Behringer Pro Mixer VMX300 User manual

Version 1.0 September 2001
Users Manual
ENGLISH
www.behringer.com
PRO MIXER VMX300

2
PRO MIXER VMX300
This symbo , wherever it appears, a erts
you to important operating and
maintenance instructions in the
accompanying iterature. Read the
manua .
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of e ectric shock, do not remove
the cover (or back). No user serviceab e parts inside;
refer servicing to qua ified personne .
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or e ectric shock, do not
expose this app iance to rain or moisture.
DETAILED SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS:
A the safety and operation instructions shou d be read before the app iance is operated.
Retain Instructions:
The safety and operating instructions shou d be retained for future reference.
Heed Warnings:
A warnings on the app iance and in the operating instructions shou d be adhered to.
Follo instructions:
A operation and user instructions shou d be fo owed.
Water and Moisture:
The app iance shou d not be used near water (e.g. near a bathtub, washbow , kitchen sink, aundry tub, in a wet
basement, or near a swimming poo etc.).
Ventilation:
The app iance shou d be situated so that its ocation or position does not interfere with its proper venti ation.
For examp e, the app iance shou d not be situated on a bed, sofa, rug, or simi ar surface that may b ock the
venti ation openings, or p aced in a bui t-in insta ation, such as a bookcase or cabinet that may impede the
f ow of air through the venti ation openings.
Heat:
The app iance shou d be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
app iances (inc uding amp ifiers) that produce heat.
Po er Source:
The app iance shou d be connected to a power supp y on y of the type described in the operating instructions
or as marked on the app iance.
Grounding or Polarization:
Precautions shou d be taken so that the grounding or po arization means of an app iance is not defeated.
Po er-Cord Protection:
Power supp y cords shou d be routed so that they are not ike y to be wa ked on or pinched by items p aced
upon or against them, paying particu ar attention to cords and p ugs, convenience receptac es and the point
where they exit from the app iance.
Cleaning:
The app iance shou d be c eaned on y as recommended by the manufacturer.
Non-use Periods:
The power cord of the app iance shou d be unp ugged from the out et when eft unused for a ong period of time.
Debris and Liquid Entry:
Care shou d be taken that debris and/or iquids do not enter the enc osure through openings.
Damage Requiring Service:
The app iance shou d be serviced by qua ified service personne when:
- The power supp y cord or the p ug has been damaged; or
- Debris or iquid has entered the app iance; or
- The app iance has been exposed to rain; or
- The app iance does not appear to operate norma y or exhibits a marked change in performance; or
- The app iance has been dropped, or the enc osure damaged.
Servicing:
The user shou d not attempt to service the app iance beyond that which is described in the operating instructions.
A other servicing shou d be referred to qua ified service personne .
This symbo , wherever it appears,
a erts you to the presence of
uninsu ated dangerous vo tage inside
the enc osurevo tage that may be
sufficient to constitute a risk of shock.

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PRO MIXER VMX300
FOREWORD
Dear Customer,
We come to the team of PRO MIXER users and thank you for demonstrating your faith in us by purchasing the
BEHRINGER VMX300.
Writing this foreword to you is an extreme y p easant task. After severa months of intensive brainstorming and
the subsequent rea ization of their ideas, our engineers fina y achieved an ambitious goa : the construction of
an outstanding DJ MIXER, which, due to its remarkab e functions, provides maximum f exibi ity and impressive
performance. As with any new product, the deve opment of this new PRO MIXER a so meant a great dea of
responsibi ity. Throughout the entire p anning and deve opment phases, we kept you the discerning end-user
and DJ, your requirements and your requests at the foca point of our considerations. Meeting your professiona
expectations required a ot of effort and more than a few night shifts, but this is exact y the kind of cha enge
that keeps us a ive and kicking. Deve oping a new product a ways brings a arge number of peop e together,
and its a great fee ing when a invo ved can take pride in the resu ts.
It is an important part of our phi osophy to share our gratification with you, since youre the most important
member of the BEHRINGER team. With your high y competent suggestions for new products, youve contributed
immense y to the deve opment and success of our company. In return, we bring you uncompromising qua ity,
guaranteed by the stringent BEHRINGER qua ity contro system, as we as exce ent technica and audio
specifications, at an extreme y favorab e price. We hope that this wi enab e you to fu y unfo d your creativity
without being hampered by budget constraints.
We are often asked how we manage to produce such high-grade devices at such unbe ievab y ow prices. The
answer is quite simp e: its you, our customers! Lots of satisfied customers means arge sa es vo umes, which
in turn enab es us to reduce production and ogistics expenses. We be ieve its on y fair to pass this benefit
back to youafter a , your success is our success!
I wou d ike to thank everyone who he ped make our new PRO MIXER project possib e and successfu . Each of
those peop e made very persona contributions, from our engineers and designers to our numerous staff members
and fina y to you as a BEHRINGER user.
My friends, its been worth the troub e!
Thank you very much,
U i Behringer

