American Audio Q-D5 User manual

Q-D5
™
Professional Preamp Mixer
American Audio
4295 Charter Street
Los Angeles Ca. 90058
www.AmericanAudio.us
Revised 6/02

Introduction:
Congratulations and thank you for purchasing the American Audio
®
Q-D5™ mixer. This mixer is a rep-
resentation of American Audio’s continuing commitment to produce the best and highest quality audio
products possible at an affordable price. The Q-D5™ comes with a 2 year limited warranty! Please
read and understand this manual completely before attempting to operate your new mixer. This book-
let contains important information concerning the proper and safe operation of your new mixer.
Customer Support:
American Audio
®
provides a toll free customer support line, to provide set up help and to answer any
question should you encounter problems during your initial set up or operation. You may also visit us
on the web at www.AmericanAudio.us for any comments or suggestions. Service Hours are Monday
through Friday 9:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Paci c Standard Time.
Voice:
[phone]
Fax:
[phone]
E-mail:
[email protected]
Caution!
There are no user serviceable parts inside this mixer. Do not attempt any repairs yourself,
doing so will void your manufactures warranty. In the unlikely event your mixer may require service,
please contact American Audio
®
customer support.
Do not discard the packing carton in the trash. Please recycle when ever possible.
Q-D5™ Introduction
Q-D5™ Unpacking
Every Q-D5™ has been thoroughly tested and has been shipped in perfect operating condition. Care-
fully check the shipping carton for damage that may have occurred during shipping. If the carton
appears to be damaged, carefully inspect your mixer for any damage and be sure all equipment nec-
essary to operate the mixer has arrived intact. In case damage has been found or parts are missing,
please contact our toll free customer support number for further instructions, please do not return the
mixer to your dealer.
©
American Audio
®
- www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 2
Please make any connections before you plug the mixer in. Be sure the Power switch is in the OFF
position before connecting other devices to the mixer. All fader and volume controls should be set to
0 or minimum position, before the device is switched on. If the device has been exposed to drastic
temperature  uctuation (e.g. after transportation), do not switch on the mixer immediately. The arising
condensation of water might damage your device. Leave the device switched off until it has reached
room temperature.
Operating Determinations:
•
When installing this mixer, please make sure that the device is not exposed to extreme heat,
moisture or dust!
•
There should not be any cables lying around. Doing so endangers you as well as others.
•
Do not operate the mixer in extremely hot (more than 30° / 100°F) or extremely cold (less than
5°C/ 40°F) surroundings.
•
Keep the unit out of direct sunlight and away from heaters.
•
Operate the mixer only after becoming familiar with its functions. Do not permit operation by
persons not quali ed for operating the mixer. Most damages are the result of unprofessional
operation!
Q-D5™ Set-Up Precautions

•
For adult use only - Keep out of the reach of children.
•
Be sure that the local power outlet match that of the required voltage of the unit.
•
Disconnect from main power before making any type of connection.
•
Do not attempt any service. There are no user serviceable parts inside.
•
Never plug this mixer in to a dimmer pack
•
Always be sure to mount this mixer in an area that will allow proper ventilation.
Always be sure to mount this mixer in an area that will allow proper ventilation.
•
Do not attempt to operate this mixer, if it becomes damaged in any way.
•
Never operate this mixer when it’s covers are removed
•
To reduce the risk of electrical shock or  re, do not expose this mixer rain or moisture
•
This mixer is intended for indoor use only, use of this product outdoors voids all warranties.
•
During long periods of non-use, disconnect the mixer’s main power.
•
Always mount this mixer in safe and stable matter.
Always mount this mixer in safe and stable matter.
•
Power Cord Protection - Power supply cords should be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on or pinched by items placed upon or against them, paying particular attention to cords
at
plugs, convenience receptacles, and the point where they exit from the mixer.
•
Cleaning -The mixer should be cleaned only as recommended by the manufacturer.
•
Heat -The mixer should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers,
stoves, or other mixers (including amplifiers) that produce heat.
