Arrakis Systems X-mixer-14-14 User manual

Digital Broadcast
Console
Technical Manual
X-mixer-14-14
X-mixer-14-22
X- IXER
ARRAKIS
advancedradio
July 1, 2008
RADIO CONSOLE PRODUCTS

RISK OF
ELECTRIC SHOCK
DO NOT OPEN
WARNING—This equipment generates, uses and can
radiate radio frequency energy. If not installed and used in
accordance with the instructions in this manual it may cause
interference to radio communications. It has been tested and
found to comply with the limits for a Class A computing device
(pursuant to Subpart J of Part 15 FCC Rules), which are designed
to provide reasonable protection against such interference when
operated in a commercial environment. Operation of this equip-ment
in a residential area is likely to cause interference, in which
case the user, at his own expense, will be required to take what-ever
measures may be required to correct the interference.
The Exclamation Point symbol, within an equilateral
triangle, alerts the user to the presence of important
operating and maintenance (servicing) instructions in
product literature and instruction manuals.
WARNING: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF FIRE OR ELECTRIC SHOCK,
DO NOT EXPOSE THE CONSOLE TO RAIN OR MOISTURE.
WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD - DO NOT OPEN
AVIS: RISQUE DE CHOC ELECTRIQUE - NE PAS OUVRIR
CAUTION: TO REDUCE THE RISK OF ELECTRIC SHOCK DO NOT
REMOVE ANY COVER OR PANEL. NO USER SERVICEABLE PARTS
INSIDE. REFER SERVICING TO QUALIFIED SERVICE PERSONNEL.
Hazard / Warning Label
Identification
The Lightning Flash With Arrowhead symbol, within an
equilateral triangle, alerts the user to the presence of
uninsulated dangerous voltage within the product’s
enclosure that may be of sufficient magnitude to constitute
a risk of electric shock.
C AU T I O N
THE X-MIXER DIGITAL CONSOLE
Table of Contents
2
16. A Product and Cart Combination should be
moved with care. Quick stops, excessive force,
and uneven surfaces may cause the product and
the cart combination to overturn.
17. Servicing. Refer all servicing to qualified
servicing personnel.
18. Damage Requiring Service. Unplug this
product from the wall AC outlet and refer
servicing to qualified service personnel under
the following conditions:
a. When the AC cord or plug is damaged.
b. If liquid has been spilled or objects have
fallen into the product.
c. If the product has been exposed to rain or
water.
d. If the product does not operate normally
(following operating instructions).
e. If the product has been dropped or
damaged in any way.
f. When the product exhibits a distinct change
in performance. This indicates a need for
service.
19. Replacement Parts. When replacement parts
are required, be sure the service technician has
used replacement parts specified by the
manufacturer or that have the same
characteristics as the original parts. Unauthorized
substitutions may result in fire, electric shock, or
other hazards.
20. Safety Check. Upon completion of any repairs
to this product, ask the service technician to
perform safety checks to determine that the
product is in proper operating condition.
21. Cleaning. Do not use liquid cleaners or aerosol
cleaners. Use only a damp cloth for cleaning.
1. Read All Instructions. All safety and operating
instructions must be read before operating the
product.
2. Retain All Instructions. All safety and
operating instructions must be retained for
future reference.
3. Heed All Warnings. All warnings on the
product and those listed in the operating
instructions must be adhered to.
4. Follow All Instructions. All operating and
product usage instructions must be followed.
5. Heat. This product must be situated away from
any heat sources such as radiators, heat
registers, stoves, or other products (including
power amplifiers) that produce heat.
6. Ventilation. Slots and openings in the product
are provided for ventilation. They ensure reliable
operation of the product, keeping it from
overheating. These openings must not be
blocked nor covered during operation. This
product should not be placed into a rack unless
proper ventilation is provided through
following the manufacturer’s recommended
installation procedures.
7. Water and Moisture. Do not use this product
near water—for example; near a bath tub, wash
bowl, kitchen sink or laundry tub; in a wet
basement; or near a swimming pool or the like.
8. Attachments. Do not use any attachments not
recommended by the product manufacturer
as they may cause hazards.
9. Power Sources. This product must be
operated from the type of power source
indicated on the marking label and in the
installation instructions. If you are not sure of
the type of power supplied to your facility,
consult your local power company.