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PRO MIXER VMX300
VMX300
PRO MIXER
Professional 3-channel ultra low-noise DJ mixer
sInte igent dua auto-BPM counter with time and beat sync disp ay
s Super-smooth U trag ide faders with up to 500,000 ife cyc es
s Awesome QRS 3D surround effect
sDedicated curve contro for a faders
sVCA engines for utmost re iabi ity and smooth audio performance
s Extreme y steep frequency separation via front-pane 3-way ki switches with revo utionary keyboard- ike
tap & ho d action
s Gain and 3-band ki EQ (-32 dB) per channe
sPrecise eve meters with peak ho d function per channe
sCrossfader reverse switch
sAuto-ta kover function with separate depth contro
sExtreme y ow-noise ULN-(U tra-Low Noise) design, ike those on professiona studio conso es
sGo d-p ated cinch sockets for exce ent audio qua ities
sSuper-rugged construction ensures ong ife, even under the most demanding conditions
sManufactured under ISO9000 certified management system

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PRO MIXER VMX300
1. INTRODUCTION
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION..................................................................................................................... 5
1.1 Before you get started ..................................................................................................................... 5
2. FRONT PANEL ........................................................................................................................ 6
2.1 Input channe s ................................................................................................................................7
2.2 Main out section ............................................................................................................................. 7
2.3 PFL section .................................................................................................................................... 7
2.4 QRS 3D surround function ............................................................................................................... 8
2.5 Beat counter ................................................................................................................................... 8
2.6 Crossfader section .......................................................................................................................... 8
3. REAR PANEL ........................................................................................................................... 9
4. SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................................. 12
5. WARRANTY ........................................................................................................................... 13
1. INTRODUCTION
With the BEHRINGER PRO MIXER VMX300, you have purchased an abso ute y state-of-the-art DJ mixer. Its
extensive features, i.e. beat counter and effects oop, open the door to new and creative ways of working, whi e
making it suitab e for a variety of professiona app ications. At the same time, the VMX300 is extreme y easy
to operate, a owing you to comp ete y unfo d your creativity.
Time waits for no one, and neither you nor we want to be eft behind. Thats why we invested months of
research and deve opment into creating a DJ mixer that offers up-to-date features and techno ogy to give you a
true cutting edge for your performances. Fu y optimized for dance c ub app ications and DJ systems, the
VMX300 promises fu -b own DJing funand success.
Lets be honest: nobody ikes reading users manua s. We know you want to p ug in and get jammin, but
p ease take the time to read the fo owing instructions. Weve kept them as short as possib e, and it wi be we
worth the few minutes it takes you. Armed with a thorough understanding of the VMX300s features and
functions, you be ab e to get the most out of this exciting product.
+The follo ing instructions ill give you a brief run-do n on the terminology and functions of
the VMX300. After reading, please store this manual in a safe place for future reference.
1.1 Before you get started
Your PRO MIXER was carefu y packed in the factory and the packaging is designed to protect the unit against
rough hand ing. Neverthe ess, we recommend that you carefu y examine packaging and contents for any
signs of physica damage which may have occurred during transit.
+If the unit is damaged, please do not return it to BEHRINGER, but notify your dealer and the
shipping company immediately. Other ise, claims for damage or replacement may not be
granted. Shipping claims must be made by the consignee.
Please take care to al ays ensure adequate ventilation. Do not place the PRO MIXER near
heating units or heat-generating devices in order to avoid overheating.
CAUTION!
+We ould like to point out that high volumes can permanently damage your sense of hearing
and/or your headphone or speaker systems. Therefore, please turn the MAIN control in the
MIC/MAIN section all the ay to the left before turning on the mixer. And please exercise
caution and common sense hen setting volume levels.

