ALLEN & HEATH Xone:23 User manual

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USER GUIDE
Publication AP9250_1

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Limited One Year Warranty
This product is warranted to be free from defects in materials or
workmanship for period of one year from the date of purchase by the
original owner.
To ensure a high level of performance and reliability for which this
equipment has been designed and manufactured, read this User Guide
before operating. In the event of a failure, notify and return the
defective unit to ALLEN & HEATH Limited or its authorised agent as
soon as possible for repair under warranty subject to the following
conditions
Conditions Of Warranty
The equipment has been installed and operated in accordance with the
instructions in this User Guide.
The equipment has not been subject to misuse either intended or
accidental, neglect, or alteration other than as described in the User
Guide or Service Manual, or approved by ALLEN & HEATH.
Any necessary adjustment, alteration or repair has been carried out by
ALLEN & HEATH or its authorised agent.
This warranty does not cover fader wear and tear.
The defective unit is to be returned carriage prepaid to ALLEN &
HEATH or its authorised agent with proof of purchase.
Units returned should be packed to avoid transit damage.
In certain territories the terms may vary. Check with your ALLEN &
HEATH agent for any additional warranty which may apply.
This product complies with the European Electromagnetic
Compatibility directives 2004/108/EC and the European Low Voltage
directives 2006/95/EC.
Any changes or modifications to the equipment not approved by Allen &
Heath could void the compliance of the product and therefore the users
authority to operate it.
XONE:23 User Guide AP9250 Issue 1
Copyright © 2014 Allen & Heath Limited. All rights reserved
Allen & Heath Limited
Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall, TR10 9LU, UK
http://www.allen-heath.com http://www.xone.co.uk

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PACKED ITEMS
Check that you have received the following:
Safety Sheet
Important ! Read this sheet
before starting.
Retain for future reference.
Power Supply
12V - 2.5 Amps
Xone:23 mixer
Power supply IEC Lead
This is country specific and will
vary with mains voltage/territory

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CONTENTS
Congratulations on purchasing the Allen & Heath Xone:23 performance DJ
mixer. To ensure that you get the maximum benefit from the unit please
spare a few minutes familiarizing yourself with the controls and setup
procedures outlined in this user guide. For further information please
refer to the additional information available on our web site, or contact
our technical support team.
http://www.xone.co.uk
http://www.allen-heath.com
Warranty......................................................... 2
Packed Items .................................................. 3
Contents ......................................................... 4
Connection diagram..................................... 5
Introduction ................................................... 6
Input channel controls ................................. 7
Master section controls............................... 8
Mic and Filter controls................................. 9
Rear panel connections ............................... 10
Filters reference ............................................ 11
Operating levels ............................................ 12
Earthing ........................................................... 13
Servicing ......................................................... 14
User replaceable spare parts...................... 15
Fault finding .................................................... 16
Specification.................................................... 17
Block Diagram ............................................... 18
Product registration ..................................... 20

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APPLICATION DIAGRAM

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INTRODUCTION TO THE XONE:23
The Xone:23 is a high performance 2+2 channel VCA mixer designed around
the latest analogue circuitry featuring microprocessor control of all signal
routing.
It is equipped with a version of the famous Xone filter system, a 3 band EQ
Isolator, plus a send/return loop for external effects.
The crossfader curve has two settings, suitable for either blending or beat
matching, or a more aggressive curve for scratching. For ultimate crossfader
performance the mixer can also be equipped with a custom Innofader,
available from your nearest Allen & Heath stockist, (part number
004-504JIT).
With a studio standard 20dB of signal headroom, a separate booth monitor
and balanced XLR main outputs, (with an impressive +28dBu max level) the
Xone:23 is perfect for the DJ who requires a high quality compact mix tool.
Key features of the Xone:23 are:
 2+2 stereo channels with dual levels for phono/line inputs
 Up to 4 sources can be mixed simultaneously
 3 Band full cut equalizer
 Voltage Controlled Filter system
 Send/Return loop for external FX
 Accurate signal level monitoring with peak hold
 Main mix outputs on professional balanced XLR connectors
 Dedicated local monitor (booth monitor)
 Pro standard headroom (+20dB) to prevent overload
 +28dBu maximum output level (balanced XLR)
 Low audio distortion (typically 0.01% at +10dBu output)
 Dedicated record output
 Crossfader curve switch
 Innofader crossfader option
 Cue mix control with illuminated Cue switches
 UV sensitive ink screen for improved low light legibility
 Universal voltage power supply (works anywhere in the World)
We wish you the same fun playing on it as we have had designing it!