10. Grounding and Polarization. This product is
equipped with a polarized AC plug with integral
safety ground pin. Do not defeat the safety
ground in any manner.
11. Power Cord Protection. Power supply cords
must be routed so that they are not likely to be
walked on nor pinched by items placed upon
or against them. Pay particular attention to the
cords at AC wall plugs and convenience
receptacles, and at the point where the cord
plugs into the product.
12. Lightning. For added protection for this
product during a lightning storm, or when it is
left unattended and unused for long periods of
time, unplug it from the AC wall outlet. This will
prevent damage to the product due to
lightning and power line surges.
13. Overloading. Do not overload AC wall outlets,
extension cords, or integral convenience outlets
as this can result in a fire or electric shock hazard.
14. Object and Liquid Entry. Never push objects
of any kind into this product through openings
as they may touch dangerous voltage points
or short-out parts that could result in a fire or
electric shock. Never spill liquid of any kind on
the product.
15. Accessories. Do not place this product on an
unstable cart, stand, tripod, bracket, or table. The
product may fall, causing serious damage to a
child or adult, and serious damage to the
product. Any mounting of the product needs
to follow manufacturer’s installation
instructions.
EQUIPMENT DESCRIPTION
Chassis........................................ 22
Motherboard................................ 22
Option Board .............................. 22
Power Supply ............................. 22
VU Meter Housing ...................... 22
Front Panel ................................. 22
Motherboard Layout ................... 23
Block Diagram ............................ 24
PARTS & REPAIR SERVICES
Field Repair.................................. 25
Parts & Repair Information........... 25
Spare & Replacement Parts Info . 25
Installation Kits Part Listing ......... 25
Maintenance & Service ............... 26
ACCESSORIES
Button Engraving ......................... 27
Fader Knobs ................................ 27
TECHNICAL SERVICES CDROM
Release, Req., Contents ............. 28
ARRAKIS SYSTEMS INC.
Contact information ..................... 29
GENERAL INFORMATION
Console Overview .................... 3
Feature Descriptions ................ 3
Specifications ........................... 4
Warranty ................................... 4
INSTALLATION
Console Configuration .............. 5
Grounding & Shielding .............. 5
Cabling & Wiring........................ 6
Wire Preparation ...................... 6
Crimp Tool Operation ............... 6
Analog Audio Connections ...... 7
Digital Audio Connections ........ 8
Peripheral Device Logic............ 9
Misc Logic Connections............ 10
Misc Console Connections ...... 11
DIP switch Settings................... 12
Trim Pot Adjustments................ 13
Connection Summary Dgm...... 14
PC Setup Software................... 15-17
X-MIXER OPERATION
Input Channels ......................... 18
Telco Channel........................... 19
Monitor Controls ....................... 20
Timer Controls .......................... 20
Remote Line Selector ............... 21
Meter Housing........................... 21
Safety Instructions
Manufacturer
This console was designed and manufactured by Arrakis Systems inc. All rights reserved.

THE X-MIXER DIGITAL CONSOLE
General Information
3
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Start
Stop
Reset
Auto
Ext
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Pgm
Aud
PHONE
TIMER
TALK
BACK
CUE
HEAD
PHONE
MONITOR
REMOTE 1 REMOTE 2
TIMER
Off
Line
Control room
Monitoring
Controls
(2) Source
selectors
Telco
control
Palm
Rest
VU Meter Housing
hinges back for
access to IO cabling
Input
Fader
Channel
Controls
Meter Panel with (2) Program bus meters, (2) Audition bus
meters, (1) Mono bus meter, and Timer
The X-mixer Console, Overview of Main Components
The X-mixer is a sophisticated console
with a wide range of features held in a com-
pact design. To obtain maximum benefit
from the console, please read through this
manual prior to product installation.
