Behringer EURORACK MX1804X User manual

EURORACK® MX1804X
www.behringer.com
Version 1.1 March 2001
User’s Manual
ENGLISH

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EURORACKMX1804X
Thissymbol,whereveritappears,alerts
you to the presence of uninsulated
dangerous voltage inside the
enclosure—voltage that may be
sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts
you to important operating and
maintenance instructions in the
accompanying literature. Read the
manual.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce therisk ofelectrical shock, donot remove
thecover(orback).Nouserserviceable parts inside;
referservicing to qualified personnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electrical shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
DETAILEDSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS:
Allthe safety and operation instructionsshould be read before theappliance is operated.
RetainInstructions:
Thesafetyandoperatinginstructionsshouldberetainedforfuturereference.
Heed Warnings:
Allwarnings on theappliance and in the operating instructions should be adhered to.
Followinstructions:
Alloperationand user instructions should be followed.
Water and Moisture:
Theappliance should not beusednearwater (e.g. near abathtub,washbowl,kitchen sink, laundry tub,inawet
basement, or near a swimming pool etc.).
Ventilation:
The appliance should be situated so that its location or position does not interfere with its proper ventilation.
For example, the appliance should not be situated on a bed, sofa rug, or similar surface that may block the
ventilation openings, or placed in a built-in installation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the
flowofairthrough the ventilation openings.
Heat:
The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliance(includingamplifiers)thatproduceheat.
Power Source:
Theapplianceshould be connected to apowersupply only of the typedescribedin the operating instructions
or as marked on the appliance.
Grounding or Polarization:
Precautionsshould be taken so that the grounding or polarization means of an appliance is not defeated.
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 and plugs, convenience receptacles and the point
wherethey exit from the appliance.
Cleaning:
Theapplianceshouldbecleanedonly as recommended by the manufacturer.
Non-usePeriods:
Thepower cord oftheapplianceshould be unpluggedfromtheoutlet when leftunusedfora long periodoftime.
Object and Liquid Entry:
Careshouldbetaken so that objects do not fall and liquids are not spilled into the enclosurethroughopenings.
Damage Requiring Service:
Theapplianceshould be serviced by qualified service personnel when:
-The power supply cord or theplug has been damaged; or
- Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
-The appliance has been exposed to rain; or
-Theappliance does not appear to operatenormally or exhibits a marked change inperformance; or
-Theappliancehasbeendropped,ortheenclosuredamaged.
Servicing:
Theusershould not attempt to service the appliance beyond thatisdescribedintheOperatingInstructions.All
otherservicing should be referred to qualifiedservicepersonnel.

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EURORACKMX1804X
FOREWORD
DearCustomer,
Welcome to the team of EURORACK users and thank you very much for expressing your confidence in
BEHRINGERproducts by purchasing this unit.
It is one of my most pleasant tasks to write this letter to you, because it is the culmination of many months of
hard work delivered by our engineering team to reach a very ambitious goal: To produce a compact mixer,
which fully satisfies your and our expectations and delivers a superior sound quality, easy operation and
technical specifications. In addition to that the mixer is affordable for almost every musician. The task to
designtheEURORACKcertainlymeant a great deal of responsibility, which we assumed byfocusingonyou,
the discerning user and musician. It also meant a lot of work and night shifts to accomplish this goal. But it
was fun, too. Developing a product usually brings a lot of people together, and what a great feeling it is when
everybody who participated in such a project can be proud of what we’ve achieved.
Itisour philosophy to share our joy with you,becauseyouarethemostimportantmember of the BEHRINGER
family. With your highly competent suggestions for new products you’ve greatly contributed to shaping our
company and making it successful. In return, we guarantee you uncompromising quality (manufactured
under ISO9000 certified management system) as well as excellent technical and audio properties at an
extremely favorable price. All of this will enable you to fully unfold your creativity without being hampered by
budgetconstraints.
Weareoften asked how we can makeit to produce such high-grade devices atsuch unbelievably low prices.
