Behringer EURORACK MX802A User manual

User’s Manual
EURORACK®MX802A
Version 1.1 January 2001
www.behringer.com
ENGLISH

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EURORACKMX802A
Thissymbol,whereveritappears,alerts
you to the presence of uninsulated
dangerousvoltageinsidetheenclosure
-voltage thatmay besufficient tocon-
stitute a risk of shock.
This symbol, wherever it appears, alerts
you to important operating and mainte-
nance instructions in the accompanying
literature.Read themanual.
SAFETY INSTRUCTIONS
CAUTION: To reduce the risk of electric shock, do not remove
thecover (orback). Nouser serviceableparts inside;
referservicingto qualifiedpersonnel.
WARNING: To reduce the risk of fire or electric shock, do not
expose this appliance to rain or moisture.
DETAILEDSAFETYINSTRUCTIONS:
Allthe safety andoperation instructionsshould be readbefore theappliance is operated.
RetainInstructions:
Thesafety andoperating instructionsshould beretained forfuturereference.
Heed Warnings:
Allwarningson the applianceand in theoperating instructions shouldbe adhered to.
Followinstructions:
Alloperation anduserinstructions shouldbe followed.
Water and Moisture:
Theapplianceshould notbeused nearwater(e.g. nearabathtub,washbowl,kitchensink,laundrytub, 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
flowof airthroughtheventilationopenings.
Heat:
The appliance should be situated away from heat sources such as radiators, heat registers, stoves, or other
appliance(including amplifiers)that produceheat.
Power Source:
Theappliance should beconnected toa powersupply only ofthe typedescribed inthe operating instructions
or as marked on the appliance.
Grounding or Polarization:
Precautionsshould be taken sothat the groundingor polarization meansof an applianceis 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 fromthe appliance.
Cleaning:
Theappliance shouldbe cleanedonly asrecommended bythe manufacturer.
Non-usePeriods:
Thepowercord oftheappliance shouldbeunplugged fromtheoutlet whenleftunusedfor alongperiod oftime.
Object and Liquid Entry:
Careshould betaken sothatobjects donot falland liquidsarenot spilledinto theenclosure throughopenings.
Damage Requiring Service:
Theappliance shouldbeserviced byqualified servicepersonnelwhen:
-The power supplycord orthe plughas been damaged;or
- Objects have fallen, or liquid has been spilled into the appliance; or
-The appliance hasbeen exposedto rain; or
-The appliancedoesnot appearto operatenormally orexhibits a markedchange inperformance; or
-The appliancehas beendropped, orthe enclosuredamaged.
Servicing:
Theuser shouldnotattempttoservice theappliance beyondthatis describedin theOperating Instructions.All
otherservicing shouldbereferred toqualifiedservicepersonnel.

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EURORACKMX802A
FOREWORD
DearCustomer,
Welcome to the team of EURORACK users and thank you very much for expressing your confidence in
BEHRINGERproducts by purchasingthis 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
technicalspecifications. Inadditionto thatthe mixerisaffordable foralmostevery musician.The tasktodesign
the EURORACK MX1604A certainly meant a great deal of responsibility, which we assumed by focusing on
you,the discerning userand musician.It also meanta lotof work andnight shiftsto accomplish thisgoal. But
itwas fun,too. Developinga productusually bringsa lotof peopletogether, andwhat agreat feelingit iswhen
everybodywho participatedin sucha projectcan beproud ofwhat we’veachieved.
Itis ourphilosophyto shareour joywithyou, becauseyou arethe mostimportantmember ofthe BEHRINGER
family. With your highly competent suggestions for new products you’ve greatly contributed to shaping our
companyand makingit successful.Inreturn, weguarantee youuncompromising quality(manufacturedunder
the ISO9000 certified management system) as well as excellent technical and audio properties at an ex-
tremely favorable price. All of this will enable you to fully unfold your creativity without being hampered by
budgetconstraints.
Weare oftenaskedhow wecan makeit toproduce such high-gradedevices atsuch unbelievablylow prices.
The answer is quite simple: it’s you, our customers! Many satisfied customers means large sales volumes
enablingusto get betterconditions of purchasefor components, etc.Isn’t it onlyfairto pass thisbenefit back
to you? Because we know that your success is our success, too!
Iwould liketo thankallpeople whosehelp on“Project EURORACKMX802A” hasmade itall possible. Every-
bodyhas madevery personalcontributions,starting fromthe designersof theunitvia themany staffmembers
in my company to you, the user of BEHRINGER products.
Myfriends, it’s beenworth theeffort!
Thankyou verymuch,
UliBehringer