CONSOLE OVERVIEW
The X-mixer has the following features:
... Two microphone inputs
... Ten stereo analog inputs
... Two digital AES3 inputs
... an option board that adds 8 AES3 digital
inputs (used on X-MIX-14-22)
... 3 output buses: Program, Audition, & Mono
... Analog & digital program outputs
... Control Room monitoring
... 6 x 2 analog remote line selector
... Production Timer with manual & automatic
control
... Welded aluminum chassis for strength and
RFI immunity
... Countertop installation
... Easy-access for installation under VU housing
Feature Descriptions
Input Sources
The X-MIX-14-14 supports 14 audio
source inputs: 2 mic, 10 stereo analog line,
2 AES3. nput Sources. The X-MIX-14-
22 supports 22 audio source inputs: 2 mic,
10 stereo analog line, 10 AES3. For maxi-
mum user flexibility, any of these source
inputs to the console can be assigned to any
input fader channel. The X-MIX-14-22 also
has 2 extra mic preamps for converting 2
line channels to mic level.
Input Fader Channels
The console is available in two models.
Both are 14 channels. The X-MIX-14-14
has the base 14 inputs. The X-MIX-14-22
has 22 inputs (includes the option board).
Any of the 14 or 22 source inputs can be
assigned to any of the 14 input fader chan-
nels
Every channel has a single input, channel
on/off control (with built-in logic interface),
fader level control and assignment selectors
(to Cue, and three output buses). Analog
line input channels can be set for -10 dBu
to +4 dBu via dip switches or PC setup soft-
ware.
Each input has its own individual connec-
tor with both audio and logic signals for
ease of cabling. Source control logic can be
selected to be momentary or sustained for
flexibility.
Telco Functionality
The console can be configured in setup to
support one hybrid for a single caller. The
Telco functionality can be assigned to any of
the 10 analog source inputs.
If an input is assigned Telco functionality,
then the front panel fader channel controls
automatically change to support that mode.
Outputs
The console features 3 output buses
(Program, Audition, and Mono). Each of the
stereo audio buses (Program and Audition)
has its own AES-3 digital output as well as a
stereo analog output. The Mono output bus
has an analog output only. Each analog output
signal is +4 dBu balanced.
The console also has an “Assignable Output”
which is setup as either a Record output fol-
lowing the telephone system or as a cue out-
put for an external cue amp and speaker.
Monitoring
Powerful monitoring and communication
controls for a Control Room (CR) are provid-
ed. Separate volume controls, with speaker
muting logic for the CR are provided for the
CR headphone, monitors, and Cue signal. A
CR warning logic output is also provided.
The console contains a flexible Talkback sys-
tem. The front panel talkback button acti-
vates an output from the CR mic with logic
to feed another studio. An audio input into
the cue system with logic provides an input
and control for talkback from one or more
other studios.
Timer
The digital timer is located in the meter
panel. The timer is controlled automatically
by the channel logic or manually though the
control surface’s Start, Stop, Hold, and Reset
buttons.
Remote Line Selector (RLS)
The console features a 6x2 routing switcher
for remote input selection. Each of the 6
inputs can be setup in the software to accept
any combination of the console inputs
including mics. Only the Telco functionality
can not be assigned to the remote line selec-
tor.
Power Supply
The power supply is an external module to
reduce power supply related hum and noise
in the console. It is a “line lump” type with a
6 foot AC cord and a 6 foot DC power cord.
The power supply has outputs at (+)(-)
12VDC and (+)5VDC. It is an international
series supporting AC line voltages from 100-
240VAC and 50/60Hz.

THE X-MIXER DIGITAL CONSOLE
4
Warranty
The X-mixer console carries a manufacturer‘s
warranty subject to the following guidelines
and limitations:
A) Except as expressly excluded here-
in, Arakis (“Seller”) warrants equipment of its
own manufacture against faulty workmanship
or the use of defective materials for a period of
one (1) year from date of shipment to Buyer.
The liability of the Seller under this Warranty
is limited to replacing, repairing or issuing
credit (at the Seller’s discretion) for any equip-
ment, provided that Seller is promptly notified
in writing within five (5) days upon discovery
of such defects by Buyer, and Seller‘s examina-
tion of such equipment shall disclose to its sat-
isfaction that such defects existed at the time
shipment was originally made by Seller, and
Buyer returns the defective equipment to Sell-
er’s place of business in Loveland, Colorado,
packaging and transportation prepaid, with
return packaging and transport guaranteed.
B) Equipment furnished by Seller, but
manufactured by another, shall be warranted
only to the extent provided by the other manu-
facturer.
C) Thermal filament devices (such as
lamps and fuses) are expressly excluded from
this warranty.
D) The warranty period on equipment
or parts repaired or replaced under warranty
shall expire upon the expiration date of the
original warranty.