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PRO MIXER VMX300
2. FRONT PANEL
2. FRONT PANEL
Fig. 2.1: Front view of the PRO MIXER VMX300

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PRO MIXER VMX300
2. FRONT PANEL
2.1 Input channels
1The MIC/PHONO LINE switch a ows you to se ect the input signa , choosing between microphone and
ine/phono. Whether the right-hand position se ects the ine or mic input depends on the position of the
PHONO/LINE switch on the rear pane (see ).
2The PNONO/LINE switch on channe s 2 and 3 se ects one of the input pairs on the respective channe .
The PHONO setting (and inputs) are intended for turntab es; for a other signa sources, i.e. a CD or
MD p ayer, use the LINE setting and inputs. A second switch on the rear pane enab es the phono
input pair to be switched to ine eve , a owing 2 ine- eve units to be connected and se ected via the
PHONO /LINE switch ( ).
+Never connect line-level equipment to the highly sensitive phono inputs! The output levels of
phono cartridge systems are in the millivolt range, hereas CD and MD players, as ell as
tape decks, provide outputs levels in the volt range. In other ords, the level of line signals is
up to 100 times higher than phono output levels.
3The GAIN contro is used to adjust the input signa eve .
+The overall level of your signal is also effected by the EQ settings. Its a good idea to adjust the
equalizer before you set the level ith the GAIN control.
4A input channe s are equipped with a 3-BAND EQUALIZER with ki characteristic. The maximum
amount of attenuation (-32 dB) is much higher than the maximum boost (+12 dB), a owing entire
frequency spectrums to be removed from a track.
5The LED chains on channe s 1 to 3 disp ay the eve of the input signa (pre-fader/post-EQ).
6The PFL button sends the channe s input signa to the PFL (headphones) section.
7The CHANNEL fader adjusts the fina channe vo ume. The fader is VCA-contro ed (VCA = Vo tage-
Contro ed Amp ifier) to ensure smooth operation and ong ife.
8The CURVE switch underneath the channe fader enab es you to se ect between three fade modes:
SOFT, MID and SHARP. In SOFT mode the fader contro s the vo ume in a inear, continuous manner.
Run a track through on of the VMX300s channe s and pu the fader down s ow y: the vo ume wi
decrease gradua y. In SHARP mode the fader takes on a more ogarithmic effect, reducing the vo ume
faster towards the ower end of the fader range, even if you move the fader smooth y. MID mode is a
combination of the SOFT and SHARP modes.
+Flipping the CURVE s itch may cause a sudden change in volume. We recommend not changing
this setting hile a signal is present.
2.2 Main out section
9The OUT A and OUT B contro s adjust the output eve s of the AMP and BOOTH outputs, respective y.
10 The LEVEL METER disp ays the OUT A eve .
11 The BAL A contro a ows you to adjust the stereo ba ance for the AMP output.
12 The PRO MIXER VMX300 is equipped with a ta kover function, which works very simp y: if you speak
into the microphone whi e a track is running, the vo ume of the music is automatica y reduced, so that
your voice is a ways in front. The TALK contro a ows you to determine how much the music vo ume is
owered (max. -24 dB). The TALK ON button activates the ta kover function.
2.3 PFL section (Pre-Fader Listening)
The PFL signa is a pre-fader headphones signa , enab ing you to pre- isten to a signa source without
effecting the main signa .
13 The PFL LEVEL contro sets the vo ume of the headphone signa .
14 The PFL MIX contro ets you fade between channe s 1 and 2 when the PFL MODE switch (see be ow)
is set to STEREO.

