Art MX524 User manual

MX524
FIVE CHANNEL FOUR ZONE MIC/LINE MIXER
USER'S MANUAL

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IMPORTANT SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS - READ FIRST
This symbol, wherever it appears, this symbol, wherever it appears,
alerts you to the presence of uninsulated alerts you to important operating and
dangerous voltages inside the enclosure maintenance instructions in the
that may be sufficient to constitute a risk. accompanying literature. Please read
of shock the manual.
Read instructions Retain these safety and operating instructions for future reference. Heed
all warnings printed here and on the equipment. Follow the operating instructions printed in this
user guide.
Do not open There are no user serviceable parts inside. Refer any service work to qualified
technical personnel only.
Power sources Only connect the unit to mains power of the type described in this user guide
or marked on the rear panel. The power source must provide a good ground connection.
Power cord Use the power cord with sealed mains plug appropriate for your local main supply
as provided with the equipment. If the provided plug does not fit into your outlet consult your
service agent. Route the power cord so that it is not likely to be walked on, stretched or pinched
by items placed upon or against.
Grounding Do not defeat the grounding and polarization means of the power cord plug. Do not
remove or tamper with the ground connection on the power cord.
Moisture To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not expose the unit to rain, moisture
or use in damp or wet conditions. Do not place containers of liquid on it, which may spill into
any openings
Heat Do not locate the unit in a place close to excessive heat or direct sunlight, as this could
be a fire hazard. Locate the unit away from any equipment which produces heat, such as power
supplies, power amplifiers and heaters.
Environment Protect from excessive dirt, dust, heat, and vibration when operating and storing.
Avoid tobacco ash, drink spillage and smoke, especially that associated with smoke machines.
Handling Protect the controls from damage during transit. Use adequate padding if you need
to ship the unit. To avoid injury to yourself or damage to the equipment, take care when lifting,
moving or carrying the unit.
Servicing Switch off the equipment and unplug the power cord immediately if it is exposed to
moisture, spilled liquid or the power cord or plug becomes damaged during a lightning storm or
if smoke odor or noise is noted. Refer servicing to qualified technical personnel only.
Installation Install the unit in accordance with the instructions printed in the user guide.

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INTRODUCTION
The ART MX524 Five Channel Four Zone Mic/Line Mixer is a versatile rack mount mixer that
combines Five independent input channels and routes them to four zone outputs. Channels one thru
four accept a balanced Line or Mic signal thru the Combo jack connector. CH5 accepts a line level
signal through RCA jacks. The unit has an independent selectable +48 Volt phantom power function
for channels one thru four. Channels one thru four can also accept unbalanced line-level signals. Each
channel has a level control and can be routed to any zone output. Separate level, bass and treble
controls adjust the sound of each input channel.
The ART MX524 may be used on stage, in the studio, or for permanent install applications including
conference rooms, corporate boardrooms, churches, restaurants, small clubs, health clubs and more.
A built-in power supply and triple high 19-inch rack mount format allows for easy installation and reliable
long-term operation.
Features
Five input channels with individual level controls using XLR/Phono jacks with master level, bass
and treble controls
CH1 Mic/Line Input (factory set) automatically ducks CH2 - CH5 outputs
Balanced Mic/Line XLR inputs for channels one thru four
Full +48V low-noise phantom power for channels one thru four mic inputs
Front panel 1/8-inch stereo (TRS) mini-phone plug for Headphone monitoring
Four sets of Euro Bloc connectors for the Zone outputs
Telephone paging function
Dc power back up
Separate monitor outputs
LED VU meter on all outputs
Rear mount RCA Line inputs for additional audio inputs
Rugged 3U rack-mount steel chassis with built-in power supply
Perfect for stage, studio and permanent installations
Three-year warranty
Unit Initial Setup
Before any audio connections are made, please review if the CH1 Mic/Line is needed as a main talk
over feature is for your application. The unit is factory setup for this feature. If you would prefer to use
Channels 1 thru 5 as just audio inputs then an internal jumper will need to be moved to disable the
feature. Please see the section labeled on page 11, “Dedicated CH1 Mic/Line Ducking and Rear Priority
Switch Function” to make this change.

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OPERATION
Front Panel Controls
1. Gain pot
The pot optimizes the input level for this channel. Turning the pot clockwise increases the input level.
2. High pot
This is the Treble control. You can get minimize high frequency noise or boost the sound of cymbals or
high frequency harmonics. The gain can be varied from -10dB to +10dB with the center frequency at
10kHz.
3. Low pot
This is the Bass control. You can Boost as an example vocal, kickdrums or guitar. The gain can be
varied from -10dB to +10dB with the center frequency at 100Hz.