The answer is quite simple: it’s you, our customers! Many satisfied customers means large sales volumes
enablingus to getbetter conditions of purchase for components, etc. Isn’t it only fair to pass this benefit back
to you? Because we know that your success is our success, too!
I would like to thank the following people, whose help on “Project EURORACK MX1804X” has made it all
possible:
▲The existing users of BEHRINGER equipment (whose comments and suggestions have made them the
mostimportantmembersoftheBEHRINGERdesignteam),
▲Thorsten(forthis marvellous manual layout),
▲Bernhard(Rammi)(whosetechnicalingenuityisunique),
▲C.W.forthefinemechanics(key-phrase“Toolingmodification”),
▲andalltheothers,whohave made very personal contributions.
Myfriends, it’s been worth the trouble!
Thankyouverymuch,
UliBehringer

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EURORACKMX1804X
EURORACK
MX1804X
Ultra low-noise 18-channel 4-bus mi er with integrated VIRTUALIZER multi-effects processor
s6monoinput channels with balanced XLR and TRSconnectorsand inserts
sUltralow-noisediscretemicrophonepreamps with +48 V phantom power
s4stereoinput channels with balanced TRS connectors
s2additionalmulti-functionalstereochannelswith 60-mm faders
s24-bit stereo multi-effects processor with ultra-high resolution 24-bit AD/DA converters, for internal and
externaluse
s32originalVIRTUALIZERpresetsincluding16differentreverbs,delays,chorus,flanger,pitchshifter,speaker
simulationandvariouscombinations
sSwitchable7-bandgraphicequalizer for ultimate main mix equalization
sAlt 3-4 bus routable to main mix and control room with insert, PFL and 60-mm master fader
sExtremelyhigh headroom—offering more dynamicrange
sBalanced inputs and main outputs for highest signal integrity
sUltra-musical4-bandEQ(stereochannels)and3-band EQ with sweepable mid band (mono channels)
sPeak LEDs and switchable low-cut filter on all mono channels
s2auxsends (aux 1 pre/post) per channel—for internalor external effects and monitoring
sMaster aux sends with gain control and PFL
sMute/Alt3-4,Solo-In-PlaceandPre-Fader-Listen function on all channels.
sSeparatemain mix, Alt 3-4, control room and headphones outputs
s2-trackinputs assignable to main mix or control room/headphones outputs
sHighlyaccurate12-segment bargraph meters
sHigh-precision60-mmfaders and sealed potentiometers
sRuggeddesignpowersupplyensuressuperiortransientresponse
sState-of-the-art4580ICs and high-quality components for crystal-clear audio performance
sExtremelyruggedconstructionensures long life even under the most demandingconditions
sManufacturedunderISO9000 certified management system

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EURORACKMX1804X
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................7
1.1 Concept .......................................................................................................................................... 7
1.1.1 Architecture .......................................................................................................................... 7
1.2 Beforeyou begin ............................................................................................................................. 8
1.2.1 Metering ............................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.2 PSU (power supply unit) ....................................................................................................... 8
1.2.3 Warranty............................................................................................................................... 8
1.2.4 Packing ................................................................................................................................8
1.2.4 RackmountingtheMX1804X ................................................................................................ 9
2. OPERATION............................................................................................................................9
2.1 Mono input channel......................................................................................................................... 9
2.1.1 Input level setting .................................................................................................................. 9
2.1.2 Equalizer .............................................................................................................................. 9
2.1.3 Aux sends ............................................................................................................................ 9
2.1.4 Routing,fadingand muting.................................................................................................. 10
2.2 Stereoinput channel ..................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.1 Inputlevel............................................................................................................................ 10
2.2.2 Equalizer ............................................................................................................................ 10
2.2.3 Aux sends .......................................................................................................................... 10
2.2.4 Routing ................................................................................................................................11
2.3 Inserting .........................................................................................................................................11
2.3.1 Mono channels ....................................................................................................................11
2.3.2 Stereochannels...................................................................................................................11
2.3.3 Main mix..............................................................................................................................11
2.3.4 Alt 3-4..................................................................................................................................11
2.4 Main section ..................................................................................................................................11
2.4.1 Aux sends ...........................................................................................................................11
2.4.2 Additional stereoline inputs ................................................................................................ 12
2.4.3 Metering ............................................................................................................................. 12