•
Be sure to save the packing carton in case you may ever have to return the mixer for service.
•
Read all documentation before attempting to operate your new mixer. Please save all your docu-
mentation for future reference.
•
Do not spill water or other liquids in to or on to your mixer.
•
Do not attempt to operate this mixer if the power cord has been frayed or broken. Please route
your
power cord out of the way of foot traf c .
•
Always have the front gain controls set to their lowest level during initial power-up to prevent
speaker
damage.
•
The mixer should be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
A.
Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the mixer.
B.
The mixer has been exposed to rain or water.
C.
The mixer does not appear to operate normally or exhibits a marked change in
performance.
Q-D5™ Safety Precautions
Q-D5™ Main Features
•
Optical Fader for Q-Start Control
•
Adjustable Crossfader Curve - for crabbing
Adjustable Crossfader Curve - for crabbing
•
Selectable Voltage 115v~230v
•
2 Phono/2 Aux, 2 Line Inputs
•
Fader “Q” Start
•
Q-Start Compatible (for use with compatible
American Audio CD Players )
American Audio CD Players )
•
-30dB Rotary Kills for Treble, Bass and
Mids on both channels
•
100% Push Button Kills
•
High output to headphones
•
Replacable/Adjustable Transformer Switches
•
Adjustable Channel Fader Curve
Adjustable Channel Fader Curve
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American Audio
®
- www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 3
•
Soft-touch rubber knobs for better control
•
Extremely clean signal to noise ratio
•
Light Control Signal Output Jack
•
Talk Over Button - Reduces channel output
gain by 15dB +/- 2 dB
•
Dual Function Stereo LED Level Indicator -
Indicated Master and PFL (Pre Fader Level)
Signal Levels
•
Split Cue Monitoring
•
Cue Mixing
•
Separate gain control for each channel
•
Hot Swap Crossfader
•
Separate Mic EQ Section

American Audio would like to thank for your purchase of
this great product. For those of you that are to impatient
to read the entire user manual we have compiled these
quick start instructions. We hope that you will at least read
through these instructions to familiarize yourself with the
basic understanding of the unit. The Q-D5 is part of Ameri-
can Audio’s continuing evolution in audio technology. This
unit has been built and designed with the typical DJ in
mind, by DJ’s. We have attempted to provide you with the
most reliable product on the market by using only compo-
nents made from quality products.
MASTER LEVEL -
Use this level control to set your volume
output. Try never to send an output of more than +4dB to
your system. Signal at levels higher than this will start to
distort and may cause damage to your system and speak-
ers. Remember that a distorted signal from you mixer will
only be multiplied throughout your system.
CHANNEL GAIN LEVEL
- The channel trim levels are not
to be used as volume controls, never use the channel gain
to set the output volume. These controls are used to aid in distortion control. Use these control to
preset your signal level before the crossfader. With your channel faders in the maximum position, use
the channel trim level to set an average output level of about +4dB on you master level meter.
HEADPHONES -
To avoid sever hearing damage, always be sure the headphone level is set to mini-
mum before plugging them in. Never put the headphone on without making sure the headphone level
is turned down.
MIC -
The mic connector uses a 1/4” jack unbalanced connector. The DJ mic has an independent
volume control. When feedback occurs when using the mic, try lowering the “low” level this may
reduce the feedback. Always leave the mic level to it’s minimum level when not in use.
PHONO/AUX SWITCH (27) -
This switch is used to change the selected input from phono level to
line level and vice versa. Channels 1 and 2 may be switched PHONO/AUX or LINE. The selectors for
AUX1/PHONO1 and AUX2/PHONO2 are on the rear panel.
Q-START FEATURE -
This function works in conjunction with a compatible American Audio or Ameri-
can DJ “Q”Start CD player. When used with a compatible CD player, you can use the crossfader to
start and stop the CD Player with the slide of the fader. The ON/OFF “Q ”START switch activates this
FADER “Q ”START feature.