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4. Volume pot
The pot controls the individual channels volume levels.
5. Zone selector
Zone’s 1-4 can be assigned when these switches are engaged. Engage the button Z1 and the signal
is assigned to ZONE1. Release the button to disengage the signal from ZONE1. Zones 2-4 can be
assigned the same way.
6. Phone volume
The pot controls the monitor level of the Headphone jack.
7. Phone
The monitor signal of the mixer can be sent to a pair of headphones.
8. Monitor Volume
This pot controls the output level to the monitor outputs on the rear panel.
9. Zone 1 Volume
The pot controls the volume level of ZONE1.
10. LED VU-meter
This is the 6-segment stereo LED-meter that indicates the level of the overall signal.
11. MONITOR selector
Engaging the MONITOR switch, allows you to listen to a any selected of zone outputs. If multiple
switches are selected the monitor output is a summation of all of them.

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12. Power
The LED is the power indicator. When the MX524 is powered on, this RED LED will light up. When the
MX524 is powered down the RED LED light will go off.
13. Power switch
When the switch is set to the ON position, the MX524 is powered on. When the switch is set to the OFF
position the MX524 is powered down.
Rear Panel Connections
14. AC Input
This is the power inlet connector jack. This connects the unit to the main power source.
15. AC fuse
The fuse protects the unit from current surges and over voltages issues. The fuse should only be
replaced with the same size and style.

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16. AC Voltage Selector
When the AC voltage selector is set to the left 115V, the unit accepts AC input voltages from 100V to
127VAC. When the AC voltage selector is set to the right 230V, the unit requires an AC input voltage
between 220V to 240V.
17. Monitor Line Out
The Monitor Line Out terminals (Barrier strip) can be connected to other equipment, such as an amplifier
or recording devices.
18. Monitor Low Z Output
The terminal is meant for the connection of a small external loudspeaker that is driven by an internal
auxiliary power amplifier, providing a nominal output 1 Watt.
Only the mixed audio signal coming from the “AUX IN” are included in the output signal.
In addition, the output signal is controlled only by the volume control of “CH4”, “CH5”, audio signal level
control.
19.“Priority” Terminal
When these terminals are shorted (i.e., by means of using an electrical switch), the audio signals
coming from “CH2” thru “CH5” inputs are attenuated, while the audio signal coming from “CH1, is set
as the priority. This terminal is not functional if the internal jumper has be adjusted to defeat the CH1
ducking feature.
20. Input “Tel Paging”
The connection of these terminals will allow you to connect to an auxiliary telephone signal. The input
features a “Voice Priority” function which overrides all other input signals. This feature allows the signal
from the phone input to be present on any the zones that are selected using the dip switches located
on the rear of the unit. The signals coming from any of the other input sources will be attenuated if that
zone has been selected via the dip switch. This feature works independently from the rear priority and
CH1 ducking features.

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21. Tel. Input
a Zone
This function will duck the signals present on zones 1 through 4 when the dip switch is engaged
for each zone. Set the switch to the low position to enable sending this phone signal to the
corresponding Zone output.
b Volume
When the DIP switches are engaged, it then controls the volume of the sound source, that is
connected to the “Tel Paging” barrier terminals. Turning the pot clockwise increases the volume
of the corresponding source. Keep this control at its' minimum setting when this function is not
used.
22.“Line IN” inputs
An audio source with a high-level output signal, such as a Tuner, CD Player or any Digital audio source.
There is an input sensitivity switch to adjust for suitable for a variety of audio sources. This is an RCA-
type coaxial connector, for an unbalanced audio source.

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23.The Mono MIC/LINE channels
You can connect balanced line level or MIC level sources to these combo jacks. On the ¼-inch phone
jack you can connect either a microphone or a line level instrument. You cannot connect an unbalanced
microphone to the XLR jack, as it will damage both the microphone and the mixer.
24. CH1 Thru CH4 inputs sensitivity and XLR phantom switch
Sliding the switch to the “LINE” position, CH1 thru CH4 inputs can be connected to an audio source
with high level signal. Sliding these switches to the MIC position, CH1thru CH4 inputs can be connected
to a dynamic microphone with a low impedance. By sliding the switch to “Phantom” position, this
connects the phantom supply to the XLR of Pins 2 and 3 of CH1 thru CH4, this is necessary to operate
the condenser microphones which require this type of external supply. It is recommended to use this
switch with the general volume set to minimum.