2.4.4 Channelmode..................................................................................................................... 12
2.4.5 2-track input andoutput ...................................................................................................... 12
2.4.6 Monitor section ................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.7 Alt 3-4 output ...................................................................................................................... 13
2.4.8 Graphicequalizer ................................................................................................................ 13
2.4.9 Digitaleffectsprocessor...................................................................................................... 13
2.4.10Talkback, communication with musicians in a studio .......................................................... 15
3. PRACTICE .............................................................................................................................15
3.1 Selectinginputs ............................................................................................................................ 15
3.2 Initializing channels forgain setting ............................................................................................... 15
3.3 Auditioning a signal and setting up a channels.............................................................................. 16
3.4 Desknormalization ....................................................................................................................... 16
3.5 Multitrack initialization .................................................................................................................. 16
3.6 Recordinglevels ............................................................................................................................ 16
3.7 Track sheet................................................................................................................................... 16

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EURORACKMX1804X
4. APPLICATIONS .....................................................................................................................17
4.1 Livegigwithsimultaneous2-trackrecording .................................................................................17
4.2 MIDIproject studio ........................................................................................................................ 17
4.3 Patchbay ...................................................................................................................................... 18
4.3.1 Patchbayconfiguration........................................................................................................ 18
4.3.2 Parallel ............................................................................................................................... 18
4.3.3 Half-normalled ..................................................................................................................... 19
4.3.4 Normalled ........................................................................................................................... 19
4.3.5 Open................................................................................................................................... 19
4.3.6 Patchbay organization ........................................................................................................ 20
4.3.7 Loomingproblems .............................................................................................................. 21
4.4 Expanding..................................................................................................................................... 21
5. TECHNICAL BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................22
5.1 Mixing........................................................................................................................................... 22
5.1.1 Equalization........................................................................................................................ 22
5.1.2 Gainoptimization................................................................................................................ 22
6. INSTALLATION .....................................................................................................................23
6.1 Mains connection.......................................................................................................................... 23
6.2 Audioconnections ........................................................................................................................ 23
7. SPECIFICATIONS .................................................................................................................25
8. MODIFICATIONS ..................................................................................................................26
9. WARRANTY ...........................................................................................................................27

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EURORACKMX1804X
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations.In purchasing our EURORACK MX1804X youhaveacquiredamixerwhose small size belies
its incredible versatility and audio performance. Your EURORACK is built to the same outstanding quality as
ourtop-of-the range console, the BEHRINGEREURODESKMX9000.
Oneof theoutstandingfeaturesof the MX1804Xisitsintegrated, digital24-biteffectsprocessor. We developed
an extremely compact module that provides the highly acclaimed VIRTUALIZER sound using the same
algorithms,24-bitAD/DAconverters,a24-bitDSPand46kHzsampling rate. This means that 32 presets with
first-classroomsimulations,delayandmodulationeffectsareatyourdisposal.MoreovertheMX1804Xpossesses
an additional Alt 3-4 bus, a 7-band graphic equalizer and a choice of routing options which facilitate the work
withyourMX1804X.
Later we will see how adding the BEHRINGER ULTRALINK PRO MX882 to your system can inexpensively
expandthecapacity and flexibility of you mixingpowereven further. First of all, however,wewant to take you
ona guided tour of yournewrack-mountedconsole—theBEHRINGEREURORACK MX1804X.
Werecommend that you experiment withyourEURORACKawayfromthe pressures of a recordingsessionor
live concert, in order to get a feel for it. It is a musical instrument. Learn to play it well.