E) This Warranty is void for equip-
ment which has been subject to abuse, improp-
er installation, improper operation, improper
or omitted maintenance, alteration, accident,
negligence (in use, storage, transportation or
handling), operation not in accordance with
Seller‘s operation and service instructions, or
operation outside of the environmental condi-
tions specified by Seller.
F) This Warranty is the only warranty
made by Seller, and is in lieu of all other war-
ranties, including merchantability and fitness
for a particular purpose, whether expressed or
implied, except as to title and to the expressed
specifications contained in this manual. Seller’s
sole liability for any equipment failure or any
breach of this Warranty is as set forth in sub-
paragraph A) above; Seller shall not be liable
or responsible for any business loss or interrup-
tion, or other consequential damages of any
nature whatsoever, resulting from any equip-
ment failure or breach of this warranty.
Test Conditions:
Specifications are per channel.
0 dBu corresponds to 0.775 volts RMS regardless of
circuit impedance. This equals 0 dBm into a 600 ohm
circuit for convenient level measurements using meters
calibrated for 600 ohm circuits.
Noise specs based on 20 kHz bandwidth. Noise
increases about 1.7 dB if a meter with a 30 kHz band-
width is used.
FSD = Full Scale Digital, +24 dBu
Microphone Preamplifiers
Source Impedance: 150 ohms
Input Impedance: 2 k ohms min. balanced
Input Level Range: Adj. -65 to -30 dBu
Input Headroom: 20 dB above nom.in.
Analog Inputs
Source Impedance: 600 ohms or less
Input Impedance: >20 k W, balanced
Input Level Range: Adj. -20 to +4 dBu
Input Headroom: 20 dB above nom.
Analog Main Outputs
Output Source Impedance: 100 ohms bal.
Output Load Impedance: 600 ohms min.
Nominal Output Levels:
Program Outputs: adj. +4 dBu
Telco Mix-Minus: set at +4 dBu
Maximum Output Levels:
Program and Monaural: +24 dBu
Telco Mix-Minus: +24 dBu
Digital Inputs & Outputs
Reference: +4 dBu = -20 dB FSD
Signal Format: AES-3, S/PDIF on input only
AES-3 Input Compliance: 24-bit
AES-3 Output Compliance: 24-bit
Digital Reference Frequency: Internal crystal
Internal Sample Rate: 48 kHz
Processing Resolution: 32-bit fixed with ext. precision
accumulators
Conversions: A/D 24-bit Delta-Sigma, Sample rate con-
version on all digital inputs;
D/A 24-bit, using 1-bit conversion.
Latency: <1.3 ms,
Monitor Outputs
Output Impedance: 100 ohms, Z-balanced
Output Load: 600 ohms or greater
Output Level: 4 dBu nominal, +20 dBu max.
External Headphone Amp Output:
Source Impedance: 100 ohms
Load Impedance: >600 ohms
Output Level: +4 dBu nominal, +24 dBu max.
Frequency Response
Mic or Line Input to Program Output:
+0 dB/-0.5 dB, 20 Hz to 20 kHz
Equivalent Input Noise
Microphone Preamp: -127 dBu, 150 ohm source
Dynamic Range
Analog Input to Analog Output: 98 dB “A” weighted
(both ref. to FSD)
Digital Input to Analog Output: 100 dB “A” weighted
(both ref. to FSD)
Specifications
Total Harmonic Distortion + Noise
Mic Pre Input to Analog Output: <0.015%, 20 Hz to 20
kHz, -38 dBu input, +18 dBu output, 600 ohm load, 20
kHz filter bandwidth.
Analog Input to Analog Output: <0.01% at 1 kHz, +18
dBu input, +18 dBu output, 600 ohm load, 20 kHz filter
bandwidth. <0.05%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +18 dBu input, +18
dBu output, 1 k ohm load, 22 kHz filter bandwidth.
Digital Input to Digital Output: <0.001%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz,
+18 dBu input, +18 dBu output, 20 kHz filter bandwidth
Digital Input to Analog Output: <0.005% at 1 kHz, +18
dBu input, +18 dBu output, 600 ohm load, 22 kHz filter
bandwidth. <0.05%, 20 Hz to 20 kHz, +18 dBu input, +18
dBu output, 600 ohm load, 22 kHz filter.
