demand with this mixing console -AEQ BC-500.
Its design and configuration assures a fast assimilation of the functions by the user. The
logical distribution of the controls and the automatic functions of monitoring mute and signalling,
simplifies the operators labour. Its modular concept allows the replacement of any module in a
few moments. The high standards and quality of the components used in its manufacture,
guarantee a long active life of this equipment.
The AEQ BC-500 audio mixing console, parting from a standard factory configuration, can
be customized following the user’s special requirements. It can easily be expanded and
incorporate new input modules, or simply be redistributed following the users preferences.
Some of the characteristics that make the BC-500 ideal equipment for local radio and TV
stations are:
•Self-operation or studio control push button selection
•VCA signal control on fader
•Indirect control of the master send
•Electronically balanced busses
•Transformer balanced inputs and outputs (electronically balanced inputs in BC-522 y BC-
533)
•Electronically balanced external inputs 1 and 2
•RF filters on microphone inputs
•Latching XLR metal connectors
•Auxiliary sends pre/post fader selectable by user
•Remote mute and PFL from studio room
•Clipping indicators on input modules BC-511
•Stereo PFL
•External telephone hybrid I/O module, with separate PFL and I/O controls, optional
internal hybrid
•Stereo outputs with simultaneous mono sum
•Separate control of studio and control room headphones
•4-wire intercom for talkback, OB-units, micro line control, etc
•Programmable “On-Air” signalling on input modules, 24 V power supply