Most specialist subjects are not really all that difficult provided you understand the language used, and the
vocabulary of mixing is pretty straightforward. Nevertheless it is as well to be clear about what certain terms
mean. A “slot” in a recorder will always be referred to as a track, while that in a mixer will invariably be a
channel. We will attempt to be as unambiguous as possible with terms, since much confusion can arise from
sloppydefinitions.
On an extra sheet you will find drawings showing the front and rear panel of your EURORACK respectively.
Always use this extra sheet, while studying the manual.
All functions will be numbered consistently throughout the manual, whether they be in the text or on an
illustration. Note that some functions are exactly the same for both mono and stereo channels (e.g. the aux
sends). In this case only the mono channel´s functions are numbered.
1.1 Concept
Theconfiguration of theMX1804Xis“18 into 4(2+2)into2”. There aresixmonochannels, fourstereochannels
andtwo additional stereo lineinputs(auxandFX return). In additionthereisa2-track input routable tothemain
mix.Everychannel is always routed to the main mixunlessthe ALT 3-4 switch is pushed. In thiscasethe
signal is sent to the Alt 3-4 bus instead. Alt 3-4 may be blended with the main mix at the control room output
via a switch. In addition to that the Alt 3-4 signal can be integrated in the main mix when you press the
ALT3-4 TO MIX switch .
1.1.1 Architecture
Mono input channels
The channels 1 to 4 are mono, with a choice of balanced microphone or line inputs. The vintage-style high-
current discrete microphone preamps are of the same incredible quality as those found on the acclaimed
BEHRINGEREURODESKMX9000,whilealargeexternalpowersupplyensureslownoiseandsuperiortransient
responseatall times. Due to the inserts themono channels offer a similar functionality as“big”consoles. The
insert points double up as direct outputs when wired to a normalized pair of in/out sockets on a standard
patchbay(seechapter 4.3 “Patchbay”).
Stereo input channels
Afurther 8 line inputs on the MX1804Xareconfiguredas4balanced stereo input channels. These areidealfor
multitracktape returns, or for acceptingoutputs from MIDI and other electronic instruments.
Channel outputs
Ahigh-quality true-logarithmic 60-mm fader feeds the main mix or Alt 3-4 bus via the channel pan.
Aux/FX sends
There are two aux send buses on the MX1804X. The second one is called FX send and leads to the internal
multi-effects processor. But you can also use the FX send for external effects devices.
1. INTRODUCTION

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EURORACKMX1804X
Stereo aux/FX returns (additional stereo line inputs)
TheMX1804Xfeaturestwobalancedauxreturns.Theseinputsareperfectlysuitedforeffect returns and tape
returnsfrommultitrack machines. The aux returnsmay also be used for mixingin extra MIDI instruments etc.
Thesecondreturnusually serves for the internal effects device. But you can also use it as additional line input.
Main mix output
Themainmixoutputleveliscontrolledviaapairofhigh-qualitytrue-log60-mmstereofadersandismonitored
by a pair of accurate 12 segment bargraph peak meters, surrounded by 4 status LEDs.
24-bit digital effects processor
The integrated 24-bit digital effects processor offers first-class algorithms, which are also used in our
VIRTUALIZER.Theeffectsdevicefeaturesallstandard effects(reverb,chorus, flanger,delay,etc.)and—dueto
its excellent quality—it can be used for mix down situations and live applications as well.
7-band graphic equalizer
Asaspecialfeature the MX1804X owns a 7-band graphic equalizer. The equalizer allows for quicklyproviding
thefinishingtouch to your overall sound in liveperformancesor mix down.
Additionally,yourMX1804Xprovidesan adjustable headphones output, a separate 2-track in-/output and the
above mentioned Alt 3-4 output. There are inserts for the mono channels, the Alt 3-4 and the main mix bus.
1.2 Before you begin
1.2.1 Metering
The channels 1 to 6 have peak LEDs, while the L and R outputs have 12 segment bargraph meters. The
L/R meters double up as mono PFL or stereo solo meters.
Themetersshouldaveragearound0dBduringloudpassages.Iftheyreadpersistentlyhigher,orarepeaking
above+10 dB, reduce either themainL/Rfadersand/or channel faders, or(asalastresort) channel input gain.