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PRO MIXER VMX300
2. FRONT PANEL
15 It the PFL MODE switch is set to SPLIT, the channe s are strict y separated: channe 1 wi be heard on
the eft side, channe 2 on the right. In this mode, the MIX contro has no inf uence on the PFL signa .
2. 3D surround function
The bui t-in QRS effect widens the stereo image and adds ife and transparency to your soundan easy
way to put a unique fina po ish on your music and turn your performance into an incomparab e experience. The
SURROUND contro determines the intensity of the effect, which can be turned on and off via the ON button.
2.5 Beat counter
The PRO MIXER VMX300s bui t-in beat counter is an extreme y usefu feature, a owing smooth crossfades
between two tracksan important key to the success of your performance. The beat counter ana yzes and
disp ays the tempi of your tracks in BPM (Beats Per Minute). The beat counter sections of channe 1 and 2 are
identica .
The tempo of the track is shown in the respective channe s DISPLAY ( ). In the case of mu tip e tempo
changes, the disp ay wou d change continuous y, causing unnecessary confusion and rendering the function
virtua y use ess. Enter the SYNC LOCK button ( ): with it, you can imit the range of possib e tempo va ues
within a song. Pressing this button once the counter has caught and disp ayed a rea istic va ue wi simp ify
things. The BEAT ASSIST button ( ) a ows you to set the beat counters tempo manua y, simi ar to
tap tempo. Pressing the button three times in time with the track wi set the beat counter and its disp ay at
that tempo. The BEAT ASSISST and SYNC LOCK buttons are each equipped with an LED to show that the
respective function is activated.
Once the tempo of the two tracks have been determined and ocked with the SYNC LOCK or BEAT ASSIST
buttons, the tempo difference between channe 1 and 2 wi be depicted via the 9-segment TEMPO DIFFERENCE
LED disp ay ( ). It shows the degree of the tempo difference by a respective def ection to the right (channe
2 track is faster) or to the eft (channe 2 track is faster). The center LED ights when the tempi are equa . The
synchronization of channe 1 and 2 is shown in the TIME OFFSET LED disp ay ( ) be ow the TEMPO
DIFFERENCE disp ay. When the center LED is it, the tracks are in sync with each other. When the disp ay
moves to the eft or right, the corresponding channe is running out of sync. The TEMPO DIFFERENCE and
TIME OFFSET disp ays are on y active when the tempi of both channe s have been ocked as exp ained above.
To exit the SYNC LOCK or BEAT ASSIST mode, simp y press the SYNC LOCK key in both channe s again.
2.6 Crossfader section
22 The CROSSFADER is used to fade between channe s 1 and 2. Like the channe faders, the crossfader
section is equipped with a 45-mm VCA-contro ed fader.
23 The REVERSE switch (TAP/HOLD) enab es you to invert the direction of the crossfader, so that you can
quick y switch from channe 1 to channe 2. This effect is created by simp y pushing the REVERSE
switch down (TAP)as soon as it is re eased, it returns to its origina position and your crossfade
setting (and your music) is at it was before. Pressed upwards, the switch ocks into the reversed
position (HOLD). To reset it, simp y push it downwards.
24 The CROSSFADER CURVE contro in the crossfader section is simi ar to the CURVE switches in the
input channe s (see ). The contro a ows you to fade between the various crossfader curve modes.
25 The KILL switches (TAP/HOLD) enab e you to attenuate the three frequency bands (LOW, MID and
HIGH) by -32 dB with a sing e press. Like the REVERSE switch, the switches ock in the upward
position (KILL HOLD), and must be he d in the downward position (KILL TAP). With other DJ mixers, the
ki switches override the channe EQs. The VMX3000 is unique in that the ki switches supp ement the
channe EQs, a owing extreme attenuation of the respective frequency band. The eft-side KILL switches
are assigned to channe 2, the right-side switches to channe 3. There are no KILL switches for channe 1.
26 The MIC INPUT connector is a ba anced ¼" TRS socket for microphone connection.