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EURORACKMX802A
MX802AMX802A
MX802AMX802A
MX802A
EURORACK®
Ultra-low noise 8-ChannelUltra-low noise 8-Channel
Ultra-low noise 8-ChannelUltra-low noise 8-Channel
Ultra-low noise 8-Channel Mic/Line MixerMic/Line Mixer
Mic/Line MixerMic/Line Mixer
Mic/Line Mixer
V4mono input channelswith goldplated XLRsand balanced lineinputs
VUltra-lownoise discrete micpreamps with+48 V phantompower
V2 stereo input channels with balanced TRS jacks
V2additional multifunctionalstereoline inputs
VExtremelyhigh headroom– offeringmore dynamicrange
VBalancedinputs for highestsignal integrity
VUltra-musical3-band EQon all channels
VPeak LEDs and switchable low-cut filter on all mono channels
V2aux sends perchannel forexternal effectsand monitoring
VSeparatemain mix,control roomand headphone outputs
V2-Track inputs assignable to main mix, control room / headphone outputs
VHighlyaccurate 12segment bargraphmeters
VHigh-qualitysealed potentiometers
VRuggeddesign powersupply ensuressuperior signalintegrity
VState-of-the-art 4580 IC’s and high quality components ensure crystal-clear audio performance
and excellent noise figures
VRuggedconstruction ensureslong lifeeven underthe mostdemanding conditions
VManufacturedunder ISO9000certifiedmanagement system

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EURORACKMX802A
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1. INTRODUCTION.....................................................................................................................6
1.1 Architecture .................................................................................................................................... 6
1.2 Beforeyoubegin ............................................................................................................................. 6
1.2.1 PSU(power supplyunit) ....................................................................................................... 6
1.2.2 Warranty............................................................................................................................... 7
1.2.3 Packing ................................................................................................................................7
2. MONO INPUT CHANNEL.......................................................................................................7
2.1 Inputlevel setting ............................................................................................................................ 7
2.2 Equalizer......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.3 Aux sends ...................................................................................................................................... 7
2.4 Fadingandpanning......................................................................................................................... 8
3. STEREO INPUT CHANNEL ...................................................................................................8
3.1 Inputlevel setting ............................................................................................................................ 8
3.2 Equalizer......................................................................................................................................... 8
3.3 Aux sends ...................................................................................................................................... 8
3.4 Volume controland panning/balancing ............................................................................................ 8
4. MAIN SECTION.......................................................................................................................8
4.1 Aux sends ...................................................................................................................................... 8
4.2 Stereo auxreturns........................................................................................................................... 9
4.3 Metering.......................................................................................................................................... 9
4.4 2-track input / main mix output........................................................................................................ 9
4.5 Monitoring ....................................................................................................................................... 9
5. SETTING UP .........................................................................................................................10
5.1 Desknormalization ....................................................................................................................... 10
5.2 Selectinginputs ............................................................................................................................ 10
5.3 Initializing channels for gainsetting ............................................................................................... 10
5.4 Auditioning a signal and setting up a channel.................................................................................11
5.5 Recordinglevels .............................................................................................................................11
5.6 Modification....................................................................................................................................11
6. CONNECTIONS....................................................................................................................12
7. APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................13
7.1 Specifications................................................................................................................................13
7. APPENDIX .............................................................................................................................14
7.1 Front & back views........................................................................................................................ 14
7.2 Blockdiagram ............................................................................................................................... 15
7.3 Specifications................................................................................................................................16
8. WARRANTY ...........................................................................................................................17