Maybe it’s time to do a round of PFL metering.
1.2.2 PSU (power supply unit)
Anyamplifiercircuitislimitedinitstransientresponsebytheavailablecurrent.Everymixerhasnumerouslinelevel
operationalamplifiers(op-amps)inside.Whenbeingdrivenhard,manydesksbegintoshowsignsofstressdueto
powersupplylimitations.NotsowiththeEURORACKMX1804X.The soundwill alwaysstaycleanandcrispright
up to the operating limits of the op-amps themselves, thanks to our generous 40 W external power supply unit.
Pleaseconnectthe PSU with the EURORACK MX1804XPSU connector on the rear panel ofyour mixer
andswitchon your MX1804X with thepower switch .
+Do not connect the PSU to the EURORACK while the PSU is connected to the mains supply.
Connect switched-off desk and PSU first before you connect the PSU to the mains supply.
Lastly switch on desk.
1.2.3 Warranty
Please take the time to have the warranty card filled out completely by your specialized dealer, and return it
within14days after the date of purchase,soas to be entitled to benefitfromour extended warranty. You may
alsouseour online registration option availableonthe Internet at www.behringer.com. Youwillfind the serial
number ofyourMX1804X on the rear panel.
1.2.4 Packing
Your BEHRINGER EURORACK was carefully packed in the factory and the packaging was designed to
protecttheunit from rough handling. Nevertheless, we recommendthatyou carefully examine the packaging
and its contents for any signs of physical damage, which may have occurred in transit.
+If the unit is damaged, please do NOT return it to us, but notify your dealer and the shipping
company immediately, otherwise claims for damage or replacement may not be granted.
Shipping claims must be made by the consignee.
1. INTRODUCTION

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EURORACKMX1804X
1.2.4 Rack mounting the MX1804X
Enclosedinthe shipping box you will find a19"rackmountkit.Ifyouwantto make your MX1804X a rack mixer,
loosen the screws from the side panels and use them to fix the rack ears (note, that there is a left and a right
one).
+Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling and please do not place the
MX1804X on high temperature devices such as power amplifiers etc. to avoid overheating.
+When switched on, parts of the desk and the power supply unit will become very warm, which
is normal during operation.
2. OPERATION
2.1 Mono input channel
Each channel comes with a balanced line input on 1/4" TRS connector , and an XLR microphone input
. Phantom powering for the use of condenser microphone is switchable from the rear panel with switch
. The gain circuit has an unusually wide range, obviating the need for mic/line switching. The crucial
operatinglevels+4 dBu and -10 dBV areclearly and accurately legended.
+Whenusing the microphone input please make sure nothing is connected to the samechannel’s
line input, and vice versa.
2.1.1 Input level setting
Channel input level is determined by the GAIN control . Use the PFL/SOLO switch to bring the
channelinputontotheleftandrightbargraphmeters respectively.Thisalsosendsthesolo/PFL-edsignal
to the left and right speakers.
Forlevel-setting (as opposed to localizedlistening)choosetousethe mono PFL busratherthanthepost-fader
(post-channel Pan) stereo solo bus (CHANNEL MODE switch UP).
Solo/PFL never interrupts the mix at the main recording outputs. It follows that aux sends must also be
unaffected, since they contribute directly to the main mix.
Inaddition to switchable PFL/solo metering , achannel LED illuminates when a channel isgoing into
overload.Youdonot want the peak light to come onexceptveryintermittently during a take or a mix. Ifitdoes
light persistently, reduce input gain.
There is a steep low-cut filter , slope at 18 dB/oct., -3 dB at 75 Hz, for reducing floor rumble, explosives,
woolly bottom end, etc.
2.1.2 Equalizer
All mono input channels are fitted with three-band EQ and the above mentioned switchable low-cut filter for
eliminatingunwantedsubsonics. All three bands have up to 15 dB of cutandboost,withacentredetentforoff.