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25. Line Out Bal/Unbal
These terminals can be connected to other equipment, such as an amplifier or recording equipment.
26. DC Power Supply
The MX524 mixer can operate using a 24Vdc power supply. When both the AC and DC source are
connected, the MX524 runs off the AC power source. The DC supply is used when the AC source fails.

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Dedicated CH1 Mic/Line Ducking and Rear Priority Switch Function
The Ch1 Mic/Line Input is setup (factory default) as a dedicated talk over feature. The ducking function
for the CH1 Mic/line input can be deactivated by moving an internal jumper located on the rear ckt
board in the unit. Moving this jumper disables the CH1 ducking feature and the rear priority feature.
The chassis cover will need to be removed in order to change the setting. Please see the diagram
below to set the jumper in the appropriate position.

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WARRANTY INFORMATION
Limited Warranty (USA only)
Applied Research and Technology will provide warranty and service for this unit in accordance with the
following warrants:
Applied Research and Technology, (ART) warrants to the original purchaser that this product and the
components thereof will be free from defects in workmanship and materials for a period of three years
from the date of purchase. Applied Research and Technology will, without charge, repair or replace, at
its option, defective product or component parts upon prepaid delivery to the factory service department
or authorized service center, accompanied by proof of purchase date in the form of a valid sales receipt.
Exclusions
This warranty does not apply in the event of misuse or abuse of the product or as a result of
unauthorized alterations or repairs. This warranty is void if the serial number is altered, defaced, or
removed.
A R T reserves the right to make changes in design or make additions to or improvements upon this
product without any obligation to install the same on products previously manufactured.
A R T shall not be liable for any consequential damages, including without limitation damages resulting
from loss of use. Some states do not allow limitations of incidental or consequential damages, so the
above limitation or exclusion may not apply to you. This warranty gives you specific rights and you may
have other rights, which vary from state to state.
For units purchased outside the United States, an authorized distributor of Applied Research and
Technology will provide service.

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SERVICE
The following information is provided in the unlikely event that your unit requires service.
1. Be sure that the unit is the cause of the problem. Check to make sure the unit has power, all cables
are connected correctly, and the cables themselves are in working condition. You may want to
consult with your dealer for assistance in troubleshooting or testing your particular configuration.
2. If you believe that the ART unit is at fault, go to www.artproaudio.com.
3. Select “Support”, then “Return Authorization Request” to request a return authorization number.
4. If you are returning the unit for service, pack the unit in its original carton or a reasonable substitute.
The original packaging may not be suitable as a shipping carton, so consider putting the packaged
unit in another box for shipping. Print the RA number clearly on the outside of the shipping box. Print
your return shipping address on the outside of the box.
5. Include, with your unit, a note with the RA number and your contact information, including a return
shipping address (we cannot ship to a P.O. box) and a daytime phone number, and a description of
the problem, preferably attached to the top of the unit. Also include a copy of your purchase receipt.
Please fill in the following information for your reference:
Date of purchase: _______________________________________________
Purchased from: _______________________________________________
Serial Number: _______________________________________________

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SPECIFICATIONS
Frequency Response 20 Hz – 22kHz ± 2 dBu
Max. Input Gain 60dB CH MIC. Input Main out (XLR, balanced)
50dB CH MIC. Input & REC. out (unbalanced)
60dB CH MIC. Input Mic. out (unbalanced)
60dB CH MIC. Input Mono out (unbalanced)
THD&N <0.03% @1kHz
Impedance Microphone input: 1.4kΩ
All other inputs 10kΩ or greater
Zone outputs 120Ω
Monitor Speaker output 8Ω
Monitor Line output 120Ω
Phantom power 48VDC
EQ Low: ± 10 dB - 100 Hz
High: ± 10 dB - 10 kHz
Zone Outputs +26dB (Balanced)
Monitor Line Output +15dB (Unbalanced)
Monitor speaker output 1 W rms / 8 Ω
Headphone output 0.5 W rms / 47 Ω
Connectors Inputs: Combo XLR/¼ Jacks, RCA
Outputs: Euroblock, Screw terminals
Power Requirements USA 110~120VAC 50/60Hz or 24VDC
Export units configured for country of destination
Dimensions (HWD) 5.1-inch x 19-inch x 7.5-inch
130mm x 483mm x 191mm
Weight 6.63 lbs. (3.0 kg)
Note: 0 dBu = 0.775Vrms
ART maintains a policy of constant product improvement. Therefore, specifications are subject to
change without notice.

www.artproaudio.com
E-mail: [email protected]
© 2021 Applied Research & Technology
MX524 524-5004-102
FIVE CHANNEL FOUR ZONE MIC/LINE MIXER