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EURORACKMX802A
1. INTRODUCTION
Congratulations.In purchasingour EURORACKMX802A youhave acquired amixer whosesmall sizebelies
itsincredible versatilityand superlativeaudio performance.YourEURORACK isbuilt tothe sameoutstanding
qualityas ourtop-of-the rangeconsole,the BEHRINGEREURODESK MX9000.
Werecommend thatyouexperiment withyourEURORACK awayfrom thepressuresof arecordingsession or
live concert, in order to get a feel for it. It is a musical instrument. Learn to play it well.
Nextto the specificationsin theappendix you willfind pageswith drawings showingthe frontand rear panels
ofyour EURORACK. Keepthem turnedover, lying tothe leftof the textpages, whilestudying the manual.All
functions are numbered consistently throughout the manual, whether in the text or on an illustration.
1.1 Architecture
Mono input channels
Channels1 -4 aremono, with achoice ofbalanced micor line inputs.The vintage-stylehigh-current discrete
mic amps are of the same incredible quality as those found on the acclaimed BEHRINGER EURODESK
MX9000,while a largeexternal powersupply ensureslownoise andsuperior transientresponse at alltimes.
Stereo input channels
A further 4 line inputs are configured as 2 stereo input channels. These are ideal for accepting outputs from
MIDIand otherelectronic instruments.
Channel outputs
Ahigh-quality rotarypotentiometer feedsthemain mixvia aconstant-power channelpan potentiometer.
Aux Send
Thereare two auxsend busseson theMX802A, aux 1is pre-fader,aux 2is post-fader (thechannel’s volume
control).
Stereo line inputs
There are two line-level stereo aux returns at the top of the output section. They can be used to return stereo
effectsor MIDI instrumentsetc.
Inaddition, astereotape inputis provided,which mayberouted tothe mainmixor thecontrol roommix,giving
the MX802A a total of 14 possible inputs during mixing. Channels 1 - 4 on the MX802A have overload LEDs,
whilethe main mixoutput has12-segment bargraphmeters.
1.2 Before you begin
1.2.1 PSU (power supply unit)
Anyamplifier circuitis limitedin itstransient responsebythe availablecurrent. Everymixer hasnumerous line
level operational amplifiers (op-amps) inside. When being driven hard, many desks begin to show signs of
stress due to power supply limitations. Not so with the EURORACK. The sound will always stay clean and
crispright up to theoperating limits ofthe op-amps themselves,thanks to thegenerous 20 W externalpower
supply unit.
Connect only the provided BEHRINGER power supply unit to the MX802A. Do not connect the
PSU to the EURORACK while the PSU is connected to the mains supply. The correct starting
sequence is: connect mixer and PSU and then connect the PSU to the mains.
Be sure that there is enough space around the unit for cooling and please do not place the
MX802A 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 warm, this is normal
during operation.
1. INTRODUCTION

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EURORACKMX802A
1.2.2 Warranty
Pleasetake the timeto fill outand return thewarranty card within14 days fromthe date ofpurchase, so asto
beentitled tobenefitfrom ourextended warranty.Oruse ouronlineregistration optionavailable ontheInternet
atwww.behringer.com.
1.2.3 Packing
YourBEHRINGERMX802A wascarefullypacked inthefactory andthepackaging wasdesignedto protectthe
unit from rough handling. Nevertheless, we recommend that you 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.
2. MONO INPUT CHANNEL
Each mono channel comes with an XLR mic input and a balanced line input on 1/4" jack . Phantom
powering is switchable from the back panel . The gain circuit has a wide range from +10 dB to +60 dB,
obviatingthe needformic/line switching.Thecrucial operatinginput levels+4dBu and-10 dBVareclearly and
accurately marked .
2.1 Input level setting
Mic channel input level is determined by the GAIN control . In addition to main mix metering, a channel
PEAK LED illuminates when a channel is going into overload. These LEDs take their cue from post-EQ.
This level sampling is particularly useful when using extreme EQ settings.
There is no SOLO or PFL function on the MX802A. To accurately set input follow the procedures given in
section 5: “SETTING UP”. However, if the PEAK LED does not light the input gain cannot be too high. If a
reasonableinput level isselected,auditioning a singlesignal should resultin a readingof around 0dB on the
main mix meters , provided that both channel and output level controls are set to unity gain (0 dB).
2.2 Equalizer
Allmono inputchannels arefitted withthree-band EQ,plus aswitchable lowcutfilter foreliminating unwanted
subsonics. The upper and lower shelving controls have their frequencies fixed at 12 kHz and 80 Hz
respectively.The Mid Rangecontrol has a peakingresponse, with Qfixed at2octaves, frequencyat 2.5
kHz. All three bands have up to 15 dB of cut and boost, with a centre detent for “off”. The low cut filter ,
slope at 18 dB/oct., -3 dB at 75 Hz, is ideally suited for reducing floor rumble, breathing noises and popping,
woolly bottom end etc.
The combination of shelf boost at 80 Hz together with low cut at 75 Hz results in a peaking
response, useful for adding warmth to vocals and instruments, and a firm bottom to kick drums
and basses, without losing control of low frequency speaker cones.
2.3 Aux sends
Both aux sends are mono and post-EQ. Aux send 1 is set pre-fader, while aux send 2 ispost-fader.
For almost all FX send purposes, you will want aux sends to be post-fader, so that when a fader level is
adjusted, any reverb send from that channel follows the fader. Otherwise, when the fader is pulled down, the
reverbfrom that channelwould stillbe audible.For cueing purposes,Aux Sendswill usually beset pre-fader,
i.e.independent ofthe channelfader.
2. MONOINPUTCHANNEL