CROSSFADER CURVE ADJUSTMENT
-
CROSSFADER CURVE ADJUSTMENT- CROSSFADER CURVE ADJUSTMENT
This rotary knob is used to change the way the crossfader
will operate. The crossfader can operate in three different modes, NORMAL CURVE, QUICK CURVE
and any variation of the two. (Quick Curve usually used for crabbing).
CHANNEL FADER CURVE ADJUSTMENT -
This rotary knob is used to change the way the channel
fader will operate. Each channel has a Curve adjustment. The curve on the faders adjust from long or
short or any variation of the two.
REVERSE FUNCTION -
Both the crossfader and the channel faders will reverse function when the
reverse switch is activated.
Q-D5™ QUICK START INSTRUCTIONS
©
American Audio
®
- www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 4
DJ SKILZ
SIGNATURE SERIES

Q-D5™ Controls and Features
1.
OPTICAL CROSSFADER
-
This fader is used to blend the output signals of channels one and two
together. When the fader is in the full left position (channel 1), the output signal of channel one will be
controlled by the master volume level. The same fundamentals will apply for channel two. Sliding the
fader from one position to another will vary the output signals of channels one and two respectively.
When the crossfader is set in the center position, the output signals of both the channels one and chan-
nels two will be even.
2.
CHANNEL FADER -
These faders are used to control the output signal of any source assigned to
its particular channel.
3.
CHANNEL TRANSFORMER SWITCH (REPLACEABLE AND ADJUSTABLE)
-
These switches
are used to select the input source assigned to each channel. Each channel may only be assigned one
input source at a time. The
TRANSFORMER SWITCH
may be used in an up/down or left/right pattern.
To adjust the transformer orientation please follow the instructions on page 13.
4.
PFL BUTTONS
-
These buttons are used to activate a channels “CUE” mode. A red LED next to the
PFL button will glow when a channels cue mode is activated. Cue mode will send a channels incoming
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American Audio
®
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Top Panel
DJ SKILZ
SIGNATURE SERIES
11
10
9
8
7
14
13
12
16
1
3
2
6a
5
4
15
6b

Q-D5™ Controls and Features Cont.
signal to the headphones. The cue level is adjusted by the
CUE LEVEL ADJUSTMENT KNOB (13)
. Be
sure the cue level is set to minimum before putting a pair of headphones on. Be sure the
CUE MIXING
KNOB (12)
is turned to the “CUE” position to hear the selected channel source.
5. TALKOVER BUTTON
-
When engaged this function will decrease all signal levels, except the micro-
phone level, by 15dB. A red LED next to the
Talkover Button
will glow when the talkover function is
engaged. In the OFF position all signals will remain at their normal levels.
6
a
6a6
. MICROPHONE VOLUME -
This knob is used to regulate the microphone output volume. Turning
the knob in a clockwise direction will increase the volume level.
6
b
6b6
. MICROPHONE EQ SECTION -
These controls are used to adjust the microphone treble level,
midrange, and bass levels. Each microphone input has a separate channel EQ.
MICROPHONE TREBLE CONTROL
-
This knob is used to adjust the treble levels of the
Microphone with a maximum signal gain of 15dB or maximum signal decrease of -30dB.
Turning the knob in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease the amount of treble
applied to the microphone signal, turning the knob in a clockwise direction will increase
the amount of treble applied to microphone signal.
MICROPHONE BASS CONTROL
-
This knob is used to adjust the low frequency levels of
the microphone with a maximum signal gain of 15dB or maximum signal decrease of -30dB.
Turning the knob in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease the amount of bass applied to
the microphone signal, turning the knob in a clockwise direction will increase the amount
of bass applied to microphone signal.
7. CHANNEL CUT BUTTONS -
These buttons are used to cut out the Treble, Mid or Bass frequencies
of the incoming audio signal. When these buttons are depressed the selected frequency level is cut by
100%. When a Cut Button is engaged a red LED located directly above the speci c button will begin
to glow, indicating the cut function has been activated. Depressing the Cut Button will disengage the
cut function.