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INPUT CHANNEL CONTROLS
Input level controls
Adjust so that the aver-
age music level lights the
0 LED on the meter, with
the beats lighting the +3
to +6 LED. Turn down if
the +10 Red LED is illu-
minated. Each input has
its own separate level
control, so make sure to
fully turn down
(anticlockwise) the input
you don’t want feeding
into the mix.
3-Band full kill EQ
Turn anti-clockwise to
kill a frequency band or
clockwise to boost.
If all controls are fully anti
-clockwise the signal will
be muted
Channel Fader
VCA fader allows you to progressively
raise or lower the channel signal in the
mix.
For best signal-to-noise ratio, mix with
the fader at or near the top of its travel
Filter/FX SND switch
Pressing this switch sends
the channel signal to the
VCF filter section, and
to the external effects
SND output
Channel Cue switch
Pressing this switch
allows you to monitor
the channel signal with
the fader fully down
before bringing it into the
mix.

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MASTER CONTROLS
Master output Level
Sets the signal level to the
main XLR mix output
Monitor output Level
Sets the signal level for the
local monitor (booth) output
Headphone level
Sets the level of the head-
phone output.
Warning! Very high level can
cause hearing damage!
Crossfader curve switch
Push to the left for a progressive fader
response, useful for blending between
tracks. Push to the right for a sharper
response, more suitable for scratching
Cue/Mix Control
When set to Cue, nothing will
be sent to the headphone
output unless a channel Cue is
activated. When set to Mix,
the main mix will always be
sent to the headphones. In the
centre position the Cue signal
and the main mix are summed
together.
Crossfader
This is used to “fade” the signal level between
the two channels, and its response is set us-
ing the curve switch. When the crossfader is
fully over to the left only the music from
channel 1 will be heard, and when fully to the
right only channel 2. When in the centre the
music from both channels will be heard in
equal proportion.
Headphone Socket
Accepts both 1/4” and 3.5mm
plugs. Use a good quality set
with an impedance between 25
- 70 Ohms.

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MIC AND FILTER CONTROLS
Filter Resonance control
Changes the “Q” or sharpness
of the VCF.
Mild will give a smooth filter
sound, Wild will make the
filter sound more pronounced
(sharper “Q”)
Filter type select
HPF - allows signals above the
cut-off frequency to pass.
LPF - allows signals below the
cut-off frequency to pass
FX loop on switch
Press this switch to activate
the external effect loop. Leave
switched off if an external
effects unit is not connected
Filter Frequency
Sets the cut off frequency of
the VCF filter
Microphone EQ
2 band EQ for adjusting the
tonal balance of the DJ mic
Microphone input
Professional XLR balanced mic
input. Use a low impedance
dynamic hypercardioid Mic for
best results.
Microphone Level
Adjusts the signal level of the
mic input. If you are not using
the mic, turn to minimum to
prevent noise pick up.

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REAR PANEL CONNECTIONS
Phono inputs
For connection to turntables only; this input has RIAA equalization for
moving magnet cartridges.
Note: An internal modification can convert these to Line (see page 14)
Effects SND output
Connect this output
to the input of an ex-
ternal effects unit.
Line input
For connection to
a line level device;
(CD players etc)
Line input
For connection to
a line level device;
(CD players etc)
Effects RTN input
Connect this input to
the output of an
external effects unit.
PSU connection
To prevent damage to your
Xone:23 only use an A&H
approved power supply
Power Switch
Switches the unit On/Off
Main outputs
Connect these to a PA
amplifier using professional
balanced XLR connectors
for maximum hum and
noise rejection.
Do not short either pins
2 or 3 to ground. For
unbalanced operation
use pin 2 only and leave
pin 3 floating.
Failure to observe this
could result in damage
to your Xone:23
Monitor output
Connect to a powered
speaker or Hi-FI system
Record output
Use to record your mix.
Connect to a Minidisk
recorder or computer
soundcard input etc
Grounding post
Connect the ground
wire from turntables
(if fitted) to minimise
hum
MADEINCHINA

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FILTER REFERENCE
The VCF Filters
A voltage controlled filter is an audio filter where the cut-off frequency is altered by a DC
control voltage rather than a variable resistor. This produces a much wider operating
range and more control over the filter response to create unlimited combinations of
tonal effect.
Filter Type Select
The filters provide two simultaneous filter types: high-pass, and low-pass. A large
illuminated switch selects which type is active.
The graphs below show the effect on the audio frequency response for the two filter
types. The range of sweep from low to high frequency is shown together with the effect
of adjusting RESONANCE.
The vertical scale shows the amount of cut or boost around the normal 0dB operating
level. The horizontal scale shows the change in frequency from low (bass) to high
(treble).
10k20 1kHz100 20k
0dB
+5
+10
+15
+20
-5
-10
-15
-20
HI-PASS FILTER
LO HI
10k20 1kHz100 20k
0dB
+5
+10
+15
+20
-5
-10
-15
-20
LO-PASS FILTER
LO HI