Theupper andlower shelvingcontrolshavetheirfrequenciesfixedat12kHzand80Hzrespectively.
Onthe MX1804X, the midrange control is semi-parametricwith a peaking response, Qfixed at 1 octave,
sweepable from 100 Hz to 8 kHz .
2.1.3 Auxsends
Bothauxsends are mono and post-EQ. Auxsend1 can be taken from a pointbefore or after the channel
fader, i.e. pre or post by switch . Aux send 2 is always wired post-fader. You can use the
1/4"connector to receive the signal ofaux send 1. The control of aux 2, whichis called FX, you cansend
signalsfromallchannelstothe internal effects processor. Of course, you can use theauxsend2alsoto head
forexternaleffectsdevices.Forthatyoucan use the FX send and the FX return jack on the top of the
mixer. As a result the internal effects processor is no longer provided with an input signal.
For almost all effects send purposes, you will want aux sends to be post-fader, so that when a fader level is
2. OPERATION

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EURORACKMX1804X
adjusted, any reverb send from that channel follows the fader. Otherwise, when the fader is pulled down, the
reverb from that channel would still be audible. For cueing purposes, aux sends will usually be set pre-fader,
i.e.independentofthe channel fader and mute.
Mostreverbs etc. sum internally the left andrightinputs.Theveryfew that don’t may be driven intruestereoby
using 2 aux sends.
There is +15 dB of gain on every aux send. Such a high boost is usually only appropriate where the channel
fader is set around -15 dB or lower. Here, an almost exclusively wet signal will be heard. In most consoles,
such a wet mix required the use of a pre-setting for the channel aux send, losing fader control. With the
EURORACKyoucan have a virtually wet mixwith fader control.
2.1.4 Routing, fading and muting
Level to the main mix and Alt 3-4 buses is ultimately determined by the channel faders . These are
speciallymanufactured for BEHRINGER mixingconsoles,andare designed togiveasmoothlogarithmic taper
of a type more usually associated with megabuck consoles. The low level performance particularly is far
smootherthanthat of a normal budget fader.
Channel pan positions the output of the channel in the stereo field. Its constant-power design ensures
there are no level discrepancies whether a signal is hard-panned, centre-stage, or somewhere in-between.
Such pin-point accuracy will be a revelation if you have been working on consoles with lower quality circuits.
Solo/PFL we encountered in section 2.1.1. Solo also follows channel pan.
TheMUTE/ALT3-4 button is ergonomically placed immediately abovethechannelfader.Engagingmute,
indicated by , is equivalent to setting a fader level of minus infinity.
On the MX1804X the button serves two functions. When mixing directly to stereo, it acts as a normal
mute. However, this button also acts as a routing button to the ALT 3-4 outputs. In other words, you select
between the main mix and Alt 3-4 stereo buses via switch .
This is very useful when submixing live or recording to multitrack, as we shall see later (see chapter
4“APPLICATIONS”).
2.2 Stereo input channel
Eachstereo channel comes with twobalanced line level inputson 1/4" TRS connectors , forleft and right
signals. When only the left input is connected, the channel operates in mono.
2.2.1 Input level
The stereo channels of the MX1804X are designed for typical line level signals. With the help of the PFL
functionyoucancontrolthelevel of the input signal in the stereo channels. If it isnecessaryyoucanadaptthe
outputlevelof the connected device (MIDI instruments,effectsdevices, etc.) via its output level control.
2.2.2 Equalizer
Thestereoinputchannelsare fitted with four-band EQ.
Theupper ,highmidrange ,lowmidrange andlower shelvingcontrolshavetheirfrequencies
fixed at 12 kHz, 3 kHz, 500 Hz and 80 Hz respectively.
All bands have up to 15 dB of cut and boost, with a centre detent for off.
Astereoequalizerisgenerally preferable to using two mono equalizers when EQ-ing a stereosignal,asoften
discrepancies between left and right settings can occur.
2.2.3 Auxsends
These are the same as for mono channels (see 2.1.3). Note that a mono sum is taken from the stereo input.
2. OPERATION