9
PRO MIXER VMX300
3. REAR PANEL
+We strongly recommend the use of high-grade cables and connectors for the transmission of
audio signals. Inferior quality materials cannot supply acceptable audio quality or corrosion
protection.
27 The PHONES OUT socket a ows you to connect your headphones for pre- istening (PFL signa ). For
best resu ts, use headphones with an impedance rating of at east 32 Ohms.
3. REAR PANEL
With the exception of MIC INPUT and HEADPHONES, a of the VMX300s audio connections are ocated on
the rear pane and supp ied as RCA connectors.
Fig 3.1: Rear view of the PRO MIXER VMX300
28 The PHONO inputs for a three channe s are primari y intended for turntab e connection (see PHONO/
LINE switch be ow).
29 The LINE inputs may be used for connecting tape decks, CD or MD p ayers etc.
30 The GND connection a ows grounding of a turntab e.
31 The PHONO/LINE switch on channe 1 a ows you to se ect either the PHONO or LINE inputs. Be sure
to set the MIC/PHONO-LINE switch on the front pane to the PHONO-LINE position.
32 The PHONO/LINE switches on channe s 2 and 3 a ow you to set the input sensitivity of the PHONO
inputs to ine eve , so that they can a so be used for connection of tape decks, CD or MD p ayers etc.
33 The VMX300 is equipped with an effects oop for externa effects devices. The SEND output sends the
PFL signa to a connected device, e.g. a reverb unit.
34 The resu ting effect signa can be input to the MAIN OUT section via the RETURN input. The effect eve
must be adjusted on the externa effects unit. The RETURN input can a so be used as an extra input for
connection of an additiona signa source (e.g. samp er)a so in this case the eve must be set on the
externa device.
+If an external effects unit is connected via the VMX300s effect loop, the selected PFL signal is
sent to the unit. If you change the PFL section setting, e.g. to pre-listen to another channel,
that signal ill be sent to the effects unitthe effect signal of a different track ill be mixed to
your MAIN OUT signal. Remember: the effects unit gets its signal from the PFL section (see ).

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PRO MIXER VMX300
3. REAR PANEL
35 Use the AMP output to connect the VMX300 to an amp ifier. The eve is contro ed by the OUT A contro
in the MAIN OUT section.
36 The BOOTH output offers a connection for an additiona amp ifier and/or oudspeaker system. The eve
is contro ed by the OUT B contro in the MAIN OUT section.
+In order to avoid po er-up thumps, hich can damage your loudspeakers, please po er up
your amplifier last. There should be no signal present, e.g. no music playing, hen you turn
on your amp. In addition, e suggest that you set all volume-related controls to zero (do n)
before po ering up your system. Follo ing these precautions ill save you from unpleasant
and potentially dangerous surprises.
37 The TAPE output enab es you to record your performance by connecting a tape deck, DAT recorder etc.
Un ike the AMP and BOOTH outputs, the TAPE eve is fixed, so that you have to adjust the input eve
on the recorder.
38 The POWER ON switch turns on the PRO MIXER.
39 FUSE HOLDER/VOLTAGE SELECTOR. Before you connect the equipment to an AC out et, p ease be
sure that the vo tage disp ayed corresponds with your oca AC vo tage. If you shou d need to rep ace the
fuse, be sure to rep ace it with one of the same type and va ue. Some units a ow you to switch between
230 V and 115 V by rotating the fuse ho der.
+To operate the unit at 115 V, you must install a fuse ith a higher ampere rating.
40 This is the socket for the power cab e. The impu se behavior of any given amp ifier circuit depends
arge y upon the power supp ys inherent reserves. A mixers contain numerous operationa amp ifiers
(op-amps) for processing ine- eve signa s. Due to the restricted performance of their power supp ies,
many mixers show stress symptoms when used under extreme conditions, resu ting in inferior audio
qua ity. Thanks to its generous y proportioned power supp y, this wi never happen to your VMX300: The
sound wi a ways be c ear, transparent and powerfu .
41 SERIAL NUMBER. P ease take the time to fi out and return the warranty card within 14 days after the
date of purchase. This wi entit e you to a the benefits of our extended warranty. A ternative y, you can
register on ine at www.behringer.com.