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It is most important that the system level settings are correctly set. It is well known that
many DJs push the level to maximum with meters peaking hard in the belief that they are
getting the best from the system. THIS IS NOT THE CASE ! The best can only be
achieved if the system levels are set within the normal operating range and not allowed to
peak. Peaking simply results in signal distortion, not more volume. It is the specification of
the amplifier / speaker system that sets the maximum volume that can be achieved, not the
console. The human ear too can fool the operator into believing that more volume is
needed. Be careful as this is in fact a warning that hearing damage will result if high
listening levels are maintained. Remember that it is the QUALITY of the sound that
pleases the ear, not just the VOLUME.
OPERATING LEVELS
The diagram below illustrates the operating range of the audio signal.
NORMAL OPERATING RANGE. For normal music the signal should range between
–6 and +6 on the meters with average around 0dB. This allows enough HEADROOM for
unexpected peaks before the signal hits its maximum CLIPPING voltage and distorts.
It also achieves the best SIGNAL-TO-NOISE RATIO by keeping the signal well above
the residual NOISE FLOOR (system hiss).
The DYNAMIC RANGE is the maximum signal swing available between the residual
noise floor and clipping.
An important note …
The human ear is a remarkable organ with the ability to com-
press or ‘shut down’ when sound levels become too high. Do
not interpret this natural response as a reason to turn the sys-
tem volume up further! As the session wears on ear fatigue
may set in, and the speaker cones may become hot, increasing
distortion and reducing the ability of listeners to gain any ben-
efit from increased volume.
!

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The connection to earth (ground) in an audio system is important for
two reasons:
SAFETY - To protect the operator from high voltage electric shock,
and
AUDIO PERFORMANCE - To minimise the effect of earth (ground)
loops which result in audible hum and buzz, and to shield the audio
signals from interference.
For safety it is important that all equipment earths are connected to
mains earth so that exposed metal parts are prevented from carrying
high voltage which can injure or even kill the operator. It is
recommended that a qualified system engineer check the continuity of
the safety earth from all points in the system including microphone
bodies, turntable chassis, equipment cases, and so on.
The same earth is also used to shield audio cables from external
interference such as the hum fields associated with power transformers,
lighting dimmer buzz, and computer radiation. Problems arise when the
signal sees more than one path to mains earth. An ‘earth loop’ (ground
loop) results causing current to flow between the different earth paths.
This condition is usually detected as a mains frequency audible hum or
buzz.
To ensure safe and trouble-free operation we recommend the following:
Have your mains system checked by a qualified electrician. If
the supply earthing is solid to start with you are less likely to experience
problems.
Make sure that turntables are correctly earthed. A chassis earth
terminal is provided on the console rear panel to connect to turntable
earth straps.
Use low impedance sources such as microphones and line level
equipment rated at 200 ohms or less to reduce susceptibility to
interference. The console outputs are designed to operate at very low
impedance to minimise interference problems.
Use balanced connections for microphones and mix output as
these provide further immunity by cancelling out interference that may
be picked up on long cable runs.
Do not unbalance the Xone:23 XLR outputs by shorting pin 3 to ground
as this may damage the circuitry; for unbalanced operation connect the
hot signal to pin 2 and the ground to pin 1. Leave pin 3 floating.
Use good quality cables and connectors and check for correct
wiring and reliable solder joints. Allow sufficient cable loop to prevent
damage through stretching.
If you are not sure ... Contact your service agent or local Allen &
Heath dealer for advice.
EARTHING

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SERVICING
How to replace the crossfader
If the crossfader is subject to a lot of use it will, in time wear out and need replacing. Intermittent or noisy operation is
an indication that it is becoming worn. Using a propriety fader cleaner such as CaigLube might temporarily restore use,
but DO NOT use on a new fader as it will wash away the factory applied grease.
Warning! Dismantling your mixer could invalidate the warranty; if you are unsure of your ability to safely carry out this
work then it is advised that you leave it to a qualified service technician.
Tools you will need are T10, and T8 Torx screwdrivers. Ensure that the power supply has been turned off and discon-
nected from the unit. Using the T10 torxdriver remove the three screws located in the centre of the channel input and
FX loop connectors (see illustration), then using the T8 torxdriver remove the 8 screws that hold the front panel to the
chassis. Now carefully lift the front edge of the panel up until the PCBs clear the chassis and pull the whole assembly
forward slightly until the connectors at the rear are free from the chassis. You can now lift the front panel up to gain
sufficient access to replace the crossfader.
If you wish to completely remove the front panel assembly you will need to unscrew the 1/4” headphone bezel using an
11mm or 7/16 AF socket, and remove the T10 screw that secures the headphone PCB to the chassis. Carefully unplug
the multi-way harness from the connector PCB and lift the front panel away from the chassis.
Reassembly is a reverse of this procedure. Take great care to ensure that no harnesses become trapped and that all
connectors are fully pushed home. Replace the screws and test the mixer for correct operation.
REMOVE THE T10 SCREWS ARROWED
Unscrew headphone bezel, and
remove T10 screw that secures
the headphone PCB to the
chassis.
To Replace the crossfader
Using the T8 driver, remove the 2 screws either
side of the crossfader and lower the crossfader
mounting plate - unplug the 4way harness from
the crossfader PCB, and unscrew the fader from
the mounting plate
The mounting plate is designed to allow for fit-
ment of the contactless Innofader and can be
fitted in two different positions depending which
fader is being fitted.
The standard fader can be ordered under A&H
part number 004-503JIT
The Innofader can be ordered under part num-
ber 004-504JIT
If the RIAA input level is too low, or you wish to convert them to Line level.
To increase the gain by 6dB, remove the resistors arrowed and link the Pads
with solder. These resistors are located on the underside of the front panel
PCB, directly behind the Input RCA connectors
To convert to Line level, remove the resistors and leave the Pads unsoldered.
RIAA input options