Crosstalk Isolation
Program-to-Program: >86 dB, 20 Hz - 20 kHz
Stereo Separation
Analog Program Outputs: >86 dB @ 1 kHz,
Power Requirements
Input AC voltage: 100-220 VAC, 50/60 Hz
X-mixer-14 current draw: 75 watts
AC Ground: Chassis grounded through AC cord
Arrakis Systems reserves the right to change
specifications without notice or obligation.

THE X-MIXER DIGITAL CONSOLE
Installation
5
The X-mixer console sits on top of the
studio furniture countertop. A minimum of
13 inches of vertical clearance above the
countertop is required to open the operator
control surface to its service position.
The X-mixer console consists of:
... The 14-input mainframe
... Power supply
... Tool Kit
... Audio and Logic Connector Kit
... Spare Parts kit
... CDROM
Custom engraving on the channel On/Off
button caps and colored fader knobs are
available. See Accessories for details.
INSTALLATION NOTE: Do not set X-
mixer near intense electromagnetic hum
fields, such as those from power transform-
ers and audio amplifiers using inexpensive
power transformers operating in or near
saturation, as this can impair console per-
formance. Route audio cables to achieve
maximum practical distance from all AC
mains wiring.
CONSOLE CONFIGURATION
The X-mixer console is a compact yet fea-
ture packed design. The compact size gives
the operator easy reach to peripheral equip-
ment located to the sides of the console.
Channel Assignment
Any input can be assigned to any of the
fader channels of the console. Basic assign-
ment can be made using DIP switches on
the motherboard. Advanced assignment can
be made using PC setup software.
The Meter Panel
Five analog VU meters provide level mon-
itoring for all three of the console output
buses: Pgm, Aud, and Mono. An event
timer is also located on this panel.
Connector Access
All audio and logic connectors are located
on the motherboard underneath the VU
meter housing along the rear of the console
mainframe. Simply fold back the VU meter
housing for fast and easy access to the con-
nectors.
In most installations, the wiring is
dropped into the cabinetry through access
holes in the floor of the mainframe along the
back of the console. Console and wiring
access dimensions are shown below.
Internal Control Access
The console’s trimpots and DIP switches
are located below the VU meter housing and
can be adjusted but raising the housing.
Power Supply
The console power supply is external to the
console to reduce 60 cycle radiated hum. It is
a design that is commonly referred to as a
“line lump.“ This is a fully encapsulated,
non-user serviceable module with a 6 foot
AC power cord on one end and a DC power
cord with connector on the other end. The
DC power connector plugs into the console
motherboard under the VU meter
AC GROUND NOTE:Do not defeat the
AC safety ground in any way. Doing so may
provide a potentially dangerous condition
to the operator.
GROUNDING & SHIELDING
The broadcast facility’s technical ground
should only connect to the mainframe
chassis ground stud located at the left rear
of the console mainframe under the VU
meter housing. Terminate the facility‘s
technical ground wire in a crimped lug.
Connect the audio shields at both the
console and the peripheral when all system
components share a common ground
potential and are using isolated-ground AC
outlets individually tied back to the main
technical ground.
If isolated-ground AC outlets are not
available, connect the cable shields at the
console end only. The shields should be
floated (left unconnected) at the peripheral
device. Ensure the peripheral devices con-
nect to a clean ground through their power
cords, or through separate ground wires to
the facility’s technical ground.
AUDIO GROUND NOISES: Buzz pick-
up is generally electrostatic-such as capaci-
tive coupling between an audio line and a
power line. Do not route audio lines in the
same wireway as an AC power line.
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Cue
Start
Stop
Reset
Auto
Ext
Pgm
Aud
Mono
Pgm
Aud
PHONE
TIMER
TALK
BACK
CUE
HEAD
PHONE
MONITOR
REMOTE 1 REMOTE 2
TIMER
Off
Line
A
B
C
G
F
shown with control surface and VU meter
housing set to its service position
X-mixer Dimensions
COUNTERTOP VIEW
CONSOLE SIDE VIEW
Mainframe A B C
X-mixer-14 32 1/2" 21 5/8" 27 5/8"
Mainframe E F G
X-mixer-14 7 5/8" 9 7/8" 12 3/4"
E