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EURORACKMX802A
2.4 Fading and panning
Level to the main mix bus is ultimately determined by the channel volume control .
Channel pan positions the output of the channel in the stereo field. Its constant-power design ensures
thereareno leveldiscrepancieswhether asignalishard-panned, centre-stageorsomewhere inbetween.Such
pinpoint accuracy will be a revelation if you have been working on consoles with lower quality circuits.
3. STEREO INPUT CHANNEL
Each stereo channel comes with two balanced line level inputs on 1/4" TRS jacks , for left and right
signals. When only the left input is connected, the channel operates in mono.
3.1 Input level setting
Thestereo inputsare designedfor any linelevel signal.Most linelevel sourcessuch asMIDI instrumentsand
FXunitswill havetheirown outputlevelcontrol. Thosethatdon’t, likeCDplayers, allhavean outputlevelwithin
the scope of the MX802A. When the channel and master fader are set to unity gain the meters should read
between -4 and +7 dB. Remember that there is 15 dB gain on both the channel as well as master fader.
3.2 Equalizer
There are no low cut filters on stereo channels, otherwise the EQ is in principle identical to that on mono
channels (see 2.2), except that the EQ is stereo, of course!
Astereo equalizeris generallypreferable tousing twomono equalizerswhen EQ-inga stereosignal,as often
discrepancies between left and right settings can occur.
3.3 Aux sends
It is the same as for mono channels (see 2.3). Note that a mono sum is taken from the stereo input.
3.4 Volume control and panning/balancing
Theonly difference hereto themono channel describedin 2.4is in theimplementation ofthe balance control
.When a channelis runin stereo,this control determinesthe relativebalance ofthe left andright channel
signals being sent to the left and right main mix buses. For example, with the balance control turned fully
clockwise, only the right portion of the channel's stereo signal will be added to the main mix.
If a stereo channel is run in mono (only the left input connected), the balance control acts as a pan in the
normalway.
4. MAIN SECTION
4.1 Aux sends
Auxsends areprovided onunbalanced 6.3mm jacks .Please adjustthe inputlevel controlof youreffects
unitto match theoutput levelof yourEURORACK. This canbe donewhen typicalsignals are runthrough the
MX802A and the aux sends are set to center (0 dB). If your effects unit does not have an input gain and the
effects levels seems too low, remember that every channel aux send has up to 15 dB gain, which should be
morethan enoughto drive anyeffects unit.
3. STEREOINPUTCHANNEL