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REPLACEMENT PARTS
USER-REPLACEABLE PARTS
AB8172 POT NUT BK (19 places -
under knobs)
AJ5320 XONE FADER KNOB
(3 places - faders)
AJ7304 XONE KNOB
(SML) (11 places)
AJ7305 XONE KNOB
(LGE) (8 places)
AB9256 2.5x9 AB TORX (10 places) on
front panel and rear chassis panel
The diagram above shows all of the replacement parts that can be ordered from your local
technical support, or direct from Allen & Heath, for the Xone:23. When ordering please
quote the part number(s) of the required parts - this makes life easier for us!
See the previous page for information on replacing the crossfader, and for replacement cross-
fader assembly numbers.
AB9037 M3 x 85 CSK (12 places)

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No sound from mixer
Check that the unit is powered on, and that an audio signal is connected
to a channel input.
Check that the Input level controls are turned clockwise at least to the
centre position and that the music sources connected are in the correct
inputs (Inputs 1 - 3 for turntables, Inputs 2 - 4 for CD players).
Check that the EQ controls are in the centre position.
Turn On the Channel CUE switch and raise the input channel LEVEL
control until you see the meters displaying the music signal.
Raise the channel fader, and ensure that the crossfader is towards the
channel that is receiving the audio signal.
Turn up the MASTER, MONITOR or HEADPHONE level controls,
depending on what output your amplifier is connected to, or if you are
monitoring through headphones.
External effects unit can’t be heard
Check that the Effects unit is connected correctly (see page 5) and
switched on - the SND on the rear panel of the mixer should be
connected to the input socket on the external effects unit, and the
output from the effects unit should be connected to the RTN.
Check that the EXT - ON switch is on (illuminated RED) and that the
channel FILTER switch is ON (illuminated BLUE).
Signal is loud and distorted
Check that the audio source is connected to the correct input; i.e. don’t
connect a CD player to the PHONO input.
Adjust the channel input LEVEL so that the meters peak the +3 or +6
LEDs. If the red +10 meter LED comes on, turn down the channel
LEVEL control.
FAULT FINDING

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SPECIFICATIONS
Connections
Inputs
Connection Impedance Nominal Level Maximum Level
Phono RCA 47K/330pF 7mV-100mV
Line RCA 20K ohm -10 to +20dBu
FX RTN RCA 10K ohm 0 to +20dBu
Mic XLR <2K ohm -42 TO –12dBu
Outputs
Main Mix Balanced XLR 100 ohms +4dBu +28dBu
Monitor RCA 100 ohms -2dBu +22dBu
Record RCA 100 ohms -2dBu +19dBu
FX SND RCA 100 ohms -2dBu +19dBu
Headphones 3.5mm and
1/4” TRS Jacks
1 ohm 200mW RMS into
30 ohms
Performance
Distortion Main Mix out +10dBu 0.01% THD+N
Noise 22-22Khz Main Mix out unity -85dBu un-weighted
Fader shut off Channel fader >-80dB
Xfade shut off Xfader >-80dB
Frequency
Response
10Hz to 50kHz +/-0dB
Dimensions Weight 2.7kg (6lb)
Weight Packed 4kg (8.8lb)

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BLOCK DIAGRAM

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PRODUCT REGISTRATION
Registering your product
Please go to www.allen-heath.com/register.asp and register your product’s serial number and your details.
By registering with us and becoming an official Registered User, you will ensure that any warranty claim
you might make is actioned quickly and with the minimum delay.
Alternatively, you may either copy or cut off this section of the page, fill in the details, and return it by
mail to:
Allen & Heath Ltd, Kernick Industrial Estate, Penryn, Cornwall TR10 9LU, UK