8. LEVEL INDICATORS -
The dual LED’s indicators are used to indicate either the master output level
or the PFL level’s of channels one and two. The level indicators will directly re ect the operating mode
of the
dB
SELECTOR SWITCH (15)
.
9. CHANNEL GAIN CONTROL -
This adjustment is used to adjust an audio source signal input gain for
a channel. Never use the gain control to adjust output volume. Setting the gain level properly will ensure
a clean output signal. To properly set the gain level controls:
1. Be sure the
MASTER VOLUME CONTROL (11)
is set to minimum (zero output).
2. Set the
CHANNEL FADER (2)
to level 7.
3. Begin play on an audio source connected to the channel you are adjusting.
4. Be sure the LED
LEVEL INDICATOR FUNCTION SWITCH (15)
is set to the PFL CH1/CH2 position.
5. Turn the
PFL (4)
function on, for the channel you are adjusting.
6. Use the
GAIN CONTROL (9)
to achieve an average output level of +4 dB.
10. MAIN POWER SWITCH -
This is the main power ON/OFF button. The power switch will glow blue
when power is ON. Before main power is applied, be sure you have made all connections to the mixer.
Also be sure your ampli er(s) is(are) tuned off. Remember to avoid damaging pops, the mixer should be
powered on  rst and turned off last.
11. MASTER VOLUME CONTROL -
This rotary knob is used to control the master output level (volume).
To avoid distorted output try to maintain an average output signal level +4 dB. Be sure this volume con-
trol is always set to zero before turning the unit on.
©
American Audio
trol is always set to zero before turning the unit on.
American Audio
trol is always set to zero before turning the unit on.
®
- www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 6
trol is always set to zero before turning the unit on.
- www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 6
trol is always set to zero before turning the unit on.

12. CUE MIXING CONTROLLER -
This knob selects the channel for monitoring. The monitor signal
comes from the Prefader. This means it will not be affected by the channel faders. You can monitor
each channel individually. Connect your headphones to the
HEADPHONES JACK (34)
. Turn the CUE
MIXING CONTROL to CUE and select the desired channels with the PFL switches. When you turn the
CUE MIXING CONTROL to PGM (PFL switches without function), you can cue the output signal of the
mixer. If the CUE MIXING CONTROL is set to the center position, you can cue both the channel signal
you selected and the output signal.With the CUE LEVEL control, you can adjust the phones volume
without changing the output signal.
13. CUE LEVEL VOLUME CONTROL -
This knob is used to adjusts the headphone volume output
level. Turn the knob in a clockwise direction to increase the headphone volume.
14. CHANNEL EQUALIZER (“ROTARY KILLS” - BASS/MID/TREBLE CONTROL) -
All of the chan-
nels include a three-band signal EQ. These controls are used to increase or decrease the LOW’s,
MID’s, and HI’s of the output signal.
CHANNEL TREBLE CONTROL
-
This knob is used to adjust the treble levels of a channel
allowing for a maximum treble gain of 15dB or maximum decrease of -30dB. Turning the knob
in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease the amount of treble applied to a channel signal,
turning the knob in a clockwise direction will increase the amount of treble applied
to a channel signal.
CHANNEL MIDRANGE CONTROL -
This knob is used to adjust the midrange levels of a channel
allowing for a maximum midrange gain of 15dB or maximum decrease of -30dB.
Turning the knob in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease the amount of midrange
applied to a channel signal, turning the knob in a clockwise direction will increase the amount
of midrange applied to a channel signal.
CHANNEL BASS CONTROL
-
This knob is used to adjust the low frequency levels of a
channel allowing for a maximum bass gain of 15dB or maximum signal decrease of -30dB.
Turning the knob in a counter-clockwise direction will decrease the amount of bass applied to
a channel signal, turning the knob in a clockwise direction will increase the amount of bass
applied to a channel signal.