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EURORACKMX802A
4.2 Stereo aux returns
Thereare twoadditional stereo lineinputs (auxreturns 1and 2)on yourMX802A. Their levelcan beadjusted
with and . Aux returns1 is permanentlyassigned to themain mix. If youconnect a jackonly to the left
socket, the aux return 1 operates in mono. Aux return 2 can be switched between the main mix and the cue
feed(aux send 1)via aswitch marked “FXTO AUX1” . Thisenables youto providea wet cuemix (signal
witheffect i.e.reverb) forthe headphonesor foldbackspeakers.
Ifno connectionismade toauxreturn2,the signalis“normalled” (connecteddirectly)to auxreturn 1.Depress-
ing “FX TO AUX 1” will then feed the signal from aux return 1 into the cue feed (aux send 1) and can be
controlledinlevel independentlywithaux return2. Thisfeatureisprimarily usefulwhenyou areusingone effect
for the main mix and for the foldback speakers.
When using aux send 1 as a second (pre-fader) effects send and aux return 2 as the effect
input, do not engage “FX TO AUX 1” . The connection from aux return 2 to aux send 1 could
cause feedback.
Thereare exceptions.For instance,when youwant tosend oneeffect intoanother,e.g. delayinto chorusetc.
Sometimes an engineer wants to narrow the stereo width of a reverb field. To do this you will
have to come back on two mono channels to get independent panorama for the left and right
signals.
4.3 Metering
Main mix level is displayed on a pair of accurate 12-segment bargraph peak meters . Two further LEDs
indicate Power on and +48 V DC phantom power present .
The main mix bargraph meters should average around 0 dB during loud passages. If they read persistently
higher,orarepeakingabove +10dB(top segmentofthe display)reduceeither themainmix volumeand/orthe
channelvolume,or (as alast resort) channelinput gain orinstrument / FX unitoutput level.
4.4 2-track input / main mix output
Input
A 2-track input, on RCA phono jacks , provides easy connection to DAT and other professional and
semiprofessionalaudioequipment. The2-trackinput isprimarilyfor auditioningmixplaybackfromtape. Switch
“2TKTO CTRLROOM”routes thissignalto thestudiomonitors. However,itcan alsoberouted tothemain
mixvia switch “2TKTO MIX”.Here should bedisengaged, oryou willbelisteningtothe 2-tracksignal
twiceover! With depressed youhave anotherstereo line inputavailable tothe mix.
The 2-track input could be “normalled” to the output of a HiFi preamp, allowing you to monitor
extra sources such as vinyl, cassette, CD etc.
Output
Asingle pairof electronicallybalanced TRSjacks deliverthe mainmix outputto your2-track recorder(or
PA system). RCA phono jack outputs are also provided for easy connection to DAT, cassette desk etc.
Level is ultimately determined by a precision main mix volume control .
4.5 Monitoring
TheMX802A hasa separate headphoneoutput . Thephones signalfollows thecontrol room output .
A single volume control sends the level to the headphones and main monitors.
The L/R meters follow the main mix.
4. MAINSECTION

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EURORACKMX802A
5. SETTING UP
Experience tells us that the cables in a studio environment get tangled very quickly (inviting mistakes). A
patchfieldwill facilitatepatchingand repatchingconsiderably.The BEHRINGERULTRAPATCHPRO PX2000
makespatching easierand trouble free,increasing bothergonomics andproductivity.
5.1 Desk normalization
Allboard settingsshould beset tothe normaldefault conditionbefore orafterevery session.Usually volumes
are set to zero (minus infinity), EQs set flat, and Aux Sends turned fully counter-clockwise etc.
5.2 Selecting inputs
1) Mono channelsaccept micor lineinputs. Ifyou areusing the micinput, makesure nothingis connectedto
theline input(andvice-versa).
The mic inputs are more sensitive than the line inputs. Do not connect mics with phantom
power switched on. Never use unbalanced mic cables with the phantom power switched on
ever! Shorting the +48 V to earth can cause serious damage.
2) Stereo channels accept any line level signals. Any stereo channel can be run in mono simply by connect-
ing into the left jack socket only. These channels are suitable for a variety of line-level sources including
MIDIinstruments and tapereturns frommultitrack.
3) Stereo auxreturnsare primarilydesigned forreturning effectsunits, thoughthesetoo maybe givenover to
tapereturns orMIDI instrument outputs.
Fig.5.1: Setup example
5.3 Initializing channels for gain setting
1) Set Gain to minimum and all aux sends to off (fully counter-clockwise).
2) Set EQ to flat (all knobs at 12 o'clock).
3) Set the output level to unity gain ( set to “0”).
5. SETTINGUP