15.
dB
METER MODE SELECTOR -
This push button switch is used to change the operating mode
of the dB LED meter. When the switch is in the Master L/R (up) position, the dB meter will indicate the
master output levels. When the switch is in the PFL CH1/CH2 (down) position the dB meter will use
the left side of the meter to indicate channel one’s prefader level and use the right side of the meter to
indicate channel two’s prefader level.
16. Q-START ON/OFF SWITCH -
This function works in conjunction with a compatible American
Audio
®
or American DJ
®
“Q” Start CD player. When used with a compatible CD player, you can use the
crossfader to start and stop the CD play. The ON/OFF “Q” START switch activates the fader “Q” start
feature. When the fader “Q” start feature is activated sliding the
CROSSFADER (1)
from left to right will
play or cue any CD player connected to the
CONTROLLER JACKS (19)
on the rear of the unit.
For example, connect a compatible dual CD player connect to mixer channels one and two
(refer to your CD player manual for proper set-up). Be sure the Fader “Q” Start feature is
activated on both channels. Slide the crossfader to the channel one position (full left) and
begin playback on CD drive one. Slide the crossfader to the channel position (far right). This
will immediately trigger the play function on CD drive two and return CD drive one to cue
mode. To return to normal fader operation turn the Fader “Q” Start ON/OFF SWITCH to the
OFF position.
©
American Audio
®
- www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 7
Q-D5™ Controls and Features Cont.

Q-D5™ Controls and Features Cont.
©
American Audio
®
- www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 8
17. AC CONNECTION -
This connector is used to supply main power to the unit via the included
detachable power cord. Use only the supplied, polarized AC power cord. This cord is designed to  t in
one direction only. Do not attempt to force a cord in if it does not  t, be sure the cord is being inserted
properly
18. AC VOLTAGE SELECTOR -
This switch is used to adjust the operating voltage. Operating voltage
can be toggled between 115V/50Hz or 230V/60Hz. Always be sure the selector is set to the proper
voltage for your area before attempting to operate the unit.
19. PLAYER CONTROL -
These jacks are used to control the “Q-Start” function between the mixer
and a compatible American Audio CD Player. Input mini plugs from CD player controller into these
jacks, input CD 1 into jack A and CD 2 into jack B.
20. LIGHT CONTROL -
This jack provides a preset mono audio signal output. There is no way to
adjust this level, however this level will directly re ect the output level of the
CHANNEL FADERS (2)
.
This buffered audio output should only be used for light controllers that can accept an external audio
input. Great for Touch Panels and Chase Controllers.
21. DJ MICROPHONE CONNECTOR
-
This jack is used to a connect a microphone to the mixer.
Connect you microphone via 1/4 inch (6.3mm) jack. The signal volume will be controlled by the
DJ MIC
KNOB (6
a
)
a)a
.
The bass and treble levels can also be adjusted by the built-in
MICROPHONE EQ
(6b).
22. BALANCED XLR MASTER OUTPUTS -
The Master Output includes a pair XLR Balanced
JACKS
as well as a pair
RCA UNBALANCED JACKS (23)
.
The 3-pin XLR jacks send a high current
balanced output signal. These jacks should be used when you will be driving an amp or other audio
22
28
27
26
25
24
23
21
20
19
17
30
29
18

equipment with a balanced input, or whenever you will be running a signal line greater than 15 feet.
Always, use these jacks whenever possible.
23. RCA MASTER OUTPUTS -
The Master Output includes a pair of RCA
UNBALANCED JACKS (22).
The RCA jacks send a low current unbalanced output signal.
24. REC OUT
- This is a low current unbalanced output source designed for various tape and CD
recorders. The Record Out (REC OUT) level is dictated by the
CHANNEL FADER LEVEL (2)
,
it is not
in uenced by the
MASTER VOLUME CONTROL (11)
.
25. CHANNEL 2: LINE 2 RCA INPUT JACKS -
These Jacks are used for line level inputs. Connect
CD players or Tape Decks to LINE inputs. Line level musical instruments with stereo outputs such as
Rhythm Machines or Samplers should also be connected to LINE inputs. Turntables should only be
connected to “Phono” inputs. The red colored RCA jack represents the right channel input and the
white represents the left channel input.
26. CHANNEL 2: PHONO 2 INPUT/AUX 2 JACKS -
The type of input must directly re ect the selected
mode of the
LINE LEVEL SELECTOR SWITCH (27)
.
Connect turntables equipped with MM pickup car-
tridge to PHONO inputs (All DJ turntable use MM pick-up cartridges). CD players or Tape Decks and
other line level instruments may be connected to these jacks as long as the
LINE LEVEL SELECTOR
SWITCH (27)
is in the “AUX 2” position. The red colored RCA jack represents the right channel input
and the white represents the left channel input.
27. LINE LEVEL SELECTOR SWITCH -
This switch is used to change the mode of
PHONO INPUT
JACKS (26 and 29).
When connecting turntable to these jacks be sure the switch is in the PHONO
position, and when using line level input devices be sure this switch is in the AUX position. Always be
sure main power is shut off before change the position of the Line Level Selector Switch.
28. CHANNEL 1: LINE 1 RCA INPUT JACKS -
These Jacks are used for line level inputs. Connect
CD players or Tape Decks to LINE inputs. Line level musical instruments with stereo outputs such as
Rhythm Machines or Samplers should also be connected to LINE inputs. Turntables should only be
connected to “Phono” inputs. The red colored RCA jack represents the right channel input and the
white represents the left channel input.
29. CHANNEL 1: PHONO 1 INPUT/AUX 1 JACKS -
The type of input must directly re ect the selected
mode of the
LINE LEVEL SELECTOR SWITCH (27)
.
Connect turntables equipped with MM pickup car-
tridge to PHONO inputs (All DJ turntable use MM pick-up cartridges). CD players or Tape Decks and
other line level instruments may be connected to these jacks as long as the
LINE LEVEL SELECTOR
SWITCH (27)
is in the “AUX 1” position. The red colored RCA jack represents the right channel input
and the white represents the left channel input.
30. GND (GROUND TERMINAL) -
Connect each of your turntables ground leads to either of the two
ground terminal. This will reduce the humming and popping noises associated with magnetic phono
cartridges.
Q-D5™ Controls and Features Cont.
©
American Audio
®
- www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 9

Q-D5™ Controls and Features Cont.
©
American Audio
®
- www.AmericanAudio.us - Q-D5™ Instruction Manual Page 10
31. CHANNEL FADER CURVE ADJUSTMENT -
This rotary knob is used to change the way the chan-
nel fader will operate. Each of the two channels has a “Curve” adjustment. The curve on the faders
adjust from long or short or any variation of the two. The shorter the curve adjustment the sooner full
volume will be reached.
32. CROSSFADER CURVE ADJUSTMENT -
This rotary knob is used to change the way the cross-
fader will operate. The crossfader can operate in different modes, “NORMAL CURVE”, “QUICK CURVE”
or any variation of the two. (Quick Curve usually used for crabbing).
33. REVERSE FUNCTION SWITCH -
Both the crossfader and the channel faders will reverse func-
tion when the reverse switch is activated. When reversing the crossfader, channel two of the crossfader
will control volume output for fader channel one and channel one of the crossfader will control volume
output for channel fader two. When reversing the channel faders, moving the fader in an upwards direc-
tion will decrease channel volume and moving the fader in a downwards direction will increase channel
volume.
34. HEADPHONE OUTPUT JACK
-
This jack is used to connect your headphones to the mixer allow-
ing you to monitor the cue source. Use headphones only rated at 8 ohms to 32 ohms. Most DJ head-
phones are rated at 16 ohm, these are highly recommended. Always be sure the
CUE LEVEL VOLUME
(13)
is set to minimum before you put the headphones on.
31
34
33
32